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.