Fun in the Gotham City!

Here's to what I hope will be a very memorable second half to 2008. While there were a few incidents that occurred from out of left field, I am thankful that everything has found a way to work itself back to normal. This is an interesting time of year in the world of sports as you have the first reports of what is about to transpire on the gridiron come training camp. The NBA begins it's assortment of deals and near trades. Yes, it is also Canada Day. I have friends of mine who can do better justice when discussing the land north of me. It does mean that hockey trades begin to to circulate and become finalized. This is also the time of the year that you start to gauge pennant races in the baseball.

We are now one day away from having the final votes for the All-Star Game counted up and allowed. 11:59pm is when the voting stops. With this years event playing at Yankee Stadium on July 15th, it's pretty safe to say that there will be a heavy representation of Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers based on performance and reputation. Some of these Ranger players will get to enjoy three trips to New York City by virtue of a recent trip to Shea Stadium and now a final visit to the Bronx.

Over the years time has not been kind to Texas. The Yankees have won the last ten in Arlington as they will make one visit in August for four games. Playing in Yankee Stadium has been deathly. It was June 12th, 1976 when the Rangers held the Yankees to a 2-1 defeat and four mere hits. I know because I was at the Stadium that weekend. The night before 6/11/76 I saw Graig Nettles hit two homers to elevate New York to a 7-5 victory. I say this because Monday night I was glued to my television set as I watched Scott Feldman battle Mike Mussina for almost 6 innings and the Ranger bullpen pitch a perfect 3 and a third innings for a 2-1 victory. CJ Wilson converted a save and I was awed by how unfazed the Rangers appeared. The victory put the Rangers at two games above .500 for the first time in 2008.

Not to be outdone I was glued again to my telly a second night with scorecard in hand as I enjoyed another pitching duel between Joba Chamberlain and Kevin Millwood in hit and humid Gotham City. Ian Kinsler was the hero with three steals and a key double in the 9th off Mariano Rivera for a 3-2 win. Michael Young with the game-winning hit. Just 6.5 games back of Anaheim, I am beginning to think that this Texas ballclub may become something special before 2008 is over and done.

Another fine outing by CJ Wilson and the bullpen before 53,000 disappointed Yankee fans. I know the Rays are getting all the love right now with their series with the Red Sox. Lets go on record to say that when we near September, The Rangers will not have wilted and will perhaps flirt with 85 wins. The amount of poise that this team continues to show me has me believing! Chris Davis the new first baseman exudes that nuance better than most. If the Rangers can dot he unthinkable and sweep the Yankees, will people start to question whether or not the luster of the House that Ruth Built has crept away? Stay tuned.

I want to make a suggestion to the marketing folks of the Summer Olympics. How long before we hear that theme music from 'Mission: Impossible' with a bathing suit guy in silhouette playing an MP3 that says,' Good Morning, Mr. Phelps! Today you will have a date with history. The first of fourteen to show your American Brethren what you can do and set some records too! I'll let you decide whether or not you wish to partake in wearing those LZR suits and risk not getting an endorsement. Whatever makes you happy. We believe that you will make Mark Spitz a name of the past. We believe that eight will be your magic number of gold medals when this Olympiad is over and done. We have every confidence that if you fall short you will still make us proud!

If you choose to take this mission Mr. Phelps there will be millions of people right there with you to cheer you on to victory. If you choose not to take this mission, well, then we'll have to pin our hopes on those darn A T&T Kung Fu Jiu Jitsu kids!

This MP3 will self destruct in five seconds...' A little of M.I. music and you have a commercial. Why do I always have to be the one to come up with these ideas? I tell you...The Olympics now some 37 days away. I actually am looking forward to this!

Looks like DeSagana Diop is coming back to Dallas. It will be made official on July 9th. Del Harris to Chicago? You're kidding right?

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will