In this case, the term trade deadline refers to the non-waiver trading deadline. Trades can still be made until August 31, however the players must make it through waivers first. Essentially, the biggest difference is that another team can make a claim to block a team above them from getting the player. Trades will still go down in August, and sometimes those moves make a huge difference for the teams involved (for instance, the Giants getting Cody Ross last year). That being said, the biggest moves come in July. As such, there are winners and losers at the deadline. Now, a look at the top three winners and losers.
Winners
1. Toronto Blue Jays: The Blue Jays made a major move in acquiring Colby Rasmus for Edwin Jackson (acquired in a move earlier that day) and a couple of relief pitchers. Rasmus is a major talent who clashed with Tony LaRussa’s totalitarian approach to the game. Getting out of St. Louis will give him a fresh start, and gives Toronto a middle of the order bat to protect Jose Bautista. With the addition of a second wild card team in 2012, the Blue Jays are setting themselves up to make a run at the postseason next year.
2. Texas Rangers: The Rangers desperately needed bullpen help, as everything before Neftali Feliz could go napalm at any given moment. Recognizing that, they made two moves to solidify their options. First, they acquired Mike Adams, a pitcher who throws hard and has been a dominant setup man for the Padres. Second, they essentially traded a bag of used sweatsocks to Baltimore for the vastly underrated Koji Uehera. Uehera throws strikes, doesn’t walk people (8-1 K/BB ratio this year) and has been dominant this season while pitching the the AL East. These moves may be enough to put the Rangers back into the World Series this year.
3. Milwaukee Brewers: The Brewers biggest move was actually made during the All-Star break when they acquired Fransisco Rodriguez from the Mets. This cleared up their eighth innning problem, and made the bridge to get to closer John Axford less terrifying if you happen to be a fan of the team. They also acquired Jerry Hairston Jr. from Washington as a solid pinch hitter/utility player. Now if only they could find a way to get rid of Yuniencky Betancourt…..
Losers
1. New York Yankees: Ok, you are Brian Cashman. You have a payroll of over $200Million. You have a team that basically prints money. Your pitching staff includes C.C. Sabathia, a roll of duct tape, a worn out pitching machine, and the corpse of Phil Hughes. Pitchers of the caliber of Ubaldo Jimenez are available. So, what would the logical move be? Definately not what the Yankees did, which is to stand pat. Apparently a solid pitcher with a reasonable contract that is locked up through 2013 was not considered an upgrade over Freddy Garcia and Bartolo Colon. Have fun in October with four starters that may as well be throwing batting practice.
2. Chicago Cubs: Here’s another team that did almost nothing, but is in the opposite boat of the Yankees. The Cubs are going nowhere, and pretty much haven’t for most of the past 100+ years. While they did make one minor move in trading Kosuke Fukudome to Cleveland, they still have a lot of aging veterans that would have provided at least some return. Instead, Jim Hendry (who may be one of the worst baseball GMs who does not get constantly lambasted due to being with the Cubs) sat still and moved none of them. What, exactly, was he waiting for? Was he completely unaware that the trading deadline was approaching? What value does he have on these players? To quote Vizzini from the Princess Bride – his not making more moves was ‘Inconceivable!’
3. Los Angeles Dodgers: Know how in every fantasy league there is that one person that you can constantly rip off on trades? Well, Ned Colletti is essentially that guy in Major League Baseball. He managed to give up one of his top power hitting prospects to fascilitate a trade between the Mariners and the Red Sox, and basically got back a possibly fourth outfielder and organizational depth. I wonder how many times Theo Epstein and Jack Zduriencik had to hit the mute button to keep from laughing during their phone call. Yes, the Dodgers are in limbo given the disaster that is/was the McCourt ownership, but that still does not excuse blatant stupidity.
Showing posts with label Texas Rangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Rangers. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
2011 Preview - American League West
On to part three of the 2011 baseball season preview. This time, the American League West is featured. Teams are listed in order of their expected finish.
1. Texas Rangers: The Rangers have an extremely potent offense when healthy. With Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Michael Young, and Ian Kinsler, the lineup already had several tremendous hitters. Adding Adrian Beltre to that mix makes this already formidable lineup even better. In the bullpen, they have Neftali Feliz, who was the AL Rookie of the Year last year as closer. With the additions of Darren Oliver and Arthur Rhodes, along with prospect Alexi Ogando, the bullpen is solid.
The biggest concern with the Rangers is their health. Cruz, Hamilton, and Kinsler all missed significant time last season. Hamilton, in particular, is a definate injury concern as he has played in over 135 games just once in his four year career. The rotation is also littered with question marks. Last season, the Rangers had a team ERA of 3.93, but that was also a product of players such as Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter having career years. Cliff Lee is no longer there to solidify the rotation and be that stopper in the event of a losing streak.
Despite this, the Rangers are still the team to beat in the AL West, and should reach the postseason for consecutive years for the first time since 1998 and 1999.
2. Oakland A's: The A's dramatically improved their team this offseason. By adding David DeJesus through trade, and the free agent signings of Hideki Matsui and Josh Willingham, they have solidified a lineup that was anemic at best. While none of these signings are expected to hit 30 or more home runs, they fit perfectly with the ballpark, as they are prototypical doubles hitters. The pitching staff is both young and solid. Brett Anderson looks like a potential ace in the making. Trevor Cahill, Dallas Braden, and Gio Gonzalez are a solid group of pitchers, and should continue to improve this season.
The middle infield is the biggest weakness for this team. Mark Ellis cannot stay healthy, and at age 34, does not promise to gain any durability. Cliff Pennington is a black hole on offense, and is easily replaced. When the Cardinals made Brendan Ryan available, the A's should have made a move to grab him. While he wouldn't prove much more with the bat, he would solidify their infield defense, which Pennington does not.
Even with the questions in the middle of their infield, the A's should contend for the division title, and are my pick for the American League Wild Card.
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels offseason was filled with disappointment. After attempting to get Adrian Beltre and Carl Crawford, they made a trade that screamed of desperation by moving Mike Napoli and Jaun Rivera for Vernon Wells and his ridiculous contract. Despite this, the Wells acquisition does improve their defense. The offense is still solid, with the return of Kendry Morales only serving to improve the lineup.
The rotation is a concern after Jered Weaver and Dan Haren. Ervin Santana, Joel Piniero, and Scott Kazmir do not inspire any confidence in their ability (or lack thereof) to get major league hitters out. Kazmir in particular has fallen off dramatically since his trade from Tampa Bay. The closer position is also a potential landmine, with Fernando Rodney and his 1.544 WHiP being counted on to close out ballgames. Rodney has the potential to completely napalm the ninth inning on any given night.
This is a team with a lot of holes and a questionable pitching staff. They will finish far behind the Rangers and the A's.
4. Seattle Mariners: This team is flat out terrible. Aside from Ichiro's hitting ability and his streak of 200 hits per year, and the ability to watch Felix Hernandez pitching, there really are not a lot of reasons to be excited for this ballclub. There are a few promising players coming through the pipeline in Dustin Ackley, Michael Pineda, and Nick Franklin; however, they need a lot more help.
The offense last season scored a total of 513 runs last year, or just under 3.2 per game. As such, their biggest offseason move was to get rid of Jose Lopez and bring in Brendan Ryan, who provides a great glove but nothing on offense. After Hernandez in the rotation is the AAAA platter of Jason Vargas, Doug Fister, Luke French, and the perpetually injured Erik Bedard. This team is terrible beyond comprehension.
The only thing that the Mariners will be competing for in 2011 is the ability to draft first in 2012.
1. Texas Rangers: The Rangers have an extremely potent offense when healthy. With Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Michael Young, and Ian Kinsler, the lineup already had several tremendous hitters. Adding Adrian Beltre to that mix makes this already formidable lineup even better. In the bullpen, they have Neftali Feliz, who was the AL Rookie of the Year last year as closer. With the additions of Darren Oliver and Arthur Rhodes, along with prospect Alexi Ogando, the bullpen is solid.
The biggest concern with the Rangers is their health. Cruz, Hamilton, and Kinsler all missed significant time last season. Hamilton, in particular, is a definate injury concern as he has played in over 135 games just once in his four year career. The rotation is also littered with question marks. Last season, the Rangers had a team ERA of 3.93, but that was also a product of players such as Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter having career years. Cliff Lee is no longer there to solidify the rotation and be that stopper in the event of a losing streak.
Despite this, the Rangers are still the team to beat in the AL West, and should reach the postseason for consecutive years for the first time since 1998 and 1999.
2. Oakland A's: The A's dramatically improved their team this offseason. By adding David DeJesus through trade, and the free agent signings of Hideki Matsui and Josh Willingham, they have solidified a lineup that was anemic at best. While none of these signings are expected to hit 30 or more home runs, they fit perfectly with the ballpark, as they are prototypical doubles hitters. The pitching staff is both young and solid. Brett Anderson looks like a potential ace in the making. Trevor Cahill, Dallas Braden, and Gio Gonzalez are a solid group of pitchers, and should continue to improve this season.
The middle infield is the biggest weakness for this team. Mark Ellis cannot stay healthy, and at age 34, does not promise to gain any durability. Cliff Pennington is a black hole on offense, and is easily replaced. When the Cardinals made Brendan Ryan available, the A's should have made a move to grab him. While he wouldn't prove much more with the bat, he would solidify their infield defense, which Pennington does not.
Even with the questions in the middle of their infield, the A's should contend for the division title, and are my pick for the American League Wild Card.
3. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: The Angels offseason was filled with disappointment. After attempting to get Adrian Beltre and Carl Crawford, they made a trade that screamed of desperation by moving Mike Napoli and Jaun Rivera for Vernon Wells and his ridiculous contract. Despite this, the Wells acquisition does improve their defense. The offense is still solid, with the return of Kendry Morales only serving to improve the lineup.
The rotation is a concern after Jered Weaver and Dan Haren. Ervin Santana, Joel Piniero, and Scott Kazmir do not inspire any confidence in their ability (or lack thereof) to get major league hitters out. Kazmir in particular has fallen off dramatically since his trade from Tampa Bay. The closer position is also a potential landmine, with Fernando Rodney and his 1.544 WHiP being counted on to close out ballgames. Rodney has the potential to completely napalm the ninth inning on any given night.
This is a team with a lot of holes and a questionable pitching staff. They will finish far behind the Rangers and the A's.
4. Seattle Mariners: This team is flat out terrible. Aside from Ichiro's hitting ability and his streak of 200 hits per year, and the ability to watch Felix Hernandez pitching, there really are not a lot of reasons to be excited for this ballclub. There are a few promising players coming through the pipeline in Dustin Ackley, Michael Pineda, and Nick Franklin; however, they need a lot more help.
The offense last season scored a total of 513 runs last year, or just under 3.2 per game. As such, their biggest offseason move was to get rid of Jose Lopez and bring in Brendan Ryan, who provides a great glove but nothing on offense. After Hernandez in the rotation is the AAAA platter of Jason Vargas, Doug Fister, Luke French, and the perpetually injured Erik Bedard. This team is terrible beyond comprehension.
The only thing that the Mariners will be competing for in 2011 is the ability to draft first in 2012.
Monday, March 7, 2011
LeBron James - Basketball's A-Rod
They began their careers as two 'can't miss' prospects. Talents that would transcend generations and be the faces of their respective franchises for years to come. From the time they arrived on the scene, they were compared to the all time greats of their sport. So, is it any wonder how closely the careers of Alex Rodriguez and LeBron James mirror each other at this point?
Rodriguez spent the first seven years of his career in Seattle, where he was a four time All Star, and finished as high as second in the MVP voting. He then left Seattle as a free agent, signing what was the richest contract in MLB history with the Texas Rangers. Along the way, the left the fans in Seattle feeling betrayed, and the animosity towards him began to grow.
LeBron, likewise, spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland. There, he was a six time All Star, and a two time MVP. Being from the area (he grew up in Akron), he quickly became the face of the franchise, the savior that could lead the team to prominence. However, like A-Rod, after his seventh season he left, spurning the city of Cleveland in a nationally televised production for the Miami Heat. This departure began to fuel anger towards LeBron.
Both have serious questions about their abilities to perform in the clutch. A-Rod is remembered for his atrocious showings in the playoffs from 2004 through 2007 for the Yankees, and the infamous 'glove slap' as he attempted to evade Bronson Arroyo's tag attempt. LeBron infamously quit on the Cavaliers last postseason, as though he had mentally left there following Game Four, and was protesting the perceived 'lack of talent' surrounding him.
Both players are exceedingly image conscious, to the point of narcissism and egomania. A-Rod infamously has a picture depicting himself as a centaur hanging over his bed. There was the picture in Details Magazine where he was kissing himself in the mirror. He interrupted the 2007 World Series to announce that he was going to opt out of his contract and file for free agency. LeBron did manage to upstage A-Rod's announcement by having his one hour special called 'The Decision', where he ripped the heart out of Cleveland in front of a national audience. LeBron is considered to be egotistical to the point where someone actually created a Twitter account that claims to be LeBron's Ego.
And yet, despite how image conscious these two are, they are completely incapable of understanding why people dislike them. A-Rod does not understand why people consider him to be a choke artist, a fraud, an egomaniac, and a mercenary. LeBron is unable to understand why people turned on him for going to Miami, why Cleveland burned his jerseys in effigy, and why he is also thought of as a fraud and choke artist. For the money these people spend on promoting their 'brand' and trying to, in their mind, do the right thing, it would make sense to have someone there to tell them when a concept is simply a terrible idea. Yet, they continue to surround themselves with 'Yes Men', and refuse to accept the consequences of their actions.
Along the way, A-Rod has managed to pick up a championship with the 2009 Yankees. Despite actually having a good run through the American League playoff series, he is still considered to have picked up his ring by riding the coattails of Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and other True Yankees. LeBron may, in time, gain his own championship in Miami. However, like A-Rod, he will be considered to have ridden the coattails of someone else to get there.
These are two all time greats in their respective sports. Yet, they are completely unable to be identified with anything tangible other than their own egos and the hatred that fans everywhere have for them. This could have all been prevented, if they only could get out of their own way.
Rodriguez spent the first seven years of his career in Seattle, where he was a four time All Star, and finished as high as second in the MVP voting. He then left Seattle as a free agent, signing what was the richest contract in MLB history with the Texas Rangers. Along the way, the left the fans in Seattle feeling betrayed, and the animosity towards him began to grow.
LeBron, likewise, spent his first seven seasons in Cleveland. There, he was a six time All Star, and a two time MVP. Being from the area (he grew up in Akron), he quickly became the face of the franchise, the savior that could lead the team to prominence. However, like A-Rod, after his seventh season he left, spurning the city of Cleveland in a nationally televised production for the Miami Heat. This departure began to fuel anger towards LeBron.
Both have serious questions about their abilities to perform in the clutch. A-Rod is remembered for his atrocious showings in the playoffs from 2004 through 2007 for the Yankees, and the infamous 'glove slap' as he attempted to evade Bronson Arroyo's tag attempt. LeBron infamously quit on the Cavaliers last postseason, as though he had mentally left there following Game Four, and was protesting the perceived 'lack of talent' surrounding him.
Both players are exceedingly image conscious, to the point of narcissism and egomania. A-Rod infamously has a picture depicting himself as a centaur hanging over his bed. There was the picture in Details Magazine where he was kissing himself in the mirror. He interrupted the 2007 World Series to announce that he was going to opt out of his contract and file for free agency. LeBron did manage to upstage A-Rod's announcement by having his one hour special called 'The Decision', where he ripped the heart out of Cleveland in front of a national audience. LeBron is considered to be egotistical to the point where someone actually created a Twitter account that claims to be LeBron's Ego.
And yet, despite how image conscious these two are, they are completely incapable of understanding why people dislike them. A-Rod does not understand why people consider him to be a choke artist, a fraud, an egomaniac, and a mercenary. LeBron is unable to understand why people turned on him for going to Miami, why Cleveland burned his jerseys in effigy, and why he is also thought of as a fraud and choke artist. For the money these people spend on promoting their 'brand' and trying to, in their mind, do the right thing, it would make sense to have someone there to tell them when a concept is simply a terrible idea. Yet, they continue to surround themselves with 'Yes Men', and refuse to accept the consequences of their actions.
Along the way, A-Rod has managed to pick up a championship with the 2009 Yankees. Despite actually having a good run through the American League playoff series, he is still considered to have picked up his ring by riding the coattails of Derek Jeter, Jorge Posada, and other True Yankees. LeBron may, in time, gain his own championship in Miami. However, like A-Rod, he will be considered to have ridden the coattails of someone else to get there.
These are two all time greats in their respective sports. Yet, they are completely unable to be identified with anything tangible other than their own egos and the hatred that fans everywhere have for them. This could have all been prevented, if they only could get out of their own way.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Cliff Lee's Decision
Up until last night, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Cliff Lee would either end up on the Texas Rangers or on the New York Yankees. Both teams had met with him multiple times, and extended contract offers that were lucritive in both length and dollar amount. Both teams had made it known to him that he was the focal point of their offseasons. It appeared that Lee was destined to either remain in the heart of Texas or to be wearing pinstripes.
Early in the day on Monday, rumors began to swirl that there was a third team that had offered a contract, a mystery team that had bid upon his services. Most pundits dismissed this notion as a negotiating ploy intended to drive up Lee's price on the market. Both the Rangers and Yankees held firm on their offers, secure in their belief that it would be down to those two. Then, late Monday night, Cliff Lee signed. Turns out, there really was a mystery team all along - the Philadelphia Phillies, who had just traded him to Seattle in the past offseason in a three team deal which garnered them Roy Halladay.
The rotation that Philadelhia is going to be sending out now has a top four of Halladay, Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. This is, quite simply, the best starting rotation in baseball going into 2011. The only team that is even close is the San Fransisco Giants, who they lost to in the NLCS just about a month and a half ago. The Phillies have four bona fide aces that will go out and pitch for eighty percent of their games. Oh, and their number five starter, Joe Blanton? He's gotten 25 wins in the two and a half seasons he's been in Philadelphia, and would slot as a solid number three on a lot of teams.
Speaking of the last NLCS, it appears that the Phillies are taking their defeat to heart. After watching that pitching staff shut down their offense and the offense of the Texas Rangers, they went out and built an even better rotation than the one they faced. Yes, their offense may be slightly worse than it was last season with the departure of Jayson Werth, but he was deemed expendable due to the presence of Dominic Brown, their top prospect. If Brown can produce even a fraction of what Werth gave them, then the trade off is worth it.
As it stands, the road to the World Series in the national League now runs through Philadelphia. Barring injury, no other team can boast the rotation and nucleus the Phillies have. And they are set up to rule the National League for years to come.
Early in the day on Monday, rumors began to swirl that there was a third team that had offered a contract, a mystery team that had bid upon his services. Most pundits dismissed this notion as a negotiating ploy intended to drive up Lee's price on the market. Both the Rangers and Yankees held firm on their offers, secure in their belief that it would be down to those two. Then, late Monday night, Cliff Lee signed. Turns out, there really was a mystery team all along - the Philadelphia Phillies, who had just traded him to Seattle in the past offseason in a three team deal which garnered them Roy Halladay.
The rotation that Philadelhia is going to be sending out now has a top four of Halladay, Lee, Roy Oswalt, and Cole Hamels. This is, quite simply, the best starting rotation in baseball going into 2011. The only team that is even close is the San Fransisco Giants, who they lost to in the NLCS just about a month and a half ago. The Phillies have four bona fide aces that will go out and pitch for eighty percent of their games. Oh, and their number five starter, Joe Blanton? He's gotten 25 wins in the two and a half seasons he's been in Philadelphia, and would slot as a solid number three on a lot of teams.
Speaking of the last NLCS, it appears that the Phillies are taking their defeat to heart. After watching that pitching staff shut down their offense and the offense of the Texas Rangers, they went out and built an even better rotation than the one they faced. Yes, their offense may be slightly worse than it was last season with the departure of Jayson Werth, but he was deemed expendable due to the presence of Dominic Brown, their top prospect. If Brown can produce even a fraction of what Werth gave them, then the trade off is worth it.
As it stands, the road to the World Series in the national League now runs through Philadelphia. Barring injury, no other team can boast the rotation and nucleus the Phillies have. And they are set up to rule the National League for years to come.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
The Rangers Finally Win a Playoff Series
The Texas Rangers organization has been around for fifty seasons. They began their existence as the second incarnation of the Washington Senators franchise, after the original Senators moved to Minnesota. Coming into the league as an expansion franchise along with the Los Angeles (later California, then Anaheim, then Los Angeles of Anaheim) Angeles, they spent their first ten seasons in Washington before moving to Texas, where they play now.
Why the brief history lesson? Well, prior to last night, the Rangers franchise had never won a playoff series in their fifty years. They are, in fact, the only franchise to have not won a playoff series in that time frame. Yes, even the Montreal Expos won a playoff series before the Rangers (1981 against Philadelphia when Steve Rogers outdeuled Steve Carlton in Game 5). To be eclipsed in anything by a team as historically terrible as the Expos is a bit sobering.
The Ranges have had their opportunities in the past, having made the postseason in 1996, 1998, and 1999. Over those three trips to the playoffs, they had won a combined one game. Of course, in each postseason appearance, they ran into the eventual World Series champion New York Yankees. Featuring lineups filled with home run threats and a pitching staff that would not frighten any legitimate major league lineups, they tried to bash their way to postseason victory.
This approach changed with the introduction of Nolan Ryan as team president. Ryan introduced the concept of getting actual pitchers on the roster, pitchers that threw strikes and and could get out of trouble. This concept was extended throughout the Rangers system, and was capped off with the mid-season acquisition of Cliff Lee. Now the Rangers had a legitimate ace, which they have lacked seemingly over their entire franchise history. With ease, the Rangers made the playoffs behind their strong pitching staff and a potential MVP candidate in Josh Hamilton, winning the AL West by nine games.
After going up 2-0 in the series, the Rays fought back, evening the series at two games each. Game five was played in Tampa, and it seemed as though the Rangers franchise would once again find a way to lose in the postseason. The Rangers struck first, scoring a first inning run on a groundball by Hamilton on a hit and run with Elvis Andrus on second. The Rays would score in the third, making it a 1-1 ballgame, and seemingly opening the door for yet another Rangers playoff exit.
But the Rangers did not go away. Nelson Cruz stole third in the top of the fourth inning, and scored on the wild throw down the line. Cliff Lee held the Rays scoreless the rest of the way, as the Rangers tacked on insurance runs in the sixth and two more in the ninth innings, finally sending this franchise to the second round, where they face their old nemesis - the New York Yankees.
After the game, the Rangers went to celebrate. Previously, upon clinching their first playoff berth in over a decade, they had celebrated with champagne, as most teams normally do. However, their prized slugger Hamilton, who has a history of alcohol and drug abuse, was unable to celebrate with the team. This time, they grabbed Hamilton and brought him into the clubhouse to celebrate with them. Making certain that no one would be left out this time, they had bottles of Canada Dry ginger ale ready so that Hamilton could join in this time, and get a taste of the celebration.
Congratulations to the Rangers. It has been a long time coming, and definitely well earned.
Why the brief history lesson? Well, prior to last night, the Rangers franchise had never won a playoff series in their fifty years. They are, in fact, the only franchise to have not won a playoff series in that time frame. Yes, even the Montreal Expos won a playoff series before the Rangers (1981 against Philadelphia when Steve Rogers outdeuled Steve Carlton in Game 5). To be eclipsed in anything by a team as historically terrible as the Expos is a bit sobering.
The Ranges have had their opportunities in the past, having made the postseason in 1996, 1998, and 1999. Over those three trips to the playoffs, they had won a combined one game. Of course, in each postseason appearance, they ran into the eventual World Series champion New York Yankees. Featuring lineups filled with home run threats and a pitching staff that would not frighten any legitimate major league lineups, they tried to bash their way to postseason victory.
This approach changed with the introduction of Nolan Ryan as team president. Ryan introduced the concept of getting actual pitchers on the roster, pitchers that threw strikes and and could get out of trouble. This concept was extended throughout the Rangers system, and was capped off with the mid-season acquisition of Cliff Lee. Now the Rangers had a legitimate ace, which they have lacked seemingly over their entire franchise history. With ease, the Rangers made the playoffs behind their strong pitching staff and a potential MVP candidate in Josh Hamilton, winning the AL West by nine games.
After going up 2-0 in the series, the Rays fought back, evening the series at two games each. Game five was played in Tampa, and it seemed as though the Rangers franchise would once again find a way to lose in the postseason. The Rangers struck first, scoring a first inning run on a groundball by Hamilton on a hit and run with Elvis Andrus on second. The Rays would score in the third, making it a 1-1 ballgame, and seemingly opening the door for yet another Rangers playoff exit.
But the Rangers did not go away. Nelson Cruz stole third in the top of the fourth inning, and scored on the wild throw down the line. Cliff Lee held the Rays scoreless the rest of the way, as the Rangers tacked on insurance runs in the sixth and two more in the ninth innings, finally sending this franchise to the second round, where they face their old nemesis - the New York Yankees.
After the game, the Rangers went to celebrate. Previously, upon clinching their first playoff berth in over a decade, they had celebrated with champagne, as most teams normally do. However, their prized slugger Hamilton, who has a history of alcohol and drug abuse, was unable to celebrate with the team. This time, they grabbed Hamilton and brought him into the clubhouse to celebrate with them. Making certain that no one would be left out this time, they had bottles of Canada Dry ginger ale ready so that Hamilton could join in this time, and get a taste of the celebration.
Congratulations to the Rangers. It has been a long time coming, and definitely well earned.
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