967 Reasons to Love The Ticket

This Monday I turned the radio on to 96.7 FM which previously was the home of WBAP News Radio and before that was some generic Country Music station.  I wasn't turning it on to listen to Rush Limbaugh, I turned it on to listen to my favorite radio station.  1310 The Ticket has branched out to FM radio (AGAIN).  I live in Aledo which is west of Fort Worth and I can rarely listen to 1310 AM The Ticket in my vehicle in the morning or in the evening clearly.  Power lines: I can't hear a thing.  Under a bridge: I can't hear a thing.  The Ticket hasn't been perfect and its still amazing they have stayed so popular with such an awful signal. I remember that buzz from as long as I could remember.  I lived in Grand Prairie when I was kid and I never remember it being crystal clear.  There was always a little buzz.  For people who didn't regularly listen to it, its extremely annoying, for those who were regular P1's, this is just the way it is.

So I turned to 96.7 FM and Listened to the Musers and I thought I was in a dream.  I listen to The Ticket regularly streaming online but there is something different listening to them on FM.  Its an indescribable thing.  The traffic reports and the Ticket Tickers were even great to listen to.  The Ticket just became a larger player in the DFW radio and will be able to reach a lot more listeners, especially listeners who don't venture off to the AM dial.  Bob Sturm briefly spoke about this being targeted to the younger listeners, I agree.  I'm 26 and I can tell you, my age and younger don't even understand why AM radio exist.  Its for old effs listening to conservative news radio.

Hopefully The Ticket recognizes how much money they opened themselves up to.  Now instead of only advertising for the great Dallas area, now they will be able to branch out further west into my area.  I know The Ticket is awesome, now my neighbors need to recognize.  The Ticket was big before 96.7 FM and now they will become even BIGGER.  105.3 The Fan has to be a little worried (more than usual).   Will you be listening?

Peace Out Nolan...This is JD's Team Now

I'm a self proclaimed "Saber Idiot" and that means I'm not real great calculating advanced stats nor want to.  I'm not a nerd but I have an immense respect for sabermetrics.   Anything that makes the game that I love better, I'm all for it.  This divide between Nolan and JD has started New School vs. Old School.  RBI vs.  WAR.  AVG vs OBP.  This is my life.  This "feud" is awkward to me but it also has shown me a different side of Nolan Ryan.

Nolan Ryan was a childhood hero of mine.  There are great men, and then there was Nolan Ryan.  He was the best Texas Ranger to ever put a uniform on, and he was at the end of his career.  He made the Rangers half way legitimate. He was a bad ass player and the man was from the great state of TEXAS.  There couldn't of been a better marriage. Nolan was brought in to be the President of the team, he was technically in charge of business aspects of the ball club.  The upgrades around the ball park were Nolan Ryan's doing. He should be commended because I believe they really enhanced the experience at the ballpark (especially for people who really don't enjoy baseball).  

Ryan then bought the team and saved everyone from the Hicks era.  We all had such optimism.  That was in 2010.  The team was formed by JD and his staff and Nolan was still in charge of the business side of the Rangers.  Nolan after the 2010 World Series seemed to be more involved in player personnel. It was pretty prevalent during the offseason he was pushing hard to get Cliff Lee (unsuccessfully I remind you) and he apparently had some input in acquiring Adrian Beltre (which he should be credited with along with JD). Great! Nolan also deserves a lot of credit for extending the pitchers and making them push through when before they were treating pitchers with kid gloves.  I wanted to see the starters go longer to save the bullpen.  

After that, what has Nolan done?  I think his contributions have been highly overrated by the public. Nolan Ryan was not in charge of scouting and he did not have any input in drafting players.  Jon Daniels was your man.  The Teixeria trade.  Hamilton Trade.  And many other signings.  Yes he had a little learning curve.  We remember the Adam Eaton/Akinori Otsuka trade which sent Chris Young and Adrian Gonzalez.  Name me a GM that hasn't made a questionable move.  But for those 2010 and 2011 teams, that was JD's baby.  You want to talk about the last two years and call that a complete disaster, I would absolutely disagree.   

Have the season's been disappointing? Of course they have.  Disaster.  There are a lot of teams in the league that would love to be this "BAD".  Its not that long ago we were out by late July, early August.  All I want for my team is to do one thing...COMPETE.  The Rangers have for the last four years have been in hunt.  I'm not going to be the entitled fan who is disappointed if my team doesn't go deep in the playoffs or win the World Series.  Its stupid.  Not everyone can go.  Is Jon Daniels perfect? No way.  But he has shown to he can build World Series caliber teams and I believe with a few additions, we have one with this current team.   

So Jon Daniels has been branded the man who drove Nolan Ryan out of town.  I'm gonna leave you with this, Nolan wanted the control of team and the owners didn't believe Nolan was the future and that Jon Daniels was.  Jon Daniels has the 1 year, 5 year plans.  He is the man who knows the guys on the farm that will be developed for future. JD has also had great success internationally.  Yu Darvish will not be the last Japanese import and Leonys Martin won't be the last Cuban import.  JD has built this team to be successful for many years to come.  

Before I wrap this up I want to address a really interesting debate I've had with sports media legend Chuck Cooperstein (on twitter, Its not like he and Randy Galloway come over on the weekends).  He has had a problem with the way Jon Daniels has treated Ron Washington.  That JD should just acquire the players and let Ron take care of the rest. I completely disagree.  Wash has to be accountable like anyone else and also should learn & progress. There some techniques in baseball that were used years ago that still work today and there are some that don't.  Wash is so great with dealing with a clubhouse and I think he really motivates his very rich ball players to play to their full ability.  But in one very important aspect I believe Wash has done a very poor job of game management. (I also believe that was a combination of bad advice from Jackie Moore, but that's a post for another day)  JD put together a team and has the right to want those players be utilized to their full potential and correctly.  Bunting Elvis the amount of times Wash did was unacceptable. Trusting aging or regressing players. Bullpen decisions.  Wash will make mistakes and I won't sit here on my couch criticizing him.  One thing we can question is his philosophy. Can that be changed? I doubt it but I guess anything is possible. 

Texas Rangers and their fans should feel good about the future of their team.  This team isn't going to be in the ALCS every year. They might not make the playoffs.  But they will compete, and thats all you can ask of your team.  They will in late September have a chance to be a playoff team.  Big time free agents, they will have a chance.  Big time player that is available before the trade deadline, they will have a chance.  Instead of sellers, they are buyers.  For as long as I could remember, that's all I've wanted.  If you want your Rangers to win or hell attend the World Series, you are going to be disappointed a lot.  If you enjoy the ride and enjoy the success, you will still be disappointed but you will have a sense of pride for your team like I do.  JUST COMPETE! 

In Defense of The Fan

Gavin, Jeff C and Chris Arnold the "G-Bag Nation"

Anyone who knows me or has read anything I've wrote on here, knows I'm a P1 and I listen to the Ticket way too much.  I wake up in the morning with my phone blaring Gordo and the Musers and I'm constantly trying to check in during the day with BaD Radio.  I've been listener of The Hardline longer than I can really remember.  I love the Ticket and that love will never leave.  Now my enemy of the last 4 years has not been the originator and the ultimate imitator "105.3 The Fan".  From the moment I heard them I knew this could not last, and if you think about it, it hasn't.  I don't really wanna go over the history of The Fan but I will say "stability" isn't their forte.

I do not want this be me just kicking The Fan in the nuts the entire post (and I could) but I actually want this to be a positive post about this station I've had so many issues with.  The Fan is something I think I've secretly rooted for.  I want sports radio to be successful in the DFW area.  It doesn't have to be one or the other.  I can have multiple shows that I enjoy.

Right now in my opinion, The Fan is about as good as its ever been (I know that's a low bar).  Morning show really hasn't changed but I think they have adjusted a lot.  Overall is probably my least favorite show of the three, but it has its moments.  RJ Choppy is very knowledgeable about sports and I think he is fairly interesting.  Shan is someone I have trouble with but he really has toned it down (on the radio, not on twitter. Not that I would really know since he blocked me) lately and has offered some insight.  I wanna say that I haven't completely hated Troy Hughes (producer? yuk monkey?). I think he is pretty funny, I think some of his "bits" need help but quick punch lines, I think he is pretty good. 

Now some changes have occurred recently, Elf & Slater were axed and the G-Bag Nation who were occupying the late night slot were moved to 10-2.  Also they added on Mike Bacsik, who I really love to listen to. I'm glad to see Mike get another shot.   Gavin is Gavin and sometimes I think he is just trying to be controversial.  He is an acquired taste.  Chris Arnold is pretty meh in my opinion, very nice guy but I just don't know what he bring to the table.  I'm not going to get into his plagiarism offense but I just don't think he adds anything real significant to the show or the area.   Jeff Cavanaugh (producer/Yuk Monkey) is loud, douche-like and most likely smells like bong water and booze, and I think the shining light of the station.  I use to bag on this dude pretty bad, I finally got to know the guy and I have a lot of respect for the guy.  Very funny dude and I really relate to his sports outlook.  Gbag was not too long ago one of my least favorite shows, I don't listen much but it isn't horrible. But don't call me a G-Bag soldier cause I think that part is pretty stupid. I can admit I still don't understand the name.  Oh well keep it up.

Last but not least, Ben & Skin.....I have the utmost respect and admiration for those two guys.  Those guys could fill in at The Ticket tomorrow and no one would blink. They are funny guys who mix in with great HSOs.  Ben is prone to the knee jerk and a little sensitive (I've been blocked on twitter numerous times by Ben)
but I really enjoy him talking baseball and football.  Skin is one of my heroes.  He is new school and forward thinking.  He is a good dude and someone I truly respect in sports radio.  Kevin Turner who has joined the fold, he is a funny dude.  Will the mainstream understand him?  Only time will tell. Ben & Skin might not find success at The Fan, a station that is notorious for having a quick trigger. But I believe they are delivering the kind of sports radio I enjoy and most people would enjoy if they actually gave it a try.
(Some would want me to comment on the night time show "K&C Masterpiece", I really haven't listened much and the amount I have, is uninspiring. JUST MY OPINION)

For those who don't know I reside in the small town of Aledo just west of Fort Worth and I got word that the G-Bag Nation was doing a live remote near by.  I took my lunch break and headed over to see the boys.  It was a gas station and they were set up outside.  I got something to eat and then headed over to meet Jeff Cavanaugh, I guess out of those guys, he one I don't have run ins with.  Cool guy.  Then right next to him was the Great Mike Bacsik.  Very nice guy.  Chris Arnold then saw me and said "Brad Calhoun, love your stuff man" and then shook my hand.  Then came my meet up with Gavin who I've had numerous run ins with.  He shook my hand and said "Hey Brad" with that recognizable voice.  I told him it was nice to finally meet and I'm glad we there was zero awkwardness.  Gavin is who he is, but in person he didn't come off abrasive or confrontational.  We talked about some sports stuff and just shot the S.  All in all it was a very pleasant experience and kind of interesting to see the people who came to see them.  I thought it was actually smart of The Fan to do a remote there.  Sometimes they alienate the west side of the metroplex, I appreciate it because it sucks to hear all the remotes on the east side.

Will The Fan succeed? Who knows, but I will say that throughout the short history of this station, they are at their peak (OF COURSE IN MY OPINION).   The reason for this post was a text I received from my friend Jacob about The Fan having an edge on The Ticket in one category: Connecting with their listeners.   The Fan host have always kept themselves out in the public.  I talk to RJ Choppy, Skin, Gavin Dawson and Jeff Cavanaugh on regular basis.  And I know that doesn't really make them any better at radio but I know some people enjoy this interaction.  I've talked to Dan Mcdowell, Mike Sirois and even the great Mike Rhyner but at times most of them aren't available.  I know they have lives and aren't required to talk to S-heads like me.  Accessibility won't win the game but its a nice tool.  Listen don't think I'm jumping of The Ticket ship because I'm far from it.  The Ticket is still a go to.  But maybe one day, we could see a little more competitive sports radio.  Competition only makes things better.

LWSO Quick Hits

• BaD Radio will be back Tuesday and they will be addressing all the rumors about "Leaving The Ticket".  Bob Sturm has been active on twitter and I can definitely tell he feels great about his decision and what has happened.  I don't truly know what happened with this whole deal but I think Bob is so relieved to have a deal with Cumulus and The Ticket.  I bet its great to be offered that great deal by The Fan but money can't always buy happiness.  Can't wait to listen.
• Greggo just jumped on twitter and said he was going to talk all about the Richie Whitt situation. Should be interesting.  No he is not in rehab and thankfully not dead.  Keep in tune to that. 
• 105.3 The Fan really has to feel like the Mavericks right now not being able to sign these big names from The Ticket.  More money, better equipment and more excess.  The only problem, less control, less fun and less listeners.  This one has to really hurt.  Now the battle for #2 continues. 
• Richie Whitt was apparently on Fox 4 but I missed it, did he say anything worth a damn? Most likely not. 

BaD Radio Stays with The Ticket

Bob Sturm and Scott Ferrall

In the 11th hour (not really sure how close it was) Bob Sturm tweets out: We are staying home for years to come. In the end, just can't leave you or our brothers or the special thing we have all built. #1310.  Cumulus decided to match the offer after evaluating the current situation at the station.  Donovan and Rich were not going to be a successful replacement and Shake Joint isn't seasoned enough to be given the permanent spot. Cumulus obviously saw more pros than cons to lock up BaD Radio.

 Bob Sturm tweeted about an hour before the decision. It was very cryptic and almost very telling.  Its almost like Bob and Dan were performing their own "Mad Men" episode in real life.  Leaving little clues and people reading to much into nothing.  It was a wild ride and I think I lost some sleep about this.  Again I think I need help, I should care this much. 

I'm extremely relieved over this decision and I know it was a tough one.  We of course don't know all the ins and outs of this deal but it will be interesting to hear what happened.  If this went the other way, dominoes would have started to fall.  The Ticket for now is out of the woods for now but soon their will be another HARD decision to be made.  

The Summerbash Experience

Ferrell going absolutely nuts. Love him! 

This is very hard to write right now with the current situation at the Ticket but I would love to write about the experience I had at this year's Summerbash.  This is actually my second time to go to Summerbash, last year I went, a complete blast.  I met some of my sports heroes and it was generally a great time.

After work schedules and baby sitters, I arrived at Sneaky Pete's at around 5.  I had a buddy of mine save us a spot near the pool, perfect spot to just put your legs in the pool and watch the action.   Hardline segments were solid but I know what this is all about.  Round tables and on my way to Lewisville I heard the "Ferrell" segment, it was gold!  Ferrell shows up to do 2 segments with the guys. OH MY GOD!! Ferrell is now in
my trust tree,  he is pure entertainment.  Cocky? You gotta when you've been in the business as long as he has.  He was absolutely the highlight of the evening.  If you listened on the radio you didn't know that when he was going nuts and screaming on the radio, he was jumping up and trying to get the crowd into it.  At the end I was entertained and that's all that matters. 

Now after these round tables my memory is getting fuzzy.  It was my buddy's birthday celebration so we had ordered enough buckets to put out a house fire.  I got it together and I think they did start playing music.  I'm not gonna go over the set list but my favorites, Bob Sturm creep parody for the Mavs championship, Mike Rhyner's Alice in Chains and TC and Jake's Sabatoge parody.  The Ticket Timewasters at Summerbash ends almost the same every time with "Keep on Rockin with The Hardline" and "Sweet Hardline".  One note which was a little different, there was some significant language from some people I have never heard curse.  Junior Miller and Donovan Lewis, Donnie Do during the Summerbash song and I think a couple times before.  Junes then curse basically for no reason at all,  "How are you doing tonight Mother Fuckers", it was jarring but also very cool.  It was like going your whole life not hearing your parents curse and then out of nowhere hearing them say, "Cocksucker". 

 I then went over before the set ended to go over to the left side of the stage and see if I could say hello to some of my favorite radio host.  Last year we tried the same thing and I swear some of the host are illusionist.  I blinked and they were gone.  This year I was pretty lucky.  First one I ran into is I guess my Summerbash friend Jake Kemp, its always a pleasure with that guy.  I walked up to him and he saw me and said, "Calhoun!". I had numerous conversations with him, most I can't write in this.

I then ran into my hero, baseball Jesus, Mike Rhyner.  Last year I met him and he was pretty short, he wasn't mean, just short.  Which is fine, I would be beaten meeting a bunch of dumb listeners.  Well this year was surprisingly much better. I went up to Mike and introduced myself, he smiled and said hello. I asked him some asshole question about Greggo.  No reason to reveal that answer.  He took a picture with me and my buddy and he said he was "not going anywhere" when I asked him to not go to The Fan (little did I know the events that would come later).  I also had another interaction with Mike when talking "Darkwing Duck" and he was so very happy.  We also took in the "twerking" contest together. My fandom of this man then grew so much.  I will for some reason in my dumb never forget that night for that reason alone.

I then ran into my favorite black friend, Donovan Lewis, he is always very gracious. I always tell them my name and most say, "okay" and a few might say, "oh yeah from Twitter".  Donnie Do did say he does and we met last year but I wouldn't be surprised if forgot all about it nor would I blame him. Met Gordon Keith briefly, very nice.  Ran into the great Mike Sirois, probably one of the best conversations I had all night.   Of course so little shoopy, Michael Gruber, very nice but also a little shy.  Another great interaction was with Ticker guy Sean Bass, I of course harassed him about RBIs.  He took it well and then I told him to relax, "we are all black friends".  So to summarize my interactions with Ticket guys, nobody was a jerk, so great success.  

Summerbash for my wife and I and my buddy and his significant other, has become a annual tradition and I hope it continues.  Its my one my few nights I can really cut loose and hang out with some of sports heroes.  Who knows, that night could of be historically significant if rumors develop. 

I guess I can briefly discuss this Bob and Dan situation, really not a lot of difference about that night, nobody was even talking about it.  Dan was little quiet last night, he almost seemed a little weird now that I think about. Bob was just as jolly as he ever was.   At one point at the night Dan and TC sat at a picnic table and talked for a significant time. I remember that only because I walked by and they were sitting there and I went by it seemed a good half an hour to an hour later and they were still there. Regardless of what happens, I really enjoy those guys on the radio.  Will follow them to The Fan? I would like to but Bob always tells me to follow the team and not the players, does this include radio shows?

 I guess if anything, I fear for the end of the line up of 1310 The Ticket.  Hardline is rumored to be done after the end of Mike Rhyner's contract (which ends 2014).  There was talks of BaD Radio taking over that spot but now who knows.  Things could all look very different for sports radio in the next 6 months to a year.  I will say I'm visibly shaken by the news and I don't know what to do really.  I guess at the end of the day, BaD Radio will be on the air in the DFW area (well maybe after 6 months if its true). 

Left to Right (Me, Mike Rhyner, Jacob Sailors

BaD Radio join 105.3 The Fan??

Last time we see BaD Radio broadcasting on 1310 The Ticket?

Just yesterday I was at Sneaky Pete's in Lewisville watching my sports radio heroes performing and shaking hands with dumb listeners like myself.  Today the rumor goes up that Bob Sturm and Dan McDowell are on their way to the rival station 105.3 The Fan.  Richie Whitt former awful radio host reported that BaD radio had came to terms with The Fan and that Cumulus would have till Monday to match the offer.

My thoughts?  I really believe this is a leveraging move by BaD radio to get the best possible deal from Cumulus.  BaD Radio won't leave their situation to deal with the management and instability of CBS radio. Could it happen? Absolutely! Bigger budget and better signal.  I'm sure that is a factor no doubt. This isn't the first time this has happened, Mike Rhyner was tempted with the offer to take The Hardline to The Fan. At the last minute Cumulus came through and kept the HL.  This situation is similar but not exactly the same.  The other rumors are that Cumulus is cutting across the board.  I  heard about it a while ago that the lineup at The Ticket could change very soon. I brushed it off and said, "Whatevs man! BaD Radio forever!".  I could be severely heart broken but at the end of the day, BaD radio won't be dead, just on a different channel.  It won't be the same but I respect the brain of Bob Sturm too much to just turn my back on him.  My respect for Skin is the reason I check in on B&S on The Fan. The Fan will then change their line up even more drastically in the last 6 months than The Ticket.  Interesting to see what happens.

Replacements have been talked about.  I've heard Black and Quack (Donovan Lewis and Rich Phillips) taking over temporarily until they find a full time replacement.  I think some other viable replacements might include Cirque Du Sirois who have filled in at times. I've heard people suggest The Shake Joint (Sean Bass and Jake Kemp) but for some reason I don't see Cat giving them the job. I would love to hear them but there is just not a long track record as a show. We shall see. Everyone relax (I'm only saying this to calm myself down.) at the end of the day we will still have BaD Radio and they will still be the same guys.  Better signal, I'm down.  Will they be able to handle The Fan's management?  STAY TUNED.......

UPDATE: Not really an update but I did forget to say that Bob and Dan have the same agent as Ben and Skin....so there's that.  I don't think that really matters.