Wednesday: Excited? Hmmm...

The Rangers recently finished a 5 and 2 road trip (they did the same about this time last year) and the talk of the town (including local sports shows) is that the Rangers are in first place. So is it too early to get excited? Well there’s no harm in holding high hopes for the Rangers, but take a look at this time last year. The Rangers were only one game below 500 and only four games behind the Angels. This year, they’re three games above 500 and only a 1/2 game ahead of the Angels (though right now the Red Sox are leading the Angels in the 9th). This isn’t to take anything away from the Rangers, it's just that we have to consider the fact that the Angels are only now starting the really heat up and their team will only get better once they get some key players off the DL. That being said, I think it’s obvious that the Angels are a considerably weaker team than the ones we’ve seen in years past. Vladimir Guererro is no longer the player he once was (it’s hard to believe watching him now that he stole 40 bases one year), John Garland is gone, and most importantly, Francisco Rodriguez has left the American League, meaning we will no longer have to see him again. Mike O’Gulnick had a good line a few nights ago, saying that the Angels were like the Spurs: old and worn out. The ‘Ranger Era’ definitely is beginning to appear, and I think two years from now they will officially be leaving the rest of the West in the dust. But apparently they’re starting early, and though it’s May, are already making a case for a spot in the playoffs. Now that’s a bit of a contradiction, because I just said that the Rangers aren’t incredibly better off than they were this time last year. But the truth of the matter is that it’s hard not to feel extremely pleased and eager about this Ranger team, not because they’re hitting homeruns all the time, but because they’re getting the pitching that makes baseball teams winners. This time last year, it was the relentless offense that really carried the team. This year, it’s the pitching, both the rotation, led by Kevin Millwood, and the bullpen, by AL Saves leader Frank Francisco. So though I think that the Angels are going to have a great run pretty soon, I feel very optimistic right now. However, the mindset of the players is probably more realistic. I can guarantee you that everyone on the Rangers’ club, though aware of the standings, is just focused on winning one game at a time, staying focused, and trying not to think about the future. In the end that’s really the perspective to take, because not only is it reasonable, but it takes away some of the disappointment if the team ends up coming short.
Coming into the season, I don’t think anyone really expected the Rangers to be where they are now. The Athletics were said to be a contender this year, but so far they’ve looked terrible, especially offensively. Kurt Suzuki is their only real productive hitter at the moment, and the high hopes for Jason Giambi are beginning to dwindle. I think Oakland is due for a long winning streak later in the season, especially if they get Matt Holliday to start hitting like he usually does. But in the end I think it will be down the Rangers and Angels. I know the Mariners were in first place for a while, but I don’t really see them contending for the whole season.

I’ve heard a lot people, mainly typical, excited fans, say that this is the Rangers’ year to win. They say that because of the Rangers’ current hot streak. If they suddenly begin to struggle, then those people will suddenly quiet down. So, with all the hype surrounding the Rangers, my overall view is this: Traditionally, May is still considered ‘early’ in baseball season. So, to prove that this streak of good baseball isn’t bogus, I want to see the Rangers in this exact position or better by the end of the June. If they can do that, then I too will be taking out my rally cap and cheering them towards the postseason. Sorry if this post isn't very coherent. Been a long day...dead tired...time for sleep...