Cruz Control.

Happy Wednesday and Happy Hump Day!

The wheels and bells and whistles are beginning to churn into high as we get closer to football season and the start of the exhibition start of games on August 8th with the Bengals and Cowboys in Canton, Ohio.

Funny little thing, all of the conversation I am hearing is about BASEBALL! It's actually a welcome change to not be the one to open the discussions. Rather I am now hearing from people out of my past wanting to ask me questions about what I think.

For the last five years this old man was masochistic enough to endure a 66-75 stretch of home games in the heat and humidity. 2010 has brought but 4 visits. All of them wins. I am very happy to be working in lieu of watching the games in person and am further happy to see longtime Ranger fans talk on and on about what the post season holds.

I'll be honest. While I am not happy with a decade long tradition of renting a player come the deadline, the acquisition of Cliff Lee, on the heels of trading for Vladimir Guererro gives Jon Daniels my vote for GM of the Year.

Last night Nelson Cruz provided the fireworks with a dramatic 10th inning 2 run homer to catapult Texas to a 3-1 victory over the 2nd place Athletics. A team with a history of fantastic second half finishes. The lead now sits at 8 and a half. That is terrific and yes do enjoy. 

I remind Ranger fans that sometimes collapses sometimes will and do happen. Ask the Phillies of 1964. The Cubs of 1969. The Red Sox of 1978. The Angels of 1995. The Mets of 2008 and 2009.

Call it a bad planetary alignment or what, these things do happen. Nevertheless even with history on the side of a Rangers meltdown 2010 should be a year to reach the playoff.

Cliff Lee with another nine inning performance brings back memories of watching Ron Guidry in 1978. That was the best year I ever saw someone dominate a season. More so than Roid Roger with his 20-1 record in 2001.

The fact that Lee will be a Yankee long-term after this season won't surprise me. What I am hopeful for is the desire for players to want to play in Texas. The nucleus is outstanding, and the youth coming up in the minors should pay dividends for years to come.

Hands down, the bigger story in 2010 is Tommy Hunter! What a stoic hurler he has been while Feldy is iffy and Derek Holland remains an enigma. Where would this team be without CJ Wilson? I confess that Colby Lewis has been a pleasant surprise.

Ron Washington back in 2007 preached the mantra of pitching and defense. To see a 1-0 game go under 2 hours is manna from heaven! I'll take that over a 4 hour homer barrage. The kids today may find that boring. At 11 pm last night, it happened...

Someone emailed me and asked 'What's our Magic Number?' I thought for a moment and said '55!' He left happy. I was happy for him.

Yes, America, the love affair is lowly beginning to warm up with baseball as we are two weeks away from visits by the Yankees and Red Sox. A season to remember continues to unfold in Arlington. Forget the court bullshine, just enjoy the diamond glow. Last night it was a 'Whoa Nellie!' Go Rangers!

All you have to fear is a colossal collapse in September. Hopefully not...

Over and out in Big D

Mr. Will