Texas Rangers Report – September 29 2009
THE RANGERS REPORT – September 29
As the Texas Rangers’ sportsbook hopes to make the World Series die out, so does the Rangers Report for 2009. This week marks the final installment until next spring. Don’t worry; we’ll still keep tabs on the Rangers’ offseason in our Dallas Sports Roundup starting next week. For now, let’s catch up with Texas in detail one more time.
Current record: 85-71
AL West rank: 2
World Series odds: 5,000 to 1
THE LINEUP
Spending most of September without Josh Hamilton and Michael Young really hurt the Rangers and is perhaps the primary reason why they’re one loss or Red Sox win away from being mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. Josh Hamilton returned over the weekend to drive in five runs in two games but re-aggravated the pinched nerve in his back and is no sure bet to play again this season. Michael Young returned from a hamstring injury and gingerly banged out two hits on Monday night.
A bright spot: Marlon Byrd. He hit .320 with three homers and 11 RBI last week to earn AL Player of the Week Honors and quietly leads the Rangers with 89 RBI.
THE ROTATION
To say the wheels have fallen off for Tommy Hunter may be an understatement. The surprising rookie has struggled mightily over the last month and a half, seeing his ERA rise from 2.26 to 4.10 over his last 10 starts as teams face him for the second or third time. Thanks to solid run support, he’s 3-2 this month, but he has a 6.55 ERA during that span.
Fellow rookie and blue chipper Derek Holland continues to scuffle; he’s allowed 13 homers in his last 10 starts.
THE BULLPEN
As could be expected for any rookie, Neftali Feliz’s luster is wearing off late in the season. His velocity has dipped form 100 MPH to approximately 95, though pitching coach Mike Maddux doesn’t see any mechanical flaw or change that can explain the decline.
A week ago, we were discussing Frank Francisco’s job security in the closer role going forward. It seemed safe then but I’m betting management will have a tough time shaking Sunday’s four-run blown save out of its mind for the time being.
OVERALL OUTLOOK
The Rangers are almost in coast mode, as they would need to win out and see Boston lose out to make the playoffs. That means they’ll start looking to 2010 – and with great optimism. If Texas can add a veteran arm in the rotation and bullpen to spell the youngsters next season, it could seriously contend among other top MLB picks.
Comments