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Again, this is copied/pasted from my blog. I know some people here read it, but I thought I'd save some time and effort by just posting this here.  Enjoy!!

Clinton Lumberkings starter Ryan Tatusko (shown below this paragraph) breezed through six innings against a tough Cedar Rapids team. The Kernels had put up more than 580 runs throughout the season, but Tatusko held them scoreless and virtually off the base paths for the first two-thirds of Sunday's game. Then, the wheels came off in the 7th. Kernels' Hector Estrella earned a lead-off walk and advanced to third on a Julio Perez single. A pass ball allowed Estrella to score while Perez moved to third. Perez scored on a Gabe Jacobo single, which was followed by two fielders' choices and a single before Tatusko recorded the third out.

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The Kernels weren't the only ones with bat problems. The Lumberkings managed just one run on seven hits. Left fielder Cristian Santana recorded three of those hits, but was twice erased on hits by Jose Felix. The other four hits came from Davis Stonebruner (2B), Mitch Moreland (2B), Justin Smoak (solo  HR) and Andres James (1B). Andres James had an amazing single in his first at bat when he legged out an infield hit. That kid has some wheels.  Outfielders Engel Beltre and Tim Murphy showed off their powerful arms. They didn't record any outs that way, but their tosses held a few runners 90 feet shorter than the Kernels wanted. I don't know how to describe Justin Smoak's HR (photo below), except to say that I knew it was gone right off the bat.  And it went out at the deepest part of the park -- left center field over a sign that said 407.  It was beautiful.

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KISS: Ryan Tatusko and Ryan Turner, who teamed up to hold the Kernels to just two runs. Tatusko surrendered both runs on five hits, one walk and five Ks over seven innings. At least three of Tatusko's Ks came on his change-up. Turner notched two Ks and gave up just one hit in one inning of work.

MISS: Jose Felix and Engel Beltre were both 0 for 4, but Felix hit into a double play and was responsible for the pass ball that allowed the Kernels to score.

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Veterans Memorial Stadium in Cedar Rapids gets a big thumbs up from me. It's fairly easy to find (although streets need better markings).  It's super clean. The concessions are reasonable and yummy. The staff was unbelievably friendly and efficient. Parking was great.  The grounds were beautiful (especially considering the early summer floods).  I would love to go back there to watch a game.  I have just one minor league park in Iowa yet to visit -- Burlington -- and I will try to make it there next summer.

Random -- I could not get over how much Cody Eppley looks like he could be Ian Kinsler's long lost brother.  Check it out for yourself.

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To see more of my photos  click here.

Most of this is copied/pasted from my blog, but I thought I'd share my gameday experience at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo.

Apparently, the Rangers like to win on my birthday -- real or belated. As I mentioned, my brother took me to tonight's Rangers and Royals game in KC as my belated birthday gift. They treated me to a 9-4 victory. You might remember they defeated the Twins 1-0 on my REAL birthday. I was in attendance that day too.  Maybe I should just pretend it's my birthday all season long.  Ha ha.  I wouldn't mind, really.

The Rangers started the scoring early when Milton Bradley drove Michael Young in from first with a double in the 1st inning. They added four more in the top of the 3rd on three singles, a sac fly and a Nelson Cruz three-run shot. Cruz was called up after Sunday night's game, and I was pretty excited to see him in the lineup right away today. He certainly made it worth the manager's while too. More about that later. The Rangers scored the rest of their runs in the 8th inning on a Chris Davis homer, singles from Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley and a sac fly by Marlon Byrd.

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Overall, the offense was a lot of fun to watch tonight -- EVERYONE HAD A HIT! The only time I cringed was that inning-ending 1-2-3 double play off the bat of Chris Davis in the 5th. Gerald Laird had just reached on a bunt to load the bases with one out and Davis tapped it back to the pitcher who gunned down Hank Blalock trying to score and the catcher turned and got Davis out at 1st.  It was just UGLY.

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While the offense was doing their thing, Scott Feldman was doing what he's done most of the season --  give the team a solid start. Feldman went seven innings and threw 97 pitches. He gave up three runs (but only two earned) on eight hits. He did not hand out any free passes and managed to strike out three. I was glad to see Feldman get his fifth win of the season, particularly after a discussion I had with a "fan" before the game. She told me she was a newish baseball (and Rangers) fan, so I suppose she gets a pass.  But before the game, as we were standing around to get autographs, she told me she didn't think the Rangers could win tonight with Feldman on the mound because "he sucks."  I quickly came to Feldman's defense and assured her he did not "suck."  (That's one of my biggest pet peeves...when someone says a player "sucks.")  I informed her he's only had one or two bad outings, and he's been solid otherwise, especially for a guy who is in his first season as a reliever and has thrown more than triple his usual inning total. I would honestly call Feldman one of our most consistent and highly under appreciated starting pitchers.  He has gone six-plus innings in 15 of his 23 starts. He's given up four or less runs on 17 occasions and the Rangers have lost 10 of those outings.  Ugh.  I just get all upset when people attack my boys, particularly when the criticism is undeserved. Fedlman has pitched his tail off this season, and he's earned more than a little respect.

I'm so thankful my brother took me to this game tonight. Barring some miracle, it's the last one I will attend this season, and I'm glad I got to see a win, and, more importantly, some beautiful baseball. Before the game, I met up with Shirley "The Cookie Lady" Kost, her husband Cal, and their friends Stan and Dorothy.  We talked Rangers for quite awhile, and without their nudging, I likely wouldn't have gotten autographs from Ian Kinsler and Josh Hamilton. 

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I was disappointed to be snubbed by Chris Davis, David Murphy and Jarrod Saltalamacchia, but they didn't stop for anyone, so I guess it wasn't anything personal.  But I was still bummed.

A few more thoughts

- Hank Blalock was tested a few times at 1B tonight. There were a few throws to him that pulled him off the bag, and I couldn't decide whether that was on him or the thrower.  Time will tell, I guess.

- I was a bit sad to see Eddie Guardado traded to Minnesota. I knew he wouldn't be with the club in '09, but I didn't think the move would be made right now.  Best wishes to him.  And I'm interested to see how our return, Mark Hamburger, works through the system. At the very least, Josh Lewin will have fun with his name.

- I have MAJOR video board envy after seeing the new one at Kauffman Stadium.  It's already one of my favorite MLB venues, but the new video board is a thing to behold.  I can't wait to see the completion of their other renovations. KC has definitely become an annual trek for me.  It's one of the most beautiful, fan-friendly stadiums I've been to.

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Finally, I love, love, love the bullpen rookie backpack tradition.  Here's Warner Madrigal modeling this year's selection.

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Oh, and you can go here to look at the rest of my photos from this game.

ESPN Classic is currently airing Nolan Ryan's 7th no hitter, a 1991 game vs. the Bluejays.  It began at 1 p.m. and will be over at 2.  I know this is probably hardly worth a fanshot, but I thought some might be interested in watching it.

This game was loooong before I became a Rangers fan, but it is kind of fun to watch. Especially after Matt Harrison's excellent outing last night.

As some of you know, I have my own Texas Rangers blog. I started it up just to vent my thoughts and feelings about the latest Rangers game or happening.  It's become quite consuming and rewarding, and it it certainly cathartic for me as I lost my Rangers buddy a few years ago.  Recently, I joined a blog network and am trying to think of ways to fill off-days on my blog, so I decided to do a series of question and answers with some of the people I've met through my Ranger fandom.  I've started with my friend and Rangers photographer Brad Newton.  If you get a chance, hop on over to my site and check it out. 

Thanks!!

P.S. If for any reason this isn't allowed, my apologies to Adam and my permission to delete this fanpost.

The time has come to cast your ballot for July's Rookie of the Month.  Our favorite first baseman (or at least mine) is up for election, and deservedly so. In July, he batted .303 with eight doubles, eight home runs and 16 RBI. He also played some pretty decent defense at the corner.

I'm not sure I really need to sell you on this anymore, I'm just trying to fill the word quota.  I actually may still fall short.  Anyhow...what are you waiting for? Vote here

I saw the promo for this show on TLC tonight and it completely caught me by surprise.  Of course, I haven't kept up with much of the Rangers media.  So if this has been mentioned somewhere else, I apologize for the duplication.  Here's what the listing says ...

Jul 26, 7:00 pm (60 minutes)

The Real Estate Pros: A Home Run for Trademark   TV-PG, CC Real estate mastermind Richard Davis and his team at Trademark Properties give two baseball greats - one a tarnished legend, the other an exiled pro - a second chance. Shoeless Joe's former home is purchased, moved and transformed into a museum.

It's not as detailed as the commercial was.  Basically, they're going to feature Josh and his journey back into baseball.  Yeah, it's a story that's been told hundreds of times (and will be told hundreds more), but I guess I'm one of the few who never gets tired of hearing it.