All about the RedHawks: a Minor League Blog

--What was essentially a minor league team lost the the Giants 13-9 today.  Ex-RedHawk Robinson Tejeda has a rough outing, giving up 3 walks and 3 hits in 2 innings.  Personal favorite Josh Rupe got hung with the loss after giving up 7 hits and 4 runs in 2.2 innings.

--Ex-RedHawk Ian Kinsler gets some love in today's DMN.

--Personal favorite John Danks is competing for a spot in the White Sox rotation following his second strong outing of the spring.  It's early, but definitely something to watch.  Nick Masset appears to be a lock for a bullpen spot.

--It's starting to look like MLB Extra Innings will be available only to DirecTV subscribers.  I think this sucks personally...I have had extra innings for about 5 yearsto watch Red Sox games and any other game where one of my boys play.  It's always about money....

--The Astros preview is an interesting read this year.  I'm excited to get to finally see Hunter Pence play in person this year with Round Rock.

--Well, the minor leaguers have officially reported to spring training so it looks like I'll have a lot to say again!  The RedHawks play their first spring training game on March 14th.  Their schedule, per the official site, is:

 

Date	Opponent	Site
March 14	Fresno	Scottsdale
March 15	Omaha	Surprise
March 16	Tacoma	Peoria
March 17	Portland	Peoria
March 19	Omaha	Surprise
March 20	Tacoma	Peoria
March 21	Omaha	Surprise
March 22	Tacoma	Surprise
March 23	Tacoma	Peoria
March 24	Portland	Surprise
March 26	Tacoma	Surprise
March 27	Omaha	Surprise
March 28	Omaha	Surprise
March 29	Portland	Surprise
March 30	Portland	Peoria

--Lots of ex-RedHawks involved in transactions, including several personal favorites.  Marshall McDougall has signed with the Dodgers.  He'll be joined on the 51s by ex-Sky Sox Choo Choo Freeman.  Jace Brewer has signed a minor league deal with the Royals where his teammate will be ex-RedHawk Jason Standridge.  Rico Rodriguez has signed with the Marlins.Aarom Baldiris signed with the MFYs.  Adam Morrissey has signed with the Rockies.  The Rangers have reportedly signed an OF  named Miguel Velazquez.  Little Mario Ramos went back to the A's along with Ruby Durazo.  Michael Tejera signed with the Pirates and Kelvin Jimenez and Edgar Gonzalez signed with the Cardinals.  Jesse Carlson returned to the Blue Jays.  Derek Lee signed with the Mets.

--It's starting to look like Sammy Sosa is guaranteed a spot with the Rangers which could send Jason Botts back to Oklahoma.  Stupid move if it happens, Jason has nothing left to prove in OKC.

--Personal favorite Joaquin Benoit has really stepped it up and is having a great spring.  Joaquin is out of options so a trade is possible.  Most commentators think either he or Rick Bauer will be traded before the end of spring training.

--Congratulations to ex-RedHawk and personal favorite Mike Young who signed an 8-year extension to his contract with the Rangers.

--Ex-RedHawk and all around character CJ Wilson is doing a spring training blog.

--Probable 2007 RedHawk AJ Murray is impressing over in big league camp.  AJ has been sidelined with injuries for the past couple of years but is coming back strong.  He was one of the most promising pitchers in the organization back in 2003.

--Personal favorite Kam Loe is stepping up in the 5th starter race.  John Rheincker has been slowed by injury and John Koronka is coming back from a bad start, so Kam is the early favorite.

--Looks like we may be on the move.  I have been asked to join an organized site which will have bloggers for all major and minor league teams.  It will result in a larger audience and will allow you easier accessibility between all the teams.  More info as it becomes available.

--The Rangers fan fest was this weekend.  None of the "big names" attended but it was fun regardless.  Mark Teixeira did a Q&A at fan fest (but no autographs) and also attended the banquet to obtain several awards including the "good guy" award.  Ironically, he had a guard stationed at his table to make sure no fans could talk to him or get his autograph.  Thankfully the rest of the players were a lot more friendly.  I got to see several of my favorite RedHawks, ex-RedHawks and future RedHawks including Jason Botts, Kam Loe, Ron Mahay, Joaquin Arias, John Rheinecker and Eric Hurley.  Probable 2007 RedHawks Eric Hurley (after the ASB) and Nate Gold were the minor league pitcher and player of the year.

--Personal favorite Jason Hart has signed a minor league deal with the Cubs.  RedHawk for a very short time Derek Wathan also signed with the Cubbies.

--The Rangers have re-signed local boy Jamey Wright to a minor league contract with a non-roster invite.

--The Rangers traded pitcher Johnny Lujan for catcher Chris Stewart who should begin the year with the Hawks.

--The Twins signed personal favorite and ex-RedHawk Brad King.

--The Mariners signed personal favorite Aaron Small and ex-RedHawk Matt Perisho.

--The Rangers have announced the field staff for their minor league affiliates.  Stength and conditioning coach Brian King has accepted a new job as minor league strength coordinator for the Blue Jays.

Oklahoma (AAA):

Bobby Jones, Manager
Andy Hawkins, Pitching Coach 
Randy Whisler, Coach
Lee Slagle, Trainer 
   
Frisco (AA):

Dave Anderson, Manager

Terry Clark, Pitching Coach
Scott Coolbaugh, Coach
Jason Roberts, Trainer
   
Bakersfield (A):

Carlos Subero, Manager
Mike Anderson, Pitching Coach 
Brant Brown, Coach 
Eddie Tamez, Trainer 
  
Clinton (A):

Mike Micucci, Manager 
Danny Clark, Pitching Coach 
Brian Dayette, Coach  
Jeff Bodenhammer, Trainer 
  
Spokane (Short-Season A):

Andy Fox, Manager

TBA, Pitching Coach
Hector Ortiz, Coach
Jacob Newburn, Trainer
     
Arizona (Rookie):

Pedro Lopez, Manager
Keith Comstock, Pitching Coach
Paul Herfurth, Coach

TBA, Trainer

--The annual Rangers/RedHawks caravan was this past Thursday (January 11, 2007) at the Oklahoma History Center and it was a LOT of fun.  Attendees included Tom Grieve, Jim Sundberg, Bobby Jones, Kam Loe, CJ Wilson and John Lombardo.  Very interesting Q&A format and a lot of fun.  And congrats to Mary Lou who was the 2006-7 Raving Fan of the Year.  She's been a fan for a long time and is definitely deserving.

--The Rangers have designated personal favorite Drew Meyer for assignment.  They have 10 days to trade him, release him or put him through waivers.  Grady Fuson, who drafted Drew, will probably be interested in him for San Diego.  In the unlikely event Drew clears waivers, he will be outrighted to OKC.

--The Rangers also traded RHP Johnny Lujan for Chris Stewart, a catcher from the white sox system.  Stewart will have a chance to beat out Miguel Ojeda for the backup spot in Texas, but more likely he will start the year with us.

--Long time RedHawk and Nashville native RA Dickey has signed a minor league deal with the Brewers with an invite to spring training.  Look for him to start the season in Nashville.

--Personal favorite Keith Ginter has signed a minor league deal with the Indians with a spring training invite.  Ex-RedHawk  Brian Sikorski has been DFA'd by the Indians.  If he clears waivers, they are expected to try to sign him to a minor league deal.

--Personal favorites Brian Sweeney and Adam Hyzdu have signed contracts with Japanese teams for next season.

--Personal favorite Travis Hughes signed a minor league deal with my RedHawks. 

--Personal favorite Chris Ashby has reupped with the Marlins and received a spring training invite.  Joe Dillon is back from Japan and also signed with the Marlins.  Personal favorites Paul "John" Phillips and Joe Valentine have signed minor league deals with the Royals and Brewers respectively.  Good guys Mike Venafro and Ken Harvey have signed minor league deals with the Twins.  Ex-RedHawks Randall Simon and Antonio Alfonseca signed minor league deals with the Phillies.

--Ex-RedHawk Tom Gregorio is now the minor league catching instructor for the Angels.

I thought it would be fun to take an initial guess at our roster next season.  I'd love to hear anyone else's thoughts as well.

C- Chris Stewart/Kevin Richardson

1B- Nate Gold

2B- Jace Brewer or Ramon Vasquez

SS- Joaquin Arias

3B- Jared Sandberg or Jace Brewer.  Outside chance at Travis Metcalf.

RF: Anthony Webster

CF: Freddy Guzman

LF: Kevin Mahar

OF: Kevin West

DH: Victor Diaz

Util: Dave Matranga

SP: Thomas Diamond

SP: Derek Lee

SP: John Rheinecker

SP: AJ Murray

SP: Mike Wood

RP: Scott Rice

RP: Franklyn German

RP: Matt Merricks

RP: Scott Feldman

RP: Frankie Francisco

RP: ?

RP: ?

--The Rangers traded RedHawks and personal favorites John Danks and Nick Masset to the White Sox for Brandon McCarthy.  A minor league pitcher named Jacob Rasner was also traded to the Sox with a 19 year old outfielder named David Paisano coming back to the Rangers.   No doubt that McCarthy is a good pitcher and this makes the Rangers a better team in 2007.  And I love John, but as the old saying goes, there is no such thing as a pitching prospect.  This time last year, everyone was talking about the vaunted "DVD" and this year John is the only one who was able to maintain his "elite" status.  However, I'm biased and I don't like this trade.  I've lost two of my favorite RedHawk pitchers and this weakens us next season.  There were no really good prospects down in Frisco last year who will be able to start the year with the Hawks and dominate.  In past years we were able to get some pretty good 6-year free agent pitchers, but that was because the Rangers pitching staff sucked and they had a chance to make it to Texas.  The Rangers pitching staff has now greatly improved so the really good free agents won't sign here.

--The Rangers signed Eric Gagne to a one-year contract to serve as their closer.

--The Rangers also resigned Vincente Padilla, signed OF Kenny Lofton to a one-year deal, signed OF Marlon Byrd to a one-year deal, and non-tendered pitcher Mike Wood.

--The Rangers were active in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft, selecting SS Johany Abreu, RHP Kendy Batista and C Brian Munhall in the Triple-A phase.  They also acquired minor league C Salomon Manriquez from the Rockies for future considerations.  The Rangers lost pitcher Alfredo Simon who had been shut down a couple weeks earlier in the major league phase of the draft.

--Some of my favorite Rangers, including Kam Loe, CJ Wilson and Ron Mahay did the annual visit to a children's hospital.

--The Rangers signed some more minor leaguers, including Jared Sandberg and Todd Donovan.  Personally I am very excited about Donovan who looks to be a great personality player.

--Several RedHawks and PCLers have already signed this year including RHP Rob Bell and RHP Jon Leicester (Orioles), 3B Mike Kinkade (Cubs), RHP Ryan Bukvich (White Sox), SS Enrique Cruz (Reds), RHP Mike Koplove, C Paul Hoover, SS Josh Labandeira,  and C Nick Trzesniak (Marlins), SS Cody Ransom (Astros), RHP Spike Lundberg and C Ken Huckaby (Dodgers), RHP John Wasdin and OF Chris Aguila (Pirates), OF Ryan Ludwick and RHP Kelvin Jimenez (Cardinals), SS Manny Alexander (Padres), C Jamie Burke (Mariners), LHP Mike Bacsik and C Danny Ardoin (Nationals), RHP Travis Hughes (Red Sox), DH Erubiel Durazo (A's) and OF Jason Grabowski (Devil Rays).

--Personal favorite Gabe Kapler has retired and will manage the Red Sox low A team in Greenville, SC.

--Personal favorite Yo-Yo (Jiselo) Diaz has signed with a team in Japan and Adam Hyzdu is reportedly as well.

Happy Holidays everyone!!


 

--As I speculated, Bobby Jones is once again the RedHawks manager.  New Rangers manager Washington wanted to go with his own guys and hired Art Howe and Gary Pettis (former Nashville Sounds hitting coach).  I feel bad for Bobby but am also glad to have he and Debbie back in the fold.  We have lost this year's manager Mike Boulanger who has been named the Rangers roving hitting instructor.  Personally, I am rooting for Tommy Gregg as our new hitting coach.

--Ex-RedHawk and personal favorite Gary Matthews, Jr. has signed a 5 year deal with the Angels.  Best of luck to Gary!  Oh, and to the person who left me a message that I have a lot of personal favorites....yep, I probably have hundreds of them! :-) LOL

--Beyond the Boxscore has a nice blurb on super nice guy and Round Rock 2B Brooks Conrad.

--Ben has his Top 10 Rangers Prospects list up over at TPA.  Personal favorite John Danks takes the top spot but there are several others I disagree with.

--Brewers and D'backs made a pretty big trade with ex-RedHawk Doug Davis and personal favorite Dave Krenzyl going to the D'backs. 

--Thanks to Adam for a heads up on this one.  For those of you who were fellow MUD users in the late 80's and early 90's, this is a must read on the Mariner's off season!!

--And since I am giving Adam so love, check out his Q&A with Keith Law.  A link to his site is on the left hand side of the page and I consider it to be a must read.  He's very good at giving his opinion on the Rangers without being overly biased.

--The Rangers resigned Frank Cattalanotto to act as their utility player.  As you will probably remember, John Hart wanted Frank, not personal favorite Mike Young, to be his everyday 2B 3 or 4 years ago.

--The Rangers added Alexi Ogando and AJ Murray to the 40-man roster, protecting them from being selected in next month's Rule 5 Draft.  Ogando, who had visa problems and did not play in the US in 2006, was a Rule 5 draft from the A's last year.

--New Rangers minor league pitcher Alfredo Simon has been shut down for the rest of the winter.  Ut-oh....

--Rangers Spring Training Schedule is out.

--The Rangers have signed minor league pitcher Scott Rice and also pitcher Franklyn German and extremely skilled defensive IF Ramon Vasquez.  Look for them to be  RedHawks.

--TR has a new mailbag up.  Pretty much the same old stuff, but....

--Personal favorites Kam Loe and CJ Wilson were seen serving up food at a homeless shelter recently.  And CJ continues to show how cool he is by agreeing to speak at DARE graduations.

--Former RedHawk Ruddy Yan and JR House have signed with the Orioles, ex-Tope Ryan Jorgensen re-upped with the Reds, Todd Sears and personal favorite Jason Wood re-upped with the Marlins, and personal favorite and ex-RedHawk Emo Ramirez signed with the A's.  Best of luck to ya Emo and we're going to miss you!!

--Ex-RedHawk Brian Shouse re-upped with the Brewers.

--My Red Sox off season has been depressing so far so I don't feel like discussing it....

--My plan is to update this site about 2 times per month until spring training unless something big happens.  I'll be on vacation later this month so I hope to finish going through my action photos then and have them all uploaded by mid-January.  Thanks again for your patience!  Also, as we start getting ready for a new season, I would love to get some feedback on this site.  Let me know what you like, what you hate and what you would like to see more of.  You can post a comment, leave me a message in my guest book (link to the left) or send me an e-mail (link to the left).  That way I can customize it more for my "audience"! :-)

--Personal favorite Jeremi Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with the Blue Jays.

--The Brewers may non-tender personal favorite Kevin Mench.  If that happens, I could see him signing with the Phillies, his hometown team who will be looking for an outfielder since David Dellucci has indicted he will not resign with them.

--Several current and future RedHawks are playing in the fall and winter leagues.  AJ Murray, who is expected to return to the Hawks this year after more than a year lost with surgery, is one of the best pitchers in the AFL this season.  Part of that is that all the real prospects have gone to the newly opened Hawaiian league, but still...Nick Masset is sporting a sterling 2.45 ERA in the Mexican league while Derek Lee is leading the VWL with a 0.45 ERA.  Joaquin Arias and Freddy Guzman are both playing in the Dominican Winter League and their averages are at or below the Mendoza line.  Of course, they have only been playing for about 2 weeks so its nothing to worry about.  Jason Botts is terrorizing the Puerto Rican league again.

--Check out TR Sullivan's column on the Rangers off-season needs.  He talks about a lot of ex-RedHawks including personal favorites Kam Loe and Gerald Laird.

--It's official...Bobby Jones is our 2007 manager.  What a surprise, the Rangers yo-yo'd him AGAIN.....

--JD Drew opted out of the remaining 3 years of his contract with the Dodgers.  Look for the Rangers to pursue him as a back-up to Nelson Cruz.

--Barry Zito called new Rangers manager Ron Washington and said Texas is now on his list.  Won't happen, but at least the Rangers fans can whine about their manager affecting the free agent market anymore.

--Personal favorite Royce Huffman signed with the Padres.

--Sorry for the delay in putting up my action photos.  I have had one huge closing after another so I haven't really had any time to mess with my photographs over the past month or so.  Hopefully in the next few weeks they'll be up so bear with me!

--As you have probably heard, the Rangers have hired former A's coach Ron Washington as their new manager, replacing Buck Showalter.  This could have a huge impact on the Rangers.  Washington is a noted players manager who seems to have the attitude of “Let the kids play.”  That could quite possibly lead to Jason Botts starting the season as the Rangers DH.  It also bodes well for Gerald Laird.  The Rangers have a lot of kids in their bullpen already, so I don’t think there will be any additions to start the year.  However, at least John Danks has a good shot of seeing some time with the Rangers next year.  The other way the RedHawks may be affected is our manager.  Washington has already hired Art Howe as his bench coach and will probably replace ex-RedHawks manager Bobby Jones as well.  Whether Bobby returns to the Hawks remains to be seen.

--Three of my favorite ex-RedHawks have signed with the Nationals.  Unfortunately the Nats are no longer affiliated with New Orleans so we won’t get to see them.  Anyway, the players are Colby Lewis, Mike Bascik and Danny Ardoin.  Ex-RedHawk Ruddy Yan has signed with the Orioles.

--The Rangers have signed a couple free agents themselves, including IF Matt Kata and pitcher Alfredo Simon.  They also picked up Ron Mahay’s option for 2007.

--The Astros re-signed personal favorite Danny Featheree.  The Padres re-signed personal favorite and ex-RedHawk Erick Burke but personal favorite Brian Sweeney chose free agency.

--The big news is probably the firing of Buck Showalter as manager of the Rangers.  Several potential candidates to replace him, but of interest to Redhawks fans are former RedHawks managers Bobby Jones and DeMarlo Hale (probably both long shots) and former Rangers farm director Trey Hillman.   All the Dallas papers had articles on this today, so I'll just provide links to the most interesting.  Tim Cowlishaw says this shows that Jon Daniels is in charge.  Evan Grant apparently got to interview Buck who said this move happened because the team didn't play well enough.  Grant also reports that the players were not surprised by the move which is echoed in the FSWT.  The Rangers website reports that he was asked to resign first but refused (can't blame him with 3 year left on his contract!! :-)  And the Rangers bench coach Don Wakamatsu seems to be the leading candidate to replace Showalter.  If he does, the existing coaching staff may stay in place.  If they hire someone from outside, you may see Bobby Jones sent back down to us.  Lastly, here is Jon Daniels explanation of the move.

--Very nice article about personal favorite, ex-RedHawk and fellow Red Sox fan Carlos Pena and his magical month being a member of the Boston Red Sox.

--The Rangers have re-upped with Clinton as its low-A affliate making my friend Lacey very happy.  That means they return to all their affiliates next year.

--Well, the baseball regular season officially ended Sunday and since my Red Sox did not make the post season, I say baseball is officially over.  The Rangers finished the season 80-82 in 3rd place in the AL West.  A few interesting notes from the last few weeks:

--Tucson beat Toledo to win the PCL Championship.  OKC got a lot of love for hosting the event.  It was great to get to see Ryan Ludwick again, even if Colby Lewis was DFA'd and couldn't be there. :-(

--TR Sullivan has the Rangers in Review along with a look towards the 2007 season.  Several favorites, including Josh Rupe, Wes Littleton, Scott Feldman and CJ Wilson are mentioned.

--It's starting to sound like the rangers may have a new manager next season.

--Personal favorite Hank Blalock had surgery on his shoulder yesterday.

--Personal favorite-ist John Hudgins and Vince Sinisi will be playing this fall in the Arizona Fall League.  With the start of the Hawaiian fall league, it seems like the AFL has become more of a AAA type roster this year.

--The FWST had an interesting Q&A with GM Jon Daniels.

Sorry again for the delay on the pictures.  I have just about finished going through my posed photos (including Ace Walker for the person who asked) and should have them loaded by the end of the week.  The action will take a bit longer....

--We now know that the two teams I was rooting for, Tucson and Toledo will be facing off for the AAA championship on Tuesday night.  The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.  Four ex-RedHawks will be featured in this game.  Tucson has personal favorite Mike Bascik and Donnie Sadler while Toledo bosts 2 of my all-time favorites, Colby Lewis and Ryan Ludwick.  I anticipate that Colby will start the game for Toledo and it would be cool if Mike started as well.  Tucson swept the Round Rock Express and Toledo beat Rochester in 5 games.

--For more background on the game, the Oklahoman has an interview with John Allgood.

--More kudos for personal favorite Jason Hart who will receive the first annual Jason Hart award at the game.

--Another reason to come out....Tommy John and Rollie Fingers are expected to be in attendance.

--After another poor season, it has been announced that Memphis' manager (Danny Schaffer) and hitting coach (Tommy Gregg) will not return next season.  With Wayne Kirby returning to his roving job we have an opening at hitting coach here in OKC and I would love to see that filled by Gregg.

--Nice to see ex-RedHawk Gerald Laird get some love over at texasrangers.com.

--And speaking of which, congrats to ex-RedHawk and personal favorite Mike Young for his 4th consecutive 200 hit season.

--Ex-RedHawk and personal favorite Gary Matthews, Jr. hit for the "natural" cycle last night in Detroit.  He started with a single in the 1st, then hit a double and triple before hitting a HR with no outs in the 6th.  Congrats to Gary!!

--The Round Rock Express is returning home down 2-0 in the PCL championship series.  They'll need to sweep 3 games at home to win the PCL title.

--Over in the IL, Rochester and Toledo are tied one game each with the series moving to Toledo.  The first team to win 2 games in Toledo will take the IL title and win the right to play here in OKC on next Tuesday.

--Eric Hurley and Nate Gold were named the Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year and Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year respectively.  If Eric is smart he'll refuse the award to avoid the "curse"! :-)  Look for Nate to be our starting 1B next year.

--I am still working on the 2006 photos, but please bear with me.  I have over 1,000 photos to look through and my work schedule right now is crazy.  I think everyone in Oklahoma is doing a stock sale right now! 

--Ex-RedHawk and personal favorite Colby Lewis pitched the Toledo MudHens to victory in a one game playoff against the Indy Indians.  That left open the possibility that Toledo could be the IL representative in the AAA Playoff Game here in OKC.

--Nice article on ex-RedHawk Gerald Laird in today's FWST.

--Evan Grant speculates on this year's Tom Grieve and Nolan Ryan award winners.  All I have to say is that if you are a pitcher REFUSE THE AWARD....it is a CURSE!  Personal favorite John Danks is one of 5 pitchers being considered.  I really hope he DOESN'T win!!

--Joaquin Arias was apparently called up by the Rangers to "sit and learn."

--Everyone has probably heard about Tom Hick's comments that the Rangers don't have "mental toughness" and his latest rebuttal.

--There is a PCL Playoff Preview at MiLB.com.  Tucson is up 2-0 while the Express and Nashville have split.  In the IL, Rochester is up 2-0 on SWB while Toledo and Charlotte are knotted at 1 each.

--The Rangers have a minor league assessment on their website.  Lot's of future RedHawks listed there.

--It's late and I'm tired from driving back, so this will be quick.  Tons and tons of transactions this weekend.  Sorry if some of these are dupes....it's hard to remember what I already reported.  Texas recalled/purchased the contract of:  Scott Feldman, Nick Masset, John Rheinecker, Miguel Ojeda, and Joaquin Arias.  Victor Diaz joined the team in Albuquerque and Randall Simon was traded to the Phillies.  We also received Hunter Harrigan from Spokane.   Nice, nice kid!  Kam Loe said he has been shut down for the season and John Koronka said he is not going up.

--Lots of my favorites across the league have gotten the call up.  Some of the coolest include Jason Wood, Chris Aguila, Paul Hoover, Yo Yo Diaz, Paul Phillips, Ben Johnson, Jack Cust, Chris Narveson, and Javier Lopez.

--Jason Botts won't be a Sept. call up, but he is scheduled to play winter ball in Puerto Rico.

--Ex-RedHawk Carlos Pena hit the game winning hit for my Red Sox on Monday night.

--Personal favorite Jeff Baker was the last PCL player of the week.

--We end the season 2nd in our division, 11 games back.  Tough, tough luck for Iowa.  They ended the season tied with Nashville for the lead in their division, but Nashville got the title based on the head to head record.

--We got off to an early lead but were not able to hold it as we lost the first game of our series with Albuquerque 10-9.  Not a good night for most of our pitching staff, but again, it's Albuquerque and balls travel there.  John Koronka started and gave up 5 runs on 10 hits in 6.2 innings of work.  Kam Loe struggled again, giving up 5 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks in 0.2 IPs.  Jesse Carlson continued his scoreless streak giving up only a walk and strikeout in 0.2 IPs.  Jason Hart stayed hot, going 2-5 with another HR.  Several other RedHawks had multi-hit games including Adam Hyzdu  (2-5), Miguel Ojeda (3-5), Anthony Webster (4-5) and Drew Meyer (3-5).

--Scott Feldman was the first player called up by the Rangers.  Nick Masset is expected to follow Sunday (don't know why they can't just wait until Tuesday) with 4-5 more players getting the call on Tuesday.  Randall Simon was traded to the Phillies for cash considerations.  Victor Diaz was was obtained from the Mets in a trade may be in Albuquerque today, but I wonder if Jason Botts is not also promoted since Frisco is now officially out of the playoffs.

--I am heading to Albuquerque for the end of the RedHawks season so updates for the rest of the weekend will be sporadic at best.

--Also, I had a comment asking if I would be posting 2006 photos and the answer is yes.  I usually spend the first couple of months after the season ends going through my pictures and uploading them to the site.  I'd like to do it during the season but time is always an issue.  I'll do a little at a time so it will take a while to get them all up, but if there is someone whose pictures you particularly want to see drop me an e-mail and I'll try to work on them first.  And that goes for anyone, not just the person who posted the comment.  My Frisco pictures are extremely limited this year though since I didn't make it to any where as many games as usual.

--There is still a battle going on in the PCL American North.  Nashville gave up 5 runs in the top of the 9th to Round Rock to lose 7-5 while Iowa beat Omaha 3-2.  With three games left Nashville, who is playing at home, just needs to win 1 game to clinch the division.

--I'm starting this think this may not be our year as Jon Papelbon left the game against the Blue Jays in the 9th with shoulder pain.  Add that to the medical woes of Jon Lester and David Ortiz and....

--The Rangers lost again and are now 10 games behind Oakland and 2.5 behind the Angels.  They aren't saying the season is over yet, but it does seem like the younger players (other than Gerald Laird of course) may get some playing time, starting with RedHawk killer Nelson Cruz.

--Some good news for some favorite ex-RedHawks.  Carlos Pena was called up to my Red Sox and Spike Lundberg was named the Southern League Pitcher of the Year.

--We got off to an early 2 run lead, saw Iowa come back to tie it 4-4 on two 2-run HRs  but still pulled off the victory 7-4.  Eric Knott started and got a no decision, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits in 5.2 innings.  Jesse Carlson continued his scoreless streak (the PCL has yet to score an earned run against him), Scott Feldman picked up the win with 1.1 innings of work giving up 1 hit, 1 walk and 1 strikeout.  Emo Ramirez picked up win with a perfect top of the 9th.   Great night for our offense.  5 Hawks had a multi-hit game, led by Jason Hart who went 3-3 a walk, double and 3 RBIs.  Randall Simon went 2-4 with 2 doubles.  Iowa now trails Nashville by 3 games with 4 to play, so their season is probably over.  Of course, Nashville, who ends the season in Round Rock, just lost 2 of their best players so you never know.  Especially since Iowa ends in Omaha.

--Jason Botts had his rehab assignment moved from Arizona to Frisco.  Why Frisco and not OKC you ask since both end on the road?  Because Frisco, owned partially by the Rangers, are still (potentially) in the playoff hunt ($$).

--The Rangers are expected to call up a pitcher, either Nick Masset or John Koronka today and make the rest of the call ups after our season ends on Monday.

--Not surprisingly, no RedHawk got a PCL end of the year award.  The went to Jason Hirsh (pitcher), Howie Kendrick (batter) and Scott McClain (MVP).

--You have to love it when a pitcher pitches a no hitter and loses.

--Evan Grant has some interesting stuff in his latest chat transcript.

--Ian Kinsler reflects on his rookie season in the DMN, while over in the FWST there is a look at the young bullpen guys including Josh Rupe and CJ Wilson.

--Nice article on former RedHawk Craig Monroe.

--If you have been reading this blog for any length of time, you will know that I am a dyed in the wool Red Sox fan and have been my whole life.  Well as you may also know, Adam Hyzdu played for the Red Sox in 2004 and has a World Series Ring.  I had asked him to let me see the ring, as after a couple of missteps I finally got to last night!  And not only did I get to see it, but I also got to hold it AND wear it!!  The proof is to the right!  So huge thanks again to Adam for letting me do something I otherwise NEVER would have gotten to do!!!  WOOOOOOOOO WOOOOOOOOOO!!

--On to baseball.  The Rangers traded Mike Nickeas to the Mets for Victor Diaz.  Victor has been assigned to the RedHawks.  Adam Hyzdu was outrighted to the Hawks so he must have cleared waivers.

--We lost last night 3-2 because of 2 unearned runs.  John Rheinecker got the loss despite giving up only 3 runs (1 earned) on 6 hits in 7 innings.  Kam Loe pitched a hitless 8th, giving up a walk and striking out 2.  We were held to 5 hits on the night, 2 of which came from Miguel Ojeda.

--The Oklahoman implies that Bobby Jones may want to return to the RedHawks next season.  Hmmmm....

--The major league rosters expand to 40 tomorrow so we can expect some call ups.  Now that the Rangers are pretty much out of it, they may wait until Tuesday to call up RedHawk players, especially since Frisco is in the playoff hunt so the Rangers won't touch them for our benefit.