In the history of interleague play only 2 teams have swept a season series of at least six games. The Yankees swept the Mets, and the Marlins swept the Devil Rays. The Rangers coming into Thursday were 5-0 vs. the Astros in 2009. Vicente Padilla made the start against the injury plagued starter for the Astros, Brandon Backe. For the third time in a row Padilla has been throwing to Teagarden rather than Saltalamacchia. Wash says that's of no significance. Padilla got a lead early in the game and shut out Houston through the first 4 innings. With Texas up 3-0 in the 5th, Padilla got two quick outs, but gave up a double to the heavy slumping Darin Erstad, which snapped Erstad's 0-for-29 hitless streak. Then Padilla would give up an RBI single to Pudge's backup Humberto Quintero making it 3-1. In the top of the 6th Padilla would give up a walk and 2 singles to load the bases. He would walk in a run to make it 3-2. Hunter Pence would strike out, but a pass ball with Kaz Matsui batting would let the tying run score. Matsui wouldn't single without scoring a run. Padilla would follow by striking out Erstad and inducing a groundout from Quintero to end the inning.
Supplying the runs early for Texas were Chris Davis and Michael Young both on homeruns. It was Davis' first homerun since May. It was Michael's second since then. They have both been in deep slumps recently. Mike over the past week has been hitting under .250 including the second longest hitless streak of his career of 0-for-17. For a guy that regularly accumulates 200 hits per year that's a big slump. Chris Davis is still averaging literally over 1.5 strikeouts per game.
Hunter Pence has surrendered his free thought for no good reason, except you know he can live the high life with millions of dollars. Last night he nearly took the game away from the team he once rooted for. Tonight he homered in the top of the 8th inning for the second day in a row, this time it was the go ahead run rather than the tying run. This would be decisive as the Astros won 5-3 @ Texas. Pence also would make an arguably highlight reel catch to save a run and end the game. This came the day after David Murphy a Houston native got the walkoff hit in the bottom of the 10th. I leave you with the totally coherent thought that perhaps this was planned.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Progress, Records, Stealing The Show, Kinsler vs. Bourn, and Ohh the Irony
Unlike most posts, this blog has everything to do with tonight's game, and nothing to do with anything else.
Matt Harrison fresh off the DL got the call to start for the Rangers Wednesday night against Russ Ortiz starting for Houston. Harrison didn't exhibit the same stuff that he threw in his 2 consecutive complete games in mid May. He tossed an inefficient game, but had great support defensively and adequate support offensively to put him on the hook for the win, throwing 90+ pitches through 5 innings. The sophomore lefty gave up at least one hit 4 of 5 innings, including 2 doubles and a homerun. Michael Young and Chris Davis both had great plays to keep the damage minimized to 3 runs over Matt's 5 innings.
Ivan Rodriguez caught a Major League Baseball game for the 2,227th time in his career Wednesday. That broke the all time record for the stat. Pudge went 1-for-5 with a single. Ron Washington decided to put as much history into the game as possible by starting Omar Vizquel at shortstop. Vizquel needed one hit to tie Luis Aparicio for most hits by a Venezuelan native in Major League Baseball. Vizquel singles in the bottom of the 5th to tie Aparicio. He wouldn't break the record in the 7th, and with Andruw Jones pinch hitting his chance was passed up in the ninth.
What with it being Pudge's big day, some Rangers thought it a good time to prove themselves in front of the former face of the team. With a leadoff double in the first inning Ian Kinsler pulled off a daring move against the 13 time gold glover. He stole third and ran home off a rare throwing error by Pudge. Kinsler would go on to steal another base off him later in the game. Vizquel would also steal a base proving he hasn't slowed any with his age. Jarrod Saltalamacchia would also be tested behind the plate by Michael Bourn. Salty would be able to catch him once of twice. Salty would also homer in the game.
The leadoff hitters for Texas and Houston had big factors in Wednesday's game. Kinsler and Bourn both got on base twice and were able to score for their team early due to very aggresive baserunning. They both set up their teams with the bunt, both for sacrifice and for hits. The two played the game you want to see from your leadoff hitter.
And finally here's what you've all been waiting for, the conclusion of Wednesday night's epic game. The Rangers were leading 4-3 in the top of the 8th when the Arlington born and raised Hunter Pence homered for the Astros. The former Ranger fan's solo shot would tie up the game at 4. Marlon Byrd lead off the 9th inning with a double setting up the bottom of the order for a walk-off win. Chris Davis would fly out to shallow center and Salty and Andruw both struck out swinging. After 2 quick outs in the top of the 10th vintage Wild Thang refused to let Houston go quietly, as Pence doubled for Pudge. C.J. would fall behind 3-1 but battle back and strike him out on a curve ball low. Texas would load up the bases with nobody out for Nelson Cruz. Cruz would fly out to Michael Bourn shallow enough to hold Kinsler at 3rd. The next batter was Houston native, former Astros fan, and all around opposite of Hunter Pence. Murphy would slap a hit to left field to score Kins and walk-off in the 10th to win it for Texas.
Matt Harrison fresh off the DL got the call to start for the Rangers Wednesday night against Russ Ortiz starting for Houston. Harrison didn't exhibit the same stuff that he threw in his 2 consecutive complete games in mid May. He tossed an inefficient game, but had great support defensively and adequate support offensively to put him on the hook for the win, throwing 90+ pitches through 5 innings. The sophomore lefty gave up at least one hit 4 of 5 innings, including 2 doubles and a homerun. Michael Young and Chris Davis both had great plays to keep the damage minimized to 3 runs over Matt's 5 innings.
Ivan Rodriguez caught a Major League Baseball game for the 2,227th time in his career Wednesday. That broke the all time record for the stat. Pudge went 1-for-5 with a single. Ron Washington decided to put as much history into the game as possible by starting Omar Vizquel at shortstop. Vizquel needed one hit to tie Luis Aparicio for most hits by a Venezuelan native in Major League Baseball. Vizquel singles in the bottom of the 5th to tie Aparicio. He wouldn't break the record in the 7th, and with Andruw Jones pinch hitting his chance was passed up in the ninth.
What with it being Pudge's big day, some Rangers thought it a good time to prove themselves in front of the former face of the team. With a leadoff double in the first inning Ian Kinsler pulled off a daring move against the 13 time gold glover. He stole third and ran home off a rare throwing error by Pudge. Kinsler would go on to steal another base off him later in the game. Vizquel would also steal a base proving he hasn't slowed any with his age. Jarrod Saltalamacchia would also be tested behind the plate by Michael Bourn. Salty would be able to catch him once of twice. Salty would also homer in the game.
The leadoff hitters for Texas and Houston had big factors in Wednesday's game. Kinsler and Bourn both got on base twice and were able to score for their team early due to very aggresive baserunning. They both set up their teams with the bunt, both for sacrifice and for hits. The two played the game you want to see from your leadoff hitter.
And finally here's what you've all been waiting for, the conclusion of Wednesday night's epic game. The Rangers were leading 4-3 in the top of the 8th when the Arlington born and raised Hunter Pence homered for the Astros. The former Ranger fan's solo shot would tie up the game at 4. Marlon Byrd lead off the 9th inning with a double setting up the bottom of the order for a walk-off win. Chris Davis would fly out to shallow center and Salty and Andruw both struck out swinging. After 2 quick outs in the top of the 10th vintage Wild Thang refused to let Houston go quietly, as Pence doubled for Pudge. C.J. would fall behind 3-1 but battle back and strike him out on a curve ball low. Texas would load up the bases with nobody out for Nelson Cruz. Cruz would fly out to Michael Bourn shallow enough to hold Kinsler at 3rd. The next batter was Houston native, former Astros fan, and all around opposite of Hunter Pence. Murphy would slap a hit to left field to score Kins and walk-off in the 10th to win it for Texas.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The Road Trip, Padilla, Shufflin' the Rotation, What to do with Benson
Well to review how Texas has been doing lately, I must mention the road trip at New York and Boston. Many saw this as an opportunity for the Rangers to prove themselves to be among the top teams in the American League. In their first visit to Yankee Stadium, the Rangers were 1-2 resembling the series we hosted vs. the Yankees. Losing in a blowout in both openers, salvaging the middle game, and coming up short in each rubber finale. Texas knew that wasn't the end of the world. The expectations weren't high for the trip at two teams who both had records just as good as theirs. 2-4 was a success, and 3-3 was more than welcome. Visiting Fenway Park in '09 for the first time, the Rangers led by a very hot Nelson Cruz lit up Boston pitching taking 2 of 3, and go back to Texas with a 3-3 road trip.
One of the more interesting points of the trip was Vicente Padilla. Padilla is one of the few Rangers known well for on field antics. Nothing startling just a guy who has the guts and the stupidity to throw at Mark Teixeira not once but twice. Teixeira exchanged his profanities with Vicente but took his base. Padilla was fresh of the DL, but obviously had fine control of his pitches. Ron Washington, quite displeased with him took him out of the game. After the game which Texas lost Padilla was placed on outright waivers by the Rangers, and fined by MLB. Padilla being put on waivers was a snap descision. Nine out of ten times he would be off the team or in AAA within 1 week. My first thoughts of the move consisted or "Good, he deserves it," but upon looking at his numbers I thought "What were they thinking?" I certainly hope they were sending Padilla a serious wake up call, but whether or not that is the case, putting him on waivers, and giving another team a chance to pick him up was a move that involved acting before thinking. I'm very disappointed in the "professionals" down at the front office. This guy tossed back to back outings giving up only 1 hit each. Padilla is a streaky one, but the Rangers don't have a playoff run without all the pitching they can get. However if he continues to act upon his own decisions rather than what the team asks of him, then only after the season, when his contract is up should we cut ties with him.
With McCarthy sidelined, the whole opening rotation has seen the DL, with the exception of Kevin Millwood. But our spot starters have held their own and kept us afloat the top of the division. Doug Mathis and Tommy Hunter both held their when called upon to pitch for injured members of the rotation. However I think Derek Holland has been asked too much of too early in his career and he needs to go back to long relief. Unlike Holland, Mathis and Hunter both have some if little experience in the big leagues which I think has helped them.
Scott Feldman stepped in for Kris Benson who has struggled all season long. I think Benson needs to be sent to AAA and heavily conditioned there. Benson was a no. 1 pick, he was the Stephen Strasburg or David Price of his college days. Jason Jennings was never considered of that calibur but showed great promise as a youngster winning rookie of the year in 2002 getting 15 wins in the exceedingly hitter friendly Coors Field. Jennings is tossing great long relief for Texas this year, coming back from a disappointing 2007 with Houston and a demotion in 2008 after he couldn't rebound with the Rangers. I see alot of similarities between Jennings and Benson and I feel if Benson gets the same approach, he can still be an asset to the Texas Rangers, in 2010*.
*That is two thousand ten, not twenty ten.
Final Notes:Staying current, Pudge Rodriguez tied the record for most game caught in MLB history today. He celebrated by homering for his Astros' only run of the game in a 6-1 loss to Texas. He is expected to break the record against his same former team tomorrow.
One of the more interesting points of the trip was Vicente Padilla. Padilla is one of the few Rangers known well for on field antics. Nothing startling just a guy who has the guts and the stupidity to throw at Mark Teixeira not once but twice. Teixeira exchanged his profanities with Vicente but took his base. Padilla was fresh of the DL, but obviously had fine control of his pitches. Ron Washington, quite displeased with him took him out of the game. After the game which Texas lost Padilla was placed on outright waivers by the Rangers, and fined by MLB. Padilla being put on waivers was a snap descision. Nine out of ten times he would be off the team or in AAA within 1 week. My first thoughts of the move consisted or "Good, he deserves it," but upon looking at his numbers I thought "What were they thinking?" I certainly hope they were sending Padilla a serious wake up call, but whether or not that is the case, putting him on waivers, and giving another team a chance to pick him up was a move that involved acting before thinking. I'm very disappointed in the "professionals" down at the front office. This guy tossed back to back outings giving up only 1 hit each. Padilla is a streaky one, but the Rangers don't have a playoff run without all the pitching they can get. However if he continues to act upon his own decisions rather than what the team asks of him, then only after the season, when his contract is up should we cut ties with him.
With McCarthy sidelined, the whole opening rotation has seen the DL, with the exception of Kevin Millwood. But our spot starters have held their own and kept us afloat the top of the division. Doug Mathis and Tommy Hunter both held their when called upon to pitch for injured members of the rotation. However I think Derek Holland has been asked too much of too early in his career and he needs to go back to long relief. Unlike Holland, Mathis and Hunter both have some if little experience in the big leagues which I think has helped them.
Scott Feldman stepped in for Kris Benson who has struggled all season long. I think Benson needs to be sent to AAA and heavily conditioned there. Benson was a no. 1 pick, he was the Stephen Strasburg or David Price of his college days. Jason Jennings was never considered of that calibur but showed great promise as a youngster winning rookie of the year in 2002 getting 15 wins in the exceedingly hitter friendly Coors Field. Jennings is tossing great long relief for Texas this year, coming back from a disappointing 2007 with Houston and a demotion in 2008 after he couldn't rebound with the Rangers. I see alot of similarities between Jennings and Benson and I feel if Benson gets the same approach, he can still be an asset to the Texas Rangers, in 2010*.
*That is two thousand ten, not twenty ten.
Final Notes:Staying current, Pudge Rodriguez tied the record for most game caught in MLB history today. He celebrated by homering for his Astros' only run of the game in a 6-1 loss to Texas. He is expected to break the record against his same former team tomorrow.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Recap Blog
Well I haven't blogged in much too long so I'll recap everything over the last 2 weeks that I haven't covered.
1. A Solid Road Trip *
2. The Rise, Fall, and Steady Uphill Trudge of Vicente Padilla *
3. Nelson Cruz Heating Up
4. Life Without Hamilton, B-Mac, or San Frankie *
5. Holland Rotation vs. Bullpen *
6. Kinsler Slumping
7. Michael Streaky
8. Wash is Sticking Around
9. The Draft
10. Mathis Called Up *
11. Grilli Claimed off Waivers
12. Millwood Staying Consistent
13. Little Production of Late
14. El Duque Signed
15. Andruw Gets Revenge on LA
16. Light Outage Ruins Pitcher's Duel
17. Pudge Returns to Break Record *
*topics that are now covered in more recent blogs
Well I spent so much time making this list, so I'll go into detail tomorrow.
1. A Solid Road Trip *
2. The Rise, Fall, and Steady Uphill Trudge of Vicente Padilla *
3. Nelson Cruz Heating Up
4. Life Without Hamilton, B-Mac, or San Frankie *
5. Holland Rotation vs. Bullpen *
6. Kinsler Slumping
7. Michael Streaky
8. Wash is Sticking Around
9. The Draft
10. Mathis Called Up *
11. Grilli Claimed off Waivers
12. Millwood Staying Consistent
13. Little Production of Late
14. El Duque Signed
15. Andruw Gets Revenge on LA
16. Light Outage Ruins Pitcher's Duel
17. Pudge Returns to Break Record *
*topics that are now covered in more recent blogs
Well I spent so much time making this list, so I'll go into detail tomorrow.
Monday, June 1, 2009
May Selections
1 All-Stars
AL
RF Adam Jones BAL
SS Jason Bartlett TB
3B Evan Longoria TB
1B Justin Morneau MIN
LF Jason Bay BOS
C Victor Martinez CLE
2B Aaron Hill TOR
CF Torii Hunter LAA
P Zack Grienke KC
C Kurt Suzuki OAK
C Joe Mauer MIN
1B Miguel Cabrera DET
1B Mark Teixeira NYY
2B Ian Kinsler TEX
2B Robinson Cano NYY
3B Michael Young TEX
3B Mike Lowell BOS
SS Derek Jeter NYY
SS Marco Scutaro TOR
OF Nick Markakis BAL
OF Nelson Cruz TEX
OF Johnny Damon NYY
P Edwin Jackson DET
P Roy Halladay TOR
P Felix Hernandez SEA
P Mark Buehrle CWS
P Justin Verlander DET
P Bobby Jenks CWS
P Mariano Rivera NYY
P Brian Fuentes LAA
P George Sherrill BAL
P Jonathan Papelbon BOS
P Frank Francisco TEX
NL
CF Carlos Beltran NYM
SS Miguel Tejada HOU
1B Albert Pujols STL
LF Raul Ibanez PHI
3B Ryan Zimmerman WAS
2B Chase Utley PHI
RF Brad Hawpe COL
C Brian McCann ATL
P Johan Santana NYM
C Ramon Hernandez CIN
C Ivan Rodriguez HOU
1B Adrian Gonzalez SD
1B Prince Fielder MIL
2B Orlando Hudson LAD
2B Brandon Phillips CIN
3B David Wright NYM
3B Casey Blake LAD
SS Yunel Escobar ATL
SS Hanley Ramirez FLA
OF Ryan Braun MIL
OF Carlos Lee HOU
OF Justin Upton ARI
P Ted Lilly CHC
P Matt Cain SF
P Chad Billingsley LAD
P Jason Marquis COL
P Zack Duke PIT
P Jonathan Broxton LAD
P Ryan Franklin STL
P Francisco Cordero CIN
P Francisco Rodriguez NYM
P Trevor Hoffman MIL
P Heath Bell SD
2 Awards
MVP
AL Jason Bay BOS
NL Raul Ibanez PHI
Cy Young
AL Zack Grienke KC
NL Johan Santana NYM
Rookie
AL Elvis Andrus TEX
NL Colby Rasmus STL
Relief Man
AL Jonathan Papelbon BOS
NL Heath Bell SD
3 Playoffs
Detroit wins ALDS@ New York
Detroit wins ALCS@ Texas
Boston loses ALDS@ Texas
Detroit loses WS @ Milwaukee
Saint Louis loses NLDS@ Los Angeles
Milwaukee wins NLCS@ Los Angeles
Philadelphia loses NLDS@ Milwaukee
4 Homerun Derby
Carlos Pena 1st Round
Mark Teixeira Won Finals
Jason Bay 2nd Round
Nelson Cruz 1st Round
Adrian Gonzalez Lost Final
Raul Ibanez 1st Round
Adam Dunn 2nd Round
Albert Pujols 1st Round
AL
RF Adam Jones BAL
SS Jason Bartlett TB
3B Evan Longoria TB
1B Justin Morneau MIN
LF Jason Bay BOS
C Victor Martinez CLE
2B Aaron Hill TOR
CF Torii Hunter LAA
P Zack Grienke KC
C Kurt Suzuki OAK
C Joe Mauer MIN
1B Miguel Cabrera DET
1B Mark Teixeira NYY
2B Ian Kinsler TEX
2B Robinson Cano NYY
3B Michael Young TEX
3B Mike Lowell BOS
SS Derek Jeter NYY
SS Marco Scutaro TOR
OF Nick Markakis BAL
OF Nelson Cruz TEX
OF Johnny Damon NYY
P Edwin Jackson DET
P Roy Halladay TOR
P Felix Hernandez SEA
P Mark Buehrle CWS
P Justin Verlander DET
P Bobby Jenks CWS
P Mariano Rivera NYY
P Brian Fuentes LAA
P George Sherrill BAL
P Jonathan Papelbon BOS
P Frank Francisco TEX
NL
CF Carlos Beltran NYM
SS Miguel Tejada HOU
1B Albert Pujols STL
LF Raul Ibanez PHI
3B Ryan Zimmerman WAS
2B Chase Utley PHI
RF Brad Hawpe COL
C Brian McCann ATL
P Johan Santana NYM
C Ramon Hernandez CIN
C Ivan Rodriguez HOU
1B Adrian Gonzalez SD
1B Prince Fielder MIL
2B Orlando Hudson LAD
2B Brandon Phillips CIN
3B David Wright NYM
3B Casey Blake LAD
SS Yunel Escobar ATL
SS Hanley Ramirez FLA
OF Ryan Braun MIL
OF Carlos Lee HOU
OF Justin Upton ARI
P Ted Lilly CHC
P Matt Cain SF
P Chad Billingsley LAD
P Jason Marquis COL
P Zack Duke PIT
P Jonathan Broxton LAD
P Ryan Franklin STL
P Francisco Cordero CIN
P Francisco Rodriguez NYM
P Trevor Hoffman MIL
P Heath Bell SD
2 Awards
MVP
AL Jason Bay BOS
NL Raul Ibanez PHI
Cy Young
AL Zack Grienke KC
NL Johan Santana NYM
Rookie
AL Elvis Andrus TEX
NL Colby Rasmus STL
Relief Man
AL Jonathan Papelbon BOS
NL Heath Bell SD
3 Playoffs
Detroit wins ALDS@ New York
Detroit wins ALCS@ Texas
Boston loses ALDS@ Texas
Detroit loses WS @ Milwaukee
Saint Louis loses NLDS@ Los Angeles
Milwaukee wins NLCS@ Los Angeles
Philadelphia loses NLDS@ Milwaukee
4 Homerun Derby
Carlos Pena 1st Round
Mark Teixeira Won Finals
Jason Bay 2nd Round
Nelson Cruz 1st Round
Adrian Gonzalez Lost Final
Raul Ibanez 1st Round
Adam Dunn 2nd Round
Albert Pujols 1st Round
Sunday, May 31, 2009
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*
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*
Saturday, May 30, 2009
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.
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.
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