Rangers started the season 3-0, then lost 7 of the next 8, wheels flying off all over the place. Matt Harrison in the thrid inning of that losing cycle all of a sudden starts listening to the pitching coach Mike Maddux (and following the example of Kevin Millwood) - works quicker, establishes the fast ball. Next thing you know, the starting pitching is great, rangers go 14-7 over the last 21, including a long wierd road trip. Padilla has two games in a row that he only allows 1 hit while going at least seven innings. The Rangers ERA plummets, bullpen is healthy and rested.
I dont know if the Rangers can compete with the Angles over the entire season, but man are they fun to watch right now.
By the way, the following is another great blog on all things TX rangers - and dallas sports. Hosted by Evan Grant, formerly of the Dallas Morning News, also has Bob (sports) Sturm (KTCK 1310 AM the ticket) as a contributor.
http://insidecorner.dmagazine.com/
Why Not the Rangers
Discussion in 'Sports Forum' started by Jimmy C, May 13, 2009.
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I am glad that my second favorite team, the Rangers, is doing well since the Astros are not. Currently, the Rangers now have priority over the Astros for listening to games on the Internet.
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Hank Blalock walk off 2-run double in the bottom of the 11th tonight - Rangers win 6-5. :thumbs:
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McCarthy was competent tonight. 4 runs in seven innings, outlasted the Seattle starter. CJ tried to give all Ranger fans a heart attack, Hamilton CRUSHED that home run tonight. 2 homers in two games since he has come of the DL.
Elvis Andrus made another amazing play behind second base - this kid is only 20 yrs old -
Matt Harrison was fantastic - even though he lost his scoreless innings streak (22 or so) he only gave up two runs and pitched a complete game. King Felix dominated the Rangers through 7, seattle pulled him (pitch count). In the 9th Blalock hit a a dinger to put the rangers down by one, Murphy doubled and Chris (Crush) Davis nailed a 95 MPH fastball from Morrow to right center for a two run walk off homer.
Morrow must be on double suicide watch after losing two games when he had a lead going into the last inning.
WHY NOT THE RANGERS! -
When you're hot, you're hot! :thumbs:
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A tough 9th inning tonight but the Rangers held on. Kinsler and Andrus are playing as good middle infield right now as I have ever seen.
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How about that play to end the game today?
I'm not sure it was really justified to throw Lackey out after 2 pitches; one behind Kinsler and the next hit him in the ribs. Considering that Padilla's first 6 pitches all missed badly compared to how he threw later, having warmed up with an 80-minute delay and such heavy humidity seems to show that had an effect on both starters' arms. -
Rangers SWEEP LAA !!!!!
The starting pitching continues to amaze. Elvis is the man - he and Kinsler look special on the DP
Yes I would have thrown Lackey out. He has been one of the best pitchers in the majors and throws behind Kinsler (at his shoulders no less - very dangerous) then hits him in the ribs - oh yea, Kinsler hit two homers the night before.
when a major leaguer throws behind a batter, you know its intentional -
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It appears the wheels are back on and all is good in Arlington.
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Now it is time to take on the Tigers. I have no idea how either team will fare, because both teams are wildly inconsistent. I give the edge to the Tigers being at home, though.
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Our rotation has been pretty decent so far. Much improved over last years fiasco which I think was just a fluke. -
good win for the tigers last night. Rangers manage only a first inning hit yesh...
McCarthy was fine, allowing 4 runs, most days that will net a win.
tonight's game is intriguing, we will see if Harrison can do it again. -
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As to the Rangers. I think they can compete with the Angels. It will be tough though. Personally I would rather seem them take the division.
I am also glad to see how well the Blue Jays have done so far this year. -
Wow, I got really mad at the Tigers after the Twins series and now they've won 6 in a row. I don't think Rodney is the weak link on this team - he hasn't blown a save yet, and even the best of closers blow 3 or 4 games a year. Our weak link is the middle relief (Lyon is awful). Zumaya is good but he could be better if he would learn to be a pitcher like what Verlander's learned to do. And if we get Bonderman back healthy and Willis is back, this team should go to the playoffs. The other area of concern is offensive inconsistency, but with good starting pitching, we can overcome that.
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The tigers have a very intriguing team - I really like the look of them after watching them beat the Rangers 6 times. If you take the tigers out of the mix the Rangers are something like 24-11.
Tough win v houston tonight - Wheels back on!!!