THE RANGERS REPORT – August 4

Like the Cowboys’ NFL betting odds, the Rangers take the state of Texas on a rollercoaster ride week in, week out. Things were really looking up a week ago, but the Rangers suddenly find themselves several games back of the Angels. It’s more a product of the Angels’ success than any failure by the Rangers, who are still playing decent ball.

Season record: 59-45
AL West rank: 2
Online betting odds to win World Series: 20 to 1

THE LINEUP

Eek. If you’re a diehard Rangers fan, you may want to skip to the next segment, as the news is bad for the stars of the Rangers’ lineup this week. First Ian Kinsler landed on the DL with a strained left hamstring. Then Nelson Cruz caught a spike and suffered a “severe” ankle sprain. There’s no timetable for his return, but you never know with ankle sprains.

Texas has to hope Josh Hamilton can find his swing in its sluggers’ absence. I’m betting management is thanking its lucky stars for holding onto Michael Young in the offseason, as he has five homers in his last 10 games and has raised his average to .324.

THE ROTATION

The Rangers are validating the claim that they have one of baseball’s deepest farm systems. Tommy Hunter finally looked mortal last week, but highly touted prospect Derek Holland enjoyed his coming-out party. In 8.1 innings of one-run ball, Holland struck out 10 batters and walked one. Meanwhile, Kevin Millwood is still bothered by his strained glute and missed his last turn in the rotation.

THE BULLPEN

Here’s the headliner section of the week. The bad news: C.J. Wilson blew the save against Oakland Monday night, ending an amazing run of 50 wins and no losses when leading after eight innings this season. The good news: Frank Francisco is back from pneumonia and should return to the closer role before long.

The really good news: super prospect Neftali Feliz made a memorable major-league debut out of the pen Monday night, becoming the first pitcher in 40 years to begin his career with four straight strikeouts. He’s expected to stay in the pen this season, but baseball predictions experts expect him to start for the Rangers next season.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

The Rangers deserve credit for hanging in the division race this long, but it seems like the Angels just can’t lose right now and Texas’ injuries keep piling up. However, with the young pitching starting to arrive in the bigs, 2010 and beyond certainly look exciting for the Rangers.