Should I begin taking my Rangers seriously?

[Ballcox]

Ok, I'll admit it-I'm a lifelong Rangers fan and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it. I guess it's part of some kind of cosmic balance with sports. Being a fan of the Spurs, Cowboys, Stars and all Longohrn sports I've been pretty fortunate over the past 10 plus years in terms of championships, etc. And I guess being a Rangers fan kind of keeps me grounded, but I'm wathcing this year's team and these guys actually have the look of a possible post-season contender. I know it's damn early to speculate like this, but it looks as though we finally have a consistent closer (Cordero never really looked like the guy for the job), the starting pitching is coming around, we've got some good young arms in the farm system, and the offense has been there for a while now. Am I getting to optimistic? Am I about to be let down again? Any feedback from the other 2-3 Rangers fans in the forum? Much appreciated. :smokin

[degenerate_gambler]

As far as the Rangers go, you're analysis is spot on. If, given their second half of the season tradition of circling the shower drain, they can play minimum .500 ball, I think they win the division.

From all indications, Billy Beane is going to be forced to trade Zito at some point this season for something or lose him to free agency after the season. Without him, I can't see Oakland going on one of their post All Star game runs and taking the division title.

[leemajors]

they're still the strangers till they prove otherwise.

[FromWayDowntown]

I'd be surprised -- really, really surprised -- if the Angels didn't make a run and end up winning the division. They have some definite weaknesses at 1B and 3B and they probably miss Bengie Molina more than anyone would ever let on. But, if they get Colon back and if they get anything out of Jeff Weaver, they're going to be tough. Plus, they have a glut of top-notch middle infield prospects (Howie Kendrick, Brandon Wood, Erick Aybar) who sellers on the trading market will be willing to take in exchange for major league players. If the Angels want to deal to try to win now, they have the ammunition to get it done.

[tlongII]

The Mariners have enough talent to hang with anybody in the Western Division. They just need to start winning some road games.

[Melmart1]

Yes, you should take them seriously. The division is up for grabs and we got a lot of bats, and the pitching has been better than expected this year (I know, still not saying much). But there are other reasons to be happy:

- They are winning on the road
- Buck has finally realized that Gerald Laird is a better catcher than Rod Barajas and will be utilizing him more
- Jason Botts at DH is the real deal
- Hank Blalock is back to form
- Ian Kinsler gives as as much hitting as Soriano did, but with MUCH better defense
- Cordero seems to be returning to form and has 2 saves in 2 tries. Otsuka is just lights-out, no matter if he is setup or closing
- Eaton and Frankie Francisco should be back this season

Of course, there are detractions like not having a 5-man rotation and the like. But I think they still have a legit chance. Oakland is usually a second-half team but I don't think they have the pieces to put together a run. Mariners have talent but there is still something missing. That leaves Anaheim. Colon was pitching poorly even before he went on the DL and I am not sure that he will be a factor. He has been injured a lot lately and that does not bode well.

If the Rangers can get some consistency together, they can make a run for it. In any other AL Division they would be toast but the West is relatively mediocre. I think it will be close, like in 2004. But right now, I would cautiously go with the Rangers.

[leemajors]

16-12 to royals. ouch. i just don't trust a staff whose ace is kevin milwood.

[fyatuk]

Ok, I'll admit it-I'm a lifelong Rangers fan and there isn't a damn thing I can do about it. I guess it's part of some kind of cosmic balance with sports. Being a fan of the Spurs, Cowboys, Stars and all Longohrn sports I've been pretty fortunate over the past 10 plus years in terms of championships, etc. And I guess being a Rangers fan kind of keeps me grounded, but I'm wathcing this year's team and these guys actually have the look of a possible post-season contender. I know it's damn early to speculate like this, but it looks as though we finally have a consistent closer (Cordero never really looked like the guy for the job), the starting pitching is coming around, we've got some good young arms in the farm system, and the offense has been there for a while now. Am I getting to optimistic? Am I about to be let down again? Any feedback from the other 2-3 Rangers fans in the forum? Much appreciated. :smokin

Hey, I love the Rangers too. But you should know by now you just enjoy what's going on now and not worry about what's going to happen next month. You survive longer as a fan that way ;)

[Solid D]

That game today (1st game of the Double-header) vs. Boston was verrrrry painful to watch on that last pitch. The Rangers had a 4-2 lead wiith Otsuka closing out and Big Papi had barely stayed alive by foul tipping a slider. 2 outs, 2 on. Otsuka throws a fastball right over the middle of the plate thank you very much.

Wonderful game for all Boston fans...what a waste otherwise.

[T Park]

Second game more than made up for it Solid.


The Rangers, IMO, if on the deadline, they can get ONE MORE pitcher, and another bullpen guy, they win the division, and, get ready for this, have a legit shot at the World Series.


Seriously.

[Melmart1]

Yeah, Solid that one hurt like hell. But instead of getting down about it, they came out and tied a team record for most hits in a game. You gotta love a team that can brush shit like that off. They have a lot of heart, these guys and that is part of the reason why I love them.

A split at Fenway is excellent! They were one foul tip away from getting 3/4, and they were neck-and-neck in Friday night's loss.

I would like to trust T Park's assessment but as a long-suffering Rangers fan, I will be happy just to make the playoffs, I won't try to dream bigger. I know better! :lol

But we may not need a big name pitcher- we have a few in rehab who are coming back soon, including Adam Eaton, who was supposed to be our no. 2 starter. If he can come back and give us a decent second half, it could be huge.

[T Park]

I wouldn't rely too much on Eaton, he wasn't impressive out here in San Diego, and one of his bigger problems was, well, like your seeing, he can't stay healthy.

[Solid D]

Otsuka was making me feel better about the Chris Young trade until yesterday. Nobody is perfect.

I was pretty upset and posted that here when Chris was traded, since Eaton was in his last year of his contract.

You may have noticed, but Chris has allowed 1 earned run in the past 22 innings pitched...he struck out 12 in 6 innings the other night...and he's 6-3 with a 3.25 ERA.

:depressed

[Melmart1]

Otsuka was making me feel better about the Chris Young trade until yesterday. Nobody is perfect.

I was pretty upset and posted that here when Chris was traded, since Eaton was in his last year of his contract.

You may have noticed, but Chris has allowed 1 earned run in the past 22 innings pitched...he struck out 12 in 6 innings the other night...and he's 6-3 with a 3.25 ERA.

:depressed

Yes, but he is also at PETCO park, one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in the league. PETCO makes even Chan Ho look good. He is also in the NL. Who would you rather face every night- a fellow pitcher who sucks or a hard-hitting DL like say David Ortiz?

There is NO WAY he puts those numbers up if he pitches at Ameriquest. Also, it will be interesting to see if he gets dead arm the second half of the year, like he did for the Rangers last year.

I still like this trade. W/O Otsuka this year, the Rangers are in last place right now.

[Solid D]

All true and excellent points, Melmart1.

I guess we'll just count our blessings, right?

[Melmart1]

As Rangers fans, that's all we can really do, Solid! :lol

[Das Texan]

The Rangers should be in it all year long.


Seattle probably drops out at some point, but the other 3 should battle all year long for the division.


Who can pick up that one impact player at the deadline may sway this in their favor.

[SA Gunslinger]

Yes, but he is also at PETCO park, one of the most pitcher-friendly parks in the league. PETCO makes even Chan Ho look good. He is also in the NL. Who would you rather face every night- a fellow pitcher who sucks or a hard-hitting DL like say David Ortiz?

There is NO WAY he puts those numbers up if he pitches at Ameriquest. Also, it will be interesting to see if he gets dead arm the second half of the year, like he did for the Rangers last year.

I still like this trade. W/O Otsuka this year, the Rangers are in last place right now.

I picked up Young off waivers in our Fantasy League. You make an excellent point about PETCO Park but Young is 3-0 on the road so far this season with a 2.21 era and 0.91 whips in six starts.

He had a terrible July last season but his numbers in August and September were fine.

[Melmart1]

Good points, SA Gunslinger. I don't look at the numbers cus personally I think it's silly to lust after something you no longer have. But in the Hitter's Paradise that is Ameriquest, he simply would not be pitching this well.

I would also argue that the NL is incredibly weak this year, and he would likely not have those numbers on the road in the AL. I just don't trust numbers when someone switches leagues, it is just never the same.

I still think Otsuka has been too valuable to us this season to worry about Chris Young. So great, we have Chris Young- and Cordero with 7 blown saves as our closer the last two months? It don't matter what your starting pitching does if your only option as the closer is a struggling Coco.

[T Park]

What was the WHOLE trade?

If there are prospects, you can't totally judge it, till you see how the prospects shake out.


BTW,

who the fuck pitched tonight.

6 runs in 3 innings to the damn White Sox.


Jose Contreras is a fucking beast.

11 strikeouts tonight did I hear right?

Against the Rangers lineup, thats VERY impressive.

[Melmart1]

John Koronka pitched tonight. He has been a little shaky lately but he did settle down a bit, at least. And yeah, 11 strikeouts is high new career high for Contreras. He dominated them. 3 ballgames in a 24 hour span then a 3 hr plane ride back to Arlington surely didn't help the Rangers out much. I am sure they will bounce back with a little rest.

[SA Gunslinger]

Jose Contreras is a fucking beast.

11 strikeouts tonight did I hear right?

Against the Rangers lineup, thats VERY impressive.

I was marveling at all of his different arm angles. He reminded me of Conehead.

[Solid D]

What was the WHOLE trade?

If there are prospects, you can't totally judge it, till you see how the prospects shake out.

The Padres received Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez and Terrmel Sledge.

The Rangers received Adam Eaton, Akinori Otsuka and Billy Killian.

[Solid D]

BTW, Adrian Gonzalez is playing very well. His Batting Avg. is still a little low (.271) but he's the Padres 3rd best in HRs (7), RBI (23), Hits (54), Total Bases (88) and Runs (28).

Adrian's known for his defense and it's showing with a .998 Fielding Pct. at 1B.

Sledge was a throw-in on the Wilkerson/Soriano trade and he's playing like a throw-in on this deal.

[Melmart1]

Damn, only a half game ahead of Oakland now. This race should be pretty exciting. Maybe TOO exciting for my taste! I remember in 2004 how dissapointing it was, they were in the race until like four days left in the season. Hopefully we get a much happier ending this time.

Adrian is excellent and sad to see him go, but he had ZERO chance of getting any kind of real playing time because of Teixeira. So at least he is playing now.

[T Park]

Maybe should've made him a DH, and tried working him into an outfielder.

[Melmart1]

Maybe should've made him a DH, and tried working him into an outfielder.

Well, the Rangers hoped that Phil Nevin would get out of his slump. They were paying him an awful lot to ride pine if they didn't use him at DH. Who knew they would be able to trade him?

There was also a logjam in the outfield, in fact there still sort of is, even with Laynce Nix in AAA. Guys with hot bats like Gary Matthews Jr and Mark DeRosa are fighting with Mench and Wilkerson for playing time out there. Though your idea is a good one, methinks he would have still been in AAA learning the outfield. Why do that when you can get some quality pitching in exchange for him?

Also Jon Daniels (our GM) seems to me to be a very aggressive guy and kinda already knew who he wanted to keep, ya know? But I think he has a keen eye, cus the Padres originally wanted Gerald Laird in the trade, our backup catcher. But he kept him and thank goodness- he is miles and away better than Rod Barajas. Now if only Buck would play him more :madrun

[T Park]

theyve gotten one quality pitcher Mel.

Adam Eaton has never been worth anything, please stop pinning your hopes on him!!!

[Melmart1]

theyve gotten one quality pitcher Mel.

Adam Eaton has never been worth anything, please stop pinning your hopes on him!!!

Where did I say I am pining my hopes on him?? I said he needs to give us a 'decent' second half. If he can do that, it will be good to have him back. Trust me, I do NOT see Eaton as a savior. I am realistically looking at this team and think they have a legit shot. That is all.

[T Park]

Im saying, in the context, of that it was a "good trade"