Rangers shutout Yankees ~ Cowboys need to Win without Zeke ~ Butter Lettuce

GO RANGERS!!! 68-71 (wins ~ losses)

Since we're out of the race for the Postseason... why keep playing and trying to win? 

1. Unlike the NFL, tanking your season doesn't impact draft picks. 
2. You're trying out your team to see who you need to keep for next year, or whom to deal/trade.
3. Keep working your pitching rotation, a huge piece to a teams success, and the only way we will get back to a World Series.
4. These guys are paid to play 162 games. 
5. Who doesn't like to try to win, even if you can't win it all? 

And the Rangers did just that... WIN. 

I was at the game Friday night, where we defeated the Seattle Mariners, thanks to Solak, Odor and Santana. Solak is one of the best hitters and base runners. He reminds me of Rusty Greer. Not many people are going to care about this kid, but he gets on base, which is still very important, despite the popularity of the home run or bust mentality. 

David Murphy and family

Rangers vs. Yankees

Sunday, the Rangers started their series vs. the Yankees in the Bronx. Mike Minor had a strong game through 7.1 innings, keeping his 3.12 ERA in tact. Shawn Kelley came in as relief and got the team out of the 8th inning. Clase came in as the closer, to complete the first Yankees shutout in 220 games. Final score, Rangers 7 - Yankees 0. 

DeShields, Trevino and Choo all hit home runs in the Bronx, to help give Minor run support! Another skill to work on as a team and prepare for next season. 

12 games left at The Ballpark in Arlington

So sad. I'm going to miss this stadium. The new one will have turf, air conditioning, and you can't bring food or drinks into the stadium. I'm trying to keep an open mind, but you may as well play baseball at Jerry World from the sound of it all. 

Here are a few articles about the ballpark and how we're all going to have to move on... some of us dragging our feet. 

Forbes article
Renderings of the new field
60% completely built
Retractable Roof

I hope that the roof is open for all of the games I attend next season. There's nothing like being at the ballpark, seeing the sun set, and then sitting under bright lights and at most games, watching the moon rise over left field. It's going to be tough giving up that view, but it will be nice to have more seats in the shade. I just hope they're affordable. 

Since there's only 12 games left... I strongly encourage you to take your friends or family to one of them! Memories mean more than stuff! 

Check out the full Rangers schedule. 

#TexasRangers

GO COWBOYS!!!
NY Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys (away vs. home)
Sunday, September 8th @ 3:25 PM CST

What is going on??? 

I drafted Tony Pollard with my last pick in Fantasy Football last week. That's what's going on. He's the rookie from Memphis we drafted in the fourth round this year. He wasn't supposed to be our starter, but Zeke is holding out for a contract extension and has yet to join the team. Other guys on the team were also in the middle of contract talks, but they all showed up to training camp and pre-season, including Dak Prescott, our QB. A much more respectable approach to this type of thing.

Here's an article on the latest with Ezekiel Elliott's contract. I say he's back by Week 4 vs. the New Orleans Saints or not at all this season. Jerry doesn't have to pay him this year and he's not a free agent, so he can sit, and try to stay out of trouble, or he can play football. Choice is his. 

Zeke aside. 

What am I most excited about this season? Our Defense! 

Will we be perfect? Nope. But we signed Jaylon Smith to a 5 year deal, a chance that Jerry took on a guy who had so much nerve damage people thought he wouldn't play again. Now the guy is being paid $64M for 5 years. Sold! He's earned it. 

Our D is not only fast, but smart. Here are the names of the guys you're going to look for in Week 1 vs. the New York Giants on Sunday, 9/8 at 3:25 PM CST at home. 

DeMarcus Lawrence - smart and fast
Taco Charlton - smart and super fast
Jaylon Smith - smart, fast and smiles a lot
Maliek Collins - smart and big
Leighton Vander Esch - smart, big and fast
Byron Jones - smart, super fast, jumps high and smiles a lot
Kavon Frazier - smart and fast
Xavier Woods - smart and super fast

basically, the entire defense

This is a MUST win year for the team, and for Garrett. It's the last year of his contract as our Head Football Coach. 

Go Big or Go Home. 

Checkout the Cowboys full schedule.

#dallascowboys
#cowboysnation
#undefeated

Random Info...
I'm back in my phase of meal prep. It's not easy, but it's necessary, both financially and nutritionally.

Which has lead me to my new favorite green. Butter Lettuce.

It's so cute, has great flavor and is sold at Costco in a two pack.

I've used it for tacos, as a wrap for tuna or chicken salad, and on a sandwich (with gluten free bread - woo to the hoo). If you're using it as a wrap, I pair it with Simple Mills crackers. Cheddar and Sun Dried Tomato are my favorite. You can find flavors at Sprouts and a Sea Salt two pack at Costco.

I'm not sure how long butter lettuce will be in season, but I highly recommend adding it to your diet. Especially if you're a Costco regular.

#butterlettuce

#costco

#simplemills

#cleaneating

#mealprep

#hugsomeone

~smile~