World Series by Longview News-Journal

SECTION C

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 27, 2010

WORLD SERIES PREVIEW

FINALLY! Paul Sancya AP Photo

GAME 1 GAME 2 GAME 3 GAME 4 GAME 5* GAME 6* GAME 7* TODAY

RANGERS AT GIANTS 6:57 P.M.

THURSDAY

RANGERS AT GIANTS 6:57 P.M.

SATURDAY

GIANTS AT RANGERS 5:57 P.M.

SUNDAY

GIANTS AT RANGERS 7:20 P.M.

MONDAY

GIANTS AT RANGERS 5:57 P.M.

NOV. 3

RANGERS AT GIANTS 6:57 P.M.

NOV. 4

RANGERS AT GIANTS 6:57 P.M.

* If necessary; all games on Fox

World SerieS

Longview News-Journal, Wednesday, October 27, 2010

1960 O Oct. 26, 1960: American League awards expansion franchise to Washington, D.C. following transfer of Calvin Griffith’s franchise to Minnesota. O Nov. 17, 1960: General Elwood R. (Pete) Quesada’s bid for the Washington franchise is approved by American League.

1961 O April 10, 1961: President John F. Kennedy throws out the first pitch as 26,724 watch the Washington Senators lose to the Chicago White Sox 4-3 at Griffith Stadium in the franchise’s first game.

1962 O April 9, 1962: The Senators beat Detroit 4-1 in first game at new District of Columbia Stadium (renamed Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium in 1969). O July 10, 1962: The first of two 1962 All-Star Games comes to D.C. Stadium as the National League beats the American League, 3-1, before 45,480. O Sept. 18, 1962: The American League holds a meeting in New York to explore the possibilities of major league baseball coming to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Although the idea is deemed worthy, league owners reject Kansas City A’s owner Charley Finley’s attempt to move his team to the metroplex.

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Rangers Timeline

be called the Texas Rangers.

1972

O April 6, 1972: The Rangers’ inaugural game is postponed by a players’ strike. 1963 1967 O April 15, 1972: The Rangers O Jan. 29, 1963: James H. Johnston, James H. O June 12, 1967: The Senators beat Chicago, 6-5, in 22 lose at California, 1-0, in the team’s first game. Catcher Hal Lemon, and George M. Bunker buy out Quesada and four innings. The game lasted six hours, 38 minutes and ended King singles off Andy Messersmith for the first base hit in others to become majority owners of the Senators. at 2:43 a.m., causing the league to adopt a curfew stating Texas history. that no inning may start after 1 a.m. O April 16, 1972: Pete Broberg beats the Angels, 5-1, 1964 O Nov. 1967: The Senators draft shortstop Toby for the first victory in club history. Harrah from the Phillies farm club in Reading, Pa. O Sept. 1964: Construction begins on 10,000-seat O April 21, 1972: The Rangers beat the Angels, 7-6, Turnpike Stadium in Arlington. The ballpark would serve before a crowd of 20,105 in first game for the franchise 1968 as home of the Dallas-Fort Worth entry in the Texas at Arlington Stadium. Frank Howard homers in the first League and, eight years later, the Texas Rangers. O April 19, 1968: After a five-hour meeting in Chicago, inning for Texas. the National League approves expansion to Montreal O July 25, 1972: Toby Harrah becomes the first 1965 and San Diego. Dallas-Fort Worth fails in its bid for an NL Ranger selected to the all-star team. O Jan. 1965: Johnston and Lemon buy out Bunker and franchise. O Sept. 30, 1972: Ted Williams retires as Rangers O Dec. 3, 1968: Robert E. Short, the Democratic Naother partners to gain complete control of the franchise. manager. Whitey Herzog, director of player development tional Committee Treasurer, purchases majority interest for the New York Mets, is named as Williams’ successor. O April 23, 1965: The Dallas-Fort Worth Spurs beat of the Washington Senators at the winter meetings in San Albuquerque before 7,231 in the first game at Turnpike Francisco. 1973 Stadium.

1966

1969

O June 1966: Washington selects Pittsfield (Mass.) outfielder Tom Grieve as its top choice in the June free agent draft. Grieve would go on to a fine career with the Senators and Rangers and later become the club’s general manager.

O Jan. 18, 1969: Ted Williams is appointed manager of the Senators. O July 23, 1969: The National League scores a 9-3 win in the AllStar Game before 45,259 at R.F.K. Stadium. O Oct. 1, 1969: The Senators close out the season with an 86-76 record after finishing 32 games under .500 a year earlier. The turnaround earns Ted Williams AL Ted Manager of the Year honors. Frank Williams Howard finishes with 48 homers and places fourth in the MVP voting. Dick Bosman wins the ERA title at 2.19.

1970 O Oct. 1970: Frank Howard captures two-thirds of the Triple Crown with 44 homers and 126 RBIs and finishes fifth in the MVP balloting. Expansion begins at Turnpike Stadium to enlarge seating capacity to 20,000.

O June 5, 1973: Texas selects lefthanded pitcher David Clyde as the nation’s top draft choice in the June free-agent draft. O June 27, 1973: Just 20 days out of Houston’s Westchester High School, 18-year-old David Clyde makes his Major League debut David against the Minnesota Twins. He Clyde walks the first two batters he faces before fanning three straight and he goes on to post a 4-3 victory before a crowd of 35,698. O July 30, 1973: Jim Bibby throws the first no-hitter in team history by blanking the A’s, 6-0. Bibby fans 13 to beat Oakland ace Vida Blue. O Sept. 8, 1973: Herzog is replaced by former Detroit skipper Billy Martin as Rangers manager. O Oct. 26, 1973: The Rangers acquire righthander Fergie Jenkins from the Chicago Cubs for third baseman Bill Madlock and second baseman Vic Harris.

1974

O May 29, 1974: Bradford G. Corbett forms a group and purchases franchise from Bob Short. Corbett selects 1971 former Yankees infielder Bobby Brown as team president. O Sept. 20, 1971: Short receives approval from AL O Aug. 30, 1974: Second baseman Dave Nelson ties a owners to move the franchise from Washington, D.C. to Major League record by stealing second, third and home Arlington, Texas for the 1972 season. in the first inning against Cleveland’s Dick Bosman. O Sept. 30, 1971: The final game for Washington O Oct. 2, 1974: Texas finishes with an 84-76 record, in Senators is forfeited to the Yankees when fans stream second place, five games behind eventual world champion onto the field with two out in the ninth inning with Sena- Oakland. First baseman Mike Hargrove is the league tors, leading, 7-5. Rookie of the Year, Jeff Burroughs is the AL MVP, Billy O Oct. 1971: With the coming of Major League Martin is the Manager of the Year, and Ferguson Jenkins Baseball, Turnpike Stadium is enlarged to a 35,694 seating is the Comeback Player of the Year, second only to the A’s capacity and renamed Arlington Stadium. O Nov. 23, 1971: Short announces the franchise will See TIMELINE, Page 3C

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Longview News-Journal, Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Timeline

National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. O Sept. 26, 1999: The Rangers defeat Oakland, 10-3, to clinch the American League West Division title. O Oct. 9, 1999: The New York Yankees win their ninth straight playoff game against the Rangers, completing their second straight three-game sweep of the Rangers in the AL Division Series with a 3-0 win at The Ballpark in Arlington. O Nov. 18, 1999: Ivan Rodriguez wins the 1999 BBWAA AL Most Valuable Player Award.

From Page 2C

Catfish Hunter in Cy Young voting.

1975 O July 21, 1975: Billy Martin is fired as Texas manager after leading the team to a 44-51 record. Third base coach Frank Lucchesi takes over on an interim basis and guides the team to a 35-32 record (79-83 overall).

2000

1976

O Dec. 11, 2000: Alex Rodriguez signs a 10-year, $252 million contract with Texas at the age of 25.

O June 25, 1976: Shortstop Toby Harrah plays a complete doubleheader without handling a chance in the field, a major league record. O December 1976: The Rangers and the City of Arlington agree on a two-year program to renovate and enlarge Arlington Stadium to 42,000.

O Oct. 1, 2002: Jerry Narron is dismissed as Rangers manager after a 72-90 season. O Oct. 11, 2002: The Rangers hire Buck Showalter as 16th full-time manager in club history.

2002

2003

1977 O May 15, 1977: Willie Horton becomes the first Ranger to hit three home runs in one game in a 7-3 victory over Kansas City. O June 22, 1977: After a 31-31 start, Frank Lucchesi is replaced as manager by Eddie Stanky, who guides the club to a 10-8 win over Minnesota but steps down after just one game. O June 23, 1977: Rangers coach Connie Ryan takes over as interim manager. O June 28, 1977: Billy Hunter, in his 14th year as a coach with the Baltimore Orioles, takes over as manager of the Rangers. He would guide the club to a 60-33 (.645) over the remainder of the season. O Aug. 8, 1977: Texas turns the first triple play in team history. With runners on first and second, Oakland’s Manny Sanguillen grounds to third baseman Toby Harrah, who steps on third and throws to Bump Wills at second for the force. Wills relays to Mike Hargrove at first to complete the triple play. O Aug. 27, 1977: On consecutive pitches by New York pitcher Ken Clay, Toby Harrah and Bump Wills hit insidethe-park home runs at Yankee Stadium. O Sept. 22, 1977: Bert Blyleven throws the Rangers’ second no-hitter by blanking the Angels at Anaheim, 6-0.

O July 15, 2003: Rangers third baseman Hank Blalock gave the American League an All-Star Game victory — and home-field advantage in the World Series — by slugging a two-run home run in the eighth inning off Dodgers closer Eric Gagne AP Photo at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

Texas Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan holds Chicago White Sox player Robin Ventura in a headlock and hits him repeatedly during a game on Aug. 4, 1993. Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez attempts to pull Ventura off. O Aug. 22, 1989: Nolan Ryan strikes out Oakland’s Rickey Henderson to become the first pitcher in Major League history to record 5,000 career strikeouts.

1990 O June 11, 1990: At Oakland, Nolan Ryan pitches his sixth career no-hitter in a 5-0 shutout over the A’s. O July 31, 1990: Nolan Ryan defeats the Brewers, 11-3, at Milwaukee for his 300th career victory. O Oct. 24, 1990: The Rangers and the City of Arlington announce plans to build a new ballpark and complex adjacent to the Arlington Stadium location.

1978

1991

O Oct. 1, 1978: Pat Corrales, a Texas coach since 1975, replaces Billy Hunter as manager before the final game of the season. The Rangers down the Mariners, 9-4, in Corrales’ debut. O Dec. 3, 1978: Texas trades Toby Harrah to the Indians for all-star third baseman Buddy Bell.

O Jan. 19, 1991: City of Arlington voters approve a one-half cent sales tax to finance up to $135 million of municipal bonds for construction of ballpark complex. O May 1, 1991: Nolan Ryan throws his seventh career no-hitter in a 3-0 win over Toronto at Arlington Stadium. His seven no-hitters are a Major League record and at 44 years, three months and one day, Ryan is the oldest pitcher ever to throw a no-hitter. O Oct 30., 1991: Official groundbreaking ceremony takes place for new ballpark complex.

1980

Eddie Chiles

O April 29, 1980: Corbett sells majority interest in Rangers to H.E. (Eddie) Chiles. O May 3, 1980: Fergie Jenkins becomes the fourth pitcher in history to win 100 games in each league when he downs Baltimore, 3-2, at Arlington Stadium. O Nov. 12, 1980: Former Senator Don Zimmer is named as the Rangers’ eighth manager.

1981 O April 30, 1981: Lefthander Rick Honeycutt sets a club record with his fourth consecutive shutout, a 7-0 five-hitter over the Royals at Arlington Stadium. O May 25, 1981: Bill Stein sets an AL record with his seventh consecutive pinch hit, breaking the mark of Baltimore’s Bob Johnson. O June 11, 1981: Fergie Jenkins and the Rangers blow a 3-1 sixth-inning lead as the Brewers rally for a 6-3 victory on the last day before the players’ strike. Had Texas held on to win, it would have remained in first place and clinched a playoff spot.

1982 O July 4-7-10, 1982: Larry Parrish ties a Major League record with three grand slams in one week. In 10 games, Parrish collects 19 RBIs and bats .514 (18-35). O July 28, 1982: Don Zimmer is dismissed as Rangers’ manager. Coach Darrell Johnson is named interim manager. O Nov. 1, 1982: Former Astros third baseman Doug Rader is tabbed as Rangers skipper.

1992 O April 24, 1992: Actual construction begins on new ballpark with the first game to take place on Opening Day, 1994. O July 9, 1992: Bobby Valentine is dismissed as manager, and replaced on an interim basis by Toby Harrah. A week later, Harrah accepts the position on a full-time basis. O Oct. 26, 1992: Kevin Kennedy is appointed as Rangers manager.

1993 O Aug 4, 1993: Chicago White Sox batter Robin Ventura rushes the mound after being hit by a Nolan Ryan pitch. Ryan, 20 years his senior, grabbed Ventura in a headlock and pummeled hims with punches. Ventura was ejected. O Sept. 12, 1993: Nolan Ryan pitches his final game at Arlington Stadium on “Nolan Ryan Appreciation Day.” The Twins post a 4-2 win over the Rangers, but following the game, Ryan is honored in an on-field ceremony. O Oct. 3, 1993: The Royals defeat the Rangers, 4-1, before 41,039 at the final game in Arlington Stadium history. Arlington Stadium closes its doors after hosting Major League Baseball for 22 years.

1994

O April 1, 1994: The Rangers play the first game at The Ballpark in Arlington, losing to the New York Mets in an exhibition contest, 10-7. O April 11, 1994: The Rangers fall to Milwaukee, 4-3, in the first regular-season game at The Ballpark in 1983 Arlington. O July 28, 1994: Kenny Rogers O July 3, 1983: The Rangers set a Major League becomes the first Ranger pitcher record by scoring 12 runs in an extra inning. Texas sent 16 to throw a perfect game, blanking batters to the plate in the 15th inning at Oakland to post the Angels, 4-0, at The Ballpark in a 16-4 victory. Arlington. O Aug. 11, 1983: The City of Arlington and the RangO Oct. 14, 1994: Johnny Oates, ers announce a new option contract giving the ballclub manager of the Baltimore Orioles complete control of Arlington Stadium. since 1991, is named as the 14th fullO Oct. 1983: The Rangers finish the season with a time manager in Rangers history. 3.31 ERA and a .962 fielding percentage, both best in the American League. 1995

1984

1996

O Sept. 15, 1996: Texas retires Nolan Ryan’s uniform O April 29, 1985: Larry Parrish hits three homers as number 34, the first retired number in franchise history. Texas beats the Yankees, 7-5, at Arlington Stadium. It is O Sept. 27, 1996: The Rangers clinch their first the fourth time in his career for Parrish to accomplish the postseason appearance in franchise history as Seattle feat and becomes the fifth player in Major League history loses to Oakland, giving Texas the American League West to do it in both leagues. Division championship. O May 16, 1985: Bobby O Oct 1. 1996: The Rangers play the first postseaValentine is named to succeed Doug son game in franchise history, defeating the New York Rader as Rangers manager. Yankees, 6-2, in Game 1 of the American League Division O July 23, 1985: Oddibe Series at Yankee Stadium. McDowell becomes the first Ranger O Oct. 4, 1996: Playoff baseball finally comes to ever to hit for the cycle with a Arlington, but the Yankees score two runs in the ninth 5-for-5 effort against the Cleveland inning for a 3-2 victory over Texas before 50,860 at The Indians at Arlington Stadium. His Bobby Ballpark in Arlington. eight consecutive hits (three the Valentine O Nov. 1996: Johnny Oates becomes the first Texas previous game) tie a team record. manager to win the BBWAA AL Manager of the Year 1987 award. Juan Gonzalez, who set team records with 47 homers and 144 RBIs, becomes the second Rangers O Nov. 3, 1987: The Rangers purchase Arlington player to win the BBWAA AL Most Valuable Player award. Stadium from the City of Arlington. O Dec. 16, 1996: John Wetteland, the 1996 World 1988 Series MVP with the Yankees, signs a four-year contract O Dec. 7, 1988: 41-year-old pitcher Nolan Ryan signs to pitch for the Rangers. with the Rangers as a free agent.

1989 O March 18, 1989: An investor group led by George W. Bush and Edward W. (Rusty) Rose purchases controlling interest in the Rangers from Eddie Chiles.

Hank

O The Rangers enjoyed a Blalock dramatic turnaround in 2004 by O June 30, 1997: Bobby Witt hits a solo homer off winning 89 games and finishing just three games back in Ismael Valdes at Dodger Stadium, the first American the American League West. Buck Showalter engineered League pitcher to go deep in a regular season game since the Texas renaissance and was named AL Manager of the Baltimore’s Roric Harrison on Oct. 3, 1972 (first game) at Year. The Rangers had five All-Stars: shortstop Michael Cleveland. It is the first home run by a pitcher in Texas Young, third baseman Hank Blalock, second baseman Rangers history. Alfonso Soriano, starting pitcher Kenny Rogers and closer Francisco Cordero. First baseman Mark Teixeira and Soria1998 no picked up Silver Slugger Awards and Rogers earned his O Jan. 7, 1998: An investor group led by Thomas third Gold Glove. The Rangers were in first place as late O. Hicks agrees to acquire the Rangers in a $250 million as Aug. 5, thanks largely to the dynamic offense provided transaction. by their infield and the solid work of the bullpen. Each O June 10, 1998: Major League owners unanimously member of the starting infield — Teixeira, Soriano, Young approve transfer of ownership of Texas Rangers to and Blalock — went past the 20-homer plateau. Texas was Thomas O. Hicks at Major League meetings in Seattle. only the second club in Major League history to have all O Sept. 25, 1998: The Rangers clinch American four starting infielders record more than 20 homers. League West Division Championship in Seattle when O Feb. 16, 2004: Baseball Commissioner Allan H. Anaheim loses to Oakland. (Bud) Selig approves the trade of Alex Rodriguez to the O Oct. 2, 1998: The New York Yankees complete a New York Yankees in exchange for Alfonso Soriano and a three-game sweep of the Rangers in AL Division Series player to be named later (minor league shortstop Joaquin with a 4-0 win at The Ballpark in Arlington. The game is Arias.) delayed 3 hours, 16 minutes in the sixth inning due to rain. O July 13, 2004: Alfonso Soriano is named the 2004 All-Star Game Most Valuable Player after going 2-for-3 1999 with a three-run home run. He becomes the first Major O Jan. 5, 1999: Nolan Ryan is elected to the National League player to win the Top Vote-Getter award and the All-Star Game’s MVP award in the same summer. Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He announced that he will be the first Hall of Famer to ever 2005 have a Texas Rangers cap on his plaque in Cooperstown, O Michael Young won the American League batN.Y. ting championship; first baseman Mark Teixeira won a O April 29, 1999: Tom Schieffer resigns as Rangers Gold Glove and set a Major League record for RBI by a President. O May 7, 1999: Jim Lites named Rangers president. See TIMELINE, Page 4C O July 25, 1999: Nolan Ryan inducted into the

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O July 11, 1995: The Rangers host the 66th All-Star Game at The O Sept. 30, 1984: California’s Mike Witt becomes the 13th pitcher in big league history to pitch a perfect game Ballpark in Arlington, as the National League posts a 3-2 when he retires 27 straight Rangers at Arlington Stadium. victory over the American League.

1985

2004

1997

O June 12, 1997: The San Francisco Giants defeat the Rangers, 4-3, before 46,507 at The Ballpark in Arlington in the first regular season Interleague game in Major League history. Darren Oliver throws the first pitch.

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Timeline

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game of a doubleheader in Baltimore.

2008

From Page 3C

switch-hitter; and the Rangers sent four players to the All-Star Game. But they still won 10 less games than the year before and finished in third place in the American League West with a record of 79-83. The Rangers hit 260 home runs, the second most in Major League history, but their pitching staff had a 4.96 ERA, the third highest in the American League. The Rangers were 46-40 at the All-Star break, five games out of first place. But they fell out of contention with a 1-12 roadtrip in August. The season saw the Rangers boast seven players with at least 20 homers each en route to setting a club record for homers at home. Kenny Rogers led the team in wins (14) and ERA (3.46). Mark Teixeira paced Texas’ red-hot offense with 43 home runs and 144 RBIs. O Sept. 18, 2005: The Rangers hit five homers, including blasts by David Dellucci, Alfonso Soriano, Rod Barajas and two by Teixeira — one from each side of the plate — to up the season total at home to a Major Leaguerecord 152 home runs and complete the four-game sweep. O Dec. 27, 2005: The Rangers sign free-agent righthander Kevin Millwood to anchor their starting rotation for next season. In 2005, Millwood posted an AL-best 2.86 ERA while with the Indians.

2006 O Michael Young was the Most Valuable Player in the All-Star Game with a two-run triple in the top of the ninth that gave the American League a 3-2 victory. The Rangers still finished 80-82 and manager Buck Showalter was replaced at the end of the year by Oakland third base coach Ron Washington. Young set a new team record with 52 doubles. The team led the Majors with 357 doubles, another club record. O April 28, 2006: Kevin Mench homers in his 7th consecutive game, becoming the first right-handed batter in ML history to accomplish that feat. O July 11, 2006: Michael Young named All-Star Game MVP with two-run, game-winning triple in the ninth inning at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park. O Sept. 13, 2006: Gary Matthews Jr. becomes the third Ranger to hit for the cycle in a 4-4, three RBI effort against Detroit at Comerica Park. O Oct. 4, 2006: Buck Showalter dismissed as manager. O Nov. 6, 2006: Ron Washington is named the 17th full-time manager in club history.

2007 O March 2, 2007: Rangers sign shortstop Michael Young to a contract extension through 2013. O March 19, 2007: Club’s home renamed Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Ron O Aug. 11, 2007: Rusty Greer Washington is inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame prior to a 3-0 loss to Tampa Bay at Rangers Ballpark. O Aug. 22, 2007: The Rangers establish several modern Major League records with a 30-3 win in the first

O Feb. 6, 2008: Nolan Ryan returns to the Rangers as club president, just the third Hall of Famer to hold that position in Major League history. O Feb. 19, 2008: Ian Kinsler signs a five-year $22 million contract extension. O June 26, 2008: Former Longview Lobo Chris Davis made his Nolan Major League debut, earning a proRyan motion from Triple-A Oklahoma City and joining the Rangers in Houston for a game. He came off the bench to collect an infield single in his first official at-bat, and later came around to score. Davis hit .285 in 80 games in 2008 with 17 home runs, 55 RBI, 23 doubles and two triples to earn Ranger Rookie of the Year honors. He spent part of the 2009 season with the Rangers, hitting .238 with 21 home runs and 59 RBI, and began the 2010 season as the starter at first base. He was back-and-forth between Oklahoma City and Arlington, but finished the season with the Rangers and has traveled with the team throughout the postseason. O July 14, 2008: Josh Hamilton sets a record with 28 home runs in the first round of the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game in Yankee Stadium. O Nov. 6, 2008: Michael Young wins his first Gold Glove for defensive excellence at shortstop.

2009 O April 15, 2009: Ian Kinsler becomes the fourth Rangers player to hit for the cycle when he goes 6-for-6 in a 19-6 victory over the Orioles. O June 10, 2009: The Rangers exercise their 2010 option on manager Ron Washington. O July 14, 2009: Michael Young, selected to the American League All-Star team for the sixth consecutive year, makes his first start when he replaces Evan Longoria at third base in St. Louis. O Aug. 18, 2009: Catcher Ivan Rodriguez is acquired from the Houston Astros and makes his first appearance with the Rangers since 2002.

2010 O Jan. 11, 2010: Rangers sign veteran outfielder Vladimir Guerrero to a one-year contract with a mutual option for 2011. O June 16, 2010: Rangers third baseman Michael Young hits a bases-loaded, two-out single against the Marlins, marking his 1,748th hit as a Ranger and making him the franchise’s new All-Time Hits Leader. O July 1, 2010: Rangers acquire catcher Bengie Molina in a trade with the San Francisco Giants. O July 9, 2010: Rangers acquire Michael left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee and Young right-handed reliever Mark Lowe from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for first baseman Justin Smoak and Minor Leaguers Blake Beavan, Josh Lueke and Matt Lawson.

AP File Photo

Chris Davis of Longview runs down the third-base line to score a run in his first game as a Texas Ranger against the Houston Astros on June 26, 2008. O July 16, 2010: Bengie Molina becomes the fifth player in Rangers history to hit for the cycle in an 8-4 win over the Red Sox. Molina has a single in the second inning, a double in the fourth, a grand slam in the fifth and completes the cycle with a triple in the eighth. He becomes just the eighth player in baseball history to hit a grand slam and hit for the cycle in the same game. O Aug. 12, 2010: Major League Baseball unanimously approves the sale of the Texas Rangers from Thomas O. Hicks to the group led by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan. The new Texas ownership group is called Rangers Baseball Express. O Sept. 23, 2010: Michael Young becomes the fourth player in Rangers history to play 1,500 games with the club. Previous Rangers include Rafael Palmeiro (1,573), Jim Sundberg (1,512) and Ivan Rodriguez (1,507). O Sept. 25, 2010: The Rangers defeat the Oakland A’s, 4-3, to clinch the AL West Division title and secure a playoff berth for the first time since 1999. O Oct. 12, 2010: On the shoulders of an 11-strikeout complete game from Cliff Lee, the Rangers defeat the Tampa Bay Rays, 5-1, in Game 5 of the ALDS to earn a berth in the 2010 American League Championship Series. It is the first ALCS appearance in Texas Rangers franchise history. O Oct. 22, 2010: The Rangers defeat the New York Yankees, 6-1, in Game 6 of the ALCS to win the series and advance to the 2010 World Series. Josh Hamilton is named ALCS MVP. Josh Hamilton is named MVP of the ALCS.

AP Photo

Series offers intriguing matchup despite lack of household names NEW YORK (AP) — Their games often end ren said. “As a series builds, you get to six or way past bedtime for most of the nation. The seven games, you’ll be fine.” biggest names linked to them — Nolan Ryan, While both teams are in sizable markets George W. Bush, Willie Mays and Barry Bonds — Dallas-Fort Worth ranks fifth and the Bay — won’t be on the field. Area is sixth, according to Nielsen — they play And yet the World Series matchup of Texas many of their games in the Pacific time zone and San Francisco could be intriguing, despite and they are rarely on national television. what all the TV ratings people say. If only fans When Barry Larkin went home to Orlando, around the country knew these two teams bet- Fla., in seasons that his Cincinnati Reds missed ter. the playoffs, the All-Star shortstop saw just how The World Series opens tonight with story much the identity of the teams swayed interest lines to spare but not a lot of household names, in the World Series. With no home team to root putting it in danger of drawing some of the for, Orlando residents were intrigued only by a lowest television ratings in its few clubs that were from the re“For years, fans said, gion, generated national appeal history. The Rangers have MVP canor had a minor-league affiliate ‘We want parity.’ didate Josh Hamilton, who nearby. overcame substance abuse. Gi“When those teams were inWell, you got it.” ants ace Tim Lincecum was his volved, there was much more Ed Goren league’s best pitcher two years of a buzz in that area,” said Fox Sports vice chairman running. Larkin, who retired in 2004 and Texas has never been to the now works as an analyst for World Series. The Giants last won it in 1954 — MLB Network. “When they were not, it was so before they left New York for San Francisco. obvious that people could care less.” It’s the reality of baseball in the 21st century: Larkin, who won a World Series in 1990, beSome teams lure the viewers, and some don’t. lieves players such as Lincecum and Hamilton A Philadelphia-Tampa World Series in 2008 set lack the star power to attract casual fans dea record low. A year later, with the New York spite their dominant statistics. Yankees replacing the Rays as the Phillies’ op“I think they are not because of the way ponent, the average rating jumped nearly 40 baseball markets its players,” Larkin said. “It percent. markets its teams as opposed to marketing “The whole world wanted to see the Phillies players.” and Yankees in the World Series,” Giants first A player like Derek Jeter is far more famous baseman Aubrey Huff said after his team won for winning championships with the Yankees the National League pennant. “But you know than for his batting average or home runs. what? It’s time for new blood.” “Individually you get recognition within the Fox Sports Vice Chairman Ed Goren, whose team concept,” Larkin said. network televises the series, recalled the reCasual fans tuning in to this World Series frain of baseball fans just over a decade ago: may be more likely to recognize Texas’ cur“The Yankees just bought another World Se- rent owner Nolan Ryan, or the 43rd president, ries.” the team’s former owner. Mays and Bonds may “For years, fans said, ‘We want parity,’” Go- outshine the current Giants from the stands. ren said Monday on a conference call. “Well, In 2002, while Bonds was still playing for you got it.” San Francisco, the Giants and Angels met in He noted that in the last six World Series, the the World Series and even went the full seven only team to appear more than once was the games. They still averaged what at the time Phillies in 2008 and ‘09. While Goren expressed was a record-low rating. the required confidence of a TV executive that About 3 million cable TV subscribers in the this matchup would fare just fine in the rat- New York area — out of the nation’s nearly 115 ings, he acknowledged that it took longer for million homes with televisions — won’t even fans to warm up to teams they were less famil- be able to watch the World Series unless Fox iar with. and Cablevision settle their dispute. Goren MLB almost got a rematch of that enticing called the effect “nominal.” pairing this season. Instead, Texas and San Fox play-by-play announcer Joe Buck jokes Francisco pulled upsets in the League Cham- that he visits Dallas nearly every week durpionship Series. ing NFL season to call Cowboys games. The If the Yankees or Red Sox or Cubs or Dodg- network has never sent him to Texas to cover ers are in the World Series, there’s a hook for a Rangers game, proving it’s not just about casual fans from the start. Networks need market size but the marketability of certain competitive games and long series for viewers teams. to be lured in when the teams lack national folIf the series just goes long enough, Buck lowings. hopes fans will learn to love these two unfa“Initially, it’ll be lower, I would think,” Go- miliar teams.

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Longview News-Journal, Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Ryan has obvious influence on Rangers’ first World Series SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — For all the influence Nolan Ryan has on Texas Rangers pitchers, there is one thing the Hall of Famer can’t do. “It would be nice if he could sprinkle some magic dust on me and I could throw 100 miles an hour,” said C.J. Wilson, who won 15 games and threw 204 innings after moving from the bullpen to the rotation this season. While Ryan is unable to magically turn every pitcher into a flame-thrower like he was — and looks as if he could still be at age 63 after that ceremonial first pitch he fired to start the Rangers’ first-ever AL championship series — the old-school principles that made the Ryan Express so great do still apply 17 years after he threw his last pitch. Tonight, Ryan will be sitting in the front row when the Rangers play their first World Series game. They had never won a postseason series or even a home playoff game before this season. Ryan commanded the mound with toughness and an unmatched work ethic during a record 27 seasons pitching, and as team president and part-owner wants Rangers pitchers to approach the game the same way. Forget the coddling of pitchers that has become so common. The thought in Texas is to throw often and for starters to try to finish games, even in Rangers Ballpark with its reputation as a hitter’s haven and where the summer heat can be brutal. “The proof’s on the field. Nolan has done a lot for that,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “We’ve shown that anybody with talent and makeup and work ethic can get it done.” Ryan got to pitch in the World Series only once, as a 22-year-old reliever for the Amazin’ Mets in 1969. He hasn’t even attended a World Series since 2005 with the Houston Astros, another team he worked for after playing there. The team ERA of 3.93 was the lowest for Texas since 1990, when Ryan was still pitching for the Rangers, and the club set a record with 1,181 strikeouts. They’ve been even better in the playoffs with a 2.76 ERA and 107 strikeouts in 11 games. “The drive that everybody

AP File Photo

This Oct. 6, 1969, file photo shows New York Mets pitcher Nolan Ryan, left, and catcher Jerry Grote celebrating after defeating the Atlanta Braves to win the National League pennant at Shea Stadium in New York. Ryan got to pitch in the World Series only once — as a 22-year-old for the 1969 New York Mets. Now he is already there as a part-owner of the Texas Rangers, who have definitely been molded by the Hall of Fame pitcher”s old-school philosophy. has seen from what he’s put in from the past, it’s easy to follow,” said Colby Lewis, who returned from two seasons in Japan to throw a career-high 201 innings. “You take everything he says and try to apply it to yourself. It’s actually really awesome to have him around,” Wilson said. “When you have a front office guy or a GM, or now a team owner, that has the experience and knows what it’s really like to be on the field, it gives a whole different level of credibility when he asks you to do something.” The only plaque in Cooperstown with a Texas “T” on it belongs to Ryan, the only Rangers player whose number has been retired by the team. Ryan was already in his 40s when he joined the Rangers planning to pitch one more season to end his career. He finally retired after five seasons there. He threw the last two of his seven non-hitters and notched his 300th victory and 5,000th strikeout in that span, though he never got to pitching in the postseason for Texas. When the American League championship trophy was presented to the Rangers last week, it was first given to Ryan, who then raised the

prize up in the air. “It shouldn’t have been and couldn’t have been any other way,” said Chuck Greenberg, the team’s managing partner. “With what he means and has meant to this community for so long, it really completed the circle.” The ALCS began with Ryan on the mound, when before Game 1, the all-time strikeout king gave that familiar leg kick and fired in a heater and drew a roaring ovation from the crowd. Ryan came away smiling. Ryan is such a visible part

of the Rangers, sitting in the front row near the dugout where television cameras easily and often show him watching and reacting to his team on the field. And while his imprint on the team is obvious, Ryan is not an overwhelming presence in the clubhouse. One of the things he did after his first season as president was hire pitching coach Mike Maddux, who believes in the same old-school pitching philosophies. “He really picks his spots, and I think he is respectful of

(manager Ron Washington) and the coaches, maybe to a fault, because he’s been in the clubhouse, he knows the chain of command, the hierarchy,” Daniels said. “When he’s got something he wants to deliver, I think he might go through Mike at times, but he also certainly shares his experience, and his feelings, his thoughts. It’s kind of a unique relationship.” Reliever Derek Holland says you have to seek Ryan out for advice. He’s talked to Ryan about workouts and keeping focused on the mound. “He’s not going to come to you and tell you what you should be doing,” Holland said. “And when he talks you really want to listen.” Ryan said he doesn’t want to be a micro-manager, instead preferring to hire good people, let them do their jobs and support them. Greenberg said the bond Ryan has with the coaches and players is obvious. “He’s walked in their shoes and he understands all that’s gone on, and he relates to them on the highest possible level,” Greenberg said. Given his choice, though, Ryan would be less visible as an owner. But the Texas native understands in what light people view him. “It’s a little hard for me being in the position I’m in, and with the background that I’ve had, to keep a low profile as I would like to,” Ryan said. “Probably when I broke into the game, the owners were always in the background and weren’t up front like so many owners are today. But that would be

my preference.” There is no way Ryan can be in the background now that the Rangers are in the World Series in the franchise’s 50th season. After pitching his last game in 1993, the season before Rangers Ballpark opened, Ryan fulfilled a 10-year personal services contract with Texas while also pursuing profitable ventures in banking, ranching and owning two minor league baseball franchises. He then spent four years in a similar role in Houston, where he pitched nine seasons. He was hired as team president before the 2008 season to revitalize the Rangers. And this summer, he became the first Hall of Fame player since Hank Greenberg a half-century ago to be an owner after his group had to win an unusual bankruptcy auction for the team seven months after agreeing to buy it. When Greenberg started inquiring about buying the Rangers in the summer of 2009, there were indications Ryan might try to put together his own ownership group or join with someone else. If they hadn’t gotten together, Greenberg said he would have ended his pursuit of the team. “There’s 29 other major league teams, and one Nolan Ryan and one Texas Rangers, and I would not have been a party to any effort that could have split the two,” Greenberg said. “Without Nolan, this franchise was too fragile to sustain itself.” The Rangers still have Ryan, and look where they’re at now.

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City by the bay braces for first Series since ’02 SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — This city of hills, fog and some of the most expensive homes in the nation is hosting a World Series for the first time since 2002 and the signs are everywhere. Bleacher seats are going for $600 a pop — a bargain compared to the $6,000 asking price for a vantage point directly behind home plate for the first two games Wednesday and Thursday nights between the Giants and Texas Rangers. Nearby taverns are stocking up for record-shattering business and advising patrons desiring seats to arrive hours before Wednesday’s first pitch. “These couple of days and nights will rival, if not surpass, our previous sales records,” said Peter Osbourne, owner of three establishments directly across the street from the ball park — MoMo’s, Pete’s Tavern and Pedro’s Cantina. “We are looking at a 30 percent to 40 percent increase over our busiest days.” Catholic school children are wearing San Francisco Giants gear instead of their traditional uniforms and the city’s iconic Coit Tower, which looms over the northern neighborhoods, is bathed in orange light. City Hall is flying the Giants’ flag and the games will be broadcast on giant screens across the street in Civic Center Plaza, which drew large crowds for viewing of the World Cup this summer. Signs touting the “torture” of the team’s nail-biting victories in significant games during the last several weeks abound throughout the financial district and street vendors

Tuesday morning set up tables full of souvenirs — licensed and otherwise. Fans waited in long lines Tuesday at official San Francisco Giants stores, snapping up every available cap, shirt and blanket, which may come in handy. The National Weather Service forecasts cool nights Wednesday and Thursday. National Weather Service meteorologist Austin Cross said there’s a 40 percent chance of rain Thursday night. He expects the temperatures to be in the high 50s for both games with light winds each evening. Kai Tokugawa, 28, of nearby Corte Madera waited in line at the Giants Dugout next to AT&T Park on Tuesday to buy her family, including nephews who live in Spokane, Wash., four Giants shirts and two foam fingers. “I have to train my nephews right,” said Tokugawa, who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area rooting for the Giants. Authorities are bracing for a crush of watercraft descending on McCovey Cove on Wednesday and Thursday night and are devising plans to limit the number of boats allowed to drop anchor behind the right-field wall. Kayak rentals are brisk even at close to double the usual price at some outlets. Coast Guard Lt. Marcus Brown said McCovey Cove will be patrolled by the 87-foot cutter “Pike” along with boats from the San Francisco Police and Alameda County Sheriff’s Department. “It will be hectic in there,” Brown said.

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Longview News-Journal, Wednesday, October 27, 2010

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How Rangers and Giants match up A position-by-position look at the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants going into the World Series, starting Wednesday at AT&T Park:

FIRST BASE Rangers: Mitch Moreland. Called up in late July, the rookie batted .255 with nine homers and 25 RBIs in 47 games. Entering the postseason, it appeared he would platoon with right-handed hitting Jorge Cantu. But Cantu went 0 for 7 in the playoffs and Moreland has solidified a trouble spot for Texas with competitive at-bats and solid defense. He batted a team-high .389 with three RBIs in the AL championship series against the New York Yankees and is now starting regularly, even against left-handed pitching. Giants: Aubrey Huff. Signed as a free agent to a one-year contract at the bargain price of $3 million, Huff had a huge season and provided much-needed power in the middle of an inconsistent lineup. He had a .385 on-base percentage with 26 homers and 86 RBIs. Playing in his first postseason, the 34-yearold slugger is a clubhouse leader but his defense can be shaky. Edge: Giants.

SECOND BASE Rangers: Ian Kinsler. Injuries limited the two-time All-Star to 103 games this year, when he batted .286 with only nine homers and 45 RBIs. But he’s turned on the power in his first postseason, batting .342 with three home runs and nine RBIs in 11 games. A dangerous bat in the No. 6 spot. Giants: Freddy Sanchez. The 2006 NL batting champion was stuck in a losing situation with Pittsburgh before getting traded to the Giants in July 2009. Now, he’s playing in his first postseason and coming off a .360 batting average in the NL championship series upset of Philadelphia. A shoulder injury sidelined the three-time All-Star at the start of the season, but he’s an excellent contact hitter with gap power who handles the bat well. He fits nicely in the No. 2 hole and offers steady defense, too. Edge: Rangers, but it’s close.

AP Photo

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus

SHORTSTOP Rangers: Elvis Andrus. Second-year speedster seems to enjoy the spotlight. He’s been an offensive spark from the leadoff spot, batting .333 in the playoffs and stealing seven bases — including home. The 22-year-old is still learning and makes overaggressive mistakes, especially on the bases. But his range and overall defense might be unmatched by anyone at his position. Giants: Edgar Renteria. In and out of the lineup, the 34-year-old Renteria played only 72 unproductive games this season, due in large part to injuries. With a wealth of postseason experience, he found his way back into the lineup in the NLCS, though he went 1 for 16 (.063) against Philadelphia. San Francisco sometimes goes with Juan Uribe at shortstop and Pablo Sandoval at third, leaving Renteria on the bench. Edge: Rangers.

THIRD BASE Rangers: Michael Young. Another respected veteran who waited years to win, Young is enjoying his first postseason appearance after a decade of playing second base, shortstop and third for Texas. He’s the unquestioned leader in the clubhouse, and one teammate referred to him as the Derek Jeter or Cal Ripken Jr. of the Rangers. Young is a six-time All-Star who owns five 200-hit seasons. He had a homer and seven RBIs in the playoffs, but struck out an uncharacteristic 13 times. Giants: Juan Uribe. What a crucial and pleasant surprise Uribe has been to a Giants club short on power. He set career highs with 24 homers and 85 RBIs this season, playing mostly at shortstop. But he can also slide over to second or third, and his defense is sound. A free swinger at the plate, Uribe won a World Series ring as the everyday shortstop for the 2005 Chicago White Sox. He also hit a tiebreaking homer in the eighth inning of Game 6 in the NLCS to help San Francisco close out the Phillies on the road. Edge: Rangers.

LEFT FIELD Rangers: Nelson Cruz. Though he spent most of the season in right field, Cruz is likely to play left in San Francisco, where NL rules prohibit a designated hitter, forcing Texas to put Vladimir Guerrero in right. Hamstring injuries limited Cruz to 108 games this season, but he provides prodigious power from the right side and he’s been on a tear in the postseason, batting .375 with five homers and eight RBIs. Left-handed hitter David Murphy is likely to start in left if the Giants throw a right-hander in Texas, moving Cruz back to right and putting Jeff Francoeur on the bench. Giants: Pat Burrell. Released by Tampa Bay, Burrell was salvaged off the scrap heap when the Giants signed him to a minor league deal May 29. He was called up six days later and batted .266 with 18 homers and 51 RBIs for San Francisco. Burrell remains a threat to go deep, but he hit just .207 with a homer and four RBIs in the NL playoffs, striking out 11 times. He doesn’t help much on defense, either. Edge: Rangers.

CENTER FIELD

REGULAR SEASON STATS BATTERS Hamilton Francoeur Cruz Guerrero Murphy Kinsler Young Blanco Borbon Andrus Moreland Molina Cantu German Gentry Treanor Davis Teagarden Guzman Totals

AVG OBA AB .359 .411 518 .340 .357 53 .318 .374 399 .300 .345 593 .291 .358 419 .286 .382 391 .284 .330 656 .277 .330 166 .276 .309 438 .265 .342 588 .255 .364 145 .240 .279 175 .235 .279 98 .231 .375 13 .212 .229 33 .211 .287 237 .192 .279 120 .155 .259 71 .152 .204 46 .276 .338 5635

PITCHERS Ogando Kirkman O’Day Oliver Feliz Lee Wilson Lewis Hunter Francisco Rapada Holland Nippert Harrison Lowe Feldman Harden Mathis Beltre Strop Moscoso Totals

W L 4 1 0 0 6 2 1 2 4 3 12 9 15 8 12 13 13 4 6 4 0 0 3 4 4 5 3 2 1 3 7 11 5 5 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 90 72

TEXAS RANGERS

R H 95 186 9 18 60 127 83 178 54 122 73 112 99 186 17 46 60 121 88 156 20 37 10 42 9 23 5 3 4 7 22 50 7 23 10 11 4 7 787 1556

2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS E 40 3 32 100 43 95 8 1 4 2 0 2 11 1 5 0 1 1 31 3 22 78 38 81 17 4 5 27 1 29 115 35 60 4 5 2 26 2 12 65 45 71 14 2 1 20 1 9 45 56 57 15 5 7 36 3 21 91 50 115 4 2 19 10 1 0 13 11 24 0 2 7 11 4 3 42 19 59 15 7 4 15 3 0 35 64 96 32 15 16 4 0 9 25 25 36 3 1 3 6 1 2 19 10 15 0 0 5 4 1 1 2 6 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 2 4 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 11 1 0 0 6 1 5 27 22 43 1 2 3 9 0 1 4 15 40 3 0 2 1 0 4 6 8 34 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 3 10 0 0 2 268 25 162 740 511 986 123 48 105 ——— ERA G GS SV IP H R ER HR BB SO 1.30 44 0 0 41.2 31 6 6 2 16 39 1.65 14 0 0 16.1 9 3 3 0 10 16 2.03 72 0 0 62.0 43 15 14 5 12 45 2.48 64 0 1 61.2 53 20 17 4 15 65 2.73 70 0 40 69.1 43 21 21 5 18 71 3.18 28 28 0 212.1 195 84 75 16 18 185 3.35 33 33 0 204.0 161 83 76 10 93 170 3.72 32 32 0 201.0 174 90 83 21 65 196 3.73 23 22 0 128.0 126 55 53 21 33 68 3.76 56 0 2 52.2 49 23 22 5 18 60 4.00 13 0 0 9.0 6 4 4 2 7 5 4.08 14 10 0 57.1 55 30 26 6 24 54 4.29 38 2 0 56.2 61 28 27 7 34 47 4.71 37 6 2 78.1 80 45 41 10 39 46 5.40 14 0 0 13.1 18 9 8 2 6 12 5.48 29 22 0 141.1 181 98 86 18 45 75 5.58 20 18 0 92.0 91 61 57 18 62 75 6.04 13 0 0 22.1 30 15 15 7 11 10 9.00 2 2 0 7.0 9 7 7 3 7 9 10.13 15 0 0 10.2 17 12 12 2 11 11 27.00 1 0 0 0.2 2 2 2 0 2 2 3.93 162 162 46 1455.1 1355 687 636 162 551 1181

AP Photo

Texas Rangers ace Cliff Lee starts, striking out 67 and walking only seven in 64 1/3 innings. The 2008 AL Cy Young Award winner beat the Yankees twice in last year’s World Series but is still looking for his first championship ring. San Francisco’s lineup could be the easiest one he’s faced in the past two postseasons, too. Behind him, things are less certain — though the Rangers have built a strong pitching staff after years of trying to outslug opponents. Converted closer C.J. Wilson went 15-8 with a 3.35 ERA this season and pitched well in his first two playoff starts before struggling in Game 5 of the ALCS at Yankee Stadium. Right-hander Colby Lewis has been a pleasant surprise, going 2-0 with a 1.45 ERA in three playoff starts, with both wins coming against New York. Derek Holland entered early in relief of No. 4 starter Tommy Hunter in the ALCS and did a superb job. Giants: One of the best rotations in the majors is headlined by undersized Tim Lincecum, winner of the last two NL Cy Young Awards. The Freak had a spectacular postseason debut, striking out 14 in a two-hit shutout of Atlanta. Then he split a pair of much-anticipated matchups with Roy Halladay in the NLCS — and struggled in a brief relief outing on one day of rest in Game 6. He can zip a fastball by almost anyone, or baffle hitters with off-speed stuff. Next, he’ll face Lee in the World Series opener. Matt Cain was nearly untouchable in two playoff starts, allowing nine hits and striking out 11 in 13 2-3 innings. He did not allow an earned run. Young lefties Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner both have moxie and strikeout stuff. Sanchez went 13-9 with a 3.07 ERA this year and carried that success into the playoffs before a short outing in Game 6 against the Phillies. Barry Zito, the $126 million lefty who won the 2002 AL Cy Young Award, was left off the roster in the first two rounds. Edge: Giants.

BULLPEN Rangers: Rookie closer Neftali Feliz looked more and more comfortable as the playoffs wore on, though he doesn’t have a postseason save yet and hasn’t been tested much in tight situations. With a 100 mph fastball, he converted a rookie-record 40 saves in 43 chances during the regular season. Texas’ setup situation is a little precarious. Alexi Ogando has a power arm but is mostly unproven. Left-hander Darren Oliver, 40, is experienced and versatile, but he struggled in the playoffs. Right-handed submariner Darren O’Day went 6-2 with a 2.03 ERA in 72 appearances this year. Clay Rapada and Michael Kirkman were added to the ALCS roster to get lefties out. Kirkman threw two scoreless innings. Giants: Eccentric closer Brian Wilson, with his funky haircut and thick, black beard, anchors a bullpen that’s been lights-out for most of the last two AP Photo months — except for a quick blip in the division series against Atlanta. The Texas Rangers catcher Benjie Molina hard-throwing right-hander, who shows plenty of guts under pressure, led the majors with 48 saves in 53 opportunities this season. He’s been a rock in October, saving five playoff games and striking out 12 in nine innings without giving CATCHER up an earned run. Wilson makes things interesting at times, putting runners on Rangers: Bengie Molina. Traded from San Francisco to Texas on July 1, Mo- base and Giants fans on the edge of their seats, but he closed out the powerful lina has the unique distinction of playing for both teams in this World Series. Phillies by getting five tough outs in Game 6 at Philadelphia. San Francisco has He could wind up with a ring no matter who wins, and he said the Series will plenty of quality arms in front of Wilson, too, including lefty Javier Lopez. He be a “happy, weird feeling” for him. Slow-footed but steady, the 36-year-old was acquired from Pittsburgh at the trade deadline and went 1-0 with a 1.80 veteran is one of three Molina brothers who are major league catchers, all ERA in seven playoff outings. Jeremy Affeldt is another experienced lefty with with championships. Bengie, who brings quality defense and a capable bat, good stuff and Santiago Casilla was 7-2 this year with a 1.95 ERA. won his with the 2002 Angels. His firsthand knowledge of San Francisco’s talEdge: Giants. ented pitchers should only help his new Texas teammates. Molina hit .333 with BENCH two home runs and seven RBIs in the playoffs, including a go-ahead, three-run homer at Yankee Stadium in Game 4 of the ALCS. Matt Treanor, however, Rangers: Murphy is an accomplished hitter who batted .291 with 12 homers catches No. 2 starter C.J. Wilson. and 65 RBIs this season. He’ll probably be on the bench most of the series, Giants: Buster Posey. Called up from the minors May 29, Posey was consid- giving the Rangers a dangerous pinch-hitter — especially if they can get him to ered one of baseball’s top prospects and quickly showed why. San Francisco the plate against right-handed pitching. Cantu has been a run-producer in the initially put him at first base just to get his bat in the lineup, then traded past, but his swing seems out of sync. Julio Borbon brings speed and outfield Molina to make room for the rookie at his regular position behind the plate. defense, though he’s struggling at the plate. Treanor homered in the ALCS. Posey batted .305 with 18 homers and 67 RBIs, moving into the cleanup spot Giants: There’s experience on the pine in San Francisco, starting with and blossoming into a leading contender for NL Rookie of the Year. A future Rowand and left-handed hitting infielder Mike Fontenot. The gritty Rowand, star, he boasts a strong arm and rare intangibles. who carries a $12 million salary, was once an All-Star center fielder and Gold Edge: Giants. Glove winner. He won a 2005 World Series ring with the White Sox and is a team player who’s stayed positive on the bench, trying to do whatever is RIGHT FIELD asked. Travis Ishikawa has a slick glove that makes him useful as a late-inning Rangers: Guerrero or Francoeur. Primarily a DH this season, Guerrero is replacement for Huff on defense. Left-handed hitting outfielder Nate Schierlikely to move back to his old spot during games in San Francisco. Achy knees holtz gets at-bats as a pinch-hitter. Little-used catcher Eli Whiteside rounds have slowed him, though, and right field at AT&T Park can be tricky. Looking out a decent bench that could use some more speed. for his first World Series ring, Guerrero had a big comeback this year after an Edge: Even. injury-marred season with the Angels in 2009. He batted .300 with 29 homers MANAGER and 115 RBIs. Francoeur is likely to start in right against left-handers at home. Acquired from the New York Mets on Aug. 31, just in time to be eligible for the Rangers: Ron Washington. It’s been a tumultuous but gratifying ride for postseason, the free-swinging Francoeur is not the hitter he used to be. Giants Washington, making his first appearance in the World Series. In spring training, pitchers can go after him. But he still plays solid defense and flashes a rocket he admitted that he used cocaine once during the 2009 season. He offered arm while bringing his upbeat attitude to the clubhouse. to resign last year, but team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Giants: Cody Ross. After aspiring to become a rodeo clown while he was Daniels stuck by him then and again when it became public. Washington has growing up in New Mexico, Ross has developed into a folk hero by the bay for succeeded in bringing his own style of baseball to the Rangers, emphasizing his clutch hitting this postseason. Plucked off waivers from Florida in late Au- fundamentals on defense and aggressive baserunning. Texas has increased its gust, he batted .324 with four homers, four doubles and eight RBIs in 10 playoff win total each year under Washington, now in his fourth season. He still has a games, winning the NLCS MVP award. Texas pitchers must be careful with him. power-packed lineup and now a legitimate ace in Lee, but the thoughtful manEdge: Rangers. ager has a nice touch with this team. His players respect him and play hard. Giants: Bruce Bochy. With a flawed lineup and plenty of new faces who DESIGNATED HITTER arrived during the season, Bochy has had to juggle roles in San Francisco. Rangers: Guerrero. The nine-time All-Star and 2004 AL MVP is a .330 He’s done an outstanding job, keeping the Giants headed in the right direccareer hitter against the Giants, with nine homers and 31 RBIs in 62 games. tion throughout a tight NL West race and then picking up his game during Giants: Sandoval. The 24-year-old switch-hitter had a surprising drop-off in the playoffs. It seems all the major moves Bochy has made in October have production this season, batting .268 with 13 homers and 63 RBIs after hitting worked, and there have been lots of them. He has issues at shortstop, third .330 with 25 home runs and 90 RBIs in 2009. His struggles continued in the base and center field. The catcher is a rookie and much of the bullpen was playoffs, landing him on the bench at times. DH is a good spot for “Kung Fu unproven entering the postseason, yet he’s found the right mix with a team Panda” because he’s limited on defense. full of youngsters, aging veterans and castoffs. It does help, however, to trot Edge: Rangers. out such an excellent rotation. Edge: Giants.

Rangers: Josh Hamilton. Many are familiar with his incredible comeback story from drug and alcohol addiction. Hamilton was rated one of the best prospects in the history of the draft when Tampa Bay selected him No. 1 overall — ahead of Josh Beckett — in 1999. It took The Natural a long time to fulfill his potential, but he’s a top contender for this year’s AL MVP award after hitting a major league-best .359 with 32 homers and 100 RBIs despite missing 24 games in September with two broken ribs. The multiskilled Hamilton runs down balls in center, has a strong arm and jaw-dropping power. He won ALCS MVP honors, batting .350 with four homers and seven RBIs while frightening the Yankees into eight walks, five intentional. Giants: Andres Torres. A longtime minor leaguer, Torres replaced pricey veteran Aaron Rowand as the starter in center this season and ignited a stagnant offense from the leadoff spot. The 32-year-old had 43 doubles and 26 STARTING PITCHERS steals while compiling a .343 on-base percentage with 16 homers and 63 RBIs. Rangers: No better way to open a postseason series than with Cliff Lee on He slumped so badly in the playoffs, striking out 14 times, that Rowand got a the mound. The lefty ace-for-hire, with his fourth team in two years, has made couple of starts before Torres took over again. pitching in October look easy. He is 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA in eight postseason Edge: Rangers.

Pick: Rangers in 6.

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NOTEBOOK

TEXAS RANGERS YEAR BY YEAR SEASON 2010 Texas Rangers 2009 Texas Rangers 2008 Texas Rangers 2007 Texas Rangers 2006 Texas Rangers 2005 Texas Rangers 2004 Texas Rangers 2003 Texas Rangers 2002 Texas Rangers 2001 Texas Rangers 2000 Texas Rangers 1999 Texas Rangers 1998 Texas Rangers 1997 Texas Rangers 1996 Texas Rangers 1995 Texas Rangers 1994 Texas Rangers 1993 Texas Rangers 1992 Texas Rangers 1991 Texas Rangers 1990 Texas Rangers 1989 Texas Rangers 1988 Texas Rangers 1987 Texas Rangers 1986 Texas Rangers 1985 Texas Rangers 1984 Texas Rangers 1983 Texas Rangers 1982 Texas Rangers 1981 Texas Rangers 1980 Texas Rangers 1979 Texas Rangers 1978 Texas Rangers 1977 Texas Rangers 1976 Texas Rangers 1975 Texas Rangers 1974 Texas Rangers 1973 Texas Rangers 1972 Texas Rangers

LEAGUE American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League

W 90 87 79 75 80 79 89 71 72 73 71 95 88 77 90 74 52 86 77 85 83 83 70 75 87 62 69 77 64 57 76 83 87 94 76 79 84 57 54

L 72 75 83 87 82 83 73 91 90 89 91 67 74 85 72 70 62 76 85 77 79 79 91 87 75 99 92 85 98 48 85 79 75 68 86 83 76 105 100

PCT. .556 .537 .488 .463 .494 .488 .549 .438 .444 .451 .438 .586 .543 .475 .556 .514 .456 .531 .475 .525 .512 .512 .435 .463 .537 .385 .429 .475 .395 .543 .472 .512 .537 .580 .469 .488 .525 .352 .351

GB — 10.0 21.0 19.0 13.0 16.0 3.0 25.0 31.0 43.0 20.5 — — 13.0 — 4.5 — 8.0 19.0 10.0 20.0 16.0 33.5 10.0 5.0 28.5 14.5 22.0 29.0 5.0 20.5 5.0 5.0 8.0 14.0 19.0 5.0 37.0 38.5

ATTENDANCE NA 2,156,016 1,945,901 2,353,862 2,388,757 2,525,259 2,513,687 2,094,394 2,352,397 2,831,111 2,800,147 2,774,501 2,927,409 2,945,228 2,889,020 1,985,910 2,503,198 2,244,616 2,198,231 2,297,720 2,057,911 2,043,993 1,581,901 1,763,053 1,692,002 1,112,497 1,102,471 1,363,469 1,154,432 850,076 1,198,175 1,519,671 1,447,963 1,250,722 1,164,982 1,127,924 1,193,902 686,085 662,974

1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961

American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League American League

63 70 86 65 76 71 70 62 56 60 61

96 92 76 96 85 88 92 100 106 101 100

.396 .432 .531 .404 .472 .447 .432 .383 .346 .373 .379

38.5 38.0 23.0 37.5 15.5 25.5 32.0 37.0 48.5 35.5 47.5

655,156 824,789 918,106 546,661 770,868 576,260 560,083 600,106 535,604 729,775 597,287

Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington Washington

Longview News-Journal, Wednesday, October 27, 2010

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Oliver recalls first meeting between Rangers, Giants FRom WiRe RepoRTs

AN FRANCISCO — Long before Game 1 of this year’s World Series, Texas reliever Darren Oliver took part in another memorable matchup between the Rangers and San Francisco Giants. Oliver was the starting pitcher for the Rangers when they hosted the Giants on June 12, 1997, in baseball’s first interleague game. “At the time, it was kind of neat and special. ... It was unique at the time,” Oliver said. “Interleague has kind of faded over the years since Darren it’s been going on for so long. The first time, it was pretty Oliver special.” Still, nowhere near as special for Oliver as playing in a World Series for the Rangers — a first for the 40-year-old reliever and the franchise in its 50th season. Oliver re-signed with Texas last winter, his third stint with the organization that he began his career with in the low minors in 1988, five years before his major league debut. He was part of the Rangers’ first playoff team in 1996. The pitching rubber from the first interleague game is at Cooperstown, along with a few baseballs that Oliver signed. Oliver was the losing pitcher in that game, allowing four runs and eight hits over 7 2-3 innings. He remembers giving up a leadoff hit to Daryl Hamilton, who previously had been his teammate in Texas. “I was mad that I gave up a base hit to my buddy,” Oliver said Tuesday with a smile. BATTLE OF BREVARD: Giants manager Bruce Bochy and Rangers hitting coach Clint Hurdle have a friendship that dates back to their time as American Legion teammates in Brevard County, Fla. The two later competed against each other as players in the 1980s and as managers in the NL West for years when Hurdle was in Colorado. Now one of them will get a World Series ring. Bochy lost as a manager with San Diego in 1998 and as a player with the Padres in ‘84. Hurdle also lost as a player in 1980 with Kansas City and a manager with the Rockies three years ago. “Something has to give,” Hurdle said. “Somebody will get a ring.”

There’s someone else from their local area with plenty of championship hardware, albeit from the NBA. Will Perdue won four titles with Chicago and San Antonio during his playing career. FIELDING VLAD: Vladimir Guerrero never put much thought into playing the outfield again — until the Texas Rangers started winning in the playoffs. Now that the Rangers are in the World Series, the longtime star slugger starts in right field for Game 1 in San Francisco since the designated hitter isn’t used in the National League city. It will be his first World Series appearance in his 15 major league seasons. “I feel very glad to be here,” Guerrero said Tuesday through a translator. Asked about his emotions of being in the World Series for the first time, Guerrero said he didn’t know how he would feel until the game starts tonight. Guerrero played in 152 games this season, only 18 of them in the outfield. He played only two games in the field in 2009, during an injury-plagued season with the Los Angeles Angels. “Vlad played right field for 14 years. He’s not a slouch out there,” manager Ron Washington said. “When he came to Texas, he ended up being our DH because we wanted to keep him healthy.” EXTRA BUBBLY: The Texas Rangers may not have to look too hard for champagne in case they win the World Series at AT&T Park. The San Diego Padres left San Francisco on the last day of the regular season without a playoff berth and without all the bubbly they had chilling in case they got to celebrate. Now there are some 135 bottles of Korbel waiting to be consumed — or sprayed — in the visiting clubhouse at the ballpark. Will the Rangers get to use it for a World Series title? Perhaps. Or it will be moved to the Giants side if they bring the city its first championship since moving West in 1958. HOOPS AND HOOPLA: The NBA’s Golden State Warriors open their season tonight against Houston and plan to mix World Series hoopla with the hoops. The Warriors, who play across San Francisco Bay in Oakland, will open designated doors at Oracle Arena beginning at 4:45 p.m. so that fans can catch the first pitch of Game 1. The baseball game will be shown throughout the arena, including on the video board.

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