B-Mac, Dribblin', and A Letter to George Steinbrenner

Well after his complete game shutout at Houston, there was much interest in how Brandon McCarthy would encore the performance of his short, injury plagued career. McCarthy would only pitch 6 innings, but it wasn't for lack of quality stuff. After the first inning in which he gave up one run, on 3 walks, and a ground rule double, McCarthy would give up only 2 hits over his next 5 innings. After which Wash took the oppurtunity of a 10-1 lead, to get the refreshingly neglected bullpen some work. On the offensive side of the ball, Texas took care of Oakland by the third inning on consistent at-bats. To start the 4th Hank Blalock, and Marlon Byrd hit back to back homers. That's Byrd's second homerun in as many days. Texas would continue to pile on runs throughout the game and win 14-1.

Today's game was much different. Kevin Millwood started and for only the third time this year did not go seven innings. But starting Millwood would labor through 2 innings giving up 2 hits, one walk, and 2 fielding errors, but in that span he only gave up one run. He would throw 3 more innings with solid efficiency, but give up his second homerun of the game in the 6th. Down 4-0 in the bottom of the 7th, after a shaky inning from Derek Holland, Blalock and Byrd would jumpstart an inning in this game as well. This time the Hammer singled, and Byrd doubled him to third. After a shallow flyout from David Murphy, Salty would double the pair in to cut Oakland's lead in half. Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler would both follow by striking out swinging. In the bottom of the 8th Michael Young would start a crowd pleasing inning with a single on an effective swinging bunt. Nelson Cruz would walk with one out, to once again bring up the duo of Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd again, who already had significant contributions to the series. They would both get RBI singles to tie up the game at 4-4. Going top 9 San Frankie came in and tossed his usual quick inning, however he gave up an upperdeck tape measure shot to Adam Kennedy for his second homerun of the day. Going to the bottom of the 9th, the ever ailing Josh Hamilton pinch hit for Elvis Andrus, who had struck out twice already. Hamilton would start of the inning with a long single down the left field line. The next batter Kinsler would ground right into a double play, leaving it up to Young. He would once again only squib the ball to the pitcher, this time grounding out, spoiling the Rangers comeback efforts.

Dear Mr. George Steinbrenner,

I am sorry to inform you of this, but while you may think you are a genius, I feel it is my duty to set you straight. I understand that you can no longer get the constant excitement and press that homeruns provide, due to the ever expanding ban on performance enhancing drugs. As well you should know that if no one else I am on to you. But your idea is outrageously controversial. I must inquire as to why you would tear down a building, that should be a national landmark, rather than just close it. But that isn't the point I'm trying to make. I am here to let you know that I know you only built the new Yankee Stadium so the homeruns won't leave with the steroid era. Well unfortunately for you this angle helps out not only the Yankees, but as well their opponents. It is my sincerest hope that this wrong blows up in your face. And I'll also let you know the method of legally setting up homeruns, through building a compact stadium, instead of steroids has been used. I certainly hope you've heard of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. If not, that is where the Rangers, you know that teams you're always mooching off, plays. I know you must know about them. We would've been glad to pass on our technique rather than our players, but to each your own I suppose.

With lack of Respect,
H.M.C. IV*

New Streaks, Results not Excuses, and The Croquet Swing

Texas had a double header vs. Oakland to start a 4 game series. It would become a turning point for Rangers starters in both games. In game one Tommy Hunter made his season debut. He threw for the longest outing of his career going 5.1 innings (see previous post for his 2008 stats) in his 4th career start. Its also the first game in his Major League career, that he would hold his opponent to less than 5 runs. He gave up 3 runs on 7 hits, striking out 1 and walking 3. Hunter would have a no decision. He left with Texas down 3-2. Some late production would give the Rangers the lead in the 8th inning off back to back homeruns by Andruw Jones, and Hank Blalock. San Frankie would close out another scoreless 9th, to keep his ERA at 0.

In game 2 Scott Feldman got the call to the mound. Feldman hadn't won at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, in just under 13 months. Edgar Gonzalez started for Oakland, and tossed a very rocky first inning, in which he gave up 4 runs, all earned, 4 hits, including 2 doubles, 2 walks, including one intentional, and a throwing error trying to pickoff Ian Kinsler. It would be all Texas would need as Feldman gave up only 2 runs, and pitched very efficiently, inducing 3 double plays and faced only 3 batters in the 2nd, 4th, and 5th innings. After a somewhat shaky 6th inning Ron Washington, brought in the vadtly underused Jason Jennings, who pitched 2 hitless innings, to setup a save situation for C.J. Wilson in the 9th. Wild Thing after giving up a walk, would get a double play and another groundout to end the game.

After a subpar series hosting New York, Oakland has been a great team to rebound on thus far. After the double header, and tonight's slugfest (details tomorrow), we are 5-2 vs. the A's this year. Against the whole division, that's right all three teams, we are 13-2. Once again I will refer to the workout regimen, that President and Future Part Owner of the Texas Rangers Lynn Nolan Ryan Jr. has established. That is the reason the rotation is averaging over 6 innings per game. Last year the staff averaged 9/10 of an inning less. They aren't big strikeout pitchers, but they have learned what they need to do to pitch effectively even in a compact park with a strong jet stream. It's carried us from 30th to 13th in innings pitched by starters. With this quick progress, and the same principles applied in the minors, I think the Rangers will finally be able to compete in a park as hitter favored as their's.

Just when you thought the tirade was over. Wash let Chris Davis play both games in the double header Friday. He went 0-7 with 6 strikeouts, and believe it or not an intentional walk. I still think he's trying to do too much. He needs to learn to make a defensive swing, when the putting approach, get him 2 strikes. Also a tribute to his defense, juggling the baseball might work twice, but not 3 times, it also won't stop you from striking out and losing your spot to Hank Blalock, who isn't going to lose any games for us defensively either. Back to hitting, right now he just needs to ease back into hitting, start swinging where the ball is, not swinging where he wants it to be. I understand he's a power hitter but he has to get back into a rhythem on singles and doubles. The Rangers have much more than enough power on the team. Rudy Jaramillo knows that, Davis knows that, Ron Washington and the rest of the metroplex knows that. What the Rangers don't have is a solid contact hitter, other than Michael Young, the guy who became the face of the Texas Rangers franchise, and one of the best hitters for average of the decade. If Davis wants to get cemented in the lineup he must become a contact hitter. He will get more hits, more doubles, a higher average, walk more often, and lose no production. I hope someone close to him or the organization realizes that soon, otherwise I don't believe Chris Davis can reach his full potential.

Pitching Problems, Feel That Breeze, and A Big Minor Statement

I know who wouldv'e thought that Texas would have pitching troubles? Well everybody monitering the AL West, for a start. But this series against the Yankees has been the first all year. The Yankees are a slugging team this year, but giving up 20 runs in 2 of the 3 games is ridiculous. And now Matt Harrison is all but on the DL, the pitching is going in the opposite direction of the Angels pitching. Tommy Hunter has been called up to replace him. I'm a little nervous about that. Hunter is (another) contact pitcher. In his big league career, he isn't what you might call impressive. Last year he went 11 innings, going 0-2 in 3 starts, with a 16.36 ERA. I want to see how he fares in Rangers Ballpark this year though. Vicente Padilla could be back by the beginning of June. I'm waiting for Willie Eyre to get back. He's one of the few minor leaguers I trust to come up as soon as he's off the DL, to replace Kris Benson, who IMO is holding our bullpen back. I also want to see Dustin Nippert before too long, but if that doesn't work out, and if we're buyers in July, we should be expecting another arm, most likely a reliever, or left handed starter.

Well it's finally happened. It couldn't be over looked forever. Chris Davis' job is in jeopardy because the wind coming from his swing, is carrying too many homeruns out that aren't his. One third of his hits are homeruns, but one nearly half of his total at-bats are strikeouts. Once again watch his swings, they are exaggeratedly perpendicular to the ground. He isn't striking out due to bad timing, he's striking out simply because the ball is coming at him horizontally, but he's swinging vertically. I expect this situation to be taken care of soon. This problem needs to be addressed, and I hope he does lose his job, because .280-.300 on doubles is much better than .200-.220 on homeruns. That's why he bats so much lower in the order than Byrd, Young, and Kinsler. He's just like any other defensive firstbaseman floating around the .200 mark, except his rare hits leave the ballpark, rather than just the infield on mildly hit groundballs. He just needs to straighten his swing, I wouldn't rule out the option of sending him to AAA if he's going to do just that. His defense isn't going anywhere. I have nothing against an uppercut swing, but he's relying on his popups to carry over the fence. He's a low ball hitter but he really needs to learn to hit a belt high pitch. The mechanics in his swing are unprofessional. Get ready to see Hank Blalock on first base, I'm giving Davis no mercy on this.

Tonight we are starting a 4 game series vs. Oakland Athletics, in a double header, featuring the previously mentioned Tommy Hunter vs. Josh Outman, and Scott Feldman vs. Edgar Gonzalez. We are 2-2 against the A's this year. Against the rest of the division, we are 8-0. If we can have a dominant series against the team with the worst record in the AL, it would make a statement that we have good control over the division. Oakland has been very streaky lately, getting their wins and losses clumped together. After winning 3 of their last 4 they just might be due to have another losing streak. I think we can split the series easily, but I certainly don't think 3 of 4 is out of the question. It'll all depend on how Hunter does in my opinion.

Final Notes: Michael Young is proving last years decline in hits was because of his broken fingers, Tom Hicks is willing to sell a majority of The Rangers, provided he still has a fair say in the teams matters. Oh, and the Magic are gonna win the NBA Championship.

If the season ended this month (May)*

1 Allstars
AL

C Victor Martinez CLE
C Kurt Suzuki OAK
C Joe Mauer MIN
1B Kevin Youkilis BOS
1B Miguel Cabrera DET
1B Justin Morneau MIN
2B Aaron Hill TOR
2B Ian Kinsler TEX
2B Robinson Cano NYY
3B Evan Longoria TB
3B Michael Young TEX
3B Brandon Inge DET
SS Jason Bartlett TB
SS Derek Jeter NYY
LF Jason Bay BOS
LF Carl Crawford TB
CF Adam Jones BAL
CF Torii Hunter LAA
CF Johnny Damon NYY
RF Nelson Cruz TEX
RF Nick Markakis BAL

SP Zack Grienke KC
SP Roy Halladay TOR
SP Mark Buehrle CWS
SP Justin Verlander DET
SP Jason Frasor TOR
SP Felix Hernandez SEA
RP Joakim Soria KC
RP George Sherrill BAL
RP Brian Fuentes LAA
RP Mariano Rivera NYY
RP Frank Francisco TEX
RP Jonathan Papelbon BOS

Snubs**
C Rod Barajas TOR
C Mike Napoli LAA
1B Russell Branyan SEA
1B Carlos Pena TB
1B Paul Konerko CWS
2B Brian Roberts BAL
2B Asdrubal Cabrera CLE
3B Mike Lowell BOS
3B Mark DeRosa CLE
SS Nick Green BOS
SS Marco Scutaro TOR
SS Adam Everett DET
OF Melky Cabrera NYY
OF Michael Cuddyer MIN
OF Shin-Soo Choo CLE
OF Denard Span MIN
OF Ichiro Suzuki SEA

SP Kevin Slowey MIN
SP Matt Palmer LAA
SP Brian Bannister KC
SP Edwin Jackson DET
SP Tim Wakefield BOS
SP Rick Porcello DET
RP Bobby Jenks CWS
RP Fernando Rodney DET
RP David Aardsma SEA
RP Joe Nathan MIN
RP Scott Downs TOR

NL

C Bengie Molina SF
C Brian McCann ATL
C John Baker FLA
1B Albert Pujols STL
1B Prince Fielder MIL
1B Adrian Gonzalez SD
2B Orlando Hudson LAD
2B Freddy Sanchez PIT
2B Chase Utley PHI
3B Ryan Zimmerman WAS
3B David Wright NYM
3B Casey Blake LAD
SS Miguel Tejada HOU
SS Hanley Ramirez FLA
OF Raul Ibanez PHI
OF Justin Upton ARI
OF Alfonso Soriano CHC
OF Adam Dunn WAS
OF Carlos Beltran NYM
OF Brad Hawpe COL
OF Ryan Braun MIL

SP Johan Santana NYM
SP Zach Duke PIT
SP Chad Billingsley LAD
SP Matt Cain SF
SP Derek Lowe ATL
SP Wandy Rodriguez HOU
RP Trevor Hoffman MIL
RP Jonathan Broxton LAD
RP Ryan Franklin STL
RP Francisco Cordero CIN
RP Francisco Rodriguez NYM
RP Heath Bell SD

Snubs**
C Yadier Molina STL
C Jesus Flores WAS
1B Jorge Cantu FLA
1B Joey Votto CIN
1B Lance Berkman HOU
1B Ryan Howard PHI
2B Rickie Weeks MIL
2B Skip Schumaker STL
2B Felipe Lopez ARI
2B Brandon Phillips CIN
3B Pablo Sandoval SF
3B Pedro Feliz PHI
3B Chipper Jones ATL
SS Cristian Guzman WAS
SS Ryan Theriot CHC
SS Yunel Escobar ATL
OF Mike Cameron MIL
OF Jay Bruce CIN
OF Carlos Lee HOU
OF Scott Hairston ARI
OF Kosuke Fukudome CHC
OF Matt Kemp LAD
OF Elijah Dukes WAS

SP Bronson Arroyo CIN
SP Jason Marquis COL
SP Ted Lilly CHC
SP Shairon Martis WAS
SP Joel Piniero STL
SP Johnny Cueto CIN
RP Matt Capps PIT
RP Brian Wilson SF
RP Huston Street COL
RP Matt Lindstrom FLA
RP Chad Qualls ARI

2 Awards
AL MVP
Jason Bay
Mark Teixeira
Nelson Cruz
Brandon Inge**
Ian Kinsler**
Miguel Cabrera
Kevin Youkilis**
Robinson Cano**

NL MVP
Raul Ibanez
Albert Pujols
Ryan Braun**
Casey Blake**
Mike Cameron**
Chase Utley
Matt Kemp**
Ryan Ludwick

AL Cy Young
Zack Grienke
Roy Halladay
Mark Buehrle**
Joe Saunders**
Justin Verlander**

NL Cy Young
Johan Santana
Chad Billingsley
Wandy Rodriguez**
Matt Cain**
Derek Lowe**

AL Rookie
Rick Porcello
Elvis Andrus
Andrew Bailey**

NL Rookie
Luke Gregerson
Colby Rasmus
Jordan Schafer**

AL Closer
Jonathan Papelbon
Frank Francisco
Brian Fuentes**

NL Closer
Heath Bell
Francisco Cordero**
Francisco Rodriguez

3 Playoffs
AL
Texas
Detroit
Boston
New York
Toronto**

NL
Saint Louis
Cincinnati**
Milwaukee
Los Angeles
Philadelphia**
New York

4 Homerun Derby
AL
Carlos Pena
Mark Teixeira
Justin Morneau
Jason Bay
Ian Kinsler**

NL
Adrian Gonzalez
Raul Ibanez
Adam Dunn
Albert Pujols
Mark Reynolds**

*The final version of this will be posted on the 31st

**snub - a player/team that isn't expected to make the all-star team/homerun derby/playoffs but might should a miracle be summoned

The Weakest Link, Cruzzin' (respect the pun), and "The Shankees"

After being swept by the Detroit Tigers a second time this year, and a somewhat dramatic first game win (see previous entry), the Rangers took care of Houston with relatively no setbacks. If I didn't know any better I'd think Ron Washington's done this before. He played every move perfectly, putting Blalock at third, giving Kinsler a day off, giving C.J. the save oppurtunity, letting Michael contribute in the finale, etc. The second and final game of the series was every bit as exciting as the first. Scott Feldman tossed a quality start holding Houston to 1 run until the seventh, when Geoff Blum turned on an elevated fastball to make the score 6-3 Texas. Wash then had Darren O'Day finish off the inning in relief. From that point the score would not change. C.J. Wilson rather then San Frankie pitched the ninth, Wash might not have wanted Frankie to pitch 2 nights in a row coming off an injury. Nevertheless, Wild Thing shut them down. Coming off a regrouping day on the bench Ian Kinsler, along with Josh Hamilton and Jarrod Saltalamacchia homered in the first 4 innings to give Texas an early lead. Great defense especially by Elvis Andrus and Chris Davis, helped the Rangers shut out the Astros, and win the first sweep in Lone Star Series history.

The finale of the Series put an exclamation point on the sweep. The Texas starter Brandon McCarthy is considered by some to have the minimum amount of stamina required to be a starting pitcher, and the underachiever within the rotation. Before today he was averaging not much much over 5 innings per start, not part of the Nolan Ryan master plan. Tonight things were different, despite giving up 9 hits, and striking 6 out, McCarthy threw only 124 pitches, over the 9 efficient innings he tossed. He gave up only one walk in his first Major League shutout. I'll do my best not to raise my expectations to high on McCarthy, after only one great outing, but this is the best I've seen him pitch, since 2007 when I watched him, from the leftfield bleachers, win 3-1 at Cleveland.

Nelson Cruz has factored into this series more than anyone else who took the field. After his descisive homerun in the opener. He had 2 homeruns supplying all the runs we would need in game 2, carrying us to another win. He was quieter in the finale but went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Altogether he carried the ofense this whole series, and were it not for him we might've lost the series. He is finally able to be a full time Major Leaguer, just wait 'til he can hit the outside pitch.

And finally, up next we're playing a baseball team that needs (and gets) no introduction. They are one of my least favorite teams, as well one of the hottest teams in baseball, but they did lose a game today, despite making another late inning comeback. It is for that reason that their newest negative reference name is the New York Shankees. Also my mom thinks that the Ranger infielders particularly (Elvis Andrus) deliberately throw the ball short to first only in the interest of getting another chance to watch Chris Davis make a spectacular stretch, split, and scoop. Personally, I think Davis is just practicing to show Teixeira how it's done.

The L.S.S., Holland, Returns, and Interleague Play

Well before I start blogging perhaps I should establish what the Lone Star Series, is the interleague season series between the Astros, and the Rangers. They have two 3-game series each year. The winner of more games wins a size 15 Cowboy Boot lined with silver.* If they tie then the team with the most runs recieves the boot. Some as well say if they score the same amount of runs, then the boot goes to the team whose wives won the softball game they've established, but as that's never happened I can't confirm it.

Today was the Lone Star Series opener, the starters were rookies Derek Holland making his first career start and Felipe Paulino. After 2 innings there was no score. To start the 3rd inning Elvis Andrus got his first of 3 hits including a homerun. I still expect him to be a big factor in this series. Other pleasent stars in the game include Cruz who seems to be getting hot. He had the decisive RBI. Not to mention Michael Young bounced back from the disappointing finale in Detroit, with 3 hits. Holland threw 51 pitches over 5 stunning innings, but he left the game after giving up a 3 run homerun to Lance Berkman in the 6th. Jason Jennings his replacement on the mound got the out that Holland was unable too. In the seventh inning Jennings gave up a double, walk, and an RBI single, after getting the first out. After which Jennings struck out former Ranger great Pudge Rodriguez. Then Wash put in C.J. Wilson, who would give up the tying run, charged to Jennings. It stayed 5-5 through 9 innings. In the top 10th with one out Nelson Cruz homered with the bases empty to make it 6-5. In the bottom of the inning coming off the DL was Frankie Francisco, coming into the game he was 9/9 in save situations and no ERA. To start off the inning he struck out Michael Bourn who had 3 hits in the game. He after a ground out and a single by Berkman, would strike out Jason Michaels looking, on a very close pitch, to end the game.

In his return Josh Hamilton was 1-for-5 with a fielder's choice. Last year Hamilton was hurt for part of the series at Houston, but Max Ramirez hit his first career homerun. Today he returns at the Astros and Holland pitched his first career start. Just a coincedence I decided to point out. San Frankie picked up right where he left off, I think the rest was good for him, and he'll stay sharp a good long while. Peter Gammons called him one of the greatest unsung closers around. I might argue that, as closers generally are unsung. Not to downplay Frankie's element of suprise, but my guess is the same number of random fans know about him as Heath Bell (San Diego, 12/12 in save opportunities, and 0.49 ERA), Chad Qualls (Arizona, 10/11 in svo, 2.50 ERA), or George Sherrill (Baltimore, 8/10 in svo, 3.06 ERA).

Ok I love National League style ball. The double switch is awesome, the pitcher batting brings bunts into the game more often. I'm a big fan of the bunt. And they both give the players off the bench a better oppurtunity to get into the game. I saw every position player from Houston, and most from Texas get a shot in the game today. I like the DH, but with the pitcher in the order it brings so many more options into managing a game.

*http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20090521&content_id=4860410&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

Swept, Silver Boot Series, Injuries, and Derek Holland

Well the Comericurse will have to stay alive til next year. We've been swept at Detroit for the second time this year. We struck out 28 times in the series, that's over 1 in 3 times. We were 3-for-17 (.176) with runners in scoring position, and left 19 on base (9 on Thursday). First game was Brandon McCarthy vs. Dontrelle Willis. I know McCarthy is our weak link, but Dontrelle Willis is as dicey as they come. He along with 4 relievers shut us out. McCarthy pitched a decent game, nearly a quality start, but he got no run support. I don't subscribe to the theory that we only hit well at home, but it's definitely a big help. Our pitching seems to be the same anywhere, so why isn't our hitting? Matt Harrison and Kevin Millwood suffered the same fate, however they were both left in the game just a little too long, giving up the descisive runs late. The offensive support has still been disappointing. Wednesday we left 7 on base, all in scoring position. And then today Michael Young choked twice, in clutch situations, popping out to end the fifth with 2 in scoring position, and grounding into a double play with a runner on 3rd base, to end the game. Cashing in either of those times, could've made it a tie, or given us the lead after 9 innings.

The Lone Star Series battle for the Silver Boot is back! We are going to Houston for a 3 game series Friday, this extra motivation could be just what we need to keep from crashing at this point. Right now after the series in Detroit we are still in first but things aren't looking up more on that later. We won't be facing Houston's ace (and my fantasy pitcher), Wandy Rodriguez. I've avoided picking players for series' up to this point, but watch Elvis he's gonna be a factor, I'm expecting lots of extra base hits from him with the unique centerfield hill, 435 feet from home plate, and unconventional shapes and corners of Minute Maid Park.

Well injury update time I said things weren't looking up. While you might have a chance to see San Frankie, and Josh Hamilton in the series at Houston, Vicente Padilla is now on the DL. I don't want Luis Mendoza back up in the Majors. He is an average pitcher at best and average isn't good enough in Rangers Ballpark. We need strikeout pitchers, and that is the last thing that Mendoza brings to the table. In our ballpark pitching to contact implies ERA inflation. I'd much rather see Tommy Hunter, or even John Bannister, or Omar Poveda. I'd like to get a first impression of them, and see how well they can keep the ball away from the barrel. And if Hunter has improved enough I know he can strike out more than 1 strikeout per inning. Let's see how it goes.

And the man replacing Padilla on the mound is rookie hurler Derek Holland. If Holland trusts his pitches he will be fine, but I'm afraid he will rely on the fastball mainly to throw strikes. If that's the case then the Astros, especially El Cabayo, Berkman, and Pudge will be sitting on and hitting them all night long. He needs to be confident in the changeup and get them out in front. I don't expect many breaking balls from him but who knows maybe we haven't seen everything he's got yet.