1978 Topps - Rogelio Moret.

Rogelio Moret, shown here on card 462 of the 1978 Topps set, came to Texas via the Jeff Burroughs trade in December of 1976. When he arrived in Arlington, Roger was regarded as a very good swingman who was on the cusp of being a great starting pitcher. He just needed to develop his endurance a little.

Unfortunately for Moret, he spent the first part of the 1977 season on the disabled list following surgery to correct a circulatory problem in his left arm. He didn't return to action until June 28, 1977. In the remaining part of the season Rogelio put up some decent, but not outstanding, numbers. In 18 appearances he pitched 72.1 innings and posted a 3.73 ERA and an 1.705 WHIP. Not too bad for a guy coming off surgery after missing over half the season.

Texas had high hopes for Roger headed into 1978. His arm recovered and strengthened, it was hoped he would regain his 1975 form. Coming out of Spring Training, Moret was once again slotted as the swingman on the staff. On April 12, 1978 Rogelio got the nod to start against Detroit. Prior to the game he was found standing in front of his locker holding a shower shoe in an outstretched hand. He did not respond to anyone. 90 minutes later he was transported to a psychiatric hospital, still in a catatonic state. He stayed in the hospital for nearly a month. After release Roger attempted a comeback but couldn't defeat the demons within. On June 16, 1978 he went back on the disabled list for psychiatric problems and spent the rest of the season there.

While active in 1978, Moret appeared in seven games for Texas. He started two of those games. Over the 14.2 innings he pitched, Rogelio's ERA totaled to 4.91 and his WHIP to 1.705. He ended the season with a 0-1 record and one save.

The Rangers held on to Moret until Spring Training 1979 when it became obvious he would not be back. They released him on March 26, 1979. The Cleveland Indians signed him in January of 1980 but released him in March of the same year. He played in Mexico in 1980 and 1981 but never again took the mound in a Major League game.

Minor League Monday - Bill Haselman, 1990 ProCards Tulsa Drillers.

The Rangers drafted Bill Haselman, shown here on card 1158 of the 1990 ProCards Tulsa Drillers set, in the first round of the 1987 draft.

Haselman started his career at Single A in 1987 and spent two seasons there. He got moved up to Double A to start the 1989 season and stayed there for the 1990 season as well. Haselman's climb up the minor league ladder was delayed by shoulder surgery in 1988 and the subsequent recovery time.

Bill played in 120 games for Tulsa in 1990. He caught 109 of those games with occasional appearances in the outfield, third base, and first base. He was primarily a catcher though. Haselman saw 786 chances behind the plate and committed 20 errors for a fielding percentage of .975. Of concern, he also allowed 20 passed balls.

Haselman made 485 trips to the plate for Tulsa in 1990 and batted .310 with an on-base percentage of .387. He had some power as demonstrated by his 39 doubles, two triples, and 18 home runs. On the down side, he also struck out 96 times.

When the rosters expanded in September of 1990, the Rangers decided to see what they had in Bill Haselman. After all, there were a couple of other young catchers coming up and decisions would have to be made. Bill got the call-up and made his Major League debut on September 3, 1990.

For the rest of the season Bill would appear in seven games for the Rangers and get 14 plate appearances. He struggled to a .154 batting average and a .214 on-base percentage. He had no extra base hits. Apparently the pitchers were better in the Majors than at Double A.

Most of Haselman's time in the Majors in 1990 he appeared as the designated hitter or as a pinch-hitter. He did get to catch in one game though and put in four flawless innings behind the plate. Following the season, Bill got an invitation to Spring Training 1991 to show what he could do.

Between his Major League cup of coffee and Spring Training, the Rangers saw enough to make a decision on Bill Haselman. They kept him, for the time being, but sent him to Triple A Oklahoma City for the 1991 season. Young Ivan Rodriguez would get the nod in 1991 and that would spell trouble for Bill Haselman and a generation of minor-league catchers in the Rangers system.

Senators Saturday - Ron Hansen, 1968.

Long-time White Sox member Ron Hansen appears hatless and still in his Chicago pinstripes on card #411 of the 1968 Topps set. Apparently Topps didn't have time to get a photo of Hansen in a Senators uniform following the February 13, 1968 trade that brought him to Washington. The Senators sent Tim Cullen, Buster Narum, and Bob Priddy to the ChiSox in exchange for Hansen, Dennis Higgins, and Steve Jones.

The Senators most likely traded for Hansen to try and fix their offensive problems at short stop. After all, his career batting average coming to Washington was .236 as compared to Ed Brinkman's .210. Besides, Ron could hit for power better than Ed.

The Senators practically gave Ron Hansen the starting shortstop job in 1968. In the 86 games he played for Washington he spent 81 of them at short. The other five were at third relieving Ken McMullen. Hansen played 670.2 innings at short and committed 15 errors for a fielding percentage of .963. That was one point higher than the league average but four below Ed Brinkman's. Ron did have a little more range but that was offset by the field percentage.

On offense is where the Senators expected the most difference. They sent Hanson to the plate 315 times. He stumbled to a .185 batting average and a .281 on-base percentage. His power also dropped off as he hit just 12 doubles and eight home runs. More alarmingly, he struck out 49 times while walking just 35 times.

None of Ron Hansen's offensive numbers were significantly above Ed Brinkman's. The defense was about the same as well. The only noticeable difference is that Ron was four years older than Ed. The Senators decided there was no reason to stick with the aging veteran over the guy who had been with the team for seven seasons and was still only 26 years old. On August 2, 1968 Ron Hansen found himself headed back to the south side of Chicago. The Sox sent Tim Cullen back to Washington in return. Hansen's rather disappointing time in Washington was over and Ed Brinkman had his spot at short back.

2015!

Welcome to the new year. I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable celebration.

Lots of things to look back on in 2014 as a Rangers fan and collector. Some good, some not so good. Of course the injury-laden season for the team overshadows most everything else. Even in that were some bright spots though. Young, hungry players making their appearances and impressing. Ron Washington's resignation was also a downer. Tim Bogar's performance as his temporary replacement was impressive.

On the collecting side, I was able to add a significant number of Rangers to my collection. Completed quite a few team sets, updated my want list and trade list, and made serious headway on the Senators collection. Also made it out to the ballpark for a couple of games and scored a Pudge Rodriguez bobblehead at one contest. Spiff Jr and I made the 2014 Fanfest as well. Had a great time, toured the behind scenes areas of the ball park, and picked up some autographs. This signed 1991 Topps Mike Jeffcoat came from the 2014 FanFest. Also made some nice trades with fellow bloggers, managed to get some other teams' cards sent to good homes, and received a couple of very nice surprise packages from some great guys.

Looking ahead in 2015 it's looking like the Rangers could rebound. I don't expect the post-season but they should do much better than their MLB worst last season. Injuries hopefully in the past and some of the new kids battling for positions should make for an interesting and fun season. Would like to get out for a couple of games but that's a wait and see proposition. Already have tickets ordered for the 2015 FanFest on the 24th of this month. Looking forward to it. If anyone else is going, let me know. Maybe we can meet up in person.

On the collecting front I would like to continue to get other teams cards out to folks who will appreciate them. I also have some non-Rangers Ivan Rodriguez memorabilia that I would like to get out of the way. Finishing off at least two Senators team sets and ten Rangers team sets would be nice. I would also like to add autographs from at least three players I don't already have. I have a few other collecting goals as well but don't want to bore you.

Happy New Year and best of luck on your collecting and non-collecting goals for the coming year. May God bless and keep you and yours!

1978 Topps - George Medich.

The Rangers signed George Medich as a free agent on November 11, 1977 in an attempt to bolster their starting rotation. That's probably the reason for the airbrush job on card 583 of the 1978 Topps set. There can be no reason for how poorly done it is.

"Doc" earned his nickname when he started medical school the day after his Major League debut with the Yankees. He made it successfully through and became a full-fledged MD while playing Major League baseball. In 1978 he was a first year resident in general surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh. The hours were considerably worse than those of a MLB player.

Sometimes those hospital hours intertwined with baseball. On July 17, 1977 in Baltimore, Medich was running wind sprints in the outfield prior to a game with the Orioles. Suddenly the loudspeaker requested medical assistance in section 7 of the stands and asked for any medical personnel in the park to respond to that location. Medich did so and was apparently the only doctor in the house. He found 61-year-old Germain Languth in apparent cardiac arrest and began CPR. Doc kept it up until paramedics arrived and took over. Three weeks later Languth walked out of the hospital. Several other doctors credited Medich with the save.

When he wasn't saving lives, Medich made 22 starts in 28 appearances for  Texas in 1978. He pitched 171 innings and put together a 3.74 ERA and an 1.275 WHIP. He ended the season with a 9-8 record and two saves. None of those numbers were career bests but Doc served reasonably well as the Rangers fourth starter and occasional emergency reliever. Texas would like to see some improvement in 1979 though. After all, a fourth starter can be challenged for his spot in the rotation.

Minor League Monday - Mitch Thomas, 1990 ProCards Tulsa Drillers.

Mitchell Drew Thomas, shown here on card 1157 of the 1990 ProCards Tulsa Drillers set, was the Rangers pick in the 8th round of the 1985 draft. He got started on his pro career the same year with the Gulf Coast Rangers in the Rookie League.

Thomas also played for the Single A Salem Redbirds in 1985 and again in 1986. In 1987 he appeared with the Single A Charlotte Rangers.

After three seasons of Single A, Mitch got a ticket up to Double A Tulsa. He was with Tulsa in 1988 and 1989. Apparently he got injured late in the 1988 season or first thing in 1989. He only played in one game in 1989 and only pitched four innings. Thomas remained at Double A for the 1990 season.

In 1990 Thomas appeared in eight games for the Drillers, all as a starter. Over 37.2 innings he compiled a 3.35 ERA and an 1.354 WHIP. He struck out 28 opposing batters while walking 26. He ended the season 2-3.

If I had to guess, I would say Mitch Thomas was injured in his first start of 1989 and didn't return to play until midway through the 1990 season. By that time he was significantly behind the developmental curve. Apparently either the Rangers or Thomas felt he would be unable to complete a come-back. 1990 was his final season as a professional ball player.

The Greatest Gift.

Luke 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
2:9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

Amid all the wrappings and trappings of our modern-day Christmas each of us should remember to do as Mary. Keep in mind and ponder the greatest gift that mankind has ever received, reconciliation with God. Merry Christmas.