Batting Practice

That's about what Livan has been throwing lately. More of the same early inning trouble last night.

It's a shame to see such a brutal call from an umpire cost the team two runs. And to think, the Dodgers complained about the play at third to end the inning. Do you realize the gift you got just a couple of batters prior?

I would like to see guys like Brian Schneider and Daniel Murphy get more of an opportunity vs lefties. The Omir Santos Cinderella clock has struck midnight. The guy has an on base of .290 and can't throw anybody out. Murphy only gets most of the hits in a winning effort the night before, makes an unreal play at first and gets rewarded with a seat on the bench.

Tim Redding is getting knocked around even in garbage time.

Randy Wolf was one of the free agents available in the open market this past winter in case you forgot.

What the heck is that thing on Don Mattingly's lower lip?

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I'm liking the Rangers signing of Ales Kotalik. We have one of the best shootout goalies in the league and now one of the best shootout snipers. Those type of guys have been out the door the last few seasons but it's nice to get one back. Plus he can play the point on the power play. And he could (for 3 mill a year we hope) and should match Zherdev's production.

With the Rangers taking steps to improve their power play, you wonder how this will affect their penalty killing. Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan can't be expected to play the full two minutes- who else will be the specialists there now that Sjostrom and likely Betts are gone? I guess we'll depend on the old saying, your best penalty killer is your goaltender.