This weeks 'View From the Cheap Seats'

This week on the 'View From the Cheap Seats' podcast, I talked with Westwood junior forward Dra Ross, who has had a huge impact on Westwood's success in 2011-2012.

The Panthers don't have anyone on their roster over 5'11", and that's Ross. But, he plays way bigger than his listed height.

Because of his ability to both rebound and defend the paint, despite his short stature, Westwood's guards have had a presence inside with which to feed the basketball. As he grew into his game last year, he didn't always provide that type of inside threat.

Anyway, here's the link to the podcast. Also, to check out all the past podcasts, go here.

Cayuga duo on 'View From the Cheap Seats'

Yesterday I made a trip northwest to Cayuga to talk to Wildcat seniors Jake Nash and Jimmy Johnson, both of whom signed college letters of intent to go play junior college baseball. Nash is headed to Vernon College, while Johnson is heading to Hill College.

After the signing, the pair sat down with me for the latest episode of the 'View From the Cheap Seats' podcast. We covered it all from their excitement to play college baseball to their expectations for 2012 after a disapointing — by Cayuga standards — 2011.

Take a listen: Click Here

This week's 'Monday Lookback'

For those that don't follow us on Twitter but do check the blog—there's bound to be one of y'all, right?—here's the link to yesterday's 'Monday Lookback' podcast on 'View From the Cheap Seats.'

I talk Westwood/Palestine rivalry games, as well as a little Palestine boys' soccer.

We'll have a chat with good friend Kyle Fuller (@pimpinkal) posted on Thursday, where we look back at the season that was in the NFL, and specifically in Cowboy land. We'll give you our MVPs, Rookies of the Year and biggest surprises/disappointments. Bet you can't guess who one—or both—of us chooses for that last one, huh?

Anyway, check it out HERE

Ramirez-to-Texas deal heating up

We've asked the question all week right over there -------> in the poll question, and for the one person who voted (and voted for Manny Ramirez) it seems your wish may come true.

According to the Jamey Newberg of the Newberg Report, in an e-mail sent to his mailing list (I got it from friend of the blog and podcast Kyle Fuller (follow him on Twitter @pimpinkal), the Ramirez deal is gaining some steam in the metroplex:

According to a local report posted in the last hour: “The Rangers are pursuing free agent outfielder/designated hitter Manny Ramirez.  He would be the big right-handed bat at DH and off the bench.  It would likely mean far more playing time for Michael Young at first base and would cut into Mitch Moreland's playing time.  But the Rangers are definitely interested in Ramirez.”

New View From the Cheap Seats Podcast

Posted a new podcast to the Web site yesterday, a new feature we'll be calling the Monday Lookback. This week, we take a look back at the Palestine girls' basketball team's loss to Fairfield and the evolution of the Ladycat soccer team over the weekend.

Check it out

New View From the Cheap Seats Podcast

Meant to post this yesterday, but a new episode of the podcast is up over at palestineherald.com. In the episode, my buddy Kyle (@pimpinkal) joins me to talk a little Rangers' offseason and the NFL playoffs. Sorry about the dated Jim Thome talk, who knew?

Anyway go check it out, let us know what you think.

Thome stays in Minny...Now what?

Earlier in the week, we talked here on the blog about the possibility of Jim Thome bringing his talents to North Texas. My buddy Kyle and I even talked about the move on the newest installment of the View From the Cheap Seats podcast.

But according to ESPN, Thome's talents are staying far, far north. The question is now, what are the Rangers' plans? One apparent possibility is that Manny Ramirez could bring his show to Arlington. The Rangers are apparently interested in the slugger along with a slew of other squads.

New Year's Resolutions and such

Everyone has their basic New Year's Resolutions. Get in shape, eat better, be better with money, etc. In fact, all three of those are my personal resolutions for 2011. Will I be able to do it? Who knows, but I'm going to try.

But, in addition to personal resolutions this year, I made a couple of professional ones as well. Namely, I'm going to be more out there. I'm going to get away from merely being on the sports page. So, my plan is to blog more as well as probably set up a dedicated Twitter account for the sports department here at the paper. We've also got a possible podcast in the works, where myself and others will get on and talk a little sports for people's listening pleasure. With the absence of any sports radio in the area outside of game broadcasts, I think that it'll be a good venture. At least I hope it will be.