The Texas Rangers longest winning streak since 1991, and Texas looks strong atop the AL west.
This is not the first time Texas has been in first place. Last season, its first winning season since 2004, it ended June with a half-game lead over the Angels and stayed within striking distance of the division lead until late September. But finishing a close second isn't what Young or All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler believes is in store this season. Read more The Rangers are well on their way in the race for the 2010 AL West Crown. Still, the division seems like it will come down to the last week of the season with a two team race between the Rangers and Angels. The Angels have won the AL West crown in five of the last six season. Texas still has to overcome some demons of their past if they want to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999. Read more on Rangers and Angels Race to 2010 AL West Crown.
The Rangers, are making headlines in the courtroom this week as it appeared creditors secured a victory in the war over the Rangers’ bankruptcy and sale Tuesday, but it might be a hollow victory.
Federal bankruptcy judge D. Michael Lynn said he could not confirm the Rangers’ pre-packed Chapter 11 plan and sale to the Rangers Baseball Express (operated by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan) as it currently stood. However, it still appears the deal might be proceeding as planned.. Read in depth article, Ryan ‘confident’ his group will be Rangers owners
At the ballpark, Texas knows it might be able to win the division as constructed, the Rangers also feel that to make noise in the playoffs they could use an ace. Cliff Lee and Roy Oswalt are likely picks. Visit links for each pitchers trade talks and rumors. The Dallas Morning News and ESPN contributor, Tim Cowlishaw said on Tuesday that,
“In the past when the opportunity to make a playoff run presented itself, the Rangers took it too literally. They made a playoff run in 1998 against the Yankees. Pudge Rodriguez drove it in. They made another playoff run a year later against New York. Juan Gonzalez drove it in.
This time, I think a playoff run could amount to more than a single, solitary run. That's why the trade deadline that looms at the end of July normally one of the most overrated factors in determining who gets to a World Series – has the look of a tool the Rangers can really use.” Read more on Rangers from Cowlishaw
"They've been solid all year," Rangers managerRon Washington said. "We are very
proud of our bullpen and very proud of our starting pitching. Very proud of our position players. That's how we get this done. Everybody is playing a part. The bullpen has been solid all year."
The Ranger’s bullpen is lined up for one big debut after another as they near the All-Star break and trade deadlines. The Rangers have won 12 of their last 13 games, with the Texas relief corps allowing just six runs (1.35 ERA) in that time. That ERA drops to 1.09 in the last seven games, all victories. Read more in the June 23 article, Bullpen is streaking, too, as Rangers win ninth straight
Rotation:
Bullpen:
ROSTER REPORT
Medical Watch:
• RHP Tommy Hunter (strained hip flexor muscle) left his start June 16 start after just 2 1/3 innings. He threw a bullpen session June 19, and he started June 22.
• RHP Rich Harden(notes) (strained left gluteus muscle) went on the 15-day disabled list June 12. • LHP Derek Holland (mild left rotator cuff inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 31. He was diagnosed June 20 with a subluxation of his right knee after a mishap during a pitcher’s fielding practice session, an injury that is likely to set him back several more days. He is expected to resume throwing sometime during the week of June 21, but might not be ready to return to the roster until the All-Star break.
• OF Nelson Cruz (strained left hamstring) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 29. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Oklahoma City on June 18. He was activated June 22.
• RHP Eric Hurley(notes) (right shoulder surgery in January 2009, left wrist surgeries in March 2010 and April 2010) went on the 60-day disabled list March 13. He was throwing in extended spring training in early June. • RHP Omar Poveda(notes) (Tommy John surgery in March 2010) was recalled from the minors and placed on the 60-day disabled list April 23. He is out for the season. Texas Rangers Fielders/Batters
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CF Julio Borbon
JULIO BORBON, who rounded out the major’s top five hitters in the last seven weeks: 1. Josh Hamilton, Rangers (.377)
2. Brennan Boesch, Detroit (.355)
3. Robinson Cano, NY Yankees (.34715)
4. Delmon Young, Minnesota (.3466)
5. Julio Borbon, Rangers (.3456)
has not produced as many runs(28) as the Rangers would have expected by this point in the season. Last year in only 45 games Borbon had 19 steals to match his 30runs. 63 games into the season Borbon has only 8 steals to match his 28 runs. This dip in his numbers can be attributed two factors. Borbon bats in the 9th spot and leadoff hitter E. Andrus’ current slump has been affecting run production when the top of order comes up with runners on base. Andrus’ slump will likely end as the Ranger’s continue their current winning streak of 11. The other factor affecting Borbons lack of runs and potential steal attempts was highlighted in a Sportsday blog at The Dallas Morning News which read,
“If there is a disappointment in Borbon's run, it's the relative lack of walks. He has only seven for the season, though six of those have come in the last seven weeks. His walks total puts him at a .371 OBP for the last seven weeks. It's certainly an acceptable mark, but it ranks only 50th in the majors in that time.”
If Bourbon starts taking more walks the 2nd half of the Rangers lineup ( Cruz, Smoak,Treanor,Borbon) will have no trouble putting runners in scoring position for the top of the lineup. Treanor is the week link here. An increase in walks from Borbon coupled with a hitting turnaround from E. Andrus will lead right into the red hot M. Young and core of the Ranger’s lineup.
On the other hand Bourbon can continue to swing the lumber as he did in yesterday’s 6-3 Win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. In the fifth inning of yesterday’s game Bourbon topped a Ranger comeback with a two-out three-run homerun in the fifth-inning. This home run helped take the Ranger’s winning streak to nine games, tied for the second-longest streak in club history. Rangers longest winning streak is 13 games in 1991.
Ian Kinsler, who suffered a high ankle sprain that placed him on the DL earlier this year has been rather quiet until as of late. Kinsler admitted again on June 13th that his ankle still bothered him, until then Kinsler had just four steals in seven attempts this season.
"I'm just grinding," Kinsler said. "I'm just working, staying with what I know and grinding through it. The whole thing is getting out of the batter's box. Once I'm on the bases, I feel like I'm at top speed. Defense is all right because I can move around and stay loose. But stealing bases and getting out of the box is the biggest thing."
His ankle seemed to be feeling better as Kinsler picked up two steals June 20th verse the Houston Astros, his last steal had been on May 25th vs Kansas City.
The Ranger’s other hot bats are Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz,Michael Young, and Vladimir Guerrero who is back from the DL.
- Josh Hamilton(notes)) just hit his 17th home run of the season, to extend his hitting streak to 17 games. Hamilton also has hits in 19 consecutive interleague games. Hamilton is hitting .476 with eight homers and 26 RBI in 20 June games.
- Nelson Cruz(notes) was activated from the his second DL stint after three weeks of dealing with a strained hamstring. The Ranger’s were careful in making sure Cruz’s hamstring was fully healed, as they do not need him returning to the DL this close to the All-Star Break and trade deadline. Cruz started of f the season with slightly higher numbers than Albert Pujols. In only 33 games this season, Cruz is batting .318 with 10Hrs/25RbIs/19Runs, and seven stolen bases.
- With his 1,748th career hit Micheal Young move ahead of Ivan Rodriguez to officially become the Ranger’s all-time Hit Man. Young is quality veteran 3rd baseman who will along with Cruz and Hamilton will lead these young up and comers deep into this 2010 post-season.
- Another compelling and final reason to believe in the Rangers postseason hopes is Vladimir Guerrero, 35, an eight-time All-Star who was a thorn in the side of the Rangers when he was with the Angels for six seasons. He has found the fountain of youth in Arlington, entering the weekend batting .355 with 15 homers and 55 RBI, numbers that already matched what he did in 100 games for the Angels last year.You can read more on whether this Will be the Rangers' year to make the World Series?
