I'm really not as annoyed by yesterday's loss, by the Rangers dropping a winnable game, as I should be.
The team got in from California at about 5 a.m., and that was reflected in their play, which looked flat, at least to me. And the problem was compounded by a 2 1/2 hour rain delay...games that start after exceptionally long rain delays always seem to have an air of doom about them, anyway.
And Anaheim lost, at home to the Royals, so the Rangers are still 3.5 games up in the West.
Anthony Andro writes that the Rangers lost because of missed opportunities at the plate. The offense let the team down, although I think it is less missed opportunities than just not performing...the Rangers had 11 baserunners all game, versus 17 for the ChiSox.
Chris Cox's game story says the Rangers looked like a team that got back in the early morning hours.
Tim MacMahon says the Rangers played like little leaguers last night.
Anthony Andro has a story on Bengie Molina's acquisition, saying that the Rangers acquired him because they wanted him to work with the Rangers' young pitching staff. Ron Washington says the plan is to do a 60/40 split of playing time between Molina and Matt Treanor.
Kevin Sherrington has a column up on the acquisition of Bengie Molina, and the Rangers' relying on former Angels to surpass the Angels this year.
Joey Matches is not a fan of the trade.
The notes at the Rangers' website includes talk about Justin Smoak and Nelson Cruz slumping, with Ron Washington saying Smoak has to make adjustments. Washington also had this to say, which I found interesting:
"I don't see it the way you see it. You just can't keep sitting around here talking about hitting the ball hard and not getting any luck. Justin is holding his own, and we'll just leave it at that," Washington said.
The S-T notes talk about Smoak being dropped to the #8 spot in the lineup, and gives an update on Derek Holland's progress.
Jennifer Floyd Engel has a column up about the bankruptcy, Josh Hamilton, and the Ranger players believing this is their year.