It's hard to believe that Rangers fans are ready to throw Mitch Moreland Under the bus and look for another option. First of all this is going to be his second full season in the majors. Which is a little premature to give up on the young first-baseman. Last year we found out he was dealing with an injured wrist that limited his production and eventually led to offseason surgery. How can you not respect a guy for playing through the pain and playing his heart out to help his team win the American league pennant?
The Rangers front office seems to think that he is poised to have a breakout year, and at the very least a very solid season to help this franchise. Don't believe what they said? The proof shows from the front offices lack of attempt to sign Prince Fielder who clearly wanted to play baseball at The Ballpark in Arlington.
Not to mention the Rangers aren't dealing with Chris Davis anymore. Moreland doesn't strike out as much as Davis, and doesn't chase horrible pitches. Chris Davis was a better defensive player. Moreland is no slouch but first base ins't a position where you play a lights out defensive player. Moreland is a patient batter who never gives in to a pitcher. Now that he is healthy and will be getting regular at bats against right handed pitchers we should see a very solid year out of Moreland.
The last thing to consider is that with the star studded Ranger line up they don't need Prince Fielder type production out of Moreland to continue to win. Sure that would be a huge bonus to add that presence to the line up, but Moreland is batting 9th on this team. So before jumping off the wagon remember his role on this team, and that he is a solid regular on any ball club. If he is good enough to start for a Juggernaut of an offensive team he would be playing for the other teams in the league as well. Patience, Moreland uses it at the plate. Try using it before giving up on the kid.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Texas Rangers Game 1 and 2
The Texas Rangers had everything line up perfectly in game 1 of the season. They got 6 innings out of starter Colby Lewis and were able to hand a lead to the lights out back end of the bullpen to preserve the lead. Alexi Ogando struck out the side in the 7th, Mike Adams in the 8th, and Closer Joe Nathan closed it out in the 9th inning for a 3-2 victory.
Game 2 the rangers got 6 innings from starter Derek Holland and brought the bullpen on with a 3-3 tie. Alexi Ogando pitch a scoreless seventh, Mike Adams a scoreless 8th, and Joe Nathan gave up the game winning homerun in the 9th.
Two games almost two identical scenario's but two completely different outcomes. First off don't crucify Joe Nathan yet. Closers always seem to pitch worse when they aren't protecting a lead. He should have held on to the tie, but not everyone is perfect. Nathan is throwing the ball well except for one fastball right down the middle.
The offense hasn't clicked yet. Everyone knows before it is all said and done that the Rangers will be scoring more than 3 runs per game. This isn't the Seattle Mariners line up. The Ranger sluggers just missed several pitches that normally would have gone for extra bases. World Series star Mike Napoli wasn't able to come through with the bases loaded and 2 outs in the bottom of the eight as we saw many times last year.
Only two games in it seems early to make judgements on this team but with the pitching, deep batting order, and the strong back end of the bullpen this team has a good shot to be right back in the World Series come October.
Game 2 the rangers got 6 innings from starter Derek Holland and brought the bullpen on with a 3-3 tie. Alexi Ogando pitch a scoreless seventh, Mike Adams a scoreless 8th, and Joe Nathan gave up the game winning homerun in the 9th.
Two games almost two identical scenario's but two completely different outcomes. First off don't crucify Joe Nathan yet. Closers always seem to pitch worse when they aren't protecting a lead. He should have held on to the tie, but not everyone is perfect. Nathan is throwing the ball well except for one fastball right down the middle.
The offense hasn't clicked yet. Everyone knows before it is all said and done that the Rangers will be scoring more than 3 runs per game. This isn't the Seattle Mariners line up. The Ranger sluggers just missed several pitches that normally would have gone for extra bases. World Series star Mike Napoli wasn't able to come through with the bases loaded and 2 outs in the bottom of the eight as we saw many times last year.
Only two games in it seems early to make judgements on this team but with the pitching, deep batting order, and the strong back end of the bullpen this team has a good shot to be right back in the World Series come October.
A Tale of Two Seasons
It seemed like Dallas was able to win almost every close game last season on their unbelievable run to become NBA champions. However this year things couldn't be more different. Last season it seemed as if every play down the stretch of a close game went the Mavericks way. The execution during crunch time was absolutely perfect.
This season they have played in 20 games decided by 5 points or less. In those games they have gone 9-11. The team is struggling to execute down the stretch mainly on the offensive end, but the defense isn't always spectacular. Tonight against the Grizzlies the Mavs had several bad turnovers towards the end of the 4th quarter, two by Nowitzki and one by West on the last possession really stand out. Not having Jason Kidd might have attributed to the struggles protecting the ball, but that doesn't excuse the other close losses where he was in the line up.
Nowitzki and Terry are two of the best 4th quarter scorers in the NBA and they are the reason why the Mavs are in so many close games. However when the defenses really tighten down on those two who is going to step up and become the very important third scorer that is desperately needed? This is where the loss of JJ Barea is really hurting Dallas. The Mavericks are hoping that the combination of Delonte West and Roddy Beaubois will be able to replace him.
Without a legitimate third option are the Mavs going to be able to compete in the playoffs? Are they even good enough to make the playoffs seems like a more realistic question. In addition to struggling on offense the Mavs have been getting terrorized inside. After Brendan Haywood steps out and the Mavs have to look to Mahinmi and Brandan Wright to provide back up center minutes and even leaning on Nowitzki in a limited role. They have trouble protecting the paint. The Zone defense with those guys playing center is going to have to be very effective.
With only a limited number of games left and playoff spot on the line is there really enough time for this Mavericks team to get straightened out and ready to compete and defend their championship? Because this is a veteran team as long as they get into the playoffs anything can happen, and with Nowitzki leading this team they shouldn't have trouble getting in to the playoffs. The struggle will be getting on a roll and being able to advance in the playoffs.
This season they have played in 20 games decided by 5 points or less. In those games they have gone 9-11. The team is struggling to execute down the stretch mainly on the offensive end, but the defense isn't always spectacular. Tonight against the Grizzlies the Mavs had several bad turnovers towards the end of the 4th quarter, two by Nowitzki and one by West on the last possession really stand out. Not having Jason Kidd might have attributed to the struggles protecting the ball, but that doesn't excuse the other close losses where he was in the line up.
Nowitzki and Terry are two of the best 4th quarter scorers in the NBA and they are the reason why the Mavs are in so many close games. However when the defenses really tighten down on those two who is going to step up and become the very important third scorer that is desperately needed? This is where the loss of JJ Barea is really hurting Dallas. The Mavericks are hoping that the combination of Delonte West and Roddy Beaubois will be able to replace him.
Without a legitimate third option are the Mavs going to be able to compete in the playoffs? Are they even good enough to make the playoffs seems like a more realistic question. In addition to struggling on offense the Mavs have been getting terrorized inside. After Brendan Haywood steps out and the Mavs have to look to Mahinmi and Brandan Wright to provide back up center minutes and even leaning on Nowitzki in a limited role. They have trouble protecting the paint. The Zone defense with those guys playing center is going to have to be very effective.
With only a limited number of games left and playoff spot on the line is there really enough time for this Mavericks team to get straightened out and ready to compete and defend their championship? Because this is a veteran team as long as they get into the playoffs anything can happen, and with Nowitzki leading this team they shouldn't have trouble getting in to the playoffs. The struggle will be getting on a roll and being able to advance in the playoffs.
Jason Terry contract talk aggravating?
A lot of people are getting all hot and bothered by the JET's continuous contract talk. Yes, he said he would consider playing in Miami next year. He would consider playing anywhere. The guy wants to be a Maverick for life. He wants to retire here. He has repeatedly said that. Hearing him talk about playing for other teams isn't and shouldn't bother anyone.
Where and when fans should get upset is if he signs with a team like Miami for the mini mid-level exception contract that he would be able to sign in Dallas. If he stay with Dallas for the full mini mid-level exception he would make about 2.5 to 3 million dollars per year. If he leaves to go play for another team offering 8 mil or so per year why would you be upset with him for doing that? That's pretty much a no brainer. The first scenario is what would be riles up the Mavs faithful who have cheered Jason Terry through the ups and all of his downs.
He told us pictured above at the gas station a couple of months ago, the same thing he has repeatedly told the media. He wants to be back next year. He wants to retire here. That's his hope, but it's not entirely up to him. The Mavs are going to have to make it worth his while. Don't abandon the JET. The Mavs need to him to make the playoffs, and advance deep into them.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Time for Answers
Tonight most people in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex were expecting to see Lamar Odom suit up, for the Texas Legends in Frisco. The game was completely sold out. Instead Lamar Odom is going to suit up for the Mavericks against the Utah Jazz. After losing the 4th consecutive game and owning a depleted bench the Mavericks don't have anymore time to wait on Lamar Odom.
Rick Carlisle said patience was wearing thin, and it was time to find out if Lamar Odom was in or out as a member of this team. As Coach has said the stat sheet might not provide the answers everyone is looking for. He is going to be watching the effort of his Forward on the court. Also keep an eye on his body language. Having a player who is not entirely into the situation, it shows, as does having someone who is into it.
We will see how many minutes he plays tonight and if he gets to about 20 minutes or so we should get a good idea of how the rest of the season is going to go. With the Mavericks struggling to find an Identity and direction a fired up Lamar Odom would be a huge lift. Will there finally be answers for every Mavericks player, coach, management and fan who love this team? The Utah Jazz are going to get a front row seat to the either the end of this Lamar Odom saga, or the beginning of what could be a nasty divorce.
Rick Carlisle said patience was wearing thin, and it was time to find out if Lamar Odom was in or out as a member of this team. As Coach has said the stat sheet might not provide the answers everyone is looking for. He is going to be watching the effort of his Forward on the court. Also keep an eye on his body language. Having a player who is not entirely into the situation, it shows, as does having someone who is into it.
We will see how many minutes he plays tonight and if he gets to about 20 minutes or so we should get a good idea of how the rest of the season is going to go. With the Mavericks struggling to find an Identity and direction a fired up Lamar Odom would be a huge lift. Will there finally be answers for every Mavericks player, coach, management and fan who love this team? The Utah Jazz are going to get a front row seat to the either the end of this Lamar Odom saga, or the beginning of what could be a nasty divorce.
Renewed Importance of Roddy B
The Mavericks are in the middle of a stretch of 9 games in 12 days and with the age of most of the members of the Maverick back court Roddy Beaubouis has a new importance for this team. In the past it has always been about his potential stardom. How he was untouchable. We aren't here to debate whether or not he will live up to his potential, if he has hit his ceiling or if he is just an underachiever.
For the Mavericks and Roddy B the time to debate all those questions are in the offseason. Right now he is a vital member of the rotation. He has been seeing increased minutes after the all star break. With Delonte West out he is needed to pick up some of his minutes, but he also is picking up minutes to keep Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Jason Terry fresh. Not to mention giving the Matrix a break from having to cover point guards every night. With Roddy's quickness he is able to guard the point guards and let Jason Kidd continue to guard 2s.
Defense is not the only the place he is providing relief. Over the last three games he has scored 11, 16, and 25 points. Helping with the scoring load is huge as well. Outside of Dirk Nowitzki and games at home for Jason Terry the offense has been brutal. Having him on the floor has helped a very stagnant offense that has been struggling mightily with scoring.
For Roddy B the future is now and he has been performing admirably over the past 3 games. He is going to be tested over the week or so with a ton of games, and likely a ton of minutes. Including a back to back to back at the end of the week. With the team struggling and fighting for a playoff spot, currently 7th in the west, there is a renewed importance on Roddy B's performance on the court.
For the Mavericks and Roddy B the time to debate all those questions are in the offseason. Right now he is a vital member of the rotation. He has been seeing increased minutes after the all star break. With Delonte West out he is needed to pick up some of his minutes, but he also is picking up minutes to keep Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Jason Terry fresh. Not to mention giving the Matrix a break from having to cover point guards every night. With Roddy's quickness he is able to guard the point guards and let Jason Kidd continue to guard 2s.
Defense is not the only the place he is providing relief. Over the last three games he has scored 11, 16, and 25 points. Helping with the scoring load is huge as well. Outside of Dirk Nowitzki and games at home for Jason Terry the offense has been brutal. Having him on the floor has helped a very stagnant offense that has been struggling mightily with scoring.
For Roddy B the future is now and he has been performing admirably over the past 3 games. He is going to be tested over the week or so with a ton of games, and likely a ton of minutes. Including a back to back to back at the end of the week. With the team struggling and fighting for a playoff spot, currently 7th in the west, there is a renewed importance on Roddy B's performance on the court.
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