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.