My son was rather displeased with the score of the Rangers game last night. Reds 8, Rangers 2, didn’t exactly sit well with the young lad. He’s eight years old, enjoys watching the Rangers with his old man, and thinks Ian Desmond hung the moon.
Come to think of it, I think Desmond did too. Has there been a more impactful free agent in the American League this season at that kind of price? Uh, no.
Back to the wins and losses, where the latter simply doesn’t happen much around this club. They simply refuse to lose.
Yes, my son will confirm it, these Texas Rangers have simply spoiled us.
Winning is one thing; doing it the way the Rangers have been doing it – with a different guy (or guys) stepping up every night – is about as impressive as it gets. Even more impressive – it’s the kids who have done it time and time again in 2016.
This isn’t exactly the way that Jon Daniels drew it up. I don’t think he had Nomar Mazera, Jurickson Profar, and even players like Bobby Wilson coming through so darn often. Even Roughned Odor, who now is the most popular Ranger since Nolan Ryan (except in Toronto), wasn’t expected to have such a positive impact with his bat.
The Rangers have the second-best record in Major League Baseball, thanks to hard work, dedication to each other in the clubhouse, and Jeff Banister’s incredible knack for steering this ship.
Seriously, what a hire for Daniels back in the fall of 2014. Yes, I know – Captain Obvious just entered the room since Banister was named AL Manager of the Year for 2015. But it’s hard not to marvel at his ability to punch all the right buttons.
Then there’s Adrian Beltre, who has passed Ryan as the most impactful free agent signed by this club in its history. He’s an ageless wonder, and I applaud Daniels for going against logic and age and signing him to a two-year extension. Beltre’s leadership is invaluable, and he still plays a mean third base.
The trade for Cole Hamels continues to pay off, with dividends that should continue into next season as well. While the jury is still out on the prospects that Texas gave up to acquire Hamels, I think it’s safe to say that the Rangers won’t “lose” that trade.
While Colby Lewis lost last night, what can you say about that guy? Goodness, he just continues to roll on, eating up innings when he starts and keeping his team in the game more often than not. Oh, and almost throwing a no-hitter last week.
The loss to Cincinnati on Tuesday officially snapped Texas’ streak of nine consecutive series wins, as well as a seven-game winning streak. Them’s some salty numbers, putting the Rangers at the top of the AL.
There’s a long way to go, for sure, with more than half of the season remaining. But don’t expect the Texas train to slow down anytime soon.
We’re taking our son out to the Rangers-Reds game tonight. It’s his first game of the season and he’s hoping for a Desmond homer and a Rangers win. The way things are going, he’ll probably get both. The kid’s spoiled.
