THE RANGERS REPORT – July 14

The British Open odds are posted and, of course, the MLB All-Star Game is upon us, so it’s safe to say it’s July. While most of the Texas Rangers catch a breather after some crucial divisional series in recent weeks, a few of your favorites are busy in St. Louis playing in the Midsummer Classic.

Season record: 48-39
AL West ranking: 2
Current baseball odds to win the World Series: 50 to 1

THE LINEUP

One third of the Rangers’ starting lineup is making a splash at All-Star Week in St. Louis. First it was Nelson Cruz. A late addition to the team, Cruz raised eyebrows with some eye-popping blasts in the Home Run Derby before finishing second to Prince Fielder. Rangers manager Ron Washington expressed some concern about his participation after Josh Hamilton may have worn himself out in last year’s legendary display. The Rangers have to hope the Derby doesn’t alter Cruz’s swing, as he was finally finding himself again, smacking four homers in nine games entering the break.

Josh Hamilton was voted in as a starter for Tuesday’s All-Star game and six-time All-Star Michael Young wound up in the starting lineup at third base after Evan Longoria pulled out with a finger infection.

THE ROTATION

Believe it or not, Kevin Millwood leads the American League in innings pitched this season. It wouldn’t take crackerjack handicapping software to predict a swoon given his workload, and that’s just what’s happened to Millwood of late. He has an 8.83 ERA in three July starts after going 4-0 with a 1.30 ERA in June. Washington moved him to the bottom of the post-break rotation to give him some extra time off. The Rangers desperately need Millwood to get his stingy form back, as they dropped three of four games to Seattle to close out the first half and find themselves 1.5 games back of Los Angeles.

THE BULLPEN

After dominating in April and May, Frank Francisco cost himself an All-Star roster spot by posting a 4.50 ERA in June and 7.20 so far in July. He’s still holding opponents to an itty-bitty average, so some of the numbers are inflated by homers. There’s no sign that he’s aggravated his sore shoulder and he’s still missing plenty of bats, so chalk up the skid to bad luck. Expect Francisco to find his groove again and close out several games in a row.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

On one hand, few teams needed the All-Star break more than Texas. However, since several of their players are in St. Louis and didn’t really get a rest, it remains to be seen how much the break will boost the Rangers. If you’re making sports predictions, you can at least expect slumping hitters like Ian Kinsler to benefit from the time off.

THE RANGERS REPORT – July 7

Will Thiago Alves pull a UFC 100 fight card upset? That’s the vibe I’m getting if the Texas Rangers’ recent play is any indication. It seems we’re in a bizarro world; a week ago, the Rangers were free falling, and Kevin Millwood was the lone bright spot. Since then, they rattled off five straight wins only to see Millwood lay an egg to end the streak. Go figure.

Season record: 45-36
AL West rank: 2
Current baseball odds to win World Series: 19 to 1

THE LINEUP

The Rangers welcomed Josh Hamilton back to the lineup last night after his DL stint due to an abdominal injury; he didn’t miss a beat, going two for four with a run scored. To make space for Hamilton, the Rangers sent down wild-swinging Chris Davis, who was flirting with the Mendoza line. Davis strikes out every 2.2 at-bats and was on pace to shatter the Major-League record for whiffs in a season.

Manager Ron Washington wants to keep David Murphy’s bat in the lineup and is even giving him time at first place in an effort to do so. Big kudos go out to Michael Young, who made his sixth consecutive All-Star team on Sunday – this time as a third baseman.

THE ROTATION

Just when Kevin Millwood seemed poised to get an All-Star nod, the wheels fell off. In Monday’s debacle against the Angels, he allowed nine earned runs and has allowed 13 in 11.1 innings this month. Rookie Tommy Hunter continues to surprise; this time, he held baseball’s highest-scoring team to one run in 5.1 innings to beat the Rays and earn his first career victory. If Millwood’s slide continues, Texas will need Hunter’s nice run to continue, though most MLB predictions experts don’t see it happening.

THE BULLPEN

It’s all about opportunity for Frank Francisco. With the Rangers enjoying five straight wins last week, he finally got some save opportunities. He blew the first one but saved the next two and appears to be back in a rhythm.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

Just when the Rangers seemed ready to roll over in the AL West, they surged forward, recapturing their fans’ imagination. Are they back for good? It’s too early to tell. The rest of the series with the Angels will really determine the division’s landscape. I’m betting management in Texas hasn’t ruled out being a trade-deadline buyer, though.

What this week means for the Rangers

What a difference a week makes. Last Monday the Texas Rangers looked to be headed for a tailspin, having just lost two of three at home to the woeful San Diego Padres. Especially humiliating was the one-hit performance thrown out there by the offense on a Sunday night against Chad Gaudin.

But a controversial call-up of Julio Borbon seemed to spark the Rangers, as David Murphy and Marlon Byrd have both been red hot since the call up, along with some nice games from Hank Blalock and Nelson Cruz. Ian Kinsler is now stuck in an 0-for-21 stretch, the longest at-bat hitless streak of his career, and Chris Davis has been sent down to Oklahoma City, but Josh Hamilton returns from the disabled list tonight in order to try and recapture the form that made him a star in 2008.

This week, again, might be one of the most crucial of the Rangers’ season. Three games in Anaheim coupled with four in Seattle means the Rangers need to continue to be on their ‘A’ game in order to stay near the top of the AL West.

First – the Angels series.

Kevin Millwood and Dustin Nippert are slated to start the first two games of the series for the Rangers; Nippert will be coming off the disabled list (probably replacing Borbon) to make his first start of the season in place of enigmatic right-hander Vicente Padilla. Wednesday’s starter is tentatively going to be Tommy Hunter, but if Padilla feels up to it, it could be the Nicaraguan Nightmare starting on Wednesday.

The Angels counter with Jered Weaver, John Lackey and Ervin Santana. To me, Weaver is the scariest pitcher of the three, despite their career numbers. Weaver has much better stats at home, including ERA (under 2.00 in Anaheim) and K’s (10 more at home) and BB’s (11 fewer at home). The Rangers have always hit Lackey well (career ERA against the Rangers of over 5) and Santana has struggled at times this year.

I believe that with the way the Rangers are playing, they can take two of three in this series despite an Angels team that has been great since Memorial Day.

Next – the M’s.

How the Mariners have hung around in this race is really beyond me. They are getting excellent pitching performances from everyone on their staff. It’s not surprising that Felix Hernandez is what he is, but the fact that Garrett Olson, Brandon Morrow and Jason Vargas have stellar ERAs just doesn’t make sense. Jarrod Washburn is also having an above-average season. Vargas will be sent out of the rotation with the return of Erik Bedard tomorrow, and it looks like the Rangers will miss Felix Hernandez, as he is slated to pitch Wednesday against Baltimore.

A deeper look at some M’s numbers:

Garrett Olson: 5.07 K/9, 2.95 BB/9, 1.96 HR/9, .234 BABIP, 5.89 FIP, but a 3-2 record and 4.58 ERA.

Conclusion: Olson is still pretty bad but has gotten pretty good luck this year. Although the Mariners’ defense is vastly improved (which has something to do with Olson’s ERA), Olson should regress over the rest of the year.

Jarrod Washburn: 6.17 K/9, 2.43 BB/9, 1.03 HR/9, .275 BABIP, 4.05 FIP.

Conclusion: Washburn is enjoying a very nice season. His BABIP could regress some, but he is walking fewer batters and striking out more batters than last year. However, it warrants mentioning that he only has four full seasons with an ERA under 4.00 in this, his 12th season in the big leagues. So it’s hard to tell what will happen with him.

Bedard and Morrow really haven’t started enough games (especially Morrow) to develop too many significant trends, although Bedard is always a pretty tough lefty (the Rangers did beat the M’s in one of his starts earlier this year).

The bats are going to need to stay hot if the Rangers are going to have a winning record on this road trip, which is what they’ll need to stay within a game or two of the Angels.

If the Rangers get through this trip without losing a series, though, it should prove to the baseball world that Texas will be in this race for the long haul.

Dallas Sports Offseason Report

Mavs looking to keep Kidd in Big D

While Daytona odds will be a big play in the Lone Star State this weekend, it’s always a good thing to keep up on the pro teams that are in their offseason, preparing for the 2009-10 campaign.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks’ hoops betting odds are heavily dependent on whether they can resign point guard Jason Kidd, who is a free agent and being courted by the New York Knicks. The Mavericks offered Kidd a three-year deal worth $25 million as soon as the free-agent market opened up on July 1st, and the Knicks would have problems matching that as they are trying to stay way under the cap to sign one of the marquee stars in next year’s free-agent class, notably one LeBron James. Kidd, at 36 years old, is still a triple-double threat every time he laces them up, and no one outside of New Orleans’ Chris Paul is better at getting their teammates involved. Kidd is also close with Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni, and he’s even a better outside shooter. Gambling software would have a tough time handicapping the possibilities for the veteran floor leader. As for the draft, the Mavericks didn’t do much, selecting Ohio State center B.J. Mullens with the 24th pick, and then turning around to trade him to Oklahoma City for the 25th pick, point guard Rodrigue Beaubois from France. The Mavericks also took power forward Ahmad Nivins from Saint Joseph’s in the second round, and then took Florida guard Nick Calathes from Minnesota for a 2010 second-round pick and cash. Thing is, Calathes is going to play in Greece this year, so the Mavericks essentially got nothing in this draft.

Dallas Stars

The Stars were one of the quieter teams when the market for free agents opened on July 1st, choosing not to get locked up in outlandish deals. But they did pick up a very solid player with the eighth pick in the draft, taking Scott Glennie from the Brandon Wheat Kings. Glennie was tied with teammate Brayden Schenn for most postseason points this year, and Schenn was taken three spots higher. The right winger will inject some life into a veteran lineup, and while he won’t affect the Stars’ online betting odds too much for the upcoming season, he’s a great start for the future.

Dallas Cowboys

It’s been a good week for the Cowboys, no distractions, no fuss. The most noise coming out of their camp was Tony Romo’s pairing with Tiger Woods in the Pro-Am of Woods’ tournament, the AT&T National. Romo would apparently have decent AT&T odds at Congressional Country Club, as he is a 1-handicap, but maybe Tiger could give him some tips on dealing with pressure (low blow, I know, but it’s true). If he did, the Cowboys’ NFL betting odds would go way up.

The impact of Tom Hicks’ financial struggles

First the details: As first reported yesterday by rangerfans.com, “Inside Pitch,” a daily show which airs on SIRIUS XM Radio at 2 p.m., fielded a caller which said that the Rangers were forced to borrow $15 million in order to make payroll for the most recent pay period. Evan Grant of InsideCorner quickly jumped on the story, along with Maury Brown at The Biz of Baseball.

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THE RANGERS REPORT – June 30

Looking at current baseball lines, it’s a tough time to be a Rangers fan of late. The odds keep shifting further and further against Texas as the losses pile up and the Angels’ lead in the West widens. Is there reason for optimism or is the skid a sign of things to come?

Season record: 40-35
AL West rank: 2
Current MLB odds to win World Series: 18 to 1

THE LINEUP

Hard to believe the “potent” Rangers offense is now dead last in the American League with a .220 team average and .288 on-base percentage. The Rangers have no choice but to make some tweaks, and that’s what’s happening this week. First off, manager Ron Washington sat struggling slugger Nelson Cruz down for a mental break. After a blistering start, Cruz is hitting just .179 in June. Texas filled his spot in the order by calling up speedy prospect Julio Borbon, who has 19 steals at Class-AAA this season. I’m betting management sees the moves as temporary, especially since Josh Hamilton has started his rehab assignment and should be back in the lineup soon.

THE ROTATION

Vicente Padilla had started to find  himself but, as luck would have it, imploded at the worst possible time: against the division rival Angels. Los Angeles torched him for 10 hits, five runs and two homers in five innings Monday night. If Padilla can’t get the job done for the Rangers, is there any chance they keep Tommy Hunter in the rotation instead when Matt Harrison returns from (another) DL stint? The rookie Hunter hasn’t looked out of place in his first two starts of the season, allowing two and three runs. Then again, Harrison may be gone for a while anyway, as his arm tingling requires further examination. Oh well, at least Kevin Millwood continues to pitch out of his mind. The Rangers will need him against the Angels on Wednesday.

THE BULLPEN

The Rangers have to settle with less than perfection from Frank Francisco after all; he finally blew a save last week when Miguel Montero singled off him in the bottom of the 12th to win the game for Arizona. The problem may simply be rust, as the loss to the D-Backs was Francisco’s first and only save opportunity since the Rangers activated him from the DL on June 20.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

The Rangers have to keep pressure on the wound, as the bleeding shows no signs of stopping. They’re in danger of sliding to third in the West this week if they don’t’ start hitting. Perhaps Josh Hamilton’s upcoming return will breathe life back into the lineup. Until then, MLB predictions look bleak for Texas.

The Rangers Report – June 23

It’s fitting that the UFC 100 fight card is just weeks away, as the poor Texas Rangers look like they just fought five rounds with Brock Lesnar. They’ve lost four straight yet still have a hold on the division since the Angels are also on a losing streak. Is this the week when the Rangers finally fall from first?

Season record: 37-31
AL West rank: 1
Odds to win World Series: 45 to 1

THE LINEUP

If you bet on MLB odds and you’re trying to figure out what’s wrong with Texas, what stands out first is the struggling hitting lineup. Forget Josh Hamilton’s injury for now – he was struggling to stay above .240 before he hit the DL. The Rangers’ biggest offensive contributors, Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz, have gone cold. Last week, we discussed Kinsler’s slump and how it affects the offense. A closer look shows that the problems extend beyond him, as his best month as April but the team’s best month was May, when it went 20-8. Cruz, however, has a bigger impact on the offense as the prime run producer with Hamilton out; he feasted on Major League pitchers in April and May but is hitting just .197 in June. Is it a coincidence that the Rangers are 7-11 this month?

THE ROTATION

Kevin Millwood continues to do everything in his power to hold the staff together. His 10-strikeout performance on Sunday was the first by a Rangers pitcher this season. Not a ton of other news to report about the staff, though Texas activated youngster Matt Harrison from the 15-day DL and he survived against Houston, allowing three runs in five innings. A month ago, it looked safe for those betting management in Texas would try to acquire another arm before the trade deadline, but who knows if the Rangers will still be buyers a month from now?

THE BULLPEN

The good news this week comes from the Rangers’ pen. Frank Francisco returned from his short DL stint June 20 and picked up right where he left off, pitching a perfect inning. C.J. Wilson filled in admirably in his absence, so the Rangers have to hope that his confidence carries over into setup duty. For now, leads seem safe in the late innings for the Rangers.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

The Rangers were probably never first-place material, so the law of averages is correcting things at the moment. However, they’re not a last-place team either. The offensive talent should break out again soon and the Rangers still have a shot to stay in the Wild-card hunt, even if they’ll be underdog MLB picks.

The Rangers Report – June 16

Anyone who follows MLB odds or the sport in general knows that no truly great team succeeds without finding a way to overcome adversity. Well, the Texas Rangers sure are being put to the test now. The injuries are piling up, a key superstar is slumping and, don’t look now, but the Los Angeles Angels are charging. What’s next for the Rangers?

Season record: 35-27
AL West rank: 1
Odds to win World Series: 12 ½ to 1

THE LINEUP

When you look at the bandbox ballpark and the glossy overall stats – only the Yankees have more homers in the American League – the Rangers’ offense still looks formidable. But the truth is that it’s in a serious slide. As a team, Texas is hitting just .201 in its last eight games, scoring just 21 runs in that period. A major reason for the slide is the massive decline of Ian Kinsler. He set the world on fire in April but suddenly finds himself with the 10th-best batting average and 11th-best on-base percentage in the AL. He needs to find himself for Texas to keep its division lead – especially since the Rangers won’t see Josh Hamilton (abdominal surgery) for at least another month.

THE ROTATION

Even as the Rangers’ World Series hopes slide as quickly as Roger Federer’s Wimbledon odds skyrocket, Kevin Millwood is a lone ray of light in Arlington. The crafty vet has tossed 14.2 scoreless innings over his last two starts – both wins – and has allowed more than four runs just once all season. Unfortunately, the good news ends with Millwood for Texas. Brandon McCarthy landed on the DL for the fourth time as a Ranger with a stress fracture in his right shoulder. It’s a concerning injury because he suffered the same malady two years ago.

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Texas Rangers Opening Day 2009

The Game
The Texas Rangers opened the 2009 season by blowing out Cy Young winner Cliff Lee and the Cleveland Indians.  The Rangers won 9 to 1 thanks to home runs from Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Hank Blalock.  Ian Kinsler continued where he left off last year before injuries shut him down, he was 3 for 5 with 2 RBIs and a run.

Pitching
Kevin Milwood only allowed one earned run in 7 innings of work. This is impressive in comparison to the last two seasons where he has had ERAs over 5. In the eighth inning CJ Wilson struck out one and allowed no hits. Frank Francisco closed out the 9th inning allowing no hits and stricking out one.
The Texas Rangers president Nolan Ryan and pitching coach Mike Maddux have taken a different approach to the pitching staff this year. They removed pitch counts and pitchers reported attended a work out program before spring training. It is only one game, but if things continue this will be a fun season to buy some ticketsand head out to the ballpark in Arlington.

2009 Roster Changes
The 2009 roster is different than last years due to the departure of DH/OF Milton Bradley, OF Frank Catalanotto, and C Gerald Laird. Gold Glove shortstop Michael Young will move to 3rd base this year to make room for rookie SS Elvis Andrus. Andrus turned a double play with Ian Kinsler in his opening day debut. Hank Blalock will DH this season, the last on his current contract. Frank Catalanotto’s release cleared room for OF Andruw Jones whose time with the Dodgers last year was simply horrendous. Jones was overweight and batted .158 with 76 K’s in 75 games. The Rangers are no doubt hoping that Jones can regain his swing and gold glove skills as a CF so they can either move Josh Hamilton to right field or trade Jones at the deadline.

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