A Great Way to Spend A Couple of Hours

I have recently discovered the world of online sports chats. They are something entertaining to do on an otherwise mundane afternoon. The chats peak my interest even more when the topic of discussion is the Rangers.

Thanks to Rangers beat writer Evan Grant, who is apparently concerned that I will take his job one day, me and other people of great Rangers fandom, were able to ask Scott Feldman and Michael Young questions directly. Sounds like a dream to me, but hopefully one day when my job as a sportswriter arrives, it’ll be a reality.

I was fortunate enough to get one question answered by Scott Feldman and one by Michael Young. I’m sure they got mounds (no pun intended) of questions.

Feldman, the Rangers best pitcher last year, earned the nod of Opening Day starter this season. Just six days away, he mentioned he was looking forward to the huge crowd. That response spurred this question in my head:

So buzzing crowds really do have a positive impact for you and the other guys?
Scott Feldman:

"Definitely. It's the most fun atmosphere you can have in a game. Other than pitching in Yankee Stadium or Fenway and that's because those places are sold out, and people are into the game. Even though they aren't cheering for you, they are into things. It just raises the energy level. It's not like if there isn't a
big crowd you don't go out and try, but it's just nice to look around and see people in the stands. We had a series against the Angels at home last May and there were big crowds every day. We ended up sweeping that series. I remember how much fun that was and what a great atmosphere."

That confirms my sneaking suspicion. Great to know firsthand that the players do feel the energy that die-hard fans like me bring to every game. I mean it, literally all 162 of them.

When Michael Young, the current Rangers captain and leader in all aspects of the game came on, a flood of more than positive comments enveloped the screen. Real fans know the value of Michael Young, both on and off the baseball diamond. For more details, see my “Michael Young: The Right Captain” post in the February archives.

One of Young’s best assets at the plate is his ability to hit in a 0-2 count. Thus this question:

What is your mindset when hitting with 2 strikes? How are you able to consistently be one of the best?
Michael Young:

"I can definitely get better at it. When you get to two strikes, it's about heart. Put your nose on the ball and do everything you can to keep that at-bat alive. You can't be afraid to strike out. You have to be confident in who you are and your plan."

Well, there’s no doubt he has the heart and confidence necessary for success.

I am eagerly awaiting Young and Feldman taking the field to wild cheers Monday.