Wednesday ramblings ...

** You can look at it two ways Angels fans: Juan Rivera is getting a chance to play oooooor Gary Matthews has been benched. Both points of view are right.

** A kid in the stands wearing a Rangers jersey was cheering for the Angels on Monday simply because they are angels. He says "You are supposed to cheer for angels because they take care of us and protect us, right?"

** Frank Francisco and chess go together like ...
The guy is always playing chess in the clubhouse and taunts his opponents with each move. It's hilarious. I hear Rangers catcher Gerald Laird is working on his chess game, studying books and researching strategies on the internet. C.J. Wilson is also pretty good.

** Welcome back to Arlington Wes Littleton. See you after the All-Star break Vicente Padilla. Padilla was placed on the 15-day disabled list with neck stiffness minutes before the start of Wednesday's game. He said his neck was fine in an interview with media before the game but that's what they all say. The cover of the Rangers program this weekend reads: A Different Padilla: While he is still a competitor Vicente is healthy and happy in '08. Nice timing. It was written by yours truly.

** Nice National Anthem by Melissa McLaughlin. Great voice, great speed, great job.