Dallas Mavericks 2013-2014 Roster Looks Pretty Good To Me

"I think we've put ourselves in a spot where we're in a better spot than we were at if we got just the one max-out deal," Cuban told ESPNDallas on Wednesday

"I think it'd be better shorter and longer term. I don't want to make that sound the wrong way. I think we'll be better this year because we added five good players or more."

If you can't follow that, basically it says that Mark Cuban feels that Dallas is going to be a better team this year than they would have been if they had signed Dwight Howard.   I tend to AGREE with him.  

I was never sold that Dallas would be better off having Dwight Howard.  Although he is the best center in the game, he is not a center that you can give the ball to in crunch time and rely on in the final minutes.  I have said forever that all the Dallas Mavericks need is a 10pt 10reb guy at center and a 10pt 10assist guy at point to go along with Dirk and an off guard who can create his own shot.  Guess what? That is exactly what Dallas accomplished this off-season.  

There were tons of people who were upset when Tyson Chandler left Dallas for New York.(Yes Tyson left, Dallas offered 1 year and 20million dollars) Those same people scoff when the Mavericks sign Samuel Dalenbert.  Honestly I don't think the difference is that great between the two.  Tyson Chandler had statistically his 2nd best year of his 12 year NBA career last season averaging 10.4 points and 10.7reb in 32 min a game for 66 games.  Samuel Dalenbert averaged 7pts and 6 rebound in 16 minutes a game last year, playing behind one of the NBA's best young centers Larry Sanders. For a career Chandler averages only 1 rebound more than Samuel per game.  Both men are 7ft 250lbs that can block shots, rebound, and defend well. I think Dallas is getting a solid center at a bargain price considering he will be paid $3.75 million in 2013 and Tyson Chandler will be making close to $13 million.

Last season was miserable watching Dallas in the final minutes of a game shuffling Mike James, Darrin Collision, Dominique Jones, Derrick Fisher, and Roddy B in and out.  The majority of the time, Vince Carter was running the offense.  This year it is a different story.  Jose Calderon will be running the show and he is a solid 10pt 8-10assist guy a night.  Calderon also led the league in 3pt shooting last season splitting time between Toronto and Detroit.
  At 32 years old, Calderon knows how to get the ball to Dirk in down the stretch, and doesn't mind taking a clutch shot if asked.  He is also not too shabby from the charity stripe also, knocking down 90% of his free throws last season and 88% for his career.  

A off guard that can create his own shot.  Monta Ellis is going to surprise a lot of people this year, I guarantee it. Don't let the last 2 years stats fool you.  Monta Ellis is a baller! He has been stuck in Milwaluke the last 2 seasons with minimal help around him.

In 2009-2010 Monta averaged 25.5 ppg and shot 45% from the field.  This season he is not going to be double teamed as much as he has been the last 2 years and if the Mavs spread the court, he should see a lot of time driving to the rack or shooting from the free throw line. We have not had an athletic talent this good since Michael Finley was coming up.  He is 27 and locked in for 3 years at $8million a year (bargain) I would put a lot of money that says he is going to get paid almost double that next time he is on the market. 

With a roster that looks like this:

PG- Jose Calderon 
SG- Monta Ellis
SF- Shawn Marion
PF- Dirk Nowitzki
C- Samuel Dalenbert

Bench

Vince Carter
Jae Crowder
Devin Harris
Shane Larkin
Wayne Ellington
Bernard James
Brandon Wright
Ricky Ledo
                                                                                    Gal Mekel

This is a team that IS going to shock a lot of people. Most have written them off, but I would not be surprised if they are fighting for the 4th seed in the Western Conference come next April.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that this team is going to be a favorite to win the Championship, but they are going to score a lot of points and be very fun to watch!

So You Think I Left Someone Out

I have been getting a lot of feedback on my All Time Texas Rangers Roster I posted a few days ago.  Everyone I talk to seems to think I left someone out or put 1 middle infielder on there that has no business on the list.  Let me tell you why you are wrong!

5 players people say SHOULD be on this list


5.) Buddy Bell                    

 Buddy Bell was a great 3rd Baseman, no denying that at all.  He didn't have a powerful bat, but he was a run creator. He had a high OBP (On Base Percentage) and his glove was very nice over on the hot corner.  This was honestly the hardest position to chose from and Buddy Bell is the reason it was so difficult.  Adrian Beltre's stats (although a much smaller history) are well above Double B's. The thing that puts it over the top for me is play in the field.  Adrian Beltre makes routine plays that Buddy couldn't dream of making.  Buddy constantly was in the mid teens to low twenties in errors every year.  Adrian in his 3 years has only committed 28.  Power goes to Adrian, Glove goes to Adrian, and their batting average is about the same. (Adrian's looks to be a little higher, I just don't want to bust the calculator out right now.


 4.) Dean Palmer

Dean Palmer couldn't carry either Beltre or Bell's jock strap.  He was a strikeout machine, hit below .250 in most seasons, and only played in more that 100 games 4 times as a Ranger.  Luckily for him he was a HR hitting corner infielder during an era in Arlington when expectations were not that high. 



3.) Kevin Brown






His best years were performing as a star ace in the National League for Florida, San Diego and Los Angeles through the early 2000s.
He did win 21 games once in Texas and did lead the league in ERA one year. But besides that K.B.'s career in Texas just average.  Only 78 wins while pitching for the Rangers, I definitely think the 5 I listed are much better choices.  He may be 7th because I have Bobby Witt ahead of him.



2.) Julio Franco




 I struggled with this quite a bit.  The only thing I could think of doing is taking A-Rod off my list, moving Young to SS and letting Julio be my 2B. But I just cant do it.  I hate A-Roid as much as the next guy, but 150+ home runs in 3 season!?!?! Sorry even if those numbers are tainted, they happened and I loved it while it was happening. And there is NO WAY I'm taking Michael Young off this list



1.) Will Clark


 Will Clark was sandwiched between Raphael Palmerio.  We were so lucky here in Texas to watch 15 straight seasons off amazing 1B.  Will Clark was everything you wanted from a 1st basemen, Hit for Average, could hit for power, and played good in the field.  But Raphael was all that plus some. Will Clark 77HR in 5 seasons Raphael in 2001-2002 hit 90 and was a perennial All-Star and a Gold Glove winner.  Will Clark was great, but this is a no contest.




So those are my reasons.  Love some feedback on your opinions.  

Major League Baseball is expected to suspend Brewers outfielder Ryan Braun, Yankees infielder Alex Rodriguez and as many as 20 players next week, according to ESPN. Nelson Cruz, Rangers Right Fielder was not named.  Lucky for Cruz and The Rangers because he is on pace for a career year.  22 Homeruns and 67 RBI, he has been the most consistant bat this season in the Rangers lineup so if a suspension were to keep him out for any length of time it would definitely hurt. The punishment could be up to 100 games for Braun and Alex Rodriguez for 2nd offenses. Cruz has been pretty silent during the investigation this year, but has been quoted as saying, "It is a distraction," Cruz said on June 5 about the investigation. “Everywhere I go, people ask me about it. But I don’t want to put whatever happens outside of the game ahead of my job. My job is to go out there every day and play.” Luckily Texas just inked Manny Ramirez to a contract, so the (supposedly) 41 year old slugger could be making his debut in Arlington pretty soon.

There is no team that sticks out this season in the American League as a major hurdle for Texas, all of them have multiple flaws, so I think Texas will still be a contender without Cruz in their lineup.  This may be the excuse needed to get Jurickson Profar out there in an everyday role.

Cruz is a Free Agent next year and is unlikely to return to Texas giving how much money he is going to command, his age, and the slue of young talent Texas needs to place on the big league club.  So just think, depending on the length of suspension and time allowed for an appeal, we could be seeing the final few days of Nelson Cruz's Rangers career. 

What The Heck Are The Dallas Mavericks Doing?

1-2-3 Strikes you're out! No, I am not talking about the Texas Rangers. I am talking about the Dallas Mavericks and their "Planned Powder" (Keeping tons of money available to throw at players that they feel are worthy of being payed that much) approach to the last 2 off seasons.  3 big fish, 3 swings and misses.  Derron Williams, Chris Paul, and Dwight Howard all were on the Mavs radar, and all found their ways to other teams.  Without going too deep into the NBA's CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) the Mavericks declined to bring back major pieces of their 2011 Championship club in 2012.  Letting Tyson Chandler, JJ Barrea, Corey Brewer, and Deshawn Stevenson walk away from the team.  And looked to the summer of 2012 FA market and planned on signing either Derron Williams, Dwight Howard, or possibly both.  But Dwight did not opt out of his contract, making him unavaliable until July of 2013 and Derron Williams decided it would be best to stay in New Jersey rather than come home to Dallas.  So in order to keep their "powder" dry, Mark Cuban signed a team full of 1 year contracts so that in 2013 he would have plenty of money to sign Dwight Howard and Chris Paul.  The 2012-2013 season came and went with the Mavericks missing the playoffs for the first time in over a decade.  That brings us to June 2013.  The Miami Heat win their 2nd straight NBA Championship with their "Big 3" Dallas is ready to sign Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, or maybe both!  But before free agency even begins, Chis Paul announces he will be staying in LA. Fine! Dwight is still coming here.  July 5th 2013, Dwight Howard announces he will be coming to TEXAS TO PLAY FOR THE.................... Houston Rockets? 2 years, 3 big fish, and nothing to show for it.

I understand exactly what Mark Cuban was trying to do.  In fact it is downright brilliant! He has structured contracts and continued to keep Dallas relevant enough that big time free agents actually think long and hard about coming here.  Derron Williams said, "It was the hardest decision I have ever had to make in my life" when asked about his decision to stay in New Jersey. 
Dwight Howard had talked about Dallas being the ideal spot for him for the last 2 seasons.  Even before the Orlando Magic traded him to LA, Dwight wanted to be in Dallas.  But for whatever reason he chose Houston when it came down to it. Mark Cuban is a smart business man, and knows that signing contracts like Joe Johnson for 18million dollars a year and Josh Smith for 15 million a year is not smart.  But the problem is, players looking to come to Dallas don't want to hear what a smart business man Cuban is, they want to see a roster that has a legit shot at contending for a title. And right now a 35 year old blonde haired German who still maybe a stud, but doesn't have a personal relationship with them like other players do just isn't what young athletic player want to see as their Robin.

So here we are again, same position as last year, what does Cuban do? Does he continue the planned powder approach and hope to land Carmelo or LeBron next off season? Or does he sign multiple mid level talents and try to recreate what happened in 2011? Or do we go into complete rebuild mode and blow off the last 3-5 years of Dirk's career?  It appears that Cubes has decided to go with a mixture of plan A Plan B and plan C. He signed Jose Calderon for 4 years and $29,000,000 then locked up former Mavs PG Devin Harris for 3 years and $9,000,000 and next season Dirk Nowitzki is planning on taking a huge pay cut in order to land another big fish.    As of right now on July 8th 2013 the Dallas Mavericks opening day roster looks like the following:

PG- Jose Calderon/Shane Larkin/Ricky Ledo
SG- Vince Carter/Devin Harris
SF-  Jae Crowder/ Shawn Marion
PF-  Dirk Nowitzki
C-   Bernard James


That do anything for you?

Dallas is in a tough situation, it appears that Free Agents don't want to come to Dallas, so regardless of how much money we have to offer, it won't be enough.  Then there is the "planned powder" way that the Mavericks have been doing things.  Mark Cuban may think it's foolish to throw MILLIONS of dollars at guys like Joe Johnson and Josh Smith, but if that's what it takes to attract the Superstars of this league, and he is the only one playing by his set of rules then THAT is what is foolish.

I honestly don't want to see a Super Team in Dallas.  To me there is something special about MY team being led by ONE guy and that guy making everyone else on the team better. Watching Dirk carry the Mavs in 2011 was incredible, everyone played their role and yes they were the BEST "TEAM" that season.  No they didn't have the most talent, but they were more prepared, better coached, and a more cohesive unit than all the teams they played those playoffs. (Portland, LA, OKC, and Miami) There is a reason The Spurs are contenders every year. They have the best front office in the league, the best coach in the game, and most importantly they have the best group of TEAM players in their locker room.

If I were Mark Cuban what would I do? I would have signed both Calderon and Harris.  That is a smart back court and that is what the major problem was last season.  Guys didn't know how to get Dirk the ball.  Both Calderon and Harris can do that.  I would try my hardest to get Omir Asik from Houston or resign Brandon Wright. And look ahead to next year to get your new center via the Draft or try and aquire Larry Sanders, Andrew Bogut, or Greg Monroe. I know the Mavs are talking with Andrew Bynum... PROCEED WITH CAUTION! Bynum has played in 82 games 1 time in his NBA career and the most games he has played other than that is 65. Even scarier to me than the injuries is the head case that is Andrew Bynum.  This is the same guy that gave JJ Barrea a forearm shiver in the 2011 NBA playoffs, then proceeded to take his uniform off and leave the arena.  The guy is just a punk in my opinion. 

I have faith in this organization to get the franchise back on the right track.  But incase they don't I should remind you, I grew up watching and loving the Dallas Maverick teams that were 11-71,  13-69, 20-62..... I am and forever will be a MFFL

Best Sports Movies of My Childhood

Rookie of The Year turns 20 years old this month... Can't believe that! But it got me to thinking about the greatest sports movies of my childhood. Since my boy Chris Arnold has instilled in my brain that "People Love Lists" here is my Top 10 Sports Movies of My Childhood

10.) Lady Bugs

 9.) The Big Green

8.)

 8.) Bad News Bears

7.) Angels In The Outfield

6.) Mights Ducks 1-3

5.) Major League

4.) Space Jam

3.) Rookie of The Year

2.) Little Giants

1.) The Sandlot

Crazy Random NBA Facts

I was lying here thinking last night, "They're really aren't that many teams who have won a Championship In the NBA in my lifetime."  I can honestly sit here and tell you every NBA Champion off the top of my head back to 1970, and I noticed there weren't many new names.  Since 1959 The East have been crowned Champion 33 of the 55 times. But only 7 different franchises have won those 30 titles

Boston- 16
Chicago- 6
Miami-3
Detroit- 3
Philly- 2
New York- 2
Washington-1

The West has won 22 Championships with 8 teams splitting those titles

Los Angeles- 11
San Antonio- 4
Houston- 2
Dallas- 1
Seattle- 1
Milwaukee (They were in the west in 71')- 1
Portland-1
Golden State- 1

So in 55 years there have only been 15 different teams crowned champion and 6 of these teams only won 1 time. Some of the greatest to ever play this game have never won a ring.  It is something special when a player can come and take over the biggest series on the biggest stage in the world.  So whoever you root for, cherish it if they win a championship. Because chances are, they aren't going to win another one for a while. Unless you cheer for LA or Boston because obviously they are going to always be relevant they have accounted for almost 1/2 of the titles won in the last 55 years.

Noteable Players Without Rings

Dave Bing
Tim Hardaway
Lenny Wilkins
George Gervin
Alex English
Reggie Miller
Dominique Wilkins
Patrick Ewing
John Stockton
Karl Malone
Charles Barkley
Steve Nash
Elgin Baylor

5 Reasons To Be Excited About The Dallas Cowboys This Season

If you look up mediocre in the dictionary you will see a Dallas Cowboys logo reading 1996-2012
Since their last SuperBowl victory the Cowboys are 132-124 with 1 playoff victory. Numerous finishes of 8-8 (last 2 seasons) and heartbreaking eliminations when we have such high expectations for them (2007)  But the last 3 off seasons have given me hope, an I believe this year is the year the Cowboys turn things around. The Cowboys have shown a high level of Football intellegence when it comes to free agency and the draft lately.  Signing Brandon Carr, drafting Tyron Smith(2013), Maurice(2012) Claiborne, and Travis Fredrick(2013) this team is in prim postition to make a run this season.  Now I'm not saying this team is going to the SB this year, but for the first time in a long time they are closer to a championship rather than to a high draft pick and here's why:

5.) Young Talent-

There is no question in my mind that The Boys have done an excellent job the last few years in the draft addressing needs and getting "their" guy.

Tyron Smith is
budding into a
true Superstar Tackle in this league. Maurice Claiborne was an excellent Corner last season even after missing training camp with his foot injury.  DeMarco Murray has shown glimpses of being the second coming of Emmit Smith when he is healthy and on the field.  And this year in the draft the Cowboys got their Center of the future in Travis Fredrick. A solid Wide Reciever who I can see being the #2 on this team and a great compliment to Dez Bryant in Terrance Williams.  And another Running Back in Joseph Randle to help take some of the pressure off DeMarco. 

4.) Dan Bailey

No doubt that in a league that is overloaded with 8-8 ball clubs, a kicker is of top priority.  Dan was 29-31 in 2012 and was a major reason why Dallas was able to be in position to possibly clinch the East on the last day of the regular season.  7 of the teams 8 wins last season were by 7 points or less and 6 of those were by 5 points or less.  Bailey has been automatic since he took over for Nick Folk in 2010, and the 25 year old Kicker looks to only be getting better.




3.) Tony Romo-

Now half of you who are reading this are saying, "Joey you are out of your mind" the other half of you are saying, "No question, Romo is an elite QB and will get the Cowboys where they need to be".  I am going to sit on the fence with those two opinions.  I do believe Tony has the ability and skill set to win a Championship.  But I sometimes question if he has the drive to.  Put his stats up against the top Quarterbacks in the game now or ever and they they would look right in place.  But the mistakes Tony makes seem to come at times in the game when you just can't be so careless. Since he has blew up on the scene in 2006 for the Dallas Cowboys, Romo has been compared to many NFL quarterbacks, most noteabley Brett Favre.  I think this is a great comparrisoin honestly.  Early in Brett's career the same things were said about him, "He can't win the big game" "he makes poor decisions" "he's a turnover machine" and all those statements were accurate.  It wasn't until his 7th season that Brett Favre won his first (and only) Super Bowl.  Tony has not been given a lot to work with for 3 out of his first 7 seasons in the league.  I think this year is the year we are going to see exactly what Tony Romo can do when talent is placed around him.

2.)  Dez Bryant-

I know I was not the only one who saw the show Dez Bryant put on the last 8 games of the 2012 season. 900 yards and 10 TD's.  Guess what... Those numbers were just a glimpse of what this guy can actually do.  Looking a Dez up close he is a freak athlete/human.  There is no doubt that he takes excellent care of his body, keeping it in peak physical shape.  Now he has payed his professional career the same attention he has shown his physical stature.  This off season we are seeing a completley different Dez Bryant.  He is focused, driven, and hungry to win.  I believe that he is no going to wait until November to turn it on this season.  He and the Cowboys both know that Dez is capeable of carrying this team on his back into the playoffs.  With a solid running game this season and an offensive line that can give Romo time to find his Superstar, this could be a special! Dez has been quoted as saying that he believes that 2000 yards and 20 touchdowns is not an unrealistic feat and that he can do it.  That seems pretty incredible, there are only 2 guys in the league I think could be capable of pulling those numbers off, and Dez IS one of them. Even if he doesn't reach 2000 yards and 20 TD's, is it crazy to think that Dez could have the best statistical recieving season in franchise history? 1600 yards and 16 touchdowns? If the last 8 games are any indicator, he should have those numbers locked in just before Christmas.

1.) NFC East

I may have been wrong when saying the Cowboys were the definition of mediocre, because I think that this whole division could fall under that category.  The New York Giants have won 2 Super Bowls in the last decade, but they are sandwiched by sub par and underachieving seasons so it is pretty much a toss up what Giants team we will see in 2013.  The Philadelphia Eagles, 1st year without Andy Reid.  Rebuilding with an aging quarterback who's speed and agility has showed to be diminishing at a rapid rate. And finally the Washington Redskins.  This team I could see going 12-4 or 4-12.  Was Alfred Morris a 1 hit wonder? Will RGIII be ready for the season, and if he is will he be 100%? The Redskins came out of nowhere last season to win the division, now that they are on everyone's radar will they be able to live up to the challenge?

People, say what you want about Jerry Jones and how he is not a "Football Guy" and that he needs to go.  There is no doubt that Jerry is the primary reason for the lack of success here over the last 17 years.  But he is also THE reason for ALL the success during the 1990's.  I hear people constantly say, "I would trade 20 years of underachieving if it gaurenteed the Texas Rangers 1 World Series win.  Jerry brought us 3 Super Bowls in the 90's. I  have no problem giving him a pass as long as the effort is there in acquiring talent that he feels can win us a Championship. I think that is what he has done with this team.  This league is filled with 8-8 9-7 teams.  The Boys' are on the right path to advancing past that stage and finding themselves amongst the few teams that are 10-6 11-5, not elite, just right there close enough to make a move and not be fully mind blown if they pull something off.


My prediction for the 2013 season: 11-5 1st in the NFC East

The last month of the schedule is going to be tough, facing Chicago, Green Bay, Washington, and Philly.  But they benefit at the beginning of the year by getting the 3rd place schedule, facing teams like KC, Detroit, Oak, Min, StL. 

Manny Being Manny In Round Rock

Now batting for The Round Rock Express, #99 Manny Ramirez! After a 2 year hiatus from big league action, Manny Ramirez suited up for the Round Rock Express (Texas Rangers AAA Ball Club) and immidiatly lined the first pitch he saw into Right Field for a single. Manny was signed late last week to a minor league deal by the Texas Rangers.  John Daniels in an interview with CBS Dallas Radio Station 105.3 The FAN told Metroplex listeners not to get too excited, that Manny has a long way to go and has no idea whether or not Manny will even get called up to the big league roster. "It's a low risk deal" "We haven't even seen him play" Daniels said.  

Ramirez finished the night 1-3 with a Single, Walk, and strikeout. "Not bad for not playing in two weeks or facing a pitcher," Ramirez told MLB.com after singling to right field on the first pitch he saw from Royals' No. 3 prospect Yordano Ventura.

This outing doesn't exactly have me jumping out of my seat wanting to see Manny in a Rangers uniform right away, but with Lance Berkman on the DL and not playing particularly well anyways, that unlikely scenario may become a reality sooner rather than later!

Texas Rangers All-Time Lineup

I thought I would do something fun to try and get a little reader interaction.  I have thought about this long and hard, and have finally came up with this:

    My Texas Rangers All-Time Roster

Manager-

Love him or love him more, Ron Washington has been the capitan of this ship the last 5 seasons.  Sometimes criticized for being too loyal to his veterans, Ron has turned this team around from being a joke, to a model of how quickly a franchise can turn around.

 

 

P- 

1. Nolan Ryan- One of the All-Time greatest pitchers and MLB's Strikeout King. 

 

2. Charlie Hough- After seeing 100MPH Fastball from Nolan, what could be worse to try and hit than a 65MPH knuckleball from good old Chain-Smoking Charlie who is also the clubs all time wins leader!

 

3. Ferguson Jenkin- 25 wins in 1974 and ranks top 5 in most team pitching categories

 

4. Kenny Rogers- Maybe the biggest jerk on and off the field the Rangers have ever had(Besides Vicente Padilla) but no denying Kenny Rogers was the only good thing for a long time in this rotation

 

5. Colby Lewis- It's crazy to think, but Colby has the most postseason success in club history.  Can't leave him off this list. Even though I wanted to put Bobby Witt in his spot

 

SU- Jeff Russell- Has to be the setup because Wetland is the closer.  But Jeff Russell was lights out for the Rangers with almost 150 saves

 

CL- John Wetteland- No question he would have closed out GAme 6!

C- Ivan Rodriguez- No brainer (Sorry Jim Sundberg) GREATEST CATCHER OF ALL TIME!

 

1B- Rafael Palmerio- Sweetest swing I have ever seen. #2 on Rangers HR list #3 in hits #2 in runs #2 in Games played.  Rafael had he not been caught cheating, would be on the Rangers Mt. Rushmore

 

2B- Michael Young- Mr. Dependable, most underrated player in team history.  The ONLY good thing for many years. The most consistent player in team history and one of the greatest guys the Metroplex has ever known.  Will definitely be in the Rangers HOF soon!

 

3B- Adrian Beltre- Not much work to go by, but talent wise there has not been a better 3B in this town.  Beltre has power, glove, and just an all around smart baseball player

 

SS- Alex Rodriguez- Well I may have spoken too early calling Kenny Rogers the biggest jerk in team history, but there is no denying Alex Rodriguez was a beast during his stint here in Arlington. 156 homeruns in 3 seasons... That is un-real steroids or not

 

LF- Rusty Greer- Mr. Hustle, career cut short but well on his way to being one of the greats. Some say 3000 hits, I don't think he would have reached that, but there is no question he would have been up there with Michael and Pudge

 

CF- Josh Hamilton- Had Nelson Cruz caught that ball in Game 6 Josh Hamilton would still be a Texas Ranger.  Josh Hamilton WON the World Series for us in 2011 until David Freese Un-Won it.  Josh could have done whatever he wanted for the rest of his career here had they won that game and nobody would have said a word.  But.... Well they didn't and he quit on us the next season. But there is no taking away the fact that Josh Hamilton revived baseball in Arlington and brought this franchise to heights it had never seen. All while battling; Drug addiction, alcohol addiction, infidelity, Blue eyes, and tobacco use. 

 

RF- Juan Gonzalez-  Wow there are a lot of Jerks on this list.  I questioned leaving Juan Gonzalez off this list because, well... He wants nothing to do with this franchise now. But I can't.  My life as a kid revolved around Texas Rangers Baseball and Juan is one of the reasons I love this game so much.  370HR's 1200RBI 1400Games and I think I saw every single one of them.  (well 80%) 

DH- Ruben Sierra- Another guy who would have been AMAZING had injuries not got the best of him.  Ruben would have been a MLB Hall of Famer.  He was truly a 5 tool player, Hit for Power, Hit for Average, Speed, Defense, and an arm. Ruben could do it all, and even at 50% still had enough talent to play until he was 42 years old

 

Lineup

1.)Michael Young

2.)Ivan Rodriguez

3.)Josh Hamilton

4.)Juan Gonzalez

5.)Rafael Palmerio

6.)Alex Rodriguez

7.)Adrian Beltre

8.)Ruben Sierra

9.)Rusty Greer

 

 

Honorable Mentions

Dean Palmer

Buddy Bell

Bobby Witt

Johnny Oats

Ian Kinsler

Jim Sundberg

Julio Franco

Toby Harrah

Tom Grieve