There’s no denying the fact that Cliff Lee is a strong force when on the bump. He’s the type of pitcher that every opposing team dreads facing. To put it in a extremely blunt fashion, he is an excellent pitcher.
However, Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg made the right call in not bending to Lee’s wish for a seven-year contract. Currently, Lee is 32. Adding seven years would make him 39 by contract’s end. Hardly any pitchers last that long nowadays.
I’m not negating the fact that Cliff Lee is a great pitcher, but to warrant seven years just to keep him around is not a good idea. Lee is good, but still beatable, as noticed in his regular season and World Series stint with the Texas Rangers.
Would the Rangers be a better pitching staff with Lee? Of course, there is no questioning that. But seven years with a pitcher that is slightly injury prone, is beginning to age and has erratic tendencies should not even be an option.
The Rangers have plenty of young talent on their payroll that needs to be utilized. Derek Holland and Tanner Scheppers are two young starters that come to mind. You can even include Neftali Feliz as a possible starter candidate. The possibilities are endless for this Rangers staff. It’s time they be explored.
We can also look at other teams for possible ace prospects. Zack Greinke is a name that is constantly talked about as a possibility, as well as Matt Garza. Both are ace-caliber pitchers, but in order to receive their services, the Rangers may have to give up a huge chunk of their farm system. You be the judge if it is worth it or not.
It truly would have been nice to watch Cliff Lee lead the Rangers’ staff to the World Series, but I would much rather view a young player become the next Cliff Lee. The Rangers would have made it to the playoffs, regardless if Lee was on the team or not. However, Lee was the main reason the Rangers won the Divisional Series over the Rays, as well as beating the Yankees.
Let’s see if someone new can fill that void.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
What an exciting time to be a Ranger fan
If you haven't been watching the Texas Rangers this year, please do us all a favor and get out from under a rock and glue yourself to the television set. Because what you are missing is something truly magical.
If you honestly don't know what is going on with the Rangers, let me throw a rope out at sea and reel you in. The Rangers won the American League West division for the first time in 11 years amidst many plaguing issues. The Texas team began the year with Ron Washington's admitted cocaine usage, already darkening what was supposed to be a bright year. The Rangers started off slowly, but began to build steam, especially around June, when Josh Hamilton and the Rangers really began to heat up. The Rangers also had to deal with ownership and bankrupt distractions, finally solved when the Nolan Ryan-Chuck Greenberg group took over. Also, the Rangers brought in a hired gun, Cliff Lee, to really give the Ranger's pitching staff that spark in the post season.
So here we are in the playoffs, where the Rangers have already defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the Divisional Series, and are one game away from beating the evil New York Yankees to advance to the World Series.
The Texas Rangers in the World Series???
Yes, it is a lot to take in, especially if you are a fair weather fan who decided to turn on ESPN to get some news.
To lifelong fans however, it is a truly euphoric experience that they wish would never end.
The Rangers' 10-3 victory over the Yankees last night was proof of how this season is going. Even when the Rangers were trailing, no fan could avert their eyes from the game.
Such passion and fan dedication paid off when Derek Holland came in during a high pressure situation, minimized a possible big Yankee inning, and dominated from there. Props also go to Elvis Andrus for the diving play he made to get a needed out.
The euphoric and divine feeling erupted when Bengie Molina hit the go-ahead three-run home run to take back the lead.
Then, the true fans reveled in the slaughter when Hamilton and Cruz smashed insurance home runs in the ninth.
These little trinkets of information stimulate our brain in such a magnificent way that it makes the entire day better. Office workers survive the day, fast food workers deal with the unpleasant conditions, and road crews stay strong through the tough labor. Why, you ask?
Look no further than the Texas Rangers, and the beautiful vibe they give off.
And if they do pull off the win today at 3:07 p.m., and do go to the World Series?
Well, that's one morning glory that will just have to bloom again.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
If you honestly don't know what is going on with the Rangers, let me throw a rope out at sea and reel you in. The Rangers won the American League West division for the first time in 11 years amidst many plaguing issues. The Texas team began the year with Ron Washington's admitted cocaine usage, already darkening what was supposed to be a bright year. The Rangers started off slowly, but began to build steam, especially around June, when Josh Hamilton and the Rangers really began to heat up. The Rangers also had to deal with ownership and bankrupt distractions, finally solved when the Nolan Ryan-Chuck Greenberg group took over. Also, the Rangers brought in a hired gun, Cliff Lee, to really give the Ranger's pitching staff that spark in the post season.
So here we are in the playoffs, where the Rangers have already defeated the Tampa Bay Rays in the Divisional Series, and are one game away from beating the evil New York Yankees to advance to the World Series.
The Texas Rangers in the World Series???
Yes, it is a lot to take in, especially if you are a fair weather fan who decided to turn on ESPN to get some news.
To lifelong fans however, it is a truly euphoric experience that they wish would never end.
The Rangers' 10-3 victory over the Yankees last night was proof of how this season is going. Even when the Rangers were trailing, no fan could avert their eyes from the game.
Such passion and fan dedication paid off when Derek Holland came in during a high pressure situation, minimized a possible big Yankee inning, and dominated from there. Props also go to Elvis Andrus for the diving play he made to get a needed out.
The euphoric and divine feeling erupted when Bengie Molina hit the go-ahead three-run home run to take back the lead.
Then, the true fans reveled in the slaughter when Hamilton and Cruz smashed insurance home runs in the ninth.
These little trinkets of information stimulate our brain in such a magnificent way that it makes the entire day better. Office workers survive the day, fast food workers deal with the unpleasant conditions, and road crews stay strong through the tough labor. Why, you ask?
Look no further than the Texas Rangers, and the beautiful vibe they give off.
And if they do pull off the win today at 3:07 p.m., and do go to the World Series?
Well, that's one morning glory that will just have to bloom again.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
What can the Cowboys do to right the ship?
The Cow Nation is at a impasse of concern, wondering if the Super Bowl XXV dreams were just a fabrication of grandiose false anticipation.
Well, Cow fans, I wouldn't give up quite yet.
Dallas is known to get into jams such as these. Remember last year, when the Cowboys lost a flurry of games before getting back on track in New Orleans? Cow fans went from depressed to hopeful in one game!
Lots of teams start 0-2, even good teams start 0-2, just as awful teams start out 2-0 (The Bucs, really?).
Hell, even the New York Giants started out 0-2 in 2006. What did they do after that? Win a Super Bowl, that's what.
The Cowboys face a tough task going into Reliant Stadium Sunday to face the 2-0 Houston Texans. The Texans have an improving offense and an already great defense. So what can the Cowboys do to win, besides taking their heads out their asses?
D-Mc's Keys to the Game (first ever):
1) ROMO MUST BE NEAR PERFECT - And I say this in a most literal way. Romo absolutely cannot miss passes behind the receiver, he cannot throw it over the receiver, and he surely doesn't need to throw it into Texan hands. One positive last week is that Romo seemed to be completing passes to all the receivers and tight ends. That kind of momentum must continue if the Cowboys hope to have a chance.
2) RUNNING BACKS MUST BE EXPLOSIVE - This is a staple of most people who think they know football. "You gotta run the ball!" Well true, you do, and I am sure the Cowboys will (or pathetically try, then Red Judas will decide to run awful pass plays that get the Cows nowhere). However, I am looking for something more. Marion Barber is a decent receiver, and if anyone remembers last year, he made some big runs through the air. Felix Jones needs to get out in space. And Red Judas, a pee wee team would know what is coming when Tashard Choice lines up in the Razorback formation, so change it up!
3) NO BIG PLAYS - Matt Schaub can absolutely kill you through the air if you let him. We've already seen what Arian Foster can do. But the big play prevention falls mainly to the secondary. The Cowboys let too many receivers get behind them last Sunday, and that is a no-no. It's a bigger no-no when you will be facing Andre Johnson and company. The secondary must press at the line and not allow any receiver to get behind them. If they do, expect an 0-3 start.
Can the Cowboys win? Maybe. But it is obviously up to the players and coaches, and the right plays called. Oh yeah, and something called execution.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
Well, Cow fans, I wouldn't give up quite yet.
Dallas is known to get into jams such as these. Remember last year, when the Cowboys lost a flurry of games before getting back on track in New Orleans? Cow fans went from depressed to hopeful in one game!
Lots of teams start 0-2, even good teams start 0-2, just as awful teams start out 2-0 (The Bucs, really?).
Hell, even the New York Giants started out 0-2 in 2006. What did they do after that? Win a Super Bowl, that's what.
The Cowboys face a tough task going into Reliant Stadium Sunday to face the 2-0 Houston Texans. The Texans have an improving offense and an already great defense. So what can the Cowboys do to win, besides taking their heads out their asses?
D-Mc's Keys to the Game (first ever):
1) ROMO MUST BE NEAR PERFECT - And I say this in a most literal way. Romo absolutely cannot miss passes behind the receiver, he cannot throw it over the receiver, and he surely doesn't need to throw it into Texan hands. One positive last week is that Romo seemed to be completing passes to all the receivers and tight ends. That kind of momentum must continue if the Cowboys hope to have a chance.
2) RUNNING BACKS MUST BE EXPLOSIVE - This is a staple of most people who think they know football. "You gotta run the ball!" Well true, you do, and I am sure the Cowboys will (or pathetically try, then Red Judas will decide to run awful pass plays that get the Cows nowhere). However, I am looking for something more. Marion Barber is a decent receiver, and if anyone remembers last year, he made some big runs through the air. Felix Jones needs to get out in space. And Red Judas, a pee wee team would know what is coming when Tashard Choice lines up in the Razorback formation, so change it up!
3) NO BIG PLAYS - Matt Schaub can absolutely kill you through the air if you let him. We've already seen what Arian Foster can do. But the big play prevention falls mainly to the secondary. The Cowboys let too many receivers get behind them last Sunday, and that is a no-no. It's a bigger no-no when you will be facing Andre Johnson and company. The secondary must press at the line and not allow any receiver to get behind them. If they do, expect an 0-3 start.
Can the Cowboys win? Maybe. But it is obviously up to the players and coaches, and the right plays called. Oh yeah, and something called execution.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A week of college football in the books
Ahh, it's good to finally delve into the college football season. All my teams won (Michigan, Oklahoma, and TCU), and my prediction of Oklahoma-Boise State stands strong...sort of. Oklahoma did not win by a convincing score, which raises a little concern when Florida State comes to town. Should be a great game to watch. I really don't have much to say today, except I am probably more pumped for the Michigan-Notre Dame game.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Can the Cowboys compete this year?
I'm sure I was not alone in my reaction to the Cowboy's performance against the Houston Texans in preseason football.
"What the hell is going on?"
"God we're going to suck."
Those are just two of the many variations of thoughts going through my head. All I could think about was a future of my beloved Cowboys going 8-8, missing the playoffs, and the Cowboy faithful wanting Wade Phillips' head on a stick.
All of that is understandable. It is quite simply a Cowboy's fan's worst fear. So when the coaches decided to have their starters rest against the Miami Dolphins in the final preseason game, I pondered their decision.
Now, keep in mind, the coaches are doing this for the safety of the starters, but seriously, guys...there's something more important you are missing.
The starters have absolutely no chemistry with each other!
I'm not the only one who watched Tony Romo flub the ball, Felix Jones become confused which audible was called, Roy Williams not running a route correctly, and the defense bouncing off Texans' ballcarriers.
And you want this team who obviously isn't ready, go into the hostile FedExField in Landover, MD and expect to compete?
And don't even get me started on Dez Bryant, the Cowboys' receiver of the future. It's understandable that the coaches don't want to risk further injury to him, but think about it! You're really going to squander the chance to have Bryant play, for the first time at a pro level, just because there is a risk of injury?
There's always a risk of injury! That's how football is played!
If the Cowboys coaches don't get it together, and light a fire under the team's behind, then this could be a long season, folks.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
"What the hell is going on?"
"God we're going to suck."
Those are just two of the many variations of thoughts going through my head. All I could think about was a future of my beloved Cowboys going 8-8, missing the playoffs, and the Cowboy faithful wanting Wade Phillips' head on a stick.
All of that is understandable. It is quite simply a Cowboy's fan's worst fear. So when the coaches decided to have their starters rest against the Miami Dolphins in the final preseason game, I pondered their decision.
Now, keep in mind, the coaches are doing this for the safety of the starters, but seriously, guys...there's something more important you are missing.
The starters have absolutely no chemistry with each other!
I'm not the only one who watched Tony Romo flub the ball, Felix Jones become confused which audible was called, Roy Williams not running a route correctly, and the defense bouncing off Texans' ballcarriers.
And you want this team who obviously isn't ready, go into the hostile FedExField in Landover, MD and expect to compete?
And don't even get me started on Dez Bryant, the Cowboys' receiver of the future. It's understandable that the coaches don't want to risk further injury to him, but think about it! You're really going to squander the chance to have Bryant play, for the first time at a pro level, just because there is a risk of injury?
There's always a risk of injury! That's how football is played!
If the Cowboys coaches don't get it together, and light a fire under the team's behind, then this could be a long season, folks.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
So what's wrong with Cliff Lee?
Ask any Rangers fan. They will give you their opinion (or lack thereof) as to why Cliff Lee has been struggling so mightily over the past few starts. The opinions will be mixed, with some stating believable facts and some stating "big-city" idiocy. The variety of the opinions can leave one puzzled. Why is Cliff Lee struggling? Why did he give up seven runs to a horrible offense like the Royals?
To figure out such a problem, one must become a master sleuth and break down every motive and reason why Lee has been struggling. There are indeed a plethora of possibilities for his struggles, but can it be figured out so easily?
We shall see, so let's break it down.
1.) CLIFF LEE IS "MAILING IT IN."
This is the wunderkind Colin Cowherd's theory. Cowherd believes that Lee is showing his material and abilities for the "big market teams" like the New York Yankees. But a problem with that theory, Colin: HE HAS TO BE DOING WELL TO SHOW OFF HIS SKILLS!
If he was actually doing good, this theory may be plausible, but there's just no way.
Verdict: Doubtful
2.) CLIFF LEE IS TIRED
When Cliff Lee joined the organization back in July, Ron Washington clearly stated that Lee will be starting every fifth day. Lee has been doing just that, starting games at a constant pace. Now, it's common knowledge that pitchers do get tired throughout the year. All players get tired, that's just baseball. When I look at Cliff Lee, I look at a pitcher full of pride and inner strength. No pitcher like him is going to answer to reporters that he is "tired." He's a Cy Young winner for pete's sake! Lee will never say he is tired. But as you look at the past few games, he is throwing more pitches in a shorter amount of innings. He's getting into more stressful situations as a pitcher. Could it be mental stress that's causing Lee to falter over the past few starts? Unfortunately, I can't enter his mind to find out.
Verdict on physically tired: Plausible
Verdict on mentally tired: Possible
3.) CLIFF LEE IS GETTING NO RUN SUPPORT
Early on, this was an actual fact. However, over the past few games, Lee has been getting more than enough to win. He is just not executing as a pitcher to get the quality outs. This leads me to my fourth and final point...
4.) CLIFF LEE IS JUST NOT PITCHING WELL
I think this may be the most clear and concise point made. Lee is throwing his fastballs right down the middle, and hitters are taking advantage. All pitchers have days where they just can't locate their pitches. Anyone who watches Lee will notice he does locate a quality amount of his pitches. There just seems to be one fastball that stays in the middle of the plate, and hitters take advantage. Simple as that.
So what do Rangers fans do? A person can't abscond from the Lee bandwagon just because he's had a bad few games. So what do we do?
Ride it out Ranger faithful, Lee has gone through this before. He can right the ship, just in time for the playoffs.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
To figure out such a problem, one must become a master sleuth and break down every motive and reason why Lee has been struggling. There are indeed a plethora of possibilities for his struggles, but can it be figured out so easily?
We shall see, so let's break it down.
1.) CLIFF LEE IS "MAILING IT IN."
This is the wunderkind Colin Cowherd's theory. Cowherd believes that Lee is showing his material and abilities for the "big market teams" like the New York Yankees. But a problem with that theory, Colin: HE HAS TO BE DOING WELL TO SHOW OFF HIS SKILLS!
If he was actually doing good, this theory may be plausible, but there's just no way.
Verdict: Doubtful
2.) CLIFF LEE IS TIRED
When Cliff Lee joined the organization back in July, Ron Washington clearly stated that Lee will be starting every fifth day. Lee has been doing just that, starting games at a constant pace. Now, it's common knowledge that pitchers do get tired throughout the year. All players get tired, that's just baseball. When I look at Cliff Lee, I look at a pitcher full of pride and inner strength. No pitcher like him is going to answer to reporters that he is "tired." He's a Cy Young winner for pete's sake! Lee will never say he is tired. But as you look at the past few games, he is throwing more pitches in a shorter amount of innings. He's getting into more stressful situations as a pitcher. Could it be mental stress that's causing Lee to falter over the past few starts? Unfortunately, I can't enter his mind to find out.
Verdict on physically tired: Plausible
Verdict on mentally tired: Possible
3.) CLIFF LEE IS GETTING NO RUN SUPPORT
Early on, this was an actual fact. However, over the past few games, Lee has been getting more than enough to win. He is just not executing as a pitcher to get the quality outs. This leads me to my fourth and final point...
4.) CLIFF LEE IS JUST NOT PITCHING WELL
I think this may be the most clear and concise point made. Lee is throwing his fastballs right down the middle, and hitters are taking advantage. All pitchers have days where they just can't locate their pitches. Anyone who watches Lee will notice he does locate a quality amount of his pitches. There just seems to be one fastball that stays in the middle of the plate, and hitters take advantage. Simple as that.
So what do Rangers fans do? A person can't abscond from the Lee bandwagon just because he's had a bad few games. So what do we do?
Ride it out Ranger faithful, Lee has gone through this before. He can right the ship, just in time for the playoffs.
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Dustin's Bold Championship and Conference Predictions
I start my first blog in the exciting realm of college football. With the season gloriously starting Thursday, every expert (as well as non-experts and idiots who shouldn't predict anything) tends to give a bold prediction that ends up being extremely wrong by season's end. But with most sports about to begin, bold predictions are what gives its appeal.
Now, I enter this season attempting to be as non-biased as possible, but as a blatant "homer," such tasks are slightly difficult. ESPN's expert predictions show Alabama is the overall favorite to repeat. The other team predicted to reach the championship has varied, though Ohio State is predicted more than others. Now, as an obvious "homer," I will probably pick Oklahoma to make and win the National Championship. As a journalist, I must examine every little detail in order to choose the 2010 Champion.
The verdict is...
ACC Atlantic: Florida State
ACC Coastal: Virginia Tech
ACC Champ: Virginia Tech
Big East Champ: Pittsburgh
Big Ten Champ: Iowa
Big 12 North: Nebraska
Big 12 South: Oklahoma
Big 12 Champ: Oklahoma
C-USA East: UCF
C-USA West: Houston
C-USA Champ: Houston
MAC East: Ohio
MAC West: C. Michigan
MAC Champ: C. Michigan
Mountain West Champ: TCU
Pac-10 Champ: Oregon
SEC East: Florida
SEC West: Alabama
SEC Champ: Alabama
Sun Belt Champ: Troy
WAC Champ: Boise State
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Oklahoma over Boise State
Yes I know, I can't predict against the Sooners, but I believe with a more experienced Landry Jones, this team will be tough to beat. Boise State will plow through everyone, before meeting a defeat full of retribution by the hands of the Stoopsters. I'm sure you are wondering why I did not go with the grain and choose Alabama. Have you seen their schedule!? If they can get out of that mess undefeated, then they deserve to go to the championship. However, I think their first loss will be met early, by the hands of Arkansas.
And that is my prediction for the 2010 year. Take it or leave it, I'm no expert (yet).
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
Now, I enter this season attempting to be as non-biased as possible, but as a blatant "homer," such tasks are slightly difficult. ESPN's expert predictions show Alabama is the overall favorite to repeat. The other team predicted to reach the championship has varied, though Ohio State is predicted more than others. Now, as an obvious "homer," I will probably pick Oklahoma to make and win the National Championship. As a journalist, I must examine every little detail in order to choose the 2010 Champion.
The verdict is...
ACC Atlantic: Florida State
ACC Coastal: Virginia Tech
ACC Champ: Virginia Tech
Big East Champ: Pittsburgh
Big Ten Champ: Iowa
Big 12 North: Nebraska
Big 12 South: Oklahoma
Big 12 Champ: Oklahoma
C-USA East: UCF
C-USA West: Houston
C-USA Champ: Houston
MAC East: Ohio
MAC West: C. Michigan
MAC Champ: C. Michigan
Mountain West Champ: TCU
Pac-10 Champ: Oregon
SEC East: Florida
SEC West: Alabama
SEC Champ: Alabama
Sun Belt Champ: Troy
WAC Champ: Boise State
NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME: Oklahoma over Boise State
Yes I know, I can't predict against the Sooners, but I believe with a more experienced Landry Jones, this team will be tough to beat. Boise State will plow through everyone, before meeting a defeat full of retribution by the hands of the Stoopsters. I'm sure you are wondering why I did not go with the grain and choose Alabama. Have you seen their schedule!? If they can get out of that mess undefeated, then they deserve to go to the championship. However, I think their first loss will be met early, by the hands of Arkansas.
And that is my prediction for the 2010 year. Take it or leave it, I'm no expert (yet).
All opinions are solely those of Dustin McWilliams. McWilliams is a sports writer at the Durant Daily Democrat. If you have any questions or feedback, please message McWilliams at dmcwilliams82@gmail.com
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