Texas Ranger Insanity

Sweep the Mariners in 4, get swept by the Royals in 3, take 2 of three from the Indians, get swept by the Blue Jays in 3, and lose game 1 in the series against the A's. The Rangers have now lost 5 straight and have to be the most inconsistant team around. There are 50 games left to play and I am glad we are playing Botts, Saltalamacchia, Vazquez, and Cruz. I would like to see Washington stablize his lineup or at least go 3 or 4 games at a time with the same lineup. Lately he has been mixing it up quite a bit. If I were to fill out the lineup card for the next week, I would go with:

1. Frank Cattalanato DH
2. Ian Kinsler 2B
3. Michael Young SS
4. Jason Botts LF
5. Marlon Byrd CF
6. Nelson Cruz RF
7. Ramon Vazquez 3B
8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia 1B
9. Gerald Laird C

Obviously you would have to mix in a day off for some players, but lets give these players a chance with a particular lineup and see what happens.

One other note: Willie Erye has 2 losses in 3 days, 9 earned runs in 3.1 innings, time to slot him for mop up duty only and let the others keep the tight games in check.

Season Record: 48-64, 17.5 games behind the LA California Anaheim Angels

Two of Three

The Rangers took 2 of 3 from the Cleveland Indians with Gabbard, Saltalamacchia, and Botts all getting playing time. I would say all 3 of them have started off a little slow but they should have the remainder of the season to adjust. This is hopefully just the beginning of another streak of series wins like the last time Texiera left the lineup and the Rangers were unbeaten in 7 straight series. If we were to duplicate that streak we would be at worst 6 games under .500. So next up is the Blue Jays in Toronto. Millwood, Loe, and McCarthy vs. Halladay, Marcum, and McGowen. The Rangers starters are a combined 17-25 while the Blue Jays starters are 25-14. Season record 48-60, 15.5 games behind the Angels of LA California.

Trades

So the Rangers had a tough time of it in Kansas City by losing 3 straight, but they were extremely busy on the trade market. 2 of the 3 players I suspected to go were traded in Lofton and Texiera. I give credit to Daniels for getting several top prospects from the Braves including some pitching. Throw in a couple of big leaguers in Saltalamacchia and Gabbard and so far I think the Rangers did good in their trades. Knowing Texiera was not going to be a Ranger after next year pretty much forced the issue and the Rangers made the most of having to trade him. The latest word out says Sosa was told his play would be limited the remainder of the season so the younger guys would get more play. I like the direction we've taken. Lets hope we see some positive momentum the remainder of the season and I'm rooting for 81-81 finish! High hopes I'm sure but it should be fun to watch.