DFW Sports Hot List – Oct. 19

The Hot List

1.  Nelson Cruz and the Texas Rangers

Nelson Cruz is on fire. After hitting .364 with six home runs and 13 RBIs in the ALCS, the outfielder was rightly named the series MVP. His home run and RBI totals are the most ever recorded by a player in a single series (note the series only went 6 games). Has there ever been a more dangerous hitter in the seven spot?

2.  The Dallas Stars

Living in the shadow of the Texas Rangers are the 5-1-0 Dallas Stars. After dropping a 5-2 decision at Chicago on Oct. 8, the team has reeled off four consecutive victories, despite being outshot 203-154 during that stretch. Kudos to goalie Kari Lehtonen, who leads the league with five wins and 164 saves. Also, did you see the goal by forward Jamie Benn. Phenomenal.

3.  SMU Football

SMU (5-1) has won five consecutive games, most notably a 40-33 OT thriller against cross-town rival TCU.  Junior RB Zach Line leads Conference USA with 665 yards rushing and 13 TDs. A few more wins might just move SMU out of the “others receiving votes” category and finally into the rankings.

4.  TCU Athletics

A move to the Big East would have been a disaster for a Texas-based major college program. Weekly travel would have been trivial for the cash heavy football program, but the toll on the women’s equestrian team would be far too great. Great move in joining the Big 12, which suddenly looks formidable and stable after all.

5.  Allen High School Football

When a program has the sustained the success that Allen is having, it deserves to be recognized.  2008 State Champions, USA Today’s No. 5 team in the country, 7-0 on the season and rolling through district.

The Not List
1.  CJ Wilson

It’s amazing that the Rangers have made a second consecutive World Series appearance without much help from their starting rotation. CJ has been the worst of the bunch.In three starts (0-2), the “ace” has compiled an ERA of 8.04 with a WHIP of 1.85.  That’s awful, especially for a guy that the Rangers will likely pay nearly $100 million to this offseason.

2.  FC Dallas

After two consecutive MLS wins, many thought the team had escaped their dreadful September slump (0-1-5). That is until Toronto FC came to town and soundly defeated the Hoops 3-0 to eliminate the team from the CONCACAF Champions League.  Luckily for Dallas, the MLS playoffs are just around the corner, and the team is well positioned to repeat their 2010 run to the MLS Cup Final.

3.  Jason Garrett’s play-calling

Fair or not, Jason Garrett has been criticized for his conservative play calling in the fourth quarter against the Patriots. Though the Cowboy’s stall of RBs averaged only 2.6 yards per carry, Garrett called three consecutive running plays before handing the ball back to Brady for the decisive drive. Garrett played not to lose, but he did.

4.  Mitch and Yorvit’s playing time

Mike Napoli and Michael Young should play every game in the World Series. Unfortunately, four of the seven potential games will be played at Busch stadium, a National League park, eliminating the DH. Expect those two to be relegated to pinch hitting duties in the late innings.  Moreland’s two hits in 19 at bats will be missed this series.

5. Jerry Jones' 2011 NFL Draft

Tyron Smith is performing admirably as a rookie right tackle, so I will leave him out of this.  Outside of Smith, there is little productivity. 
2nd: Bruce Carter has been injured. 
3rd: Demarco Murray has been largely uneffective (71 yards on 24 carries). 
4th: David Arkin isn't ready to see the field, despite all the injuries.
5th: Josh Thomas was cut.
6th: Shaun Chapas made the practice squad.
6th: Dwayne Harris was released (on Tuesday).

Hicks' Star is Fading

He’s done it before to a Dallas area team.  Now, owner Tom Hicks is at it again as he looks to destroy the proud and successful Dallas Stars. 

After a frugal decade by Hicks prevented the Texas Rangers from contending for an AL pennant, the team was dragged through a time consuming and drama-filled bankruptcy process.  After MLB stepped in to control the finances of the team, the Rangers were eventually sold to a group led by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan.

As the Stars enter the offseason without a playoff appearance for the third consecutive year, it’s clear that the team is headed down a similarly gloomy path.  Less than two months after the Stars season ended, the team announced that they would no longer be able to retain their one and only true star, center Brad Richards.

“There’s really not any point because we know that he is not going to sign without an owner,” said Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk.

In an interview with ESPN.com’s Pierre LeBrun, Richards spoke about the Stars’ situation.

"Obviously I have to move on," Richards said. "I had fun in Dallas and I like the city. But the (ownership) situation is unclear so I really didn’t have a chance to stay there.”

On Monday, ESPNDallas.com reported that the Stars are expected to name Glen Gulutzan as the new head coach by the end of the week.  Gulutzan comes to Dallas after a successful stint managing the Texas Stars of the AHL for the past two seasons.  He also had success as the head coach of the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL over six seasons, compiling a record of 254-124-55.

But the fact remains; he has never experienced the NHL as a player or coach.  The team will sell him as an energetic, successful, and young coach who is a perfect fit for a young and developing roster.  But others will see it for what it is…an inexpensive option.

Rumors have swirled over the sale of the Stars.  But as Hicks proved before, months will likely pass before any resolution is reached. 

But there is hope for the Stars after all…The Rangers got out from under Hicks and promptly reached the World Series.  But with the damage Hicks is causing now, the Stars should just hope for the former.