As much fun as I’m having watching the Rangers every night, I’m already looking ahead to next season.  Hank Blalock and Ramon Vazquez are likely done in Arlington and that will open up a spot at 3rd base in ’09.  The good thing for Texas is their replacement is already in the organization.  His name is Elvis Andrus.  The 19 year old shortstop is hitting .291 with 52 RBIs in Frisco this season.  Moving Andrus from SS to 3rd will give him a chance to get his feet wet at the major league level before he replaces Michael Young at shortstop.  (The move will also save money and allow Texas to make a play for CC Sabathia in the off-season.)

            Please tell me why 1B Chris Davis is batting 8th in the Rangers lineup?  The 22 year old future star is hitting .351 with 11 RBI in the last 15 days. (.316 in the last 30 days)  I understand the theme of a righty, lefty lineup, but Marlon Byrd hitting 5th is a joke.  Please give Josh Hamilton some protection and move Davis up in the order.

            I know I just questioned Ron Washington, but the 2nd year manager deserves a lot of credit for the Rangers turnaround.  Even though most people were calling for his head after two months last season, his team has been 13 games over .500 (112-99) since June 14, 2007.  I don’t think there are many managers who could have a record like that with pitching staff he’s been given.  Tampa Bay skipper Joe Maddon deserves the AL Manger of the Year, but Ron Washington shouldn’t be far behind.

            When Team USA announced that Jason Kidd was going to be part of the Olympic team, I questioned the decision.  Here are Kidd’s averages through 5 exhibition games; 13 minutes per game, 1 ppg, 2 rbs, 1.4 asts and 1.6 turnovers.  Kidd has been starting, but that will last long.  Chris Paul and Deron Williams are too good to keep off the court.

            38 days till Ohio State at USC.  (Just 24 days till the opener.)

Cody Crystal Ball (a.k.a. Bold Prediction of the Week)

            Cowboys 4th round running back Tashard Choice will have more carries this season than 1st rounder Felix Jones.  Like most people are saying, I think Felix will be used for like Reggie Bush.  Steve Dennis said Tashard’s running style reminds him of Emmitt Smith.  (Bill Jones is too excited to see #29 hit the hole and break into the secondary.)

The biggest news of the day is Manny Ramirez being traded from the Red Sox to the Dodgers.  Boston receives 29 year old Jason Bay from Pittsburgh and the Pirates get for 4 minor leaguers in the 3 team deal.  This is good news for the Rangers because Texas is just 4.5 games behind Boston in the wild card.  The Red Sox lose Manny’s big bat for the playoff stretch and all the sudden the wild card is wide open in the AL.

            Ken Griffey Jr. was dealt from Cincinnati to the Chicago White Sox.  Steve Dennis’ Reds will receive pitcher Nick Masset (26 years old, 4.63 ERA in 32 games this season) and 2nd baseman Danny Richar (25 years old, .230 BA, 6 HRs and 15 RBIs in 56 games).  (Sounds like Dandy Killeen will be receiving some ice cold beverages.)

            The Rangers didn’t make any deals today and I agree with their stance.  If they would have traded someone like Vicente Padilla, that means they’re giving up on this season.  If they would have acquired a big player from another team, they would have had to risk their future by giving up one or more of their young stars.  I wouldn’t have minded the Jarrod Saltalamacchia trade for the above average little leaguer, but maybe last night’s injury to Max Ramirez prevented a deal including Salty.

I don’t think there’s any question the Cowboys have the most talented team in the NFC.  It seems like injuries are only thing that can stop them from the NFC Championship Game.  Terence Newman’s “strain, pull or tear” of the groin isn’t a good way to start camp.  The Cowboys have been the healthiest team in the NFL the past five seasons.  This isn’t the year they want the law of averages to catch up with them on the injury front.

            I love how ESPN is finally doing the story about Terrell Owens’ transformation into a good teammate.  Anyone who follows the team did that story a year ago.  Owens hasn’t been a major problem since joining the Cowboys in 2006, but no one knows that because of perception ESPN has created.

            Like most people, the Brett Favre story is beating me down.  I am however really surprised the Packers don’t let him return.  Green Bay has a chance at the Super Bowl this season and they’re basically throwing it away because they’re ready to move on to Aaron Rodgers.  The Packers should realize how hard it is to win a Super Bowl and let Favre return as the starter.

            As much as I love Gerald Laird as the catcher of the Rangers, he needs to be traded before the tomorrow’s trade deadline.  Not only can Texas can get a good prospect in return, but it will allow for the Max Ramirez era to officially begin.  (I would also trade Jarrod Saltalamacchia for an above average little leaguer.  He’s batting .242 since being traded from Atlanta a year ago.  He’s done.)

            Listen to this stat I heard last week while watching a Phillies and Mets game.  Former MVP Ryan Howard is hitting an awful .237 is year.  He’s on pace to become the first player in MLB history to strike out 200 times in a season. (He’s actually on pace for 215)  What’s even more amazing is that he’s actually hitting .580 when he puts the ball in play. 

            If someone tells you Albert Pujols isn’t the best player in baseball, stop listening to them.  They don’t know anything about the game.

Adam Scott will get back on track at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational.  Whoever Bull picks doesn’t have the skills to get it done.  (UPDATE: Cody 2, Bull 3)

Of all the people affected by the Jeremy Shockey trade to the Saints, I’ll bet none of them are as happy as Cowboys safety Roy Williams.  It seems like Shockey has made a living by being beating Williams one on one.  I was surprised to see that in 10 career games versus the Cowboys, Shockey only has 43 catches for 498 yards and 6 touchdowns.

            Even though Josh Hamilton has been impressive the last two and a half weeks, (batting .321 since July 5) I still don’t think he’s healthy.  It’s more than every day aches and pains.  He hasn’t been running hard on ground balls and he’s walking tentatively back to the dugout after strikeouts.  He’s already played in 97 games this year, after only playing 90 games during his rookie year.

            The Rangers need to sign Milton Bradley to a long term deal.  He’s been terrific this season and is only 30 years old.  His teammates always talk about how much he adds to the clubhouse.  I know he has struggled to stay healthy his entire career.  In 8 seasons in the majors (’00-’07) he’s only averaged 86 games played.

            Why is Marlon Byrd in the lineup everyday?  He has started 26 of the last 29 games before Monday’s day off.  The Byrdman is hitting just .250 this month and just .125 with runners in scoring position.  David Murphy on the other hand has only started 20 of those last 29.  Murphy is performing better, 60 RBIs and is hitting .283 with RISP, but he’s seeing less time.  Murphy and Hamilton should play every day, while Byrd should split time with Brandon Boggs.

            52 days till Ohio State vs USC.

Jim Furyk will win at the Canadian Open and help me tie up the series.  (Anthony Kim should have won the British Open) (UPDATE: Cody 2, Bull 3)

How great was the show Josh Hamilton put on in the Home Run Derby?  I started to realize how impressive the performance was when he was hitting 470 foot homers and the ESPN commentators weren’t even mentioning them.  As remarkable as the 28 first round homers were, the 445 foot average was even crazier.  Before Hamilton’s AB, they were getting pumped up about a Ryan Braun 440 foot shot.  Note to Jon Daniels; HURRY UP AND SIGN HAMILTON LONG TERM WHILE THE PRICE IS RELATIVELY LOW.

            Here is how to solve the problem of running out of pitchers during the All-Star game.  Players should be allowed to return to the game one time after being substituted.  Pitchers are risking injury because they’re throwing 100 pitchers on Sunday and then being forced to throw again in the All-Star game.  Allowing players to re-enter the game would solve all the problems.  Plus, think about the match-ups it would create in the late innings.  The National League would put Albert Pujols back in the game to face Marino Rivera in a tie game.  I don’t care that it changes the rules of the game.  It’s an exhibition; let’s make it as entertaining as possible.

            I’m so tired of the Brett Favre circus in Green Bay.  He has been holding the Packers hostage the last 3 off-seasons.  Why does he think he’s bigger than the Packers?  I would love to see him come back and play for Green Bay as the backup quarterback.  What would be better than seeing Favre carry a clipboard for an entire season?

59 days till Ohio State vs. USC

Anthony Kim or Phil Mickelson will win this week at the British Open.  Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els have no shot at Royal Birkdale. (UPDATE: Cody 2 Bull 3)

Cody’s Crystal Ball: (aka Bold Prediction of the Week)

            Rangers Outfielder David Murphy will win the AL Rookie of the Year.  Most people have already given the award to Evan Longoria of the Rays, but the campaign for the 3rd baseman will lose steam as Tampa Bay inevitably falls closer to .500.

            Ian Kinsler’s 31st double of the year set up the go ahead run to give the Rangers a 3-2 win last night.  The All-Star second baseman is on pace for 55 doubles this season.  That would break Michael Young’s club record of 52, set in 2006.  However, it’s not close to the major league record of 67 held by Earl Webb of the 1931 Boston Red Sox.

            C.J. Wilson is tied for 8th in the majors with 22 saves this season.  But, C.J. has only blown two saves in ’08.  I found it interesting that there are 46 guys in MLB who have 3 or more blown saves this year.  I like C.J. as the closer, but to steal a line for Bill Parcells; C.J. Wilson is dodging bullets.

            I’m thinking about a catch phrase for the 22 year tandem of Matt Harrison and Eric Hurley.  Something like; ‘Can you catch the 22s?’ or something along those lines.  Feel free to share ideas.  But, we better hurry because Harrison turns 23 on August 16th and Hurley on September 17th.

            I love the Gerald Green signing by the Mavericks last week.  He brings some more youth and excitement to the Mavs roster.  One of the major reasons I didn’t like the Jason Kidd trade was because he didn’t have guys like Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter on the wings here in Dallas.  Green solves that problem.  He’ll be running the floor and throwing down huge dunks next season.  He may also be able to help out from behind the arc.  He shoots .366% from 3 point range in his career.  Coming out of high school in Houston, he was known for his terrific shooting stroke.  I think the Mavs may have found a steal similar to last year’s find of Brandon Bass.

            Here is a quick update on the Michael Beasley vs. Derrick Rose comparison at the Orlando summer league.  Beasley’s Heat dominated Rose’s (and my) Bulls 94-70 on opening day.  Beasley had 28 pts 9 rbs in 23 minutes of play.  Rose has struggled in his 2 games averaging 9.5 pts, 5.5 asts and 4 turnovers.  Here is the quote I saw in the Chicago Tribune; “the offense ran as smoothly as a used Yugo.”  I know it’s just summer ball.  I’m just sayin.

            Who better than Bubba Watson to win this week at the John Deere?  (UPDATE: Cody 2, Bull 2)

-How good has Ian Kinsler been in the last month?  The All-Star 2nd baseman hit .362 in June and had an on-base percentage of .412.  He leads the American League in batting average (.324), hits (113), runs (73), total bases (187), and extra base hits (44).  I think it’s fair to say he’s the best 2nd baseman in the baseball.  It’s also nice that he signed with the Rangers through 2012. (Another good move by Rangers GM Jon Daniels)

-It’s great to see Tom Hicks show patience with Dave Tippett and Ron Washington.  Tippett winds up taking the Stars to the Western Conference Finals and now Washington is leading his “over-achieving” (according to Bill Jones) Rangers squad to places no one thought they would be.  

-Here are a couple of guys I think the Mavericks should make a run at in free agency this year.

            -Chris Duhon – Unrestricted FA – I know Duhon’s game really well and he can be a starting point guard in this league.  He would be a great back-up for Jason Kidd.  He can play the shooting guard and provide some 3 point range.

            -Matt Barnes – Unrestricted FA – Mavs fans know Barnes’ game really well and know what he’s capable of.  Barnes would bring toughness and the ability to extend defenses.

            -Shaun Livingston – Unrestricted FA – The young point guard would be a risk, but the reward could be huge.  He’s still recovering from a knee injury he suffered in February of 2007.  The 22 year old has been cleared to resume basketball-related activities.  He has size (6-7) and could be the heir-apparent to Jason Kidd if he returns from his injury.

-I can’t figure out why the NBA is so big on finding the next great point guard.  Everyone is searching for the next Chris Paul or Deron Williams.  I think this year’s NBA finals showed us that it doesn’t take a terrific PG to win a title.  Derek Fisher and Rajon Rondo aren’t even top 10 PGs in the league.  I much rather have a big guy with talent like Michael Beasley (for example) instead of a point guard like Derrick Rose (for example).

-This week’s pick to win the PGA Tour event is Jim Furyk.  I just have a strange hunch that the 13th ranked player in the world will put it together this weekend.

I’ve now been to 3 practices out at Valley Ranch as the Cowboys go through OTAs.  That’s all the time I need to name the 3 players I expect to have break out years.

-Miles Austin – He played a big role in the Cowboys playoff game against the Giants last year.  With the questionable status of Terry Glenn, Austin’s speed could make a difference right away.  (FYI: he beat Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones and made a great catch on a deep ball from Tony Romo yesterday)

-Mike Jenkins – The Cowboys stole him with the 25th pick in the draft.  He is playing one of the boundary corner positions on the Cowboys’ nickel defense.  Adam Jones is playing the other corner position.  Pro Bowler Terence Newman is playing the slot while Anthony Henry is lining up as a linebacker and guarding tight ends.

-Tony Curtis – The Cowboys gave Anthony Fasano away because they were comfortable with Curtis filling the role as backup tight end.  They did draft Martellus Bennett in the 2nd round, but its Curtis and Jason Witten that make up the two tight end offense.  The 3rd year TE from Portland State is big, smooth and appears to have the confidence of Romo.

I picked the Lakers to win the NBA Finals and of course they are going to lose.  However, a Boston victory would continue an amazing streak for me.  A Celtics win would increase my streak of picking the wrong team in NBA playoff series to somewhere around 5 or 6.  I actually haven’t picked a series right since sometime in March or whenever these playoffs started.

Root for Tiger Woods to win the U.S. Open this week at Torrey Pines.  If you’re looking for players to cheer against, you can start with these six guys; Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, Jim Furyk, Jeff Quinney, Henrik Stenson and Padraig Harrington.

            (Updated Score: Cody 1 Bull 1)

I would like to formally apologize to my boy Marlon Byrd.  I made a negative comment about the Rangers slugger and I hope he can forgive me.  In case you’re not paying attention, the Byrdman has more than doubled his average from .125 to .259 in about four weeks.  You can’t hold a good hitter down forever.

Written: 6/12/08

Posted: 7/2/08

Pacman Jones has only been a ‘member’ of the Dallas Cowboys for 5 weeks.  Even though it’s only been a little more than a month, I’m already tired of him.  There are so many little court occurrences, misdemeanors, and gambling debits, it’s just wearing me out.  Roger Goodell needs to make a ruling on wither or not Pacman can play this season.  Just hurry up and get it over with.  I also love how people think he’s going to be an impact player if he plays this season.  He missed an entire season of football.  I hope rookie Mike Jenkins is good enough to be higher on the depth chart than Pacman.

            NBA finals are going to be great this year.  The Lakers and Celtics will be the best finals since the Jordan era.  I’m picking L.A. to win, but I hope Boston gets the title.  I don’t want to hear about Kobe being as good as Jordan.  That’s just ridiculous at this point.  Kobe hasn’t won a championship without a dominant big man.  Michael won 6.  Case closed.  Plus, is Phil Jackson the best coach in the history of sports?  It’s time to seriously consider it.  He has 9 championships and could easily add a few more in the next couple of years.

            The Rangers are only 4 games back in the west and appear to hanging around that .500 mark.  Even though the plan to play Hank Blalock at first base has hit a snag, Ron Washington needs to find someone to play the position.  Chris Shelton is the everyday first baseman and is batting .206.  I still can’t figure out why Jarrod Saltalamacchia can’t play there.  They are trying to find a spot for Salty and it would fill a big need for Texas.

Written: 5/30/08

Posted: 7/2/08

Here are a couple of feelings and predictions about this huge sports weekend.

Cowboys

            I hope the Cowboys trade the 22nd pick in the draft.  There is a big fall off of talent in the top 8 picks and between 9 and 16.  If they pick a cornerback, running back or wide receiver like they should, it will be a reach pick. (aka a Bobby Carpenter type of choice)

Players you want your team to pick:                           Avoid these players this weekend:

Glenn Dorsey DT (LSU)                               Jake Long OT (Michigan)

Sedrick Ellis DT (USC)                                Matt Ryan QB (Boston College)

Vernon Gholston DE-LB (Ohio State)          Devin Thomas WR (Michigan State)

Rashard Mendenhall RB (Illinois)                  Felix Jones RB (Arkansas)

Mike Jenkins CB (South Florida)                  Aqib Talib CB (Kansas)

James Hardy WR (Indiana)                           DeSean Jackson WR (California)

Malcolm Kelly WR (Oklahoma)                  Brandon Flowers CB (Virginia Tech)

Limas Sweed WR (Texas)                           Justin King CB (Penn State)

Fred Davis TE (USC)                                  Chevis Jackson CB (LSU)

Kevin Smith RB (Central Florida)                 John David Booty QB (USC)

Trevor Laws DT (Notre Dame)                    Jacob Hester FB (LSU)

Mavericks

            I really think the Mavericks are going to show up this weekend against the Hornets.  What does that mean?  Not much I guess.  This hasn’t happened yet, but the Mavs can play well and still lose.  I’m guessing that will happen this weekend.

            Brandon Bass should be starting for Erick Dampier.  Bass can score and plays with the physical mentality that Avery Johnson keeps talking about.  Avery keeps saying Bass’ defense keeps costing him playing time. Who cares, they’re giving up 115 points on 53% shooting through two playoff games.

Byron Nelson Championship

            Any tournament without Brandt Snedeker is going to struggle for ratings.  Most people talk about Tiger Woods driving golf, but without Sneds in the field, viewers just plain won’t tune in. 

Rangers 

            Josh Hamilton will continue to lead the American League in RBIs.  Also, can we look at the good moves Jon Daniels has made of the last year and a half as Rangers General Manager? 

2008    Josh Hamilton - One of the top two players on the roster.

            Milton Bradley - Leads the team in batting average. (.329)

            Franklyn German - One of the sure things in the Texas Bullpen (0.87 ERA)

2007    Eric Gagne - Was great as closer and received a ton in a trade with Boston (Kason Gabbard)

Kenny Lofton - Signed and traded to Cleveland for young catcher.

Sammy Sosa - Was basically signed as a joke and added  21 HR and 92 RBI.

 Written: 4/24/08

Posted: 7/2/08

            While it’s only February and most people have already written off the Texas Rangers, I’ve chose to evaluate the roster before I make my decision on the 2008 squad.    As bad as the Rangers were in 2007, they still finished the season with a 75-87 record.  Sure they got off to a bad start, but did you know they were 52-45 after June 14th? 

I’m going to predict that the Rangers will win at least 86 games.  I really think this team has what it takes to CONTEND for a playoff spot.  So what do I mean by contend?  Basically they won’t be mathematically eliminated until the middle of September.     

            Look at this everyday Rangers lineup.                                       Grade

1.      Frank Catalanotto DH (.260 Avg, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 103 G)      C

2.      Ian Kinsler 2nd (.263 Avg, 20 HR, 61 RBI, 130 G)                 B+

3.      Michael Young SS (.315 Avg, 9 HR, 94 RBI, 156 G)              A-

4.      Hank Blalock 3rd (.293 Avg, 10 HR, 33 RBI, 58 G)                B+

5.      Josh Hamilton CF (.292 Avg, 19 HR, 47 RBI, 90 G)                B

6.      Marlon Byrd LF (.307 Avg, 10 HR, 70 RBI, 109 G)                A+ (joking B)

7.      Jarrod Saltalamacchia C (.266 Avg, 11 HR, 33 RBI, 93 G)       B

8.      Milton Bradley RF (.306 Avg, 13 HR, 37 RBI, 61 G)                B-9.      Ben Broussard 1st   (.275 Avg, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 99 G)          C-         

The best this about that order is they have a lot of potential.  Kinsler (25 years old), Hamilton (26) and Saltalamacchia (22) are still young and improving.  Plus, the rest of the hitters are in the prime of their career. 

            The starting rotation also has the ability to keep the team in games everyday. 

1.      Kevin Millwood (10 W, 14 L, 5.16 ERA, 172.2 IP)                 B

2.      Vicente Padilla (6 W, 10 L, 5.76 ERA, 120.1 IP)                     B-

3.      Jason Jennings (2 W, 9 L, 6.45 ERA, 99 IP)                            C-

4.      Brandon McCarthy (5 W, 10 L, 4.87 ERA, 101.2 IP)              C+

5.      Kason Gabbard (6 W, 1 L, 4.65 ERA, 81.1 IP)                       B-

While the stats don’t help my point, I think one thing is important.  Their fourth (McCarthy) and fifth (Gabbard) starters had the lowest ERA’s last year.  If the top of the rotation can perform, the team can be competitive.  Now the bullpen isn’t the best in the league, but they were solid last season and should benefit from the experience gained in ’07.

Overall, if the team can stay healthy, it could be a fun year in Arlington.  While the Angels should roll in the American League West, the Mariners and A’s are very beatable teams.  So, even though most people aren’t giving them a chance, the Texas Rangers are on the right track.

Written: 2/26/08

Posted: 7/2/08