The Return of Nelson Cruz

It’s unfortunate that we haven’t gotten that Andrew Bailey-Nelson Cruz matchup we’ve been looking forward to so much. Just missed it by a day.

But as the Texas Rangers pass through customs for a relatively big series against the surprising Toronto Blue Jays, all I’ve got to say is one thing:

The boomstick is back, baby.

(Well, okay, maybe more than one thing.)

Since Nelson Cruz was last in the lineup, the Texas Rangers have gone 10-4. That doesn’t really seem possible considering how red-hot he was, but the bullpen has been a little better, the starting pitching has stabilized and the lineup has changed for the better.

I think everybody who’s been following the Texas Rangers is excited to see what this offense can do when Nelson Cruz is hitting behind Ian Kinsler. Tonight’s lineup is very interesting (especially against the lefty Brett Cecil), as the only left-handed hitter is Josh Hamilton. Max Ramirez gets his second start in three days, and Craig Gentry gets a start in center (before he’s presumably sent down).

The catching situation with this team has been a borderline disaster, but Ramirez seems to be giving the team a little bit of a spark. Nothing against Matt Treanor, but he’s a nice backup. There’s nothing wrong with that, and that’s what he’s been his entire career. But it’s probably good for this team that Ramirez is getting a few more starts.

It’s still amazing to me though that the two best pitchers for the Texas Rangers were the two guys that most people had the most concerns about coming into the season. C.J. Wilson has started the season with seven consecutive quality starts. That’s unreal. Colby Lewis is in the top ten in strikeouts in the American League. That’s almost more unreal.

But there are still some areas of concern. Currently the biggest is Rich Harden, who gave up a three-run lead in five hitters just now, although he had looked better of late. Scott Feldman also MUST be better. Whether it’s worrying over the contract, or just pressing, the “ace” of the staff is sporting the highest ERA of any current starters.

The bullpen has looked better of late as well, and it was really nice to see Frank Francisco have a nice outing yesterday. Really the only worry about the bullpen is the guys getting overworked. Both of the Darrens have seen a lot of action, but you know what? It doesn’t matter.

I started this blog post before tonight’s game.

As I type this now, it’s 15-10 in the 5th.

So whatever I say is meaningless right now.

Let’s Go Rangers.