Wednesday: From Bad Times to Good Times

One has to admit that it is a ton of fun sitting around at a table with a group of friends and dirt talking about how terrible the local sports team is. But in our inner selves, we all know that what feels truly wonderful is being able to examine the ingredients that make a star team so special. In the past, we would be talking about the former, but as of right now, only the latter can come to mind for the assiduous Texas Rangers. With the exception of last night’s slight debacle (though Brandon McCarthy gave us hope for the second start in a row), the last few weeks have perhaps been the greatest showcase of great baseball we’ve seen from the Rangers in recent history.

It wasn’t even that long ago that we were feeling frustrated about this team, and then, like a blot from the blue, they came out and surprised everyone. “Shocked” might actually be a more appropriate word. What’s really incredible is that the Rangers seemed to have such a degrading morale during the middle weeks of April. I think what turned them around was confidence. Confidence is what made this team come to life. The talent was there; it’s just that they (and I know this is one of the most painful clichés in history) didn’t believe in themselves.

With a lead as high as 41/2 games, the Rangers have begun to generate a buzz around the Metroplex, as fans are beginning to assemble into the stadium at great speed. If my calculations are correct, the attendance during the Angels series over the weekend was highest total since 2004. Funny how this year is beginning to look a lot like that magical 2004 season, too. Not are the local fans recognizing the Rangers, but I think they’re beginning to make a national presence as well. Many know about the Rangers’ farm system seeing as they were ranked number 1 in all of baseball, but now people everywhere are beginning the see what is actually on display on the big league field.

There have been numerous moments of utter joy while watching this amazing Ranger run, and of all of them, I think the best has been listening to Eric Nadel’s voice on the radio. Eric, the most underappreciated broadcaster in the game, has always done a great job of covering up his disappointment when the Rangers don’t fulfill certain expectations. Well right now, he is letting the world know how thrilled he is to be a part of this team. The exuberance in his voice is electric, and he sounds happier than ever before, well, at least since I’ve become a Rangers fan. Hey, even Dave Barnett sounds excited.

Of all the Rangers that have been thriving during this hot streak, the most fun to watch has been Michael Young. He is having a monster of a month, and could very well end up with the player of the month honors if he keeps up his hot hitting. The only thing I lament over is that I traded him away on my fantasy baseball team. However, with the exception of Young, not a lot of the Rangers are hitting like they’re capable of during this spurt of great baseball. Ian Kinsler is playing solid, but not great, Chris Davis is still mediocre, Josh Hamilton has missed most of the games, David Murphy has been so-so, and Hank Blalock is hitting in the 230s, despite his 10 homeruns. Also, Nelson Cruz seems to have forgotten how to hit a long ball. But it actually feels nice to talk about something else than a blazing offense. That something else is the pitching. The team ERA has plummeted down to sixth in the league, and everyone seems to be going at least six innings. The bullpen has also been terrific. Frank Francisco unfortunately landed on the DL, but CJ Wilson has done a very nice job of filling in. Also, Darren O’Day has been one of the better stories of the bullpen this year, as he’s done everything the Rangers could want. And then there’s Derek Holland, who, despite one rough spot, has been pitching like a veteran All Star.

I said before, I want to see the Rangers keep this good baseball going through June before I accept the fact that they really are going for a spot in the playoffs. But for now, since it’s still May, I’m just enjoying this stretch of pure gold, chatting with friends about the glory of it all, and hoping that the Rangers can refute Benjamin Button’s line.