Pete Incaviglia's Big Baseball Taint

Former AL MVP looking for a job in Japan

2011-02-20T14:53:00.007-06:00

By WAYNE GRACZYK

One of baseball's most colorful and controversial figures is looking to make a comeback as a player at age 46, and his agent thinks Japan might be the place where Jose Canseco can resume his checkered career.

Nello Gamberdino, based in Chicago, represents the former major league superstar, and he has recently contacted all 12 Central and Pacific League teams, asking for a tryout for the one-time big league home run king and American League MVP.

Though it is obviously a long shot, Gamberdino thinks there is a chance some club will realize the potential of having the Canseco name in its lineup, despite the age factor, his history of using performance-enhancing substances and other off-the-field problems.

What has the agent excited is the fact Canseco played a stint last season in independent league ball with the Laredo Broncos (where he hit .385 with four homers and 13 RBIs in just 39 at-bats) and, according to Gamberdino, he went into the league out of shape but still looked good and hit some monster shots as he did regularly 15 or 20 years ago in the majors.

"He's been working out and is in great shape now," said Gamberdino, who added, "I know age is definitely an issue trying to land him somewhere, but I see where Japanese teams last season listed 16 players over the age of 40, including one (pitcher Kimiyasu Kudo of the Seibu Lions) who was 47.

"A second obstacle (in trying to get him a contract) is that people think it's a joke or publicity stunt; that he's only in it for the money, but Jose would play for free."

Gamberdino adds he wouldn't let his client play for nothing but would not be asking for a huge amount either.

Regarding the slugger's revelation of having used the banned substances and authoring a tell-all book, naming others who cheated, Gamberdino had this to say: "He took steroids and admitted so, but it's not so much what he did; rather the way he disclosed it by writing a book. Others who took steroids still enjoy playing and coaching (at a high level).

"I was not involved with him at that time and, as far as I am concerned, that is all water under the bridge. He is not taking steroids now and has not taken them in several years.

"Before deciding to take him as a client, I checked on him, and everyone with whom I talked who knew Jose said he was a great teammate; the first person to pick up a bill at a restaurant . . ."

Gamberdino has never been to Japan and never placed a player in Japan, so he does not have the contacts as do agents who have been regularly doing business with the Japanese teams. Canseco has experience playing in Japan as a member of the Major League Baseball's 1986 postseason All-Star touring team. That's when he was just breaking in with the Oakland Athletics at age 22 and was named the American League Rookie of the Year.

Gamberdino said he has sent a faxed letter to all 12 Japanese pro teams, trying to attract some interest. He had the message translated into Japanese and also sent it by regular post.

He confided that seven teams have responded, and four — Hanshin, Hiroshima, Softbank and Rakuten — said politely their foreign player rosters are full and they have no interest.

However, he said, as of Thursday, three clubs have left open the door for a possible connection, though he declined to name them. The other five teams have not responded.

Should a Central or Pacific League team decide to take a chance on Canseco, a contract would presumably have to be approved by the NPB, and there is precedent for a commissioner stepping in to dissuade a Japanese club from hiring an American player with a questionable background.

The late Steve Howe, in March of 1987, was invited to spring training by the Seibu Lions, but the former Los Angeles Dodgers star pitcher left the country after then-Japanese Commissioner Juhei Takeuchi said he would prefer Howe, suspended by Major League Baseball seven times for drug use, not play in Japan.

"There is no way we can know for sure (if Canseco can still play) unless some team gives him a chance. He would definitely put people in the seats, as attendance would skyrocket," said Gamberdino.

"He can still crush the ball and hit home runs, and it would not be a bad business decision. Work him out, and see if you don't think he can contribute as a first baseman or DH."

They are also trying the Korea Baseball Organization.

Rangers Sign Brett Tomko

2011-02-19T18:12:00.003-06:00

Veteran starting pitcher Brett Tomko has signed a minor league contract with the Rangers and has been invited to Spring Training.

Tomko, who has played for 10 teams over 13 years, has a career record of 100 wins against 102 loses with a 4.65 ERA. After determining that Scott Feldman, who is still recovering from micro-fracture surgery, won't be ready until possibly mid-season, Tomko represents added depth for the Rangers.

Tomko is the second veteran starter the Rangers have added to their roster via minor league deal, the first being 7-year vet Dave Bush.

Rangers off season in review

2011-02-19T10:25:00.008-06:00

Major League Signings:
Arthur Rhodes, RP (1-year, $3.9 million + option year)
Brandon Webb, SP (1-year, $3 million + incentives)
Yorvit Torrealba, C (2-year, $6.25 million)
Adrian Beltre, 3B (5-year, $80 million + option year)

Minor League Signings:
Seth McClung, RP
Dave Bush, SP
Brian Barden, 2B
Endy Chavez, OF
Yhency Brazoban, RP
Zach Jackson, SP
Omar Quintanilla, UTL
Barret Loux, SP ($312K)
Kevin Cash, C

International Signings
Yoshinori Tateyama, RP (1-year + 2 option years)
Hirotoshi Onaka, OF (minor league contract)
Rougned Odor, SS ($450K, Venezuela)
Alberto Triunfel, SS ($300K, Dominican Republic)

Trades and Claims:
Mike Napoli, C/1B (acquired from Toronto)
Ryan Kelly, RHP (acquired from Oakland, assigned to Hickory)
Mason Tobin, RHP (acquired from Chicago Cubs)

Notable Losses:
Cliff Lee, SP (signed w/ Philadelphia)
Vladimir Guerrero, DH (signed w/ Baltimore)
Frank Francisco , RP (traded to Toronto)
Bengie Molina, C (free agency)
Jeff Francoeur, OF (signed w/ Kansas City)
Max Ramirez, C (designated for assignment)
Clay Rapada, RP (designated for assignment, signed by Baltimore)
Brandon McCarthy (signed w/ Oakland)
Guillermo Moscoso (traded to Oakland)
Dustin Nippert (free agency)
Warner Madrigal (signed w/ New York Yankees)
Cristian Guzman (free agency)
Rich Harden (signed w/ Oakland)
Jorge Cantu (signed w/San Diego)
Nathan Haynes (outright release)
Doug Mathis, SP (signed w/ Cleveland)
Willie Eyre, RP (signed w/ Oakland)

Summary: After making their first ever World Series appearance, Texas now goes from being the hunter to the hunted. However, despite the losses of All-Stars Cliff Lee and Vladimir Guerrero, and reliever Frank Francisco, the Rangers will begin 2011 an improved roster over what they had Opening Day 2010.

'Depth' seems to be the key word for this off season as Texas has made several moves to give themselves greater flexibility with both their lineup and their pitching staff. The acquisition of multi-dimensional player Mike Napoli (C/1B/DH) and the free agent signing of All-Star 3B Adrian Beltre allows Texas to make All-Star (and current unhappy camper) Michael Young their primary DH and 'Super-Sub' player. Assuming Young isn't traded (which has gone from being imminent to unlikely) Texas is hoping to give him time at every position around the infield. Underrated player Andres Blanco adds to the depth as he not only plays 2B & SS, but spent some time at both Catcher and OF during Winter League play.

Also of note is the loss of hitting instructor Clint Hurdle, who helped steer the offense to a league leading .276 batting average. Hurdle left after just one season to fill the vacant managerial job in Pittsburgh. He was replaced by former big leaguer Thad Bosley. Despite the change, Texas is going to hit the ball, that's a given. There's far too much talent on the roster to expect otherwise. What is in question is what the change in philosophy, if any, will mean for the offense overall.

Cliff Lee going back to Philadelphia definitely hurt the Rangers rotation but it was far from a surprise. Texas wasted no time in at least trying to rebuild their rotation, signing former NL Cy Young winner Brandon Webb. Webb is an unknown quantity, coming off two years of arm troubles but Texas is hopeful a 1-year deal coupled with a healthy arm will produce a good year from the former ace. The Rangers also signed righty Dave Bush to a minor league deal with the belief that he can provide some back of the rotation depth should young guys like Derek Holland and Michael Kirkman come up short.

Texas is also counting on yet another 40-year old reliever to stabilize their bullpen. Last season, old man Darren Oliver had a nice season, posting a 2.48 ERA in 64 appearances. However, Oliver wore down as the season went on and was largely ineffective throughout most of the playoffs. The signing of fellow 40+ left-hander Arthur Rhodes is expected to take some of the pressure off Oliver and keep him fresh for the entire season. Rhodes, who made the All-Star team last season for the Reds, is a 19-year veteran and has extensive playoff experience. Texas also added sidewinding Japanese pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama and traded for a live arm in Mason Tobin. Both pitchers are expected to at least make a push for a spot in the bullpen.

Lastly, Texas made a couple of moves with an eye towards the future, signing former 1st round draft pick Barrett Loux along with a pair of athletic shortstops, Rougned Odor and Alberto Triunfel. Pitching, defense and speed continue to be the focus not only at the Major League level, but in the Minor League and Developmental levels as well.

Most people will point to the loss of Cliff Lee as something that pushes Texas out of the upper echelon in the AL, but this sort of thinking is short-sighted and exactly the sort of thing the Rangers can use to make yet another run to the World Series. Losing Lee hurts. He was unquestionably 'the man' in the playoffs, and without him Texas never would have made it to the World Series. However, Texas was far was inept prior to Lee's arrival. Fact is, Texas had a better regular season record without Lee (50-36), than with him (40-36). Moving forward, there's no reason to believe 2010 breakout stars C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis can't continue to make strides and carry the rotation, at least until Jon Daniels and Co. are able to make a deal for another arm. If they pitch as expected, and if players like Tommy Hunter can continue to grow, the Rangers should once again find themselves in the hunt for another AL West title with an eye towards another run at the World Series.

Taking A Look At The Competition, Pt. 1

2011-01-16T17:53:00.003-06:00

Despite financial limitations, the Oakland A's have been one of the busiest teams this off season. After finishing 81-81 (2nd in the AL West), Oakland set out to improve the one area where they have had a glaring weakness: their offense.

However, after missing out on the big name free agent bats of Lance Berkman (signed w/ St. Louis) and Adrian Beltre (signed w/ Texas), Oakland decided to make their areas of strength, stronger. Over the last couple of days, Oakland has added two legitimate arms, signing a pair of relievers in Grant Balfour and Brian Fuentes.

Balfour, a 7-year veteran, was outstanding two of the last three years in Tampa, compiling a 1.54 ERA in 2008 and 2.28 ERA in 2010. The righty also has playoff experience, having pitched in 5 different series and registering an ERA of 3.60.

Fuentes (4-time All-Star) could be an even bigger signing for Oakland. Since 2005, the left-hander has recorded 183 saves while putting up a 3.14 ERA. While he will not be the primary closer in Oakland, he will no doubt get his chances to close out a good many of their games.

The addition of Fuentes and Balfour to a bullpen which already includes the likes of Brad Ziegler (2.51 ERA in 3 seasons), Craig Breslow (2.87 ERA in 5 seasons), Michael Wuertz (9.7 K/9 over 7 seasons), and Andrew Bailey (2-time All-Star, 51 saves, 1.70 ERA in 2 seasons) means, that at least on paper, Oakland will go into the season with the strongest bullpen in baseball.
Their starting pitching appears to be every bit as talented as the bullpen. Oakland goes into Spring Training with 4 of their 5 rotation spots all but locked up, all by pitchers 26 years old or younger. The staff will be led by Gio Gonzalez (15 wins, 3.23 ERA) and Trevor Cahill (18 wins, 2.97 ERA), followed by Brett Anderson (2.80 ERA) and Dallas Braden (3.50 ERA). The 5th spot in the rotation could go to one of two former Rangers, Brandon McCarthy or Rich Harden. McCarthy, a pitcher with tons of talent, has yet to remain healthy enough to ever realize his full potential. Harden had a couple of nice seasons with Oakland in '04 and '05, but has spent much of the last 5 years on the disabled list.

Offensively, there remains several question marks. While Oakland was able to add David DeJesus (.289 BA in 8 seasons w/ Kansas City), Josh Willingham (102 HR in 5 seasons) and Hideki Matsui (21 HR, 84 RBI in 2010 w/ L.A. Angels), they traded away Rajai Davis (50 steals in 2010) and lost Jack Cust (97 HR, 300 RBI in 4 seasons) to free agency. To me, I don't see where much of any improvement was made with these additions when you factor in what they lost. No doubt the A's are hoping young players like Shortstop Cliff Pennington (.250 BA, 29 steals) and Chris Carter (123 HR, 406 RBI in 4 Minor League seasons) take the next step in their progression. They will also need veterans like Coco Crisp (32 steals) and Kurt Suzuki (13 HR, 71 RBI) to continue to produce if they are have any chance in the AL West. As it stands, Oakland may well show slight improvement offensively but will likely be looking to add another bat at some point during the season.

Overall, Oakland should be able to best their 81 wins of 2010. Their pitching should be top notch, they have a lineup filled with guys who know how to do the little things, and the additions of Matsui and Willingham should provide the team a little more pop in the middle of the order.

Hall of Fame Votes Are In

2011-01-05T13:07:00.006-06:00

Former Rangers pitcher Bert Blyleven, after 14 years spent on the ballot, has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Blyleven, who played parts of 2 seasons in Texas is a two-time World Champion and winner of 287 games, received 79.7% of the vote. Over the years, much has been made of Blyleven's 250 losses but one has to take into account the fact that nearly 30% of those were by one run. During the pitcher's 22 seasons, Blyleven played for the Twins, Pirates, Rangers, Indians & Angels.

Rafael Palmeiro made his first appearance on the Hall of Fame ballot and was greatly affected by his failing of a steroid test during his final season in 2005. Palmeiro famously pointed his finger at members of Congress during that same season and denied using steroids. The 20-year veteran retired with 569 homers and 3,020 hits, only the fourth player in history to amass more than 500 homers and 3,000 hits. The others are Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Eddie Murray, all of whom are in the Hall of Fame. Palmeiro received just 11% of the vote.

Juan Gonzalez is perhaps the hardest pill to swallow for Rangers fans with regards to the steroid era. Gonzo never failed a drug test but has long been suspected of such dealings. This is truly sad as he put up some unbelievable numbers over the course of his injury-plagued career. Gonzalez retired with 434 home runs and 1404 runs batted in, hitting a lifetime .295. His numbers are truncated by the fact he missed almost 4 full seasons during his 17 year career. Gonzalez, a 2-time MVP and 6-time Silver Slugger received just 5.2% of the vote.

Other former Rangers on the HoF ballot were DH Harold Baines and pitcher Kevin Brown. Baines, a 6-time All-star played parts of 2 seasons in Texas and retired with 2,866 hits. He received 4.8% of the vote. Kevin Brown, also a 6-time All-star, won 211 career games (78 wins in Texas) and won a World Title with Florida in 1997. Brown received 2.1% of the vote. With less than 5% of the vote, neither player will be included on future HoF ballots.

Beltre deal is done

2011-01-04T23:26:00.003-06:00

The great T.R. Sullivan is reporting that it's all over but the shouting in regards to the Adrian Beltre deal. The latest is that Beltre arrived in Texas late this afternoon to undergo his physical in preparation for an announcement of his signing tomorrow evening.

Beltre's agent and baseball anti-Christ, Scott Boras, also arrived in Texas and will hammer out the final details of the contract on Wednesday.

Welcome to Texas, Adrian. You've got your money, now don't go disappearing on us like you did in Seattle.

Michael Young open to change

2011-01-04T10:33:00.005-06:00

One of the biggest hurdles facing Texas with regards to any deal concerning Adrian Beltre is, what do you do with Michael Young?

In 2004, Young was asked to move from second base to short stop to make way for Alfonso Soriano. He did so without complaint, even winning a Gold Glove at the position. However in 2009, after his range dwindled to nothing, Young was asked to move to third base to make room for Elvis Andrus. At that time, Young demanded a trade. Texas explored those possibilities at that time, determining that Young's contract was such that his trade value was virtually nonexistent. Eventually, cooler heads prevailed and Young remained a Ranger.

Now, Young is again being asked to make a move, but this time there's a little more gray area involved. Young is apparently being asked to become a super-sub player, meaning he would apparently become the team's primary DH, while spelling Moreland, Kinsler, Beltre & Andrus around the infield. Honestly, this is the perfect fit for Young and something I've been begging for since the end of the 2009 season. As a super-sub, Young's deficiencies with the glove can be better hidden, allowing him to make his hay with his bat. In an earlier post I noted that Yong is a lifetime .388 hitter when hitting as the Designated Hitter.

Young, initially skeptical of the move, has apparently come around on the idea (or, is at the very least saying all the right things) and has said he'll do whatever most helps the team win.

"Obviously, I know my first preference," Young told T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. "If I have to take on a certain role to make the team better and I still get my 700 at-bats, be a productive player and play in a place I want to play, I'd be willing to do that."

Assuming this deal with Beltre gets done (rumored to be either a 5 or 6 year deal), it becomes highly likely that Vlad Guerrero's days in a Rangers uniform would end after just one season. Texas has been trying to sign the slugger but are not willing to go beyond a 1-year offer. Vlad is rumored to be seeking at least a 2-year deal.

Ramirez & Rapada Designated for Assignment

2011-01-03T14:42:00.005-06:00

Today, Arthur Rhodes and Brandon Webb signed their one-year contracts with the Rangers, finalizing their respective deals.

To make room for Rhodes and Webb on the 40-man roster, Texas designated catcher Max Ramirez and relief pitcher Clay Rapada for assignment. The Rangers now have have 10 days to trade, release, or outright Ramirez and Rapada to the minors.

Max Ramirez is a .217 hitter over parts of two seasons in Texas but hit .286 for AAA-Oklahoma City in 2010. Once highly thought of within the Rangers Organization, Ramirez's lack on consistency at the plate and less-than-marginal arm behind the plate have dropped him below other internal catching prospects like Jose Felix and Taylor Teagarden.

Rapada, a September call-up, recorded 3 Holds over the last month of the season and showed enough to be included on the Rangers Post Season roster. However, the side-winding lefty was also unlikely to make the Rangers Opening Day roster, as Texas is lefty-heavy in their bullpen with Darren Oliver, Arthur Rhodes and possibly Derek Holland having spots essentially locked up.

Of the two, my hope is that Texas can find a way to retain Rapada. Ramirez has been given every opportunity to make a statement but has done little to impress. Rapada, on the other hand, showed flashes late in the season and has pitched very well the past two seasons in AAA.

Rangers Near Deal With Gold Glove Third Baseman?

2011-01-02T22:06:00.004-06:00

Rumors are swirling that the Texas Rangers are near a deal with All-Star Adrian Beltre. While ESPNDeportes.com is reporting that a 5-year deal is being negotiated, the Dallas Morning News says that both sides are indeed talking, but a deal is not near completion.

Last week, Team President Nolan Ryan said of Beltre: "If you looked at the free agent market right now, he's probably the premier free agent that's still unsigned."

If Texas does move forward with a deal for Beltre, it would not only keep his bat and top-tier glove work out of Anaheim (Beltre's other supposed suitor) but would give the Rangers a huge upgrade defensively. Last season, Michael Young proved that at this stage of his career, he simply cannot be anything more than a marginal player at third. A deal with Beltre would almost certainly make Young the Rangers full-time DH as they have thus far come up short in their efforts to re-sign Vladamir Guerrero.

Personally, I'm not thrilled at the idea of giving Beltre a 5 or 6 year contract as his offensive numbers clearly spike during walk years. In my view, committing a huge multi-year deal to him is definitely a gamble.

No doubt the Boston Red Sox are hoping Texas gets the deal done as it would guarantee them Texas' unprotected first round draft pick as compensation. Were Beltre to sign with the Angels or Oakland A's, Boston would only receive a 1st round supplemental pick (given at the end of the round) and a second round selection.

Beltre hit .321 with 28 homers and 102 RBIs in 154 games last season with the Boston Red Sox.

Former Cy Young winner set to join Rangers

2010-12-28T20:01:00.006-06:00

Cliff Lee signed with Philly, then Texas came up short in their efforts to land Zack Greinke, but it appears they have finally landed a potential ace to at least partially fill their pitching void.

Pending a physical, the Rangers have signed former Cy Young winner Brandon Webb to a 1-year contract worth a reported $3 million, with an additional $5-$7 million in performance incentives. Webb has pitched just 4 innings over the last two seasons due to reoccurring arm troubles that have resulted in him spending 372 on the disabled list.

Webb, 31, won the National League Cy Young award in 2006, when he went 16-8 with a 3.10 ERA, 6.8 K/9 and 1.8 BB/9. He also finished second for the award in both 2007 and 2008.

Webb is a pronounced ground ball/strikeout pitcher, perfect for the Rangers hitter-friendly ballpark. However, the violent arm motion he uses to throw his A+ sinker is one of the reasons for his arm troubles, as it puts an immense amount of strain on his shoulder. While a return to his Cy Young-level is impossible to expect, Texas is, at the very least, banking on Webb being healthy enough to nail down a spot in what is a slightly thin starting rotation.

Texas Reaches Agreement With All-Star Reliever

2010-12-24T19:39:00.005-06:00

Pending a physical, Texas today agreed on a one-year contract (with a vesting option) for 2010 All-Star relief pitcher Arthur Rhodes. The 41-year old pitcher had a great 2010, pitching in 69 games with the Reds, posting a 2.29 ERA, a 8.2 K/9 rate and a 2.78 K/BB ratio.

The 19-year veteran actually qualified as a Type A free agent but the Reds decided against offering him arbitration. Because of this Texas will not lose a first round draft pick and Cincinnati will receive no compensation for losing the lefty.

The signing of Rhodes should take a lot of pressure off Darren Oliver, Texas' most reliable bullpen lefty last season. Rhodes' presence could also mean Derek Holland will get another serious shot at making the rotation.

Since 2008, Rhodes has a 2.32 ERA and has been one of the most consistent relief pitchers in baseball. Rhodes, a Texas native, will be pitching for his 8th team in as many years.

Possible Options For Texas Post-Lee

2010-12-14T12:46:00.005-06:00

Cliff Lee was clearly the jewel of free agency pitching but he was hardly the only quality starter available. With Lee now signed, sealed & delivered in Philly, Texas is no doubt reviewing some back-up plans both via trade and free agency. While everyone has heard the Zack Greinke and Matt Garza rumors, you're probably gonna have to give up the farm to get either of them. However, several mid-range starters remain available on the free agent market, most acquirable without having to give up any draft considerations.

Brandon Webb (31)

Before arm injuries robbed him of his last 2 seasons, Brandon Webb was arguably the best pitcher in the National League. From '05-'08, Webb was a ridiculous 70-37 with a 3.23 ERA, winning the NL Cy Young Award in 2006 and finishing second in the voting in '07 and '08.

Scouting Report
Webb has an elite sinkerball and a very good fastball. Before his injuries, he was a innings eaters who exhibited good control and the ability to induce ground balls in bunches. Having missed the last 2 seasons, injuries are a massive concern and his up-side is silly huge.

Jeff Francis (29)

A former 1st round pick, Francis has spent his entire career in Colorado. A durable pitcher for the first 3 full seasons of his career, the injury bug bit the lefty in 2008, when he made just 24 starts. Francis then missed all of 2009 and part of 2010 with a shoulder injury before returning to make 19 starts.

Scouting Report
Francis is a contact pitcher with good control. He's a 3-pitch pitcher with a fastball that sits around 86-88 mph, an above average change-up (78 mph), and a curveball (72 mph) that he'll throw in any count. His change-up is widely regarded as his best pitch.

Freddy Garcia (35)

Over the course of Garcia's first 7 seasons, the former 2-time all star won 116 games while averaging 205 innings pitched per season. From '07 to '09, injuries hampered Garcia, allowing him to make just 23 starts during that 3-year stretch. However, the righty returned to form in 2010, going 12-6 while making 28 starts for the Chicago White Sox.

Scouting Report
Like Francis, Garcia pitches to contact and does not walk many hitters. At the same time, he doesn't strike out very many hitters either, meaning he needs a good defense behind him. He has a smooth delivery and keeps hitter off balance with a quality change-up. Garcia also has extensive playoff experience and is a career 6-2 in the postseason.

Doug Davis (35)

Despite an injury-plagued 2010, Davis has been a fairly durable player over the last several years, averaging 33 starts and 196 innings pitched from 2004 to 2009. Davis is also a former Ranger, having played with them from '99-'03.

Scouting Report
The 35-year old lefty is tough as nails and does not get rattled, regardless of the situation. He can have issues with his control from time to time but has a very good curveball and a sneaky quick fastball. When his control is off, his reluctance to challenge hitters with his fastball really hurts him, often resulting in too many walks.

None of these guys (save for Webb if healthy) would likely crack the top 3 of the Rangers rotation but all are quality 4th starters with proven track records. Considering Texas currently has no more than three pitchers on the roster with guaranteed rotation spots, signing any of these veterans would provide a big upgrade over who they currently have under contract.

Cliff Lee Returning To Philadelphia

2010-12-13T23:09:00.005-06:00

Various sources have said Cliff Lee is returning to Philadelphia. Lee was traded to the Phillies during the 2009 season and led them to the World Series before falling to the Yankees. Lee was then traded to Seattle as part of the deal which brought Roy Halladay to the Phillies this past season. It was widely known at the time of the trade that Lee did not want to leave Philadelphia.

While this hurts the Yankees, it may well be a death blow for the Rangers. As presently constituted, Texas would enter the season with C.J. Wilson as its number one starter, followed by Colby Lewis. Both pitched very well for the Rangers last season but neither have much of a proven track record.

After Wilson and Lewis, the waters get even murkier. Tommy Hunter would presumably take over the 3rd spot in the rotation, with Derek Holland, Scott Feldman, Matt Harrison and possibly Michael Kirkman fighting it out for the final two spots. Needless to say, this is NOT what the Rangers had in mind.

I have a feeling Kansas City's price for ace Zack Greinke just went up.

Questions Remain Unanswered With Regards To Roster Depth

2010-12-10T14:16:00.006-06:00

Yesterday, Texas sent several high-ranking officials to meet with Cliff Lee at his home in Arkansas. They apparently threw out several possible contract options, even going so far as to include several "perks" for Lee's family. What that means is pure speculation but if it's anywhere close to what the Dodgers offered Kevin Brown back in '99, "perks" could mean, among other things, the use of a private jet several times a year for Lee's family. Many believe Texas is really pushing the pace with Lee, trying to get a commitment from him one way or another, as they still have several other areas to address.

Should Lee sign with someone other than Texas, the Rangers would certainly turn their attention back to Kansas City's Zack Greinke and/or Tampa's Matt Garza. Greinke will undoubtedly take two top tier prospects plus a couple of second tier players, Garza could well command almost as much as whomever he ends up with will control his rights for 3 more seasons. Were Texas unable to acquire either pitcher, they might look to rely on C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis to carry the rotation early on while hoping for continued improvement from Tommy Hunter and a return to form for Scott Feldman. This is truly frightening.

Jon Daniels and company have made contact with DH Vlad Guerrero, who continues to push for a 2-year contract. Oakland is rumored to have interest in the slugger after failing to land Lance Berkman however, their failure to sign Berkman was due to their lack of interests in signing him to a multi-year deal. As it stands, Vlad may be looking at another 1-year contract with an option year, similar to what he signed last season with Texas. His inability to play even sparingly in the field (the World Series proved as much) drops his asking price dramatically.

If Texas is unable to sign a Vlad (or someone of comparable talent like Magglio Ordonez or Jim Thome) I would have to think they'd at least consider moving Michael Young to DH and making a run at someone like Adrian Beltre. Another possibility would be to platoon Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz at DH and hope Julio Borbon is ready to finally take over in CF.

Texas also must address their bullpen. While Ogando, O'Day, Francisco, Oliver & Feliz (unless he's moved into the rotation should Texas fail to sign Lee or trade for another stud pitcher) the other two bullpen spots are open to competition. Currently Texas would look to Michael Kirkman, Mark Lowe, Derek Holland, Matt Harrison, Omar Beltre, Clay Rapada & newly acquired Yoshinori Tateyama to battle it out for those spots.

Make no mistake about it, Cliff Lee is the Big Bad Wolf of free agency this season and Texas is rightly doing everything they can to hang on to him. However, the Lee sweepstakes needs to come to an end so the Rangers can move on and throw their full attention towards other areas of importance.

Massive Changes Out At Rangers Ballpark

2010-12-03T16:32:00.003-06:00

So long and farewell to the hideously out of date video boards at Rangers Ballpark. No longer will we have to squint to view the starting lineup. No longer will our beautiful ballpark be sullied with a half-assed, 1989-lookin' graphics package. Gear up Rangers fans because Texas is spending some money.

$13 million might not get Cliff Lee back in Ranger red but it'll damn sure buy you a couple of state of the art, HD video boards, with every last bell and whistle you can imagine. Starting lineup? Of course. Pitch tracker? Check. Fantasy stats? Yep. Wait, what? That's right, kids, Texas is going above and beyond with this thing and I cannot wait to check this thing out.

The formerly pathetic 24 x 36 ft. board which sat atop the home run porch in right field is currently being replaced with a 42 x 120 ft. HD board. That ain't all, folks. That obscene Coca-Cola matrix board out in center field will be replaced by a 25 x 29 HD board. Both the Home Run Porch and centerfield video boards will employ the use of Daktronics newest 15 millimeter LED technology. A press release from the the teams states, "The video boards can operate as single giant displays or be divided into multiple zones (windows) to show a wide variety of statistics, information, graphics, animation, and live and recorded video."

In addition to the massive overhaul with the video boards, the sound system in the ballpark is being upgraded as well.

The project is expected to be ready by Opening Day 2011.

Treanor Set To Return To Texas

2010-12-03T16:14:00.003-06:00

If Jon Daniels is to be believed, Matt Treanor is on the verge of returning to Texas for another season.

"I don't know if it will happen in the next day but we're pretty confident Matt is coming back," general manager Jon Daniels said Friday.

Treanor will presumably be the primary back-up catcher behind free agent acquisition Yorvit Torrealba, in addition to likely serving as C.J. Wilson's personal catcher.

The 7-year veteran compiled a batting line of just .211/.287/.308 but delivered several hits in clutch situations and is a quality defensive catcher with quick feet.

Texas Adds Bullpen Arm

2010-11-30T13:52:00.004-06:00

A day after signing their projected starting catcher for 2011, Texas today turned their attention to the pitching staff. After some minor struggles near the end of the season which became major struggles during the playoffs, Texas was in distinct need of an upgrade in their bullpen.

The Rangers have reportedly signed 34-year old reliever, Yoshinori Tateyama to a one year contract with two team option years. Tateyama, a 12-year veteran of the Japanese Pacific League, has played his entire career with the Nippon Ham Fighters, compiling a 3.43 ERA. Several scouting reports say he's a fastball/curveball, sidearm pitcher with good movement and excellent control.

In 2010, the Japanese reliever had a 1.80 ERA (a career best) while holding opponents to a .213 BA (.186 against righties).

Should he make the club out of Spring Training, Tateyama would become the fourth Japanese pitcher to make the club, joining Hideki Irabu (2002), Akinori Otsuka (2006-07) and Kazuo Fukumori (2008).

Rangers Sign Torrealba

2010-11-29T16:56:00.007-06:00

So long Bengie. Today, the Rangers inked former Giants/Rockies/Mariners/Padres Catcher Yorvit Torrealba to a 2-year deal worth a reported $6.25 million. The signing leaves little doubt that Bengie Molina, should he decide to play another season, will be looking for another team.

Torrealba is a 10-year veteran, is a lifetime .257 hitter and is an above-average fielder with a decent arm. The 31 year old catcher led the NL in fielding percentage (.996) this past season and has a good deal of playoff experience, with the Giants in '03, then with the Rockies in '07 and '09.

"I was looking for a team that could compete and hopefully make it to the playoffs," Torrealba said Monday. "I’m really excited with this bunch of talented young pitchers here. I want to help them out as much as I can by the way I call the game and take charge."

Last season, Padres pitchers went 53-36 with an ERA of 3.14 in games caught by Torrealba.

This signing could also mean the end of Matt Treanor's run in Texas, leaving either Max Ramirez or Taylor Teagarden as the primary back-up to Torrealba. I hope this isn't the case as I like the idea of Treanor returning to be CJ Wilson's personal catcher, something I know Wilson would relish.

Royals Showing Interest In Beltre

2010-11-28T14:02:00.004-06:00

It seems as though Texas isn't content to sit around waiting for Cliff Lee to make his decision. Rumors abound that the Rangers have moved forward from informal discussions and are now in serious negotiation with the Kansas City Royals for 2009 Cy Young winner Zack Greinke.

Rangers top outfield prospect, Engel Beltre, is the name rumored to be most frequently mentioned in the talks, although it is assumed that Texas would also have to part with at least one top pitching prospect (either Tanner Scheppers or Martin Perez) as well as a couple of second tier prospects.

The Royals truly hold all the cards in any deal involving Greinke as they have him under contract through 2012. This allows them the luxury of asking for the moon. Greinke, meanwhile has expressed an interest in moving on, having grown tired of Kansas City's constant state of rebuilding of a franchise that has not seen the playoffs since 1985. The 26-year old pitching ace has averaged 217 innings pitched and a 3.25 ERA over the last three seasons with the perpetually awful Royals.

Make no mistake about it, adding Greinke to the Rangers rotation (with or without Cliff Lee) makes them one of the stronger pitching staffs in the AL, possibly only behind New York (should they end up with Lee) and Oakland. If Lee were to re-sign on top of the Greinke deal (something Texas has said is completely within their budget), Texas would head into 2011 as the team to beat in the AL. A rotation of Lee, Greinke, CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis & Tommy Hunter would look pretty formidable, especially after the way Lewis looked in pressure situations throughout the playoffs.

With all this said, I simply don't know how I feel about giving up possibly 3 of the top 5 or 6 prospects in the entire farm system. Engel Beltre took a big step last season in Frisco, playing an awesome center field while finally finding his hitting stroke. He still swings at too many bad pitches, still relies too much on pure speed rather than smart base-running, and is still probably 2 years away from the majors, but the talent is right there in front of your face.

As for Tanner Scheppers, I believe he's one of those guys who will be a stud. He's going to start the season in AAA, but could find his way to the majors midway through the season. He's got a huge arm, great control and poise. To me, he might be the one untouchable prospect in the farm system.

Martin Perez took a big step back last year in Frisco and has continued to show extreme control problems during Winter League play. He's still very young at just 19 years of age, and his arm is fantastic. However, he's at least 2 years away (maybe three) from making a move to the big club. To me, despite his huge upside, I'd feel more comfortable parting with him over Scheppers.

Finally, if the Royals are serious about moving Greinke, and are asking for 2 (or three) A-tier prospects, I am of the opinion they should be willing to part with another piece as well. The Rangers are in need of an upgrade at the Catching position and the Royals currently have one of the better veteran defensive catchers in Jason Kendall. While Kendall doesn't have a great arm, nor is he going to hit .300 for you the way he did throughout the first ten years of his career, what he will do is provide tough, hard-nosed leadership behind the plate and command the respect of what is still a young pitching staff. If Kansas City were willing to accept a trade of Beltre, Perez & maybe two B-tier prospects like Marcus Lemon, Beau Jones or Kasey Kiker for Zack Greinke and Jason Kendall, that might be something I'd have to think long and hard about.

Zack Greinke and Kendall's combined salary for next season is right around $17.25 million, more than manageable considering the age and talent level of Greinke. If Cliff Lee were to then re-sign, Texas would probably need to look for a cheap option at DH, unless they were able to get Vlad Guerrero re-signed to a 1-year deal in the $6 million range. Baring that, I'd look for them to move Nelson Cruz or Josh Hamilton into the DH role (perhaps splitting the duties between the two All-Stars) while giving Julio Borbon and David Murphy more time in Left and Center field.

Guerrero Not Offered Arbitration

2010-11-23T19:16:00.005-06:00

Today, the Rangers made one thing abundantly clear to DH Vladamir Guerrero: We want you back, but we don't wanna pay ya much.

In a move that I consider a little surprising, Texas declined to offer arbitration to the slugging DH, a move which could signal the end of Vlad's run in Texas. The move is curious but it gives a clear indication that Texas appears to be more concerned with getting stuck with paying Vlad $10 million (which many speculated he'd receive in arbitration) for one year than they are about the possibility he'll walk to another team.

Said General Manager Jon Daniels, "We'd like to have him back and we figured the best way to continue those discussions is without the external pressure of the arbitration process and how that might affect things. Sometimes it's easier to negotiate without the arbitration process as a backdrop."

Had Guerrero been offered arbitration, Texas would have received a late first round (or, at worst early 2nd round) pick, as well as a 'sandwich pick' (a compensatory pick between the 1st and 2nd round). As it now stands, should Vlad move on to another team the Rangers would receive no compensation for his departure.

Rangers Find Their New Hitting Coach

2010-11-23T15:08:00.004-06:00

Former MLB player and coach Thad Bosley has reportedly been hired as the next hitting coach of the Texas Rangers. Bosley replaces Clint Hurdle, who left after just one season to take over the managerial job in Pittsburgh. Bosley interviewed for the same position last season, finishing 2nd to Hurdle.

Bosley acted as hitting coach for the Oakland A's from 1999-2002, working with then fielding coach and current Rangers manager Ron Washington.

Bosley played pro ball for parts of 14 seasons (1977-90), hitting a career .272 in 784 games.

During their lone season with Clint Hurdle, Texas led the league in hitting with a .276 average.

Josh Hamilton Wins MVP

2010-11-23T14:42:00.003-06:00

In what many viewed as a forgone conclusion, Josh Hamilton was today named the American League Most Valuable Player. Hamilton led the AL in hitting (.359), slugging percentage (.633) and on-base plus slugging percentage (1.044), claiming 22 of 28 first place votes. The next closest player (Miguel Cabrera, Detroit) finished almost 100 points behind Hamilton in the voting.

The win puts a cap on the most successful season in Texas Rangers history as the team made it all the way to the World Series before falling to the San Francisco. Hamilton, while proud of his personal achievement, kept things in perspective, saying, "We made a lot of history in Texas that's never been done before. I said during the season, if I could give up the MVP to go into the playoffs and win, I would. We did both."

Hamilton becomes the 5th player in Rangers history to win the MVP Award, following All-Star players Jeff Burroughs, Juan Gonzalez (twice), Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez and Alex Rodriguez.

Rangers Sign Former Aggie Barret Loux

2010-11-19T19:17:00.007-06:00

The Rangers have signed pitcher Barret Loux. The former Texas A&M standout was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the 6th pick in the 2010 First-Year Player Draft but went unsigned after failing a team physical. Despite concerns regarding issues of varying degrees with both his shoulder and elbow on his pitching arm, the Rangers believed the former First Team All-Big 12 pitcher was worth the gamble, signing Loux to a $312k bonus.

"Our guys liked him in the Draft last year," general manager Jon Daniels said. "Obviously, there is a reason why his situation played out the way it did. Ultimately, we were comfortable with it.

"There is a risk with every player and every acquisition. We are happy to add another quality arm and a quality person to our organization. We are trying to add as much talent to the organization as possible."

With A&M, Loux went 11-2 with a 2.83 ERA and an opponents batting average of .202 while striking out 136 over 105.0 innings pitches.

The addition of the 6'5" Loux means Texas now has 5 of the first 49 picks from the 2010 Draft under contract.

By not signing Loux, Arizona will recieve the 7th pick in the 2011 Draft as compensation, a two-year old rule which was put into effect in an effort to prevent draft picks from holding out for more money from teams. The MLB Players Association is rumored to be looking into the possibility Arizona deliberately selected Loux despite having full knowledge of his injuries, simply so they could leave him unsigned and gain an additional top selection in the deeper 2011 Draft.

The Taint Lives

2010-11-19T19:06:00.005-06:00

After a year of swimming around in the greatest baseball season of my life, I've decided to breathe new life into this Rangers-intensive blog.

This feels right.

This feels good.

Welcome home.

Rangers Set To Add Another Promising But Suspect Arm

2009-12-09T17:13:00.004-06:00

Sports Radio 1310 The Ticket is reporting that the Texas Rangers are closing in on a deal with right-handed pitcher Rich Harden.

Harden was 9-9 with a 4.09 ERA in 26 games for the Cubs in 2009. The Cubs did not offer Harden salary arbitration, making him a free agent. Harden made $7 million last season in Chicago.

The Rangers have offered the pitcher a one-year deal for about $7.5 million in the hopes that they can catch lightning in a bottle with a player who, when healthy, is as dominant a pitcher as there is in the game. This however, is certainly not a given as Harden has escaped injury in just one of his seven seasons in the majors.

Harden, has a 50-29 record with a 3.39 ERA in 127 starts but has pitched more than 150 innings just once in his career.

Texas Deals Staff Ace Kevin Millwood To Baltimore For What Amounts To A Bag Of Balls And Some Sunflower Seeds

2009-12-09T17:02:00.005-06:00

Ownership uncertainty has resulted in yet another casuality from Texas' suprise 2009 season. The Texas Rangers have reportedly agreed to trade veteran starting pitcher Kevin Millwood and $3 million to the Baltimore Orioles for reliever Chris Ray. The deal is contingent on both clubs seeing medical records of the players involved.

The trade gives the Rangers more financial flexibility -- $8 million when you factor in the close to $1 million that Ray would probably make -- to sign another veteran starting pitcher. The club has high interest in Rich Harden, who is coming off an injury and would be willing to take a one-year deal to show that he's healthy.

The Rangers are also looking for a right-handed bat, a catcher, a utility infielder and relievers to bolster the bullpen. And they came to the winter meetings with about $5 million to spend, so this deal gives them a better chance to fill more holes on a team that club officials expect to be contenders in the American League West in 2010.

Millwood, who turns 35 later this month, earned that vested option after pitching more than 180 innings in 2009. He was 13-10 with a 3.67 ERA in 198 2/3 innings pitched. He did have lower back and gluteus muscle soreness in September but returned to finish the season.

The Rangers signed Millwood to a five-year, $60 million deal before the 2006 season to front their rotation. He won 48 games in four seasons with Texas with a 4.82 ERA, but pitched over 200 innings just once. Millwood had his most wins with Texas in 2006 with 16, and his best ERA came last season at 3.67 (to go along with 13 wins).

Ray was a former closer for the Orioles before surgery to repair ligament damage in his right elbow set him back. He was 0-4 with a 7.27 ERA in 46 appearances in 2009. Ray, 27, has 49 career saves for the Orioles. Ray's best season was 2006, when he sported a 2.73 ERA and had 33 saves.

Pudge Declines Arbitration, Signs Deal With Washington

2009-12-08T18:54:00.004-06:00

Ivan Rodriguez and the Washington Nationals have reached a preliminary deal on a $6 million, two-year contract. The deal agreement is subject to catcher passing a physical.

Rodriguez, 38, will fill a major need for the Nationals, backing up catcher Jesus Flores, who is recovering from a serious right shoulder injury. If Flores is not ready for the regular season, Rodriguez will be able to play regularly.

A 14-time All-Star and the 1999 AL MVP, Rodriguez split last season between Houston and Texas. He hit a combined .249 with 10 homers and 47 RBIs.

The Rangers ownership issue has cost the team their first important player of the offseason. More are sure to follow.

Rangers Add An Arm; Feliz To Rotation?

2009-12-07T15:41:00.004-06:00

Yesterday afternoon, the Texas Rangers acquired Clay Rapada, a left-handed reliever from Detroit, for cash considerations or a player to be named later.

Rapada is a sidearm pitcher who Texas is hoping will compete for a spot in the bullpen at spring training.

The move appears to be the Rangers' attempt to bolster the relief corps to the point that they could consider moving stud fireballer Neftali Feliz into the starting rotation.

Rapada, 28, appeared in just three games for the Tigers last season and is 3-0 with a 4.94 ERA in 27 1/3 major league innings. He has 21 strikeouts and 18 walks. Last season for Triple-A Toledo, he had a 2.20 ERA against left-handed batters with 23 strikeouts and six walks in 16 1/3 innings. That makes him a candidate for the situational lefty spot in the bullpen, a spot held down by Eddie Guardado. Guardado is expected to retire.

"Rapada's had quality success against left-handed hitters, mostly in the minor leagues," said Rangers GM Jon Daniels, who said Rapada switched from a more conventional pitching motion to a sidearm delivery when he was with the Cubs a few years ago. "Like a lot of guys, he scuffled early on in his career in the big leagues. He'll come in and compete for a spot."

To make roon for Rapada on the 40-man roster, Willie Eyre was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Rapada is also an affordable option for the cash-poor Rangers, as he's not arbitration-eligible and would make less than $500,000 if he's on the Opening Day roster.

Steve Buechele Named New Roughriders Skipper

2009-12-04T13:41:00.003-06:00

Former Texas Rangers’ third baseman Steve Buechele has been named the new manager at Class AA Frisco Roughriders.

"This is something I really enjoy doing," Buechele said. "I had as much fun going to the ballpark this year as I did as a player. Being home with the family was great but the opportunity to manage opened my eyes to what people told me -- that I would end up being back in the game and enjoying it. I did."

In 2009, Buechele made his managing debut with Class A Bakersfield, leading the Blaze to a playoff berth. He replaces Mike Micucci, who will be the club’s roving field coordinator.

Drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 5th round of the 1982 amateur draft, Buechele played eight of his eleven seasons in the majors with the Rangers and was widely considered a gold glove caliber third baseman.

Financial Limitations Loom As Rangers Talk Trade

2009-12-03T13:42:00.004-06:00

It has been reported that the Rangers have recently been contacted by the Baltimore Orioles concerning the availability of right-handed starter Kevin Millwood.

The talks between the clubs are not yet considered serious, and Millwood is one of several options that the Orioles are pursuing.

Texas, thanks in part to the development of Scott Feldman, Tommy Hunter, Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz, finds itself in the rare position of being able being able to consider trading starting pitching.

One rumor has Texas considering a trade of Millwood in an effort to clear money off the payroll to sign free agent slugger Jermaine Dye.

However, with the team ownership issue still an albatross around the neck of the franchise, most believe the Rangers would only consider moving Millwood to eliminate or reduce their $12 million commitment to him in 2010.

Millwood went 13-10 with a 3.67 ERA in 31 starts last season.

Rangers Hot & Cold, Recall Chris Davis From Triple-A

2009-08-25T17:05:00.002-05:00

After splitting a 4-game series at home with the Minnesota Twins (a series many feel Texas should have swept) and dropping two of three in Tampa, Texas is making a move to improve an area of their team which, up until the last 5 or 6 games, has been a huge improvement over last season: their defense.

The much-maligned Chris Davis has been called back up from Triple-A Oklahoma City and will be in the starting lineup tonight in New York against the Yankees.

Hank Blalock had been the regular first baseman since Davis was sent down on July 5th, but is mired in a prolonged slump has seen his average dip to .238 for the year and .190 over his last 30 games. Blalock has only had just 3 walks against 43 strikeouts over the last 38 games.

"This is a situation where the organization has made a decision," Blalock said. "They think we have a better chance to win with other guys in the lineup; as a player, I have to deal with it."

During his time with Oklahoma City, Davis hit .327 (54-165) with six home runs, 12 doubles, and 30 RBIs in 44 games. He also had a .418 on-base percentage, a .521 slugging percentage and was hitting a robust .356 with runners in scoring position.

"He's staying inside the ball and using all fields," Washington said. "He's not trying to hit the ball out of the ballpark. And we all know how impeccable his defense is. We felt he was ready to come back."

Davis has made a couple of small adjustments to his batting stance. He's opened up his stance towards the pitcher. Davis said the changes have helped keep his head steady during the at-bats which has helped with his pitch recognition.

"I don't think it was anything drastic," Davis said. "But I'm seeing pitches better, and I'm laying off pitches out of the strike zone. Before, I was just setting up myself for failure."

To make room for Davis, Andruw Jones has been pout on the 15-day disable list for a strained hamstring. Jones reaggravated the injury Sunday in Tampa and is hitting just .189 in his past 59 games.

"We felt it was better to have some time off now, and get him ready for the stretch run," general manager Jon Daniels.

Ivan Rodriguez could end up with Jones at-bats as the everyday DH. Since being traded from Houston, Pudge is hitting .667 (4-for-6) with 2 doubles, 3 RBI and a walk.

Rangers Reaquire 14-Time All-Star

2009-08-18T13:31:00.005-05:00

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez is returning to Arlington.

Several media outlets are reporting that the Rangers have reached an agreement with the Houston Astros to bring the future Hall of Famer back to Texas for one more run.

The move is important for Texas because their regular catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia was recently placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sore arm and numbness in his throwing hand.

"We're excited to have Pudge," club president Nolan Ryan said. "We're looking forward to having him, and he's excited about coming back. He brings experience, he's a veteran player and he's been in the postseason. He brings a lot."

It is believed that Texas will be sending two mid-level prospects (expected to be Class A pitcher Matt Nevarez and Double-A infielder Jose Vallejo) to Houston in exchange for the 14-time All-Star. It was confirmed that Texas first spoke to Pudge to ensure he understands his role with the Rangers will be to act as a back-up for Taylor Teagarden before going ahead with the deal.

"I'm feeling great, feeling good. It's nice to be back to the place that I started," said Rodriguez, who waived his no-trade clause. "It's nice to be back there. It's also sad. I think Houston is a great team and a good group of guys. The fans are great, but business is business. You've got to prepare for anything. Especially being a veteran player, those things can happen.

"I'm going to move forward. It's a good trade. It will be nice to go there. ... I'm looking forward to going there and to do my best to try to help them win."

Rodriguez, a 13-time Gold Glove winner, former AL MVP, and the all-time leader in games played for a catcher, spent the first 12 seasons of his career with the Rangers. A career .299 hitter, Pudge is hitting .251 this year with 8 homeruns and 34 RBI in 93 games.

Rangers Fail To Reach Agreement With Top Draft Pick

2009-08-18T12:30:00.002-05:00

As the midnight deadline to sign top draft picks came and went last night, it passed with the Texas Rangers unable to reach a contract agreement with top pick Matthew Purke.

Texas reportedly offered Purke a $4 million package. Purke's representatives were said to be asking for $6 million.

"It's disappointing," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "We drafted a player we intended to sign, and for all the right reasons. We couldn't make it work."

Purke will now attend Texas Christian University and is not eligle to be re-drafted for two years. The Rangers will recieve the 15th pick in next years First Year Player Draft to compensate for losing this years pick.

"We'd prefer to get [Purke] in a Rangers uniform," Daniels said. "You'd like to add a premium talent, but this was one we couldn't afford to add."

When Purke was initially drafted by Texas and the idea of playing for his home state team (Purke attended Klein High School in Klein, Tx) was thought to appeal greatly to the young pitcher. Purke even went so far as to say he would be an "easy sign." He proved to be anything but.

"The biggest issue was money. The communication was good. Both sides were clear as to what they wanted to do, it just didn't match up. I don't have any issues with how they handled it," Daniels said. "Every player and every family has to make a decision on how they value themselves and what they want to do with their careers. Matthew made a decision and we have no choice but to respect it."

Making The Case For Closer By Committee

2009-08-17T14:42:00.008-05:00

Over the last 20 years or so, due partially to the creation of the bullpen specialist (i.e. Ray King), the role of the closer has become more clearly defined, perhaps overly so. This, coupled with starting pitchers throwing fewer and fewer innings, had placed more emphasis on having one, shutdown guy to call upon in the 9th to record those final three outs.

Texas has had a few of those guys; closers with the stamina and enough of a rubber arm to be called an 'ace'. Jeff Russell and John Wetteland were both All-Star closers for the Rangers in the late 80's and 90's, posting several 30+ save seasons. Frank Francisco was to be that guy for the Rangers this season.

After C.J. Wilson was lost for the season during the second half of the 2008 season, Frankie stepped in and was nothing short of dominant. His high quality of play carried over into this season, at one point running out an 18 inning scoreless streak.

But then Frankie's elbow started bothering him and he went on the DL for a 15 days. C.J. Wilson held down the fort while he was away, slipping effortlessly back into his role as the 8th inning set-up man when Francisco returned. Then Frankie went back on the DL for a tired arm. Wilson again came in and did the job until Francisco made his way back. But when Texas' oft-injured closer went on the DL for the 3rd time this season, this last time with walking pneumonia, I began to ponder the idea of the Rangers going to a closer-by-committee bullpen.

Let me first start by saying that I understand that most true blue, dominant championship caliber teams have that one go-to guy for the 9th inning, whether it's Mariano Rivera in New York, Francisco Rodriguez during his years with the Angels, or Dennis Eckersley during his Hall of Fame-like run with the Oakland A's in the 90's.

But there have also been instances where closer-by-committee has worked very well. In 1990, the Cincinnati Reds duo of Rob Dibble and Randy Myers combined for 12 winds and 42 saves, rolling all the way to a World Championship. Jesse Orosco and Roger McDowell combined for 22 wins and 43 saves in helping the New York Mets to the 1986 World Championship. Why couldn't it work here in Texas?

With roughly six weeks to go in the season, the combo of C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco have a pitching line of 6-7, 31 saves, 3.26 ERA, 98 Ks in 85 2/3 innings, which projects out to 10 wins and 44 saves over the course of a complete season. The fact that both pitchers are power arms only adds to their probability for continued success.

Another set of stats makes the strognest case of all for having the duo split the closers role.

Take a look at opponents OPS (On-Base Percentage + Slugging Percentage) against Frank Francisco and how dramatically the numbers swing in the Rangers favor based on the number of days rest the reliever is able to get in between appearances:

0 days rest: .905 OPS
1 days rest: .682 OPS
2 days rest: .276 OPS

These are truly shocking numbers and give a very clear picture of just how much more effective the Rangers bullpen is when working with the two-headed monster of Wilson and Francisco, rather than going with the hard/fast rule of Francisco as the lone closer.

Whether Texas begins to lean in this direction remains to be seen. I'm unaware of how Francisco might react to splitting closing chores with Wilson but my feeling is that Texas' bullpen is a very tight unit and have enough veteran leadership out there to make it work.

Time will tell if the Rangers give in to the numbers.

Texas Takes Lead In Wild Card Race

2009-08-17T08:56:00.013-05:00

Should we go ahead and finally admit that this Rangers team isn't like virtually every other Rangers team we've seen since they moved to town from Washington back in 1972?

After watching Frankie Francisco undergo a complete and fantastic meltdown in the first game of the Red Sox series, most longtime Rangers fans has to take a step back, let out an all-too-familar sigh and think, "There it is. There's the catostrophic moment. The season just ended."

I did. I admit it.

But whether it's the quality of the veteran leadership on this team, or maybe the beautiful ignorance of youth, or perhaps it's just the fact that for damn near the first time in the history of this franchise it's actually got some pitching, these Texas Rangers are not going away.

Texas controlled the series from the start, taking an early 2-0 lead in game one when Michael Young connected for his 20th homerun of the season.

But after the normally reliable (and often dominant) Frankie Francisco fell apart on the mound to the tune of six earned runs in 2/3 of an inning, it was hard to think anything but the worst.

But much like they've done all season long, the Rangers regrouped, came back out on Saturday night and, thanks in part to a big nights by a returning Ian Kinsler (2-for-3 with a solo homerun and a walk) and the ever-maturing Derek Holland (6 2/3 innings, 2 earned runs), dropped the Red Sox 7-2.

Rookies Julio Borbon and Neftali Feliz added tot he big night by turning in huge performances as well.

Borbon, hitting leadoff, went 4-for-5 with 2 RBI and 4 stolen bases. Texas stole 8 bases on the night, keeping constant pressure on Boston's defense.

Neftali Feliz pitched two innings of lights-out baseball, striking out three en route to his first career save.

The win set up a huge final game on Sunday to determine who would take the lead in the AL Wild Card race.

Texas got another gutsy performance from Dustin Nippert who is really beginning to make believers out of a good many of the naysayers.

C.J. Wilson was an adventure in the 8th, allowing two baserunners before striking out the side and giving way to Frankie Francisco.

Itching to get back out on the mound after Friday nights debacle, Frankie came up huge for the Rangers, needing just 10 pitches to retire the side in order. The performance had to be a huge phycological boost not only for the closer, but for his teammates as well.

"I believe if I can go out there and spot my fastball where I want it, I can get any hitter out," said Francisco. "I just approached them the same way: Just try to hit my spots, and I did."

With the series win, Texas moved 1/2 game ahead of Boston in the Wild Card Standings and, with 6 weeks to play in the season, and with the way things seem to be coming together for the team, one has to figure that Texas will be in the hunt up until the end.

Rangers Roll On, Take 2 Of 3 In Cleveland

2009-08-13T19:21:00.007-05:00

In game 1 of the series, Texas looked like a team feeling the effect of a tough emotional series with the Angels. The offense was terrible, swinging wildly at pitches way out of the strike zone. Even when they managed some sort of contact with the ball, it was far from solid. Texas made Indians starter Aaron Laffey look like an ace, doing everything in their power to ensure the loss.

Dustin Nippert, making his first start since officially being named to the rotation, looked fine save for one bad inning. In the 3rd, it all came undone for Nippert as he allowed a couple of bloop base hits to snowball, surrendering five runs before the inning was done.

"That third inning was a disaster," Nippert said afterward. "I have no idea what happened."

To his credit, Nippert hung tough, remaining in the game, eating up six innings while spelling the bullpen. In the process, he struck out a career high 10 batters and at times looked dominant.

Omar Vizquel and Josh Hamilton were the lone bright spots for the Rangers offense. Each player had two base hits on the night but it was nowhere near enough to overcome the entire lineup hitting 0-for-4 with men in scoring position.

"We were just a flat team coming off an off-day," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "We have an offense that can come back and score runs and negate that one inning, but tonight we didn't do it. Tomorrow we just have to come out focused and score early."

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Game two got off to a much better start as the emerging Tommy Hunter came out and set the tone on the mound for the night. After getting into a 1st inning jam, Hunter managed to get a double play to get out of the inning. He proceeded to toss another 6 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball, striking out five while not walking a single hitter.

"Tonight, Tommy Hunter was tough," manager Ron Washington said. "He had everything going for him. I don't think you expect him to throw 7 2/3 [innings of] scoreless ball every night, but you expect him to keep us in the game. He has shown the repertoire to keep hitters off-balance, and as long as he keeps it over the plate, he has a chance to keep us close."

"It's just fun going out there and winning," Hunter said. "It's fun going out there and being a part of something and know you had something to do with it."

Josh Hamilton continued his hot hitting by drilling a 2-run double in the gap in the top of the 3rd, giving Hunter all he would need to pick up his 5th career win.

C.J. Wilson came in to record the final five outs but all anyone, including Indians manager Eric Wedge, wanted to talk about was Tommy Hunter's performance.

"I thought he was real good. I was very impressed by him," Wedge said. "He threw his fastball where he wanted to. He worked both sides, he was down. He really worked his breaking ball early and mixed in his changeup as it wore on. We had a lot of quick outs and that was because of his command. Another thing that stuck out to me was his poise out there. He seemed very relaxed."

"It's the same thing he's done for us since he got up here," catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia said. "He battled for six or seven innings. We went with a lot of curveballs, but that's what was working. He got ahead of a lot of hitters and stayed ahead."

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Cleveland picked up a run early in the final game of the series but, much like he's done all season long, Scott Feldman simply regrouped and battled back to give the Rangers six innings of six strikeout, one run baseball.

"Their pitching the last couple days has been very good," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "I was really impressed with their pitching this entire series. They've always hit, but the difference this year is their pitching. It has to start with the starting pitching. We were able to shut them down and score a couple runs the first night, and that's exactly what they did to us these last two days."

Neftali Feliz came in and unleashed his 100mph fastball on an Indians offense that had been hitting close to .300 since the All-Star break before Texas came into town. Feliz pitched two innings of shutout ball, striking out five of the six batter he faced.

"I go out there, pitch six innings and get five or six strikeouts," Feldman said. "He matches me in two innings. Pretty impressive."

Josh Hamilton continues to make huge strides in his attempt to shake off what had become a season-long slump. Hamilton went 4-for-4 on the day with a couple of doubles and two RBI. He is now 9 for his last 10.

"This was a good series," said Hamilton. "[The Indians] have been playing well. Hopefully we can go back with some fire under our tails against Boston."

Frank Francisco pitched a scoreless 9th to notch his 16th save of the season.

Texas will have Friday off as they head home for a 3-game series with Boston, followed by a big 4-game home series with the Minnesota Twins.

Rangers Dominance Of Angels Continues

2009-08-11T16:53:00.005-05:00

The Anaheim Angels have beaten up on pretty much everyone they're run across this season but, for whatever reason, cannot seem to buy a win against the division rival Texas Rangers.

Texas rolled into Anaheim losers of 3 of their last 4, down a #2 starter (after Padilla's dismissal), and knee deep in the Josh Hamilton relapse news. Throw in the fact that the offense seemed to have once again left the building and things looked good for an Anaheim team that has been white hot over the last month.

But the longer this year goes on, the more it seems that this team is not going to fade like so many other talent-laden Rangers teams of past seasons.

The Texas offense exploded in game one of the series, pounding perpetual Rangers punching bag and Angels starter Joe Saunders for five runs in just 1 2/3 innings, highlighted by a big 3-run, 1st inning homerun by the suddenly hot Josh Hamilton.

The homer was his first since July 17th against the Twins.

"I was joking with [Andruw Jones] on the bench saying it has been awhile and I needed to hit one," Hamilton said. "So yes it feels like it has been awhile."

Hank Blalock followed Hamilton with his 22nd homerun of the year.

Omar Vizquel went 4-for-6 on the night, driving in 3 runs while hitting a solo homerun in the 5th.

"I was happy I finally got a home run," Vizquel said. "I didn't want to leave this year without hitting one. It's been awhile. It's always good to hit one so you know you can hit one out at the big league level."

Scott Feldman picked up his 11th win of the year, going six innings while allowing 4 runs.

Game two of the series had all the makings of a pitching duel and neither Kevin Millwood, nor Angels starter Jered Weaver did anything to prove otherwise.

Millwood, making his first start since missing two starts because of a muscle strain, pitched well in his return, going six solid innings, allowing just two runs and leaving the game tied 2-2.

As good as Millwood was, Weaver was just a little bit better as he dominated Texas for 7 1/3 innings, striking out 11 while allowing just two runs, both coming off a 2-run blast by Hank Blalock, his 23rd homerun of the season.

After Eddie Guardado surrendered a solo homerun to Erick Aybar in the 7th, the Angels bullpen combo of Kevin Jepsen and the much maligned Brian Fuentes came in to shut the door on the Rangers, protecting the 3-2 win.

In typical classy fashion, Guardado says to put this one on him.

"Fastball up," Guardado said. "What else? Behind in the count to a non-home run hitter. What else could go wrong? No, I just got a fastball up. No matter who it is, home run hitter or not, you make a mistake against a good team like that and that's what happens."

Texas rolled rookie Derek Holland out for the final game of the series. Two starts prior, Holland had dazzled, throwing strikes, maintaining his control, and coming just one out from his first career complete game. On Sunday, Holland not only nabbed that but tacked on a shutout for good measure, pitching all nine innings while striking out 8 Angels batters.

"He came at us," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "It wasn't any secret. He threw a lot of first-pitch fastballs and did as good a job of getting two-pitch outs as we've seen in a long time. He was ahead in the count all day long. That's partially due to us trying to work pitches early, and he was coming right after us.

"He pitched a terrific game."

Holland didn't allow a hit for the first 5 2/3 innings he pitched and walked just one batter all game long.

"It was just a big game and I wanted to win," Holland said. "I needed it. It was huge to get my confidence back up. I had my team working behind me and I just went out and attacked the strike zone."

Angels starter John Lackey seemed up to task of going toe to toe with Holland as he retired 10 of the first 12 batters he face. But with 2 outs in the 4th, 2-run error in right field by Bobby Abreu got Texas on the board. Lackey, a very emotional player who at times allows those emotions to get the best of him, kept his wheels on, pitching 6 2/3 innings, striking out eight. But with Holland pitching lights out, a typically 'good' performance by Lackey was not going to be enough.

"[Derek] was throwing first-pitch strikes all game," catcher Taylor Teagarden said. "He was commanding his fastball and getting ahead of hitters to get to his offspeed pitches. He had command of his offspeed pitches down in the zone and on both sides of the plate. He was ahead of just about every hitter."

Josh Hamilton Still Battling Demons

2009-08-08T21:18:00.006-05:00

Several pictures have surfaced from back in January of this year which show Rangers All-Star slugger, Josh Hamilton, in a less-than-positive light. First published on Deadspin.com, the photos depict an inebriated Hamilton in a bar with several women, none of whom are his wife.

Hamilton held a press conference today to own up to the incident.

"I'm embarrassed about it. For the Rangers, I'm embarrassed about it. For my wife, my kids," Hamilton said. "Unfortunately, it happened. It just reinforces to me that if I'm out there getting ready for a season and taking my focus off the most important thing in my recovery, which is my relationship with Christ, it's amazing how those things creep back in."

"Honestly, I hate that this happened," he said. "But it is what it is. You deal with it. I realized that, obviously, I'm not perfect, in this ongoing struggle, battle, that is very real. A lot of people don't understand how real it is."

"I wasn’t mentally fit or spiritually fit…. It just crossed my mind ‘Can I have a drink?’ Obviously, I can’t. One drink leads to two and two drink leads to 10 or 12. When I was in AA, one saying I heard was one drink is too many and 1,000 is never enough. Alcohol just doesn’t mix well with me."

Hamilton informed the team of the incident the day after it happened. The Rangers have said there will be no punishment of Hamilton.

"As soon as it happened, I called my support system -- my wife, the Rangers, MLB and told them what had happened," he said Saturday. "I was absolutely open and honest about it."

"My first reaction in January was concern," said Ranger GM Jon Daniels. "Here’s a guy who’s obviously dealt with substance abuse at a pretty significant level. But immediately he came forward and was honest. He was remorseful, he was accountable."

Hamilton was drafted first overall in the 1999 draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays but spent much of his time as part of their organization in and out of rehab facilities and/or on suspension by Major League Baseball. Hamilton's January incident was the first drink he'd taken since Oct. 6, 2005.

One would have to believe that what happened in January most certainly could end up costing Hamilton some money as it now re-introduces doubt in his ability to control his addictions. In March, Texas began negotiations with Hamilton on a long-term extention. The All-Star has 4 years of arbitration left before he will be eligible for free agency but the Rangers were looking to lock him up with what many experts speculated was a six-year contract. The offer, which would have paid him significantly more money than he would make during his arbitration years, would also allow Texas to control Hamilton's rights for the first two years of his free agency. While figures of the offer were never released, most believe they were somewhere similar to what Texas agreed on with Ian Kinsler (4 years, $22 million). Hamilton and his agent turned down the offer saying, "My agent and I were disappointed with their offer."

With Hamilton now back in the news due to a relapse (even if it was an isolated incident) you'd have to think, with Josh's past, the fact that he's clearly not out of the woods with regards to his addictions, and his season-long struggles at the plate, Texas may be even less willing to offer up a huge contract extention, choosing instead to ride out the arbitration process.

Hamilton is loved and respected by his teammates and is said to be a positive guy in the clubhouse. In the Saturday press conference, Hamilton said he would be addressing his teammates soon regarding what happened in January.

"What I do off the field affects my teammates and the name of this organization. They know who I am and what I want to accomplish.

"I don't feel like I'm a hypocrite. I feel like I'm human. I got away from the one thing that keeps me straightened out and going in the right direction."

ALERT Vicente Padilla Designated For Assignment

2009-08-07T18:53:00.004-05:00

Two days after hitting Oakland catcher Kurt Suzuki, followed by being shown on camera laughing after teammate Michael Young was hit the following inning in retaliation, Vicente Padilla has been designated for assignment.

"We're putting together a club and an organization that's pulling on the same end of the rope," Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels said. "It wasn't a fit for us anymore."

Texas now has 10 days to trade, release or send down the veteran starter. If a trade takes place, the Rangers would almost surely be forced to absorb a portion of his contract in exchange for some sort of prospect. More likely, Texas will have to release Padilla and eat the remainder of his contract.

This is just latest in what has seemingly been an ongoing series of unresolved issues between the pitcher and the Rangers. Things came to a head back in June when Padilla was pushed through waivers a day after hitting Yankees first baseman and former Ranger player Mark Teixeira twice in the same game. It was widely assumed that Padilla had pitched his last game with Texas then, but an apparent reconciliation bought the embattled starter some time.

After this latest flare up, it is apparent that Padilla's time is now up, at least with the Texas Rangers.

"When we have a disciplinary issue with a player, we talk to him," Daniels said. "It had gotten to the point where the club was better off without him."

Dustin Nippert will take Padilla's place in the rotation.

Oakland Drops Final Game But Take Series With Rangers

2009-08-06T20:12:00.004-05:00

Texas got a nice effort out of Tommy Hunter today as he bared down and willed a win out of the suddenly luckless Rangers.

Hunter gave Texas seven innings of 2-run ball, allowing just five hitters to reach base.

"It's what I'm supposed to do," Hunter said. "The bullpen had been used up quite a bit and needed to be refreshed going into the Anaheim series. It was nice to give them a break. The big thing was getting a win before a big series. I was glad I could do my job."

"We needed that from Tommy," third baseman Michael Young said. "That was a big performance. They scored two right away, but Tommy locked it up after that. For a young guy, Tommy is poised. He stayed after it and kept competing."

Despite a throwing error by Jarrod Saltalamacchia which assisted in giving Oakland the early 2-0 lead, Hunter was able to work through the early struggles and retire 13 of the next 14 hitters he faced.

"He limited us to those few hits," Oakland manager Bob Geren said. "I thought we got a couple good swings on him early. We had those early chances, but after that he started settling in pretty well."

Hank Blalock provided some early offense, hitting his 21st homerun of the season. In the 3rd inning, Michael Young added another homerun, his 18th, as well as an RBI single, extending his hitting streak to 13 games. RBI base hits by David Murphy, Andruw Jones and Marlon Byrd capped the scoring for Texas.

After a scoreless inning by Frank Francisco, C.J. Wilson came in and made things interesting, walking one and allowing a couple of base hits before closing the A's out for the win.

While the victory sends Texas to Anaheim on a positive, it's a far cry from where they had to believe they'd be before the 4-game set in Oakland began. But poor pitching and lackluster hitting cost the Rangers a chance to cut into the Angels lead in the West, as well as Boston's lead in Wild Card race.

Texas is going to have to get better outing out of guys like Derek Holland and Vicente Padilla if they are to stay close in either race. The offense is what it is, inconsistent. The Rangers simply cannot afford to rely of them for steady run support because it hasn't been there all season and it's not just going to magically appear. The pitching has carried this thing all season long and if they are to make a push in August and September, it will be on the shoulders of the pitching staff, not the offense. This makes it all the more important that players like Vicente Padilla not go out and allow six runs in 5 2/3 innings. It also means that guys like Derek Holland, despite his age, have to step up and give the Rangers more than 4 1/3 innings of work.

Make no mistake about it, Texas gave Oakland three wins. The A's ran up the white flag a few weeks ago when they traded away Matt Holiday and Orlando Cabrera. True blue playoff caliber teams don't drop three in a row to teams like Oakland.

Feliz Impressive In Debut But Texas Falls Late

2009-08-04T17:52:00.005-05:00

Believe it or not, this actually got worse after C.J. Wilson's 3-run, 9th inning meltdown which gave Oakland the 3-2 victory.

Following Rajai Davis' 2-run, walkoff triple, Nelson Cruz came up lame in right field and had to be asisted off the field. He apparently sprained his ankle and will probably miss at least the next few games. If it looks no better by then, Cruz make find his way to the 15-day disable list.

"The ball hit off the wall and I was trying to block it," Cruz said. "Then I tried to turn and the foot got stuck in the metal part of the wall. My ankle turned."

Cruz's injury could not come at a worse moment for an offense that has been struggling to find itself since the beginning of the season.

Dustin Nippert, again making a last second spot start, pitched very well for the Rangers, going five innings while striking out five and allowing just one hit. He left with a 1-0 lead.

Rookie sensation Neftali Feliz made his major league debut in the 6th inning, striking out the first four batters he faced, throwing a fastball that topped out at 101 mph. Overall, Feliz pitched two innings of hitless baseball.

"Pretty impressive debut," manager Ron Washington said. "Not so much the strikeouts but the way he filled up the strike zone with strikes."

"When I first got up there, I felt a little nervous," Feliz said. "But once I threw the first pitch, I knew what I was doing and felt comfortable."

The bullpen continued to post shutout inning up till the 9th, when C.J. Wilson came in and imploded, allowing four hits, including the game-winner by Rajai Davis.

"Sometimes you get beat by the long ball, sometimes you get beat by the short ones," Wilson said. "Absolute luck, that's all it is. All of them were lucky hits, dude. They didn't hit any of those balls hard."

Oakland rookie starting pitcher Brett Anderson dominated the Rangers for 7 2/3 innings, striking out 8 while allowing just two runs.

"Brett was great," A's manager Bob Geren said. "There's a lot of home run hitters on that team, and I thought he tied them down well. ... He was pretty pinpoint with his control, really. He commanded both sides of the plate. He had the perfect game plan, and he executed it."

Michael Wuertz picked Anderson up, pitching 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, nabbing his 6th victory of the year.

"That was a tough one right there," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We had them right where we wanted them to be, and we had the right guy in the game."

Top Prospect Makes His Way To Arlington

2009-08-03T21:22:00.003-05:00

The Neftali Feliz Era has begun. Well, sorta....

Feliz was called up from AAA Oklahoma City and will work out of the bullpen for the foreseeable future. Overall, the young flame thrower was 4-6 with a 3.49 ERA in 77 1/3 innings at Oklahoma City but, after beginning the season as a starter, was moved to the bullpen where he was more effective, going 1-1 with 20 strikeouts, three walks and a 2.16 ERA in 12 relief appearances.

Red Hawks pitching coach Terry Clark said Neftali was very excited when he heard the news of his call-up.

"He was emotional,” Clark said. "First time, going to the big leagues, and he cried a little bit. He’s really happy, and I’m really happy for him.”

With the starting pitching incurring a rash of injuries the past month or so, having a fresh power arm in the bullpen could be just what the Dr. ordered.

"We think he has the ability to help us or we wouldn’t have brought him up," general manager Jon Daniels said. "We’re not expecting him to come in and save the day. He’s here to make a contribution. He’s improved in the areas we’ve asked him to work on. He deserves the opportunity."

It is doubtful Feliz will see any time this season as a starter as the Rangers believe he will be most effective in a relief role at this stage of his career. Feliz has an electric fastball but has struggled at times with his control when employing his secondary pitches.

To make room for Feliz on the 40-man roster, starter Matt Harrison was moved from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list. Harrison is out the rest of the season after being diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome.

Feliz's call-up is just the latest in what has been a major pitching youth movement this season for the Rangers. Derek Holland has been both a starter and a reliever since his call-up in May and Tommy Hunter has been very impressive thus far in his role as a starter.

Rangers Split Final Two Against Mariners

2009-08-03T14:12:00.004-05:00

Turns out Tommy Hunter is mortal. After a series of dominant starts, Hunter came back down to earth on Saturday, reminding all of us that despite his hot pitching over the last month, he's still a rookie.

Hunter hit the mound without his best fastball and was knocked around for five runs on seven hits while walking three in five innings. He also hit a batter and threw a wild pitch.

"Tommy just didn't have his location tonight," manager Ron Washington said. "They made him throw some pitches."

"I had a changeup and a curve, but I didn't have a fastball tonight," said Hunter. "I didn't locate my fastball. That's the first thing you do in baseball as a pitcher."

Warner Madrigal offered little in the way of relief, allowing another run on four hits and a walk in just 1 1/3 innings.

Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr. turned back the clock for the night hammering the Rangers to the tune of 3-for-5 with a single, a double & a 3-run homer, the 622nd of his career. Tommy Hunter became the 400th different pitcher to allow a homerun to Griffey since his debut back in 1989.

Mariners starter Felix Hernandez, much like Tommy Hunter, didn't have his best stuff on the night, but Texas was never able to really take advantage. Despite a big night from Nelson Cruz, who went 3-for-4 while hitting his 25th homer of the season, Texas went just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, never putting any real pressure on Hernandez.

"We had Hernandez on the ropes," Washington said. "It might have been different if we got a few hits early. Hernandez didn't have his [best stuff] either."

"That's what I thought after I saw him in the first inning," Cruz said. "He didn't have much control, and we didn't take advantage. We gotta get walks and make things happen."

Hernandez, despite picking up the win, was also very aware he dodged a bullet.

"I don't know how I allowed just two runs," Hernandez said. "That is hard to believe. I am disappointed with my performance today. I don't know, I just felt terrible. I was all over the place."

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On an evening when Texas made several pre-game roster moves (Ian Kinsler and Jason Grilli to the 15-day DL, called up top pitching prospect Neftali Feliz) it was a move made by manager Ron Washington that may have been the biggest of the night. Washington, suddenly short of arms, was forced to roll Scott Feldman out on only 3 days rest. Not only was Feldman pitching on short rest, he was also coming off his worst start of the season in which he was unable to get out of the 3rd inning.

But on Saturday night, Feldman was back to his old self, giving Texas seven innings of work, picking up his 10th win of the year.

"Feldman did a good job bouncing back," manager Ron Washington said. "[His sinker] was working pretty well. He's a ground-ball pitcher. If batters aren't squaring it up, that's how you know he's pitching well.

"He wasn't getting enough ground balls [in his last outing]. If you take the ball 16, 17, 18 times, that happens. He went out there and he gave us an opportunity to get to our two best pitchers."

"I thought Feldman was awfully tough," said Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu. "I have seen this kid and he gets better every year. I think you have to tip your hat. He just didn't throw anything over the center of the plate and kept our hitters off balance."

David Murphy homered in the bottom of the 1st, giving Feldman and early lead to work with. Michael Young added another solo homer in the 6tha dn is now hitting .417 since the All-Star break. Feldman's catcher, Jarrod Saltalamacchia tacked on a 2-run blast in the 7th to cap the scoring and pput Texas up for good.

Texas is now 36-12 this season when they hit multiple homeruns.

The four runs proved to be more than enough for Frank Francisco who, making his first appearance since his latest stint on the DL, dominated the 8th inning, not allowing a baserunner while striking out two batters.

"He looked outstanding," Washington said. "One-two-three inning. He used his pitches. We're happy to have him back."

C.J. Wilson pitched the 9th, also striking out two batters on his way to his 13th save this season.

Rangers Hold Off Mariners To Pick Up Rain Delayed Victory

2009-08-01T18:55:00.004-05:00

Texas didn't manage any blockbuster trade deadline deals, despite some last day rumblings that a trade with Toronto for Roy Halladay remained a possibility. The Rangers opted (or were forced, depending on whether or not you believe the team is brooke) to stand pat, rolling with the players whom have kept this season alive with excitement.

While Texas may not have made any big trade deals, they did get a pitcher back as starter Vicente Padilla returned for the first time since coming down with swine flu while home visiting in Nicaragua. Padilla gave the team a definite boost, pitching tough for six innings, allowing 3 earned runs. While he didn't have his best stuff, and his legs were still not quite all the way under him, Padilla gutted it out and gave the bullpen a needed rest.

"His velocity was down a notch, but he was able to keep the ball down and compete," catcher Taylor Teagarden said. "I was happy with what I saw."

Teagarden got the scoring going for his pitcher in the bottom of the 2nd, hitting a long fly ball that scored the first run of the night for Texas. Teagarden struck again in the bottom of the 5th, drilling a solo homerun to tie the game at 2-2. After Omar Vizquel and Michael Young reached base, Marlon Byrd stepped to the plate and hit a 3-run blast, giving Texas all the runs they would need on the night.

After a 2 hour and 18 minute rain delay, Texas closed the Mariners out, with C.J. Wilson getting the final four outs while picking up his 12th save of the year.

Holland Dominates Mariners As Texas Gets Back On Winning Track

2009-07-31T18:40:00.004-05:00

Perhaps some fans had began to wonder exactly why Derek Holland has been the Texas Rangers' top pitching prospect the last few years, as he's struggled to find his footing for a fair portion of his rookie year. But last night, against the Seattle Mariners, Holland gave everyone a glimpse into what Rangers fans hope is the not-so-distant future. The young rookie pitched 8 2/3 scoreless innings (his relief would allow a run to score which was credited to Holland), allowing just two hits the entire night. In the process, he struck out ten batters, walking just one and completely shut down a Mariners that had taken it to Texas just before the All-Star break.

"I think we got a real good look at Derek Holland, as his future gets better," manager Ron Washington said. "He used all his pitches. When you have his fastball and secondary pitches like that, it's hard to sit on pitches."

For the first time all season, Jarrod Saltalamacchia sat with Holland in the dugout between innings, going over hitter tendencies and keeping him focused.

"We had talked about going out there and not going with fastballs," Saltalamacchia said. "We went with off-speed early. He did a great job tonight. I don't think anyone was comfortable tonight in the box."

Upon his exit in the 9th, just one out away from a complete game, Holland was given a standing ovation.

"Hearing the crowd was an awesome feeling," Holland said. "I had chills down my spine."

Holland's offense took a lot of pressure off his back early getting him an early lead, thanks to a big 3-run inning in the bottom of the 2nd courtesy of homeruns by Hank Blalock and Saltalamacchia.

"We had great offense with Hank [Blalock] getting us started," Holland said. "They started it off for me in the second."

Texas struck again the 3rd and then again in the 5th with solo homeruns by Michael Young who had 3 hits on the night and is now hitting .326 on the season.

Marlon Byrd capped the scoring in the 7th, blasting a 2-run homer, his 10th of the year.

The win not only kept Texas 3 back of the Angels in the West but also pulled them to 1 1/2 games back of the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card Race.

Tigers Run It Up Against Feldman, Rangers

2009-07-31T18:18:00.005-05:00

Every team is gonna have nights like the one the Rangers had Wednesday night against the Detroit Tigers. Scott Feldman who, up until this start, has been one of the better pitchers in the American League was shelled for 6 runs on 10 hits, lasting just 2 1/3 innings.

"It was just an all-around awful job," Feldman said. "Bad command cost me the most. I was not executing my pitches. It was just a frustrating night."

Feldman never did seem to find the 'feel' of his cutter, a pitch that has netted him so many soft outs throughout most of this season. The lack of touch resulted in several pitches outside of the strike zone, forcing Feldman to pull back and throw his fastball down the middle which is fine so long as his other pitches are working. When they aren't, a 90 mph fastball is little more than batting practice for MLB-caliber hitters.

"It wasn't our night tonight," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "They came out swinging the bats and never stopped. If you play enough games, you're going to have one like this. Tonight their bats were on. They got hits, all kinds of hits: doubles, chinks, broken bats. There was nothing we could do."

Despite 2 homeruns by Andruw Jones, the offense never really got on track, managing just 8 hits on the night while striking out a season high 18 times. Tigers starter Justin Verlander was dominant for most of the game, putting in seven innings of work en route to his 12th win of the season. Even when Verlander struggled, he was always able to work his way out of the jams.

"That's what he does," Byrd said. "He comes out throwing 90-92 [mph], then he gets into trouble and he's throwing 96-100. There is a reason why he leads the world in strikeouts. When he has guys out there with runners in scoring position, he steps up his game. You have to do that as well."

Despite scoring 3 in the bottom of the 5th, Texas never got close, allowing the Tigers to score at least one run in the first 7 innings of the game, ultimately dropping the final game of the series, 13-5.

"You gotta tip your cap to their whole team," Rangers third baseman Michael Young said. "Verlander threw a great game, they had, what, 19 hits. You just gotta file it away and move on."

Rangers Hammer Tigers, Take Control Of Series

2009-07-29T18:21:00.004-05:00

Two nights ago, Vicente Padilla, still recovering from swine flu, informed the team he still didn't have his legs under him and should make other arrangements in case he was unable to go. The Rangers did just that, sending Doug Mathis to the mound for the spot start. Mathis, who has yet to allow a run in 20 innings of relief this season, managed four innings of work, allowing three runs (all in the top of the 2nd).

"Obviously I wanted to go a little longer," Mathis said. "I thought I threw the ball very well but that one inning got away from me. When I came out of the game, I wanted us to either be in good shape or having the lead. That's what happened."

In the bottom of the 2nd, Mathis' offense responded for him, scoring four runs off RBI doubles by both Elvis Andrus and Michael, and a 2-run triple by Ian Kinsler.

Josh Hamilton added an RBI on a bloop single and, with the way he's been struggling, you've gotta hope seeing something like like that drop in for him might mean the beginning of the end of his run of bad luck.

Doug Mathis was replaced by Jason Grilli, who entered the game in the 5th, retiring all six batters he faced over two innings of work. Grilli was not only pumped up having his father there in the stands watching him pitch but also because he pitched for the Tigers from '05-'08.

"I've spent some time over there," Grilli said after the Rangers' 7-3 victory. "It's bragging rights, playing against your friends. It's friendly competition. I've had great experiences over there."

Grilli was followed by Eddie Guardado and Darren O'Day, both of whom pitched an inning of hitless baseball. Guillermo Moscoso closed the game out with a scoreless 9th inning.

Overall, Texas' relievers were able to retire 15 of the final 16 batters they faced.

"The bullpen did a great job tonight," manager Ron Washington said. "We came back after we spotted them three runs. We were able to put together some runs."

The win moved Texas to 14 games over .500 and have now won six straight home games. They are 2 1/2 games behind the Angels in the West.

Hamilton's Struggles Reach Critical Level

2009-07-28T14:38:00.004-05:00

As the year goes on it is starting to look more and more like it may well turn into a lost season for Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton.

Texas' 2-time All-Star is now 2 for his last 32 and is mired in what has been, for the most part, a season-long slump.

Hamilton has responded to the slump by watching more video and taking more batting practice but, for whatever reason, just cannot seem to regain neither the timing nor confidence he showed last season when he led the league in RBI.

"I think I've almost overanalyzed it all to a point," Hamilton said. "I was thinking too much and thinking I needed to get a hit because I hadn't gotten a hit in a while. When you do that, it just makes things worse. It's hard not to do, too, because it's only human. I just need to shut all the head games down by myself."

In last nights game with Detroit, manager Ron Washington dropped Hamilton from his customary 3rd spot in the order to 7th, trying to help take some of the self-inflicted pressure off Josh's shoulders. Hamilton wasn't able to respond, going 0-for-4 on the night.

"We're giving him a chance to gather himself," Washington said. "You'd be frustrated, too, if you had a vision of what you're capable of doing and you can't seem to put it together. We haven't given up on him, and we're not going to allow him to give up on himself."

Since returning from the DL on July 6th, Hamilton is hitting just .198 with one home run, two doubles and four RBI. For the season, he is hitting .223 with seven home runs and 28 RBIs.

Hamilton continues to work hard but seems unable to pinpoint the reasons behind the slump.

"If I knew what was wrong, I wouldn't be struggling," said Hamilton. "I think I went 0-for-22 in the minors one time, but then I proceeded to hit .468 in the playoffs."

The Rangers are hoping that with some time and patience a similar turnaround will take place.

"We need to give [Hamilton] a break," Washington said. "He's trying too hard. His timing isn't there and the only person that can fix that is him."

Easier said than done as, at least from his body language, Hamilton appears to have lost a good deal of confidence.

"He needs to be aggressive," Washington said. "Once he steps in that batter's box, he's all by himself."

Texas' Big Game Hunter Nets A Tiger

2009-07-28T10:36:00.004-05:00

Forgive the title...I couldn't resist.

Tommy Hunter's second pitch of the game sailed off the bat of Tigers All-Star Curtis Granderson into the right field seats, giving Detroit the early 1-0 lead. From there, Hunter pitched seven innings of shutout baseball, striking out six.

"Good job by Tommy Hunter," manager Ron Washington said. "We knew he could handle the baseball and manipulate it. He's got four pitches."

The biggest moment of the night came in the top of the 5th when, with the bases loaded, Hunter threw a high fastball by Tigers slugger Miguel Cabrera, ending the top half of the inning in dramatic fashion.

"I think it was a combination of he pitched very well and we didn't swing too well," said Tigers manager Jim Leyland. "We've done this for months, to be honest with you. We've swung at balls and taken strikes."

"I was trying to throw strikes," Hunter said. "I gotta minimize the damage. It was fun. That was fun, puts a smile on your face. It changed the game."

Hunter's assessment was right on the money as in the bottom of the 5th, Nelson Cruz pulled Texas even with a monster 542-foot solo homerun, the 5th longest homerun ever hit at the Ballpark in Arlington.

The Rangers continued their march to victory in the bottom of the 6th, getting a lead-off double by Elvis Andrus who scored on a single by Michael Young. After a David Murphy walk, Hank Blalock drove both men home with a double down the rightfield line, putitng Texas up 4-1.

Detroit pushed another run across in the top of the 8th but was answered in the bottom of the inning via Michael Young's 14th homerun of the year. For the night, Young had three base hits, the 3rd consecutive game he's accomplished that feat.

In the 9th, C.J. Wilson came on to strike out the side, picking up his 11th save of the season.

Tommy Hunter is now 3-1 with an ERA of 2.00. Offenses are hitting just over .200 against him.

The 5-2 win broke a string of seven straight loses to the Tigers.

"We had many opportunities to win against them in Detroit," Washington said. "Those guys don't quit. I remember four or five games in Detroit we would have won. They snatched them from us. Baseball does that."

The win give Texas a 33-19 record at home, 2nd best in team history and also moves them to 2 games behind the Angels in the AL West.

Rangers Win Series In Kansas City

2009-07-27T17:15:00.005-05:00

Game two in Kansas City featured a pitcher still finding his way in his first big league season. Game three featured one who may have finally found himself.

On Saturday, Texas sent rookie Derek Holland to the mound and, much like he's done since coming up from AAA earlier in the year, mixed moments of greatness with a little too much inconsistency.

After going just 4 2/3 innings, allowing 4 earned runs on 7 hits, Holland is now 1-5 with an ERA of 6.42 in nine starts.

"I saw fight," manager Ron Washington said. "But he still has to work on his commanding the baseball better. Derek had trouble trying to hit his spots from the beginning. He got through the first three [innings] but he still had trouble controlling the baseball."

The offense wasn't much better, scoring just 3 runs on 11 hits. Texas' 3 & 4 hitters, Josh Hamilton and Andruw Jones, went a combined 0-for-7 with 6 strikeouts. For the game, Texas struck out 13 times.

"When you strike out that many times, you're not putting much pressure on the defense," Washington said.

In the final game of the series, Dustin Nippert again showed that he may be finally reaching the level long expected of a player with his potential. Nippert, forced into the game after Kevin Millwood had to exit at the end of the 2nd inning with a strained left gluteus muscle, came up big for Texas, pitching 4 2/3 innings of one hit, one run relief, giving the stagnant offense just enough time to put a few runs on the board.

"I just go out there to throw strikes and keep us in the game," Nippert said. "Keep it close and help us win the game. Today I was able to keep the ball down and use all my pitches. I was throwing my changeup a lot and mixing speeds."

With the performance, Nippert picked up his 2nd win in 5 days, despite his offense doing everything in their power to prevent that. Luckily for him, the Royals defense proved slightly more inept that the Rangers hitting.

After being shut out for six innings by Kansas City starter and former Rangers reject Sidney Ponson, Texas finally got a bit of a rally started in the 7th inning as Andruw Jones banged a double of the wall in left field. A single by Nelson Cruz put runners on the corners with nobody out. Royals reliever Ron Mahay was replaced by Jamey Wright who promptly induced a groud ball by Jarrod Saltalamacchia to first baseman Billy Butler who threw out Jones trying to score at home. With runners at first and second, Cruz then stole third, but Wright got a big strike out of Elvis Andrus for the second out of the inning.

That brought Ian Kinsler to the plate, who quickly swung at the first pitch he saw, popping the ball up high into the air on the right side of the infield. Luckily for Texas, Royals second baseman Alberto Callaspo had trouble locating the ball, making a last ditch running stab at it, dropping it on the right field grass. The error allowed Nelson Cruz to score and seemed to suck the life out of the Kansas City players. Michael Young and Marlon Byrd both singled home runs making it 3-0.

"It always takes the emotion out of you when you give up three unearned runs in one inning," Royals manager Trey Hillman said. "That happens regardless of how you're going. But it happens even more so when you've only got a couple hits on the board and you're having a miserable time offensively."

Kansas City put a run on the board in the bottom of the 7th but it was quickly given back as Andruw Jones came up in the top of the 8th and hammered a homerun into the left field seats. Texas would add three more runs in the 8th, closing the Royals out with a 2-1 series win.

"It was a strange game," Young said. "The story of the game was Nip and the sun. We got the sun ball and after that we came alive. Give Ponson credit. He threw a really good game. He had a lot of life on his sinker down in the zone. We caught a big break in the seventh and took it over."

Greinke Tough But Feldman Comes Up Big As Rangers Shutout Royals

2009-07-25T20:13:00.005-05:00

Scott Feldman has been saying all year that staff ace Kevin Millwood has set the bar pretty high for staying in games and chewing up innings. Feldman has been very effective this year for six innings but high pitch count and/or fatigue has prevented him from getting through the 7th. On Friday night, Feldman finally broke through that wall, deliving a masterful performance over eight innings in route to his 9th win of the season.

"I hope I can build on this and make it more of a regular thing getting us deeper in the game," Feldman said.

As good as Feldman was, allowing no runs while scattering just four hits over his eight innings, Royals ace Zack Greinke pitched quite a game as well. Greinke went seven innings, striking out ten while allowing just three hits. Unfortunately for the Royals, one of those hits was a solo homerun off the bat of Marlon Byrd.

"I know he wished that pitch was in a better spot," Byrd said. "That was something we needed, and Feldman took it from there."

Texas added an insurance run in the top of the 8th when Hank Blalock hit a long double to center field, scoring Marlon Byrd.

C.J. Wilson took over for Feldman in the 9th, closing Kansas City out, nabbing his 10th save of the year. But despite Wilson's dominant 9th, everyone was talking about Feldman's big night.

"He used his changeup more and had a nice little breaking ball going," catcher Taylor Teagarden said. "I figured Greinke was going to do his usual seven or eight innings and allow zero or one run. At the same time, I was expecting Feldman to do the same."

"For you to outpitch Zack [Greinke], you gotta throw pretty good," Royals catcher Brayan Pena said. "[Feldman] did a great job."

Ron Washington was also quick to praise his starter saying, "Feldman matched the best pitcher in baseball and threw an excellent ballgame."

The shutout was the 6th of the season for Rangers pitchers.

Texas Breaks Out The Brooms, Sweeps Boston Out Of Arlington

2009-07-23T18:45:00.007-05:00

Don't look now but your Texas Rangers are starting to play some pretty good baseball.

After struggling against Seattle just prior to the All-Star break, then looking terrible against the Minnesota Twins after the All-Star break, many 'experts' began expounding on the demise of the Rangers.

Then the Boston Red Sox rolled into town.

Playing in front of huge crowds for the last three home games, Texas swept the Sox out of town, taking all three games in a variety of ways.

For game 1, Texas sent their ace, Kevin Millwood to the mound and he didn't disappoint, setting the tone for the entire series. Millwood battled for six innings against the high-powered Boston lineup, allowing just two run. The offense paid him back for his effort, exploding in the bottom of the 6th inning for five runs against former Cy Young Award winner John Smoltz, highlighted by three homeruns off the bats of Michael Young, David Murphy & Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

"Smoltz was throwing a great game," Michael Young said. "For a lot of us, it was the first time seeing him. He still has good life on his fastball and good bite on his breaking ball. He was throwing a great game. We were fortunate we had some guys string together some good at-bats and get a big inning going."

C.J. Wilson also had a big night for Texas, shutting Boston down for the final four outs of the game, striking out two on his way to his 8th save of the season. Wilson's stuff was just flat nasty as he overpowered the vaunted Red Sox lineup.

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In game 2 Texas took on one of the best big game pitchers in baseball, Josh Beckett. And Boston's ace lived up to his press clipping, pitching a complete game and, at one point, retired 14 hitters in a row. Unfortunately for Beckett, Texas may have found themselves a gem in young starter Tommy Hunter.

Hunter was clutch for the Rangers and, after being given an early lead thanks to a 2-run single by Hank Blalock in the bottom of the 1st inning, pitched six innings of one run ball. He also allowed just four hits, keeping Boston off balance the entire night.

"That was great," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "Beckett was Beckett -- just like he always is. To beat him, you have to have your pitcher go out there and match him, and that's what Tommy did."

Jason Jennings and Darren O'Dat followed Hunter with scoreless innings of their own before giving way to C.J. Wilson who came in and shut the door on Boston, nabbing his 9th save of the year.

"It's a huge win, because they're a great team," Rangers outfielder David Murphy said. "We've played great the last three days, but definitely this series. It just makes a statement that we're here and we're for real. People want to count us out, but we're still playing well. We hit a little skid [losing four straight] and the Angels are playing good. We're not in first place, but we're for real."

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In the final game of the series, Boston sent top prospect Clay Buchholz to the hill while Texas countered with Dustin Nippert. Both starters were late additions as Boston scratched Tim Wakefield due to back issues, while the Rangers were forced to go with Nippert as a replacement for Vicente Padilla. Vicente, along with several other members of the pitching staff have come down with the flu.

Nippert, who has struggled in each of his previous starts, gave the Rangers a gutsy performance, holding Boston to just one run over 5 2/3 innings.

"This shows what character this team has," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "We went out and played. We didn't care who we were playing -- we just went out and played. The way our pitchers are pitching, if we can play good defense and score a few runs, we're going to win a lot of games."

Not to be outdone, Nippert gave way to Doug Mathis who went the rest of the way, pitching 3 1/3 innings of shutout baseball.

"I just wanted to execute my pitches, make them swing the bats and put the ball in play," Mathis said. "I wasn't worried about going 3 1/3 innings. I was just trying to get guys out, win the ballgame and finish the game."

With Eddie Guardado and Frank Francisco sick and Darrne O'Day and C.J. Wilson unavailable for the game, Mathis' effort was a huge boost to a suddenly short bullpen.

On offense, Texas got a big blast from Ian Kinsler in the 3rd, his 23rd homerun of the season. In the 4th, Texas would find a way to manufacture a few more runs. Nelson Cruz led the inning off with a single followed by another base hit by David Murphy. With both men in socring position, Cruz was able to score on a ground out by catcher Taylor Teagarden. Elvis Andrus then brough Murphy home with a perfectly executed suicide squeeze.

Texas kept constant pressure on Boston's pitchers and defense, stealing six bases, staying very aggressive on the basepaths.

With a 3-1 lead, Texas broke out the gloves, playing great defense behind both Nippert and Mathis. The biggest defensive play of the night was also the funniest as Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton both tried to chase down a deep fly ball off the bat of Dustin Pedroia. Cruz got their first and made the catch but ran straight into Josh Hamilton who wrapped him up into a bear hug.

"We're two big boys," Hamilton said. "We were running after the ball, both calling it, and we both couldn't hear each other because of the crowd. At the last second, I looked at him out of the corner of my eye and backed off."

"That was a big play," Washington said. "If that falls, we don't know how it would've ended."

With the sweep, Texas has now taken 5 of 6 against Boston this season and currently sit three games out of first place in the AL West.

Kinsler, Bullpen Come Up Big Against Minnesota

2009-07-20T17:14:00.008-05:00

Hopefully, last nights game for Ian Kinsler was a microcosm of how his entire season will go.

Mired in a huge slump, Kinsler led the game off with a solo homerun, giving Texas the early 1-0 advantage.

Derek Holland gave the lead away in the top of the 3rd, allowing a solo homerun to Nick Punto, his first homerun of the entire season. Holland's struggles continued in the 4th inning, as he allowed two more run to cross the plate, thanks in part to a fielding error he committed. He went just 4+ innings and seemingly never regained his composure post-error.

"In the first two innings, he was mixing his pitches very well," manager Ron Washington said. "Then he didn't catch the ground ball. He was erratic after that. When he left, we were in the ballgame."

Down 3-1, the Rangers bullpen stepped up big time, shutting the Twins out the rest of the way, giving the offense a change to scratch and claw their way back. to a 3-3 tie.

"The bullpen came in and they continued to grind tonight," Washington said. "[Doug]Mathis saved us. [Dustin]Nippert saved us. Nippert was on fumes. He was the last guy standing."

The game went extra innings with both teams getting quality pitching from their bullpens. In the bottom of the 12th, Jarrod Saltalamacchia singled and was sacrificed to 2nd base by Elvins Andrus, setting up Ian Kinsler's heroics.

With former Ranger pitcher R.A. Dickey on the mound for Minnesota, Kinsler took a fastball out to left field for a 2-run, walk-off homerun.

"Ultimately the pitch rests in my hand, and I threw the wrong pitch," Dickey said. "That's all there really is to say about this one. I cost us this one, no doubt about it."

"It was a fastball that he tried to get by me," Kinsler said. "He had a good fastball before. He's tough with that knuckleball floating in there. If I was surprised, I wouldn't have hit it over."

With the late-inning win, Texas managed to prevent the Twins from leaving town with a sweep. However, despite the feel good moment, the Rangers continue to struggle at the plate and are now just 1 for their last 20 with runners in scoring position.

Regardless, Ron Washington and Co. are just happy to get themselves a win.

"What a win," said Washington. "They never quit, and tonight was an example of it. It was great. We needed it."

Offensive Struggles Continue As Texas Drops Another Game To Minnesota

2009-07-19T13:56:00.005-05:00

Texas is off to a sluggish start here in the 2nd half of the season and is on the verge of finding themselves in 3rd place in the AL West.

The Rangers dropped another game to the Minnesota Twins, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and striking out a ridiculous 10 times.

"I hope this is not the case, but this might be how our offense is this year, and pitching will have to take us to the promised land," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "Hopefully, our offense will come around, but if not, we'll have to win it with pitching and defense. That's what good teams do in September anyway."

Nelson Cruz accounted for the lone Texas run, hammering his 23rd homer of the season. Cruz added a double and a single but recieved little help from the rest of the offense.

The Rangers have now lost 6 of 7 games, hitting just .192 during that stretch.

"We haven't done as well hitting as we did last year," outfielder Josh Hamilton said. "This would be a good time to pick it up and hit the way we did last year. We'll just see what happens. We just have to keep working hard and hope it comes around soon."

Scott Feldman did what he could to keep the offense close, giving Texas 6 innings, allowing 3 earned runs while striking out five. Feldman continues to give his team quality start after quality start. It's a shame many of his efforts are being wasted due to inconsistency on the part of his offense.

Regardless of the struggles, Texas' manager remains confident.

"We're not going any place," manager Ron Washington said. "We're still in it. We'll come back tomorrow. We know we're better than that. We're not going to drop our heads or make excuses. The name of the game is scoring runs and we're not doing it."

Hamilton Gets Hot, Padilla Implodes

2009-07-18T18:14:00.002-05:00

Vicente Padilla likes to come at hitters. It's an admirable quality when his location is on. However, when his off-speed stuff isn't up to par, Padilla has a tendency to rely too heavily on his fastball. Friday night against the Twins, Padilla was rocked for 5 earned runs on 11 hits in 7 innings of work.

"Everything was fine, I only threw two bad pitches," Padilla said.

The two pitches Padilla is referring to resulted in a 2-run triple by Twins centerfielder Carlos Gomez in the 2nd and a 3-run homerun by Jason Kubel in the 3rd.

All five runs were allowed after Josh Hamilton blasted a 2-run homer into the right field seats in the bottom of the 1st. Hamilton added 2 more base hits and another RBI, delivering all the offense Texas would manage for the night.

"The day before the All-Star Game, I had a good batting practice," Hamilton said. "I just had that, 'I belong here' kind of a feeling."

"It is nice to see Ham swinging the bat," manager Ron Washington said.

Despite the offensive display, Hamilton wasn't able to dig Texas out of the hole by himself as the Rangers dropped the first game of the series 5-3.

"That's baseball," Hamilton said. "Sometimes you get it done, sometimes you don't. You keep working and when the situation arises, hopefully you will get the job done."

Rangers Leave Their Mark At All-Star Game

2009-07-16T18:06:00.006-05:00

The MLB All-Star is far and away the best of all the All-Star games as it is the only game which most closely represents how the game is truly played. With the NFL, NHL and NBA, defense is done away with in the name of ridiculously high levels of scoring. It's very 3-ring circus and comes off as a waste of the viewers time. But with the MLB game, there remains a sense of intrigue. I think this has everything to do with the fact that the players care more about winning as it now now directly affects home field advantage for the World Series.

The American League won yet again and are now 12-0-1 in the last 13 Midseason Classics.

Tampa Bay Rays star outfielder Carl Crawford was voted the games Most Valuable Player thanks in large part to his leaping catch to pull a potentially game-tying homerun back from going over the left field wall.

A couple of Texas Rangers players had good showings as well, with Michael Young and Josh Hamilton each going 1-for-3. Hamilton added a RBI in the first inning of the game.

"It was a good night," Hamilton said. "It was a little more relaxing than last year. I was able to take it in a little more. But you still can't get on a schedule or in a routine. You're still flying by the seat of your pants. But I was glad we got a win."

Texas' third All-Star, Nelson Cruz did not get in the game but made a big impression the previous night, finishing second to Prince Fielder in the Home Run Derby. Cruz hit several tape measure shots, including one that made it to the 4th tier of the left field seats, measuring over 470 feet. Cruz's shot was the first time a player has reached that part of Busch Stadium.

"Everybody was happy in the Dominican," Cruz said. "The media called me the first thing in the morning. The whole country was paying attention to what was going on. They were all proud and happy with the way that I performed."

Texas will now have a few days of rest before starting the 2nd half of the season Friday night against Minnesota.

Tap The Brakes On Dealing For Halladay

2009-07-13T17:33:00.011-05:00

Last week, Toronto Blue Jays GM J.P. Ricciardi admitted to putting some feelers out regarding the possibility of dealing ace starting pitcher Roy Halladay.

Halladay is a career 141-69 and is a bonafied #1 starter. The Blue Jays have let it be known that it will take a massive package of young prospects to pry Halladay away and have sent scouts throughout the majors and minors to gauge exactly what sort of talent is out there for the taking.

Many experts feel as though the Texas Rangers organization are in a position to offer the best package of player possible but there are several factors which prevent me from truly being able to embrace a possible trade.

I understand that the Rangers have played really well this season and find themselves in the thick of the AL West race a year sooner than they'd previously projected. But three seasons ago, Texas set out to build their organization from the ground up, dealing away expensive contracts like Mark Teixeira while stocking their minor league organizations with top-tier prospects. This modus operandi has worked extremely well, as Texas is now ranked as having the very best farm system in all of baseball, spearheaded by the previously mentioned Teixeira trade, a deal which netted them their starting shortstop (Elvis Andrus), starting catcher (Jarrod Saltalamacchia), number five starter (Matt Harrison) and top pitching prospect (Neftali Feliz).

Trading for a player like Halladay, while bold, would effectively cripple the farm system as Texas would surely be forced to deal away quality youth similar to what they added when they traded Teixeira to Atlanta in 2007.

So what would it take to get Roy Halladay? Well, Toronto has said they want young pitching (Neftali Feliz & Kasey Kiker), a power bat (Justin Smoak) and a shortstop (Marcus Lemon) in exchange for their ace.

Feliz just put on a pitching display at the All-Star game when he pitched one inning in the Futures Game, striking out two and averaging almost 97 mph with his fastball.

Kiker is currently pitching for AA Frisco, has shown good command throughout the season and was the starting pitcher in the AA All-Star game, pitching a hitless, scoreless inning.

Justin Smoak was promoted to AAA Oklahoma City last week and appears to be on the fast track to Arlington. He may well be the odds on favorite to be the Rangers starting first baseman as early as next season.

Marcus Lemon was a 4th round pick in the 2006 draft and is a slick-fielding, lightning fast infielder who's already made a successful jump to AA Frisco.

There's also the issue of Roy Halladay having an iron clad no-trade clause and, at least if the rumors are to be believed, would not okay any deal which would ship him to Texas, a place where he is a career 4-3 with a 6.14 ERA in 11 appearances. The Ballpark in Arlington is far and away Halladay's least favorite park in which to pitch, meaning even if they were able to convince him to accept a trade to Texas, it is very unlikely he would even consider signing an extention. Instead, Halladay would likely opt to test free agency after the 2010 season, with Texas getting nothing in return save for a 2010 1st round draft pick from the team that signed him away. Dealing away four (possibly more) top prospects for what would amount to less than a season and a half from Roy Halladay just doesn't add up for me.

Finally, Roy Halladay does nothing for what may well be Texas' biggest issue going into the second half of the season: the offense. The Rangers offense has been very inconsistent for the entire season, one day looking like world beaters only to look lost the next. It appears as though this is simply what they are and if that is the case, no amount of All-Star pitching will make up for all the missed opportunities and silly hitting mistakes this offense seems poised to make over the next 70+ games.

If I'm calling the shots I'm holding my water for now. Hallday is a proven All-Star and would be a welcome addition on any team but mortgaging your future for little more than a rent-a-pitcher (albeit a great one) is simply something Texas cannot afford, especially with Rangers owner Tom Hicks currently wading waist deep in a well-documented financial crisis.

Texas is not and will never be able to spend with teams like the Yankees, Mets and Red Sox, at least not as long as Hicks is the owner. Despite being the 7th largest market in baseball, Texas is currently 22nd in the league in payroll. And while a high payroll doesn't guarantee wins, a low payroll means a team can't afford to make many mistakes and hope to remain viable. The Yankees can afford to trade away their entire minor league for a single player; if things go south they'll just buy more. Texas doesn't have this luxury.

The Rangers have had a great first half of the season and with any luck will find themselves battling it out with the Angels and Mariners in the AL West for the rest of the year. It's simply not the time to be trading away young studs, even if it's for possibly the best pitcher in baseball.

Rangers Make Mistakes On Way To Series Loss To Mariners

2009-07-13T09:59:00.004-05:00

The Texas Rangers stumbled to the All-Star break Sunday afternoon, dropping the final two games of a 4-game set in Seattle. Winning just one of four dropped Texas 1 1/2 games behind the Anaheim Angels in AL West.

On Saturday, Kevin Millwood was rolling right along against the Mariners, allowing just one earned run over six innings of work. But in the 7th, perhaps all the battling finally caught up to Millwood, as a lead-off single followed by a 2-run homer by Seattle catcher Rob Johnson proved too much to overcome for the Texas offense.

His counterpart, Jarrod Washburn, looked great against Texas, going seven innings, allowing just one run.

"[Washburn] really did a phenomenal job against a good lineup," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said. "He kept them off-balance. He threw several pitches that were right on the black. He didn't throw many pitches in the middle of the plate tonight. He did a phenomenal job."

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Despite 6th inning homeruns from Hank Blalock and Nelson Cruz which pulled Texas into a 3-3 tie with the Mariners, Texas' bullpen couldn't hold down the Seattle offense.

Four consecutive singles (one of which should have been ruled a throwing error on Elvis Andrus) surrendered by Darren O'Day and C.J. Wilson resulted in two runs in the bottom of the 7th, giving Seattle all they would need to hold the Rangers off, taking 3 of 4 in the series.

But it wasn't the bullpen that was the subject of blame after the game. Texas kept Mariners starter Erik Bedard in trouble for much of his 5 2/3 innings, but could never get that one big hit to blow the game open.

"We had Bedard in trouble all night," Ranger manager Ron Washington said. "We just couldn't punch anything across, and finally in the sixth inning, we finally tied the ballgame up. Then it was, 'Who's going to make the mistake first?' And we made one, and they punched a couple of runs across the board."

Regardless of the tough finish, Washington is still fine with how the first half of the season went.

"We've lost games before and bounced back, and we'll bounce back," he said. "Nobody feels good about coming up here and losing three out of four. We had a chance to even the score today. We didn't get it done. The four days we have are days that are on the schedule and there for a reason. I want them to enjoy it and come back Thursday, come back and get back to business."

Rangers Power Their Way To Win

2009-07-11T18:28:00.003-05:00

Coming off a tough loss the previous night to the Mariners, the Rangers broke out the big bats, homering their way to victory.

Down 2-0 after starter Scott Feldman got off to a rough start in the 1st, the offense responded, getting a solo shot from Hank Blalock in the 2nd, a 3-run blast from Michael Young in the 3rd and a big 2-run shot from newly named All-Star Nelson Cruz that proved to be the difference in the game.

"That was the best ball I hit this year," Cruz said. "I crushed it."

Seattle picked up two runs in the bottom of the 8th off Derek Holland but it wasn't enough to keep Feldman from picking up his 8th win of the season.

"You never want to give up two, but I just tried to tell myself if I can keep it there, I know, more times than not, we're going to put up some runs," Feldman said. "I just really focused on keeping them right there, forgetting about that first inning and just pitching my game."

The bottom of the 9th was closed out by Rangers closer Frank Francisco, who was on his game and looked as good as he has since returning from the disabled list.

The win keeps Texas alone in 1st place in the AL West and also moved the team 4 1/2 games ahead of Seattle in the division.

Rangers Drop A Heartbreaker Late In Seattle

2009-07-10T19:34:00.006-05:00

When you make your way from one side of a 162-game schedule to the other, it's guranteed you're going to have your ups and downs. The very best teams in baseball this season will still manage to lose roughly 35% of their games. With that said, some loses sting a little more than others.

In a game with plenty of quality pitching, it was a pitching mistake that ended up costing the Rangers a win Thursday night in Seattle.

Seattle starter Felix Hernandez was electric, throwing 8 innings, allowing only one earned run (which scored on a wild pitch) and striking out seven. Hernandez allowed just five baserunners the entire game.

"[Hernandez] showed why he's an All-Star," Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu said. "His sinker was absolutely unhittable at times. The one miscue, where he got two quick outs and then a walk and hit ... we'll take that any day of the week."

Rangers starter Tommy Hunter was also very effective, pitching six innings of shutout baseball before giving way to Darren O'Day, who also manage a scoreless inning.

Then the wheels came off.

In the bottom of the 8th and with C.J. Wilson on the mound, Ichiro worked a 2-strike double to lead off the inning. From there, C.J. recorded 2 quick outs, setting up a confrontation with Ken Griffey Jr., Wilson's boyhood hero. But after an 8-pitch battle which saw the count run full, Griffey worked a walk out of Wilson, putting the go-ahead run on base.

"I thought I had him on the last pitch, but it just was a little bit outside," Wilson said. "I thought maybe he was going to swing at it. I threw the ball where I wanted to throw it, within a couple inches, it just wasn't right where I wanted to throw it. It's pretty simple."

Unfortunately for both C.J. and the Rangers, Griffey was the out they needed as the next hitter, Franklin Gutierrez stepped to the plate and drilled a Wilson sinker over the left-center-field wall, giving the Mariners a 3-1 lead they would not give back.

"One hundred and ninety nine times out of 200, that's a ground-ball out," Wilson said. "First time I've made a mistake with that pitch all season. I've thrown 500 of those things, and it's the first time I've made a mistake."

"My hat is off to those guys," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "They won that game tonight. We didn't give it to them."

The loss was the first in five meetings this season against the Mariners.

Andruw Jones Homers Texas Back Into First Place

2009-07-09T08:34:00.004-05:00

Last season with the Dodger, Andruw Jones had the most frustrating season of his career, hitting an anemic .158 with just three homeruns.

Against the Angels on Wednesday night, Jones needed just 3 at-bats to equal his previous seasons output, clubbing three homeruns and driving in four, leading Texas to an 8-1 victory over the division rival Anaheim Angels.

"Andruw put us on his back, and everybody just followed," manager Ron Washington said after his team finished taking two of three from the Angels.

"That's what Andruw is capable of," third baseman Michael Young said. "That's not the first time he's shown power; he's been doing it his whole career. There aren't many guys in the game who have as much natural power as Andruw."

Taylor Teagarden and Marlon Byrd also added homeruns for the Rangers, giving starter Vicente Padilla all the room he'd need to hold the Angels down, picking up his 7th win of the year.

"It was just good to go out and perform well and get a win," Jones said. "Everybody produced tonight. It's about team, not just one individual person. It's about team and beating a team that you're competing against."

Jones has now hit nine homeruns and 19 RBI in his last 16 games.

"You're talking about a guy who was on his way to being a first-ballot Hall of Famer," Young said. "Andruw has a lot left in the tank. He works hard, has a good idea of what he's doing at the plate and has got monster power."

Texas is 7-2 head-to-head with Anaheim on the season and now head to Seattle with a 1 game lead on the AL West.

Hamilton Stays Hot, Rangers Outlast Angels

2009-07-08T10:49:00.005-05:00

Sometimes all you need is a little hustle.

Down 3-0, with 2 outs in the 5th, Michael Young legged out an infield single, just beating out a throw from Angels shortstop Erick Aybar, keeping the inning alive. It proved to be the key base hit of the game.

"I just think it's the right way to play," Young said. "You hit the ball on the ground, and you run as fast as you can. I hit it off the plate, so I knew there was a chance, but they have a great infield, so I knew it was going to be bang-bang. We definitely caught a break there on a hit that's not the way you draw it up."

Said Angels starter John Lackey, "He's a guy I've faced probably 100 times. It's always a tough at-bat. He's a professional hitter. He gives you a tough at-bat, plays the game the right way. He's a guy I'd pay to see. Erick did everything he could on that play. Young just beat it."

"Michael Young, this guy's a baseball player in every aspect," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "That's how he plays the game. You expect that from him. We just didn't close it out."

Josh Hamilton followed Young with a hard single (one of three hits on the nights) into center field setting up a huge, cluth homerun by Andruw Jones, tying the game.

"I was looking for something over the plate, and he threw one down but over the middle," Jones said. "Everybody came through for us tonight. After I got that big hit, everybody seemed to relax, and we got things rolling."

Hank Blalock followed with a base hit. A visibly uncomfortable Lackey then walked Marlon Byrd and David Murphy before uncorking a wild pitch, scoring Blalock from third. A Jarrod Saltalamacchia single scored Byrd and Murphy, capping the scoring and giving Texas a margin the Angels could never make up.

Spot starter Dustin Nippert went just 3 2/3 innings but was back up by a very impressive 2 inning performance by Derek Holland.

Jason Jennings came in with one on and two outs in the bottom of the 6th hit Mike Napoli and walked Erick Aybar, loading the bases for Chone Figgins. After walking Figgins, allowing a run to score, Jennings pulled things together and got a big strikeout of Bobby Abreu.

"I'm not going to be at my best every night, but at least I was able to make a pitch when I had to," Jennings said. "Right there, if he hits a ball in the gap, they take the lead, so I had to keep the ball out of the middle of the plate. But I got a couple of fastballs inside on him to take it to two strikes and then got him on a slider."

Darren O'Day also struggled but was picked up by C.J., who pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball.

Frank Francisco came in to putch the 9th, allowing a homerun to Juan Rivera before shutting the door on the Angels offense, pulling Texas back into a tie with Anaheim for the AL West.

"The wolf-pack mentality was really awesome tonight," Wilson said. "We knew that Dustin had a limited pitch count, so everybody was on high alert. But we came up big because everybody did their job. It was great to get out of those jams."

Angels Spoil Return Of Josh Hamilton

2009-07-07T09:43:00.003-05:00

Welcome back, Josh Hamilton. Texas' All-Star center fielder returned to the lineup Monday night for the first time since the end of May and didn't disappoint, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Unfortunately, the Angels had to go and spoil all the fun.

Starter Kevin Millwood turned in his worst performance of the season, allowing nine earned runs in only five innings of work, putting Texas in a hole they were never able to climb out of.

"I didn't hit my spots. When I tried to go away, it would drift over the middle of the plate. And when I didn't hit my spots, they hit those mistakes," Millwood said.

The loss was only Millwood's second in his last eight starts.

"When you look at their lineup, one through six, that's as good as it gets," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Sometimes you get through it and sometimes you don't. Seven, eight and nine aren't easy either. That's a tough lineup to make it through, and we didn't get it done."

The offense gave Millwood an early 2-0 lead thanks to an RBI base hit by Hank Blalock and an error which allowed Josh Hamilton to score but, save for a 2-run homer by Ian Kinsler after the game was out of reach, didn't manage anything else against Angels starter Jered Weaver.

Prior to Monday nights game, Millwood had held opponents to a .189 average with runners in scoring position. Highlighted by a 3-run blast by Jeff Mathis and 2-RBI nights by both Torii Hunter and Juan Rivera, the Angels hit .750 going 6-for-8.

"You've got to give them credit; they swung the bats well," Rangers third baseman Michael Young said. "The middle of their lineup did a great job. It's just one of those times where you chalk it up to being one of those nights. When Millwood is on the mound, we feel we have a good shot of winning, but it just didn't happen."

Hamilton Back, Davis Headed To Minors

2009-07-06T16:33:00.004-05:00

The Rangers announced on Sunday that Josh Hamilton, coming off a 2-for-7 performance in a double-header in Oklahoma City, will be returning to the Rangers. Hamilton had abdominal surgery last month and was expected to miss another two weeks.

Hamilton has hit .148 (4-for-27) in six Minor League rehab games.

"He's been down there and played [six] ballgames," Washington said. "It was time for him to come help us out."

To make room for Hamilton on the roster, the Rangers have sent their much-maligned first baseman, Chris Davis, down to Oklahoma City.

Davis has struggled at the plate this season, hitting just .202 and striking out at the record pace of just over 44% of the time.

"What I'm doing is not working," Davis said. "It was definitely not the Chris Davis that they thought they were getting. They know how productive I can be and I haven't been that guy. We all know how this year has gone. It's no secret. It's good that I can clear my head, take my time, figure out what's going on and get back here.

"I want to go out, work my tail off, get squared away and get back up there. I want to be a part of this team."

Rangers Sweep Rays, Keep Pace With Angels

2009-07-06T15:43:00.006-05:00

The Tampa Bay Rays came to town riding a bit of a hot streak. But Texas, riding a bit of a streak of their own after having taken 2 of 3 against AL West rivals the Anahiem Angels, took it to the defending American League champs, sweeping the 3-game series to keep pace with the Angels.

"We're a confident team," third baseman Michael Young said. "[The Rays] are a very good team and whoever wants to go to the World Series from the American League has to go through the Rays. They are a talented club and we know they are going to be in the AL mix the whole way. The one thing we did well in this series is we pitched well."

In game 1 of the series, rookie Tommy Hunter gave Texas a big boost, going 5 1/3 innings while allowing only 1 earned run. The win, the first in his MLB career, came on his 23rd birthday.

"Their guy was deceptive, Hunter, and we had a hard time picking it up," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "Everybody came back in and had a different idea of what he was trying to do. We just had a hard time seeing the ball on him."

Hank Blalock continued his recent power surge, hitting a 2-run shot that proved to be the difference in the game.

"He made me pay," Rays starter Scott Kazmir said. "You don't throw that pitch to Blalock, anything that's hanging, anything that's up. I got away with it the first time and the second time he made me pay."

The trio of Jason Jennings, C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco came in to pitch 3 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball with Frankie picking up his 15th save of the season.

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Game two of the Rays series saw two top pitching prospcets going head-to-head and at least this time, The Rangers Derek Holland came out on top.

Playoff hero David Price took the mound for Tampa Bay and continued his recent struggles, walking 5 and allowing 6 earned runs in 1 1/3 innings. He's now walked 30 batters in his last 38 innings.

Holland got a lot of early offense from the Texas offense and managed to hang on for the ride, going six innings, allowing 4 earned runs and striking out four.

Nelson Cruz and David Murphy combined for 6 hits and Andruw Jones added a big 3-run blast, leading Texas to an easy 12-4 victory.

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In the final game, Scott Feldman continued to do what he's been doing since joining the rotation, going 6 innings, allowing 2 earned runs and picking up yet another victory.

"[Feldman] kept the ball down," Rays manager Joe Maddon said. "He's done good work this year against left-handed hitters. A lot of it looked like a backdoor cutter and then he'd get in on their hands, too. And we had a lot of jammed swings tonight."

Conversely, Rays starter Matt Garza struggled with his location, walking two and hitting another, allowing 5 earned runs over 5 innings of work.

"I went after them with my fastball," Garza said. "It's all it was, lack of command a lot. When you get behind the hitter gets in a more comfortable, confident position and gives them pitches to hit."

Texas scored all 5 of their runs in the first 4 innings of the game, 3 coming via sacrifice flies off the bats of David Murphy, Marlon Byrd and Elvis Andrus.

Ron Washington speaks a lot on the fundamentals of baseball and the Rangers, at least during the month of June, seemingly lost the abilty to play that form of baseball. Runs weren't being manufactured, men weren't being moved tp the next base but with the turn of the calender, they seem to have found their groove again.

"There's a lot of energy about them," said Maddon about the Rangers. "They're playing the game right. So they just outplayed us for three nights.

"It always starts with pitching. You either win because you pitch or you lose because you don't pitch well. And they've just been pitching well."

AA All-Star Game Comes To Frisco

2009-07-02T23:15:00.006-05:00

Frisco RoughRiders Press Release:

The South and North rosters both had some powerful bats, but it was the pitching that dominated the 73rd Texas League All-Star Game at Dr Pepper Ballpark as the North edged the South, 2-1. The North was led by Corey Smith who went 2-for-3 with a run scored, earning All-Star Game MVP honors.

In the second inning, Smith, Hank Conger, and Tyler Henley each reached on three consecutive singles to load the bases and bring Mike Trumbo to the plate. Midland’s Jason Fernandez hit Trumbo to plate Smith and give the North Division a 1-0 lead. The score stayed like that until the eighth when Nate Sutton reached base for the North, stole second base, and scored on an RBI single by Kurt Mertins, giving the North Division a 2-0 advantage. The South would snap their scoreless streak with a run in the eighth frame when Midland’s Josh Horton hit an RBI double to put the South on the scoreboard.

Eight North pitchers combined to throw nine innings of one-run baseball, despite the South out-hitting the North 7-6. Fernandez took the loss for the South while starter Trey Hearne earned the win for the North. The South combined to strike out 12, including three by San Antonio’s Mat Latos.

Frisco’s Craig Gentry and Manny Pina combined to go 0-for-4 while South starter Kasey Kiker had an excellent first frame, striking out one and not allowing a baserunner in his only inning of work.

Box Score

Hicks Rumored To Have Borrowed Money From MLB To Make Payroll

2009-07-02T17:17:00.008-05:00

If you're curious what a sports franchise in dire economic straits looks like, you may get a chance to view one up close and personal.

It is being reported that the Texas Rangers needed to borrow $15 million from Major League Baseball to cover payroll and operating cost. When asked about the validity of the report, Rangers & Dallas Stars owner Tom Hicks referred the questions to team spokesman John Blake, who promptly had no comment. Rangers President and rumored potential buyer Nolan Ryan also had no comment on the report.

Evan Grant of D Magazine reported:

Club sources, however, said the team has paid its employees for the most recent pay period and that Hicks remains in control of the organization. According to a source familiar with the situation, the Rangers are continuing normal operating procedures and have financial resources to sign both draft picks and international free agents. The source, however, did not mention the possibility of increasing payroll at the trading deadline.

According to a source, a scenario has been in place for several weeks that would have allowed the Rangers to borrow from the MLB fund. It would not mean MLB would take control of the club, but under those circumstances, it’s likely MLB would have much more say on spending matters. The Rangers top two draft picks, LHP Matt Purke and RHP Tanner Scheppers, are both demanding bonuses well in excess of the current MLB-recommended “slotting” system.

It's well-known that Tom Hicks has been actively seeking a buyer for the Rangers since defaulting on an interest-only payment on a $525 million loan previously made to his U.S. sports operations.

While Hicks has claimed it's "business as usual" and that "both teams are able to make moves, if those moves make sense for the general managers" he also said "They have to be able to operate successfully and be profitable. That's just smart business.

"You can't continue to spend money if the team is losing money," Hicks added. "We are determined to create as much revenue as possible for each team, and that's one of the reasons we have changed things. One of our biggest challenges right now is to find ways to market and sell our teams."

Apparently, Hicks' Sports Marketing Group isn't what he meant by "business as usual."

Today, news has broken that Tom Hicks has dissolved the joint-marketing Rangers-Stars sales force, reassigning most of the employees previously working under the marketing groups umbrella.

Former Hicks Sports Marketing Group president Tom Lites' contract was not renewed but has said he would like to remain in the North Texas area and didn't rule out trying to put together a group of investors to make a push for the purchase of the Rangers.

"I've put in a lot of time here, and I like it here," he said. "I'm very proud of what we have accomplished."

Lites was hired as Stars president in 1993 by former owner Norman Green and acted in that capacity until 2007 when he was relieved of his duties in a front office shake-up.

The dissolution of the marketing group comes on the heels of layoffs that cost almost 10% of all Rangers front office personnel their jobs.

Rangers Get Big Win In Dramatic Fashion

2009-07-02T07:56:00.006-05:00

Hank Blalock had already had himself a huge night when he stepped to the plate in the bottom of the 9th and hit a game-winning, 2-run homer to not only give the Rangers the series win but also pull to within a 1/2 game of the Angels.

For the game, Blalock hit two homers, a double and drove in three runs.

"That was a good one," second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "That was fun and it couldn't have happened to a better guy in the lineup. Two home runs and one a walkoff. Nothing bigger than that."

Blalock's walkoff moment almost never happened.

After Michael Young singled to start the 9th inning, David Murphy sacrificed him to second base. Marlon Byrd then struck out looking bringing Blalock to the plate. With rookie Julio Borbon on deck Angels pitching coach Mike Butcher went to the mound to discuss the possibility of pitching around Blalock to get to the rookie.

Mike went out to see how Justin [Speier] felt and to get a game plan," Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. "We had a couple of options."

Scioscia said of the potential intentional walk, "weighed a lot. Of course we thought of that. If Justin didn't feel good about where he was ... but Justin felt good going after him."

"I threw a little backdoor slider," Speier said. "That was the right pitch. I just made a mistake, and he took advantage of it. I threw the same pitch the other night [Monday] and he swung through it. Tonight, he got me."

Despite the last-inning theatrics, it was a moment that probably shouldn't have happened.

Frank Francisco came into the game in the top of the 9th, looking to close the game out for Texas. Instead, he served up a game-tying, 3-run to Juan Rivera, setting the stage for the Blalock fireworks.

Despite blowing his second save in a week, Francisco still ended up the winning pitcher.

"I don't care about that," Francisco said. "Millwood deserved to win the game. He worked his tail off. It doesn't matter how hard I throw, I need to locate my pitches, and my fastball was all over the place."

Kevin Millwood battled hard against the Angels, going 6 1/3 innings, allowing four runs while striking out four.

With the win, Texas has now claimed two series wins against the Angels this season.

"They're owning us now," Angels outfielder Torii Hunter said. "They're five out of six. The numbers say it."

Rangers Jump Out Early, Hang On For Win

2009-07-01T09:53:00.004-05:00

Joe Saunders should just skip all future road trip through Arlington. Despite offering nothing the way of consistency for the entire month of June, the Rangers offense jumped all over Saunders last night to the tune of 8 earned runs over 3 2/3 innings. He is now 0-5 with an ERA of 11.62 in 5 career starts in the Ballpark.

Ian Kinsler got the ball rolling early, drilling a lead-off homerun in the bottom of the first, his 19th homer of the year. After a Michael Young walk, Marlon Byrd followed with a 2-run blast.

Rangers starter Scott Feldman allowed three runs in the top of the 2nd, allowing the Angels to tie the game up but Nelson Cruz hit a solo blast to give Texas the lead again in the 3rd. Texas would never trail again.

"We definitely needed to win tonight," Washington said. "Hopefully tonight is the night we can get back to playing Texas Rangers baseball. We did tonight."

Marlon Byrd put a little more distance between the two teams, hitting his 2nd homerun of the night, a 3-run blast, in the bottom of the 5th, putting Texas up 8-3.

"Obviously the way we swung the bats tonight was awesome," David Murphy said. "Hopefully it will create some momentum for us."

Despite his early struggles, Scott Feldman settled down, giving Texas six innings of work, picking up his 6th win of the year. He finished his day retiring 13 of the last 14 batter he faced.

"I didn't do anything different, I was just more aggressive," Feldman said. "It wasn't that I was trying to be too fine, but I followed through more and brought everything more toward the plate."

Despite some struggles at the end of the game from both C.J. Wilson and Frank Francisco (who's fastball was topping out at just 91 mph), Texas hung on for the big win, keeping them within striking distance of the Angels.

Angels Roll Into Town, Roll Over Padilla & Co.

2009-06-30T12:29:00.012-05:00

Marlon Byrd and David Murphy had gone back-to-back with solo homeruns in the 3rd and Vicente Padilla was cruising right along for five innings...

Then the 6th inning rolled around and Ranger killer Vladamir Guerrero & Co. pulled things together, stringing together a 4-run inning, highlighted by back-to-back homeruns by Juan Rivera and Kendry Morales. The Morales homer ran Padilla from the game, leaving with a line of 5 runs on 10 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts in 5+ innings pitched.

"I tried to control all of my pitches, but they were up a little bit," Padilla said. "I wasn't throwing as hard as my last outing. I have problems if I don't have my fastball. That's my best pitch."

The Rangers offense again squandered several opportunities to put runs on the board, leaving the bases loaded in the 1st inning. Their struggles struck again when, with 2 on and nobody out in bottom of the 5th, David Murphy popped out to 2nd base and Marlon Byrd grounded into an inning-ending double play.

"That was the game right there," said Byrd, who was 3-for-4 on the night. "Three great at-bats and one lousy at-bat. If I get those runs home, it changes the game. I've got to get those runs in there. If I do, it's 3-1, we have a cushion and who knows what happens. I got my pitch and didn't execute. Just not good hitting on my part."

The lost opportunity proved to be a privotal moment in the game as Padilla imploded in the top of the 6th.

"That was a huge momentum swing," Figgins said. "You almost have to be there to understand it, but I've seen it so many times. That double play completely changed everything. Double plays are killers, man. We came up after that and went to work. You could feel the change in the game."

The Rangers went hitless (0-for-5) with runners in scoring position for the seventh time this month and are now hitting just .225 with RISP for the month of June.

With the loss, Texas falls 2 1/2 games behind the Angels in the AL West.

Rangers Cap Interleague Play With A Dud, Falling 2-0

2009-06-29T18:12:00.005-05:00

On the heels of yet another poor offensive effort, Texas turned in the worst statistical home performance they've had since the opening of the Ballpark in Arlington in 1994.

In the bottom of the 1st inning, Michael Young singled to center. It was the last hit of the night for the Rangers.

"I'm not going to take anything away from [San Diego starter] Chad Gaudin," Young said. "He went out there and threw a great game. As an offense you like to think we can push runs across no matter who we're facing, but it was a combination of us needing better at-bats and him throwing a good game."

"It's definitely hard to believe," outfielder David Murphy said. "It's getting to the point where ... what more can you say? We're just not swinging the bats like we're capable of. I wish I could tell you how to solve the problem."

The lackluster effort wasted a great pitching effort by Tommy Hunter, recently called up from AAA-Oklahoma to make the spot start. Hunter gave Texas 6 1/3 innings, allowing only two runs and walking none.

"It felt good but it was still a loss," Hunter said. "That stinks. I tried."

In an effort to shake up the lineup, Texas has recalled centerfielder and top offensive prospect Julio Borbon. He will hit sixth in the lineup Monday night in game 1 of Angels series. Relief pitcher Willie Eyre was sent down to Oklahoma to make room for Borbon on the roster.

Texas went 9-9 in Interleague play.

Rangers Drilled By Padres

2009-06-28T17:31:00.005-05:00

Well, I guess we can tap the brakes on the idea that Texas' offense if back in full force...

Coming off a big offensive performance on Friday, Texas showed up with a big bag of nothing Saturday night, managing only three runs on six hits while striking out eleven times as Padres starter Kevin Correia continued his hot pitching.

"The last five starts, he's 4-1 with a 2.40 ERA," San Diego manager Bud Black said, accurate in the numbers for his pitcher. " ... His walks were down, his strikes were up and his pitch count per inning was down.

Derek Holland had yet another up-and-down performance, striking out eight batters in 5 2/3 innings but also allowed seven runs on thirteen hits. He again relied far too much on his fastball which the Padres (statistically the worst offense in baseball) took advantage of, teeing off all game long.

"We hit the ball well tonight," Padres 3rd baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff said. "He was working fastball, so why not look for it?"

"It was a collective effort," Black said. "Contributions all around when you get 16 hits."

Rangers catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia tried to put a positive spin on Holland's performance.

"For [Derek] this is a great experience," Saltalamacchia said. "He went up there and went after hitters. He's learning how to pitch in the big leagues. He's holding his own."

With the loss, Texas now falls out of first place (by 1/2 game) for the first time in 50 days.

Texas Locates The Missing Offense, Hammers The Padres

2009-06-27T17:15:00.005-05:00

On a night when starter Kevin Millwood claimed to have, "the worst stuff I've had all year", the offense decided to break out the bats and give him more than enough support to notch his 8th win of the year.

"My fastball and location weren't very good," said Millwood, who hit two batters and walked three while battling for six tough innings. "It feels good to win, but I wanted to go deeper in the game and give the bullpen a break."

The bullpen was up to the task, however, as Jason Grilli, Willie Eyre & Doug Mathis each pitched an inning of hitless, scoreless baseball.

The offense appears to have found a bit of it's old spark, scoring runs in the first innings, giving Millwood plenty of room to breathe.

David Murphy had another big game, hitting a 3-run blast in the 2nd inning. Chris Davis also kept his hot hitting going, going 1-for-3 with a walk.

On the whole, Texas pounded out 13 hits and worked 6 walks, putting 12 runs on the board.

Kevin Millwood feels good about the 3-game winning streak saying, "It seems like we're getting back on track."

Before the season began, everyone seemed to think the pitching would be the key to Texas taking the next step. Suprisingly, it's been the pitching that has carried the heaviest load. It not appears as though it is the offense that will need to show better consistency if the Rangers are to truly make a run at the AL West.

Third baseman Michael Young thinks the offense will get things figured out.

"There's not a magic formula," Young said. "We're a confident group of guys. We're focused on having good at-bats, whether it's a two-pitch at-bat or if we work the count a little."

Omar Vizquel Becomes Venezuelan Hit King

2009-06-26T19:57:00.003-05:00

On Thursday night, Omar Vizquel collected hit no. 2678, passing Hall of Famer and fellow countryman Luis Aparicio to become the all-time hits leader for a player born in Venezuela.

"Finally. ... Wow. I feel 100 pounds lighter," Vizquel said. "I can go out and enjoy the game again and forget about everything else."

With the hit, Vizquel may have put his final touches on a career that many believe will lead to his induction into Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame.

Not only is Vizquel now a hit king, he is also a 3-time All-Star and an 11-time Gold Glove winner. He also broke Cal Ripken Jr.'s record for consecutive games at short stop without and error, has played more games at short stop than any other player in history and is the all-time leader in turned double plays.

Rangers Win In Extra Innings, Take 2 Of 3 In Arizona

2009-06-26T19:38:00.005-05:00

Last night in Arizona, Texas put nine runs up on the board, the first sign of any real offense we've seen from the Rangers for virtually the entire month of June. Despite the offensive explosion, it almost wasn't enough.

Starter Scott Feldman again looked good for Texas, going six innings, allowing three runs on four hits. However, the usually reliable combo of Darren O'Day and Frank Francisco let a 6-3 lead evaporate into a 6-6 tie, thanks to a couple of big homeruns, including a 2-run bomb by D-Backs Third Baseman Mark Reynolds off the Rangers closer.

Ron Washington doesn't seem to be worried about Francisco.

"A good fastball hitter caught a good fastball," Washington said. "He threw him a fastball, and he got it. I thought Frankie's velocity was good and the ball was coming out of his hand good. Frankie is only human. That Reynolds kid has good power."

But in the top of the 12th inning, the much maligned Chris Davis picked up his fourth hit of the night, a big 2-run homer to give Texas the lead.

"[They] threw that first one by me, and I barely got it," Davis said. "I could hear his frustration on the mound. I stepped out and collected myself. Then he threw a changeup over the plate and I just threw my hands at it and hit it well."

Daivd Murphy followed Davis with a solo homerun and it proved to be a huge run, as Arizona fought back for a couple in the bottom of the 12th, coming up one run short.

"It's really nice to get out of here with a win regardless if there is a 'W' by my name or not," Feldman said. "A long plane ride home is better considering it was a battle, but we still pulled through."

Padilla Comes Up Clutch In Win Over Arizona

2009-06-25T18:29:00.007-05:00

He may not be the most popular guy in the clubhouse but there's no telling just how far out of 1st place the Rangers would were it not for the guts and toughness of Vicente Padilla.

Last night, Padilla played the role of the stopper, pitching a seven inning gem, ending Texas' 5-game losing streak. Allowing only one run on six hits, Padilla outdueled D-backs ace and NL ERA leader, Dan Haren.

"That's exactly what we needed," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "When you have a team that's slipping a little, you need one of your top pitchers to go out and do what he did tonight. If we get that one through five in our rotation, we'll be in great shape."

"When your team has five straight losses, it's good getting a win like this," Padilla said.

Texas again struggled at the plate. They managed to scrape together two runs early thanks to RBI base hits by Taylor Teagarden and David Murphy, but still left two men stranded at 3rd base with less than 2 outs. Luckily for the Rangers, Arizona was never able to get anything going against Padilla.

"We could just never get the big hit at the right time," D-backs manager A.J. Hinch said. "We did get runners on base, and we were in a position to score runs but we just didn't hit them in. Give credit to [Padilla] for competing at that time and getting a lot of off-barrel contact at the right time. It's unfortunate for us."

Padilla is 3-0 in his last four starts.

"He [Padilla] certainly had a challenge on his hands, and he was up for the challenge," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Every time he has been going out there, he has been getting better. We needed him to match up tonight, and he did."

"Contrary to popular belief, the sky wasn't falling," said third Baseman Michael Young. "We're a confident group. There are stretches when we aren't playing well, but the biggest thing is how you come out of it. We feel we can play well on any night. It was a nice win, we just have to continue to play well."

Texas is now 2-14 this season when scoring two runs or fewer in a game.

Rangers Lose 5th In A Row, Now Tied For First In AL West.

2009-06-24T18:17:00.008-05:00

This season is beginning to look like so many other 'promising' seasons of years passed. Texas' hot May has given way to a cold June and, after building a 4 1/2 game lead against the Angels, now find themselves in a tie for the AL West.

Texas has gone stone cold at the plate, flailing wildly and coming up short with runners on. The Rangers are now 15 for their last 90 with runners in scoring position. Needless to say, hitting .167 with RISP isn't going to get it done, especially in Texas where the ballpark forces you to be an offensively-geared unit.

Last night in Arizona, the offensive struggles continued as D-backs starter Max Scherzer tied the Rangers offense up to the tune of two runs on eight hits with seven strikeouts. Texas was 2-for-9 with men in scoring position.

Hitting Coach Rudy Jaramillo thinks the hitters are putting too much pressure on themselves.

"There's too much going on in their minds to execute," said Jaramillo. "I see all these things, but once we learn to relax, we're going to stop swinging at pitches we can't hit. I wouldn't throw us a strike right now either. We need to relax, clear our minds, breathe slow and trust our ability."

Matt Harrison did nothing to help the offense, allowing four runs within the first two innings of the game, putting Texas in the hole early. After all was said and done, Harrison lasted just 3 2/3 innings, giving up seven runs.

"He wasn't very sharp tonight," manager Ron Washington said. "He just didn't have it."

"I'm very frustrated," Harrison said. "A terrible performance. I walked too many guys, I fell behind too many guys and I was missing up in the zone. We needed a good start tonight and I didn't give it to them. Very disappointing."

The comic relief moment of the night came in the 6th inning when catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia overthrew pitcher Jason Jennings when tossing the ball back to the mound in-between pitches. No one on the infield noticed, allowing a runner fron 3rd base to score.

Texas is now 7-12 in June.

Texas Swept In San Francisco

2009-06-22T05:00:00.004-05:00

Kevin Millwood did everything he could to keep Texas in the game, going seven innings, striking out ten while allowing just three runs (one unearned).

But once again, Millwood was failed by his offense, which didn't manage a single base hit until the 7th inning and scored just two runs (thanks to a 2-run Andruw Jones homerun). Giants starter Barry Zito turned back the clock, doing to Texas what he did to them years ago when he was a member of the Oakland A's, keeping them confused to the tune of eight strikeouts over seven innings.

The Rangers are now hitting .218 for the month of June with a .277 on-base percentage and a .363 slugging percentage. They are averaging just 3.3 runs per game and have lost 11 of 18 games

"It's just a funk," Ian Kinsler said. "There's not much else you can say. We're facing adversity right now. Every team goes through adversity at some point during the season and you have to fight through it. Zito threw well. You want to give him credit for throwing the ball the way he did, but we feel we're better than that."

While it's true Zito did throw the ball well, how much of that was due to the flailing nature of an offense that seems to have forgotten how to work pitchers?

"We just got outplayed," Millwood said. "They pitched better than we did, they got big base hits when they needed to. It just seems we're in a little bit of a funk right now."

Notice both Ian Kinsler and Kevin Millwood used the word 'funk'. One has to wonder how long this team has before this 'funk' begins to be viewed as a 'trend'.

Holland Impressive But Rangers Offense Awful Again

2009-06-21T12:01:00.005-05:00

Derek Holland had the best outing of his young career, giving Texas seven great innings of one-run baseball, striking out five. San Francisco is arguably the worst offense in baseball but a quality start is a quality start.

"Derek pitched his tail off," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "That's what we've got to look forward to. He was excellent."

But in the bottom of the 11th, Jason Jennings bounced a wild pitch past Jarrod Saltalamacchia, allowing the Giants to score, pulling out the 2-1 victory. Regardless, Jennings was not to blame for the Rangers dropping yet another game to an inferior team.

Giants pitcher Matt Cain took advantage of a Texas offense that has seemingly lost its identity, going eight innings, allowing one run and striking out eight. Texas managed three (!) hits over eleven innings, and went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Texas is now hitting .224 for the month of June and seems to have forgotten how to hit with runners on base.

"I would never have guessed it," Rangers President and Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan said. "I would have guessed we would have scored our normal progression of runs. Our hitting woes have been going on for a while. If we're going to win ballgames, we have to execute in all three parts of the game. Our defense has improved, our pitching has improved and offensively we have to capitalize on our opportunities."

The Big Unit & Co. Hold Texas Down In San Fran

2009-06-20T15:56:00.007-05:00

Texas' one feared offense has disappeared and, if they are to stay in the race for the AL West crown, they'd better find it soon.

San Francisco scored three runs in the first three innings, jumping out to an quick lead thanks to a solo homerun by Aaron Rowand. Their starter, 300-game winner Randy Johnson, looked confident on the mound, controlling the Rangers hitters early.

Michael Young got Texas back in it with a solo homer in the top of the 4th. They added three more runs in the 6th, chasing Johnson in the process, thanks to an RBI single by Nelson Cruz, followed by a 2-run double by Marlon Byrd.

However, Texas was only 3-for-13 with runners in scoring position (one of those hits in infield single that didn't score a run) and, after starter and San Fran native Scott Feldman gave the lead back in the bottom of the 6th, were never able to recover.

Ron Washington knows missed opportunities like early lead-off hits by Ian Kinsler (double in the 1st) and Hank Blalock (triple in the 2nd) have to result in runs if Texas is to truly be considered a serious threat in the AL.

"The two we needed most were the ones we didn't get in the first and second inning," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Those were the ones that came back to haunt us."

With the loss, the Rangers lead in the West is now down to 1/2 game over the Angels.

"We can't worry about the Angels," outfielder Marlon Byrd said. "They're going to win games, it's as simple as that. If we win, we'll be fine. If we don't and they get on a streak, they'll catch us. That's where we're at. We just need to take care of our business."

Houston Bullpen Stops Rangers Offense From Claiming Series Sweep

2009-06-19T18:46:00.003-05:00

Michael Young gave Texas an early lead, teeing off for a solo homerun, his 9th of the season.

The contact-adverse Chris Davis dialed up his 13th homer of the year in the 2nd, another solo shot.

After adding one more in the bottom of the 4th thanks to a throwing error which scored Nelson Cruz from third, Texas' offense went cold. They never regained their stroke.

"That's what baseball is about -- momentum," Ian Kinsler said. "We tried to come back, tried to put some runs on the board, but we didn't."

Houston's bullpen combo of Wesley Wright, Alberto Arias, LaTroy Hawkins and Jose Valverde went a combined five innings, allowing no runs on only three hits, while striking out five.

Vicente Padilla got himself into a couple of jams, finishing his day after going six innings and allowing three earned runs. While Vicente looked good for stretches, he threw 62 total pitches in the 1st and 6th innings, forcing him from the game earlier than he would've liked.

"They came out and worked Padilla hard," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He still came out with a tie ballgame, but it felt like the momentum changed. We still came out of the sixth with a tie."

Reliever Jason Jennings was unable to hold the lead, surrendering a go-ahead homer to Hunter Pence in the top of the 8th, then allowed another run to score via an RBI triple by Michael Bourne.

The Rangers finished their homestand 4-5, losing 3 games in the process to the charging L.A. Angels. Texas has a 1 1/2 games in the AL West.

Pudge Sets A Record, Vizquel Ties A Record, Rangers Win In Extra Innings

2009-06-18T17:24:00.005-05:00

History was made Wednesday night as Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez caught his 2,227th game, setting a new record which was previously held by Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk.

When Rodriguez stepped to the plate for his first at-bat, he recieved a standing ovation from the more than 32,000 fans in attendance.

"It was awesome," Rodriguez said. "What happened today out there was unbelievable. A standing ovation my first time up, it was awesome. I got some goose bumps when that happened. The video that they did in the third inning was unbelievable. I want to say thanks to the Rangers organization for what they did here for me and the Houston Astros also about these days. It was nice. It was an unbelievable moment."

Omar Vizquel also made a move on history, picking up his 2,677th career base hit, tying fellow countryman and Hall of Fameer Luis Aparicio for the most hits ever by a player from Venezuela.

"I never thought I'd be involved in a situation like that," Vizquel said. "So many good players have come from our country."

While the game seemed secondary to all the added intrigue, it still managed to deliver a few fireworks of its own. Both teams went back and forth for the entire game, niether ever able to fully gain any sort of advantage.

There were five total lead changes in the game, the last coming in the bottom of the 10th as David Murphy went opposite field for an RBI single to give Texas the 5-4 victory.

"It just felt great," Murphy said. "I really do believe that the walk-off is the best moment in baseball. The team gets to celebrate on the field, it brings everybody together and gives you a little momentum going into tomorrow."

Matt Harrison, just back from the DL pitched well enough, giving Texas five innings, allowing three runs.

"My arm felt really good," Harrison said. "It was frustrating falling behind a lot of hitters, but I made pitches when I had to. Overall I felt pretty good, but I wish I could have gone out there at least another inning.

C.J. Wilson pitched very effectively, giving Texas two shutout innings. Since his early season struggles, Wilson has been much more consistent on the mound.

While Texas' offense remains a bit of an inconsistent mystery, they did manufacture some runs, stealing three bases on the night, all of which resulted in runs coming across the plate.

Manager Ron Washington seemed proud of the sustained effort given by his team.

"We kept battling and finding ways," Washington said. "When it was all over, these guys found a way to pull it off."

Both Nelson Cruz and Jarrod Saltalamacchia hit solo homeruns for Texas.

Pudge Make History But Night Belongs To Rangers

2009-06-16T21:55:00.002-05:00

Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez may well be the greatest Rangers player ever. Over the course of 12 seasons, Pudge won 10 Gold Gloves, started 10 All-Star games and won an AL MVP award. He's ;largely considered the great throwing catcher of all time and has never been anything but a quality teammate.

Tonight, Pudge tied Carlton Fisk's record for most game caught in MLB history, a truly remarkable feat when you consider the wear and tear an everyday catcher must endure throughout a season, let alone 19 of them.

“It’s a little strange seeing him in an Astros jersey here in this stadium,” Astros right fielder Hunter Pence, an Arlington native, said of Ivan Rodriguez. “He definitely is kind of a staple for this whole atmosphere. When I think of coming to the ballpark I remember as a child Pudge (was) guaranteed he was going to be there. He has the intensity. I just remember seeing him hit so many homers and throw so many guys out. He’s a big part of what the Rangers are.”

But despite Rodriguez's feelgood story, tongiht belonged to Kevin Millwood and the Texas Rangers.

Millwood had it working, giving Texas 7 innings of 4-hit baseball, allowing only one run (a solo homerun to, of all people, Ivan Rodriguez) and striking out six.

Millwood has now allowed just three earned runs over his last 27 2-3 innings.

Ian Kinsler, mired in a massive 4-for-33 slump, hit two solo homerun, including one to open the game, giving Texas an early lead. It was Kinsler's ninth career leadoff homerun.

Michael Young also hit his way out of a slump going 2 for 4 with a double and a walk. Young had been 3 for 24 the past six games.

With the 6-1 win, Texas, for the third consecutive season, claims the Silver Boot, the trophy given out each year to the winner of the Rangers-Astros series.

Rangers Elect Harrah, Sierra To Hall Of Fame

2009-06-16T17:53:00.007-05:00

Today, the Texas Rangers two new members into the teams Hall of Fame: Toby Harrah and Ruben Sierra.

Toby Harrah was a member of the inaugural Rangers team of 1972, coming over when the Washington Senators relocated to Arlington. Harrah is Texas' first-ever All-Star, making the club in 1972 as their lone representative. He would make three All-Star games as a Ranger.

Harrah was truly the face of the franchise for much of the 70's, often greeting fans before the game, signing autographs with a smile on his face. Harrah ranks in the Top 10 of All-time Rangers in RBI, Walks, Runs Scored, Triples, Doubles, Stolen Bases and Hits. He is the single-season leader in Walks.

Toby Harrah also spent time as a coach for Texas, even spending the 2nd half of 1992 season as the teams manager, compiling a 32-44 record.

Ruben Sierra is still considered by many to be perhaps the most talented players to ever wear a Rangers uniform.

Despite generating a fair amount of controversy during his first stint in Texas (1986-1992), Sierra was Texas' first 5-tool player, their first real homegrown superstar player.

Sierra is the Rangers' all-time leader with 44 triples, and ranks in the top 5 in club history with 180 homers, 742 RBI, 481 extra base hits, 645 runs, 1,281 hits, and 2,166 total bases. He is also among the leaders in doubles (6th, 257), slugging (6th, .473), at bats (6th, 4,580), games (7th, 1,190), and stolen bases (9th, 90). Sierra had five seasons with 20+ homers, three years with at least 100 RBI, and scored over 100 runs twice in his Rangers tenure.

Sierra was a 3-time All-Star with Texas and led the league in several categories (1987: At-Bats, Sacrifice Flies - 1989: Games, Triples, RBI, Slugging %, Total Bases and Extra-Base Hits) finishing 2nd in the 1989 MVP balloting.

Rangers Struggle Against NL's Best

2009-06-14T16:59:00.006-05:00

With the Los Angeles Dodgers coming to town for a 2-game set, Texas looked to measure themselves against the National League's best.

In game one of the series, Vicente Padilla worked out of a few jams, pitching five innings of shutout ball, setting the tone for the night.

"Padilla attacked the zone and kept guys off balance with off-speed stuff," Dodgers centre fielder Matt Kemp said.

The trio of Padilla, Jason Jennings, and the newly acquired Jason Grilli controlled the Dodgers, blanking them 6-0, Texas' 2nd consecutive shutout.

Texas also showed a little offense for the first time in several games, getting an RBI single from Michael Young and a 2-run blast from Hank Blalock, both of whom had been struggling at the plate.

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In game two of the series, both Scott Feldman and Dodgers starter Randy Wolf were mowing hitters down, both of them pitching five shutout innings. But an issues with the stadium lights forced a 1 hour and 41 minute delay, forcing both pitchers from the game.

L.A. manufactured a run in the top of the 6th which was match by a big, opposite field homerun by Andruw Jones. But in the 7th, with Jason Grilli on the mound, Matt Kemp hit a big 2-run blast, giving the Dodgers the lead and, ultimately, the victory.

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In the rubber match of the series, Derek Holland looked very much like a rookie pitcher, walking four and allowing four earned runs over five innings pitched, including a 3-run homerun by Casey Blake. 72% of Holland's pitches were fastballs and Los Angeles took advantage, making solid contact.

Holland is 0-3 with a 7.08 ERA after four starts for the Rangers.

The Rangers offense again appeared disjointed and out of sync, scattering just six basehits over nine innings. The group of Kinsler, Murphy, Byrd, & Andrus went a combined 0-for-13 with two strikeouts.

Texas has now lost 8 of their last 13 games and are averaging 3.3 runs per game during that stretch.

Michael Young says there's nothing to worry about.

"There's nothing in here that says anybody is going to panic with our offense," said Young. "We're a confident group we can make adjustments."

Texas has a day off tomorrow to regroup before hosting the Houston Astros for a 3-game set.

Millwood Turns In Top Notch Performance, Ends Rangers Skid

2009-06-12T17:16:00.004-05:00

Kevin Millwood looked liked an staff ace, Darren O'Day again looked like one of Texas' better aquisitions, and C.J. Wilson picked up yet another save as Texas nailed down a very uncharacteristic 1-0 shutout victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

"It was Millwood tonight," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We needed it, and we needed it bad. We know the offense is going to get it going, but we needed Millwood to step up, and he stepped up."

Millwood pitched 7 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, scattering five hits. He also recieved Gold Glove-caliber play out of his defense with MIchale Young, Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus each making huge plays. Texas is now 22-10 when do not commit an error.

"We played great defense, and we had to when you strike out just one," Millwood said. "That shows we can win in different ways."

The Rangers lone score came via a sacrifice fly off the bat of Marlon Byrd which came on the heels of back to back base hits by Nelson Cruz and David Murphy.

While Texas' offense has been in a bit of a funk, the players don't seem any reason for panic.

"We're winning games," Murphy said. "If we go on a big losing streak, that's something to worry about. But if you look at the guys we have around here -- Ian Kinsler, Michael Young and those guys -- you know this offense is not going to be held down for long. I'll take my chances with them."

Texas is now 4 1/2 games ahead of both Seattle and Los Angeles in the AL West.

Texas Draft Picks Include A Familiar Name

2009-06-11T16:38:00.005-05:00

While this years amateur player draft may well be remembered for the two top pitchers taken by the Rangers (Matthew Purke and Tanner Scheppers) another interesting name, a name many Rangers fans will be instantly familiar with, was also called.

Ruben Sierra Jr, son of former Rangers All-Star Ruben Sierra Sr. was drafted on day 2 of the draft in the 6th round. Sierra has been attending San Juan (Puerto Rico) Educational School and is an athletic center fielder with plenty of upside, especially considering his bloodlines.

Sierra Sr. was a 4-time all-star with more than 300 homers and 1300 RBI.

"I don't know what Senior's scouting reports were when he was 18 years old, but our scouts like the future of Junior," GM Jon Daniels said. "He's an athletic, left-handed hitting outfielder. Right now, we view him as a center fielder but it wouldn't surprise me if we move him to right field in the future."

Scouting Report on Ruben Sierra Jr.
Sierra is a super athletic baseball player with a lean athletic body. He is very good in the outfield and uses his blazing 6.38 speed to cover a lot of ground. He has a big arm in the outfield and easily reaches 93 mph from the outfield. At the plate he has good bat speed and has pop to all fields. He has easy power when centered and projects well with the bat. His game approach at the plate needs a few adjustments but he shows potential with all five tools. Definite draft follow for 2009. Good bloodlines.

Texas drafted 31 players overall, 21 of those being pitchers.

"We felt the strength was pitching going in and, from an organizational standpoint, we were more willing to take some risks," Daniels said. "I always get a kick out of the phrase 'safe picks,' because there really aren't safe picks. But I thought [scouting director Ron Hopkins] and his staff were well-prepared and did a good job knowing the makeup and ability of the players we selected."

Rangers Sign El Duque

2009-06-11T16:25:00.002-05:00

In an effort to add another arm to a rotation that seems to be losing pitchers almost weekly, the Texas Rangers have signed Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez to a minor league contract. Hernandez will report to AAA-affiliate Oklahoma where he will presumably get some time in before getting a call-up to Arlington.

Hernanadez missed all of last season with a foot injury but in 2007, went 9-5 with a 3.71 ERA with the New York Mets.

El Duque is 90-65 in parts of 9 Major League seasons, 9-3 in the postseason, was voted the ALCS MVP in 1999, and has been a part of four World Championship teams.

Texas Drops Another To Toronto

2009-06-10T18:12:00.004-05:00

Never let it be said that Rangers manager Ron Washington minces words...

"We got it handed to us tonight in all phases of the game," Washington said. "[Blue Jays starter Brian] Tallet shut us down. We were too aggressive. We usually figure it out and catch up, but we didn't."

Texas' offense could manage nothing, hitting an anemic 2-for-28, getting shutout (9-0) for the 3rd time this season.

Doug Mathis, called up from the minors to take the place of the injured Brandon McCarthy, didn't do much to help things, allowing five runs (four earned) in five innings pitched.

"I didn't help myself too much," Mathis said. "I got to do a better job going to attack hitters. I was falling behind hitters.

The defense didn't help matters much either. The normally surehanded Elvis Andrus committed a huge error in the second inning when he booted a sure double play ball, keeping the inning alive. Toronto shortstop Marco Scutaro made him pay, driving in two runs on a single that gave the Jays a 4-0 lead.

Texas has now lost four in a row to Toronto dating back to their last series with them in May.

Texas Adds More Pitching With 3rd Round Draft Selection

2009-06-09T21:25:00.003-05:00

Player Name: Robbie Erlin
Position: Starting Pitcher
School: Scotts Valley (Calif.)
School Type: High School
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 10/8/90
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Left
Report Date(s): 4/17/09
Game(s): Sobrato HS

-Fastball: Erlin will occasionally touch 91 mph, but usually sits in the 89-90 mph range.
-Fastball movement: The fastball is pretty straight and light.
-Curve: It's solid average to plus and he throws it 70-73 mph.
-Changeup: Will flash it a few times, but it requires some development because he'll need it at the next level.
-Control: He has very good command, especially for a high schooler.
-Poise: He's got excellent makeup and it shows on the mound.
-Physical Description: Erlin is a smallish left-hander, sort of like a Billy Wagner (without the velocity).
-Medical Update: Healthy.
-Strengths: One of the better deliveries from a high schooler, with good arm action. He repeats it very well, allowing him to have excellent command of his fastball and curve.
-Weaknesses: Doesn't show much of a changeup right now. His size likely will turn some teams off.
-Summary: Erlin was getting more and more buzz in Northern California as the spring wore on. He's not the biggest guy in the world, but with an oustanding delivery, good makeup and above-average command to go along with a fastball that touches 90 and a curve that can be a plus pitch, he's an intriguing high school lefty. He'll need to improve his changeup at the next level and his size will probably give some teams pause, but an orgnization willing to look past that might take this signable southpaw fairly early.

Pick 62 Yields College Third Baseman For Rangers

2009-06-09T20:36:00.003-05:00

Player Name: Tommy Mendonca
Position: Third Base
School: Fresno State University
School Type: College
Academic Class: Junior
Birthdate: 4/12/88
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 3/27-3/29/09
Game(s): Lipscomb

-Hitting ability: Mendonca is a left-handed hitter with a stable, high-hand stance. He can hit, but he swings and misses quite a bit.
-Power: Fresno State has a good hitter's park, but he still should have average power in the future. It's unclear how it will translate to wood.
-Running speed: He's a fringy-average runner, though he can get down to first in decent time.
-Base running: An average runner, he's a tick better than his grade for his pure speed, though running isn't really a big part of his game.
-Arm strength: Has a solid-average arm.
-Fielding: A plus fielder overall at third.
-Range: Has plenty of range to stay at the hot corner.
-Physical Description: Mendonca profiles as a power-hitting third baseman who is strong up in the shoulders and has a good, athletic build.
-Medical Update: Healthy.
-Strengths: Power plus fielding ability make him an intriguing third base prospect.
-Weaknesses: Can he cut down the strikeouts? His propensity for swinging and missing could hurt his status a bit.
-Summary: Mendonca fits the profile as an athletic, left-handed power hitting third baseman. He takes advantage of a friendly home park, but the power should translate OK. Couple that with good defense at the hot corner and you're looking at one of the more interesting college infield prospects in the class. Only his tendency to strike out will hurt his status some, but he still should go well.

Rangers Add Another Arm With 1st Round Compensatory Pick

2009-06-09T20:16:00.004-05:00

Player Name: Tanner Scheppers
Position: Starting Pitcher
Team: St. Paul Saints (independent team)
Birthdate: 1/17/87
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 4/16/09
Game(s): Golden West Community College

-Fastball: Scheppers threw his fastball anywhere from 93 mph up to 98 mph and was sitting at 95 mph most of the time.
-Fastball movement: He's got cut and sink on his heater.
-Curve: Has the potential for a good power curve. He was a little tentative in letting it go at times in this first live outing but has shown it as an above-averge pitch at times.
-Changeup: Threw a few hard changeups at around 88 mph, but he doesn't need it at this point.
-Control: Considering the long layoff from pitching in a live situation, his command was pretty good. An improved and smoother delivery clearly helped.
-Poise: Pitching with a junior college defense behind him, Scheppers was in complete control on the mound.
-Physical Description: Scheppers, initially a shortstop, is a tall and athletic right-hander. He has put on good weight and was visibly stronger compared to his junior season at Fresno State.
-Medical Update: Healthy, it seems. A shoulder injury shut him down last year and hurt his Draft status. He didn't sign with the Pirates after being taken in the second round.
-Strengths: An outstanding fastball with plenty of arm strength, an improved delivery, added strength. He throws hard and without effort.
-Weaknesses: It's all about the medical reports. He'll need to prove to everyone as he pitches indy ball that he's 100 percent healthy.
-Summary: Pitching in intrasquad action at Golden West C.C., Scheppers was creating a ton of buzz on the West Coast. The former Fresno State standout, whose Draft status took a hit because of a shoulder injury last year, was throwing free, easy and hard in early looks. With a plus fastball and the potential for a plus curve, if Scheppers continues to show he's healthy while pitching for the St. Paul Saints, he's going to shoot up Draft boards everywhere.

Rangers Select Lefty In 1st Round Of Amateur Draft

2009-06-09T18:16:00.003-05:00

Player Name: Matthew Purke
Position: Starting Pitcher
School: Klein HS (Tex.)
School Type: High school
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 7/17/90
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Bats: Left
Throws: Left
Report Date(s): 3/12/09
Game(s): Cypress Creek HS, Texas

-Fastball: Purke showed velocity a tick above average, sitting at 92-93 mph. He topped out at 95 mph.
-Fastball movement: It has tailing life to the arm side.
-Curve: It's kind of between a curve and a slider. It has more of a curve break, with good rotation and depth. He thew it about 78 mph with late break to it.
-Changeup: Has a good changeup.
-Control: He has good command and moves the ball around the zone well.
-Poise: He's pitched in big games and rises to the occasion.
-Physical Description: Purke is a lean, wiry, thin-waisted left-hander. He's projectable, but needs to add some strength.
-Medical Update: Healthy.
-Strengths: Three average to above-average pitches. Good command, projectable body.
-Weaknesses: He's a little too slender, leading some to worry about durabilty.
-Summary: When conversations arise about the top prep lefties in the class, Purke is on the short list. With three excellent offerings and command of them, to go along with a projectable frame, Purke's name comes up early and often. There might be a small concern about his durabilty because he's a little too slender, but that won't be enough to keep him from being taken high up on Draft day.

It is believed that Purke (who is already commited to TCU) will want some serious money up front to skip college.

Adam Lind Has Big Night For Toronto, Takes Game One From Rangers

2009-06-09T17:55:00.003-05:00

Starter Scott Feldman wasn't very sharp last night, pitching up in the zone for most of the game. Regardless, Feldman battled for six innings, allowing four earned runs, all of which were scored off the bat of Blue Jays left fielder Adam Lind, who went 2-for-4 with two homeruns and four RBI, pacing Toronto to the 6-3 victory.

"When he(Lind) is locked in, he's as good as anyone I've ever seen," Toronto center fielder Vernon Wells said.

Catcher Rod Batajas added: "He goes up there and he's successful without even trying."

Texas' offense never did get the big hit they needed, stranding 17 runners on base. They managed just three runs, all of them coming in the bottom of the 6th.

"It was tough," third baseman Michael Young said. "I thought we came out flat and didn't take advantage of the opportunities we had tonight. We're back from the road trip, today and tonight we got situated, tomorrow we need to come back with a better effort."

Rangers Pick Up Option On Manager Ron Washington

2009-06-08T19:21:00.004-05:00

When Ron Washington was hired by Tom Hicks back in November of 2006, he told the Rangers owner that he thought it would take three years to fully implement his plan for the team. The first two season were a struggle, with Washington coming days away from losing his job.

But in his third season as Rangers manager he has guided Texas to first place in their division, 4 1/2 games ahead of the Los Angeles Angels.

His success has prompted Rangers brass to pick up the 2010 option on Washington, giving him the ultimate vote of confidence.

"This was an easy decision", said general manager Jon Daniels. "We're excited about the direction the club is going under Ron's leadership, and we look forward to a long, productive relationship with him as our manager."

Nolan Ryan added, "Since I've been here, he's been consistent. Players respect him."

Since losing 9 of their first 15 games, Texas has gone 27-14 maintaining their 1st place position since May 5th.

McCarthy Out "Several Weeks" With Shoulder Injury

2009-06-08T19:03:00.004-05:00

Texas found out today that starting pitcher Brandon McCarthy has a stress fracture in his right throwing shoulder. The injury is very similar to one that sidelined him for alomst a month back in 2007.

"It's not good," McCarthy said. "It's not what you want to hear at this point, but what can you do. It's frustrating because it's frustrating. I really don't care what the situation is. It's a pretty good kick to the gut."

McCarthy is 5-2 on the season for Texas and has shown flashes of the pitcher the Rangers thought they were getting when they traded for him three seasons ago.

"It's frustrating," GM Jon Daniels said. "I feel for him."

This will be McCarthy's fourth time on the disabled list in the past two seasons.

In other pitching news, Matt Harrison, who has been sidelined with a strained left shoulder, threw a bullpen session this afternoon and is expected to come off the disabled list. He's slated to start on Thursday against Toronto.

Also, Frank Franciso remains day-to-day with a sore shoulder. Jon Daniels has stated that he's been speaking with other teams about a possible deal from some bullpen help but wouldn't rule out the possibility of a starter if the right deal came along.

"I'm open to it," Daniels said. "It's something we'll look into, but it's easier said than done. My expectation is we'll go with the guys we have. If there is a quality guy available, we'll look into it, but it's easier said than done."

Hamilton Needs Surgery, Out 4-6 weeks

2009-06-08T18:47:00.004-05:00

Texas' All-Star centerfielder, Josh Hamilton, will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a partially torn abdominal muscle. He is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Initially thought to be a sports hernia, the torn ab is actually 'good' news for Hamilton.

"Given what it could have been, this is better than some of the alternatives," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said.

"It's great in that we thought it might be longer," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "We thought [Hamilton] might be out until September. Now we have a chance to get him back after the All-Star break. At least it won't be until September. At least we know what we're dealing with and we have a time frame."

Hamilton has already missed a large portion of the season because of a bruised left ribcage, an injury he sustained after crashing into the centerfield wall while making a game-saving catch against the Angels on May 17.

Hamilton has struggled all season at the plate, hitting only .240 with 6 homeruns and 24 RBI.

"Obviously, Josh is a massive part of our club," shortstop Michael Young said. "The bad news is he'll be out that long, good news is he'll be able to come back healthy and ready to go. Whenever you have an injury that requires surgery, the best hope is to make sure you get it taken care of as soon as possible."

The surgery will be done in Philadelphia by Dr. William Meyer.

Texas Ends Road Trip With Series Win In Boston

2009-06-07T19:34:00.004-05:00

In a week where he found himself placed on waivers, Vicente Padilla mustered up some real guts, giving Texas a huge effort in their 6-3 win over Boston Sunday afternoon.

Padilla went seven innings, allowing only two runs, earning his fourth victory of the year.

"It's part of the game," Padilla said about being placed on waivers. "Baseball is a business, and that's the way it's supposed to be. I just have to keep working, and if I don't pitch for this team, I'll have a chance to throw for another one."

Nelson Cruz had a big day at the plate, finishing a single shy of hitting for the cycle. He finished the day 3-for-4 with a double, triple, and a homerun, his 17th of the year.

Michael Young hit his eighth homer of the year in the first inning to get Texas an early lead. David Murphy also had a big day, picking up two RBI on three base hits.

"I'm very happy with the way our guys recovered [from Saturday's 8-1 defeat]," said manager Ron Washington. "After every loss we've had, they've always recovered. That just shows how much character we have."

Darren O'Day shut Boston down in the eighth leaving C.J. Wilson to close the game out in the ninth inning, picking up his fifth save of the year.

But Ron Washington seemed to be most impressed with how his embattled starter came out and competed.

"It all centered around Padilla going out there and pitching well," Washington said. "He did a great job keeping those guys off balance throughout the game. Not many people can do that to those guys. They usually find a way to make pitchers work and get them out of the game.

"But today, he gave us exactly what we needed."

Texas Almost No-Hit In Boston Massacre

2009-06-07T15:56:00.006-05:00

The story in game 2 of the series in Boston was Red Sox starter John Lester. Lester retired the first 22 hitters of the game before allowing a double to Michael Young. Regardless, Lester went the full nine innings, allowing only two hits while striking out 11 in the 8-1 victory.

"It felt good," Lester said of his outing. "I was able to throw strikes with a lot of different pitches tonight and command both sides of the plate, which helps. [Catcher Jason Varitek] did a great job of honing that and making sure that I didn't get ahead of myself and try to think two, three pitches ahead, and just focus on that one pitch."

The Rangers players seemed ready to just chalk it up to 'one of those nights.'

"That was just lights-out," Michael Young said of Lester's performance. "That was one of the best games I've seen in my career by a pitcher, topping at 98 [mph], pounding the strike zone. [He] used all his pitches, back-doored his cutter, threw his cutter in, curveball, changeup. You have to give him credit. He flat out threw a good game."

Conversely, Derek Holland, who started out strong (allowing only 1 run in 4 2/3 innings) imploded, surrendering three more runs in the 5th, admitting he lost his feel after having a balk called him.

"I kind of let it get to me," Holland said. "The balk just stayed in my head the whole time, and I lost my composure out there. You just let one thing build up, and it's kind of a snowball effect."

Kris Benson did no better, allowing four more runs to score in the 5th. One of the runs came off the bat of the struggling David Ortiz, a solo homerun that just barely wrapped around Pesky's Pole in right field.

But for all the offense Boston put on the board, the night belonged to John Lester.

"I know his record doesn't show how good he can pitch, but I think the Red Sox fans know how good he can pitch," Ron Washington said. "Tonight was one of the nights he did it."

Millwood Dominates Boston, Pitches Texas To Victory

2009-06-05T21:15:00.006-05:00

Reliever Darren O'Day made thing interesting in the 9th, walking the first two batters of the inning before retiring the heart of Boston's lineup (Youkilis, Bay, Lowell) in order.

Starter Kevin Millwood looked sharp, working out of an early jam in the 1st to go 7+ innings, allowing only one earned run. Boston's vaunted lineup was out of sorts for most of the night with Millwood mixing up his pitched well and getting a some quality defense him.

"I think any time you're confident in your defense, you are going to pitch better and you are going to be more willing to throw more strikes and not worry about letting guys hit the ball," said Millwood. "You aren't trying to strike everybody out, you're just trying to keep it off the sweet spot."

Ian Kinsler supplied most of the offense, drilling a 3-run shot over the historic Green Monster in left field.

"It's always a nice feeling to hit one over that big thing (the green monster)," said Kinsler.

Chris Davis also had a great game and is hopefully starting to round into form at the plate. He went 3-for-4 with a double and a RBI.

The win was Yexas' first in their last 9 tries in Boston.