If you like golf and like risking big money with a chance to win even more, than Big Stakes Match Play Golf is for your. The winning team from the tournament in May in Las Vegas will win 2-million dollars. The only problem is, that it will cost 1-hundred thousand just to get in.
“It is the richest purse in golf,” says Mark Santini, Director of Sales and Marketing for Big Stakes Golf. “Right now the players championship which just concluded, I believe, was an 8-million dollar purse, so these guys are playing for money even Tiger hasn’t played for.”
It’s for serious players, with a serious game and serious money. Just playing in this qualifier cost 30-thousand, but if you were one of the four winners here, you earned a 70-thousand dollar discount. Teams rely on money men like Ron Treat of Cave Creek, Arizona.
“Yes its a gamble,” says Treat. “But its kind of a fun gamble, something you can kind of get involved in. We have a hand shake agreement with the players.”
But that's the team investor's perspective. Someone has to play, and players from mini tours are lining up. Members of the PGA, European, Champions and Nationwide tours aren't eligible. Players dream of earning a portion of a 2-million dollar prize.
“I want to get out of debt to start with,” says Warren Schutte of Phoenix, Arizoa. “Most mini tour players are in debt. It would be nice to sleep at home one night, and not having to worry about actually making some credit card payments for a change.”
Craig Spence, his partner, is from Phoenix as well. “It would probably go straight into the house, yeah, most of it, buy my wife a little something, maybe even myself a little something.”
Because of the success last year, they doubled the teams from 64-to 128 teams, it has changed the odds, but it still better odds than you'll find anyplace in Vegas.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Former Cowboys Safety George Teague Still Defends The Star
Former Dallas Cowboys Safety George Teague was as shocked as anyone when the Cowboys signed Wide Receiver Terrell Owens to a contract.
“I was a little speechless, I think because I really didn't know what it meant,” said Teague at Harvest Christian Academy. “I guess I didn’t know how it was going to affect the fans, and everything.”
As the Athletic Director and Head Football coach of Harvest Christian Academy in Watauga, its his job to teach Discipline and Character to kids of all ages.
Ever since that incident at Texas Stadium on September 24, 2000, Teague has become known as the defender of the Star, when he stopped Terrell Owens from showboating at midfield, and disrespecting the Cowboys Star.
Said Owens at his signing press conference, “I know a lot of people are going to hit me with questions about the star, and no disrespect, you know, did I have at that particular time. I was just a competitor. But just as Emmitt did, when I stood on that Star, I'm going to embrace it from here on out.”
What did Teague thing about his comments. “I heard the same I'm sorry that he said to Donovan McNabb when he was playing with the Eagles, and it didn't really mean anything. It was the right thing to say, at the right time, in front of the right people. That's all. (Just words?) Just words.”
Teague went on to offer the following observation. “I can for give Terrell Owens for the fact, because that is the right thing to do, and that is what I would tell anybody else, especially being a Christian and everything else, we are supposed to forgive, but, forgiving doesn't mean forgetting.
Teague says he has all the respect in the world for Jerry Jones as an Owner of the Dallas cowboys, but…..
“I know he passed up on some other guys, maybe because of some character issues,” he says. “In hindsight, as an owner though, I can see him saying, well now that I was worried about all these character traits, I haven't been winning, like I was in the past, so maybe I need to revert back and take a risk, on a guy that may be able to take us to that next level. So, does that mean I still agree with him, probably not, but I can see as owner trying to make money, trying to win football game, I can see why he would want Terrell Owens here.”
“I can for give Terrell Owens ah for the fact, because that is the right thing to do, and that is what I would tell anybody else, especially being a Christian and everything else, we are supposed to forgive, but, forgiving doesn't mean forgetting.”
Teague will forever be known as the defender of the star, and he hopes his former nemesis learns something about respect.
“I was a little speechless, I think because I really didn't know what it meant,” said Teague at Harvest Christian Academy. “I guess I didn’t know how it was going to affect the fans, and everything.”
As the Athletic Director and Head Football coach of Harvest Christian Academy in Watauga, its his job to teach Discipline and Character to kids of all ages.
Ever since that incident at Texas Stadium on September 24, 2000, Teague has become known as the defender of the Star, when he stopped Terrell Owens from showboating at midfield, and disrespecting the Cowboys Star.
Said Owens at his signing press conference, “I know a lot of people are going to hit me with questions about the star, and no disrespect, you know, did I have at that particular time. I was just a competitor. But just as Emmitt did, when I stood on that Star, I'm going to embrace it from here on out.”
What did Teague thing about his comments. “I heard the same I'm sorry that he said to Donovan McNabb when he was playing with the Eagles, and it didn't really mean anything. It was the right thing to say, at the right time, in front of the right people. That's all. (Just words?) Just words.”
Teague went on to offer the following observation. “I can for give Terrell Owens for the fact, because that is the right thing to do, and that is what I would tell anybody else, especially being a Christian and everything else, we are supposed to forgive, but, forgiving doesn't mean forgetting.
Teague says he has all the respect in the world for Jerry Jones as an Owner of the Dallas cowboys, but…..
“I know he passed up on some other guys, maybe because of some character issues,” he says. “In hindsight, as an owner though, I can see him saying, well now that I was worried about all these character traits, I haven't been winning, like I was in the past, so maybe I need to revert back and take a risk, on a guy that may be able to take us to that next level. So, does that mean I still agree with him, probably not, but I can see as owner trying to make money, trying to win football game, I can see why he would want Terrell Owens here.”
“I can for give Terrell Owens ah for the fact, because that is the right thing to do, and that is what I would tell anybody else, especially being a Christian and everything else, we are supposed to forgive, but, forgiving doesn't mean forgetting.”
Teague will forever be known as the defender of the star, and he hopes his former nemesis learns something about respect.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Graford Texas Proud of Texas A&M Coach Billy Gillispie
If you’re looking for a reason to drive to Graford, Texas, the scenery is certainly worth the trip. It’s a town with a population of 578, and one flashing light. But if you’re a basketball fan, there is another reason to drive there, because its the home town of Texas A&M basketball coach Billy Gillispie.
“He used to work up here,” says Judy Morrow working behind the counter at the local grocery store. Morrow's Grocery Store is where Gillispie worked as a youngster. It’s a town that taught him more than just basketball.
“They get up at daylight, and they work until dark, and that's the reason that I'm so proud to be from there,” says Gillispie. “It helps you develop a very good work ethic. If you’re not a worker in that town, they don't have much patience with you.”
Judy Morrow watched Gillispie grow up on her street, and isn't surprised by his success at Texas A&M and how he is able to motivate his players. In this town, he's known as Billy Clyde.
Is he a nice guy? “He really is,’ says Judy Morrow. “I know that sounds really corny, but he's just a super person, and basketball is nearly his whole life, I mean up there with his family and everything.”
Dan Morrow owns the grocery store where Gillispie used to work. “I think he's doing a great job, I'm an Aggie Graduate, Class of 61, so I'm glad he's here, and hope he stays. The whole town is proud. Anyone who knows bill is proud that he's such a good kid and has had so much success. He put Graford on the map again. We've had other graduates who have done well.”
Folks used to sit on the old benches to watch Gillispie and his teammates play basketball. He played a lot of different sports before he graduated in 1978, but this is the town where he learned the game. And the court is not a basketball court any more, it’s a food court, the cafeteria.
In the school library, it’s easy to find old high school pictures of Gillispie. And the librarian is more than just a good source, she's his aunt.
“I think its fantastic,” says Mary Ann Gillispie. “I'm proud of him, he's worked hard, has earned everything he's getting.”
And she's not surprised that his players can win their share of games. “He is so good, he has such a way of working with the kids and getting them ready, and getting them all geared up to go, no I'm really not.”
Robert Ray still teaches at Graford, and taught Gillispie in both shop and agriculture classes.
“He was a student that probably had the strongest work ethic of any student that I've had,” says Ray. “I remember him mowing lawns, not with the riding mowers, the old push mowers, working at the store, and he always had two three guys going continuously, he was a go getter, and apparently still is.”
At "The Cafe," you can usually find Dirk Leach, who was on the same high school team with Gillispie. He says it was obvious, that his old teammate would eventually become a coach, because he understood the game at age 12.
“Oh yeah, he watched it all the time, he was a sports fanatic, read the paper, watched sports on TV all the time, but like I say, during junior high and high school, he was definitely the coach on the floor, but ah, he was the coach then,” says Leach.
“I think he's doing a great job,” says Bill Johnson, a resident of Graford. “He's done a great job, I think he's a really good coach, dedicated, he's made Aggies out of almost everyone around here.”
And Leach is an aggie as well? “Oh yeah, I am now,” he says laughing. “He's on the right track? Give him a year or two to recruit, he's going to be a deadly, deadly team.”
Gillispies’ friends say his dream job may be in the pros someday, so don't be surprised if he moves on someday.
“I knew the sky is limits for him, and his goal is to be the Lakers coach, you know, so watch out, that's all I can say,” says Leach. “I think his goal to be in the pros, I really do.”
In the meantime, folks in Graford will always keep an eye on their native son.
“He used to work up here,” says Judy Morrow working behind the counter at the local grocery store. Morrow's Grocery Store is where Gillispie worked as a youngster. It’s a town that taught him more than just basketball.
“They get up at daylight, and they work until dark, and that's the reason that I'm so proud to be from there,” says Gillispie. “It helps you develop a very good work ethic. If you’re not a worker in that town, they don't have much patience with you.”
Judy Morrow watched Gillispie grow up on her street, and isn't surprised by his success at Texas A&M and how he is able to motivate his players. In this town, he's known as Billy Clyde.
Is he a nice guy? “He really is,’ says Judy Morrow. “I know that sounds really corny, but he's just a super person, and basketball is nearly his whole life, I mean up there with his family and everything.”
Dan Morrow owns the grocery store where Gillispie used to work. “I think he's doing a great job, I'm an Aggie Graduate, Class of 61, so I'm glad he's here, and hope he stays. The whole town is proud. Anyone who knows bill is proud that he's such a good kid and has had so much success. He put Graford on the map again. We've had other graduates who have done well.”
Folks used to sit on the old benches to watch Gillispie and his teammates play basketball. He played a lot of different sports before he graduated in 1978, but this is the town where he learned the game. And the court is not a basketball court any more, it’s a food court, the cafeteria.
In the school library, it’s easy to find old high school pictures of Gillispie. And the librarian is more than just a good source, she's his aunt.
“I think its fantastic,” says Mary Ann Gillispie. “I'm proud of him, he's worked hard, has earned everything he's getting.”
And she's not surprised that his players can win their share of games. “He is so good, he has such a way of working with the kids and getting them ready, and getting them all geared up to go, no I'm really not.”
Robert Ray still teaches at Graford, and taught Gillispie in both shop and agriculture classes.
“He was a student that probably had the strongest work ethic of any student that I've had,” says Ray. “I remember him mowing lawns, not with the riding mowers, the old push mowers, working at the store, and he always had two three guys going continuously, he was a go getter, and apparently still is.”
At "The Cafe," you can usually find Dirk Leach, who was on the same high school team with Gillispie. He says it was obvious, that his old teammate would eventually become a coach, because he understood the game at age 12.
“Oh yeah, he watched it all the time, he was a sports fanatic, read the paper, watched sports on TV all the time, but like I say, during junior high and high school, he was definitely the coach on the floor, but ah, he was the coach then,” says Leach.
“I think he's doing a great job,” says Bill Johnson, a resident of Graford. “He's done a great job, I think he's a really good coach, dedicated, he's made Aggies out of almost everyone around here.”
And Leach is an aggie as well? “Oh yeah, I am now,” he says laughing. “He's on the right track? Give him a year or two to recruit, he's going to be a deadly, deadly team.”
Gillispies’ friends say his dream job may be in the pros someday, so don't be surprised if he moves on someday.
“I knew the sky is limits for him, and his goal is to be the Lakers coach, you know, so watch out, that's all I can say,” says Leach. “I think his goal to be in the pros, I really do.”
In the meantime, folks in Graford will always keep an eye on their native son.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Dallas Cowboys Sign Wide Receiver Terrell Owens
The Dallas Cowboys signed Wide Receiver Terrell Owens today. It ended days of speculation that Owens would end up in Dallas, after the Cowboys released Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson.
Quarterback Drew Bledsoe says he and Terrell Owens won't have to be close friends to make their relationship work, and that may be a good thing. Still, Bledsoe wants to get off to a good start with Owens, who very publicly burned the bond with his
last two quarterbacks.
"I'll be a better teammate, a better person, a better man in live," Owens promised. "I'm looking forward to this opportunity."
"We'll spend some time together in the locker room, maybe go out to dinner," Bledsoe said Saturday, shortly after the Cowboys signed Owens to a three-year, $25 million contract. "But ultimately, it's going to be a relationship built on mutual respect
on the field. If there's a relationship off the field, that's a bonus."
Not since Michael Irvin have the Cowboys had a receiver like Owens, a big and physical presence player, with a flare for making the big plays. It's why Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he considered the deal a worthwhile investment, even if Owens' previous antics "will open the door for scrutiny." Bledsoe agreed -- and said he's not worried about Owens' damaged relationships with his last two quarterbacks, Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia and Jeff Garcia in San Francisco. Owens squabbled with Garcia before ultimately hinting that the 49ers needed to bench him. He later questioned Garcia's sexuality.
"I think our team got better today, and I think I became a better quarterback," says Bledsoe.
Jones said he's looking forward to see how Bledsoe and Owens play together. He's also counting on the quarterback to help keep the receiver from being a problem in the locker room. "I think Drew Bledsoe will step up," Jones said. "He's a dynamic leader."
Irvin, who has remains close to the organization, says "This move for Dallas puts them -- and I'll say it -- in the Super Bowl," he said. He praised the move for how it will change the Cowboys offense. "You talk about what kind of problem they're going to have when Drew gets up in T.O's face," Irvin said. "He'll be up in T.O.'s
face and kissing him on the mouth saying, 'I love you. That's the
way to make those plays."
"It was much more than the commitment from the team economically," says Drew Rosenhaus, Owens' agent. "It was the great head coach, the outstanding tradition, and a team on the cusp of being a Super Bowl contender. You've got everything you're looking for."
Says Cowboys Vice President Stephen Jones, "He's in tremendous shape. On top of that, he's a competitor. We feel he can be very productive for us the next three years."
Quarterback Drew Bledsoe says he and Terrell Owens won't have to be close friends to make their relationship work, and that may be a good thing. Still, Bledsoe wants to get off to a good start with Owens, who very publicly burned the bond with his
last two quarterbacks.
"I'll be a better teammate, a better person, a better man in live," Owens promised. "I'm looking forward to this opportunity."
"We'll spend some time together in the locker room, maybe go out to dinner," Bledsoe said Saturday, shortly after the Cowboys signed Owens to a three-year, $25 million contract. "But ultimately, it's going to be a relationship built on mutual respect
on the field. If there's a relationship off the field, that's a bonus."
Not since Michael Irvin have the Cowboys had a receiver like Owens, a big and physical presence player, with a flare for making the big plays. It's why Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said he considered the deal a worthwhile investment, even if Owens' previous antics "will open the door for scrutiny." Bledsoe agreed -- and said he's not worried about Owens' damaged relationships with his last two quarterbacks, Donovan McNabb in Philadelphia and Jeff Garcia in San Francisco. Owens squabbled with Garcia before ultimately hinting that the 49ers needed to bench him. He later questioned Garcia's sexuality.
"I think our team got better today, and I think I became a better quarterback," says Bledsoe.
Jones said he's looking forward to see how Bledsoe and Owens play together. He's also counting on the quarterback to help keep the receiver from being a problem in the locker room. "I think Drew Bledsoe will step up," Jones said. "He's a dynamic leader."
Irvin, who has remains close to the organization, says "This move for Dallas puts them -- and I'll say it -- in the Super Bowl," he said. He praised the move for how it will change the Cowboys offense. "You talk about what kind of problem they're going to have when Drew gets up in T.O's face," Irvin said. "He'll be up in T.O.'s
face and kissing him on the mouth saying, 'I love you. That's the
way to make those plays."
"It was much more than the commitment from the team economically," says Drew Rosenhaus, Owens' agent. "It was the great head coach, the outstanding tradition, and a team on the cusp of being a Super Bowl contender. You've got everything you're looking for."
Says Cowboys Vice President Stephen Jones, "He's in tremendous shape. On top of that, he's a competitor. We feel he can be very productive for us the next three years."
Monday, March 13, 2006
Jeff Gordon Visits Lockeed Martin Plant in Fort Worth
NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon finished 5th in Las Vegas, Nevada at the UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 on Sunday for his best finish of the season so far. Monday, he was headed back to Charlotte, North Carolina, and to stop in Fort Worth for a few hours, to visit and tour the Lockeed Martin Aeronautics plant.
“It’s such an honor to have you here,” said an employee of Lockeed Martin as he walked into a hangar, housing an F-16.
His tour guide was Bill Gigliotti, an F-35 test pilot. It appears, that both Gigliotti and Gordon have a need for speed.
“We have a job that is very similar in that way, but we don't really feel the speed that Jeff does everyday going on the race track,” says Gigliotti. “You know we go a lot faster. Certainly being on a race track at 180 miles per hour, probably feels very different then when I'm up there at 400 miles per hour.”
Gigliotti ushered Gordon into a cockpit of an F-16. “So the question of the day,” says Gordon, “Is how true to life was top gun, ha ha ha. I get asked that question all the time. ‘Days of thunder,’ that really happens right?” says Gordon. “Well there you go,” Gigliotti says laughing out loud.
“I certainly believe you have to get in a certain mindset to get out in a race car and compete like we do. It takes a whole lot more than that to get out there in a fighter jet an F-16, and do battle.” Gordon says.
Gordon wil be back in Fort Worth for the Samsung Radio Shack 500 on April 9th. He finished 5th on Sunday, and is currently 9th in the standings. His best finish in Texas is 2nd. He missed the Nextel Chase for the Cup in 2005, finishing 11th overall, narrowly missing the top ten.
“Making the Chase, yes it’s important because if you make the Chase, you've got a chance at the championship, but I don't want to just make the Chase.” he said. “Last year, I think in some ways we could have made the chase, but we would have been a non factor. I want to make the chase and be a factor for the championship.”
Gordon also had a chance to test an F-35 simulator, a plane that won’t begin full tests until August 2006. He didn’t get to fly on this day, claiming his experience with the Navy Blue Angels a few years ago, was enough.
“It’s only because the aircraft is far more capable than my body is capable of, and unless you’re trained for it, its tough. It’s an impressive experience, but not necessarily a fun experience.”
After a round of interviews with Televison and Radio crews, Gordon left, headed home before traveling to Atlanta, Georgia this weekend, for Sunday’s race, the Golden Corral 500.
“It’s such an honor to have you here,” said an employee of Lockeed Martin as he walked into a hangar, housing an F-16.
His tour guide was Bill Gigliotti, an F-35 test pilot. It appears, that both Gigliotti and Gordon have a need for speed.
“We have a job that is very similar in that way, but we don't really feel the speed that Jeff does everyday going on the race track,” says Gigliotti. “You know we go a lot faster. Certainly being on a race track at 180 miles per hour, probably feels very different then when I'm up there at 400 miles per hour.”
Gigliotti ushered Gordon into a cockpit of an F-16. “So the question of the day,” says Gordon, “Is how true to life was top gun, ha ha ha. I get asked that question all the time. ‘Days of thunder,’ that really happens right?” says Gordon. “Well there you go,” Gigliotti says laughing out loud.
“I certainly believe you have to get in a certain mindset to get out in a race car and compete like we do. It takes a whole lot more than that to get out there in a fighter jet an F-16, and do battle.” Gordon says.
Gordon wil be back in Fort Worth for the Samsung Radio Shack 500 on April 9th. He finished 5th on Sunday, and is currently 9th in the standings. His best finish in Texas is 2nd. He missed the Nextel Chase for the Cup in 2005, finishing 11th overall, narrowly missing the top ten.
“Making the Chase, yes it’s important because if you make the Chase, you've got a chance at the championship, but I don't want to just make the Chase.” he said. “Last year, I think in some ways we could have made the chase, but we would have been a non factor. I want to make the chase and be a factor for the championship.”
Gordon also had a chance to test an F-35 simulator, a plane that won’t begin full tests until August 2006. He didn’t get to fly on this day, claiming his experience with the Navy Blue Angels a few years ago, was enough.
“It’s only because the aircraft is far more capable than my body is capable of, and unless you’re trained for it, its tough. It’s an impressive experience, but not necessarily a fun experience.”
After a round of interviews with Televison and Radio crews, Gordon left, headed home before traveling to Atlanta, Georgia this weekend, for Sunday’s race, the Golden Corral 500.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Marsha Sharp To Retire As Head Coach At Texas Tech
Her voice echo’s on the floor of Reunion Arena in Dallas.
“Here we go, lets go, lets go, lets go!” It’s the voice of Marsha Sharp, the Head Basketball Coach for the women’s basketball team at Texas Tech. It’s a voice folks in Lubbock have heard for 24-yers.
“Everything is in attack mode,” she tells her players during a practice in Dallas. “Square first then jump,” she yells.
Later during an interview after practice, Sharp talked about her career and why she announced she was leaving as the schools Head Coach. “You just have that gut feeling, that maybe its time to try and do something a little bit different, to accept some different challenges, to do some things a little bit differently,” she says. “I don't know, a lot of people have asked me if there is one particular reason, and probably not. It’s just a culmination of things, that maybe its time to change direction. “
Sharp’s crowning glory remains a National championship in 1993. She has 571-wins, is a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, but that doesn't even begin to describe her career.
“I think that I've been a part of something really special in the growth of women's basketball, not just at Tech, but nation wide,” says Sharp.
Texas Tech will play their first game against Oklahoma State Tuesday, March 7th as the 5th seed in the Big 12 Women’s Tournament, but her players know, every game they play from now on, might be the last for their departing coach.
“I think all of our emotions are high and we're trying to win a couple of ball games and get into the NCAA tournament,” says Guard Erin Grant. “So I think its a little bit more pressure this time around.”
Says Forward LaToya Davis, “She's one of the most amazing coaches, I mean, she might get in your face a couple of times, but you know its for good. It’s great, I mean it’s sad she's retiring, but I know its for a good reason.”
Sharp's next job will be as Associate Athletic Director for Special Projects at Texas Tech. She's done amazing things for the women's basketball program at Texas Tech. The program will certainly miss her.
“Here we go, lets go, lets go, lets go!” It’s the voice of Marsha Sharp, the Head Basketball Coach for the women’s basketball team at Texas Tech. It’s a voice folks in Lubbock have heard for 24-yers.
“Everything is in attack mode,” she tells her players during a practice in Dallas. “Square first then jump,” she yells.
Later during an interview after practice, Sharp talked about her career and why she announced she was leaving as the schools Head Coach. “You just have that gut feeling, that maybe its time to try and do something a little bit different, to accept some different challenges, to do some things a little bit differently,” she says. “I don't know, a lot of people have asked me if there is one particular reason, and probably not. It’s just a culmination of things, that maybe its time to change direction. “
Sharp’s crowning glory remains a National championship in 1993. She has 571-wins, is a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, but that doesn't even begin to describe her career.
“I think that I've been a part of something really special in the growth of women's basketball, not just at Tech, but nation wide,” says Sharp.
Texas Tech will play their first game against Oklahoma State Tuesday, March 7th as the 5th seed in the Big 12 Women’s Tournament, but her players know, every game they play from now on, might be the last for their departing coach.
“I think all of our emotions are high and we're trying to win a couple of ball games and get into the NCAA tournament,” says Guard Erin Grant. “So I think its a little bit more pressure this time around.”
Says Forward LaToya Davis, “She's one of the most amazing coaches, I mean, she might get in your face a couple of times, but you know its for good. It’s great, I mean it’s sad she's retiring, but I know its for a good reason.”
Sharp's next job will be as Associate Athletic Director for Special Projects at Texas Tech. She's done amazing things for the women's basketball program at Texas Tech. The program will certainly miss her.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Brad Wilkerson Ready To Take Over Centerfield For Texas
Outfielder Brad Wilkerson is one of three players the Rangers acquired when 2nd Baseman Alfonso Soriano was traded to Washington. The trade also included Terrmel Sledge and a minor league pitcher. Now, as he prepares for another season, Wilkerson finds himself playing for his third team since turning pro five years ago.
“Its not too bad,” says Wilkerson. “I've played against some of these guys. This is a great bunch of guys they already have here, great core of players that go about their business the right way. I feel like I'm going to fit in right away.”
Wilkerson hit .248-last year, but is a career .268-hitter. He was hampered by a right forearm injury last year, but he says he's healthy again, and may become the teams leadoff hitter this year. He's patient at the plate.
“He's going to take a walk,” says Manager Buck Showalter. “He's going to play good defense. He's a baseball player. He loves to compete and has that look in his eye. I think he's real excited to be here.”
“This team has got massive power,” says Wilkerson. “I think by me maybe fitting in at the top of the order, getting on base and scoring a lot of runs, I feel like that's going to be my biggest job this year. I feel \the way I play the game, and what I bring to the table, especially the way this team plays the game, I feel I'm going to fit in right away.”
The Rangers outfield is crowded this year, but Wilkerson is expected to be the guy in Centerfield.
“Yeah, this guy is front line outfielder,” says Showalter. He’s capable of playing everyday. I like his ability at left handed pitching. Statistically, it’s very intriguing. We were lucky to get a guy of his caliber.”
No matter what team, Centerfield is always a key position. But for Texas, they're outfield is expected to revolve around Wilkerson. He's a good defensive player, but Texas is expecting a whole lot more.
“Its not too bad,” says Wilkerson. “I've played against some of these guys. This is a great bunch of guys they already have here, great core of players that go about their business the right way. I feel like I'm going to fit in right away.”
Wilkerson hit .248-last year, but is a career .268-hitter. He was hampered by a right forearm injury last year, but he says he's healthy again, and may become the teams leadoff hitter this year. He's patient at the plate.
“He's going to take a walk,” says Manager Buck Showalter. “He's going to play good defense. He's a baseball player. He loves to compete and has that look in his eye. I think he's real excited to be here.”
“This team has got massive power,” says Wilkerson. “I think by me maybe fitting in at the top of the order, getting on base and scoring a lot of runs, I feel like that's going to be my biggest job this year. I feel \the way I play the game, and what I bring to the table, especially the way this team plays the game, I feel I'm going to fit in right away.”
The Rangers outfield is crowded this year, but Wilkerson is expected to be the guy in Centerfield.
“Yeah, this guy is front line outfielder,” says Showalter. He’s capable of playing everyday. I like his ability at left handed pitching. Statistically, it’s very intriguing. We were lucky to get a guy of his caliber.”
No matter what team, Centerfield is always a key position. But for Texas, they're outfield is expected to revolve around Wilkerson. He's a good defensive player, but Texas is expecting a whole lot more.
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