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.
Showing posts with label Josh Hamilton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Josh Hamilton. Show all posts
Friday, December 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Josh Hamilton Wins MVP
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.
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.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Rangers Roll On, Take 2 Of 3 In Cleveland
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Rangers Dominance Of Angels Continues
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."
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."
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Josh Hamilton Still Battling Demons
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."
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."
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Rangers Hammer Tigers, Take Control Of Series
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.
"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.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Hamilton's Struggles Reach Critical Level
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' 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."
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Hamilton Gets Hot, Padilla Implodes
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."
"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."
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Rangers Leave Their Mark At All-Star Game
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Hamilton Stays Hot, Rangers Outlast Angels
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."
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."
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Angels Spoil Return Of Josh Hamilton
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."
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."
Monday, July 6, 2009
Hamilton Back, Davis Headed To Minors
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."
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."
Monday, June 8, 2009
Hamilton Needs Surgery, Out 4-6 weeks
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.
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.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Rangers Sweep Doubleheader Against A's, 10 Games Over .500 For First Time Since 2005
Coming off a disappointing series loss against the New York Yankees, the Rangers looked to get back on track against the last-place Oakland A's.
In game 1 of the doubleheader, Texas sent Tommy Hunter to the mound. Hunter was a last minute call-up from Oklahoma City, needed to make a spot start. Hunter did the job, going 5 1/3 innings and holding the A's down long enough for his offense to come through.
"Tommy got us through five, gave us a chance to win," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He looked more under control. For the most part, he got it done."
With Texas down 3-2 in the bottom of the 7th, Marlon Byrd came through with a game-tying solo homerun. Andruw Jones and Nelson Cruz put the Rangers ahead for good with 2-run and solo blasts respectively. The lead proved to be more than enough for Frank Francisco, who has been absolutely dominant all season, giving Texas a 6-3 win in the opener.
In the second game of the doubleheader, Texas sent Scott Feldman to the mound. Feldman has been very consistent since stepping into the starting five, giving the back end of the rotation some real stability. Despite some control issues on Friday, Feldman got the job done once again, going six innings while allowing only two earned runs.
"There wasn't a single inning he worked that was easy," Washington said. "He worked pretty hard to get to the sixth."
Texas scored four runs in the 1st inning thanks to RBI doubles by Josh Hamilton and Hank Blalock, and a 2-out, 2-run single by backup catcher Taylor Teagarden.
Oakland was never able to put together any offense, managing only five base hits over the course of nine innings.
Jason Jennings picked up his fourth hold of the season, pitching two innings of shutout ball. C.J. Wilson closed the game out with a 1-2-3 9th inning, picking up hiw fourth save of the year.
Ron Washington was thrilled with the effort.
"Two very efficient ballgames," said Washington. "We had great defense, clutch hitting. That's a lot of fun.
In game 1 of the doubleheader, Texas sent Tommy Hunter to the mound. Hunter was a last minute call-up from Oklahoma City, needed to make a spot start. Hunter did the job, going 5 1/3 innings and holding the A's down long enough for his offense to come through.
"Tommy got us through five, gave us a chance to win," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "He looked more under control. For the most part, he got it done."
With Texas down 3-2 in the bottom of the 7th, Marlon Byrd came through with a game-tying solo homerun. Andruw Jones and Nelson Cruz put the Rangers ahead for good with 2-run and solo blasts respectively. The lead proved to be more than enough for Frank Francisco, who has been absolutely dominant all season, giving Texas a 6-3 win in the opener.
In the second game of the doubleheader, Texas sent Scott Feldman to the mound. Feldman has been very consistent since stepping into the starting five, giving the back end of the rotation some real stability. Despite some control issues on Friday, Feldman got the job done once again, going six innings while allowing only two earned runs.
"There wasn't a single inning he worked that was easy," Washington said. "He worked pretty hard to get to the sixth."
Texas scored four runs in the 1st inning thanks to RBI doubles by Josh Hamilton and Hank Blalock, and a 2-out, 2-run single by backup catcher Taylor Teagarden.
Oakland was never able to put together any offense, managing only five base hits over the course of nine innings.
Jason Jennings picked up his fourth hold of the season, pitching two innings of shutout ball. C.J. Wilson closed the game out with a 1-2-3 9th inning, picking up hiw fourth save of the year.
Ron Washington was thrilled with the effort.
"Two very efficient ballgames," said Washington. "We had great defense, clutch hitting. That's a lot of fun.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Long Ball Gives Rangers The Sweep In Houston
Texas jumped on Houston early as Josh Hamilton hit his 6th home run of the season in the top of the 1st inning. It proved to be all Brandon McCarthy would need.
McCarthy pitched a complete game shutout Sunday afternoon, both firsts in his career. Scattering nine hits and striking out six, McCarthy controlled Houston's lineup, walking only one hitter and working out of a couple of jams in both the 5th and 6th innings.
"They talk about his stamina," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "I think that question's finally answered."
"It's a confidence thing more than anything else," McCarthy said. "It's just knowing I can get through that deep in a game and still make quality pitches."
Ian Kinsler and Jarrod Saltalamacchia added solo home runs, giving McCarthy all the breathing room he would need to settle in and shut the Astros down.
"It gets a little discouraging when you are down three or four to nothing pretty early, from an offensive standpoint," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "We have to do a better job of holding the game close. Lately, we've been down pretty early, and it's hard to come back when you do that."
Michael Young was back in the linep after taking yesterdays game off to rest a sprained ankle. He went 1 for 4 with a double and a run scored.
"The doctor told me it (ankle) was a Grade 2, and it's pretty much up to me whatever I can handle," Young said before the game. "I went out there and it was good enough for me, so it's time to play."
Texas now only needs one win in the final series against Houston later this season to retain the Silver Boot Trophy for the 2nd consecutive year.
McCarthy pitched a complete game shutout Sunday afternoon, both firsts in his career. Scattering nine hits and striking out six, McCarthy controlled Houston's lineup, walking only one hitter and working out of a couple of jams in both the 5th and 6th innings.
"They talk about his stamina," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "I think that question's finally answered."
"It's a confidence thing more than anything else," McCarthy said. "It's just knowing I can get through that deep in a game and still make quality pitches."
Ian Kinsler and Jarrod Saltalamacchia added solo home runs, giving McCarthy all the breathing room he would need to settle in and shut the Astros down.
"It gets a little discouraging when you are down three or four to nothing pretty early, from an offensive standpoint," Astros manager Cecil Cooper said. "We have to do a better job of holding the game close. Lately, we've been down pretty early, and it's hard to come back when you do that."
Michael Young was back in the linep after taking yesterdays game off to rest a sprained ankle. He went 1 for 4 with a double and a run scored.
"The doctor told me it (ankle) was a Grade 2, and it's pretty much up to me whatever I can handle," Young said before the game. "I went out there and it was good enough for me, so it's time to play."
Texas now only needs one win in the final series against Houston later this season to retain the Silver Boot Trophy for the 2nd consecutive year.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Hamilton Saves The Day As Texas Sweeps Angels
For the past four or five seasons, the Angels have made it a habit of rolling into Arlington and laying the wood to the traditionally hapless Rangers.
But this years group of guys is looking more and more like the playoff teams of the late 90's and not the overpaid bunch of frontrunners the teams has been running out there since the A-Rod signing.
In the finale of the three-game set with Anaheim, Texas swept the Angels out of Arlington, getting yet another great start out of Scott Feldman, who threw six innings of shutout baseball.
Anaheim's Jared Weaver was equal to the task until David Murphy hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 7th, scoring Hank Blalock. Texas added two more in the bottom of the 8th thanks to a triple by Omar Vizquel and doubles from Kinsler and Marlon Byrd.
Quality pitching from the Rangers bullpen, coupled with an amazing catch by Josh Hamilton in centerfield put the game away for Texas.
Darren O'Day closed out the final 1 1/3 innings, picking up his first save of the season. O'Day said the crowd of more than 37,000 definitely brought out a little extra in him.
"When they started to chant 'Sweep!,' I had to step off the mound and take a deep breath," reliever Darren O'Day said. "It was pretty awesome."
104,859 fans showed up for the Angels series, making it the largest crowd total the Rangers have had for a three-game series in two years. This fact was not lost on the Rangers players, many of whom seemed blown away by the support.
"It was a great homestand, and the crowd was unbelievable today," second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "They were just incredible. It was really loud out there. If we can get crowds like that and as loud as they were for the rest of the year, we're going to win a lot of games at home."
Texas sold an impressive 10,682 tickets on Sunday, idicating that Rangers fans are starting to believe this team might just be for real.
"We had an absolute blast playing behind this crowd," third baseman Michael Young said. "They packed it in today, and we had fun."
The Gold Glove moment of the game came in the top of the 7th, with the score tied at 0-0, when the Angels' Howie Kendrick hit a shot to right centerfield that Josh Hamilton made an amazing play on, divin into the wall and pulling it in, saving at least one run on the play.
"[That was] one of the most unbelievable catches I've ever seen," left fielder David Murphy said.
Hamilton pulled a groin muscle on the catch but doesn't expect to miss any time. He's almost certain to play Tuesday in the first game of the Detroit series.
"You get so wrapped up in the game and wanting to do well as far as the team winning," Hamilton said. "That's the most important thing. If I have to run into a wall once in a while and tweak parts of my body ... that's OK."
"Another solid game -- pitching, great defense, timely hitting," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Just awesome."
After going undefeated (6-0) on the homestand, the Rangers now hit the road, starting a three-game series in Detroit. Texas now has a 4 1/2 game lead in their division.
But this years group of guys is looking more and more like the playoff teams of the late 90's and not the overpaid bunch of frontrunners the teams has been running out there since the A-Rod signing.
In the finale of the three-game set with Anaheim, Texas swept the Angels out of Arlington, getting yet another great start out of Scott Feldman, who threw six innings of shutout baseball.
Anaheim's Jared Weaver was equal to the task until David Murphy hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 7th, scoring Hank Blalock. Texas added two more in the bottom of the 8th thanks to a triple by Omar Vizquel and doubles from Kinsler and Marlon Byrd.
Quality pitching from the Rangers bullpen, coupled with an amazing catch by Josh Hamilton in centerfield put the game away for Texas.
Darren O'Day closed out the final 1 1/3 innings, picking up his first save of the season. O'Day said the crowd of more than 37,000 definitely brought out a little extra in him.
"When they started to chant 'Sweep!,' I had to step off the mound and take a deep breath," reliever Darren O'Day said. "It was pretty awesome."
104,859 fans showed up for the Angels series, making it the largest crowd total the Rangers have had for a three-game series in two years. This fact was not lost on the Rangers players, many of whom seemed blown away by the support.
"It was a great homestand, and the crowd was unbelievable today," second baseman Ian Kinsler said. "They were just incredible. It was really loud out there. If we can get crowds like that and as loud as they were for the rest of the year, we're going to win a lot of games at home."
Texas sold an impressive 10,682 tickets on Sunday, idicating that Rangers fans are starting to believe this team might just be for real.
"We had an absolute blast playing behind this crowd," third baseman Michael Young said. "They packed it in today, and we had fun."
The Gold Glove moment of the game came in the top of the 7th, with the score tied at 0-0, when the Angels' Howie Kendrick hit a shot to right centerfield that Josh Hamilton made an amazing play on, divin into the wall and pulling it in, saving at least one run on the play.
"[That was] one of the most unbelievable catches I've ever seen," left fielder David Murphy said.
Hamilton pulled a groin muscle on the catch but doesn't expect to miss any time. He's almost certain to play Tuesday in the first game of the Detroit series.
"You get so wrapped up in the game and wanting to do well as far as the team winning," Hamilton said. "That's the most important thing. If I have to run into a wall once in a while and tweak parts of my body ... that's OK."
"Another solid game -- pitching, great defense, timely hitting," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "Just awesome."
After going undefeated (6-0) on the homestand, the Rangers now hit the road, starting a three-game series in Detroit. Texas now has a 4 1/2 game lead in their division.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Padilla Battles, Texas Wins 6th Straight
While Kevin Millwood has really raised his level of pitching so far this season, not enough has been said about just how good Vicente Padilla has been over his last five starts.
Padilla went to the mound today and was admittedly without his best stuff. But something is different about Padilla this year. In previous years when he would get into trouble, he would just pull back and throw harder. Now, Padilla seems to understand that he has to maintain focus and pitch, not throw his way out of jams. Despite getting himself into trouble in both the 1st and 4th innings, Padilla kept his focus and, despite giving up 10 hits, gave Texas 8 innings.
"I think it was a good game anyway," said Padilla. "In the first innings, I was a little bit lost with my control. In the last innings, I was getting more control, throwing more strikes, and they were swinging more."
Padilla's pitching counterpart, John Lackey, making his first start of the season since returning from the disabled list, didn't fare quite as well. His first pitch of the season sailed behind the back of Ian Kinsler. His second pitch hit Kinsler in the side. Home plate umpire Bob Davidson immediately tossed Lackey from the game, prompting a heated exchange between the umpire and Angels Manager Mike Scioscia.
"I haven't pitched in six weeks, man," Lackey said. "I was obviously trying to come in on him. There was no intention whatsoever to throw behind him or hit him."
Ian Kinsler didn't see things the same way.
"I don’t know what that was all about, and I don’t know what he was trying to prove," Kinsler said. "I go to first base, steal a base and score a run. That’s what I do. The umpire, I thought he handled it very well."
Jarrod Saltalamacchia put Texas ahead 3-2 when he drove in a couple of runs in the second with a single.
Josh Hamilton drove in a couple as well with two sacrifice flies, both in the 1st and 4th innings. Hamilton has been showing more patience at the plate since returning from the disabled list. Michael Young like that Texas has been doing the job pushing runs across the plate.
"Those are the things we need to do to win ballgames," said Young. "We're not going to hit four home runs every night, so we have to manufacture runs. We take pride in being a versatile offense."
Defensively, Texas didn't commit an error for the seventh time in eight games, including a great play from both Ian Kinsler and Chris Davis to get the last out of the game. Despite the play, Kinsler wanted to turn the spotlight back onto the quality of pitching the Rangers are getting from their starters.
"We're getting pitching -- that's the biggest thing," Kinsler said. "Padilla pitched an unbelievable game. We're getting to the point where we expect it every day."
Michael Young echoed Kinsler's praise of Padilla.
"He [Padilla] has a good breaking ball and a good split working, and he’s throwing strikes with his fastball," Young said. "Combine that with the fact that he’s been throwing well and working late in the game, that’s a good recipe for success."
Padilla went to the mound today and was admittedly without his best stuff. But something is different about Padilla this year. In previous years when he would get into trouble, he would just pull back and throw harder. Now, Padilla seems to understand that he has to maintain focus and pitch, not throw his way out of jams. Despite getting himself into trouble in both the 1st and 4th innings, Padilla kept his focus and, despite giving up 10 hits, gave Texas 8 innings.
"I think it was a good game anyway," said Padilla. "In the first innings, I was a little bit lost with my control. In the last innings, I was getting more control, throwing more strikes, and they were swinging more."
Padilla's pitching counterpart, John Lackey, making his first start of the season since returning from the disabled list, didn't fare quite as well. His first pitch of the season sailed behind the back of Ian Kinsler. His second pitch hit Kinsler in the side. Home plate umpire Bob Davidson immediately tossed Lackey from the game, prompting a heated exchange between the umpire and Angels Manager Mike Scioscia.
"I haven't pitched in six weeks, man," Lackey said. "I was obviously trying to come in on him. There was no intention whatsoever to throw behind him or hit him."
Ian Kinsler didn't see things the same way.
"I don’t know what that was all about, and I don’t know what he was trying to prove," Kinsler said. "I go to first base, steal a base and score a run. That’s what I do. The umpire, I thought he handled it very well."
Jarrod Saltalamacchia put Texas ahead 3-2 when he drove in a couple of runs in the second with a single.
Josh Hamilton drove in a couple as well with two sacrifice flies, both in the 1st and 4th innings. Hamilton has been showing more patience at the plate since returning from the disabled list. Michael Young like that Texas has been doing the job pushing runs across the plate.
"Those are the things we need to do to win ballgames," said Young. "We're not going to hit four home runs every night, so we have to manufacture runs. We take pride in being a versatile offense."
Defensively, Texas didn't commit an error for the seventh time in eight games, including a great play from both Ian Kinsler and Chris Davis to get the last out of the game. Despite the play, Kinsler wanted to turn the spotlight back onto the quality of pitching the Rangers are getting from their starters.
"We're getting pitching -- that's the biggest thing," Kinsler said. "Padilla pitched an unbelievable game. We're getting to the point where we expect it every day."
Michael Young echoed Kinsler's praise of Padilla.
"He [Padilla] has a good breaking ball and a good split working, and he’s throwing strikes with his fastball," Young said. "Combine that with the fact that he’s been throwing well and working late in the game, that’s a good recipe for success."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Feldman Turns In Another Quality Start, Hamilton Returns From DL With A Bang.
Despite the news of a returning Josh Hamilton from the disabled list, the real story of the night was pitcher Scott Feldman. For the 4th time this season, Feldman turned in a quality start for Texas. Matter of fact, Feldman was cruising for 6 1/3 innings until the home plate umpire decided to get involved.
Having not allowed a run, Feldman had strike 3 on Franklin Gutierrez but home plate unpire Marty Foster didn't see it that way. One pitch later, Gutierrez stroked a single into center, then stole 2nd base. The next hitter, catcher Kenji Johjima hit a soft liner into right field, tying the game at one run a piece.
Feldman was visibly upset while being from the game but, having thrown 110 pitches, needed to sit. Rookie Derek Holland came in to retire the final two hitters of the inning, preserving the tie.
In the bottom of the 7th, Mike Young drilled a hard shot into right field (his 3rd hit of the game) setting up some heroics from the returning Josh Hamilton, who hit an opposite field homerun, giving Texas the lead.
Andruw Jones then legged out an infield single, followed by a Marlon Byrd double, whihc set up a deep sacrifice fly by Nelson Cruz, giving Texas a 4-1 lead. Chris Davis (who had given Texas a 1-0 lead earlier in the game via a solo homerun) drilled a hard shot off the glove of Seattle first baseman Russell Branyan. An error but it scored Texas' 5th run of the game. Jarrod Saltalamacchia then hit a hard shot into right field, picking up an RBI triple. Salty scored on an infield single by Elvis Andrus. After an Ian Kinsler base hit, Mike Young walked, loading the bases for Josh Hamilton, who ended Seattle's misery by striking out.
Leading 7-1, Derek Holland went 1 2/3 innings, throwing strikes, forcing Seattle's hitters to put the ball in play. He was rewarded with several weakly hit groundballs. Holland continues to progress and could find himself in the starting lineup before the end of the season.
Eddie Guardado came in to pitch the 9th for Texas, closing out the game and giving Texas a 2 1/2 game lead in the AL West.
The win was the 1st of Derek Holland's big league career.
Having not allowed a run, Feldman had strike 3 on Franklin Gutierrez but home plate unpire Marty Foster didn't see it that way. One pitch later, Gutierrez stroked a single into center, then stole 2nd base. The next hitter, catcher Kenji Johjima hit a soft liner into right field, tying the game at one run a piece.
Feldman was visibly upset while being from the game but, having thrown 110 pitches, needed to sit. Rookie Derek Holland came in to retire the final two hitters of the inning, preserving the tie.
In the bottom of the 7th, Mike Young drilled a hard shot into right field (his 3rd hit of the game) setting up some heroics from the returning Josh Hamilton, who hit an opposite field homerun, giving Texas the lead.
Andruw Jones then legged out an infield single, followed by a Marlon Byrd double, whihc set up a deep sacrifice fly by Nelson Cruz, giving Texas a 4-1 lead. Chris Davis (who had given Texas a 1-0 lead earlier in the game via a solo homerun) drilled a hard shot off the glove of Seattle first baseman Russell Branyan. An error but it scored Texas' 5th run of the game. Jarrod Saltalamacchia then hit a hard shot into right field, picking up an RBI triple. Salty scored on an infield single by Elvis Andrus. After an Ian Kinsler base hit, Mike Young walked, loading the bases for Josh Hamilton, who ended Seattle's misery by striking out.
Leading 7-1, Derek Holland went 1 2/3 innings, throwing strikes, forcing Seattle's hitters to put the ball in play. He was rewarded with several weakly hit groundballs. Holland continues to progress and could find himself in the starting lineup before the end of the season.
Eddie Guardado came in to pitch the 9th for Texas, closing out the game and giving Texas a 2 1/2 game lead in the AL West.
The win was the 1st of Derek Holland's big league career.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hamilton's Ribs No Better, May Find His Way To The DL
It's looking very likely that All-Star slugger Josh Hamilton will be making a trip onto the disabled list with a bruised left rib cage.
Hamilton was out of the starting the lineup again on Tuesday and will be examined this evening by Dr. Keith Meister, the Rangers team physician.
"I'm in extreme pain, no matter what I do," Hamilton said.
Hamilton initially hurt his ribs running into a wall last Tuesday in Toronto. He then reagravated the injury three games back in Baltimore and has started just three of the Rangers last six games, missing the last two.
"I probably need to rest it and let it heal," Hamilton said. "I've been battling through it the last four or five days. I tried it yesterday in batting practice and it didn't feel right."
The Rangers have yet to make a final decision regarding Hamilton but the DL is looking inevitable. Hamilton is still having trouble breathing.
"I can't do much of anything," Hamilton said. "I can't work out, I can't run, I can't swing, I can't throw. We'll see. All I know is I prayed about it and have peace about it. I'm going to do what I need to do to get it right."
Hamilton was out of the starting the lineup again on Tuesday and will be examined this evening by Dr. Keith Meister, the Rangers team physician.
"I'm in extreme pain, no matter what I do," Hamilton said.
Hamilton initially hurt his ribs running into a wall last Tuesday in Toronto. He then reagravated the injury three games back in Baltimore and has started just three of the Rangers last six games, missing the last two.
"I probably need to rest it and let it heal," Hamilton said. "I've been battling through it the last four or five days. I tried it yesterday in batting practice and it didn't feel right."
The Rangers have yet to make a final decision regarding Hamilton but the DL is looking inevitable. Hamilton is still having trouble breathing.
"I can't do much of anything," Hamilton said. "I can't work out, I can't run, I can't swing, I can't throw. We'll see. All I know is I prayed about it and have peace about it. I'm going to do what I need to do to get it right."
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Kinsler Continues His Hot Streak, Texas Wins Another Close One
Starter Scott Feldman finally managed to get some outs, turning in a nice, five inning, allowing only one run.
Rookie Derek Holland replaced Feldman and, while he had a few hiccups out there, still went three inings, allowing only one run. Holland will hit a tough stretch at some point (young pitchers always do) but if he continues to pitch anywhere close to how he has thus far, he'll be in the regular rotation before the All-Star break.
Ian Kinsler hit two more homeruns and continues to pace this team. When he hits, this offense just rolls. Kinsler is now 30-for-59 (.508) against the Baltimore Orioles since the beginning of 2008.
Josh Hamilton went 2 for 3, but aggravated a rib injury in his final at-bat and was obviously laboring on the basepaths. In the dugout, cameras caught Hamilton trying to catch his breath, telling manager Ron Washington, "I can't breathe." One has to worry that this might become a season-long issue. Surely Texas will be very cautious with this injury.
Texas hit four more homeruns (Kinsler w/ 2, Chris Davis and Andruw Jones with solo homeruns) and are leading the league in this category.
However, Texas is also the worst in the league in bullpen ERA and C.J. Wilson did nothing to help that stat last night, allowing 3 more runs in only 1/3 of an inning before being bailed out by Frank Francisco. After allowing a 2-run double, Frankie reached down for a little something extra and throwing 96 mph heat past Nick Markakis, saving the game and picking up his 4th save of the year.
Rookie Derek Holland replaced Feldman and, while he had a few hiccups out there, still went three inings, allowing only one run. Holland will hit a tough stretch at some point (young pitchers always do) but if he continues to pitch anywhere close to how he has thus far, he'll be in the regular rotation before the All-Star break.
Ian Kinsler hit two more homeruns and continues to pace this team. When he hits, this offense just rolls. Kinsler is now 30-for-59 (.508) against the Baltimore Orioles since the beginning of 2008.
Josh Hamilton went 2 for 3, but aggravated a rib injury in his final at-bat and was obviously laboring on the basepaths. In the dugout, cameras caught Hamilton trying to catch his breath, telling manager Ron Washington, "I can't breathe." One has to worry that this might become a season-long issue. Surely Texas will be very cautious with this injury.
Texas hit four more homeruns (Kinsler w/ 2, Chris Davis and Andruw Jones with solo homeruns) and are leading the league in this category.
However, Texas is also the worst in the league in bullpen ERA and C.J. Wilson did nothing to help that stat last night, allowing 3 more runs in only 1/3 of an inning before being bailed out by Frank Francisco. After allowing a 2-run double, Frankie reached down for a little something extra and throwing 96 mph heat past Nick Markakis, saving the game and picking up his 4th save of the year.
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