I know, I know be wary of small sample sizes. I get it. But sometimes you can
pick up consistencies before patterns and I've seen 2 things enough to think it won't
change with a larger sample size.
Plate discipline.
I have never seen a Ranger team work pitchers like they have the first 6 games. I
found a preconceived notion that kept coming up every time top of the inning. I assumed
I could walk away from the TV if they reached an 0-2 count. The only person I watched
passed a 0-2 count regularly before was Michael Young. After 3 games, I started staying
in my seat even if I needed to throw a leak. By FAR FAR FAR the best I've ever seen a Ranger
team collectively work pitchers. They seem committed as an entire team to this as much as I've
seen any major league team. I believe this will be worth 10-15 games this year as they
continue past the small sample size through the entire season. I think most of these wins
will come against 4th or 5th starters.
Quality Pitching
I watched Gabbard pound strikes with junk low in the zone. I watched Milwood's opposition
at the plate give the look like they just got bested by somebody. Padilla throw heat and
not melt down after a few misfortunes. Jennings go after hitters down a few runs and most likely to
get the L a few innings later. Benoit/Blue Glove doing what they do. The Electician mopping up
like the janitor at school we all loved that always had a story.
Guys, this is baseball at its best and the bar just got raised for my expectations this season.
Thanks.