Ben Does Life: One Man's 120 Pound Journey

I was watching an episode of Rangers Insider the other day with Rick Renner from Dr. Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas.  Something like nine of the players on the Texas Rangers 25 man roster came to the Rangers after having played for the Frisco Rough Riders.  I've got to get myself out to one of those games to watch future MLB superstars like Leonys Martin, Engle Beltre and Martin Perez with the addition of Robbie Erlin and Mike Olt making their way pretty soon.

Listening to different Rangers talk about their path to the "Bigs" was pretty interesting as Rangers such as David Murphy (Red Sox/Rangers systems), Mitch Moreland (Rangers system only) and Josh Hamilton (Devil Rays/3 years out of baseball/straight to Reds Big Club).  Josh Hamilton put his journey this way, paraphrased, "I spent the first few years with baseball as my number one priority.  It wasn't until three years out of baseball that I couldn't make it by myself.  It was only when I put my relationship with Christ at number one that I was able to make it."  Powerful stuff coming from a historic drug abuser turned sober cross-carrying MVP.

I used the app StumbleUpon on my computer to literally stumble across this next video.  This dude Ben Davis talks about being inspired.  On Christmas Day 2008, he was inspired to get a grip on his weight and depression.  He had made a promise to his grandma and now he is now doing the inspiring.

A Way to Get Beltre

UPDATE:  We got Adrian Beltre.  He will be our 3rd baseman for the next five to six years and will bat cleanup behind Josh Hamilton for the 2011 season.  Michael Young will be our super utility player and isn't too happy with the organization, not because of the move which he was happy with but the continued miscommunications between him and the front office.  He is still a Texas Ranger and I hope he remains one because his role will be of the utmost importance to the clubs success.  We did not get Grienke or Garza though we did pursue them.  We did sign Brandon Webb to a one year low risk high reward contract.

Adrian Beltre, born April 7, 1979 in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, should now be the Texas Rangers number one free agent target.  Having come off an MVP caliber year, albeit a contract year, Beltre could solidify the Rangers lineup and open up a potential starting point in the Zach Greinke/Matt Garza talks.  Of course there is one blatantly obvious issue blocking the signing of the highly coveted free agent third baseman and that is the Texas Rangers' franchise third baseman, one time short stop and one time second baseman Michael Young.

You might say, "well he played short stop and second base so just scoot him over."  Its not that simple.  Two years ago Michael Young took offense to being asked to learn and play third base with young blue chip prospect Elvis Andrus ready for the big league challenge.  Young is still a Ranger and happier than ever after the Rangers made their first World Series appearance in franchise history to go along with Mike's first trip to the post season.

"Well then move him to second if you've got Elvis Andrus holding down the short stop position for the next four plus years."  Again, its not that simple.  You've got the oft injured, yet freak of nature home grown second baseman Ian Kinsler locked up for years to come as well.  I know he's dealt with injuries the last couple years but is one of the biggest impact players on the team and that's with reigning MVP Josh Hamilton leading the way [also: Nelson Cruz tied the record for most extra inning homeruns in a season with 5 in 2010].

And now, "What's all this talk about trading our franchise player and life long Ranger (was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays as a minor leaguer) Michael Young to make room to sign Adrian Beltre?"  Young cannot block a trade to Colorado who had inquired on Young during the 2010 Winter Meetings.  The Rangers front office was just doing their due diligence in listening to anyone that wanted to talk business and were never too serious about trading Young and three year contract.  Michael Young should be a Ranger lifer with all that he's been through and seen here.  The guy can still hit even with a down year in 2010 and plays solid defense although range is lacking.  It sounds like I'm trying to say that just because he's the Rangers Derek Jeter there should always be a place in the lineup and on the field for him.  Actually what I'm trying to say is Michael Young is still good.  I'm not going to put it past him to have a couple more .300 - 200 hit seasons.  It is very possible if not expected.

I will go ahead and post this now and make changes later because I want to shower and get something to eat.  Exams got me down, man!

General Outline:  Young - 4,  Beltre - 5,  Hamilton - 7,  Kinsler - 8:  Bourbon added in package for Greinke/Garza

Josh Hamilton Larry King Interview

I've thought a long time about why I look up to Josh Hamilton so much and watching these interviews makes me realize that every time I hear him talk I feel inspired.  He is a man surrendered and surrendering is so hard to do.  God is working in his life like I have never seen before.  One of my favorite things that I hear him talk about is the difference between religion and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Someone will ask him about his religion and he'll respond, "Its not religious, brother."  I think that is one of the biggest misconceptions slash misunderstandings out there about Christians and Christianity.  Josh is a great example of a man with an ever maturing relationship with Christ.  Praise God for using Josh Hamilton.

Its Not Religious, Brother

Great quotes throughout and I definitely believe the ESPN anchor missed this one:  "Either way, I was good."  That was great.  Great message that Josh is talking about.  The MVP is a blessing of a platform.