Rangers Nation Podcast

John talks about all the trade rumours surrounded the Rangers. He goes over the teams that are rumoured to be involved with the Rangers top three likely players moved, Ian Kennedy, Kyle Gibson and Joey Gallo. He also goes over some prospects with each team that might be someone to watch for in some deals. He also goes "Down in the Bus Leagues" to discuss the best part of the entire Rangers organization at the moment. 

John is joined by Jeff Wilson and T.R. Sullivan of Jeff's new Texas Rangers Newsletter. They discuss Jeff's new venture covering the Rangers. They also discuss T.R. and his memoirs. T.R. has started writing his memoirs from 38 years of covering the Rangers with the Ft Worth Star Telegram and MLB.com. They also go into the 2021 Rangers. They discuss the trade deadline, the draft and the minor leagues. For Jeff and T.R.'s new venture go to www.jeffwison.substack.com and sign up. Nerd Out!

John talks about ALL things Home Run leading to the All-Star game and MLB Draft. Joey Gallo is in HR Derby and John talks with Tony Beasley who is throwing to Gallo in the derby. He plays the HR game with Nick Solak and Willie Calhoun. Then he talks about the Draft and how the Rangers need to hit a Home Run with the second pick. Oh..... and he predicts the second and third round picks. Nerd Out!

John welcomes Sam Hale from Baseball Prospectus and The Ticket to preview the upcoming MLB draft and the potential Texas Ranger picks. Sam covers prospects in the AA Central South Division for Baseball Prospectus. He is also a do it all employee for Sports Radio The Ticket in DFW. The Rangers have the 2, 38, 73 and 103 pick in this years first four rounds of the draft. They discuss who they like and who to watch for that could sneak into this. (Sam makes a bold prediction in the 1st round and explains his action) This one is perfect for the Baseball Nerds. 

John talks about the decisions the Rangers need to make and very soon. Who stays? Who goes? Who is next to get a chance? Plus he plays the HR Game with Rangers first baseman Nate Lowe. John is glad to be back talking baseball. Nerd Out!

"I can't imagine" are the words that John (The Recliner Nerd) and his wife Kathy heard for the last 12 days as their youngest son Kevin was diagnosed with a brain tumour on June 8th. John tells the story of what happened and where they are now, so he can get back to covering the Texas Rangers. There is even a message from his youngest son Kevin who is recovering from brain surgery. #KevinStrong

John, Kathy and his family want to thank everyone who prayed and wished them well during the most stressful and scary time of their lives. 

Now......Back to baseball. Nerd Out!!

John has Chris Halicke and Alex Plinck on to discuss how mad Chris Woodward is after the Rangers have struggled. They also discuss the Rangers and where they are right now. The good, the bad and ugly. They talk about trade deadline chatter and who they think will be moved and who won't. John then goes Down In The Bus Leagues to discuss the minor league system and the players to watch. Fun one. 

John talks about the predicted moves he sees the Rangers making before the trade deadline along with who has the best chance to be an All-Star along with who should be one. He also goes Down In The Bus Leagues to talk about the minor league system and who is shining. 

John welcomes Chuck Ramsey from LawDog Sports on Sports Talk 1230 KSEY AM. They are the Rangers Affiliate for the Wichita Falls and Great Plains area of Texas. Chuck is giving away 16 tickets to the Yankees/Rangers series. 8 for Monday nights game and 8 for Thursday nights game. Give a listen and find out how to win FREE TICKETS. Oh......... they also talk Rangers baseball. John goes on their show every Wednesday at 4:15.

John declares "Baseball is Back For Real" because minor league baseball is back. He goes into the week of Ranger baseball and answers a few questions from listeners. Then he goes "Down In The Bus Leagues" to talk about the Rangers minor league rosters and who's who on each one. Minor league baseball opens their season May 4th. It is a jam packed 40 minutes with lots of info. Buckle up and listen. 

John talks about the team halfway through the first month of the season. He talks about how they are exceeding what he expected this season as they evaluate talent. He talks about the best and worst teams in the AL and NL and the Rangers aren't on any of those list. (Which is good) He also saw top baseball prospect and possible first round pick Jordan Lawler play He gives a scouting report of Jordan and goes "Down In The Bus Leagues" to discuss the upcoming season which starts May 4th. 

John welcomes Michael "Grubes" Gruber to the show. Grubes is known by many P-1's from his days on the 1310 Ticket AM. He is now the in game music director for the Texas Rangers and Globe Life Field. He talks about how he went from an intern between his junior and senior year of high school to living his dream job. Playing walk up music, The Natural theme for HR's or the Cotton Eyed Joe, He is living his dream job. He also talks about how Dirk Nowitski just kept bugging his parent until he finally bought their house. Grubes is a great dude and fun friend to have. This one is fun. 

John welcomes Levi Weaver and Jamey Newberg from The Athletic to breakdown offseason moves and the hiring of Chris Young. They breakdown Spring Training battles and surprises out of....... well.......Surprise Arizona. They also talk about minor leaguers they are excited to see play games for the first time in close to two years. Action packed full of great baseball information. Enjoy!!

The Recliner Nerd talks about the idea of Rougned Odor playing third base to start the season and why that may not be abad thing. He is NOT jumping back on the Odor bandwagon where he has been before. But if they Rangers need someone to fill a hole until the younger guys can get here, maybe Odor isn't the worst possible choice. He also makes an opening day lineup prediction and someone isn't on it or the team. Enjoy

Retired Texas Ranger beat writer T.R. Sullivan joins John and  talks about retirement and the 2021 Rangers. Some Texas Ranger fans join the show to meet and talk with him personally. They break down spring training and the players and battles to watch. Lots of fun and lots of stories from T.R.'s years covering the game. This one is for all the Texas Rangers die hard fans. 

The Recliner Nerd talks with Alex Plinck of Dallas Sports Fanatic and Chris Halicke of Sports Illustrated to make their first prediction for the 2021 opening day roster. Then to top if off, they all three choose their opening day lineup. This is a great look into what players to watch this spring. They plan on doing a few more volumes before opening day, with changes coming for sure. All Ranger fans will enjoy this. 

John (The Recliner Nerd) welcomes Texas Ranger pitcher and social media guru Tim Dillard. He has played 18 years of pro baseball and makes hilarious videos fro the entire family that has turned him into a social media phenom. The break down his life, family and faith. Tim brings a smile to every situation and this one was a blast. Have Fun!!!

John (The Recliner Nerd) sits down with new Frisco Roughrider President and GM Victor Rojas. You may remember him as the radio play by play guy with Eric Nadel. You may also remember him on the MLB network. He has been with the Angels TV broadcast for the last 10 years. They talk about his career in baseball and how he got back home to Frisco. They also talk about his online merchandise store "Big Fly Gear". Another great one. 

The Recliner Nerd is joined by NEW Texas Ranger beat writer for MLB.com Kennedi Landry. Taking over the beat for longtime beat writer T.R.Sullivan, Kennedi talks about her journey to covering the Rangers and of course, LSU football (Her passion). Kennedi will mark 2021 as the beginning of her career as a professional sports writer. Welcome to Texas Kennedi!! 

Texas Ranger LHP Taylor Hearn joins The Recliner Nerd. They talk about the Instagram competition between him and C Jose Trevino. They also talk about Taylor's life growing up as a Rodeo Cowboys kid, other sports he played and what it was like being traded twice. This was one of the funnest ones yet. Go to Instagram and follow @thearn21 so he can give away a PS5. Oh........ and Dallas Sports Nation is giving away a shirt also. 

Nerd Out!

The Recliner Nerd answers your questions submitted. Questions regarding ownership, minor leagues, predictions for 2021, Gallo trades and more. He is having a drawing from those submitted and will be giving away a prize. Fun one. 

The Recliner Nerd talks with Jeeho Yoo of Yonhap News Agency in Seoul, South Korea (Their Associated Press). He was also a contributor to the ESPN broadcast of KBO games for Americans. He is the the English writer for all things KBO. They talk about the KBO compared to MLB. They talk about Jeeho's life in Toronto and how he got onto covering the KBO. They also talk coveted free agent SS Ha-Seong Kim. He sees the Rangers as a fit along with the Mets and Cardinals. This is another favorite. 

The Recliner Nerd is joined by is wife Kathy Moore (Mrs Recliner Nerd). They talk about her love of baseball. Their trips to baseball stadiums around the country. Their annual trip to opening day and her all time favourite Rangers and games they went to. By far his most beloved guest, he had to coax her into joining him. You ladies should enjoy this one. 

Fox Sports Southwest Emily Jones McCoy joins The Recliner Nerd to talk her life in sports journalism and covering the Rangers. They also talk of being a mom and wife and what life is like away from the field. *LANGUAGE WARNING*. Emily and John do say a few cuss words. Fun one. 

The Recliner Nerd is joined by Terry Cushman of the "Bennie and the Betts" podcast covering the Boston Red Sox. John and Terry discuss their love of the Sox and Rangers. They discuss the current status of each team and where they think each team should go this offseason. They end the episode talking about possible trades between the two clubs. Fun times 

The Recliner Nerd answers questions about the Texas Rangers heading into the offseason. Facebook and Twitter followers submitted questions. John did his best to answer them all. 

The Recliner Nerd took a couple of weeks to decompress and think about the Texas Rangers end of season awards. He gives his MVP, Best Pitcher, Best Hitter, Best Defender, Best Rookie, Biggest Surprise, Biggest Disappointment and who he thinks will be gone next year. 2020 was a hard year for the Texas Rangers. They have decided to go youth and with the future. But there was a season and awards were needed. Nerd out!

This is one of worst kind of podcast to have. The Recliner Nerd is joined by Levi Weaver as they interview Texas Ranger top pitching prospect Ricky Vanasco. Ricky was diagnosed this week with a UCL tear and will have Tommy John Surgery Monday September 21st. Ricky gets real and shows emotion. Good Luck Ricky and see get well and come back firing. 

The Recliner Nerd takes a minute to talk 2020 Trade Deadline and what he thinks happens with the Texas Rangers .He explores the teams interested in Lance Lynn and what he thinks it would take to move him. He makes predictions about Lynn and other players who could be moved. Enjoy 

The Recliner Nerd sits down with long time Texas Rangers beat writer TR Sullivan. He talks about growing up attending minor league games. His love for baseball and how that came about. His time at San Francisco University. Then how he started out in the sports journalism business and worked his way to his ultimate goal, a full time MLB beat writer. He also talks about his favorite players and coaches he has covered. This may be a favorite for Ranger fans. 

The Recliner Nerd talks with Texas Rangers amateur scout Brett Campbell. They talk about Brett's life in baseball. His high school, college and pro career. His month in the big leagues. How he went into coaching and eventually scouting. Brett talks about finding a prospect and the process of scouting, drafting and signing him. If you are a baseball nerd, this one is for you. 

The Recliner Nerd talks with former Texas Ranger Rusty Greer. The Texas Ranger Hall of Famer talks his life crowing up, high school, college, the big leagues etc.... He talks about the Kenny Rogers perfect game, his family and learning to use a wooden bat. A great time with "Rojo". 

The Recliner Nerd talks about the opening weekend of Range baseball against the Colorado Rockies. He talks possibly were they go if Kluber is down for a while, and what their biggest issues are so far. 

The Recliner Nerd welcomes former Texas Rangers Jeff Frye, Darren Oliver and David Hulse. He also invited fans to join in and ask questions. Lot's of run listening to them discuss #Shegone, coaching and life in the big leagues. Over 30 years of big league service between them. Listen in for the fun. 

The Recliner Nerd talks about the season finally getting ready to start. He goes over the shortened season rules and what all it involves.. H also goes over the Rangers draft picks and what he thinks of each one. BASEBALL IS BACK BABY!!!

The Recliner Nerd gets real. First he talks about George Floyd. He talks about how his perspective has changed on the police. He gets real on why we need to open our hearts and eyes to injustice.  Then he GOES OFF on baseball. He rips the owners and the players, as he makes his case why baseball and ALL sports need to get going. After all, it's more fun to argue about Jon Daniel and Odor than things that can cause friendships to end. This one gets real. (He does use bad language for the first time ever) Peace!

The Recliner Nerd welcomes former big leaguers Jeff Frye, Benji Gil and Texas Rangers HOF Rusty Greer. They discuss getting called up and what life was like playing in the big leagues. The Pranks, the plane rides and what it was like to live most little leaguers dream come true. This is three men kicking everyone who wanted to be a big leaguer in the nuts. Because this will make you jealous. Enjoy!!!

The Recliner Nerd talks about the current deal on the table from the owners that involve revenue sharing. He thinks the players should take it and get baseball going again. 

The Recliner Nerd is joined by Jamey Newberg of the Athletic and creator of the Newberg Report. Jamey and John discuss growing up in Dallas. How he developed his live for baseball. Being a theater dad and baseball dad. He talks about how he  started the Newberg Report and how the Athletic stole him away. If you miss baseball, give this a listen. 

The ReclinerNerd talks with Rangers top pitching prospect Ricky Vanasco. He is in lockdown at the Spring Training facility in Arizona with some other prospects. He talks about quarantine anyhow the Rangers are taking care of them. We also talked about Shin-Soo Choo and how he donated $1000 to every Rangers minor leaguer. So cool. This is a another great one

The Recliner Nerd talks with former Texas Ranger Benji Gil. They discuss where he was born and grew up, his path to the big leagues and how he convinced Miss Texas to marry him. They also discuss his kids who are athletes themselves. COVID-19 be damned, they talked some baseball. 

The Recliner Nerd talks with former Texas Ranger and current self appointed hitting guru, Jeff Frye. They talk about the videos Jeff has made and the sensation they have been, with close to 250 thousand views. They also talk quarantine and COVID-19. Lots of fun and more with former big leaguers, scouts and front office personal agreeing with Jeff. Have fun!!

Richie Whitt from the Dallas Observer and Sports Illustrated joins The Recliner Nerd to talk about the DFW sports market, growing up in Duncanville, Chin, softball, the Rangers, and of course the COVID-19 virus.  Lots of funny stories from Richie and his time covering DFW 

The Recliner Nerd talks about his trip to Surprise Arizona and shares his interviews with Tim Dillard, Isaiah Kiner-Falefa, Sam Huff, Kyle Cody, Sherton Apostel and Demarcus Evans. This is a fun  one. 

The Recliner Nerd talks with Jeff Frye about the Houston Astros debacle that was the press conference last week. They talked about the longterm effect this could have on the team. They also talked about players around the leagues reaction. Then Jeff talked about his spring trainings when he played. His first big league camp and other fun stories from his playing days. 

The Recliner Nerd host a round table at Brix Bar and Grill in Plano Texas. Chris Halicke of Sports Illustrated, Alex Plink of Dallas Sports Fanatic, Joe Carrillo of Dallas Sports Nation and special guest Jeff Frye, former Texas Ranger, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockie and Toronto Blue Jay. They talk life in the big leagues. They talk Texas Rangers offseason grades along with prospects and MLB WAY TOO EARLY PREDICTIONS!! Great time at Brix!! 

The Recliner Nerd talks with former Texas Ranger, Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockie and Toronto Blue Jay Jeff Frye. He talks about where he was born, where he grew up and how a guy on a basketball scholarship ended up playing for the Texas Rangers. He also talks about today's game, the Astros scandal and the shift. Spend an hour with Jeff Frye and enjoy how anyone with talent and drive can make it to the big leagues. 

The Recliner Nerd is joined by Inside The Rangers beat writer for Sports Illustrated, Chris Halicke. They talk talk about Chris and his background before getting his current gig. They talk all things Rangers and what to expect heading into Spring Training. They also give out condolences to the family of Kobe Bryant and others who died tragically in the helicopter crash. (News broke fifteen minute before recording)

In this episode The Recliner Nerd talks with Sean Bass of the Ticket about the Astros and their troubles along with the moves the Rangers have made so far this offseason. He also answers a few of your questions. 

The Recliner Nerd answers questions. First he talks offseason so far and the moves the Rangers have made. Then hedges into questions about this base, Kluber, JD etc.......