12/21/24
July 07, 2010
Guerrero Has Rangers in Playoff Chase: At age 35, Vladimir Guerrero has experienced a career resurgence with the Texas Rangers, becoming the first player to drive in 70 runs this season and an all-star as designated hitter. The bargain-hunting Rangers signed Guerrero for $6.5 million late in the off-season. "We can't say enough about the job he's done," said Rangers third baseman Michael Young. "We struck gold with this guy."
I would use another word. Heap is too nice for what Hicks has done.
As for Vladi, I wonder if the Angels wish they had made a different decision now. Unfortunately, with the year he is having, the Rangers probably will not be able to afford him going forward.
posted by graymatters at 07:46 PM on July 07, 2010
It has been a very fun first half for Rangers fans. If we can get Kinsler's pop back in his bat and keep Nellie Cruz healthy, the top six hitters can be scary good. Their young pitchers have performed above even Nolan Ryan's expectations, and if they get Lee or Oswalt before the trade deadline, they may be far better in that department than most people realize. Jon Daniels' recent acquisition of Molina is not as boneheaded as it appears (for once), I think bringing him in to help this young staff for a playoff run is probably a good idea...
However, all giddiness is tempered by the recent history of post All-Star game swoons. And we still have 14 games against the Angels, who are sure to make some noise before it's all over. This sure is a fun team to watch, though.
posted by mjkredliner at 11:29 AM on July 08, 2010
all giddiness is tempered by the recent history of post All-Star game swoons
Do you put any stock in the idea it's just too hot? I know I was impressed when I saw this Rangers team in Boston at the start of the season.
posted by yerfatma at 12:16 PM on July 08, 2010
It has been a very fun first half for Rangers fans. If we can get Kinsler's pop back in his bat and keep Nellie Cruz healthy, the top six hitters can be scary good.
My fantasy team would appreciate that. Especially after losing Pedroia and Choo.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 12:50 PM on July 08, 2010
Do you put any stock in the idea it's just too hot?
Nah. Although Arlington is pretty sultry and sticky well into September most years, I think this has been parlayed into a convenient excuse for the team's shortcomings, which usually include not enough depth and lack of leadership, lack of fitness and/or overused arms on the part of the pitching staff, and sometimes a little bad luck as far as late season injuries are concerned. I think one reason Nolan Ryan is stressing more pitches/innings and more running out of the starters is so the middle relief (still a weakness) will be a little fresher late in the year, and with Vlad, Hamilton, and Young stepping up as leaders, hopefully that will not be a factor this year, either.
In (fairly) recent history, both the Marlins and the D-Backs have won it all, and I don't think Arlington is any worse than those cities are as far as heat being a factor.
Speaking of injuries, one has to admire the resilience of the Red Sox despite their terrible run of luck this year.
posted by mjkredliner at 04:11 PM on July 08, 2010
"We struck gold with this guy."
Yeah, so did the guys who drafted him in rounds 15 & 20, and the other guy who paid $2 for him in various leagues I'm not winning...
posted by MKUltra at 02:34 PM on July 09, 2010
posted by yerfatma at 05:36 PM on July 09, 2010
Goddamn. Kudos to them for having the nuts to go for it. Smoak is good deal too if you're Seattle.
Still don't think they beat the Yankees.
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 07:46 PM on July 09, 2010
Nolan Ryan et al deserve some good fortune as they wrangle with rescuing the Rangers from the Hicks heap.