Location: Arlington, Texas | Ballpark: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (49,115) | Spring Training: Surprise, Ariz.
Owner: Tom Hicks | GM: Jon Daniels | Manager: Ron Washington | World Championships: 0
--Rangers GM Jon Daniels said the club will not revisit the issue of manager Ron Washington's job security before the All-Star break -- if it does at all. While the team met several times after the Rangers got off to a 7-16 start, Daniels said the topic of Washington's job security is "not an active conversation."
--LHP Kason Gabbard was not ejected after the Richie Sexson-incited brawl, but did leave Thursday's game in the fourth inning. He was sore and bruised after Sexson threw his helmet at him and tackled him on the mound. Gabbard was making his first start since being activated from the disabled list. He had missed two weeks with a stiff back.
--With 5 1/3 scoreless innings Thursday, the Texas bullpen extended its scoreless streak to 24 innings over the past eight games. The bullpen quartet of RHP Franklyn German, RHP Jamey Wright, LHP Eddie Guardado and RHP Frank Francisco allowed just two baserunners after Gabbard left the game.
--The legend of INF Ramon Vazquez lives. Vazquez tied his career high with four hits Thursday, but just being in the game was enough to make the Rangers winners. Since he joined the Rangers, the club is 66-55 when he appears in a game; 55-45 when he starts. The Rangers are 13-6 when Vazquez appears this season.
--It appears unlikely RHP John Patterson will pitch for the Rangers this season. It was recommended that he take an "extended time" off from throwing after visiting with orthopedist Keith Meister on Wednesday. Patterson is recovering from surgery on his right forearm last year and still has not regained full strength.
BY THE NUMBERS 2 -- Rangers who hit their first major league home runs last week. OF Brandon Boggs did it against Kansas City on April 30. INF German Duran hit his first against Oakland on May 4.
QUOTE TO NOTE "He needed that. He was glowing afterwards." - Texas manager Ron Washington, on Joaquin Benoit's 13-pitch save, his first, Saturday in Oakland. After racking up a 7.84 ERA in April, Benoit is unscored upon in May.
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(POLL)
I just read on Rotoworld.com that Foxsports.com's Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the New York Yankees have expressed "real interest" in Gerald Laird. A couple of prospects rumored to possibilities are
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Someone please explain to me why Byrd was batting fifth today. I understand keeping Davis lower in the order for now, but there is no way a 0.246 hitter with little power should be in the heart of the order.
Just read that Ron is gonna move Feldman to the bullpen when Hurley clears. I dont really mind that move cuz our bullpen needs to step it up but lately they have been doing their job. Two great quality starts past two nights by Padilla and Feldman... I honestly dont remember when we got a shut out and then turned around and only give up one run the next night, to a team that is first in thei
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