Will's Sports Blog

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Dae-Ho Lee To The Rangers Makes Sense

With the news of Chris Davis re-signing with the Baltimore Orioles, that leaves only one power-hitting first baseman left in the MLB free agency this off-season. 

Dae-Ho Lee.

These past two off-seasons, we’ve seen a trend of Korean-born players from the KBO (Korean Baseball Organization) make their way to America. Jung-Ho Kang (PIT), Byung-Ho Park (MIN), Hyun-Soo Kim (BAL), and Seung-hwan Oh (STL) will be playing for their respective teams in 2016, joining MLB veterans Hyun-Jin Ryu (LAD) and Shin-Soo Choo (TEX), although Choo never played in the KBO. 

One of the biggest stories of the 2015 MLB season was Jung-Ho Kang, proving in his first season that players from the KBO can adjust to American style of baseball and play with the pressure of the big leagues. Kang’s first season, cut short by injuries, paved the way for fellow countrymen looking for opportunities to live out their dreams of playing on the big stage. 

Spring Training is still a month away, and the newcomers have yet to play and prove their worth. However, with Korean-born players on the rise in North America, Dae-Ho Lee deserves his shot as well. 

Lee has had, arguably, the most decorated and best career out of all the players that have come over from the KBO. In 15 seasons playing in Korea and Japan, Lee has racked up 323 career home runs and over 1100 RBI’s. Though 33, he has not showed any signs of slowing down, hitting 31 homers in 2015, surpassing his home run totals his previous 4 seasons. His best season was in 2010 while playing for Lotte in Korea, blasting 44 homers.

(Video: Dae-Ho Lee’s first 10 homers of the 2015 season)

When the Texas Rangers lost Mike Napoli to the Cleveland Indians this off-season, the team lost its only right handed power hitter. The loss of Napoli intensified the talks of a Mitch Moreland trade during the winter meetings, most seeing no need for two power lefthand bats at first base. However, losing Moreland’s defensive skills were a concern to the front office, especially without a backup plan and a lack of trustworthy first basemen out in the market.

And, this is why I believe Dae-Ho Lee and the Texas Rangers are a perfect fit.

Fortunately, for the Rangers, Lee isn’t looking for a payday. He has plenty of money in his bank account. He isn’t looking for a long contract. He knows he’s getting older. What Lee is looking to do is fulfill his dream of donning an MLB uniform and hitting against the best pitchers in the world.

Lee has made his desires to play in the Major Leagues quite clear. After dominating Japan and Korean pitchers the past 15 years, and making millions of dollars doing it, his next challenge is to hit against MLB pitching. Fortunately, for the Rangers, Lee isn’t looking for a payday. He has plenty of money in his bank account. He isn’t looking for a long contract. He knows he’s getting older. What Lee is looking to do is fulfill his dream of donning an MLB uniform and hitting against the best pitchers in the world. 

Made obvious this off-season, the Rangers are not looking to spend money. Like, close to none. However, they are in need of a right-handed hitter that can hit with power. Lee can give Moreland days off against lefthand pitching and give Fielder days off when in need, a role held by Napoli last season. 

All of that may sound positive, but here’s what excites me. Lee and Choo are childhood friends. During a dinner I had with Choo a couple of weeks ago, I asked him about Lee. Choo told me that when they were in elementary school, he had told his baseball coach about a big kid (Dae-Ho Lee) in school. The coach told Choo to bring the kid by. Choo invited Lee to practice and introduced him to baseball. The rest is history. 

Coming over to a new country and learning a new culture can be challenging. On top of all the culture shock and trying to adapt, it can be even more challenging to come and learn to play a different style of baseball, a style different compared to the previous 20+ years of his life. Think about the help Choo could give Lee. Choo came up through the Seattle Mariners minor league system and has endured his share of hardships. Choo could help Lee with something minor, like finding a good Korean restaurant, to something major, like learning to lay off breaking balls moving over 90 mph.

To give Lee and Choo an opportunity to play professional baseball together towards the end of their careers playing on the same team, with each player playing a vital role in helping the team get back to the World Series, would be a dream come true for both players. 

Having a native countryman in the clubhouse would be helpful. Having a native countryman that introduced you to baseball that happens to be a childhood friend in the clubhouse would be a dream come true. To give Lee and Choo an opportunity to play professional baseball together towards the end of their careers playing on the same team, with each player playing a vital role in helping the team get back to the World Series, would be a dream come true for both players. 

Lee won’t cost much. He’ll come off the bench, he’ll home runs, he’s right handed, he’s not looking for a long contract, and he’ll have a friend to help him ease his way into the clubhouse and the major leagues. Oh, and adding millions of new Korean fans around the world to the Rangers fanbase wouldn’t hurt.  

I don’t see a downside.

Lee to the Rangers makes perfect sense. And, all of it could happen with just a few cents. 

[aasportsblog]

Are The Rangers Playoff Bound?

After defeating the Houston Astros, 5-3, on Monday night in Arlington, the Texas Rangers are now only half a game behind the Astros for the lead in the division. Of course, that means a win tonight would completely flip the playoff picture around 180 degrees and put the Rangers on top of the Astros by half a game.

Let’s be honest. No one expected the Rangers to be anywhere near making the playoffs come September when Yu Darvish’s Tommy John surgery news blindsided all Rangers fans all over the world.

The players and coaches will never admit to it. However, I was in the clubhouse when the season began. I was in the clubhouse in April and May when the team was struggling. They may never say it, but their demeanor spoke louder than words. 

Jeff Banister, in his first year as an MLB manager, found himself trying to do anything possible to ignite some fire in his team. He tried juggling the lineup almost everyday, tried to use younger players that may have had more of a reason to compete with total abandonment, and even challenged veterans when they failed to play smart fundamental baseball. 

I’m pretty sure Banister and the Rangers organization had no idea what the year had in store for them when they first arrived in Arizona for Spring Training. I remember the mood and atmosphere being light and relaxed, yet with everyone focused on the upcoming year. Unfortunately, when I was there in Spring Training, it was pre-Darvish TJ news. 

(If you have about 7 minutes to spare, check out some sights and sounds from my visit to the Rangers Spring Training. You’ll see and sense the mood and atmosphere I was speaking about.)

During one of the interviews in Arizona, Banister was asked about his philosophy in baseball.

“The umpires says, Playball, right? He doesn’t say, Workball. You’ve got to enjoy the game.”

Though, I doubt that the Rangers were really enjoying baseball the first two months of the year, it definitely looks like the Rangers are having fun now. The top of the lineup, until a few games ago, had been non-existent, except for the hot-hitting Shin-Soo Choo. The past few games, Beltre, Fielder, Moreland, and Napoli have been doing their part in the middle of the lineup. 

Cole Hamels, Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Yovani Gallardo, and Martin Perez, along with the upgraded bullpen, have done their part to compliment this offense. When the offense isn’t clicking, they’ll do just enough to give their team a fighting chance. They may have been down and out early, but they never quit on the season and have fought all the way back. #NeverEverQuit.

The rest of the season is no walk in the park. After finishing the 4-game series with Houston on Thursday, they play 3 games against Seattle at home, take their final day off of the season on Monday, then go on the road for 3 games against Oakland and Houston. They finish the rest of the season at home with a 3-game series against Detroit and a 4-game series against the Angels. 

None of those games will be easy. 

However, if they continue to “PLAYBALL” like the way they have been recently, I don’t see the Texas Rangers slowing down. 

There are no guarantees, but the one thing that is guaranteed is that the Rangers will fight for every inning. 

That’s why I believe that the Texas Rangers and it’s fans will finally get to enjoy a postseason game after a two year hiatus...and even make a run. 

[aasportsblog]

The Minority League: Episode 23

DeAndre Jordan. That's it. An hour of DeAndre Jordan.

What do you think about the way the whole incident with DeAndre Jordan and the Mavs went down? 

[aasportsblog]

THE NBA HAS PROBLEMS

The NBA runs and operates the off-season on a completely different format when compared to the other professional leagues in America, and it has some major flaws.

News broke today that DeAndre Jordan, who verbally committed to joining the Dallas Mavericks last week, is now “leaning” towards returning to the Clippers. Not only was this a surprise to the Mavs front office, but a surprise to the Clippers organization.

Regardless of the outcome of DeAndre Jordan’s decision, the NBA has a huge problem, and it should be addressed immediately.

To begin, I want to address the timing of the NBA DRAFT. I don't understand why the NBA Draft takes place before free agency officially begins. I have a hard time trying to make sense of it. Every other league begins its free agency period prior to the draft. It benefits the teams in the league when they have an opportunity to go grab the free agent(s) that they are interested and in need of, which then allows the teams to go draft according to their needs. It makes no sense to have the draft before the FA period begins.

Secondly, what's the point of starting free agency and coming to verbal agreement with players, yet not allowing the front office to talk about the agreements? Mark Cuban was fined $25,000 this past week for talking about the deals they made with DeAndre Jordan and Wesley Matthews. Why are the verbal agreements allowed to be publicly announced, yet fine the team that chooses to discuss it publicly. This moratorium period is pointless. Again, it makes no sense.

Lastly, what’s the point of starting free agency without allowing the players to actually sign a contract, allow the teams to come to verbal agreements, allow the players to announce which teams they will sign with, then allow the players to change their minds? Why not allow the teams to sign FA’s as soon as the window opens? With a verbal agreement in place, and not being allowed to actually sign the player and make it official, it will open doors for players to change their minds, putting a franchise in a bind and potentially ruining the next few years. What’s the point of having a “verbal” commitment period if it’s not concrete and final? It makes no sense.

The questionable rules are frustrating. I can only image Dallas wondering what else could go wrong for a franchise that found themselves at the top of the NBA mountain only a few years ago.

Though it’s a few years late, these rules need to be addressed and changed. It’s better for the league, benefits the teams, and holds players accountable for their decisions.

Changing the rules asap?

Now, that makes sense.

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There has been some talk in the media the past 24 hours about Shin-Soo Choo’s surprising reaction to the Texas Rangers rookie manager, Jeff Banister, questioning his ability to understand game situations. After losing a 2-run lead in the bottom of the 8th, no one was happy in the clubhouse, especially Choo. 

With a man on first and one out, Oakland’s Ben Zobrist hit a single to right field. Josh Reddick, standing on first, went to 3B on the single. Instead of hitting the cutoff man, which would have kept Zobrist at 1B and the possibility of a double-play to end the threat and inning, Choo threw to 3B trying to get Reddick out. Not only was the throw late, but led to an error by Gallo, who was trying to throw Zobrist out at 2B. That error led to Reddick coming in to score, and Zobrist moving to 3B. That trimmed the lead to 4-3, and Oakland would up tying the game later that inning.

Fundamental baseball says that the throw must be made to the cutoff man. Forget the guy at 3B. With the man at 1B and one out, a double-play leads to no runs and, barring an ugly inning in the 9th by the bullpen, a win that would have placed the Rangers a game behind Houston for the lead of the AL West. 

What made things interesting is what transpired after the game. After losing on a walk-off hit, and while the Rangers were making their way to the clubhouse, Banister pulled Choo to the side of the dugout to question him on his knowledge of game situations. Reports say that Choo took offense to Banister’s question, stating that this isn’t the first time he’s played baseball. 

Now, Choo said many things after the game that he may regret later on. However, I don’t believe that his frustrations toward Banister stems from one simple question. 

Let’s go back to Spring Training. If anyone remembers, Shin-Soo Choo mainly hit 3rd in the lineup for all of spring. Banister had spoken about Choo hitting 3rd in the lineup and had everyone on the team prepared for that. 

(Check out the video below)

However, when the season started, his name was slated in the 5th spot of the lineup, not 3rd. So, what happened to hitting 3rd? What happened to everything that happened in Spring Training? What happened to telling everyone that he would hit 3rd? 

Choo was never told of where he would hit or why he wasn’t hitting 3rd. Going from leadoff to hitting 3rd is a huge jump. The player has to change his approach and be more aggressive. Instead of just getting on base, the player must now drive in runs. Instead of just seeing pitches, now must make good contact with the ball. That’s what he prepared for the whole spring. That’s what he worked hard on. That’s where his mind was. Now, he had to change his approach again...and he was never told why.

Choo did speak to me about not being told of where he would hit, but he has never complained about Banister or the lack of communication. He was never given an explanation as to the sudden change in the lineup, and has often stated that “he supports the manager’s decisions.” However, whenever we spoke of this issue, his facial expression told me that he wasn’t comfortable with it.

Looking back, I believe that the season begin with a communication issue between Choo and Banister. A lack of communication can lead to a lack of trust and ton of frustration. 

Fast forward to last night, and I believe that everything Choo had kept inside of him came to surface. First of all, it’s very rare, I repeat...RARE...for a manager to confront a veteran on the team about a play in the dugout, especially front of multiple rookies. This wasn’t behind closed doors or in the clubhouse. This was in the dugout. Secondly, Banister singled Choo out. Yes, Choo made a bad decision, but he’s not the only reason why they lost. A baseball game is never lost because of ONE player. It never is. Baseball is the ultimate team sport. To single Choo out in front of his teammates and rookies has to be a hit to the pride. 

Now, Choo has never publicly attacked his teammates or coaches. Yesterday, it was a first. Choo isn’t a bad teammate. Yes, he can be a little tough to deal with as a member of the media. However, he’s not a bad guy. He loves to win. His attitude is not the issue. I’m not saying that Banister cannot confront Choo at all. He’s the manager. He has every right to do so. However, doing it in the dugout and in front of his teammates is what Choo had a problem with. And, from what I see, a problem with communication.

If the line of communication does not get better between Choo and Banister, I do believe that we have our answer as to who will be traded this summer. However, in order for Banister to really earn the respect of his veteran players, he must learn to communicate with them. Choo is not any different. 

[aasportsblog]

My question to Lydia Ko about her dating life has made its way to the LPGA website and the Golf Channel.

LPGA North Texas Shootout is taking place this week in Irving, TX, and the world’s #1 women golfer, Lyida Ko, is in town as well. With just turning 18 last week, about to reach $3 Million in her career earnings, and being single, I asked Lydia about her dating life, which I’m sure some young men in the golf world might be wondering as well. Not only did she answer the question, but apparently, the media has talked about it on the Golf Channel and the LPGA website. (Click on the link on top of this blog to check out the LPGA website)

Here’s the video of the question and her answer.

Not going to lie, it’s pretty cool knowing that a question you asked was good enough that the media is even talking about it. 

She did seem surprised and asked, “really?” when I had suggested that she must have been “popular with the guys”. Think about it. Young, rich, and athletic. Who wouldn’t want that in a wife?

However, Lydia is very busy trying to maintain the position at the top of the LPGA mountain that she does not have time to spend with boys that care about nothing but drinking and partying. However, it doesn’t keep her from looking around and enjoying the view. 

Handsome boys in Dallas, you should make your way to Irving sometime this week and try to impress Lydia Ko. You never know what might happen. At the very least, she might sign your ball. (Golf ball)

On Day 1

Lydia Ko was cruising along until she found trouble on the 14th, 15th, and 16th hole. In order, she would end up with a triple-bogey, double-bogey, and a bogey, taking her from 2-under par to 4-over par. 3 holes, 6 point swing. 

Before the tournament, the world’s #1 women’s golfer, Lydia had stated that she would be giving all of her winnings this week to help with the Nepal earthquake relief efforts. 

Lydia will be looking to right the ship tomorrow and eek her way back up the leaderboard. It will be quite tough, but not only does she have the support from the nations of New Zealand and South Korea, but from the nation of Nepal. 

[aasportsblog]

Josh Hamilton is officially back as a member of the Texas Rangers organization. 

In Hamilton’s opening statement, the first media session after the story of his relapse & divorce broke, he thanked a few people that made the trade possible before addressing his “baseball-town” statement, referring to it as a “dumb thing” to say. Later, when asked if that was an actual apology, Hamilton replied with a, “Sure.”

I’m not quite sure how that will go over with the fans. However, Hamilton does look like he’s in good spirits and looks eager to put all of this drama behind him. Well, that is, until he gets comfortable enough to create another breaking-news type of drama. 

Sincere apology or not, if Hamilton can help this team get back on track by improving this teams offensive statistics, the fans will cheer and forgive him for anything that may have been done. If Hamilton can get on base, move runners over, and bring runners home in scoring position, he may just be the best player on this team, which still isn’t saying much. 

This 2015 Texas Rangers clubhouse is filled with many holes. And those holes are getting bigger and bigger as the days go by. Hopefully, with the news of Hamilton coming back to Texas, his presence and name will be enough to help this team begin to believe in themselves again. 

Nothing is guaranteed in baseball, or in life. The return on Hamilton might be a complete failure. It might be a tremendous success. No one knows. However, there is one guarantee with Hamilton. Drama will never leave his side. And we (media) will always be there to report on it. 

[aasportsblog]

The Mavericks are down 0-2 in the best-of-7 series against the Houston Rockets, there’s drama surrounding Rondo and his unwillingness to fight with his teammates in the playoffs, and the teams inability to make open baskets against a team the Mavs should be able to beat. 

Dallas fans have got to be wondering what else could possibly go wrong.

Well, there’s more. 

It seems that Chandler Parsons is now out for the rest of the season and will not suit up again this playoffs. Reports suggest that he is now looking at surgery options. That’s a tough pill to swallow as a fan of the Mavericks. 

Also, to make things worse, or to some fans good news, Rondo is out indefinitely due to a “back injury” he suffered in game 2. Back injury? What back injury? Maybe, he injured his back while attempting to stab his teammates, the coaching staff, and the fans in the back. 

I don’t think there’s a fan in Dallas that cares about Rondo. However, the fans do care about Dirk, Tyson Chandler, and the rest of the crew. The fans may not be cheering for Rondo, but they are cheering for the team. 

Though highly doubtful that Rondo plays again this postseason, if by Carlisle’s grace he actually does, I believe the Mavs fans will do what’s best for the team and cheer from Rondo. Not out of love, but out of necessity. Not because they want to, but for the sake of the team, they HAVE to. 

The Dallas Mavericks have found themselves in a deep dark hole. However, unlike 2011 when the Mavericks came back from being down and out a numerous times, this situation will be a tough one to come back from. Older players, a virus/bad guy in the locker room, and no chemistry between the good guys. 

If the Mavericks, somehow, manage to fight and muster enough fight within themselves to comeback to defeat the Rockets and move on to the 2nd round, this will go down as one of the biggest surprises in the history of the NBA. If they come back and defeat the Rockets, you can guarantee a 30 for 30 ESPN special on this series and all the drama that surrounded it.

Until that happens, let’s watch this drama unfold with one eye on the screen and one eye checking our backs making sure Rondo is standing behind us with a knife.

******

(EDIT)

A little after this was posted, Rick Carlisle has said that he does not expect Rondo to ever wear a Mavs uniform again.

[aasportsblog]

Shin-Soo Choo, for the second year in a row, is dealing with injuries to start the season. Is he getting old, or is it just bad luck? 

Though it’s early in the season, Choo is only 4 for 22 with a batting-average of .182, which actually seems to be the average BA in the Rangers lineup. 

With younger players with high potential in Jake Smolinski, Ryan Rua, and Carlos Peguero on the roster, the pressure seems to be slowly shifting to Choo. There are those in the DFW media saying that Choo runs like an “old man” and thinking that his best days are behind him. 

It’s tough to walk and work with a bad back, imagine trying to play a professional sport everyday with one. The biggest question is whether the injuries are just a dose of bad luck, or if his body is breaking down because due to age.

I believe that Choo still has some great days ahead of him. Choo is known for his high On-Base Percentage, which is why the Rangers signed him to a 7 year/$130 million contract. He can still help this team out by taking pitches, getting on base, and timely hitting. 

However, again, it comes down to health. Once Choo is able to get completely healthy, he will need to prove to the Rangers that he can now stay healthy and that all the injuries are now behind him. Banister has stated that Choo “is an integral part of this offense”, but it’s tough to do when he is unable to run and hit. 

With many injuries to this team this early in the season, the Rangers need all the healthy bodies they can get. Let’s hope that Choo is a part of those that are. 

[aasportsblog]

"If you do not avail yourself of the privilege of bringing to pass events in the universe that would not take place if you didn't pray, you are acting like a colossal fool." - John Piper