Texas snaps a two game losing streak with a win against Ivan Nova and the New York Yankees, and the story is Matt Harrison and the defense. Harrison induced 6 GIDPs, only the third pitcher (according to Baseball Reference) to get 6 GIDPs in one game.
Jeff Wilson's game story sings the praises of Harrison and the defense.
Richard Durrett says Matt Harrison is proving he belongs in a major league rotation.
T.R. Sullivan's game story calls Harrison's performance yesterday "brilliant."
Richie Whitt doesn't understand why Mark Lowe has a job.
The S-T's notes include Ron Washington talking about Michael Young hitting third, Michael Kirkman joining the team, and Chris Davis on his role as a backup.
Sullivan's notes include tidbits on a variety of items, including Young setting the team record for doubles and Davis's opportunities, but also has this on Leonys Martin:
The Rangers have yet to announce the signing of outfielder Leonys Martin, a 23-year-old Cuban defector who has agreed to a $15 million signing bonus. That announcement will come next week.But there is already speculation about just how good Martin is, and some reports have suggested he has "flaws in his swing," an "undisclosed leg injury" or is not an elite defender. The Rangers are not commenting on Martin yet, but club officials suggest privately that they believe Martin has the whole package, including speed, a strong arm, plus defense and the ability to drive the ball at the plate.
This makes sense...there are going to be differing opinions, particularly on a player like Martin, who isn't coming up the traditional route, and if the Rangers are paying $15 million to sign him, they have to see him as a frontline player. The Rangers were similarly much more bullish than most on another international signee, Jurickson Profar, and that appears to be working out so far.
This doesn't mean that the Rangers are right and everyone else is wrong, or that everyone else is right and the Rangers are wrong, of course. We'll find out in a few years who called this accurately.
And in case you missed it...Oakland was up 1-0 in the 9th against Detroit last night, but Brian Fuentes allowed a Miguel Cabrera homer to tie the game. Then, in the 10th, Oakland gave up 6 runs (assisted by 3 A's errors) to end up losing 7-3.
Brandon McCarthy registered another solid start for the A's, though, dropping his ERA below 3 on the year.