Ramblings and Rumblings From The Master!

On a night where the rain fell steadily enough to be annoying, but enough to cause any delays, I got to enjoy a three and a half hour journey into futility and possibility. Nights like these in Arlington are great in that with so few fans in attendance to watch baseball, you are pretty much given a free upgrade and can sit wherever you want. Tonights Rangers Royals game had a sparse crowd and even lesser drama. Texas would prevail in a 195 minute test of being anointed by the North Texas skies 9-8. In watching this contest a few thoughts ran through my cranium....

1.Not surprised at seeing Michigan getting bumped out of the Top 25, a first since rankings began back in 1989. I expect more trouble for the Wolverines when Oregon comes to visit this week. Lloyd Carr's job isn't on the line, in my view.

2.I was very proud at the gesture the SMU Mustangs did at the start of yesterday's proceedings, handing out white balloons to the fans in remembrance of what transpired at Virginia Tech. Classy, and well done!

3.I go on record to state that I think TCU can give the Texas Longhorns some serious game this Saturday in Austin. Especially with the return of TCU defenseman Blake!

4.While the rest of the U.S. gets all worked up over the shoddy N.L. Central race and how far the Sox pull away in the East, I will be keeping a close eye on what September call-ups have the most success for the next three weeks. What Clay Bucholz did last week was phenomenal, who's next?

5.Carlos Zambrano needs to get over himself. If you pitch well, the fans will tell you about it, and if you don't, likewise. The truth hurts, and if this means exercising/waiving a no trade clause, so be it. When Mike Barrett got dealt last June, I thought the wrong guy got traded. Boos leads to cheers, and cheers leads to better booze. The law of the jungle...

6.Tori Hunter rejecting a 3 year 45 million dollar deal from the Twins tells me the Dallas Texas native will be patrolling the scene here in Arlington in 2008, and onward.

7.I do not expect the Colts or Bears to go back to the Super Bowl next February. I have my eyes on New England and Seattle. I also expect Stephen Jackson and Larry Johnson to be all world in the state of Missouri.

8.Everyone says the Cowboys are an 11-5 Super Bowl bound team. Wade Phillips has a crappy record in post-season. I'll be happy if they can get a playoff win. I stand by my pick of 9-7 in a very competitive NFC East. The return of Michael Strahan and the loss of Aaron Glenn makes this Sunday Night opener very interesting. Dallas wants revenge for a 36-23 embarrassment on a Monday night last 10/23/06, the night Romo-mania was born.

9.I may have missed my moment with Mark Cuban at last night's Ranger game, not so this night. Had a pleasant conversation with Fox Sports' Mike Doocy and cameraman Larry Rodriguez. Yes the same cameraman who got attacked by Kenny Rogers over 27 months ago. Larry has always been pleasant with me whereas 'Dooce' can get into a zone and not be one to converse at times. Thanks guys!

10.I am learning more about Mike Leach and his mantra of coaching as I go along...Boss BJ informed me of an article from a few years ago that spoke of how coaches have a tough time deciphering the Red Raider style of offense. Especially when you have five and six receiver sets. That slant style was VERY successful against SMU! Texas Tech will be a fun team to watch put points on the board.

Six months ago, a dear friend of mine gave me a wonderful birthday present in the name of a hockey game and prime seating. Tomorrow I do the same for Sondra as she celebrates an umpteenth birthday. Weather permitting I will have the camera with me and some great pics to share. Someone asked why it is all my friends resemble famous people. Just lucky I guess.

My buddy Sara is a dead ringer for Jessica Simpson, Sondra could be a twin to Shania Twain. Shania is also a Virgo, having just had a birthday on August 30th. October 28th there will be a war of smack-talk as her Eagles visit my Vikings in Minnesota. Note to the people of 'The Eagles Nest' in Plano: I'm going to be the guy wearing all purple on that day:)

I'm also really looking forward to this Saturday's Dallas Stars meet and greet at the Galleria in Addison! I wouldn't miss this for the world. In case you wonder how it is I found hockey, I found it to be a great anecdote to chase the end of baseball season blues each October. It's season also runs right into Opening Day...I love my life! I love my sports. Just living the dream and keeping things simple.

Over and out in Wet D

Mr. Will