Holland Impressive But Rangers Offense Awful Again

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."

Rangers Pick Up Option On Manager Ron Washington

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.

Tom Hicks Has A Change Of Wallet

Before yesterday's game against the Yankees, Texas Rangers owner Tom Hicks admitted that he is interested in selling off a piece of the franchise stating, "I am selling part of the Rangers. I don't know how big of a part. Yes, I'd be open to selling more than a minority share, but it depends on who the partners are."

Hicks went on to say, "My family and I want very much to stay involved with the club, but we understand that we have to be open to solutions that may include partners who own a controlling interest in the Rangers. There are some potential buyers who won't consider having only a minority interest."



Hicks has long said he wants the Rangers franchise to be something that could be passed down through the generations of his family. Why the change?

Speculation is that Hicks' recent troubles with creditors may only be the tip of the iceberg to his finacial troubles.

Rumors abound that if Hicks does finally decide to sell off a majority share in the franchise, current Rangers President and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan, along with his longtime business partner, Don Sanders of Houston, could be potential buyers.



When asked for comment Ryan hedged his bet saying, "Knowing nothing about what the details are, there's no way I can comment on any of this."

For many Rangers fans, Tom Hicks selling off the Rangers would be a dream come true. A good percentage of fans have long accused Hicks of being more interested in lining his pockets rather than putting a top flight team on the field year in and year out. Fan indifference has shown in recent years as turnout for the games has been less than stellar.

Tom Hicks has been the Rangers principal owner for 11 years.