Monday Morning Rangers Update

The Rangers are finished playing regular season home games after sweeping the Seattle Mariners. With only a final series in Anaheim to go, the Rangers are 37-27 against the AL West this season. How the West was won, indeed.

Louie Horvath's game story is about the Rangers closing out the home portion of the schedule with a win to maintain their one game lead over Detroit for home field in the ALDS.

ESPN Dallas' Jeff Caplan has some reactions to the Rangers' home finale win.

Drew Davison's game wrap up includes notes on the big days had by Ian Kinsler, Adrian Beltre, and Yorvit Torrealba.

Anthony Andro writes about the Rangers setting an all time attendance record at the Ballpark this season. Andro has some quotes from Nolan Ryan and the players on how much that meant to them. 

Caplan writes about Kinsler getting stolen base No. 28 and 29 but getting caught attempting to steal his 30th base on the season. Kinsler will be looking for No. 30 in Anaheim to reach his second 30-30 season of his career.

Davison has quotes from Josh Hamilton and Ryan about the team chemistry seemingly being even better this season than last.

Behind the DMN paywall, Tim Cowlishaw writes about Derek Holland—who got his 16th win yesterday—and how his breakout season helps the Rangers chances in the playoffs.

Evan Grant writes behind the paywall about how Ron Washington is choosing rest for his regulars over going all out for home field advantage in the ALDS.

Davison's notebook tackles the mystery of the playoff rotation, options in the outfield for the playoffs, and how there is a battle for the final bullpen spots on the playoff roster among other notes.

Horvath's notebook further discusses the outfield picture for the playoffs, more attendance record facts, and Washington's plans for his pitchers in the final series of the season.

Finally, Adam Berry of MLB.com writes a preview of the series between the Rangers and Angels as though it were really all that meaningful. But hey, Dan Haren seems to think it is. He says, "We know what we have to do now -- win." He didn't add, "...and then hope every other team still alive loses all of their games. And then we play a play-in game -- and win. And then we just have to hope Jerome Williams is ready for that Game 1 start in New York against CC Sabathia."