No one knows how long Shortstop Michael Young and first baseman Mark Teixeira will be together in Texas. Young is signed for 2007, with a club option for next year, and negotiations are underway to extend his contract.
Teixeira is under contract for 2007, but 2008 will be an arbitration year. That means Teixeira will be eligible to become a free agent after the 2008 season, and since Scott Boras is his agent, the money to keep him will be the main issue.
“Well Tex is a little different, (than Michael Young)” says Rangers Owner Tom Hicks. “We'd love to have Tex, but Tex has an agent who has a process he follows that, we'll respect that process. So, our conversation with Tex will be down the line.”
An extension for Young would be similar to Chase Utley and Vernon Wells. Utley received $85 million dollars while Wells received a $126 million dollar contract. That makes the median average annual salary around $15 million dollars.
“We're talking to him, (Michael Young)” says Hicks. “We'd love to do something. It’s a business and he's got an agent who's doing his job for him, but Michael is the kind of guy I think who should be the face of this franchise, he has been, and he should be.”
Fans know that unless something is done, time is running out for both players.
“If I thought that way, I'd be thinking to the future,” say Young. “I'd be thinking about what lies in store for both he and I, but for me, its always like this. Last year, it was 06 or die, the year before it was 05 or die, and I'm taking the same attitude this year. This team is going to get everything I have for the 07 season. After that, we'll take it as it comes.”
For Teixeira, the future is now.
“You always want to win now, after June, July or August, when your out of the race, you start thinking for next year,” says Teixeira. “You start thinking for next year. You know its here. One more year, and it may not be anymore in Texas, so we're just going to go out there and play hard to win here because we want the fans to be excited about Texas again.
There is no question that the Rangers would like to have Young and Teixeira to have long productive careers in Texas, but in the end it will come down to two things, one is money, the second is their desire to be on a team that can win a championship.
Monday, February 26, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Lincoln Kennedy Trys Comeback at Age 36
Lincoln Kennedy has been out of pro football for the past three seasons, but this year at age 36, he's trying to make a comeback with the Dallas Desperados of the Arena Football league.
“It’s just trying to get acclimated,” says Kennedy. “It’s like that old theory, once you learn how to ride a bike, you learn how to ride it. You may not be as proficient as if your riding every day, but once you get back on you know what you’re doing.”
Kennedy retired from pro football in 2003 after a career that included three trips to the pro bowl as a member of the Oakland Raiders. He was drafted in the first round 1993 by the Atlanta Falcons. He never won a Super Bowl, but he did play in one, losing in Super Bowl XXXVII against Tampa Bay. Talk about credentials.
“Yeah the guy is a three time pro bowler, All American, and the guys look up to him, just from the standpoint from what he's done,” says Desperados Head Coach Will McClay. “He's come in, and fit in within the group. He's realized that he's got a lot of things to learn. He’s fit in well, so that's clearing the first hurdle there.”
“I’m not sitting here to say I'm going to go another ten years,” says Kennedy. “I mean that's not realistic. I don't want to be George Blanda playing this game. I'm trying to get this last bit out of me. I want to finish off what I started a long time ago when I said i want to play 12-years professionally. I finished with 11. I came up a little short of my goal, so I want to see that 12th.
Kenney has no idea how long he'll be able to play the indoor game, but as long as he likes football and is still able to play, it really doesn't seem to matter.
“What I'm doing right now, at this particular point of my life, is that you play for just the year that your in,” says Kennedy. “Let everything fall in front of you. Come as they may. I didn't leave with an injury. I left because I was burned out. I was mentally burned out, and when I reenergized mentally, and put that focus back into perspective I was able to come out.”
Kennedy admits his body has been slow to catch up, but if he can make it a12th year, there is certainly nothing wrong to shoot for 13.
“It’s just trying to get acclimated,” says Kennedy. “It’s like that old theory, once you learn how to ride a bike, you learn how to ride it. You may not be as proficient as if your riding every day, but once you get back on you know what you’re doing.”
Kennedy retired from pro football in 2003 after a career that included three trips to the pro bowl as a member of the Oakland Raiders. He was drafted in the first round 1993 by the Atlanta Falcons. He never won a Super Bowl, but he did play in one, losing in Super Bowl XXXVII against Tampa Bay. Talk about credentials.
“Yeah the guy is a three time pro bowler, All American, and the guys look up to him, just from the standpoint from what he's done,” says Desperados Head Coach Will McClay. “He's come in, and fit in within the group. He's realized that he's got a lot of things to learn. He’s fit in well, so that's clearing the first hurdle there.”
“I’m not sitting here to say I'm going to go another ten years,” says Kennedy. “I mean that's not realistic. I don't want to be George Blanda playing this game. I'm trying to get this last bit out of me. I want to finish off what I started a long time ago when I said i want to play 12-years professionally. I finished with 11. I came up a little short of my goal, so I want to see that 12th.
Kenney has no idea how long he'll be able to play the indoor game, but as long as he likes football and is still able to play, it really doesn't seem to matter.
“What I'm doing right now, at this particular point of my life, is that you play for just the year that your in,” says Kennedy. “Let everything fall in front of you. Come as they may. I didn't leave with an injury. I left because I was burned out. I was mentally burned out, and when I reenergized mentally, and put that focus back into perspective I was able to come out.”
Kennedy admits his body has been slow to catch up, but if he can make it a12th year, there is certainly nothing wrong to shoot for 13.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Hall Of Fame Racing Prepares For Second Year
It was Roger Staubach's 65th birthday, but it could just as easily have been a celebration for the start of Hall of Fame Racing's second season. Last year, the team owned by Staubach and Troy Aikman finished the year without any wins. For two former quarterbacks used to winning, that may have been the hardest adjustment of all.
“I remember when we coming in 17th and we're high fiving each other,” says Staubach. “it was last year at Daytona, and we're like in a state of shock. We didn't know what was going to happen.”
Driver Tony Raines finished nearly 98-percent of the races he started, and in NASCAR, that's always a good start.
“Ha ha, we did that pretty well, says Aikman. “If you win prizes for that, then we would have won something.”
Even better news is that the team finished high enough last year to be locked in for the first five races this year. Last season, Raines had 29-starts for Hall of Fame Racing, and this year he is guaranteed to be in the field for only the second time at Daytona.
“Having been through everything, that's a plus,” say Raines. “As a group, we're not nervous, we're not going in there looking around, and looking over our shoulders, we know what we need to do now, we've been there.”
“He's ready,” says Aikman. “He's ready to race a full schedule, and we're looking forward to now seeing how he'll do, under better circumstances, and also what we feel is a good crew chief, should help him.”
So while Staubach is celebrating a birthday, Hall of Fame Racing is celebrating the beginning of their second year. But the event they're all waiting for is that first celebration in the winners circle.
“I remember when we coming in 17th and we're high fiving each other,” says Staubach. “it was last year at Daytona, and we're like in a state of shock. We didn't know what was going to happen.”
Driver Tony Raines finished nearly 98-percent of the races he started, and in NASCAR, that's always a good start.
“Ha ha, we did that pretty well, says Aikman. “If you win prizes for that, then we would have won something.”
Even better news is that the team finished high enough last year to be locked in for the first five races this year. Last season, Raines had 29-starts for Hall of Fame Racing, and this year he is guaranteed to be in the field for only the second time at Daytona.
“Having been through everything, that's a plus,” say Raines. “As a group, we're not nervous, we're not going in there looking around, and looking over our shoulders, we know what we need to do now, we've been there.”
“He's ready,” says Aikman. “He's ready to race a full schedule, and we're looking forward to now seeing how he'll do, under better circumstances, and also what we feel is a good crew chief, should help him.”
So while Staubach is celebrating a birthday, Hall of Fame Racing is celebrating the beginning of their second year. But the event they're all waiting for is that first celebration in the winners circle.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Ron Washington Era Begins In Arlington With First Mini Camp
The temperature was in the upper 30's at Ameriquest Field in Arlington, but that didn't stop new Rangers Manager Ron Washington from holding a portion of a mini camp outdoors.
“Beautiful baseball weather,” he said with a laugh. “I love it. We got our work done.”
Most of the work was actually moved to the indoor batting cages. These days the focus of General Manager Jon Daniels is to bring stability to the organization.
“The reality is I'm the third General Manger in the last six seven years,” said Daniels. “Ron's the third or fourth manager we're having. We've had too much turnover in the leadership here, and in our scouting and development departments.
With Washington as the new manager, young players know their careers are getting a fresh start. Once again, it’s all about first impressions.
“I know that he is going to bring a positive upbeat energy to this club,” says Rangers Pitcher Cameron Loe. “That's just the feeling I get from him, every time I talk to him. But I don't know how its gonna work. I'm very interested to see how it works.”
Pitcher Thomas Diamond shares a similar view. “Since he was in Oakland, he's seen most of the guys,” says Diamond. “He really hasn't seen any of the guys in the minor leagues, so its like a first impression here.”
Washington says he's contacted most of the players about what he expects. It was something he wanted to address as quickly as possible.
“I wanted to get that out of the way before spring training started,” says Washington. “I wanted them to know what I'm about. I wanted them to know my attitude. I wanted them to know my effort level, my commitment, and I wanted them to match it. And if they match my level of attitude commitment and effort, I'm not going to have any problems.”
This mini camp will last only two days. It’s designed for the pitchers, because that's what the team needs to work on most. All will be in Surprise, Arizona in about two weeks. Those who attended, included C.J. Wilson, John Koronka, Kameron Loe, A.J. Murray, Kevin Millwood, Thomas Diamond, Eric Hurley, Robinson Tejeda, Edinson Volquez, Francisco Cruceta and Brandon McCarthy.
“Beautiful baseball weather,” he said with a laugh. “I love it. We got our work done.”
Most of the work was actually moved to the indoor batting cages. These days the focus of General Manager Jon Daniels is to bring stability to the organization.
“The reality is I'm the third General Manger in the last six seven years,” said Daniels. “Ron's the third or fourth manager we're having. We've had too much turnover in the leadership here, and in our scouting and development departments.
With Washington as the new manager, young players know their careers are getting a fresh start. Once again, it’s all about first impressions.
“I know that he is going to bring a positive upbeat energy to this club,” says Rangers Pitcher Cameron Loe. “That's just the feeling I get from him, every time I talk to him. But I don't know how its gonna work. I'm very interested to see how it works.”
Pitcher Thomas Diamond shares a similar view. “Since he was in Oakland, he's seen most of the guys,” says Diamond. “He really hasn't seen any of the guys in the minor leagues, so its like a first impression here.”
Washington says he's contacted most of the players about what he expects. It was something he wanted to address as quickly as possible.
“I wanted to get that out of the way before spring training started,” says Washington. “I wanted them to know what I'm about. I wanted them to know my attitude. I wanted them to know my effort level, my commitment, and I wanted them to match it. And if they match my level of attitude commitment and effort, I'm not going to have any problems.”
This mini camp will last only two days. It’s designed for the pitchers, because that's what the team needs to work on most. All will be in Surprise, Arizona in about two weeks. Those who attended, included C.J. Wilson, John Koronka, Kameron Loe, A.J. Murray, Kevin Millwood, Thomas Diamond, Eric Hurley, Robinson Tejeda, Edinson Volquez, Francisco Cruceta and Brandon McCarthy.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Matt Doherty Is Trying To Change SMU Culture
Matt Doherty won a national championship as a player at North Carolina. He even played with Michael Jordan. But now he's trying to turn a program around as the head basketball coach at SMU.
At his weekly radio show at Ten Sports Grill in Downtown Dallas, he spends time talking to loyal SMU fans.
“My wife always called me the mayor anyway,” he says. “I mean its kind of what I do, shake hands and greet people. That's the Irish Catholic in me.”
Doherty has been a college coach for 16-years, and uses a weekly radio show, broadcast on KAAM 1770 AM, to get the word out.
He preaches a philosophy similar to that of Bob Knight. “You know if you make more foul shots, they are free shots, if you make more, than the other team takes, your gonna be in good position to win a basketball game.”
jennifer henry-smu fan
“I love that he can be the face of our program,” says Jennifer Henry who sits in the crowd listening to the radio show. “I mean this event right here is one example. He's out, he's greeting people, he's making relations in the community, and I think that's really important, and something we've really missed.”
In his 9-months on the job, Doherty has helped the school install a new digital scoreboard, and even got construction started on a state of the art practice facility. The SMU Tennis Center had to be removed.
“That big mud pile, that big, big mud pit, is one of the most exciting things I've ever seen,” says Doherty as he looks over the construction site. “That's the future of our program.”
Doherty also appears weekly on Southwest KIA Sportstalk on Channel 52, and opened the show this week by saying: “I just want to say one thing. Okay, I'm not a candidate for the head coach of the Dallas. Okay I just wanted to make that clear.” It’s a clear indication of a likeable personality.
Doherty also has his own Blog at MustangHoopsBlog.com.
“I now am proud to say I'm a Mustang player,” says SMU Forward Ike Ofoegbu, “I know looking back in about two or three years, it’s going to be a big time program. I mean he wants it to be like a Duke or North Carolina, so I mean, he's going to get it done.”
The bottom line is that folks on campus like what Doherty are doing. He's accessible, he's promotable, and he's trying to change the culture. But just like the new basketball facility, it’s not going to happen overnight
At his weekly radio show at Ten Sports Grill in Downtown Dallas, he spends time talking to loyal SMU fans.
“My wife always called me the mayor anyway,” he says. “I mean its kind of what I do, shake hands and greet people. That's the Irish Catholic in me.”
Doherty has been a college coach for 16-years, and uses a weekly radio show, broadcast on KAAM 1770 AM, to get the word out.
He preaches a philosophy similar to that of Bob Knight. “You know if you make more foul shots, they are free shots, if you make more, than the other team takes, your gonna be in good position to win a basketball game.”
jennifer henry-smu fan
“I love that he can be the face of our program,” says Jennifer Henry who sits in the crowd listening to the radio show. “I mean this event right here is one example. He's out, he's greeting people, he's making relations in the community, and I think that's really important, and something we've really missed.”
In his 9-months on the job, Doherty has helped the school install a new digital scoreboard, and even got construction started on a state of the art practice facility. The SMU Tennis Center had to be removed.
“That big mud pile, that big, big mud pit, is one of the most exciting things I've ever seen,” says Doherty as he looks over the construction site. “That's the future of our program.”
Doherty also appears weekly on Southwest KIA Sportstalk on Channel 52, and opened the show this week by saying: “I just want to say one thing. Okay, I'm not a candidate for the head coach of the Dallas. Okay I just wanted to make that clear.” It’s a clear indication of a likeable personality.
Doherty also has his own Blog at MustangHoopsBlog.com.
“I now am proud to say I'm a Mustang player,” says SMU Forward Ike Ofoegbu, “I know looking back in about two or three years, it’s going to be a big time program. I mean he wants it to be like a Duke or North Carolina, so I mean, he's going to get it done.”
The bottom line is that folks on campus like what Doherty are doing. He's accessible, he's promotable, and he's trying to change the culture. But just like the new basketball facility, it’s not going to happen overnight
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Indoor Golf At Its Finest
While the average Texan was worried about slick roads, traffic jams, and avoiding outside activity, some folks headed to the golf course.
The place is Texas Indoor Golf, located in Grapevine, Texas. It’s on the access road, across the freeway from Grapevine Mills Mall.
“I have a sixty degree rule. Sixty degrees or warmer, that's the only time I play outside,” said Brian Beasley of Bedford.
Here when the golfers check in, they are asked if they prefer wind on the course, background crowds, are fans yelling when you hit a bad shot. It’s computerized golf using your own clubs and your own shots.
. “We like bad weather days,” says Jim Buchanan, General Manager of Texas Indoor Golf. “That's not a problem for us. As a matter of fact, rain sleet snow, like the post office, we're open.”
Just because they play indoors, doesn't mean you have to give up all the comforts of golf. It may be nasty outside, but in here, the weather is not a problem.
Says Beasley, “You’re playing golf at Pebble Beach, what more could you ask for, unless they had free beer!”
Al Slutz of Fort Worth was just as excited. “It’s snowing and icy outside, here we are playing Pebble Beach, with my friends, what could be better than that.
Not only is it 72-degrees in here, but you can choose from the finest layouts in the world. So while you're reliving your commute to and from work, on this icy, snowy day, you can think of these folks, teeing it up at Pebble Beach, and never left Texas
The place is Texas Indoor Golf, located in Grapevine, Texas. It’s on the access road, across the freeway from Grapevine Mills Mall.
“I have a sixty degree rule. Sixty degrees or warmer, that's the only time I play outside,” said Brian Beasley of Bedford.
Here when the golfers check in, they are asked if they prefer wind on the course, background crowds, are fans yelling when you hit a bad shot. It’s computerized golf using your own clubs and your own shots.
. “We like bad weather days,” says Jim Buchanan, General Manager of Texas Indoor Golf. “That's not a problem for us. As a matter of fact, rain sleet snow, like the post office, we're open.”
Just because they play indoors, doesn't mean you have to give up all the comforts of golf. It may be nasty outside, but in here, the weather is not a problem.
Says Beasley, “You’re playing golf at Pebble Beach, what more could you ask for, unless they had free beer!”
Al Slutz of Fort Worth was just as excited. “It’s snowing and icy outside, here we are playing Pebble Beach, with my friends, what could be better than that.
Not only is it 72-degrees in here, but you can choose from the finest layouts in the world. So while you're reliving your commute to and from work, on this icy, snowy day, you can think of these folks, teeing it up at Pebble Beach, and never left Texas
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Defensive Deficiency For Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys defense hasn't generated much good news lately. They’ve allowed 103-points in the last three games, and Sunday against Philadelphia, they allowed the Eagles to convert 56-percent of their third downs. Stopping their opponent seemed impossible.
“Well it’s always a combination of things,” said Head Coach Bill Parcells. “We have got to get better pressure on the quarterback, which I will admit, we are having trouble doing. So, I'm going to change a few things to try and help that this week.”
The loss to Philadelphia has created a feeling of unrest, testing the character and patience of every player in the locker room. A team that had a chance to wrap up a division championship now hopes they can beat Detroit, while the Eagles lose to Atlanta.
“People need to just start playing, and stop talking so much,” says Cornerback Terence Newman. “That's the just of it. It’s a show me league, so all the talking is not going to do anything.”
“I think a trend in the NFL is, when you lose, sometimes players point fingers at coaches, sometimes coaches point fingers at players, but we're all in this together,” said Linebacker Bradie James. “Really the drama is us not being consistent, that's the constant drama that we all can change. It is time to start talking about it and get it done.”
Every team in the league struggles at one time or another, so Parcells is trying to stay positive.
“That's why I won't let the negativism that permeates this town, from week to week, stay in place, because if I'm negative about it, then I'm afraid my players will be. If I don't have hope, than who has it? You sure as hell don't have it, talking to you, ha ha ha ha!”
It is a little late for quick fixes, so Parcells is taking the positive approach, hoping that approach will help change a defense that continues to get worse and worse.
“Well it’s always a combination of things,” said Head Coach Bill Parcells. “We have got to get better pressure on the quarterback, which I will admit, we are having trouble doing. So, I'm going to change a few things to try and help that this week.”
The loss to Philadelphia has created a feeling of unrest, testing the character and patience of every player in the locker room. A team that had a chance to wrap up a division championship now hopes they can beat Detroit, while the Eagles lose to Atlanta.
“People need to just start playing, and stop talking so much,” says Cornerback Terence Newman. “That's the just of it. It’s a show me league, so all the talking is not going to do anything.”
“I think a trend in the NFL is, when you lose, sometimes players point fingers at coaches, sometimes coaches point fingers at players, but we're all in this together,” said Linebacker Bradie James. “Really the drama is us not being consistent, that's the constant drama that we all can change. It is time to start talking about it and get it done.”
Every team in the league struggles at one time or another, so Parcells is trying to stay positive.
“That's why I won't let the negativism that permeates this town, from week to week, stay in place, because if I'm negative about it, then I'm afraid my players will be. If I don't have hope, than who has it? You sure as hell don't have it, talking to you, ha ha ha ha!”
It is a little late for quick fixes, so Parcells is taking the positive approach, hoping that approach will help change a defense that continues to get worse and worse.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Darryl And Sharlene Sydor Become United States Citizens
Armstrong Elementary School in Highland Park provided a real life history lesson this week, as students watched the parents of two classmates, become naturalized citizens of the United States. The parents are Dallas Stars Defenseman Darryl Sydor and his wife Sharlene. They have been living in the United States for 14 years, but it wasn't until now that they decided to become naturalized US citizens.
“No, I’m not nervous,” Sydor said. “I’m really excited. The kids are really excited too.”
The Sydor’s have three sons, but Branden and Parker are the twins who attend Armstrong Elementary. Their parents are both from Canada. She is from British Columbia. He is from Alberta.
“The President is not coming,” Sydor whispered to the youngest. “Our kids are American and I really think it makes our family all one now. I think that's what is really important to us, what a great country it is. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be able to do it.”
The ceremony, attended by about 300 students, provided a chance for them to understand the value and the meaning associated with the process of becoming American citizens.
Students applauded when the ceremony ended. Sydors’ father Bill, made the trip from Edmonton, Alberta. “I was surprised that he was doing this,” he said. “But I really appreciated that he did it. He becomes a dual citizen. It will be a lot easier for him to do things in this country and in Canada. He loves it down here, so I’m happy he did it.”
Sydor, who is 34, returned to Dallas this season after playing with the Stars for eight seasons, from 1995-2003. He helped lead the Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999. Amoung the defenseman in Stars history, Sydor currently ranks third in both assists and points.
His wife was equally happy about their commitment to the United States. “It was very emotional, but it was wonderful,” she said. “I’m really excited that our family was here from Canada as well as our three kids. It was great.”
“It really grew into something that I thought was really special.” said Sydor. The kids had a great time with it, learning to understand what it is, and how you become US citizens.”
Now that Sydor is an American Citizen, we gave him an American Pronunciation test, starting with the name of Stars Center Mike Modano. “Moo-dan-oh,” Sydor said in his Canadian accent. I thought it was Modano! Sydor responded, “do I have to change.”
“No, I’m not nervous,” Sydor said. “I’m really excited. The kids are really excited too.”
The Sydor’s have three sons, but Branden and Parker are the twins who attend Armstrong Elementary. Their parents are both from Canada. She is from British Columbia. He is from Alberta.
“The President is not coming,” Sydor whispered to the youngest. “Our kids are American and I really think it makes our family all one now. I think that's what is really important to us, what a great country it is. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to be able to do it.”
The ceremony, attended by about 300 students, provided a chance for them to understand the value and the meaning associated with the process of becoming American citizens.
Students applauded when the ceremony ended. Sydors’ father Bill, made the trip from Edmonton, Alberta. “I was surprised that he was doing this,” he said. “But I really appreciated that he did it. He becomes a dual citizen. It will be a lot easier for him to do things in this country and in Canada. He loves it down here, so I’m happy he did it.”
Sydor, who is 34, returned to Dallas this season after playing with the Stars for eight seasons, from 1995-2003. He helped lead the Stars to a Stanley Cup in 1999. Amoung the defenseman in Stars history, Sydor currently ranks third in both assists and points.
His wife was equally happy about their commitment to the United States. “It was very emotional, but it was wonderful,” she said. “I’m really excited that our family was here from Canada as well as our three kids. It was great.”
“It really grew into something that I thought was really special.” said Sydor. The kids had a great time with it, learning to understand what it is, and how you become US citizens.”
Now that Sydor is an American Citizen, we gave him an American Pronunciation test, starting with the name of Stars Center Mike Modano. “Moo-dan-oh,” Sydor said in his Canadian accent. I thought it was Modano! Sydor responded, “do I have to change.”
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