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Good morning. Did you know that the Cardinals have made the playoffs 11 times since 2000? Did you know that they've made the NLCS eight times since 2000 (including each of the last three seasons)? Did you know that the Cardinals have been to the World Series four times since 2000? Did you know that the Cardinals have won the World Series twice since 2000? Did you know that the Cardinals are entitled monsters and mean jerks? The Cardinals are now a win away from their ninth NLCS appearance in 15 years. Fascists.
Calvin Watkins issues a report card with grades for every member of the 2014 Rangers (minus the ones you couldn't remember while doing the Sporcle quiz). I personally think he grades Robinson Chirinos too low and Nick Martinez too high but Adrian Beltre got an A so it's all good.
As noted yesterday, T.R. Sullivan covers the Rangers releasing a bunch of guys from the roster as the 40-manpocalypse begins.
Anthony Andro writes about the Cubs claiming Joseph Ortiz off waivers from the Rangers. It was all downhill for Jortz once he demanded to be called Joseph instead of Joe. Joe pitches great out of the bullpen for the Rangers. Joseph loses his job, gets run over by a scooter, and is forced to become a Cub.
Evan Grant blogs that Red Sox bench coach Torey Lovullo will be the first of five external candidates for the open managerial position to get an interview from the Rangers this week.
The Rangers have some openings in the rotation to fill this offseason. The folks over at MLB Trade Rumors have free agency profiles on Justin Masterson and Brandon McCarthy. Both will likely be targets for the Rangers this winter. P.S. The Rangers should bring back BMac!
MLB.com's Teddy Cahill previews the Arizona Fall League season which begins today with Nick Williams leading the Rangers contingent for the Surprise Saguaros.
Lastly, here's a nice note about Shin-Soo Choo donating a big chuck of change to help open a new Korean Cultural Center in Dallas. Choo donates hard every single day.
