Texas Rangers

I recently read an article written by a Yankee fan about how, recently, the Yankees have been in the habit of buying talent instead of developing.  The article went into a long description of how the system has changed from the 90's compared to now. 

It’s officially time to fear the Texas Rangers, although it has taken almost the whole decade. There is not a single reason why the Rangers are in first place right now, it’s a combination of everything. That’s the sign of a winning team, and a team to fear.

Pitching is the most important thing in baseball. No fan would disagree with that. Everyone loves to see the long ball, but the long ball doesn’t matter if the other team scores.

What a week for your Texas Rangers. Seven game winning streak, nine games over .500 and, more importantly, a 4.5 game lead over the Halos from Southern California.

The last time the Rangers had a winning streak this good was nine straight a few years ago, except this time they're winning the close games.

This streak was about pitching and defense, which is as satisfying as a cool breeze during an afternoon game at Rangers Ballpark in August.

Andruw Jones' career was not supposed to take this turn.

With the Atlanta Braves, Jones was a perennial All Star. During his 12-year stay with the team, he hit .263 with a .342 OBP and 368 home runs. In 2005, he finished second in the MVP voting, leading the league in home runs (51) and RBI (128).

While Jones was a formidable offensive weapon, he was better known as a star in the outfield. It seemed that Jones was a regular on SportsCenter with another incredible sliding or home-run robbing catch seemingly every night.

Over the last two nights, I was fortunate enough to make it to consecutive baseball games in Arlington. It’s rare for me to get the chance to go on consecutive days these days, but the games did not disappoint in the slightest bit.

For those that don’t know the Texas Rangers won the last two games with walk offs. Those were come-from-behind victories as well. It’s always exciting to see the Rangers win, but with two come from behind walk-offs?

That’s something special.

I honestly can't remember the last time I was this happy as a Rangers fan. What an amazing season it has been to this point, and what is even more amazing is how well we are pitching!

Matt Harrison threw his third consecutive great game, including two complete games. His stuff has been electric, and batters just aren't hitting it. What's even more impressive is how calm he has been under pressure.

Leading the AL West over the Angels by 1.5 games and still unbeaten against the Mariners this year, the Rangers went into last night's game looking to continue their winning ways.

Texas sent Brandon McCarthy to the mound as he looked to redeem himself after getting blown-up in his last start in Oakland.  Brandon also had a personal battle, he has yet to pitch seven complete innings in a Rangers uniform. 

Wednesday night against the Mariners he was able accomplish both goals.

Following Wladimir Balentien's RBI double off C.J. Wilson in the top of the 11th inning, the Seattle Mariners appeared to have won their matchup against the Texas Rangers.

Luckily for the Rangers fans, Brandon Morrow still had to face the heart of the Rangers' dangerous lineup.

After Michael Young's single to lead off the inning and a Josh Hamilton walk, Hank Blalock hit a double to deep right-center, scoring both runners. It was Blalock's only hit of the night in six at-bats. Wilson was credited with the win.

Raise your hand if you had Toronto, Texas, and Kansas City as your American League Division Leaders as of May 13th. 

Anyone?

That's what I thought.  We're on the same page, because neither did I. 

Granted, it's only May, and there is a lot of baseball left to be played.  Teams have roughly 125-plus games left on their 2009 schedules. 

But I am already looking ahead to October baseball (is there anything better?) 

The National League has most of the favorites on top.

This is a big week for the Rangers, make no mistake about that.  Texas comes into the week leading the AL West, but the Angels are only a half-game back and the Mariners 1.5 games back.  To help out the Rangers got Josh Hamilton back off the DL, and Michael Young returned to the lineup for the first time since last Friday (back spasm).