IT WAS TIME!!

In front of the largest crowd in Rangers history, my wife and I stood along and took home with us a little piece of history. Not only was this the first ever World Series game in Arlington, but also the first ever World Series win for the state of Texas. As we pulled into the parking lot and made our way to the stadium, something was clearly different. The fans were in a frenzy, the parking lots were full of tailgaters and a buzz unlike any I've felt entering the ballpark was obvious. As the game neared you could feel the nervous energy and almost desperation of we really need this win. From the first pitch from Nolan to Pudge, to Kelly Clarkson singing the national anthem the place was electric.

As for the game itself, Cliff Lee may be getting all the national attention, but Colby Lewis has been nothing short of brilliant. Two early walks in the first two innings brought plenty of grumblings, and I couldn't help but find myself watching his pitch count. After the first couple of innings Colby found his mark and threw a gem. Offensively Mitch Moreland ( the rookie most hadn't heard of until his call-up ) may have saved any hope the Rangers had with his 3 run blast in the 2nd. This kid has shown plate awareness Ranger fans have been longing for from the 1st base position for what seems like forever.

The eighth inning brought on that sinking feeling for me, as I have lost hope in the bullpen, especially O'day. The only comfort I had in O'day entering the game was that Nefti was ready as long as Darren could keep the ball in the yard. The ground ball to Andrus and the weight of the world seemed to be lifted. Feliz came in did his job and well as they say "THE REST IS HISTORY".

World Series Blues?

Okay, so I realize I haven't been blogging this season. Main reason is no one seemed to follow along last season, but with the success the Rangers have had perhaps there are a few more Ranger fans on the wagon. Now, let's get to business.

I was more than excited listening to Eric Nadel call the final out in Game 6 against the Yankees, and it was a nice change for seemingly everyone to be a Rangers fan all of a sudden. Now here we are 2 games into the World Series and the Rangers chatter has fallen flat and the wagon seems to be missing a couple of wheels. To long time true Ranger fans I can understand the disappointment in how the first two games have gone, but for anyone to bash this team at this point is beyond me. Seriously people, the TEXAS RANGERS are in the WORLD SERIES!! Think about that next time before you start the bashing, and if you're like me you will probably laugh for a moment and remember what you said when A-Rod struck out looking in Game 6 ( i never thought i'd see the day the Rangers would be in a World Series)

I'll be the first to admit that I've questioned Ron's managing in the World Series, but that's nothing new. If you read my blog in the past I'm often critical of his decisions. This team has it's back to the wall now, and honestly I just want to see a good fight. I can live with losing the World Series, but watching this team throw it away is painful to watch. As fans it's easy to get caught up in the moment of the game, I'm as guilty as anyone but I will also admit that this has been a great season, especially the last two weeks. The excitement and buzz around the metroplex has been awesome, and I'm hoping that this is a sign of things to come around here. The Cowboys need some competition, and I couldn't be happier that here it is almost November and we're still talking baseball.

Well done boys

Twenty games remain in what has been an exciting season in Arlington. The reality is this team far exceeded all expectations this year, and have given us reason to look forward to next season. Ranger are 6 back of the Angels and 4 back of the Red Sox, there is an outside shot of catching one of them, but I don't anticipate it happening.

This offseason should be interesting around here, as the Rangers will more than likely have to let go of at least one outfielder. The question is which one goes? My guess is they will find a way to get Borbon in the lead off spot next season and make him an everyday player, leaving Byrd, Murphy, and Cruz platooning for the other spot. I would prefer to see Cruz gone and let Murphy and Byrd split the time as Byrd will also give Hamilton a day off from time to time in CF. I would like to see this line-up the rest of this season to give us a peak at what's to come next season.

1. Borbon LF
2. Andrus SS
3. Young 3B
4. Hamilton CF
5. Byrd RF
6. Kinsler 2B
7. Davis 1B
8. Murphy DH
9. Saltalamacchia C

Rangers survive the Zoo

The Rangers take 2 of 3 in the Bronx Zoo to keep the pressure on the Red Sox. Jennings has been cut by the Rangers, and the way the bullpen has been throwing of late i'd say add C.J., Eddie, and Frankie to that list. Two games back heading to the Twin cities, this team continues to keep the interest of its fans. 36 games to play and the boys are in the hunt, I'd call that success no matter what the playoffs do or don't hold in store for this team. The youth of this team has truely been a story to this point, Borbon, Andrus, Holland, Feliz and Hunter have been nothing short of extraordinary to now. Borbon appears to be the future lead off hitter for seasons to come, Andrus is as good as advertised, Holland, Hunter, and Feliz are all showing they belong in the big show. My only question is will Feliz be a starter next season or does he become the everyday closer, time will tell but this COULD be a fun group to watch the next few seasons.

Stung by the Rays

After the Red Sox series Rangers fans were on cloud nine. The boys find themselves 2 games back now, and need to right this ship before it heads out to the Bermuda triangle. The Twins series was a huge let down blowing 4 run leads on back to back nights, and now dropping the first two against the Rays. Not to mention we head to the big apple to face the evil empire for the next three, if they can find a way to win 4 of the next 7 they'll be in the hunt, but i'm afraid anything less than that could put October baseball in serious jeopardy.

Welcome back PUDGE

The Rangers aquire Pudge for the final playoff push. Playoffs or not i think its great that he's come back to where he started and intends to retire a Ranger. Rangers look to keep the wins coming with the Twins in town, and i have to admit after the bullpen collapse on Friday i'm a little concerned to say the least. The starting pitching for this team continues to be top notch, one of the best seasons i can remember for Rangers starters. Hamilton is starting to look like the guy from last year, and that is a much needed boost to this line-up. It should be a fun ride from here on out as the Rangers look to clinch their first playoff birth in 7 years. I got a feeling post-season baseball is coming to Arlington this season!!!

Meltdown in Arlington

The Rangers had game in hand ready to take the Wild card lead, and what do you know the old bullpen problems bite them square in the ass. I know they say in baseball that one game doesn't make a season, but losing that game in that situation could take the wind out of the sails of this team. The boys will need to rebound and win the next two from the Sox or this loss could linger in their minds for the rest of this short season.

P.S. Dear Ron Washington, please let Feliz close for the remainder of the season.