They’re a team rich in history and on this Election Day, they are world champions. Willie Mays, Dusty Rhodes, and Johnny Antonelli are just three names from the last time the Giants were world champions. Leo Durocher was the team’s skipper and “The Catch” was the talk of the nation. Fifty-six years later, it’s Buster Posey, Cody Ross and Freddy Sanchez. I had a healthy disdain for Barry Bonds’ San Fransico Giants. I have to admit, the 2010 World Series champions are an easy team to fall in love with. Texas’ tenacious lineup never threatened San Francisco pitching. The Giants toppled Texas four games to one with dominant arms and timely hitting. The Rangers, a team who had no problem putting up 30 plus runs against New York, were shut out twice in five games. Texas’ offense went from decimation to deficiency. San Francisco battled Cliff Lee twice in the series and came out on the upside both times. On Monday, San Francisco’s 3-1 game five victory propelled them to a world championship. Now Giants fans are enjoying their most gratifying moment since the team’s move from the Polo Grounds.
The only disappointing thing about the Giants winning the series (except for it not being the Yankees) is Barry Zito’s benching. It would have been great for the veteran southpaw to pitch during the series, but who am I to argue with Bruce Bochy’s decision to leave him off the roster. Zito doesn’t have that devastating curveball he once possessed and has since been replaced by the likes of hurlers, Tim “The Freak” Lincecum, Matt Cain, Jonathan Sanchez and Madison Bumgarner. There’s no guarantee Zito would have been helpful in delivering the Giants their first title since 1954.
What accolades haven’t been said about Edgar Renteria? Renteria delivered three hits in game four and had the tie-breaking homer off C.J. Wilson in game two. He went 7-for-17 with six RBIs in the series. The speedy World Series MVP is as proven a clutch hitter as anyone. The 34 year old slugger who slapped a game winning single in game seven of the Fall Classic 13 years ago for Florida showed up again last night. Renteria ripped Lee’s cut fastball to center in the seventh inning Monday to become the unlikely hero of the World Series. The shortstop’s three RBIs broke a tie game and were all Lincecum needed to shut the door on the Rangers’ promising season. Lincecum outdueled Lee, adding another glorious feat to his already awesome career. He allowed a single run in eight frames last night. The Giants scored 29 runs over five games but their pitching strength cannot be undermined. Lincecum, Cain and Bumgarner kept the Rangers quiet at the plate with a batting average against of only .190. As the old adage goes: Good pitching beats good hitting any day. Congratulations to the San Francisco Giants!
Parting Points: Best San Francisco band? It’s close. There’s Third Eye Blind, Journey, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Chris Isaak, and Santana. But, my choice would be Green Day.
Showing posts with label Texas Rangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Rangers. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Power at the Park
Cliff Lee looked more out of place than like an ace last night in the opening game of the World Series. The Rangers’ stellar starter was battered by the Bay in Texas’ 11-7 drubbing by the Giants. San Francisco handed Lee his first career post-season loss as they attacked the lefty for six earned runs. Texas gave Lee a 2-0 lead early, but the Giants soon swung things in their favor to take game one at AT&T Park.
Freddy Sanchez doubled before Cody Ross and Aubrey Huff hammered two-out singles in the six run fifth frame to break a 2-2 tie and chase Lee from the game. Tim Lincecum pitched well after a shaky start for the Giants. The San Francisco starter botched a rundown in the first inning and was tagged for a run on a Vlad Guerrero base hit off his shin. The Rangers tallied a second run in the second off Lincecum on Elvis Andrus’ sacrifice fly, but the Giants forged a comeback in the third to tie the game. Michael Young booted a third base grounder by Edgar Renteria to begin the frame. Andres Torres was hit by a pitch following the error and Sanchez lined a double to put the NL champions on board. Buster Posey’s game tying single followed.
The Rangers committed four errors during the sloppy contest, including a one by Andrus in the bottom of the fifth as the Giant bats came alive. It was the biggest post-season inning for San Francisco since the 1937 World Series. Pat Burrell was the only hitter who did not record a hit for the home team. Lee fanned seven but the Giants were able to knock the ace around for eight hits. San Francisco also succeeded in keeping ALCS MVP, Josh Hamilton, hitless in four trips to the plate. Sanchez keyed San Francisco with four hits and contributed three RBIs. The powerful slugger stroked three doubles to set a World Series record. Huff accounted for three hits and a stolen base, and Juan Uribe added a solo homerun as the impressive Giants defeated the resolute Rangers.
Lincecum went 5 2/3 innings despite giving off little semblance of stardom to earn the win. He was effective enough and at one point retired 13 of 14 batters he faced. Lincecum left the game with an 8-4 advantage. Bruce Bochy used a harvest of relievers to retire the Rangers in the final four frames. Texas collected two runs in the sixth and three in the ninth to keep the score respectable. The Giants weren’t perfect on defense, committing three errors of their own. But the offense executed when it needed to, and the bullpen shut the door on a high scoring affair. The Giants send Matt Cain to the mound to oppose southpaw, C.J. Wilson in game two tonight in San Francisco.
Parting Points: Joe Girardi and the Yanks agreed on a three year contract.
Freddy Sanchez doubled before Cody Ross and Aubrey Huff hammered two-out singles in the six run fifth frame to break a 2-2 tie and chase Lee from the game. Tim Lincecum pitched well after a shaky start for the Giants. The San Francisco starter botched a rundown in the first inning and was tagged for a run on a Vlad Guerrero base hit off his shin. The Rangers tallied a second run in the second off Lincecum on Elvis Andrus’ sacrifice fly, but the Giants forged a comeback in the third to tie the game. Michael Young booted a third base grounder by Edgar Renteria to begin the frame. Andres Torres was hit by a pitch following the error and Sanchez lined a double to put the NL champions on board. Buster Posey’s game tying single followed.
The Rangers committed four errors during the sloppy contest, including a one by Andrus in the bottom of the fifth as the Giant bats came alive. It was the biggest post-season inning for San Francisco since the 1937 World Series. Pat Burrell was the only hitter who did not record a hit for the home team. Lee fanned seven but the Giants were able to knock the ace around for eight hits. San Francisco also succeeded in keeping ALCS MVP, Josh Hamilton, hitless in four trips to the plate. Sanchez keyed San Francisco with four hits and contributed three RBIs. The powerful slugger stroked three doubles to set a World Series record. Huff accounted for three hits and a stolen base, and Juan Uribe added a solo homerun as the impressive Giants defeated the resolute Rangers.
Lincecum went 5 2/3 innings despite giving off little semblance of stardom to earn the win. He was effective enough and at one point retired 13 of 14 batters he faced. Lincecum left the game with an 8-4 advantage. Bruce Bochy used a harvest of relievers to retire the Rangers in the final four frames. Texas collected two runs in the sixth and three in the ninth to keep the score respectable. The Giants weren’t perfect on defense, committing three errors of their own. But the offense executed when it needed to, and the bullpen shut the door on a high scoring affair. The Giants send Matt Cain to the mound to oppose southpaw, C.J. Wilson in game two tonight in San Francisco.
Parting Points: Joe Girardi and the Yanks agreed on a three year contract.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Blasé Bombers Beaten
Here’s a little irony: Former Texas slugger, Alex Rodriguez, struck out to end game six of the ALCS, sending the Rangers to their first ever World Series. Rodriguez was fanned by Neftali Feliz to seal the Rangers’ 6-1 victory over the defending champion New York Yankees. Texas begins their quest for a franchise-first title on Wednesday. They face the winner of the Philadelphia-San Francisco series. For New York and All-Star Rodriguez, it’s time to head home without back-to-back championships.
Yankees’ hurler, Phil Hughes, was charged with four runs in four 2/3 innings to take the loss. The beating started early for New York. Texas scored in the bottom of the first after Elvis Andrus led off with a double. ALCS MVP, Josh Hamilton, lined a single to left to advance the runner to third. Andrus came around to score on Vlad Guerrero’s infield groundout to put the Rangers up in the early going. Colby Lewis stunned New York’s offense, keeping the Yankees scoreless through four frames. Lewis spun a perfect second and third frame, and limited the defending champions to just three hits in eight innings. His only blemish was a fifth inning wild pitch that resulted in Rodriguez’s tally.
Hughes settled down to work around a couple base runners to keep it a one run game. He was blasted in the fifth. Mitch Moreland’s infield single was followed by a pair of groundouts. Hughes elected to issue an intentional pass to Hamilton with Moreland pacing the third base line, hungry to score. Guerrero stepped to the plate with two on and two outs, and promptly drove Hughes’ curveball to deep center. The outfielder’s two-run double signaled the end to Hughes’ evening. Dave Robertson replaced the rocked starter but didn’t offer any solace for the Yankees. Robertson allowed an inside fastball to Nelson Cruz to clear the centerfield wall. The Rangers were up 5-1 just like that.
Texas would add to their four run lead in the seventh, while the Yankees inept swings continued to plague the team. New York never threatened the rest of the game and were victims to nine strikeouts. Lance Berkman’s two out triple in the seventh was a mere waste after the first baseman was stranded in scoring position. Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera were summoned from the bullpen down the stretch, but it was New York’s starting pitching and offense that failed them this series. Rodriguez froze on a slider from Cruz to end any hope of a game seven for the Yankees. Texas outscored the Bombers 21-6 during the six games they played. Now the World Series is coming to Texas.
Parting Points: I’m happy for Nolan Ryan. Great pitcher, and deserving of seeing his team in the Fall Classic. Too bad it had to be at the Yankees’ expense. I’m also happy for ten-year Ranger, Michael Young. He seems like a great guy on and off the field.
In the words of Jakob Dylan- “Nothing is forever”
Yankees’ hurler, Phil Hughes, was charged with four runs in four 2/3 innings to take the loss. The beating started early for New York. Texas scored in the bottom of the first after Elvis Andrus led off with a double. ALCS MVP, Josh Hamilton, lined a single to left to advance the runner to third. Andrus came around to score on Vlad Guerrero’s infield groundout to put the Rangers up in the early going. Colby Lewis stunned New York’s offense, keeping the Yankees scoreless through four frames. Lewis spun a perfect second and third frame, and limited the defending champions to just three hits in eight innings. His only blemish was a fifth inning wild pitch that resulted in Rodriguez’s tally.
Hughes settled down to work around a couple base runners to keep it a one run game. He was blasted in the fifth. Mitch Moreland’s infield single was followed by a pair of groundouts. Hughes elected to issue an intentional pass to Hamilton with Moreland pacing the third base line, hungry to score. Guerrero stepped to the plate with two on and two outs, and promptly drove Hughes’ curveball to deep center. The outfielder’s two-run double signaled the end to Hughes’ evening. Dave Robertson replaced the rocked starter but didn’t offer any solace for the Yankees. Robertson allowed an inside fastball to Nelson Cruz to clear the centerfield wall. The Rangers were up 5-1 just like that.
Texas would add to their four run lead in the seventh, while the Yankees inept swings continued to plague the team. New York never threatened the rest of the game and were victims to nine strikeouts. Lance Berkman’s two out triple in the seventh was a mere waste after the first baseman was stranded in scoring position. Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera were summoned from the bullpen down the stretch, but it was New York’s starting pitching and offense that failed them this series. Rodriguez froze on a slider from Cruz to end any hope of a game seven for the Yankees. Texas outscored the Bombers 21-6 during the six games they played. Now the World Series is coming to Texas.
Parting Points: I’m happy for Nolan Ryan. Great pitcher, and deserving of seeing his team in the Fall Classic. Too bad it had to be at the Yankees’ expense. I’m also happy for ten-year Ranger, Michael Young. He seems like a great guy on and off the field.
In the words of Jakob Dylan- “Nothing is forever”
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Texas Trounce 'Em
The Bombers are on the brink of elimination. The defending world champion Yankees find themselves in grim position after losing game four of the ALCS to the Rangers last night at the stadium in the Bronx. The Yankees lost 10-3 and now face a must-win situation for the rest of the series. Texas grabbed a 3-1 lead in the seven game set and has the added advantage of throwing Cliff Lee should there be a game seven in Arlington. The Bombers, meanwhile, are just hoping the series goes back to Texas. Not only was New York defeated for the third straight game and second at home, but they also lost All-Star first baseman, Mark Teixeira for the remainder of the playoffs. The powerful switch-hitting slugger suffered a strained hamstring in the fifth inning on Tuesday.
Notoriously shaky starter, A.J. Burnett, turned in a decent performance for the pinstripes through six innings. He retired the first six batters he faced and looked sharp going perfect through two innings. Burnett was pitching on 17 days’ rest but held the Texas offense in check through the initial frames. The Yankees didn’t exactly help their struggling starter by lighting up the scoreboard. New York managed a measly three runs on seven hits against Texas pitching. Robinson Cano, seemingly the only Bomber who can actually blast bombs, belted a solo homerun in the second innings off Tommy Hunter. The Rangers got the run back in the top of the third, and tacked on another tally off the wild Burnett. Burnett’s wild pitch was followed by a hit batter to put runners at first and second for Elvis Andrus. The leadoff shortstop’s stroked an RBI grounder to first to tie the game. Michael Young’s infield single made it 2-1 Texas.
The Yankees got one run lead back in the bottom of the third. Curtis Granderson knocked in a run with a two-out single off Hunter. Brett Gardner’s grounder scored Alex Rodriguez to give the home team a 3-2 advantage in the fourth. Burnett preserved the lead in the fourth escaped a fifth frame jam before allowing the Rangers to take the lead for good on Molina’s sixth inning homerun. Texas’s three spot was followed by an annihilation of the Bombers’ bullpen the rest of the contest. The Rangers tacked on a pair of runs in the seventh on MVP-candidate, Josh Hamilton’s long ball. Hamilton homered off Boone Logan for a 6-3 Texas lead. Yankee reliever, Joba Chamberlain yielded a Vlad Guerrero double and walked Nelson Cruz on four pitches before Ian Kinsler’s RBI base hit.
Derek Holland gave Texas 3 2/3 innings of relief to earn the win. In the ninth, the Rangers continued to feast off the Yankee bullpen to win in convincing fashion. Hamilton hammered his second homerun off Sergio Mitre to lead off the frame. Cruz added a solo shot after driving a 0-2 offering from the 29 year old reliever. Former Bomber, Darren Oliver, closed out the game in the bottom of the ninth for visiting Texas. Oliver had little trouble in retiring the Yankees in order to wrap up the victory. The Yankees’ chances of winning three consecutive decisions is slight. They will have to do so without their first baseman. Eduardo Nunez is expected to replace Teixeira. Game five is today at 4pm. Yankee ace, C.C. Sabathia opposes Texas’ C.J. Wilson in a rematch of game one. If the wildcard-winning Yanks are going to return to the Fall Classic, they’ll have to do it on the road in seven games.
Parting Points: Will Melo be traded?
Lance Berkman is playing first base this afternoon for the Yanks.
Notoriously shaky starter, A.J. Burnett, turned in a decent performance for the pinstripes through six innings. He retired the first six batters he faced and looked sharp going perfect through two innings. Burnett was pitching on 17 days’ rest but held the Texas offense in check through the initial frames. The Yankees didn’t exactly help their struggling starter by lighting up the scoreboard. New York managed a measly three runs on seven hits against Texas pitching. Robinson Cano, seemingly the only Bomber who can actually blast bombs, belted a solo homerun in the second innings off Tommy Hunter. The Rangers got the run back in the top of the third, and tacked on another tally off the wild Burnett. Burnett’s wild pitch was followed by a hit batter to put runners at first and second for Elvis Andrus. The leadoff shortstop’s stroked an RBI grounder to first to tie the game. Michael Young’s infield single made it 2-1 Texas.
The Yankees got one run lead back in the bottom of the third. Curtis Granderson knocked in a run with a two-out single off Hunter. Brett Gardner’s grounder scored Alex Rodriguez to give the home team a 3-2 advantage in the fourth. Burnett preserved the lead in the fourth escaped a fifth frame jam before allowing the Rangers to take the lead for good on Molina’s sixth inning homerun. Texas’s three spot was followed by an annihilation of the Bombers’ bullpen the rest of the contest. The Rangers tacked on a pair of runs in the seventh on MVP-candidate, Josh Hamilton’s long ball. Hamilton homered off Boone Logan for a 6-3 Texas lead. Yankee reliever, Joba Chamberlain yielded a Vlad Guerrero double and walked Nelson Cruz on four pitches before Ian Kinsler’s RBI base hit.
Derek Holland gave Texas 3 2/3 innings of relief to earn the win. In the ninth, the Rangers continued to feast off the Yankee bullpen to win in convincing fashion. Hamilton hammered his second homerun off Sergio Mitre to lead off the frame. Cruz added a solo shot after driving a 0-2 offering from the 29 year old reliever. Former Bomber, Darren Oliver, closed out the game in the bottom of the ninth for visiting Texas. Oliver had little trouble in retiring the Yankees in order to wrap up the victory. The Yankees’ chances of winning three consecutive decisions is slight. They will have to do so without their first baseman. Eduardo Nunez is expected to replace Teixeira. Game five is today at 4pm. Yankee ace, C.C. Sabathia opposes Texas’ C.J. Wilson in a rematch of game one. If the wildcard-winning Yanks are going to return to the Fall Classic, they’ll have to do it on the road in seven games.
Parting Points: Will Melo be traded?
Lance Berkman is playing first base this afternoon for the Yanks.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Crazy Comeback
It was an ALCS game one comeback no one will soon forget. Never underestimate the New York Yankees. The Bombers clipped the Texas Rangers 6-5 in Arlington on Friday night in the opening game of the ALCS. New York trailed 5-1 through seven innings before rallying in the eighth to take a one run advantage and a 1-0 lead in the seven game series.
C.C. Sabathia struggled mightily pitching on eight days’ rest. Texas bashed the lefty around in the first innings for three runs on three hits. The Rangers batted around and would have extended their remarkable first frame had it not been for a terrific tag at the plate by Sabathia. After tossing a wild pitch, Sabathia made an athletic play to nail a sliding Nelson Cruz for the inning’s final out. Josh Hamilton pounded a three run homerun to give the home team a 3-0 advantage in the first. The Rangers added a pair of runs in the third to jump off to a 5-0 edge against the defending champions. Michael Young’s opposite field double was drilled to right-center to expand the Texas lead.
C.J. Wilson pitched a gem through the early innings for Texas. Wilson did not allow a run as the sluggish Yankee offense was turned away at the plate. The Texas hurler worked out of several jams and looked in good position to earn the post-season victory after cruising through seven. But the Bombers were determined to drive the ball and overcome Sabathia's bleak beginning. Sabathia was pulled after just four frames and 93 pitches. He was replaced by Joba Chamberlain. Chamberlain succeeded in preventing the game from getting any worse. Dustin Moseley was brought in during the sixth and seventh as the middle relievers combined for three scoreless innings.
New York finally put up a run in the top of the seventh. Second base All-Star, Robinson Cano, hammered a 1-1 offering to right for a homerun. In the eighth, things started to unravel for the Rangers as the Yankees sparked a come-from-behind rally in Texas. Wilson was knocked out of the game after allowing Derek Jeter’s run-scoring double. It was the third earned run by the Texas tosser, but the Rangers’ lead was still intact. Darren Oliver, former Yankee reliever, took over for Wilson. The southpaw slinger loaded the bases by walking the only two batters he faced before manager, Ron Washington, pulled him too. Side-arming right-hander, Darren O’Day, was summoned from the bullpen to face Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez ripped O’Day’s first pitch down the third base line for a two-run single. And just like that, the Rangers’ lead was narrowed to 5-4. Cano plated the tying run off Clay Rapada and ARod advanced to third on Hamilton’s error to set up the go-ahead tally. Rapada was replaced by young lefty, Derek Holland as Texas’ fifth pitcher of the frame. Holland failed to record an out before yielding a broken bat single by Marcus Thames that drove in Arod. Hollad retired the next three Yankees but the Bombers’ damage was already done. Cano led all hitters with three hits and two RBIs as New York spoiled Wilson’s seven serviceable innings.
Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera sealed the Yankee win with two scoreless innings. Wood worked around a leadoff walk in the eight and Rivera dusted off a base hit to strand the Texas base runners and earn the save. Mosley was credited with the win in front of the sellout crowd Friday. Moseley tossed two innings of middle relief and struck out four. Game two pits Colby Lewis against New York’s 18-game winner, Phil Hughes.
Parting Points: What a game last night. It reminded me a bit of the 2003 ALCS, but without the Aaron Boone walk off homer. This is why you never count out the Yanks, and why baseball is still the best game ever.
Buckeyes-Badgers today. Big road test for the Buckeyes.
Song of the day- “Love Song for No One” by John Mayer
“You wanted something beautiful…you wished for something true”- Foo Fighters
C.C. Sabathia struggled mightily pitching on eight days’ rest. Texas bashed the lefty around in the first innings for three runs on three hits. The Rangers batted around and would have extended their remarkable first frame had it not been for a terrific tag at the plate by Sabathia. After tossing a wild pitch, Sabathia made an athletic play to nail a sliding Nelson Cruz for the inning’s final out. Josh Hamilton pounded a three run homerun to give the home team a 3-0 advantage in the first. The Rangers added a pair of runs in the third to jump off to a 5-0 edge against the defending champions. Michael Young’s opposite field double was drilled to right-center to expand the Texas lead.
C.J. Wilson pitched a gem through the early innings for Texas. Wilson did not allow a run as the sluggish Yankee offense was turned away at the plate. The Texas hurler worked out of several jams and looked in good position to earn the post-season victory after cruising through seven. But the Bombers were determined to drive the ball and overcome Sabathia's bleak beginning. Sabathia was pulled after just four frames and 93 pitches. He was replaced by Joba Chamberlain. Chamberlain succeeded in preventing the game from getting any worse. Dustin Moseley was brought in during the sixth and seventh as the middle relievers combined for three scoreless innings.
New York finally put up a run in the top of the seventh. Second base All-Star, Robinson Cano, hammered a 1-1 offering to right for a homerun. In the eighth, things started to unravel for the Rangers as the Yankees sparked a come-from-behind rally in Texas. Wilson was knocked out of the game after allowing Derek Jeter’s run-scoring double. It was the third earned run by the Texas tosser, but the Rangers’ lead was still intact. Darren Oliver, former Yankee reliever, took over for Wilson. The southpaw slinger loaded the bases by walking the only two batters he faced before manager, Ron Washington, pulled him too. Side-arming right-hander, Darren O’Day, was summoned from the bullpen to face Alex Rodriguez. Rodriguez ripped O’Day’s first pitch down the third base line for a two-run single. And just like that, the Rangers’ lead was narrowed to 5-4. Cano plated the tying run off Clay Rapada and ARod advanced to third on Hamilton’s error to set up the go-ahead tally. Rapada was replaced by young lefty, Derek Holland as Texas’ fifth pitcher of the frame. Holland failed to record an out before yielding a broken bat single by Marcus Thames that drove in Arod. Hollad retired the next three Yankees but the Bombers’ damage was already done. Cano led all hitters with three hits and two RBIs as New York spoiled Wilson’s seven serviceable innings.
Kerry Wood and Mariano Rivera sealed the Yankee win with two scoreless innings. Wood worked around a leadoff walk in the eight and Rivera dusted off a base hit to strand the Texas base runners and earn the save. Mosley was credited with the win in front of the sellout crowd Friday. Moseley tossed two innings of middle relief and struck out four. Game two pits Colby Lewis against New York’s 18-game winner, Phil Hughes.
Parting Points: What a game last night. It reminded me a bit of the 2003 ALCS, but without the Aaron Boone walk off homer. This is why you never count out the Yanks, and why baseball is still the best game ever.
Buckeyes-Badgers today. Big road test for the Buckeyes.
Song of the day- “Love Song for No One” by John Mayer
“You wanted something beautiful…you wished for something true”- Foo Fighters
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Sinking the Sox
It was a Lonestar letdown for the AL East’s third place team Friday in Arlington. Texas topped the visiting Red Sox 10-9 in 11 innings on Nelson Cruz’s leadoff homerun off Tim Wakefield. The Boston knuckleballer had his first pitch crushed into the seats to suffer his third loss of the season. The Red Sox bullpen folded in relief of Josh Beckett, who allowed six runs in five innings. Still, Boston staked to an 8-2 advantage thanks to a seven run fourth inning to lead 8-2. Boston crumbled through the next five frames, allowing Texas to tie the game in the eighth inning. The Rangers went on to win the game to prevent the Sox from gaining any ground on the second place Rays. Both Texas and Boston have 66 wins, but the Rangers hold a sizeable division lead in the West, while Boston trails two teams for the East lead.
Cruz collected a pair of RBI’s for Texas, including a first inning infield single to drive in the Rangers’ first tally. Josh Hamilton scored the first run and was the offensive and defensive star for the home team. Hamilton went 4-for-5 at the dish and scored four runs while making three great outfield snags. Hamilton robbed Jed Lowrie of a possible homerun in the seventh before scoring the tying run in the eighth following his extra-base hit. Hamilton raised his major league leading batting average to .362.
Leadoff man, Elvis Andrus, gave the Rangers a 2-0 cushion in the second by driving in his 30th run of the year. Boston answered in the next inning off Texas starter, Tommy Hunter. Lowrie blasted a homerun off Hunter to pull the Sox within a run. Hunter allowed six hits for the gritty AL West Rangers. Boston knocked him around in the top of the fourth and eventually out of the game all together. David Ortiz led off the inning with a game tying solo shot. Adrian Beltre, the next batter, also went deep to give the Sox the lead. Beltre’s 427 foot shot was followed by another homerun. J.D. Drew took Hunter’s 1-2 offering for a ride to give Boston three straight long balls in the span of seven pitches. Scott Feldman came out of the pen, signaling the end of Hunter’s night. Mike Lowell drew a walk off the reliever and Marco Scutaro singled him in. Victor Martinez added a two-run base hit to put Boston ahead by five. Boston batted around in the fourth, completing their high scoring frame with Ortiz’s grounder that scored Scutaro.
The Rangers began to chip away at Boston’s lead beginning in the bottom of the fourth. Texas tallied two runs on Mitch Moreland’s homerun and made it a two-run game in the fifth on Michael Young’s tater. Drew found the seats again for Boston in the seventh inning off Texas’ Darren Oliver. Terry Francona taxed his dismal bullpen, sending seven relievers to the mound to preserve the game. Texas finished with 17 hits and rallied from a 8-2 deficit to close the gap in the seventh. The home team picked up a run on David Murphy’s sacrifice fly off of Felix Doubront. Boston set-up man, Daniel Bard, surrendered a run on Bengie Molina’s double to score Cruz.
Bard faced the dangerous Vlad Guerrero with two outs and a runner on second in the eighth inning. Guerrero grounded weakly to second base, but the Lowrie rushed the throw to first. The Texas slugger was ruled safe after Lowell came off the bag and Hamilton kept running until he crossed the plate. Both bullpens were effective in retiring batters in the ninth and tenth. Neither team connected for a hit until the decisive eleventh. Wakefield’s first pitch was drilled to left to send Boston home losers and handing David O’Day the win. O’Day hasn’t been scored upon since June 1 and has 26 1/3 straight scoreless frames for the Rangers. The teams go at it again tonight with Daisuke Matsuzaka facing off against the Texas southpaw, C.J. Wilson.
Parting Points: It’s great to see Karl “The Mailman” Malone and Scottie Pippin get some recognition.
K-Rod’s suspension is not severe enough. The Mets’ closer should be facing jail time because this is not the second time he’s been involved in off-the-field scuffles.
Cruz collected a pair of RBI’s for Texas, including a first inning infield single to drive in the Rangers’ first tally. Josh Hamilton scored the first run and was the offensive and defensive star for the home team. Hamilton went 4-for-5 at the dish and scored four runs while making three great outfield snags. Hamilton robbed Jed Lowrie of a possible homerun in the seventh before scoring the tying run in the eighth following his extra-base hit. Hamilton raised his major league leading batting average to .362.
Leadoff man, Elvis Andrus, gave the Rangers a 2-0 cushion in the second by driving in his 30th run of the year. Boston answered in the next inning off Texas starter, Tommy Hunter. Lowrie blasted a homerun off Hunter to pull the Sox within a run. Hunter allowed six hits for the gritty AL West Rangers. Boston knocked him around in the top of the fourth and eventually out of the game all together. David Ortiz led off the inning with a game tying solo shot. Adrian Beltre, the next batter, also went deep to give the Sox the lead. Beltre’s 427 foot shot was followed by another homerun. J.D. Drew took Hunter’s 1-2 offering for a ride to give Boston three straight long balls in the span of seven pitches. Scott Feldman came out of the pen, signaling the end of Hunter’s night. Mike Lowell drew a walk off the reliever and Marco Scutaro singled him in. Victor Martinez added a two-run base hit to put Boston ahead by five. Boston batted around in the fourth, completing their high scoring frame with Ortiz’s grounder that scored Scutaro.
The Rangers began to chip away at Boston’s lead beginning in the bottom of the fourth. Texas tallied two runs on Mitch Moreland’s homerun and made it a two-run game in the fifth on Michael Young’s tater. Drew found the seats again for Boston in the seventh inning off Texas’ Darren Oliver. Terry Francona taxed his dismal bullpen, sending seven relievers to the mound to preserve the game. Texas finished with 17 hits and rallied from a 8-2 deficit to close the gap in the seventh. The home team picked up a run on David Murphy’s sacrifice fly off of Felix Doubront. Boston set-up man, Daniel Bard, surrendered a run on Bengie Molina’s double to score Cruz.
Bard faced the dangerous Vlad Guerrero with two outs and a runner on second in the eighth inning. Guerrero grounded weakly to second base, but the Lowrie rushed the throw to first. The Texas slugger was ruled safe after Lowell came off the bag and Hamilton kept running until he crossed the plate. Both bullpens were effective in retiring batters in the ninth and tenth. Neither team connected for a hit until the decisive eleventh. Wakefield’s first pitch was drilled to left to send Boston home losers and handing David O’Day the win. O’Day hasn’t been scored upon since June 1 and has 26 1/3 straight scoreless frames for the Rangers. The teams go at it again tonight with Daisuke Matsuzaka facing off against the Texas southpaw, C.J. Wilson.
Parting Points: It’s great to see Karl “The Mailman” Malone and Scottie Pippin get some recognition.
K-Rod’s suspension is not severe enough. The Mets’ closer should be facing jail time because this is not the second time he’s been involved in off-the-field scuffles.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
California Clinches Championship
Mike Scioscia and the Anaheim Angels wrapped up the AL West title after an 11-0 romping of the Texas Rangers Monday night. The Angels won a lopsided game behind an invigorating Ervin Santana. The five-year Angel hurler helped the home team take their fifth division crown in six years with a complete game seven-hit shutout. The 92-64 Anaheim ballclub will open a first round best-of-five playoff series in California next week. Their opponent will be the AL wildcard winner. Boston is the heavy favorite and needs only one win or a Texas loss to earn a spot into the playoffs.
Kendry Morales, who clubbed just three longballs a year ago, smacked his 33rd of 2009. The first baseman drove in three runs, and was aided by outfield All-star, Vladimir Guerrero, on offense. Rookie flamethrower, Tommy Hunter, struggled to keep the home team off the bases. The Alabama native suffered the shortest start of his promising career. Maicer Izturis stroked three hits. Guerrero and Erick Aybar drove in a pair of runs apiece and Bobby Abreu also a three-hit night. Izturis keyed a three-run third inning with his two-run single. Abreu tripled and scored in the fourth. Hunter allowed seven hits and just as many runs in just 2 ½ frames. The Rangers’ relief effort was just as dismal. Dustin Nippert and Jason Grilli each gave up a run. Doug Mathis was of little support, permitting two runs in just one inning. Texas’s shoddy defense committed three errors that led to two unearned Angel runs. Conversely, Anaheim sparkled defensively and got an outstanding effort from their starting pitcher. The AL West Champions are 14-12 in September, and averaging only 4.2 runs per game. It is important they gain momentum heading into the final six games of the regular season. The offense racked up 12 hits against their division rivals. The bats were alive and the Angels used their gloves to smother Texas’ wildcard hopes.
The West was the Angels to win, and they were not going to be denied on this Monday night in front of their excited fans. After the division-clinching contest, the Angels formed a mob around the winning pitcher. They returned to the field after a short celebration to honor their deceased teammate, Nick Adenhart. The players reverently touched Adenhart’s #34 in the outfield and held up his jersey. The
bittersweet title was well-deserving. The Angels every year seem to differentiate themselves from the pack. They are a vastly underrated team as of late, and really have blossomed into a dominant franchise. What began as a doleful season may end in a World Series splash.
Parting points: It’s pre-season hockey time already? Cool.
What has gotten into those Minnesota Twins? They always find a way it seems.
“Don’t be surprised if I fall head over feet”-Alanis
Kendry Morales, who clubbed just three longballs a year ago, smacked his 33rd of 2009. The first baseman drove in three runs, and was aided by outfield All-star, Vladimir Guerrero, on offense. Rookie flamethrower, Tommy Hunter, struggled to keep the home team off the bases. The Alabama native suffered the shortest start of his promising career. Maicer Izturis stroked three hits. Guerrero and Erick Aybar drove in a pair of runs apiece and Bobby Abreu also a three-hit night. Izturis keyed a three-run third inning with his two-run single. Abreu tripled and scored in the fourth. Hunter allowed seven hits and just as many runs in just 2 ½ frames. The Rangers’ relief effort was just as dismal. Dustin Nippert and Jason Grilli each gave up a run. Doug Mathis was of little support, permitting two runs in just one inning. Texas’s shoddy defense committed three errors that led to two unearned Angel runs. Conversely, Anaheim sparkled defensively and got an outstanding effort from their starting pitcher. The AL West Champions are 14-12 in September, and averaging only 4.2 runs per game. It is important they gain momentum heading into the final six games of the regular season. The offense racked up 12 hits against their division rivals. The bats were alive and the Angels used their gloves to smother Texas’ wildcard hopes.
The West was the Angels to win, and they were not going to be denied on this Monday night in front of their excited fans. After the division-clinching contest, the Angels formed a mob around the winning pitcher. They returned to the field after a short celebration to honor their deceased teammate, Nick Adenhart. The players reverently touched Adenhart’s #34 in the outfield and held up his jersey. The
bittersweet title was well-deserving. The Angels every year seem to differentiate themselves from the pack. They are a vastly underrated team as of late, and really have blossomed into a dominant franchise. What began as a doleful season may end in a World Series splash.
Parting points: It’s pre-season hockey time already? Cool.
What has gotten into those Minnesota Twins? They always find a way it seems.
“Don’t be surprised if I fall head over feet”-Alanis
Friday, June 5, 2009
Foremost Friday Feelings
The Yankees were officially one third of the way through the season as they took the field for an engaging affair Thursday afternoon in the Bronx. When Mark Teixeira hustled hurriedly into second with a bases-clearing double in the fifth inning, I felt it was the biggest brunt of the day against the Texas Rangers. Teixeria is splendid when pouncing on pitchers and planting the ball the other way. It’s probably easier for Mark to facilitate hitting to the opposite field during his at-bats because he’s a switch-hitter. A double the other way against his former team not only tied the score, it continued a Yankees comeback rally. Melky Cabrera mashed a two-run tater in the eighth inning to break another tie score. Cabrera’s knock turned out to be the notable game-winner, but I still feel Teixeria’s taser was the more important jolt.
The Yankees won two of three in Texas when they played at the Arlington park in late May. Yesterday, they defeated the Rangers 8-6 in the rubber match of a three game set. What looked to be a disappointing excursion early on for the Bombers turned into a feel-good, stick-it-to-‘em style win. New York remained tied for first place in the AL East with the Boston Red Sox after the eight run Rangers romp.
Thursday was a building block start for pitcher, Chien-Ming Wang. Wang, returning to the rotation after stints on the DL and in relief, produced his best outing of the season. That isn’t saying much considering his ERA was ten digits higher than my age. However, Yankee skipper, Joe Girardi, did not expect Wang to go the distance or stun the illustrious Rangers lineup. Wang worked from the bullpen prior to Thursday’s return. He was able to induce ground balls during those brief appearances, but looked pretty patchy and sporadic yesterday. Although his velocity was good, his sinker was either too high or too low. The former ace was tagged for five runs and quickly let the game get away from him. Wang tossed 4 2/3 innings of seven hit ball.
After Johnny Damon homered to right field on a full count in the bottom of the first, the Yankees went without scoring until the fifth inning. Texas scored plenty in between the Bomber gaps. The Rangers’ rhapsody was initiated by a Wang wild pitch in the top of the third. After retiring the first six batters he faced, the Yankee starter slipped on the mound, and his pitch fell short of the plate. Chris Davis, who went 2 for 4 for Texas, scored on the play. Davis reached base on a lead-off ground-rule double to left. He advanced to third when Taylor Teagarden accurately applied a sacrifice bunt. Texas hitters are capable of playing small ball even with their power bats in the lineup. If the Rangers ever get a quality pitching staff together for a solid rotation, they can compete with the Angels for the AL West division. The Rangers were sitting on a four run lead through five innings against the Yankees. They need to find a way to close out games and capture the late-inning magic New York has discovered in 2009.
Hank Blalock and Michael Young hit back-to-back singles after Wang issued a walk to Ian Kinsler. Kinsler collected a run on the base hits to give his team a 2-1 lead before the inning was complete. It was Davis again in the fourth inning niggling Wang. Davis dropped another double, good for a pair of Texas runs, to extend the margin to 4-1 over the Yankees. David Murphy and Marlon Byrd scored on the rip to right after a single and double, respectively. Wang managed to get out of the no-out jam by retiring the next three Rangers batters he faced. He can’t consistently throw 100 pitches yet, has work to do, and does not look completely comfortable. But, Girardi is pinning his hopes on the return of his 19 game winner to the rotation.
The damage wasn’t done in the fifth. The Yankees recorded another error for the second time since breaking the consecutive error-less streak. Thankfully it had no bearing on the outcome of the inning. Wang’s wallowed wrist did, however. Nelson Cruz peppered a pitch for his 16th homerun of the year. The 400-plus foot dagger landed in the visitor’s bullpen. The center-field solo shot was the slugger’s ninth in 15 games. It was also the first long ball from a right-handed hitter off Wang in 22 starts and gave the Rangers a 5-1 advantage. Alfredo Aceves took over after Girardi pulled Wang from the game and promptly put runners on the corners. Aceves got Davis to pop out to end the inning.
Brandon McCarthy was the pitcher in the other dugout Thursday. The injury-plagued pitcher is still trying to prove his why he was once considered and elite prospect. Brandon posted a 2.48 in his previous four starts and was set to be the pitcher on the winning side in his next. McCarthy avoided further trouble through five innings after surrendering Damon’s homerun that just cleared the fence in the first. In the Yankees half of the fifth, Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena opened with soft singles to start the Yankee comeback. The young Yankees were poised to place their pinstriped pride in prime rally position. It’s becoming commonplace for the team’s eighth and ninth hitters, and bottom of the order, to come through. A walk to Damon loaded the bases for New York with Nick Swisher coming to bat. The scarcely serious Swisher spurred one of the best at-bats I’ve seen, and continues to impress me with his great eye at the plate. He was handcuffed on the first two pitches he chased but held back on McCarthy’s slider with the count full to draw the pass. Give Swisher the RBI for the base on balls. Down by just three now, Teixeria promenaded to home plate and took a quality changeup the other way down the third base line. The cue shot scribbled past Young at third at all runners scored. Mark hit the ball off the end of the bat. Young made a backhand attempt but the ball took off after hitting the dirt hard. McCarthy’s day was done because he kept falling behind in the count and wasn’t pitching effectively anymore. He dialed out six hits on six runs and three strikeouts. Jason Jennings trotted in from the Rangers bullpen to pitch to Alex Rodriguez. Arod greeted the reliever with a single and the Yankees led 6-5 when Texeria scored. Rodriguez has been looking more polished as the season staggers on but I still hear boos from the home crowd every time he collects an out. Whatever fans may think about Arod personally, they must know the team’s success is dependent on his bat. The theatrical third baseman capped the comeback Thursday.
The comeback was complete but the Rangers were not done feasting off Aceves. Kinsler blasted a homerun to left on a 0-1 count in the top of the sixth to notch the score at 6-6. The damage was limited to the solo shelling. The Yankees had a chance to go back on top when Swisher reached base again. Brett Gardner replaced him as a pinch runner but Texiera grounded into a double play. If Gardner steals, maybe Texiera’s ground out doesn’t end the inning. Mark belted the game-changing double in the fifth, so I won’t condemn him being doubled up here. The score remained deadlocked until the bottom of the eighth. C.J. Wilson entered the game for Texas and the 3-3 reliever issued a leadoff walk to Robinson Cano. He got Matsui to fly out. Wilson then gave up the tie breaking Melky blow. The ball was launched off Cabrera’s bat over a leaping Murphy in left field. Is it just me or do the Yankees really have Wilson’s number? It seems like this poor sap can never catch a break against New York. I’m not sure why he threw an off-speed pitch to Cabrera but am not complaining he did.
Yankee relievers, including Phil Coke, Dave Robertson and Mariano Rivera, deserve credit for keeping the Rangers in check with scoreless frames. The flighty pen showed improvement yesterday afternoon. Coke had two strikeouts and Robertson wound up the winner with his one-pitch toss. He retired Elvis Andrus on a fly ball with two outs in the eighth before Cabrera’s clip broke the tie in the bottom half. Rivera worked the ninth and dodged a few bullets. Mo had runners at the corners but was effective in striking out hard-hitting Cruz and manipulating Murphy into a game-ending popup to stop the scare. Marino’s cutter topped 93 on the radar gun as he closed the contest. Rivera picked up his 12th save and the Yankees their 17th win in 22 games. The series was their seventh win in the last eight. The comeback was the 19th of the year for the Bombers and the team’s fifth rubber tilt win. There has been a home run in all of New York’s 26 home games this season, but none bigger than Melky’s rocket on this day. The team has a nice look and the lineup is stacked with surly surging sluggers. If you’re a Yankees fan, you feel satisfied with the team’s ability to regroup and survive.
Parting points:
Thought of the day- How come horse races never end in ties?
“They were all in love with dying; they were doing it in Texas”- “Pepper” by Butthole Surfers
“It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I FEEL fine”- REM
The Yankees won two of three in Texas when they played at the Arlington park in late May. Yesterday, they defeated the Rangers 8-6 in the rubber match of a three game set. What looked to be a disappointing excursion early on for the Bombers turned into a feel-good, stick-it-to-‘em style win. New York remained tied for first place in the AL East with the Boston Red Sox after the eight run Rangers romp.
Thursday was a building block start for pitcher, Chien-Ming Wang. Wang, returning to the rotation after stints on the DL and in relief, produced his best outing of the season. That isn’t saying much considering his ERA was ten digits higher than my age. However, Yankee skipper, Joe Girardi, did not expect Wang to go the distance or stun the illustrious Rangers lineup. Wang worked from the bullpen prior to Thursday’s return. He was able to induce ground balls during those brief appearances, but looked pretty patchy and sporadic yesterday. Although his velocity was good, his sinker was either too high or too low. The former ace was tagged for five runs and quickly let the game get away from him. Wang tossed 4 2/3 innings of seven hit ball.
After Johnny Damon homered to right field on a full count in the bottom of the first, the Yankees went without scoring until the fifth inning. Texas scored plenty in between the Bomber gaps. The Rangers’ rhapsody was initiated by a Wang wild pitch in the top of the third. After retiring the first six batters he faced, the Yankee starter slipped on the mound, and his pitch fell short of the plate. Chris Davis, who went 2 for 4 for Texas, scored on the play. Davis reached base on a lead-off ground-rule double to left. He advanced to third when Taylor Teagarden accurately applied a sacrifice bunt. Texas hitters are capable of playing small ball even with their power bats in the lineup. If the Rangers ever get a quality pitching staff together for a solid rotation, they can compete with the Angels for the AL West division. The Rangers were sitting on a four run lead through five innings against the Yankees. They need to find a way to close out games and capture the late-inning magic New York has discovered in 2009.
Hank Blalock and Michael Young hit back-to-back singles after Wang issued a walk to Ian Kinsler. Kinsler collected a run on the base hits to give his team a 2-1 lead before the inning was complete. It was Davis again in the fourth inning niggling Wang. Davis dropped another double, good for a pair of Texas runs, to extend the margin to 4-1 over the Yankees. David Murphy and Marlon Byrd scored on the rip to right after a single and double, respectively. Wang managed to get out of the no-out jam by retiring the next three Rangers batters he faced. He can’t consistently throw 100 pitches yet, has work to do, and does not look completely comfortable. But, Girardi is pinning his hopes on the return of his 19 game winner to the rotation.
The damage wasn’t done in the fifth. The Yankees recorded another error for the second time since breaking the consecutive error-less streak. Thankfully it had no bearing on the outcome of the inning. Wang’s wallowed wrist did, however. Nelson Cruz peppered a pitch for his 16th homerun of the year. The 400-plus foot dagger landed in the visitor’s bullpen. The center-field solo shot was the slugger’s ninth in 15 games. It was also the first long ball from a right-handed hitter off Wang in 22 starts and gave the Rangers a 5-1 advantage. Alfredo Aceves took over after Girardi pulled Wang from the game and promptly put runners on the corners. Aceves got Davis to pop out to end the inning.
Brandon McCarthy was the pitcher in the other dugout Thursday. The injury-plagued pitcher is still trying to prove his why he was once considered and elite prospect. Brandon posted a 2.48 in his previous four starts and was set to be the pitcher on the winning side in his next. McCarthy avoided further trouble through five innings after surrendering Damon’s homerun that just cleared the fence in the first. In the Yankees half of the fifth, Francisco Cervelli and Ramiro Pena opened with soft singles to start the Yankee comeback. The young Yankees were poised to place their pinstriped pride in prime rally position. It’s becoming commonplace for the team’s eighth and ninth hitters, and bottom of the order, to come through. A walk to Damon loaded the bases for New York with Nick Swisher coming to bat. The scarcely serious Swisher spurred one of the best at-bats I’ve seen, and continues to impress me with his great eye at the plate. He was handcuffed on the first two pitches he chased but held back on McCarthy’s slider with the count full to draw the pass. Give Swisher the RBI for the base on balls. Down by just three now, Teixeria promenaded to home plate and took a quality changeup the other way down the third base line. The cue shot scribbled past Young at third at all runners scored. Mark hit the ball off the end of the bat. Young made a backhand attempt but the ball took off after hitting the dirt hard. McCarthy’s day was done because he kept falling behind in the count and wasn’t pitching effectively anymore. He dialed out six hits on six runs and three strikeouts. Jason Jennings trotted in from the Rangers bullpen to pitch to Alex Rodriguez. Arod greeted the reliever with a single and the Yankees led 6-5 when Texeria scored. Rodriguez has been looking more polished as the season staggers on but I still hear boos from the home crowd every time he collects an out. Whatever fans may think about Arod personally, they must know the team’s success is dependent on his bat. The theatrical third baseman capped the comeback Thursday.
The comeback was complete but the Rangers were not done feasting off Aceves. Kinsler blasted a homerun to left on a 0-1 count in the top of the sixth to notch the score at 6-6. The damage was limited to the solo shelling. The Yankees had a chance to go back on top when Swisher reached base again. Brett Gardner replaced him as a pinch runner but Texiera grounded into a double play. If Gardner steals, maybe Texiera’s ground out doesn’t end the inning. Mark belted the game-changing double in the fifth, so I won’t condemn him being doubled up here. The score remained deadlocked until the bottom of the eighth. C.J. Wilson entered the game for Texas and the 3-3 reliever issued a leadoff walk to Robinson Cano. He got Matsui to fly out. Wilson then gave up the tie breaking Melky blow. The ball was launched off Cabrera’s bat over a leaping Murphy in left field. Is it just me or do the Yankees really have Wilson’s number? It seems like this poor sap can never catch a break against New York. I’m not sure why he threw an off-speed pitch to Cabrera but am not complaining he did.
Yankee relievers, including Phil Coke, Dave Robertson and Mariano Rivera, deserve credit for keeping the Rangers in check with scoreless frames. The flighty pen showed improvement yesterday afternoon. Coke had two strikeouts and Robertson wound up the winner with his one-pitch toss. He retired Elvis Andrus on a fly ball with two outs in the eighth before Cabrera’s clip broke the tie in the bottom half. Rivera worked the ninth and dodged a few bullets. Mo had runners at the corners but was effective in striking out hard-hitting Cruz and manipulating Murphy into a game-ending popup to stop the scare. Marino’s cutter topped 93 on the radar gun as he closed the contest. Rivera picked up his 12th save and the Yankees their 17th win in 22 games. The series was their seventh win in the last eight. The comeback was the 19th of the year for the Bombers and the team’s fifth rubber tilt win. There has been a home run in all of New York’s 26 home games this season, but none bigger than Melky’s rocket on this day. The team has a nice look and the lineup is stacked with surly surging sluggers. If you’re a Yankees fan, you feel satisfied with the team’s ability to regroup and survive.
Parting points:
Thought of the day- How come horse races never end in ties?
“They were all in love with dying; they were doing it in Texas”- “Pepper” by Butthole Surfers
“It’s the end of the world as we know it, and I FEEL fine”- REM
Friday, March 20, 2009
Ryan’s Rebounding, Rebuilding Rangers
Nolan Ryan, the former major league pitcher, recognizes the Rangers are in a rebuilding and rebounding phase. New pitching coach, Mike Maddux, was hired to be the central figure in Texas. The Rangers’ pitching reeks, and always has been the team’s downfall. Manager, Ron Washington, is stressing strong fielding as another general principle focus this Spring. The sloppy play performances as of late for the Rangers won’t float in the American League. One significant switch occurring earlier in the winter was Michael Young’s transition from shortstop to third base. Texas’ commitment to their young shortstop prospect, Elvis Andrus, has created a stirring and stimulating Spring storyline. Young was reluctant to move at first and took offense to the notion of making the transition to the hot corner. The All-Star shortstop finally conceded his position to the 20 year old Caracas, Venezuela native. The Rangers were quiet and did not swing too many off-season deals. They play in one of the league’s hitter-friendly parks and that only hurts their pitching staff more. The announcements of arrivals Derrick Turnbow and Eddie Guardado off the free agent market were relatively immaterial. The most imperative trade was catcher, Gerald Laird, to Detroit. Because Texas has depth at catcher, it was not a huge loss. It also opens up the competition between Jarrod Saltalamacchi and Taylor Teagarden for the starting backstop. In addition to Laird, the Rangers also parted ways with two right-handed pitchers, Kameron Loe and Jamey Wright, and the malcontent but competent outfielder, Milton Bradley. Bradley signed with the Cubs this winter.
Ryan is a great influence and a hailed hero in Texas. He remains focused on delivering the goods pitching-wise and emphasizing durability. Nolan has spent a sizable amount of time of on team development, maturity and bondage. The rotation is comprised of two veterans Kevin Milwood and Vincente Padilla. Both rightys need to give the Rangers more innings and step up as the number one and two arms, respectfully. Millwood’s production last year was awful and he only won 9 games for Texas. It was Kevin’s worst season as a Ranger. He needs to rebound and find his form. Millwood had 16 wins in 2006 and 10 wins in 2007. He isn’t the same pitcher he once was in Atlanta, but can give solid outings with enough run support. Padilla, the 31 year old, had a winning 14-8 record in 2008. His 4.7 ERA was average and his homerun total was too high. Consistency can definitely improve for Vincente, although he doesn’t walk many batters so his control is respectable. The Rangers have question marks at the middle and back-end of their rotation. Brandon Mcarthy has a devastating slurve, but has been ineffective as a Texas starter. The above-average pitch won’t be a winning formula unless Brandon actually takes the mound. He only threw 22 innings last year because he couldn’t stay on the field. If McCarthy’s health comes into question again, it could pave the way for the team’s top prospects, Derek Holland or Neftali Feliz. Scott Feldman is expected to join the party when the season kicks off in Arlington. Feldman was surprisingly reliable last year and could be the third starter. Scott was the team’s best pitcher and threw the most innings. In 151 innings, Feldman’s ERA was 5.29. The 26 year old doesn’t have the stuff to be an ace and he doesn’t strike out many hitters. But, he’s good enough to start and if he eats innings in 2009, Texas should be able to win some games with his arm. Left-hander, Matt Harrison, has a grand total of 90 days in the majors. The youngster is part of the mix for Washington’s inept pitching staff though. The 9-3 2008 record is promising and the Rangers are hopeful Matt will mature this summer.
The Texas bullpen welcomes back closers, C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco. Each has success pitching in the closer role last year. Wilson is a lefty who amassed 24 saves but Francisco has the inside track because he is more effective in the final innings. The security of the two should benefit Texas’ relief effort during the season. Francisco has a good ERA to go along with a tight fastball. Wild Wilson I like for some reason despite his inconsistency and erratic statistics. He would be better suited to set up Francisco. Texas should seek to add relievers near the trade deadline if they want a half-chance at winning the AL West. The Angels and A’s both have better and more productive overall staffs, and better fielders. Righty, Joaquin Benoit is one of the Rangers’ long-relievers. However, the durable Benoit will miss half the season with a torn rotator cuff. Turnbow, or three other rightys on the roster, will replace him. Warner Madrigal, Josh Rupe and Dustin Nippert are all unproven which is why Turnbow was a good addition. Rupe was 3-1 in 46 games last year, Nippert went 3-5 in 20 games, and Madrigal pitched 36 innings with no wins and two losses. I like the Wheeling, W.V. native, Nippert, to be the leading candidate for long-relief, assuming he is not injured. Guardado is a fragile lefty but he gets the job done more often than not. Perhaps the two prospects waiting in the wings, Feliz and Holland, will get late season call ups to provide relief aid.
Texas’ effort at the plate is their greatest asset, especially at home. Outfielder, Josh Hamiliton, had a career, all-star, season in 2008. He was arguably the first-half league MVP. Josh bats third and plays right field. He clubbed 32 homeruns, batted .304 and batted in a whopping 130 last year. This Spring, Josh is hitting over .400 and his work ethic is excellent. The outlook for Hamilton is good because he’s a player playing in his prime at age 27. Josh has the physique and physical strength and traits of a major leaguer. Because Hamilton and hammering Hank Blalock are both left-handed, Washington will probably slate to RF Nelson Cruz to hit cleanup. DH Blalock is the preferable choice with his good attitude and solid bat. He won’t see a lot of time at 3B with Young being the Gold Glove caliber infielder. But Hank is also sidelined with soreness this Spring that has hindered his play the past two seasons. Blalock has to get back on track and that will only happen with more plate time and good health. Young will likely hit second behind Ian Kinsler. Young is one of my favorite players in baseball. I consider him one of the most dexterous fielders and he can also lace the ball. He is used to batting cleanup and playing shortstop so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the new position on the field and the order. The career .300 hitter is good for at least 100 runs each year with his speed. The Rangers can do more on the bases with Michael hitting higher in the order. Kinsler plays second base and as a leadoff hitter, has excessive power. Kinsler’s improvement last year was indicative in his .319 average and 18 homeruns. He strikes out more often than he walks, which is usually a problem for the number one hitter. But Ian is young enough to improve and practice patience now. He’s a tall, big kid with a bright future and good makeup. Marlon Byrd and David Murphy could platoon the LF position. Byrd is a middle of the order slugger and could see time at DH when Blalock sits. He isn’t a quality starting player although has the ability to hit for a high average. Byrd is reliable in late inning and pinch hitting situations. Murphy is a nice lefty bat for Texas who could see quality time against right-handed pitchers. He went to Baylor and was born in Houston. Chris Davis, Saltalamacchia and Andrus are the bottom three hitters in the Ranger lineup. First baseman Davis is very young but has power potential. He had 17 long balls and 51 runs in his 295 at-bat rookie season last year. Davis has extra-base hit promise too. Saltalamacchia’s glove is valuable and his stick sturdy. Jarrod won’t hit a lot of homeruns nor will he have a low strikeout total. The 23 year old does provide a solid catcher and can give the Rangers at least 100 games.
On the bench for the rebounding Rangers are veteran infielder, Omar Vizquel and utility player, Max Ramirez. Ramirez can play the infield, DH and be the teams’ third string catcher if he makes the team. Travis Metcalf is an infield reserve player competing in camp this Spring too. Vizquel is Washington’s primary utility man and has one of the best gloves in recent history at the shortstop position. The 41 year old should prove a commodity to young Andrus at short. Teagarden is expected to split time with Saltalamacchia and will add to the Rangers’ deficient bench.
No one is expecting the Rangers to run away with any division titles. That may be the motivating factor for a team on the rebound. Hamilton and Blalock are team leaders and Vizquel adds a much-needed all-star veteran to the clubhouse. Texas did sign the former promising pitcher, Kris Benson, to a minor league deal. If Benson can get his act together, he could be the x-factor for a winning Texas season. The fielding was given a pass to the mediocre pitching in 2008, but perhaps it was the most important reason the Rangers missed the playoffs. Their error total needs to be reduced and the hitters need to keep their averages on the high end. Ryan has this team composed to players ready to prove themselves but it might not be enough to actually win ballgames. The offense does not have one guy who really tears the cover off the ball but there are certain guys who can make statements offensively. I can see the Rangers making a late playoff push but expect they will stall at the start of the season. The temperamental tossers and slapdash sluggers spell disaster down South.
Parting points: Book off my shelf: A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Song for the day: “Here in Your Bedroom”- Goldfinger
Ryan is a great influence and a hailed hero in Texas. He remains focused on delivering the goods pitching-wise and emphasizing durability. Nolan has spent a sizable amount of time of on team development, maturity and bondage. The rotation is comprised of two veterans Kevin Milwood and Vincente Padilla. Both rightys need to give the Rangers more innings and step up as the number one and two arms, respectfully. Millwood’s production last year was awful and he only won 9 games for Texas. It was Kevin’s worst season as a Ranger. He needs to rebound and find his form. Millwood had 16 wins in 2006 and 10 wins in 2007. He isn’t the same pitcher he once was in Atlanta, but can give solid outings with enough run support. Padilla, the 31 year old, had a winning 14-8 record in 2008. His 4.7 ERA was average and his homerun total was too high. Consistency can definitely improve for Vincente, although he doesn’t walk many batters so his control is respectable. The Rangers have question marks at the middle and back-end of their rotation. Brandon Mcarthy has a devastating slurve, but has been ineffective as a Texas starter. The above-average pitch won’t be a winning formula unless Brandon actually takes the mound. He only threw 22 innings last year because he couldn’t stay on the field. If McCarthy’s health comes into question again, it could pave the way for the team’s top prospects, Derek Holland or Neftali Feliz. Scott Feldman is expected to join the party when the season kicks off in Arlington. Feldman was surprisingly reliable last year and could be the third starter. Scott was the team’s best pitcher and threw the most innings. In 151 innings, Feldman’s ERA was 5.29. The 26 year old doesn’t have the stuff to be an ace and he doesn’t strike out many hitters. But, he’s good enough to start and if he eats innings in 2009, Texas should be able to win some games with his arm. Left-hander, Matt Harrison, has a grand total of 90 days in the majors. The youngster is part of the mix for Washington’s inept pitching staff though. The 9-3 2008 record is promising and the Rangers are hopeful Matt will mature this summer.
The Texas bullpen welcomes back closers, C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco. Each has success pitching in the closer role last year. Wilson is a lefty who amassed 24 saves but Francisco has the inside track because he is more effective in the final innings. The security of the two should benefit Texas’ relief effort during the season. Francisco has a good ERA to go along with a tight fastball. Wild Wilson I like for some reason despite his inconsistency and erratic statistics. He would be better suited to set up Francisco. Texas should seek to add relievers near the trade deadline if they want a half-chance at winning the AL West. The Angels and A’s both have better and more productive overall staffs, and better fielders. Righty, Joaquin Benoit is one of the Rangers’ long-relievers. However, the durable Benoit will miss half the season with a torn rotator cuff. Turnbow, or three other rightys on the roster, will replace him. Warner Madrigal, Josh Rupe and Dustin Nippert are all unproven which is why Turnbow was a good addition. Rupe was 3-1 in 46 games last year, Nippert went 3-5 in 20 games, and Madrigal pitched 36 innings with no wins and two losses. I like the Wheeling, W.V. native, Nippert, to be the leading candidate for long-relief, assuming he is not injured. Guardado is a fragile lefty but he gets the job done more often than not. Perhaps the two prospects waiting in the wings, Feliz and Holland, will get late season call ups to provide relief aid.
Texas’ effort at the plate is their greatest asset, especially at home. Outfielder, Josh Hamiliton, had a career, all-star, season in 2008. He was arguably the first-half league MVP. Josh bats third and plays right field. He clubbed 32 homeruns, batted .304 and batted in a whopping 130 last year. This Spring, Josh is hitting over .400 and his work ethic is excellent. The outlook for Hamilton is good because he’s a player playing in his prime at age 27. Josh has the physique and physical strength and traits of a major leaguer. Because Hamilton and hammering Hank Blalock are both left-handed, Washington will probably slate to RF Nelson Cruz to hit cleanup. DH Blalock is the preferable choice with his good attitude and solid bat. He won’t see a lot of time at 3B with Young being the Gold Glove caliber infielder. But Hank is also sidelined with soreness this Spring that has hindered his play the past two seasons. Blalock has to get back on track and that will only happen with more plate time and good health. Young will likely hit second behind Ian Kinsler. Young is one of my favorite players in baseball. I consider him one of the most dexterous fielders and he can also lace the ball. He is used to batting cleanup and playing shortstop so it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the new position on the field and the order. The career .300 hitter is good for at least 100 runs each year with his speed. The Rangers can do more on the bases with Michael hitting higher in the order. Kinsler plays second base and as a leadoff hitter, has excessive power. Kinsler’s improvement last year was indicative in his .319 average and 18 homeruns. He strikes out more often than he walks, which is usually a problem for the number one hitter. But Ian is young enough to improve and practice patience now. He’s a tall, big kid with a bright future and good makeup. Marlon Byrd and David Murphy could platoon the LF position. Byrd is a middle of the order slugger and could see time at DH when Blalock sits. He isn’t a quality starting player although has the ability to hit for a high average. Byrd is reliable in late inning and pinch hitting situations. Murphy is a nice lefty bat for Texas who could see quality time against right-handed pitchers. He went to Baylor and was born in Houston. Chris Davis, Saltalamacchia and Andrus are the bottom three hitters in the Ranger lineup. First baseman Davis is very young but has power potential. He had 17 long balls and 51 runs in his 295 at-bat rookie season last year. Davis has extra-base hit promise too. Saltalamacchia’s glove is valuable and his stick sturdy. Jarrod won’t hit a lot of homeruns nor will he have a low strikeout total. The 23 year old does provide a solid catcher and can give the Rangers at least 100 games.
On the bench for the rebounding Rangers are veteran infielder, Omar Vizquel and utility player, Max Ramirez. Ramirez can play the infield, DH and be the teams’ third string catcher if he makes the team. Travis Metcalf is an infield reserve player competing in camp this Spring too. Vizquel is Washington’s primary utility man and has one of the best gloves in recent history at the shortstop position. The 41 year old should prove a commodity to young Andrus at short. Teagarden is expected to split time with Saltalamacchia and will add to the Rangers’ deficient bench.
No one is expecting the Rangers to run away with any division titles. That may be the motivating factor for a team on the rebound. Hamilton and Blalock are team leaders and Vizquel adds a much-needed all-star veteran to the clubhouse. Texas did sign the former promising pitcher, Kris Benson, to a minor league deal. If Benson can get his act together, he could be the x-factor for a winning Texas season. The fielding was given a pass to the mediocre pitching in 2008, but perhaps it was the most important reason the Rangers missed the playoffs. Their error total needs to be reduced and the hitters need to keep their averages on the high end. Ryan has this team composed to players ready to prove themselves but it might not be enough to actually win ballgames. The offense does not have one guy who really tears the cover off the ball but there are certain guys who can make statements offensively. I can see the Rangers making a late playoff push but expect they will stall at the start of the season. The temperamental tossers and slapdash sluggers spell disaster down South.
Parting points: Book off my shelf: A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Song for the day: “Here in Your Bedroom”- Goldfinger
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