No doubt that’s what the Angels and a majority of sports writers and commentators were asking about the Rangers after their June swoon. I’m not just a Rangers fan cause I live in the metroplex or that I have 3 Rangers on my 5th place fantasy team, but because they have to be the hottest fucking baseball team I have ever seen.
For some proof of that claim, check out the bio we put together on CJ Wilson
Chris Davis leaps into the arms of his Rangers teammates
But now as we push close to the mid-season break something strange is happening; the Rangers have taken 5 out of 6 from the Angels this year. They out Angel’d the Angels to take 2 out of 3 this past week and find themselves within a game going into tonight’s opener against the Rays. The Rangers just didn’t beat the Angels they beat them at their own game with aggressive base running, timely hitting, working pitches for walks and strong middle relief.
The Angels aggressiveness on the base paths, normally a big plus, got them in trouble against the Rangers D. The Angels middle relief and starting pitching was suspect. middle relief has been suspect. Offensively the Angels can matchup with any team out there. With only 11 games played between the two clubs in the first half it looks like it will be one hell of a race. That’s something North Texans haven’t had in quite awhile.
It’s not a coincidence that The Rangers June swoon coincided with Josh Hamilton’s injuries. The pitching during the first half of the season has been better than anyone could’ve imagined. It’s clear to me that the Rangers aren’t as good as they were during April and May yet they are not as bad as they were in June either. Getting Josh back on track and keeping Franky Francisco healthy will determine if these Rangers will make it a summer to remember.
This weekends three game set with the Rays is huge for both teams with the Rays just 5 back of the Red Sox and contending with the Yanks, Rangers, White Sox, Twins and Mariners for the AL Wild Card.
