The Baseball season is here at last. Finally I can out from winter hibernation.
The season began last night with an American League West match up between the Texas Rangers and the newest member of the AL, the Houston Astros. They might make less than Alex Rodriguez combined but they certainly know how to start the season off right. They were up 4-2 yesterday in the bottom of the 6th when Rick Ankiel managed to hit a three run home run to basically seal the victory for the 'stros. Houston wins their first game as part of the America League 8-2.
As for season predictions, lets stick with the AL West for a second and just say I fully expect the Angels to float away with it. The Rangers are weaker and the Angel's are stronger while the A's might challenge them for the top spot. Tommy Hanson might be more of an impact than Josh Hamilton's bat but that lineup is to be the one to fear now in the AL West.
Moving to the AL Central, how could you not pick the Detroit Tigers. They were impressive leading up to the World Series and it's not likely they won't manage to win the division. The team I'm watching, however, is the Indians. They started off well last season and then fell off the face of the earth. I would like to see if Terry Francona will be able to get this club back on pace.
The AL East, all the attention is going to the Toronto Blue Jays after scoring big at that clearance sale the Marlins were having. It might be them or the Rays but don't forget about the O's or the Yanks either. The O's will want to prove last year wasn't a fluke while the Yankees are, uh, well let's just say to never underestimate the Dark Side. Everyone but my Red Sox seems to have a fair shot at the division crown heading into the race. My pick is ultimately the Rays but their hitting has to come alive just enough in order for that to work. Great pitching may win titles but you still have to get to October first with fair hitting.
Moving to the National League East, all signs point to the Washington Nationals (that's right, the "Nationals") will take the division with Strasburg coming off the leash and Bryce Harper set for a sophomore year. The intrigue here, however, is with Atlanta and the arrival of the Upton brothers in the outfield. If their pitching comes through, they might be able to challenge the Nationals. Still picking Washington, however.
In the NL Central, I'm going bold in saying the Milwaukee Brewers will take the division. There has been no repeat winner in the division for a few years now and I think the Brewers could surprise some with Yovani Gallardo and Kyle Lohse in the Rotation. You can't sleep on St. Louis or Cincinnati but I'm going with Milwaukee.
Lastly, the NL West and who else am I going to pick besides the San Francisco Giants? Nobody. Go Giants!!!
Perhaps the Dodgers do present a challenge with Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke in their rotation but Kershaw is the only one there that is consistent. While Greinke will probably end up with an ERA around the 3's, the rest of the rotation is shaky. They can't be written off completely but they will likely be playing in the Wild Card playoff game.
As for my World Series picks, Rays over Giants. I love my Giants and seeing how they will themselves through the playoffs last year, I can't ignore them for another pennant. Plus they've played a season after winning a title before and are used to it. But I have a feeling about the Rays and their rotation. They'll be playing playoff type baseball all year round like the Giants usually do and they have a better rotation as well. Got to pick the Rays.
P.S. Don't kill me at the Park, Giants fans. Look at my Final Four picks: I'M WRONG ALL THE TIME!!!
Showing posts with label Texas Rangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Rangers. Show all posts
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Friday, November 9, 2012
Is Josh Hamilton Leaving the Rangers?
It does look like it.
Josh Hamilton and the Rangers have seemingly been the best fit for both sides. The franchise got to two different World Series appearances with him as one of the dominant players in each one and Hamilton got a second chance in the Bigs and personal stability for battling his inner demons. As of late, it seems that the two sides have drifted apart. The Rangers failed to get to the Division Series round of the postseason and Josh Hamilton seemed to have fallen off the wagon a bit before the season began.
Looking at these instances and the age of Hamilton himself, the question arises on whether or not he will back with the Rangers. All indications right now say that he will not be back. The Rangers have established that their max contract for Josh Hamilton is 3 years which doesn't seem long enough to keep him. Hamilton seemingly wants 7 years. Unless he feels like the Rangers are a special enough team to stay on because of his personal issues, Hamilton will likely not compromise with the Rangers and try to get that 7 year deal elsewhere. There are quite a few teams that will want that power lefty.
I would guess that Hamilton is going to leave the Rangers. It's something that Texas can recover from but it will be a bit tricky and they also have to make sure they settle their other off-season issues.
Josh Hamilton and the Rangers have seemingly been the best fit for both sides. The franchise got to two different World Series appearances with him as one of the dominant players in each one and Hamilton got a second chance in the Bigs and personal stability for battling his inner demons. As of late, it seems that the two sides have drifted apart. The Rangers failed to get to the Division Series round of the postseason and Josh Hamilton seemed to have fallen off the wagon a bit before the season began.
Looking at these instances and the age of Hamilton himself, the question arises on whether or not he will back with the Rangers. All indications right now say that he will not be back. The Rangers have established that their max contract for Josh Hamilton is 3 years which doesn't seem long enough to keep him. Hamilton seemingly wants 7 years. Unless he feels like the Rangers are a special enough team to stay on because of his personal issues, Hamilton will likely not compromise with the Rangers and try to get that 7 year deal elsewhere. There are quite a few teams that will want that power lefty.
I would guess that Hamilton is going to leave the Rangers. It's something that Texas can recover from but it will be a bit tricky and they also have to make sure they settle their other off-season issues.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Orioles To Face Yanks After Beating Rangers
The Rangers had the misfortune of getting caught by the A's and then passed by them on the final day of the regular season. Yesterday, they paid the ultimate price for letting that happen.
The Orioles and the Rangers played the AL game of the One Game Wild Card Playoff round and the way both of these teams were headed, you could tell which way this one was going. It was neck and neck for a while as both teams scored a run in the first inning. It wasn't until the 6th when the tie was broken up. Adam Jones hit a sac fly in the 6th inning and then Nate McLouth scored a RBI single in the 7th. The Orioles would then tack on two more in the 9th inning for good measure. The Rangers tried to rally by getting the bases loaded in the 9th but David Murphy flied out to left to end the game and the season for the Rangers. Orioles win 5-1 and move on to face their AL East rivals, the Yankees, in the ALDS.
The Rangers will not be repeating as AL Champs for a third straight year. The expectations were high for Texas as they have been to the World Series two times in a row and failed to win it both times. This early exit from the playoffs due to A's catching up and being unable to rally against Baltimore leaves the Rangers front office and the fan base asking what went wrong. What's worse is that now there is a chance they lose Josh Hamilton to free agency (AKA the Yankees) along with some other key players. The Rangers might take a hit as a team this offseason and could come back worse in 2013.
As for the Orioles, they don't have to think about the offseason right now as their minds are fixed on the postseason, more specifically the Yankees. While it's not the 2nd team I was hoping for coming out of the AL East, it's anyone but the Yankees. GO O'S!!!
The Orioles and the Rangers played the AL game of the One Game Wild Card Playoff round and the way both of these teams were headed, you could tell which way this one was going. It was neck and neck for a while as both teams scored a run in the first inning. It wasn't until the 6th when the tie was broken up. Adam Jones hit a sac fly in the 6th inning and then Nate McLouth scored a RBI single in the 7th. The Orioles would then tack on two more in the 9th inning for good measure. The Rangers tried to rally by getting the bases loaded in the 9th but David Murphy flied out to left to end the game and the season for the Rangers. Orioles win 5-1 and move on to face their AL East rivals, the Yankees, in the ALDS.
The Rangers will not be repeating as AL Champs for a third straight year. The expectations were high for Texas as they have been to the World Series two times in a row and failed to win it both times. This early exit from the playoffs due to A's catching up and being unable to rally against Baltimore leaves the Rangers front office and the fan base asking what went wrong. What's worse is that now there is a chance they lose Josh Hamilton to free agency (AKA the Yankees) along with some other key players. The Rangers might take a hit as a team this offseason and could come back worse in 2013.
As for the Orioles, they don't have to think about the offseason right now as their minds are fixed on the postseason, more specifically the Yankees. While it's not the 2nd team I was hoping for coming out of the AL East, it's anyone but the Yankees. GO O'S!!!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A'S WON THE AL WEST?!?! HOW?!?!?!
To say that the A's were going to win the AL West at the beginning of the year after they made a bunch of wacky transactions would've been a maddening statement by anyone. I'm crazy, why didn't I say it?
It was the last day of the regular season in baseball and the Texas Rangers were fighting for their division they had thought they locked away months ago. The Oakland Athletics caught up to them last night despite being 5 games out with 9 days to go. Today was the game to decide the AL West for good and the Oakland fans came out rowdy as ever. It was a rough start for the A's as they fell behind 5-1 through 3 innings. A big 4th inning that included an A's rally and a dropped ball by Josh Hamilton gave the A's the lead 7-5. Oakland would take on a few runs and hold the Rangers at bay for the rest of the game and win 12-5. The Oakland A's have done the improbable and taken the AL West on the last day of the regular season.
The Rangers sat on top of the division for 178 days. They needed 179. The A's shock the baseball world as they were 13 games behind Texas on June 30th. To make this kind of turnaround was shocking and exciting. They needed to sweep the Rangers in Oakland to take the West and they did just that. They now join their neighboring San Francisco Giants as a division champion.
The A's will face the Tigers in the ALDS, which was the team that eliminated them in the ALCS in 2006. That was also the year of the last postseason appearance. Meanwhile, the Rangers will have to face the Baltimore Orioles in a one game playoff on Friday.
Congrats to the A's on their division title. Some how the "Mad" Billy Beane has orchestrated another surprise.
P.S. I wouldn't want to face Oakland right now.
It was the last day of the regular season in baseball and the Texas Rangers were fighting for their division they had thought they locked away months ago. The Oakland Athletics caught up to them last night despite being 5 games out with 9 days to go. Today was the game to decide the AL West for good and the Oakland fans came out rowdy as ever. It was a rough start for the A's as they fell behind 5-1 through 3 innings. A big 4th inning that included an A's rally and a dropped ball by Josh Hamilton gave the A's the lead 7-5. Oakland would take on a few runs and hold the Rangers at bay for the rest of the game and win 12-5. The Oakland A's have done the improbable and taken the AL West on the last day of the regular season.
The Rangers sat on top of the division for 178 days. They needed 179. The A's shock the baseball world as they were 13 games behind Texas on June 30th. To make this kind of turnaround was shocking and exciting. They needed to sweep the Rangers in Oakland to take the West and they did just that. They now join their neighboring San Francisco Giants as a division champion.
The A's will face the Tigers in the ALDS, which was the team that eliminated them in the ALCS in 2006. That was also the year of the last postseason appearance. Meanwhile, the Rangers will have to face the Baltimore Orioles in a one game playoff on Friday.
Congrats to the A's on their division title. Some how the "Mad" Billy Beane has orchestrated another surprise.
P.S. I wouldn't want to face Oakland right now.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Things to Watch on Last Day of Baseball Season
Tomorrow is the last day of the regular season and there are quite a few things to watch.
The most exciting single game of the day is actually happening in Oakland. The A's are hosting the Rangers for the last game of the season and the winner gets the AL West. It seemed like a forgone conclusion that the Rangers would take the division months ago but the A's have somehow fought their way back into the discussion and have pushed the Rangers to the limit. Good luck to the A's but with the momentum they have they might not need it.
Another thing to watch is the AL East match up. The Yankees and the Orioles have been in a tight race for the division crown as of late and the Yanks have a 1 game lead entering the final day. They look for the sweep over the Red Sox tomorrow along with clinching the division. The Orioles will need them to lose while they win to force a tiebreaker. I do not like the O's chances.
Last thing to see is the chase for the Triple Crown by Miguel Cabrera. He right now leads the AL in Batting Average, Home Runs, and RBIs. No one is sure right now whether or not he will even play tomorrow vs. the Royals. They already have the division and don't need to risk injury but should play him for a few ABs just out of respect for the game.
Should be a great last day of baseball.
P.S. Adam Greenberg finally got his one AB in the majors Pinch Hitting for the Marlins. He struck out vs. RA Dickey but he got his chance.
P.P.S.OH DODGERS, NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!!!!
The most exciting single game of the day is actually happening in Oakland. The A's are hosting the Rangers for the last game of the season and the winner gets the AL West. It seemed like a forgone conclusion that the Rangers would take the division months ago but the A's have somehow fought their way back into the discussion and have pushed the Rangers to the limit. Good luck to the A's but with the momentum they have they might not need it.
Another thing to watch is the AL East match up. The Yankees and the Orioles have been in a tight race for the division crown as of late and the Yanks have a 1 game lead entering the final day. They look for the sweep over the Red Sox tomorrow along with clinching the division. The Orioles will need them to lose while they win to force a tiebreaker. I do not like the O's chances.
Last thing to see is the chase for the Triple Crown by Miguel Cabrera. He right now leads the AL in Batting Average, Home Runs, and RBIs. No one is sure right now whether or not he will even play tomorrow vs. the Royals. They already have the division and don't need to risk injury but should play him for a few ABs just out of respect for the game.
Should be a great last day of baseball.
P.S. Adam Greenberg finally got his one AB in the majors Pinch Hitting for the Marlins. He struck out vs. RA Dickey but he got his chance.
P.P.S.OH DODGERS, NA NA NA NA, NA NA NA NA, HEY HEY HEY, GOODBYE!!!!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Zach Greinke Traded to Angels
How important is getting a divisional spot over settling for a Wild Card spot nowadays in baseball? Important enough to get Zack Greinke.
The Brewers pitcher has had a good season so far going 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA. The problem is that his talents are being wasted with the Brewers who are currently 14 games behind the Reds in the NL Central and are 10 games under .500. To make things worse, the team was on a 7 game losing streak entering today. So the idea for them was to the sell and Zack Greinke was their product. There were some perspective buyers but the team who got Greinke were the Angels. Looking at the Angels rotation to start the season, you would think they wouldn't need another starting pitcher. But it seems that CJ Wilson and Jared Weaver are the the only one's consistently showing up. So they traded for Zack Greinke giving the Brewers SS Jean Segura and 2 pitchers from Double-A.
The 2 Wild Card team format is no doubt at work here. The Angels are currently one of the Wild Card leaders but that would mean nothing if they lose that One-Game playoff which could easily happen to any team. Better for them to make a charge for the Division and get Zack Greinke to help you do it. The still have a very tough Rangers' team to get by and they are currently 5 games behind them entering today. Even with Greinke, I still favor Texas to take the AL West. The Angels might have to settle for a Wild Card spot anyway which means they might not make the actual playoffs and getting Zack Greinke would've meant nothing then, especially if he joins a new team during the off season.
The Brewers pitcher has had a good season so far going 9-3 with a 3.44 ERA. The problem is that his talents are being wasted with the Brewers who are currently 14 games behind the Reds in the NL Central and are 10 games under .500. To make things worse, the team was on a 7 game losing streak entering today. So the idea for them was to the sell and Zack Greinke was their product. There were some perspective buyers but the team who got Greinke were the Angels. Looking at the Angels rotation to start the season, you would think they wouldn't need another starting pitcher. But it seems that CJ Wilson and Jared Weaver are the the only one's consistently showing up. So they traded for Zack Greinke giving the Brewers SS Jean Segura and 2 pitchers from Double-A.
The 2 Wild Card team format is no doubt at work here. The Angels are currently one of the Wild Card leaders but that would mean nothing if they lose that One-Game playoff which could easily happen to any team. Better for them to make a charge for the Division and get Zack Greinke to help you do it. The still have a very tough Rangers' team to get by and they are currently 5 games behind them entering today. Even with Greinke, I still favor Texas to take the AL West. The Angels might have to settle for a Wild Card spot anyway which means they might not make the actual playoffs and getting Zack Greinke would've meant nothing then, especially if he joins a new team during the off season.
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