One Major Minor Matchup...

Hello and Happy Friday the 13th. Not sure about the rest of you but this day and it's significance has little to no meaning for me. I have no problems with walking under ladders, flirting with black cats, seeking a 13th floor on an elevator, even wearing all black if the situation warrants. So much so that I am always compelled to go out and about whenever this day happens to roll around.

Looking forward to a road trip later today in Grand Prairie for some Friday night racing. It's Opening Day at Lone Star Park and what better day to try my luck on a Friday the 13th no less? Normally I make the trek on Memorial Day. This year I add another visit. Trips to Grand Prairie will increase after May 17th when the Air Hogs begin their championship run after a successful 2011.

Opening Night in Frisco Texas with the Roughriders was a welcome refresher about an April night in Lone Star country. Ironically it was a rematch of two teams whose Major affiliates met for the World Series last fall. The Springfield Cardinals fielded a young hurler named John Gast who threw 5 hit ball for a 5-1 Cardinal victory over the Roughriders.

Steve Buechele begins his 3rd season as the Riders Skipper. 18 wins away from being the winningest manager in Frisco history. Hard to believe this is the tenth year Frisco has been in existence. I remember Opening Night 2003 April 7th. A stormy, tornadic and hail damaging night that delayed the start of this team's history. Fireworks show after midnight. Seen about 25-30 games in the last decade. Always a great time and a wonderful ambience whenever the game starts.

The Riders in the last decade have been to the play-off six times. Only the Missions of San Antonio have been more successful with seven visits. If you want to get a glimpse of future Rangers talent early in the game come to Frisco. Tomorrow's Superstars doing it today. Kinda cool.

Despite the loss Steve Buechele was content to talk with me post game. The Roughriders manager wanted to make it clear he has six new players making the jump from single A to double A. Unlike the switch from double to triple A, this initial move may be tough. One name the Skipper says to keep an eye on: Jurickson Profar, an 18 year old shortstop with alot of upside. Voted the 2011 Single A Player of the Year many a scout will be keeping their eye on this young man.

As the days pass on I will profile other players on this Frisco squad to keep an eye on down the road. Really looking forward to seeing the progression of the up and comers on this 2012 team.

NASCAR in town for the weekend along with the Allen Wranglers, FC Dallas, and Riders baseball. Weather might be the story on Sunday. Be safe in your travels wherever you go.

Word of the day: Superfecta! 

Make it a great day!

Over and out in Big D.

Mr. Will