Daily Ticket: The Blog

Breakfast Crumbs: Friday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* Texas Rangers 7, Seattle Mariners 1: Derek Holland came within one out of a one-hit shutout, allowing two hits in 8 2/3 innings after taking a perfect game into the fifth inning. Michael Young hit two of the Rangers' five home runs.

* The non-waiver trade deadline is 3 p.m. today. The Rangers are still in pursuit of Roy Halladay, and the Toronto Blue Jays reportedly want young Mr. Holland included in any package of players.

* Angel Watching: The Los Angeles Angels had the day off and now lead the Rangers by three games and the Mariners by eight. The Angels, who have won 14 of 17, are on a six-game road trip to Minnesota and Chicago.

* Tony Romo talked to the media for the first time at Dallas Cowboys training camp and said he understands fans' expectations.

* Jim Reeves: Let's hope an off-season talk with Troy Aikman proves a difference-maker for Romo.

* Cowboys notes: Former teammates Martellus Bennett and Terrell Owens are hooking up on live Internet video broadcasts.

* Former Dallas Star Sergei Zubov -- former Star sounds odd, doesn't it? -- is close to signing to play in his native Russia.

* The name's on the contract: Drew Gooden signed with the Dallas Mavericks and explained why Dallas appealed to him.

* Saginaw's Angela Stanford is tied for second at the Women's British Open, one shot behind Sandra Gal.

* We know two more names on that anonymous list of major-leaguers who tested positive for performance-enhancers in 2003: David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez.

* Thursday's MLB highlight: Boston Red Sox 8, Oakland Athletics 5 -- In what up to that point had been a downer of a day, Ortiz hit a three-run, go-ahead home run in the seventh inning. It was only the fourth win in 12 games for the BoSox.

* Former Baylor football coach Guy Morriss returned to his East Texas roots in taking over the Texas A&M-Commerce program.

* College football top 25 countdown: No. 24 Iowa.

* Today is National System Administrator Appreciation Day. Would an e-mail be an appropriate way to express our appreciation?

* It's Friday. We're in CrumbsLand. It's the day for an '80s music tribute. This week's guest is DeBarge with "Rhythm of the Night."

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers. With the swine flu hopefully behind him, Vicente Padilla (7-5, 4.67) makes his first start for the Rangers since July 17. Mariners lefty Jason Vargas (3-4, 4.39) makes his second start since being called back up from the minors. Last time out, he allowed six runs in four innings against the Cleveland Indians. Vargas faced the Rangers in May, holding them to one run in five innings. 7:05 p.m., Fox Sports Southwest.

-- David Thomas

Breakfast Crumbs: Thursday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* Detroit Tigers 13, Texas Rangers 5: Scott Feldman lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing six runs and 10 hits. Tigers starter Justin Verlander struck out 13 batters in seven innings, and 18 Rangers struck out overall. Curtis Granderson hit two homers for the Tigers, and the Rangers' Andruw Jones also went deep twice.

* Angel Watching: Howie Kendrick drove in a career-high five runs as the Los Angeles Angels increased their lead over the Rangers back to 3 1/2 games with a 9-3 defeat of the Cleveland Indians. The Angels now travel to Minnesota for a three-game series.

* Jim Reeves: Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis is an inspiration.

* Roy Williams ended his media boycott and says coming in during the middle of last season and not having Tony Romo's trust were responsible for his disappointing numbers.

* Cowboys notes: RBs Tashard Choice, Felix Jones and Marion Barber are going by "Tash, Dash and Smash."

* Michael Irvin says 4th and Long winner Jesse Holley has a chance to make an impact on the Cowboys. (Second item.)

* Grand Prairie AirHogs 2, Fort Worth Cats 1: Not even The Famous Chicken could help the Cats break out of their slump. Grand Prairie's two solo home runs sent the Cats to their eighth loss in 10 games.

* College football top 25 countdown: No. 25 Utah.

* Big 12 media days:
-- For the Texas Longhorns, 2009 is looking a lot like 2005.
-- Jennifer Floyd Engel: A visit to U.S. troops in Iraq has Mack Brown emphasizing leadership with his players.
-- Texas Tech coach Mike Leach on losing Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree: "I don't think it's really that dramatic."
-- Notes: Even at 72, Kansas State coach Bill Snyder remains a taskmaster.
-- There is talk of making Cowboys Stadium the permanent home of the conference championship game.

* Wednesday's MLB highlight: Seattle Mariners 3, Toronto Blue Jays 2 -- Was it Roy Halladay's last start with the Blue Jays? Halladay allowed a season-high 11 hits in seven innings. Ken Griffey Jr. doubled twice. His second, in the seventh, scored two runs and gave the M's a 3-2 lead.

* Today is National Father-In-Law Day.

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* Seattle Mariners at Texas Rangers. Winners of back-to-back games after a four-game losing streak, the M's come to town four games behind the Rangers and 7 1/2 behind the Angels. New shortstop Jack Wilson, acquired from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade along with starting pitcher Ian Snell, could make his Mariners debut tonight. Seattle starter Garrett Olson (3-4, 5.37), who has 10 starts and 10 relief appearances this season, is 0-2 with an 11.88 ERA in his past three starts. The Rangers start Derek Holland (3-6, 6.13). 7:05 p.m., Fox Sports Southwest.

-- David Thomas

What's in a nickname?

One in a weekly series on the history behind college nicknames and mascots.

Virginia Military Institute Keydets

VMI teams are nicknamed Keydets and their mascot is a kangaroo. Do not try to connect the two.

The story behind the nickname may never be definitively known. According to the United States Military Academy, Keydet was the word used for the gray uniform cadets wore. Some stories say – and this is a good-enough story to hope to be correct – that “Keydet” came about from members of the VMI Corps saying “cadet” in a Southern drawl.

No matter how it arrived, Keydate began to be used at VMI in the 1930s. Several nicknames existed before then. The one with the most staying power was “Flying Squadron,” which began being used back at a 1917 football game between VMI and North Carolina then gained popularity in the 1920 season.

The kangaroo mascot came along later, in 1947, but at least we know its origin. Two cheerleaders saw a kangaroo on a magazine cover, and because the kangaroo was a rare mascot among colleges, that led to it being adopted as VMI's mascot.

A student contest to give the mascot a name came up with this classic: “TD Bound.” But because the name did not fit teams outside of football, the kangaroo's name was later changed to “Moe.” Live mascots were replaced by uniformed humans in the 1970s so that a mascot could be present at sports events home and away.

Photo and information: www.vmi.edu

-- David Thomas

Breakfast Crumbs: Wednesday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* I got the make, but did anyone get the license plate on that truck that ran over us during Jerry Jones' State of the Team address?

* Jones made it clear that he believes Wade Phillips is the man to coach the Dallas Cowboys. At least for this season.

* Jim Reeves: Talk about the new stadium all you want, but everything comes down to the team that will be playing in that stadium.

* Cowboys notes: Jones heaps tons of praise on Tony Romo, too.

* The Dallas Mavericks addressed their 3-point shooting concerns by signing Tim Thomas.

* Brett Favre says he will not become a Minnesota Viking.

* Texas Rangers 7, Detroit Tigers 3: The hot streak continues! Ian Kinsler drove in three runs, including two on a triple, and Elvis Andrus had three hits, including a home run. The Rangers have won eight of their past nine games. In all eight of those wins, they allowed three runs or fewer.

* Kinsler left the game with a mild hamstring strain. He will be re-evaluated today.

* Chances are considered slim for the Rangers trading for either Roy Halladay or Cliff Lee.

* Angel Watching: The Angels defeated the Cleveland Indians 7-6 on Gary Mattthews Jr.'s three-run double in the eighth inning. It was L.A.'s major-league record 33rd come-from-behind win of the season. But note that Angels closer Brian Fuentes allowed two runs in the ninth without retiring a batter. In his last two outings, Fuentes has allowed six runs and has not recorded an out.

* Big 12 media days:
-- The Oklahoma Sooners remain in the national championship picture because of four players who chose to remain in Norman instead of heading for the NFL.
-- Jennifer Floyd Engel: The anonymous coaches poll is one problem with the BCS.
-- Big 12 notes: OU quarterback Sam Bradford actually was asked to autograph a baby.
-- The Baylor Bears are aiming for their first bowl berth since 1994.

* Grand Prairie AirHogs 11, Fort Worth Cats 7 (10): The AirHogs overcame an early 6-1 deficit, then scored five runs in the top of the 10th.

* Michael Phelps suffered his first major individual loss (swimming-wise, that is) in four years.

* Tuesday's MLB highlight: Minnesota Twins 5, Chicago White Sox 3 -- Mark Buehrle, who threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays in his last outing, retired the first 17 Twins he faced to set a major-league record with 45 consecutive batters retired. But things fell apart from there. Buehrle allowed a run in the sixth and four in the seventh.

* Today is Rain Day. There's a 50-percent chance of rain here. More important, there's an 80-percent chance of rain in Waynesburg, Pa., the home of the Rain Day Festival. Waynesburg has received rain 110 of the past 134 years on this date.

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers. The Rangers will have to get past Justin Verlander (11-5, 3.12) to sweep the Tigers. Verlander's totals in two starts against Texas this season: 11 innings pitched, 5 hits, 2 earned runs, 16 strikeouts. The Rangers trot out Mr. Reliable, Scott Feldman (9-3, 3.59). 7:05 p.m., Fox Sports Southwest.

-- David Thomas

Breakfast Crumbs: Tuesday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* Texas Rangers 5, Detroit Tigers 2: The Rangers finally ended their 0-fer against the Tigers, with Tommy Hunter pitching a career-high seven innings. Nelson Cruz (451 feet) and Michael Young (448 feet) hit major bombs for the Rangers, who have won seven of eight.

* Closer Frank Francisco could return during this weekend's series with the Seattle Mariners.

* Five intriguing players to pay attention to as the Dallas Cowboys prepare to open training camp.

* Big 12 media days:
-- A left tackle yet to start a game at that position could be the key for Texas A&M's offensive line.
-- Jennifer Floyd Engel: Aggies fans need to forget about Dennis Franchione.
-- Oklahoma State is the biggest threat to Oklahoma and Texas in the South.
-- Notes: Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy feels a lot of excitement around his team.

* Fort Worth Cats 9, Grand Prairie AirHogs 4: Wish I would have been there to see this one. Grand Prairie's Mike Conroy got ejected with one out in the ninth, went bonkers while it was pouring rain, the infield got soaked and, one out later, the game was called because of rain.

* Michael Vick is back in the NFL. Sort of.

* Angel Watching: Victor Martinez's three-run homer in the top of the ninth highlighted the Cleveland Indians' four-run ninth inning that gave the Indians an 8-6 win over the Los Angeles Angels. It was the second consecutive loss for the Angels, who won seven of their first eight games after the all-star break.

* Monday's MLB highlight: Washington Nationals 14, Milwaukee Brewers 6 -- The Nationals' Josh Willingham hit two grand slams, becoming the 13th player in major-league history to do so in one game.

* Today is National Milk Chocolate Day.

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers. The Tigers trot out rookie lefty Luke French (1-1, 2.22) for his fifth start. With the swine flu behind him, Vicente Padilla (7-5, 4.67) starts for the Rangers. 7:05 p.m., Fox Sports Southwest.

-- David Thomas

Breakfast Crumbs: Monday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* Texas Rangers 7, Kansas City Royals 2: Dustin Nippert, who entered in the third inning when Kevin Millwood came down with a "tight left gluteus muscle," allowed only one run and one hit over 4 2/3 innings. Michael Young went 3-for-4 with two RBI, and the Rangers won for the sixth time in seven games. Games gained on the Los Angeles Angels during the stretch: negative one-half.

* Drew Gooden is the newest Dallas Maverick. At least according to the tweets of Gooden (@DrewGooden) and Mark Cuban (@mcuban).

* Jennifer Floyd Engel: Five things the Dallas Cowboys need to do to exceed the so-so expectations for this preseason.

* Gary West: Lone Star Park's wrapped up its worst season, and the troubles don't appear to be leaving soon.

* Grand Prairie AirHogs 3, Fort Worth Cats 2 (10): The Cats have lost four of five games and, after winning the first-half championship, are 8-9 in the second half.

* Angel Watching: Finally, someone defeated Los Angeles. Minnesota Twins rookie Anthony Swarzak allowed one run over 6 2/3 innings in the Twins' 10-1 win that ended the Angels' eight-game winning streak. Los Angeles hosts the Cleveland Indians for three games before heading on the road for three-game series with the Twins and Chicago White Sox.

* Alberto Contador won the Tour de France by more than four minutes. Teammate Lance Armstrong was third. Said Contador of Armstrong: "We are totally incompatible."

* Who's happy this Monday morning: Jimmie Johnson, for winning at Indy (and, boy, was Juan Pablo Montoya not happy). ... Loren Roberts, for winning the Senior British Open in a playoff. ... Mexican soccer fans, for their team's 5-0 rout of the United States in the Gold Cup final. ... North Texas fans of Chelsea, who got to see their team defeat Mexico's Club America 2-0 and Cowboys Stadium.

* Sunday's MLB highlight: Baltimore Orioles 6, Boston Red Sox 2: John Smoltz got lit up in dropping to 1-4. The O's scored six runs in his five innings and ended an 11-game losing streak at Fenway Park.

* Today is Take Your Pants for a Walk Day. Although this isn't official by any means, I'm suggesting we also make this Take Your Umbrella for a Walk Day.

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* Detroit Tigers at Texas Rangers. Oh, no, the Tigers. They're 6-0 against the Rangers this season. Tommy Hunter (2-1, 2.17) tries to stop that skid. In his last 17 innings, he has allowed two runs and 11 hits. The Tigers start former Ranger Armando Galarraga (5-8, 4.82). He has allowed one run in three of his last four starts. 7:05 p.m., Fox Sports Southwest.

-- David Thomas

Breakfast Crumbs: Friday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buerhle, who no-hit the Texas Rangers two seasons ago, threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays -- the White Sox's first since 1922. If you haven't seen the video of center fielder DeWayne Wise's amazing catch in the ninth, click here. The first time it's showed, note how much ground Wise covered. Then watch the ball wind up in his bare hand.

* Rangers notes: The flu bug situation has improved as the Rangers start a series in Kansas City.

* Jeff Wilson: Looking at what the Rangers could do with first basemen Chris Davis and Justin Smoak expected to be in the big leagues next season.

* On Thursday, we gave you eight Rangers trades that turned out well. Here are 11 that didn't. (Look at that picture -- Sammy Sosa was skinny!)

* Ten NFL questions as training camps prepare to begin.

* Details have emerged regarding the conflict between Mark Cuban and Don Nelson. They may never become Facebook friends.

* Texas and Oklahoma are still sharing. They tied for the South Division's top spot in the media pre-season poll.

* Fort Worth Cats 7, Shreveport-Bossier Captains 4: Brian Fryer's three hits and three runs driven in made a winner of Joel Kirsten.

* Gary West: Lone Stark Park's 13th season was its worst, but there's reason for optimism.

* Angel Watching: The Los Angeles Angels scored two runs with two outs in the ninth off Minnesota Twins closer Joe Nathan -- who had not allowed a run since May 15 -- then defeated the Twins 6-5 in the 10th on an RBI double by Mike Napoli.

* Thursday's MLB highlight (other than the perfect game): Seattle Mariners 2, Detroit Tigers 1 -- Jarrod Washburn threw seven shutout innings as the Mariners won for the eighth time in their past 10 games. Washburn is 5-1 with a 1.81 ERA over his past seven games.

* Today is National Cousins Day.

* Today also is Friday. That means it's '80s Music Day in CrumbsLand. On the stage now, waiting for your click, is none other than Lionel Richie with "All Night Long (All Night)." Everything about that video -- the music, the people, the wardrobes -- is so '80s.

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* Texas Rangers at Kansas City Royals. The Rangers open a three-game road trip gainst Zack Greinke (10-5, 2.08), who has the lowest ERA in the American League. Greinke won his first six decisions, but he is 2-4 in his last nine starts. On April 18, he threw a complete-game shutout against the Rangers. Scott Feldman (8-3, 3.87), who has won three of his last four starts, goes for the Rangers. 7:10 p.m., Fox Sports Southwest.

-- David Thomas

Breakfast Crumbs: Thursday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* Texas Rangers 3, Boston Red Sox 1: With scheduled starter Vicente Padilla ill, fill-in Dustin Nippert and Doug Mathis struck out nine and held the Sox to four hits. That allowed the Rangers to sweep the three-game series, although they did not gain any ground on the Los Angeles Angels in the process.

* Rangers notes: Padilla is one of five players hit by a flu bug.

* Jim Reeves: Josh Hamilton's swing remains MIA.

* Eight Rangers trades that worked out just fine.

* Texas Motor Speedway president Eddie Gossage is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer.

* British Open champ Stewart Cink found his putter -- and his putting stroke -- at Colonial.

* Shreveport-Bossier Captains 4, Fort Worth Cats 1: Jimmy Heard (5-0) held the Cats to six hits over 7 1/3 innings.

* A Q&A with TCU junior quarterback Andy Dalton, who has a chance this season to become the Horned Frogs' all-time leading passer.

* Kansas City Star columnist Joe Posnanski, writing for Sports Illustrated, ranks baseball's top 100 players at the moment. Shock, shock: Albert Pujols is No. 1. Rangers on the list: Hamilton at 31, Ian Kinsler at 45, Michael Young at 69 and Kevin Millwood at 78.

* Angel Watching: The Angels trailed 6-2, but scored seven runs in the seventh and eighth innings to sweep the Kansas City Royals with a 9-6 win. They have won five consecutive games and tonight start a seven-game homestand against the Minnesota Twins (four games) and Cleveland Indians (three).

* Wednesday's MLB highlight: New York Yankees 6, Baltimore Orioles 4 -- The Yankees stretched their winning streak to six games. Mariano Rivera earned his fifth save during the streak.

* Today is National Hot Dog Day and National Vanilla Ice Cream Day. Make it a doubleheader -- enjoy both!

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* United States vs. Honduras soccer. Without many of their regular players, the Americans are in the semifinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The United States defeated Honduras 2-0 in group play. 6 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel and KSTR/Channel 49.

-- David Thomas

Breakfast Crumbs: Wednesday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* Texas Rangers 4, Boston Red Sox 2: Hank Blalock got the Rangers off to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, and Tommy Hunter allowed only one run and four hits over six innings. The Red Sox, who fell out of first place, have lost four consecutive games for the first time this season.

* Gil LeBreton: Hank Blalock is earning his $6 million salary.

* Angel watching: The Los Angeles Angels swept a doubleheader from the Kansas City Royals to up their lead over the Rangers back to three games. The Angels are 8-1 since last playing the Rangers and don't play a team more than three games over .500 until meeting the Rangers again on Aug. 7.

* Mountain West Conference media members picked TCU to win the conference.

* TCU defensive end Jerry Hughes is back for his senior season because he wanted to finish what he started -- in the classroom and on the field.

* Among the Fort Worth Cats in the American Association All-Star Game, Jae Jung pitched two scoreless innings and Brian Fryer drove in a run. But the Cats were part of a losing effort, as the North defeated the South 6-2 in Grand Prairie.

* Jan Hubbard: Mike Krzyzewski was picked to coach the U.S. men's basketball team again over some deserving NBA coaches.

* If you remember playing the old NFL Strategy tabletop game, this story is for you.

* Tuesday's NBA highlight: Houston Astros 11, St. Louis Cardinals 6 -- Carlos Lee hit a grand slam as a part of the Astros' three homers as Houston moved to within two games of the first-place Cardinals.

* Today is National Ratcatchers Day and National Hammock Day. So catch your rat early, then reward yourself by spending the rest of the day on the hammock.

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers. The Rangers go for the sweep, but they'll have to face big-time prospect Clay Buchholz (1-0, 1.59), who was called up to replaced injured All-Star Tim Wakefield. Vicente Padilla (7-5, 4.67) throws for the Rangers. Padilla has been on a good-bad-good-bad cycle over his past six starts, but it's good's time in the lineup. 7 p.m., Fox Sports Southwest and ESPN.

-- David Thomas

Breakfast Crumbs: Tuesday

Notes and thoughts compiled at the breakfast table ...

* Texas Rangers 6, Boston Red Sox 3: Michael Young, David Murphy and Jarrod Saltalamacchia all homered in the sixth inning to make a winner of Kevin Millwood, who allowed two runs over six innings. C.J. Wilson, replacing the ill Frank Francisco, recorded a four-out save.

* Rangers notes: Francisco was placed on the disabled list because of pneumonia.

* Jim Reeves: Remembering the Harold Baines trade, and hoping Jon Daniels remembers it, too.

* If you're not into yoga, as the old song goes, you wouldn't fit in with the Fort Worth Cats.

* Former North Carolina receiver Jesse Holley won the 4th and Long competition and will be the Cowboys' 80th man at training camp. Show host Michael Irvin thinks Holley has a chance to be more than merely a roster-filler.

* More legal fun for Mark Cuban. A company owned by Ross Perot Jr. is accusing Cuban of diverting millions of dollars from American Airlines Center to the Dallas Mavericks.

* Monday's MLB highlight: New York Yankees 2, Baltimore Orioles 1 -- Hideki Matsui's homer in the bottom of the ninth gave the Pinstripers their third consecutive 2-1 win. The Yanks, winners of four straight, tied the Red Sox for first place in the American League East.

* Today is National Junk Food Day. I've always been a big fan of Ho Hos, myself.

TUBE TOPPER

The best of what to watch today ...

* Boston Red Sox at Texas Rangers. The BoSox turn to Josh Beckett (11-3, 3.35) to end their three-game losing streak and prevent a potential fall to second place for the first time in six weeks. Rangers rookie Tommy Hunter (1-1, 2.35) threw six shutout innings in his last start, against the Seattle Mariners. 7 p.m., Fox Sports Southwest.

-- David Thomas