in the dome again...
back up in the metrodome, I keep laughing at the fact that "the new stadium" won't have a roof.
note to self: please call schedule makers and request no road trips to MN before june
after a few welcome days of rest, it's back to baseball-
first a few notes on the all-star break:
for me, seeing Josh surprise himself was the best part. Sure he hit some balls 500 feet, but I get to see that all the time. We in RangerLand are a bit spoiled with power hitters.
*someone needs to make a "clay council is my BP pitcher" t-shirt.
*if you need the game winning Rbi for the american league, come see mr. michael young.
*I told you guys that milton bradley was cool!
*nothing feels better than cool ocean water on a hot summer day, and it was great to get home to Huntington Beach to kick it with my friends back home, even though I had to hop on a 6am flight to get here yesterday.
The Second Half Begins
Our current road trip is a critical one- we're facing off against 3 teams that are in playoff contention. We've got around 65 games left in the season, and a large number of those are against either division rivals or teams in 1st or 2nd place in their divisions- if we can figure out a way to pitch to our abilities, then our offense should really have no difficulty overpowering each opponent.
Personally, I'm looking forward to the sprint race towards the end of the season- I'd like to apply the lessons I've learned in this trial by fire. I get lots of people sending me messages or telling me stuff to the effect of- "thanks for making it interesting" but I think we all know I'd rather go out and shut people down 1-2-3...it just doesn't always work out how we intend. This is a really weird job, with very legit consequences when you don't get it right, and often times you don't get a chance to experiment with anything...it's just go right into it and one way or another the game is going to be over.
I'm a tinkerer by nature, which is good for the flexibility of my style, but sometimes it has a way of taking away from the sharpness of my 'tools' so to speak. It's a back and forth and when I've given up hits and runs this year, for the most part it's been trying to adjust before it's really necessary. I'm lucky to have had some really great conversations with other closers around the league, covering all kinds of topics, but I figured that seeking some general info from the guys who've already been through whatever I'll come up against can only help me in the long run. Specifically, guys like Billy Wagner, Mariano Rivera, and Todd Jones have all taken way more time then I could ask for to answer questions and shoot me straight about how their paths have gotten them to their respective successes.
There are a lot of silver linings for me and the team, however- most notable for me personally is that I've got about 2 more weeks before my "1st Birthday" as a closer. Our team is in a much better position then last year, in so many ways. Our top prospects have come up to make an impact on our roster already (duran, davis, hurley, harrison, ramirez, teagarden, etc), we've got a winning record, our offensive juggernaut has brought us a lot of tough wins that quite honestly no other team could pull off, and the core group that is bringing our organization so much success is largely here to stay.
thanks to everyone wishing me and the team success in this second half- your support this year has been stronger than I've ever experienced here in Texas.
On the entertainment front, I was a bit bummed that Dark Knight didn't open last week, as now I'll keep having to tell people apologetically that I haven't seen it yet. Probably won't be able to until our offday next week between the ChiSox and A's games.
someone should definitely make that council shirt. i'd buy it. council and ham were soome tag team during the derby. josh's performance was unbelievable and incredibly inspirational. the all-star game was incredible too. thank goodness mr. midsummer classic Young came through again or else francona wouldve had to pitch himself.
i can see how tinkering can be hard when you're a closer and cant afford to make too many mistakes but constantly trying to improve is the markk of a great athlete. I bet you'll sit them down one two three in your next outing.
they showed mariano talking to Halliday about the cutter before the derby and it's great to see one great pitcher helping out another.
i haven't went out to see the dark knight either but I heard it was amazing which is of course making me want to see even more. in the previews it looks like ledger played joker peeeerfectly.
allll the best of luck in the second half :) I love watching this team play.
http://flairforthedramatic.mlblogs.com
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I would definitely make that Council shirt. That would be amazing.
Milton Bradley is hilarious.
I am constantly in awe of Josh Hamilton. You guys seem to have one of the best "character" teams in Major League Baseball now, obviously including yourself. It's awesome that you take time out to write this blog and let the fans in on your life.
I'm glad you had fun with your friends at the beach. A beach trip sounds really good right now.
Good luck. Kick divisional rival ****.
Kylie -- http://kylie.mlblogs.com
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Dark Knight is awesome....See it before someone tells you how it ends!
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Must feel nice knowing that you don't have to face Texas in a close game in the 9th. I know your probably not scared of no one, but man the Rangers can hit. Just wish they could teach the Blue Jays.
http://homerfoodandhistory.mlblogs.com/ < Jays fan.
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I would BUY that Council shirt. Zazzle.com or cafepress sound like a place to start :)
You should have come to see "The Dark Knight" in IMAX with my friends and I in Minneapolis this weekend. Then again, that would have kept you out until 3 a.m. Sunday morning and you needed your rest for that SAVE.
Speaking of that save, great win on Sunday. I was especially happy since I had made the trip to Minneapolis to watch you guys for my birthday. It was nice to see at least one win :)
Enjoy the rest of this road trip!! Maybe I'll see you in KC in August.
http://baseballismyboyfriend.blogspot.com
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When you said that reporters report 50% of the truth, they had to be wrong quoting you on Monday, saying that you like being an idiot, and like mohawks, because enjoying being an idiot isn't a great role model for the younger generation which you claim is your goal on your my-space page. Just not drinking and doing drugs isn't the perfect role model, its the whole package, your actions, what you say and do, your values. We don't want the younger generations wanting to be idiots!
Jake father of 2 young boys.
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Jake - I think perhaps you have taken the comment out of context. I think that what C.J. was saying is simply that he likes to have a good time and be himself. He doesn't care what people think about his actions when he knows that he didn't do anything wrong. He is comfortable in his own skin and to me that is being a good role model. He gives kids hope and courage through his decision to interact with young kids about the game of baseball and his stand against drugs and alcohol. My kids check out his myspace every day. They look up to him because there are so many athletes that are in it to draw a paycheck and could care less about the fans and the influence they have on them. With that being said, it isn't up to C.J. to raise the kids of today. I think if a kid desires to be an idiot based on the comment made by C.J. Wilson then perhaps their was some idiocacy in the gene pool! That wouldn't be C.J.'s problem.
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Hello C.J.
I have been out of the country traveling the last two years, it is nice to see you have been doing great. I am hoping to see you play this weekend in Oakland. Try not to hit Eric, unless you are truly going to introduce me.
All the Best,
Maria
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C.J., I know this is an incredibly weird thing to say to a professional baseball player, but you're on my fantasy team. Do you get a lot of that from fantasy baseball nerds like myself? Here's to the Rangers clickin' in the second half! Cheers!
--Jeff
http://redstatebluestate.mlblogs.com/
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Hey CJ! It's nice to see you guys got your swing back!!! Saw you had a rough time against Minnesota but I'm hoping you will kick some butt the next time you're needed. Your right though...a good pitcher throws good pitches, and you have greatness in you, so make it 1-2-3 everytime. My parents and I are going to see ya'll face off against the Yankees on the 7th so tell the boys to make it a good one...although, my dad and I were fortunate enough to witness Hamilton's walk-off homerun which was definitely one for the ages. Good luck in the second half!!!
Jamie
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Hola C.J., I was finally able to make a game. I brought my two boys along with Tamra and I. We saw the game on the 29th of July. My boys were excited they got to see you pitch live. They have only seen you pitch on t.v. We had a blast, even though the game shouldn't have been that close, but hey a win is a win. Whenever Tamra watches you pitch something weird happens, soooooo, we have officially banned her from watching you pitch again. She can watch the highlights that's it.
Well you guys are in the wildcard race and with the offense the way it is anything is possible. Once again man good luck the rest of the way and stay strong mentally and physically. Be strong, Be Army Strong! Hooaah!!
Have fun out there. It could always be worse.
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You do know that your job is to keep the other team from scoring right? Just thought I'd remind you since it seems you forgot.
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I'm pretty sure that you know that your job is to keep people from scoring. Just keep pounding the strike zone and getting ahead early in the count. You obviously have the stuff to get the outs. We all want you to succeed everytime we see you jog in from the bullpen
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You're still the dude CJ. Keep going. We believe in you. All the way, man.
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You're still the cat's pajamas bro.
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Hi CJ,
I've been following your blog for over 7 months now. I've always supported you and wished you well. I love your outspoken diatribes. It is refreshing but I must take you to task re: Wash on the mound last night.
Don't forget that you are on a team. NO POUTING ALLOWED! You're sending out negative waves! STOP IT! NOW!
How many times have you lied to your teammates, coaches and medical personnel about your elbow? You knew you had a problem, yet you STILL thought you could help this team? That is just plain selfishness. That will not help this team. You lied to yourself. You hurt this team. You almost cost the team the game.
I know you were frustrated. It happens. I'm not upset because you gave up the gopher ball. That happens.
The point is: You should never have allowed yourself to get into that position.
We love you. Your teammates love you. Wash loves you. Get well and get back to helping this team. They need you a lot. A WHOLE LOT!
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Hey man from a true Ranger fan, just wanted to let you know I still believe in you. You've got great stuff and I can't wait to see you get over this hump and start closing games lights out style at the Ballpark next year.
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Hey CJ, just wanted you to know that you are missed and we hope you figure out what to do with your elbow; either take care of it now and be good and ready for next season, or wait til the off season. Whatever you decide to do, you will be supported. I was actually walking out of Sonic the other day and was approached by a gentleman who could tell I was an obvious Rangers fan, and we had a long conversation about you. He voiced his concern about you and hadn't heard about you going to LA. He was really bummed when I told him. It was pretty cool though to have a conversation with a fellow Rangers fan, since most people around here do nothing but dog the Rangers because they aren't the Yankees. Makes me sick! But I enoyed the conversation about you, and just know that people here in po-dunk Roswell, NM are thinking about you and pulling for you and we have faith in what we know you can do, and we know that once you get the elbow taken care of, you'll be back to the old CJ that we've all gotten to know and love and are very proud of with your accomplishments this season.
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C.J! What’s there to say? A LOT !
I can’t thank you enough for being such a great guy. I’ve been going to Arlington since about 2000 or 2001 and you are by far the nicest Rangers that’s ever been on the team. No one else is as fan-friendly (or maybe even as cool) as you are. Besides that, I think you are possibly the best role-model for kids my age (14). Gosh ,I wish they’d look-up to someone like you, someone who actually deserves some respect. The fact that you try and be an example is awesome and I wish more players (nothing’s wrong with the Rangers though) would attempt to have a mind for the young kids who idolize them. I enjoy reading your blog as well. You phrase things well and give more insiders on the team.
C.J , you are NOT a bad pitcher! I don’t care what anyone says or thinks about you. They should face it : you bring something new out onto the field when you take the mound. You defiantly don’t suck.
It probably doesn’t matter , but you are one of my favorite players and will be for awhile. Hey! I’ll even still like you if you leave the Rangers!
I hope your surgery has a positive result with your arm and you return next season.
Keep on blogging and stay cool,
Kay
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C.j.
You are my favorite player in the mlb. you are a fantastic pitcher and whatever you do next year i will be a huge fan of you. You are awesome! You are the man. good luck.
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Hey C J _
Hang tough & come back w/ the arm even stronger.
Always enjoy seein' you pitch and close for the Rangers, even against my home team. Can't say that I've never been frustrated w/ myself... We know you have respect for the team & the game dude.
You're still a class act in my book; get that arm straight & the ol' positive mindset will follow. We all still know you have it (& more).
allthebest
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Hi CJ,
Thanks for taking the time to privately respond to my comment above. You must get a lot of emails and you can't respond to them all.
My reply to your email got bounced back by the MLB server so you didn't get it. Thought I'd send it this way.
I apologize for the selfishness comment. No hate was intended, REALLY. From what you told me, it would seem that management who made the decision to put you in, after the X-rays showed bone spurs ,were the selfish ones.
I will not, however, apologize for the "we love you,etc" comment. It still stands. That defines the "team dynamic". Love and respect holds the team together. Peer pressure to succeed and all that. Yeah, you and everyone else needs it.
I know it must be killing you to not be able to contribute and win. I just hope your arm is recovering well. I hope you have a long career and I hope it is here in Texas.
Please drive the Porsche CAREFULLY. Keep it under 120mph or so.
Sincerely,
Neil Hopkins CPA
Controller
Generations Center
A Non-Profit Organization helping Drug Endangered
Dallas, TX
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CJ, congrats for making the MLBlogs Top 100 list!
http://mlblogs.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/12/2008_leaders_april_1_to_date.html
Be sure to follow the instructions to get the special graphic you can put in your blog's header if you wish! Thanks,
Mark/MLB.com
http://mlblogs.mlblogs.com
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