THE RANGERS REPORT – July 21

With NCAA football odds posted and the British Open complete, it’s almost time for baseball’s dog days of summer. The Rangers continue to be a rollercoaster of a team, teasing fans with hot streaks and cold streaks galore. Let’s check in and see what’s new in Arlington.

Season record: 50-41
AL West ranking: 2
Offshore sportsbook odds to win World Series: 19 to 1

THE LINEUP

There’s plenty to report about the Texas lineup this week. First, Josh Hamilton is back in the middle of the order. While he’s not making noise just yet – he’s hitting .250 with one homer in 11 games since returning from the DL – he’s reportedly fully healthy. Meanwhile, David Murphy, who was only supposed to be an injury replacement, keeps swinging a hot stick. He’s hitting .412 this month and forcing his way into more playing time.

Congrats to Michael Young, who passed Juan Gonzalez Monday night for third on the Rangers’ all-time hits list with 1,596. Nelson Cruz has missed a few games with a hairline fracture in his ring finger but isn’t expected to hit the DL.

THE ROTATION

Rookie Tommy Hunter continues to do his Tommy Hanson impression, baffling hitters and MLB predictions experts. However, he’s walked nine batters in 23 innings entering tonight’s start against Boston, so his 2.35 ERA will really get put to the test.

The All-Star break and subsequent drop to the bottom of the rotation may have helped Kevin Millwood find himself again. Monday’s win over the Red Sox was his best start in a month and he issued just one free pass after walking two or more hitters in six straight starts.

THE BULLPEN

Poor Frank Francisco. He’s back on the DL, but this time it’s with pneumonia of all things. The case is supposedly mild and the move is retroactive to July 10, so he could return by week’s end. Until then, C.J. Wilson will take over closing duties. I’m betting management feels safe putting the ball in Wilson’s hands, as he’s eight for 10 in save opps this season and has a 0.77 ERA at home.

OVERALL OUTLOOK

With the American League East so darned competitive, it looks like the Rangers will have to win the West to make the playoffs. They’re playing decent ball but, unfortunately for Dallas sports fans, so are the Angels. The season may come down to future head-to-head matchups between the two teams.