Josh Hamilton is back, baby.
Jeff Wilson says that, although the record may not have reflected it, the Rangers missed Josh Hamilton while he was gone, and his ability to change a game with one swing -- like he did last night -- is a big part of the reason why.
And Evan Grant says that while Hamilton had the big hit, we can't overlook the job Scott Feldman and Derek Holland did in limiting the M's offense yesterday. Feldman got another hard-luck no-decision, but pitched well, and Holland got his first major league victory.
Jeff Miller has a good, in-depth analysis of three key 2-strike ABs in the big 7th inning, examining how the Rangers' ability to come through in those key situations, and not try to do too much, led to a big inning. Definitely a piece you want to check out.
Wilson also has some notes on the Frankie Francisco situation, although it is largely still in flux...the Rangers hope he'll be able to play catch today, and it sounds like they expect him not to have to go to the d.l.
And Bob Sturm has a detailed piece up looking at the workloads of the rotation and the bullpen so far this year, and comes to this conclusion:
I cannot swear specifically what Mike Maddux, Nolan Ryan, Ron Washington, and any other management and staff might be doing. I also cannot swear that a quicker tempo is really that effective. There are many things I do not understand about pitching and especially pitching in Arlington.But whatever it is they are doing to produce these early results - KEEP IT UP.