I have a hard time thinking the last time I felt this optimistic about the future of any sports team I followed. Probably not since the early 90s with the Cowboys have I felt like a team I followed was so steeply on the rise, and had such a high ceiling for what it could accomplish in the coming years.
After thirty-some-odd years of watching a team that has been a black sheep, this weekend really felt like a turning point, like we are in the elbow of the curve for the Rangers, where the rewards of rebuilding and assembling young talent look like they are really about to pay big dividends.
It is an exciting time to be a Ranger fan.
Jeff (the writer) Miller talks about the importance of last night's win, and includes this quote from Frank Francisco, on being sent back out there after Friday night's disaster:
Francisco, a quiet man, spoke firmly about what Washington’s commitment to him and his own commitment to his team.
"It’s important that a manager has faith in his players," he said. "That’s the most important thing he can do. It helps you grow. I had two out [on Friday night], and I thought I could get the [last] guy out. I should have gotten the guy out.
"I know I went out there and gave my one hundred percent like I do every single time. That’s why I don’t ever feel bad … I feel bad every time we lose … but I can go and look myself in the mirror."
Francisco, a quiet man, spoke firmly about what Washington’s commitment to him and his own commitment to his team.
"It’s important that a manager has faith in his players," he said. "That’s the most important thing he can do. It helps you grow. I had two out [on Friday night], and I thought I could get the [last] guy out. I should have gotten the guy out.
"I know I went out there and gave my one hundred percent like I do every single time. That’s why I don’t ever feel bad … I feel bad every time we lose … but I can go and look myself in the mirror."
There's lots more in there from Miller on the series as well...
Jeff Wilson writes about yesterday's game being the high water mark, record-wise, in a variety of ways.
Evan Grant writes about the Rangers being in contention during a time when the focus normally would be on Roy Williams' wrist.
In the S-T's notes, Taylor Teagarden talks about how he likes being the everyday catcher. There are also injury updates on Jason Grilli (who is throwing and sounds like he's close), Nelson Cruz (who is starting a rehab assignment today), and Jarrod Saltalamacchia.
Matt Harrison could start throwing again this week.
And Jennifer Floyd Engel has even jumped on the Ranger bandwagon, although she says the team needs to replace the beyond-struggling Hank Blalock with Chris Davis, who is tearing it up in Oklahoma.