3 Things That Must Happen for the Rangers to Make it Back to the Playoffs

Posted on March 28, 2014 by colonelsportsnation

Fielder hits his first home run at Globe Life Park We are now just 3 days away from the start of the regular season. It has been a long six weeks for the Rangers as they have dealt with … Continue reading →

6 Things We Have Learned This Spring

Posted on March 25, 2014 by colonelsportsnation

With the Rangers moving on from Arizona in a couple of days and the season starting in less than a week I am going to start a series that looks back at camp and then looks forward to the season. … Continue reading →

Rangers win 16-15

Posted on March 15, 2014 by colonelsportsnation

Nick Williams hits 9th inning game-tying home run

Wow. Just when you thought it was just another Saturday in Arizona and just another spring training game a 16-15 game breaks out between division rivals Texas Rangers and Oakland A’s. What a comeback by this probably b or c squad Rangers team. The lineup was missing Prince Fielder, Shin Shoo Choo, Alex Rios, Leonys Martin, Adrian Beltre, and Jurickson Profar or 2/3 of the starting lineup. The only players to make the trip that will likely make the trip to Arlington were Mitch Moreland, Elvis Andrus, Geovanny Soto, and JP Arencibia. Still this team of mostly minor leaguers and non roster invitees were able to overcome some pretty awful pitching and come back to win this game. The word unbelievable doesn’t normally get applied to Spring Training exhibition games, but I believe it does apply here. Down 13-6 heading into the 6th inning the team just perservered and came back to win. So lets take a closer look at this game.

Colby Lewis got the start today and was expected to go 3-4 innings depending on his pitch count. Unfortunately for the Rangers he could not get out the 2nd inning. He just did not have his good stuff today. His fastball velocity wasn’t there and he was leaving it up. He also could not get his curveball over the plate. The A’s were just waiting on his fastball and it led to Brandon Moss and Josh Reddick hitting back-to-back home runs in the second and then after loading the bases on a hit-by-pitch of Josh Donaldson that was it. Rafael Perez came in after that and prevented any further damage. Lot of question marks for Lewis after this one. He has said that he is healthy and he has the support of the organization, but they won’t put him on the roster unless he can perform. Today he just didn’t have it.

Nick Tepesch also didn’t have it. He was able to go 3 innings, but he gave up 7 runs in those 3 innings and also 9 hits. So he was very hittable and with this performance he probably ensured that he will be opening up the season in the Round Rock rotation. I actually expect him to be sent down next week sometime. Tepesch is a guy who just needs to work on his out pitch. He has a great sinker and can get ground balls, but he just needs to be able to put hitters away.

After those two guys left it was 13-6 and it was thought that the players would check out and the Rangers would live to fight another day. That is when it got crazy. The Rangers scored 3 runs in the 6th with all of the starters still in. That was highlighted by consecutive 2 out RBI singles by Elvis Andrus and Mitch Moreland. That made it 13-9. Then in the 7th the craziness continued. Washington took out most of his starters at this point. So, of course the Rangers proceeded to score 5 runs with a lineup mostly consisted of guys who will likely not see Arlington. That inning saw Bryan Peterson and JP Arencibia hit consecutive RBI doubles and then Nick Williams and Robinson Chirinos hit consecutive home runs. Just like that it was 14-13 Rangers. From 13-6 to 14-13. The A’s then followed that up with 2 runs in the 7th inning off of Nick Tepesch. That closed the book on Tepesch. Now it is 15-14 and just when you think it has to be over the 9th inning comes around and Nick Williams leads off with another home run to tie the game. Robinson Chirinos then doubles and is replaced by Adam Rosales on the basepaths. Brent Lillibridge then hits a sac fly to give the Rangers the lead and in the bottom of the inning Roman Mendez closes this crazy afternoon and evening of baseball. What a crazy last 4 innings. The Rangers do win. Often times this Spring they have made the comeback but some reliever will blow the game, this time they held on.

Some notable things from todays game.

– Michael Choice continues to rake. After two hits last night against Johnny Cueto he had two hits including a home run today against the A’s. He is getting very close in my mind to locking down that 4th outfield spot. His defense has been great, but his hitting has been a revelation. He is one of those Spring Training surprise stories. He has definitely earned his spot whether or not they give it to him.

-Nick Williams just WOW. 2 at-bats, 2 home runs, and 3 rbi’s It was his first cactus league game. Last season he was playing in the A-ball with Hickory and has no chance to make this team, I don’t even think he is on the 40 man roster. He is a guy who did make an impression on the team and coaching staff I am sure.

-Outside of Colby Lewis and Nick Tepesch the pitching was great. Those two guys combined to give up 13 runs. The bullpen combination of Rafael Perez, Miles Mickolas, Aaron Poreda, Shawn Tolleson, and Roman Mendez threw 4 2/3 innings and only gave up 2 runs. Those guys made it possible for the Rangers to come back. I don’t know whether any of these guys will make the team, I kind of doubt it. They did pitch well today though. Many of these guys will likely just be sent down to either Round Rock or Frisco this season.

Here are some quotes from the participants in today’s game.

First, Colby Lewis.

The outcome wasn’t very good but I felt like I threw some good pitches. I had a lot more action with my slider than I ever have, my changeup … everything felt sharp.

“If I don’t get outs, it’s not very fair for me to make the ballclub over other guys. Even when I was on the roster, I always felt I had to get outs and prove myself. Hopefully I’ll get a couple of more outings to prove myself.”

Nick Williams

It was awesome. It was my first time in a big league game. I’ve sat the bench but never got to play.”

Michael Choice

This spring has been great. I have been working hard in the cages and on my defense in the outfield and to see things go well in the game is a rewarding feeling.”

Countdown to Opening Day: 15 Days

Russell Wilson Day

Posted on March 4, 2014 by colonelsportsnation

This gallery contains 1 photo.

A lot has happened since I have last written. A massive thundersleet snow-ice storm hit Oklahoma City and the Rangers have continued to play games in Arizona. After starting off with a win last Thursday the Rangers have went … Continue reading →

My Top 5 Favorite Rangers Moments

Posted on February 8, 2014 by colonelsportsnation

The Rangers have provided all of us with moments that we will never forget. Moments that we will be telling our kids and grandkids about. Here are my top 5 moments from my time as a Rangers fan. The post for 6-10 is below. Oh and to see video of these moments just click on the pictures. I am sorry, I could not find video of the David Delluci moment anywhere. I guess that will just have to live in my head.

5. -Rangers 3 walkoff wins in succession against the Angels in 2013 season. Soto, Martin, Beltre.

Going into this series in late July both teams were really struggling. Angels suffered through a 2013 season filled with injuries and superstars not playing up to their potential. The Rangers meanwhile had lost 9 of their last 13 games and were struggling just to score runs. The whole pitching staff was keeping the Rangers in games, but the offense just couldn’t deliver. They just needed wins, to help turn the season around. The division still wasn’t lost and they were in the race for the wild card spots as well. In game 1 they faced a one-run deficit heading into the 9th inning. A.J. Pierzynski and then Geovanny Soto hit home runs to tie it up and win the game. The team was ecstatic. One night later they were facing the same situation when Leonys Martin came up with the bases loaded and proceeded to hit a game-winning grand slam. Then on the third night, just when you thought things couldn’t get any crazier Adrian Beltre hits another walk-off home run to win 2-1. After that the Rangers turned things around had a great August to get back into the race and then in game 162 they forced a one-game playoff against the Tampa Bay Rays. They would lose that game, but those 3 nights in July will not soon be forgotten.

4. Elvis Andrus’ base running in 2010 playoffs

Elvis Andrus was a revelation in these playoffs. Against the Rays and Yankees he showed what kind of disruptive force he can be on the bases. It started in game 5 against the Rays where he scored from second on an infield ground out. Then he did that again in game 2 against the Yankees to get the Rangers on the board. He was constantly forcing the action on the opposing team. He was stealing bases and taking the extra base whenever he could. Before this he had been known as mainly a defensive guy who was a light hitter. After this series people started seeing what a great baserunner he is. In the 2010 ALCS alone he ended up with four stolen bases and a .333 BA and .378 OBP. He made his name in these playoffs with his base-running and continues it to this day.

3. David Delluci gets game winning hit against the A’s.

2004 was a magical season for the Rangers. They traded Alex Rodriguez right before Spring Training for Alfonso Soriano. Going into the season there really was no expectations for the team. It was expected that they would probably finish fourth behind the Angels, A’s, and Mariners. Driven by a young infield of Mark Teiexiera, Soriano, Michael Young, and Hank Blalock this team refused to believe what was being written about them. They competed all season long and were still in the race come September. Then the chair-throwing incident happens in Oakland at the beginning of the month causing them to lose one of their best relievers in Frank Francisco for the rest of the season. The team doesn’t quit though and rallies instead and is 5 games back going into a series against the A’s at home. They need to take all three to have a chance to win. They take the first two, but the A’s look like they are going to win game 3 when they lead 4-2 going into the bottom of the 9th. The Rangers though refused to die and came back on a Hank Blalock home run and then David Delluci gets the game-winning hit when he pulls it by Jermaine Dye. The Rangers win that game and sweep the series and stayed alive. They would not make the playoffs that season, but it was quite the ride to watch them try.

2.-Cliff Lee beats the Rays in game 5 to send the Rangers to ALCS

July 9th, 2010 is a day I will never forget. It was the day that the Rangers beat the Yankees and acquired Cliff Lee. It was a turning point in not just the Rangers history, but the Yankees as well. Cliff Lee in those few months he was here made a lot of memories for Rangers fan. He struck out 14 in an August start against the Yankees. He was a guarantee to go 7-8 innings everytime out. No memory for me was greater than seeing him pitch Game 5 against the Rays. Up to this point in the Rangers history they had not won a single playoff series. They had been to the playoffs three times, and all resulted in divisional round exits. 2010 looked to be different after the Rangers had won games 1 & 2 in Tampa. Then the Rangers dropped games 3 & 4 at home. It was down to this all-decisive game 5. The Rangers would have Cliff Lee on the mound, while Tampa would counter with David Price. Ace versus ace, it was bound to be a low-scoring game, and it was for Tampa. Cliff Lee was brilliant in this game. He went the complete game striking out 11 and walking none. The Rangers would go on to win 5-1 and advance to play the New York Yankees in the ALCS. None of this would have happened had the Rangers not acquired Cliff Lee in July.

1. -Rangers beat Yankees to make it to the World Series.

The Rangers since even before moving from Washington D.C. to Texas have always been known as a losing franchise. They weren’t even lovable losers though, they were just irrelevant. They had moments here and there where they made a splash. Moments like the 96,98, and 99 seasons where they made the playoffs. Each time they were beat by the Yankees in the divisional round. Then they made a splash when they signed Alex Rodriguez to the biggest contract in sports history. That didn’t really help them win though. It wasn’t till my number one moment that they crossed that threshold from irrelevance to household name. When Neftali Feliz struck out Alex Rodriguez to send the Rangers to the World Series it put the Rangers on the map to stay. That series showed all the fans at home that the Rangers are winners and that they are fun to watch. The win also rewarded all those fans that have stuck with the Rangers through all those years of losing and irrelevance. I will never forget that I was at work when it happened and I just jumped about as high as I could. It was a feeling that I will never forget. That whole night I kept repeating the phrase, “The Rangers are in the World Series”. I never thought I would be able to say that.

Rangers Acquire Pedro Figueroa

Posted on January 30, 2014 by colonelsportsnation

Yesterday the Rangers acquired hard-throwing left hander Pedro Figueroa on a waiver claim from the Tampa Bay Rays. Figueroa is an enigma so far in his career. He throws in the 97-98 mph range, but doesn’t have much control. He is 28 years old, so he has that going for him, but this will be his third team. He spent most of last season pitching for the Triple-A Sacramento team. He pitched mainly in their bullpen and he went 3-4 with an ERA of 4.10 and a WHIP of 1.523.

The Rangers are mainly looking at him as low-risk high-reward guy. If they can get his control problems fixed then they may have a guy who can really contribute to that bullpen and give them another power arm out there. If Robbie Ross makes the rotation out of Spring Training then they will have a need for another left-hander in the bullpen. The pitchers competing for the left handed spots in the bullpen right now are: Michael Kirkman, Neal Cotts, Joseph Ortiz, and Figueroa. Cotts who was their best left-handed reliever and who Ron Washington counted on in the second half figures to make the team. So the competition will really be between Kirkman, Ortiz, and Figueroa for that second left-handed spot. If Figueroa gets his control problems figured out he will have a good shot, if he doesn’t then the Rangers will send him to the minor leagues and hope he can figure them out there. Whatever happens this is a no-lose pick-up for the Rangers.

Why I Love Baseball

Posted on January 29, 2014 by colonelsportsnation

by Michael Sanders

Our lives are very fleeting. They are filled with moments and events that we will never forget. For me I will never forget events like proposing to my wife, graduating from college, and getting the phone call that told me I had been hired as a video editor. Those are events that are etched into my memory. My life has also revolved around sports. With each big moment that happens to one of my favorite teams I can tell you where I was and what I was doing when it happened. The best events have happened when I experienced it with others. I have always believed that sports is better experienced in a communal environment. That could be at the stadium or arena, with a group of friends at a bar, or just at someone’s house for a watch party.

I will never forget being at my church watching the 2001 Orange Bowl and seeing my beloved Sooners capture their 7th national championship. We had probably 50 people there and none of could believe what we were seeing. With each quarter that went by the anticipation started building and the tension in the room continued to increase. Then in the 4th quarter when Quinton Griffin scrambled in for the touchdown to make the score 13-0 the room exploded. Everyone was on their feet screaming, clapping, and high-fiving all the people around them. It was an unforgettable moment.

That is what sports is, but to me, nothing tops baseball. Baseball is a team sport built around individual battles. It is the pitcher going up against the batter, each of them trying to figure the other out. The pitcher has a scouting report on the batter and the batter has one on the pitcher. When the batter steps into the box though all that is gone and it is just mano e mano. Each of them trying to bring their best stuff for that appearance. To me the only things that match it in sports is in basketball when they clear it out for the superstar to try to make a play, penalty kicks in soccer, or shootouts in hockey. Unlike the other sports the battle between a pitcher and batter occurs to start every play in baseball.

As a fan, my favorite moments has been when the complete unexpected has happened. I will never forget being in my dorm room at college watching the 2004 Texas Rangers go up against the Oakland A’s in September. Going into the series the Rangers needed to take all three to have any shot at the division going into the final week. They took the first two games, but in-game three it looked like the A’s were going to take it and shut the door on the Rangers season. It was 4-2 after the A’s had put a run in the board in the top of the inning. Dotel was coming into the game. All he had to do was get three outs and the Rangers would be practically eliminated. He gets the first out, then boom, Blalock hits a home run to make it a one run game. Michael Young then with a double, Teixiera with the intentional walk to try to set up the double play, and Brian Jordan then beats out the throw to stop the double play. So, two outs, and I am on my feet in my dorm room on this Thursday afternoon. David Dellucci comes up and 2-2 count, then he pulls one to deep right field and Jermaine Dye is heading to the corner trying to get it, and he dives and the ball shoots by him. Michael Young scores and Brian Jordan, running as if he was ten years younger, beats the throw home. I am jumping up and down screaming my head off, and not caring who was around. That is a moment that I will never forget.

In my life, baseball has provided me with many moments like that, whether it be good or bad. I remember the game where the Rangers beat the Orioles 30-3 in the first game of the doubleheader. It was a game where most of the starting lineup was full of people who no one would be able to recognize in a game that nobody would care to watch. I will remember the 2010 ALCS game 1 against the Yankees where the Rangers had established a big lead heading into the late innings, only to see the bullpen blow it. Then, the thoughts about if this was going to happen again, are we really going to lose to the Yankees again. Of course they didn’t and they made their way to the World Series for the first time.

Baseball is a funny game, you never know what you are going to get. You know that there is going to be at least 27 outs for each side. Other than that, the rest is a mystery until the umpire says, “play ball”. That ultimately is what I love about baseball. I love the day in day out storylines that it provides. The hitter who is on a hitting streak, the pitcher who can’t seem to lose, the team who is on a winning streak, or the young player who is having a breakthrough season. I love all of that. I love seeing someone I have followed from the minor leagues on up start to realize their potential. That is what being a baseball fan has been like for me. It started when I was 7 years old and continues to this very day. Every year around this time I start to get fired up, because soon pitchers and catchers report, and soon after that the games get started. I hope this has given you insight into what life as a baseball fan and sports fan has been like for me.