Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton was named American League MVP on Tuesday, edging out Miguel Cabrera and Robinson Cano for the honor.
Well deserved.
About a week ago, Neftali Feliz won AL rookie of the year. It's great to see Rangers players racking up the postseason accolades.
I watched Hamilton do some things I've never seen anyone else do on a baseball field this season. His display of every tool in the book in a 10-9 victory over Boston on Aug. 13 was one of the more mesmerizing moments I've witnessed with this great game.
Hamilton is in the middle of his prime at age 29. When healthy, there's no question he's one of the top 2-3 position players in the majors.
The outfielder hit .359 (including an absurd .401 clip against righties), with 32 home runs and 100 RBIs. The batting average was easily more impressive than the power numbers, which are frequently overrated when evaluating a player.
Hitting .359 requires an insane amount of discipline. Swinging for the fences is rarely the mission. It takes more focus. Utilizing all parts of the field. Taking walks. Hustling your tail off down the line for occasional infield hits. Hamilton possesses the unnatural ability to do all of that.
He only hit .190 in the postseason, but had a memorable run of hits and homers (four) against the Yankees.
And he's a nice guy. Random aside, but my college roommate and good friend, Matt, called me one afternoon, no more than a week ago, as he was about to board a cruise in Florida.
"You'll never believe who's on this cruise with us," Matt told me.
Stumped on whom it might be, I finally gave up.
It was Hamilton. He was a guest speaker on the Christian cruise line.
To my surprise and delight, Hamilton was the one who approached Matt, not the other way around. I'm trying to picture what I'd do if Hamilton randomly approached me and started jollying. I'd be like a flippin' teenager at a Good Charlotte concert.
Matt told me the two had a basic conversation and Hamilton was a really nice, humble dude. Matt was convinced Hamilton thought he was a minor-league player because of the gear and bag he was carrying. He should have rolled with it longer (either that or nicely asked for an autograph. You can make that out to Eric. That's E-R-I-C).
Hamilton is a guy I'd love to see stay in Texas a long time. Health is the main issue with Hamilton. If he's healthy, this may not be the last time he's presented with this honor. It is undoubtedly, though, an amazing accomplishment and another reason the 2010 baseball season, when the Rangers won the American League and advanced to the World Series, will be remembered as my most memorable season of following a team.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Rangers lose in World Series, end most successful season in team history
Arlington, Texas — I've had four days to reflect on the Texas Rangers losing the World Series in five games to the San Francisco Giants.
Sure, it stung a bit to witness a 4-0 Giants shutout in Game 4 at the ballpark on Sunday. And it was tough to see San Francisco clinch on TV Monday as I watched the game at my parents' house in Plano. Not the results I had in mind when making the visit to Texas.
Truthfully, though, my disappointment didn't last long. In taking a step back and thinking about the big picture, it was the most exciting sports season I've ever followed.
When thinking about the 2010 Texas Rangers, I'm pretty sure I know what I'll be saying for the foreseeable future: That was one heck of a season.
To win the AL West by nine games was convincing and legitimate. To win 90 games was spectacular. To knock out the Tampa Bay Rays as an underdog in the American League Divisional Series was fulfilling. To knock out the New York Yankees as an even bigger underdog in the AL Championship Series was awe-inspiring, emotional and out-of-this world tremendous.
The Rangers made team history in so many ways this postseason. They won their first postseason series in franchise history. They played in their first-ever World Series.
It's been an uphill climb for manager Ron Washington, who finished his first season in 2007 at 75-87, last place in the AL West. He's improved every year since then:
2008: 79-83, second place.
2009: 87-75, second place.
2010: 90-72, first place.
It was a heck of a run, one I'll never forget. I'm eagerly awaiting the DVD of season highlights so I'll have it on video whenever I feel like reflecting some more.
It will be an interesting offseason filled with a plethora of decisions for Rangers management.
Just this week, the team signed Washington to a new contract that will keep him in Texas through the 2012 season.
I'm hoping president and co-owner Nolan Ryan keeps general manager Jon Daniels in Arlington for a new contract as well. Daniels, one of the primary reasons the farm system is so loaded, has his current contract run through 2011. An effort must be made to bring him back long-term.
Cliff Lee is a free agent, the most coveted free agent out there this winter, and he'll be sought after by just about everyone, most notably the Yankees. It would be beyond frustrating for Lee to end up in New York, so I'm hoping the Rangers do everything they can to bring the lefty ace back.
A decision has to be made whether to bring back designated hitter Vlad Guerrero, who led the team with 115 RBIs this season.
With Bengie Molina retiring, there's a huge hole at catcher.
Many questions to be answered.
With a World Series appearance and new ownership, I'm hopeful the Rangers have more money to play with this offseason. Last year around this time, Daniels was operating with a strict budget because the team was on the brink of bankruptcy. Yet he still made brilliant moves (signing Guerrero and Colby Lewis, most notably) that positioned the Rangers to win the AL West, and make a deep postseason push. I'm confident Daniels would continue to improve the team significantly with more cash at his disposal.
For now, I'm not quite ready to think about offseason moves. Forgive me, but I'm still reflecting on the most successful season in Texas Rangers history. May there be many more to come.
Sure, it stung a bit to witness a 4-0 Giants shutout in Game 4 at the ballpark on Sunday. And it was tough to see San Francisco clinch on TV Monday as I watched the game at my parents' house in Plano. Not the results I had in mind when making the visit to Texas.
Truthfully, though, my disappointment didn't last long. In taking a step back and thinking about the big picture, it was the most exciting sports season I've ever followed.
When thinking about the 2010 Texas Rangers, I'm pretty sure I know what I'll be saying for the foreseeable future: That was one heck of a season.
To win the AL West by nine games was convincing and legitimate. To win 90 games was spectacular. To knock out the Tampa Bay Rays as an underdog in the American League Divisional Series was fulfilling. To knock out the New York Yankees as an even bigger underdog in the AL Championship Series was awe-inspiring, emotional and out-of-this world tremendous.
The Rangers made team history in so many ways this postseason. They won their first postseason series in franchise history. They played in their first-ever World Series.
It's been an uphill climb for manager Ron Washington, who finished his first season in 2007 at 75-87, last place in the AL West. He's improved every year since then:
2008: 79-83, second place.
2009: 87-75, second place.
2010: 90-72, first place.
It was a heck of a run, one I'll never forget. I'm eagerly awaiting the DVD of season highlights so I'll have it on video whenever I feel like reflecting some more.
It will be an interesting offseason filled with a plethora of decisions for Rangers management.
Just this week, the team signed Washington to a new contract that will keep him in Texas through the 2012 season.
I'm hoping president and co-owner Nolan Ryan keeps general manager Jon Daniels in Arlington for a new contract as well. Daniels, one of the primary reasons the farm system is so loaded, has his current contract run through 2011. An effort must be made to bring him back long-term.
Cliff Lee is a free agent, the most coveted free agent out there this winter, and he'll be sought after by just about everyone, most notably the Yankees. It would be beyond frustrating for Lee to end up in New York, so I'm hoping the Rangers do everything they can to bring the lefty ace back.
A decision has to be made whether to bring back designated hitter Vlad Guerrero, who led the team with 115 RBIs this season.
With Bengie Molina retiring, there's a huge hole at catcher.
Many questions to be answered.
With a World Series appearance and new ownership, I'm hopeful the Rangers have more money to play with this offseason. Last year around this time, Daniels was operating with a strict budget because the team was on the brink of bankruptcy. Yet he still made brilliant moves (signing Guerrero and Colby Lewis, most notably) that positioned the Rangers to win the AL West, and make a deep postseason push. I'm confident Daniels would continue to improve the team significantly with more cash at his disposal.
For now, I'm not quite ready to think about offseason moves. Forgive me, but I'm still reflecting on the most successful season in Texas Rangers history. May there be many more to come.
Monday, November 1, 2010
World Series trip worth it despite Rangers' disappointing showing
Arlington, Texas — So it was far from what I expected. On the field, at least.
The Texas Rangers' bats, so explosive in the postseason, simply didn't show up on Sunday night in Game 4 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. Texas mustered only three hits off 21-year-old pitcher Madison Bumgarner and lost, 4-0.
Series status: Giants 3, Rangers 1. Favorable? Absolutely not. Worth the trip back home? Absolutely.
Sure, being at Rangers Ballpark on Sunday for the loss was far from ideal. But I was at Rangers Ballpark for the World Series. My brother Dave was also in town and went with me.
That's still pretty sweet. Who knows when the Rangers play in the World Series again? Who knows when Dave and I will be back in Plano at the same time again? I'd like to forget about the game played on the field as soon as possible, but I won't forget about this trip any time soon.
We arrived at the ballpark around 5:20 p.m., plenty of time before the 7:20 p.m. first pitch. Parking wasn't too bad for a World Series. There was a lot next to the Sheraton hotel for $20.
Before navigating to our seats, we wanted to soak up the atmosphere. Purchased the program for $15. Gladly accepted the complimentary towels and World series pins. Made for a solid souvenir collection.
At about 6 p.m., we ordered some pizza and found a table on the third deck to lounge out and grub.
We made our way to the seats (section 343, row 20, seats 17 and 18; upper deck, first base side) by 6:20 p.m., an hour before first pitch. The stadium was packed and the feeling was surreal. I had been to countless regular-season games where the upper deck was rather empty.
Every seat was taken on Sunday. Announced attendance: 51,920 (105.6 percent full).
President George W. Bush tossed the first pitch to team co-owner and president Nolan Ryan.
It was a special atmosphere. Just wish we had more plays on the field from which to cheer.
Game 5 is tonight in Arlington and I'll be watching on TV. We need Cliff Lee to rebound from his rare off night from Game 1 and get Texas back in this series. Beating Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain on consecutive nights to force a Game 7 seems unlikely, but it's the only way we play for a World Series championship. I'm still holding out some hope.
Sunday was one of the most memorable experiences I've had since being a Rangers fan. And it will probably stay that way for the foreseeable future.
The Texas Rangers' bats, so explosive in the postseason, simply didn't show up on Sunday night in Game 4 of the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. Texas mustered only three hits off 21-year-old pitcher Madison Bumgarner and lost, 4-0.
Series status: Giants 3, Rangers 1. Favorable? Absolutely not. Worth the trip back home? Absolutely.
Sure, being at Rangers Ballpark on Sunday for the loss was far from ideal. But I was at Rangers Ballpark for the World Series. My brother Dave was also in town and went with me.
That's still pretty sweet. Who knows when the Rangers play in the World Series again? Who knows when Dave and I will be back in Plano at the same time again? I'd like to forget about the game played on the field as soon as possible, but I won't forget about this trip any time soon.
We arrived at the ballpark around 5:20 p.m., plenty of time before the 7:20 p.m. first pitch. Parking wasn't too bad for a World Series. There was a lot next to the Sheraton hotel for $20.
Before navigating to our seats, we wanted to soak up the atmosphere. Purchased the program for $15. Gladly accepted the complimentary towels and World series pins. Made for a solid souvenir collection.
At about 6 p.m., we ordered some pizza and found a table on the third deck to lounge out and grub.
We made our way to the seats (section 343, row 20, seats 17 and 18; upper deck, first base side) by 6:20 p.m., an hour before first pitch. The stadium was packed and the feeling was surreal. I had been to countless regular-season games where the upper deck was rather empty.
Every seat was taken on Sunday. Announced attendance: 51,920 (105.6 percent full).
President George W. Bush tossed the first pitch to team co-owner and president Nolan Ryan.
It was a special atmosphere. Just wish we had more plays on the field from which to cheer.
Game 5 is tonight in Arlington and I'll be watching on TV. We need Cliff Lee to rebound from his rare off night from Game 1 and get Texas back in this series. Beating Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain on consecutive nights to force a Game 7 seems unlikely, but it's the only way we play for a World Series championship. I'm still holding out some hope.
Sunday was one of the most memorable experiences I've had since being a Rangers fan. And it will probably stay that way for the foreseeable future.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
It's (literally) time: Time to go to the World Series
Kansas City, Mo. — Just about 30 minutes until I board my flight at Kansas City International Airport and travel to Dallas for one of the most exciting trips I can remember taking.
At 7:20 tonight in Arlington, Texas, I'll be at Rangers Ballpark with my brother Dave to witness Game 4 of the World Series.
Series status: Giants 2, Rangers 1.
Hoping to bring the home team some added luck tonight.
Should be an interesting pitching matchup between young starters. Tommy Hunter, age 24, will oppose southpaw Madison Bumgarner, 21, on the hill. Hunter hasn't lasted more than four innings in a game this postseason. If he could go six tonight, I like our chances of tying up the series.
More than anything, I can't wait to take in the atmosphere of the ballpark tonight. I've been to 20-30 games in Arlington, and I feel like I could navigate the stadium like it's my second home. I've never seen a postseason game there, though.
From what I've seen on TV, the postseason atmosphere looks electric. The crowd stands quite a bit on second strike, two-out situations, even in the early innings. The decibel level appears unlike anything I've heard there before.
Dave wrote on my facebook wall at about 5 a.m. and said, "Can't sleep!! Too excited!!! See you in a few hours!!!" Indeed, this should be a memorable night, win or lose.
Timing the gameday traffic will be vital. The Cowboys play next door at noon. Hopefully, it doesn't go to overtime and football cars clear by 4-4:30 p.m. I'm thinking we'll want to leave by 4:30 p.m. to time it accordingly.
Usually, it takes 30 minutes from my parents' house in Plano. Since it's Sunday, we shouldn't hit any traffic until we get to the ballpark. Parking could get interesting, but if we leave at 4:30, I won't be concerned. Should leave us roughly two hours until the first pitch by the time we arrive.
I'll have a slew of updates on the blog tonight and tomorrow. Pictures will be taken en masse. A World Series program will be purchased. Tickets will be kept.
Dave and I will be sitting in the Grandstand Reserved section 343. Way up there, no doubt. But we have seats.
Can't wait to get there and watch the team I've been following for so long take part in the World Series.
Let's tie this thing up tonight.
At 7:20 tonight in Arlington, Texas, I'll be at Rangers Ballpark with my brother Dave to witness Game 4 of the World Series.
Series status: Giants 2, Rangers 1.
Hoping to bring the home team some added luck tonight.
Should be an interesting pitching matchup between young starters. Tommy Hunter, age 24, will oppose southpaw Madison Bumgarner, 21, on the hill. Hunter hasn't lasted more than four innings in a game this postseason. If he could go six tonight, I like our chances of tying up the series.
More than anything, I can't wait to take in the atmosphere of the ballpark tonight. I've been to 20-30 games in Arlington, and I feel like I could navigate the stadium like it's my second home. I've never seen a postseason game there, though.
From what I've seen on TV, the postseason atmosphere looks electric. The crowd stands quite a bit on second strike, two-out situations, even in the early innings. The decibel level appears unlike anything I've heard there before.
Dave wrote on my facebook wall at about 5 a.m. and said, "Can't sleep!! Too excited!!! See you in a few hours!!!" Indeed, this should be a memorable night, win or lose.
Timing the gameday traffic will be vital. The Cowboys play next door at noon. Hopefully, it doesn't go to overtime and football cars clear by 4-4:30 p.m. I'm thinking we'll want to leave by 4:30 p.m. to time it accordingly.
Usually, it takes 30 minutes from my parents' house in Plano. Since it's Sunday, we shouldn't hit any traffic until we get to the ballpark. Parking could get interesting, but if we leave at 4:30, I won't be concerned. Should leave us roughly two hours until the first pitch by the time we arrive.
I'll have a slew of updates on the blog tonight and tomorrow. Pictures will be taken en masse. A World Series program will be purchased. Tickets will be kept.
Dave and I will be sitting in the Grandstand Reserved section 343. Way up there, no doubt. But we have seats.
Can't wait to get there and watch the team I've been following for so long take part in the World Series.
Let's tie this thing up tonight.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
World Series Game 1 reaction: Unexpected outcome
Well, that wasn't what I expected.
The San Francisco Giants, after not scoring more than six runs in a single game all postseason, exploded for 11 runs on Wednesday night in a Game 1 victory over the Rangers.
Giants 11, Rangers 6.
Series status: Giants 1, Rangers 0.
What was so unexpected about it was it happened against Cliff Lee, one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of the postseason. Entering Wednesday night, Lee was 3-0 this postseason with an absurd 0.75 earned-run average. He had one walk in 24 innings. He was 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA for his postseason career.
What? The Giants did this to him, when he dominated the Yankees in New York? Tough to believe.
To me, Lee struggling wasn't even the most disappointing part of Game 1.
The Rangers committed an uncharacteristic four errors in the setback. You won't win many games that way. Two of the errors came from Vlad Guerrero in right field, a position he usually doesn't play. He did on Wednesday, though, so he could get into the lineup without a designated hitter in a National League park. It was a weird game.
One thing the Rangers have done this season, though, is respond after bad losses. The Yankees staged a comeback in Game 1 of the ALCS and the Rangers came back to dominate the series and win in six games.
That makes it all the more important for C.J. Wilson to limit the Giants' offense tonight. I think he's up for the challenge. And I expect the Rangers to play much cleaner baseball tonight.
Time to forget about Game 1 and even up this series.
The San Francisco Giants, after not scoring more than six runs in a single game all postseason, exploded for 11 runs on Wednesday night in a Game 1 victory over the Rangers.
Giants 11, Rangers 6.
Series status: Giants 1, Rangers 0.
What was so unexpected about it was it happened against Cliff Lee, one of the most dominant pitchers in the history of the postseason. Entering Wednesday night, Lee was 3-0 this postseason with an absurd 0.75 earned-run average. He had one walk in 24 innings. He was 7-0 with a 1.26 ERA for his postseason career.
What? The Giants did this to him, when he dominated the Yankees in New York? Tough to believe.
To me, Lee struggling wasn't even the most disappointing part of Game 1.
The Rangers committed an uncharacteristic four errors in the setback. You won't win many games that way. Two of the errors came from Vlad Guerrero in right field, a position he usually doesn't play. He did on Wednesday, though, so he could get into the lineup without a designated hitter in a National League park. It was a weird game.
One thing the Rangers have done this season, though, is respond after bad losses. The Yankees staged a comeback in Game 1 of the ALCS and the Rangers came back to dominate the series and win in six games.
That makes it all the more important for C.J. Wilson to limit the Giants' offense tonight. I think he's up for the challenge. And I expect the Rangers to play much cleaner baseball tonight.
Time to forget about Game 1 and even up this series.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
World Series countdown: Ready for action tonight
When I think about Game 1 of the World Series, set to take place at 6:30 tonight in San Francisco, so many exciting aspects immediately rush to the mind.
Here's what I'm looking forward to most about tonight.
• First and not surprisingly foremost, the Texas Rangers are making their first World Series appearance in team history. When I look back at our path to the World Series, it gives me great pleasure to think that Texas defeated two AL East teams to reach the promise land.
All season, the AL West seemed to be thrown to the side when thinking about the elite teams in MLB. Surely, New York, Tampa Bay or Boston would come out of the AL because that's just what happens. For the past three years, an AL East team has played in the World Series. It's been a different one each of those three years.
Not that many people focused on how feared a lineup the Rangers have when healthy. Not that many people realized how dominant the team could look when Cliff Lee gets the team rolling. Not that many people realized the present-day mentality of the Rangers. We are not a slugging team anymore. We are not like the slug-or-die Rangers playoff teams of the 90s that had first-round exits. This 2010 team can beat teams on the basepaths. They can beat teams with power. They can beat teams with pitching. That's why this team is the best team in franchise history, by a long shot.
• The pitching matchup tonight has the makings of an epic encounter. Lee vs. Tim Lincecum. It doesn't get much better than that.
FOX might be mad the Yankees and Phillies got knocked out, and therefore, the East Coast won't be nearly as interested in this World Series. Who knows. There's something really nice about it, though. There's good baseball away from the East Coast. The pitching matchup tonight should prove that.
• There's a small chance (I'd say under 10 percent) that the Rangers or the Giants sweep the series. I'll sure be rooting for a Rangers sweep, though. My brother Dave and I will be on hand for Game 4 on Sunday in Arlington. Witnessing a series-clinching game would be out of control. But I'm not counting on it.
• Should be interesting to see our lineup without a designated hitter tonight in an NL park. Here's my guess:
1. Elvis Andrus, SS
2. Michael Young, 3B
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Vladimir Guerrero, RF
5. Nelson Cruz, LF
6. Ian Kinsler, 2B
7. Bengie Molina, C
8. Mitch Moreland, 1B
9. Cliff Lee, P
• I'm curious to see how our pitchers fare against NL hitting. Of course, when you think of NL hitting, murderous lineups don't immediately come to mind. The Giants have some bats, but the 3-4-5 combination of Aubrey Huff, Buster Posey and Pat Burrell isn't exactly daunting. You'd think that Lee's success against better lineups in the ALDS and ALCS would translate particularly well to the World Series. I know this much: Lee won't be intimidated by the big stage.
• Prediction: I'm going Rangers in 5. May the dream continue. Let's get this thing started.
Here's what I'm looking forward to most about tonight.
• First and not surprisingly foremost, the Texas Rangers are making their first World Series appearance in team history. When I look back at our path to the World Series, it gives me great pleasure to think that Texas defeated two AL East teams to reach the promise land.
All season, the AL West seemed to be thrown to the side when thinking about the elite teams in MLB. Surely, New York, Tampa Bay or Boston would come out of the AL because that's just what happens. For the past three years, an AL East team has played in the World Series. It's been a different one each of those three years.
Not that many people focused on how feared a lineup the Rangers have when healthy. Not that many people realized how dominant the team could look when Cliff Lee gets the team rolling. Not that many people realized the present-day mentality of the Rangers. We are not a slugging team anymore. We are not like the slug-or-die Rangers playoff teams of the 90s that had first-round exits. This 2010 team can beat teams on the basepaths. They can beat teams with power. They can beat teams with pitching. That's why this team is the best team in franchise history, by a long shot.
• The pitching matchup tonight has the makings of an epic encounter. Lee vs. Tim Lincecum. It doesn't get much better than that.
FOX might be mad the Yankees and Phillies got knocked out, and therefore, the East Coast won't be nearly as interested in this World Series. Who knows. There's something really nice about it, though. There's good baseball away from the East Coast. The pitching matchup tonight should prove that.
• There's a small chance (I'd say under 10 percent) that the Rangers or the Giants sweep the series. I'll sure be rooting for a Rangers sweep, though. My brother Dave and I will be on hand for Game 4 on Sunday in Arlington. Witnessing a series-clinching game would be out of control. But I'm not counting on it.
• Should be interesting to see our lineup without a designated hitter tonight in an NL park. Here's my guess:
1. Elvis Andrus, SS
2. Michael Young, 3B
3. Josh Hamilton, CF
4. Vladimir Guerrero, RF
5. Nelson Cruz, LF
6. Ian Kinsler, 2B
7. Bengie Molina, C
8. Mitch Moreland, 1B
9. Cliff Lee, P
• I'm curious to see how our pitchers fare against NL hitting. Of course, when you think of NL hitting, murderous lineups don't immediately come to mind. The Giants have some bats, but the 3-4-5 combination of Aubrey Huff, Buster Posey and Pat Burrell isn't exactly daunting. You'd think that Lee's success against better lineups in the ALDS and ALCS would translate particularly well to the World Series. I know this much: Lee won't be intimidated by the big stage.
• Prediction: I'm going Rangers in 5. May the dream continue. Let's get this thing started.
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