Despite Offseason Criticism, Jon Daniels Building Texas Rangers the Right Way

It's no secret the Texas Rangers took a minor public relations hit this past offseason amidst a winter of inactivity that saw exactly zero big-money free agents sign on the dotted line to play in Arlington.

Media and fans questioned Rangers general manager Jon Daniels for standing pat. After three straight postseason berths - two of which culminated in World Series appearances - fans took a glance at the Rangers' financial flexibility and wanted to reel in a big fish to take the next step and win it all. The mind of the modern-day fan is programmed to think like a Twitter news feed. Give me that instant news, and give me it now.

The Yu Darvish Perfect Game That Wasn't

I was fairly certain that I was going to witness history in the making on Tuesday night, when Rangers ace Yu Darvish took the mound at Houston for his first start of the season. Darvish overmatched everyone in the Astros' anemic lineup, making it appear like he was pitching to a group of little leaguers. This was plain ridiculous, and I was loving every minute of it.

Darvish took a perfect game into the ninth inning, and it was pacing time. This occurs when I'm too riled up to sit down and must remain standing, often times pacing around my apartment in serious fashion as if I'm a college basketball coach during March Madness. I wasn't expecting to pace during the second game of the season. It's so early. But history was in the balance.

Reaction to Rangers Signing Elvis Andrus to 8-Year Extension

I'll be the first to admit Elvis Andrus has been my favorite baseball player for the past three or four years. Therefore, when the news broke early Monday morning that Texas and Andrus agreed to an eight-year contract extension worth $120 million, I was ecstatic. The extension was in addition to the two years that he has left on his current deal, which means Elvis will likely remain in Arlington for the next decade.

Music to my ears.