Defense is all about throwing and catching That makes the next 18 ... I mean, 17 games even more important. As the first half winds down, the Rangers now have 14 of 17 at home including last night's 8-3 win over the AWFUL Houston Astros.
In fact, the Rangers have the Astros twice, the New York Mets, the Florida Marlins (whose coach quit), the Baltimore Orioles and Oakland Athletics going into the All-Star game. The Rangers need 80 percent of these games. Now is the time the Rangers make hay and put a stranglehold on the American League West.
Last night was a super start. Thoughts:
Derek Holland
I think The Ticket's Sean Bass had it right on Twitter last night: Holland's done just enough to keep him in the rotation. Yes, he's uneven and can get rattled. However, he's also your fifth starter, and I love Tommy Hunter and all, but Holland is your best bet moving forward. In fact, as an organization, I give Holland the entire season, sink or swim. Six of his last 10 starts have been good to great. In 2012, if you want to go a different direction, fine. I think you'd have a great trade chip. However, for right now, Holland is the guy. Unless he walks a No. 9 hitter. Then you can trade him.
Josh Hamilton
Feels like he's about to turn it on. RBIs in five of his last six despite going hitless in three of those games. He still gets runners home. A MVP-like Hamilton makes all the difference for that line-up.
Nelson Cruz
The same with Cruz as it is with Hamilton. He's got seven hits in his last four games, five of them doubles. Still, he's striking out at a torrid pace and not walking. Doesn't seem to be the same guy at the plate most nights.
Defense
The defense this season has been a trainwreck, I don't care what kind of fielding statistic you throw at me. Yes, I agree that they are very talented and deep defensively. They make plays many others at their position won't make (see Ian Kinsler's DP yesterday). If Dave Murphy is your worst defensive outfielder, then you have far worse problems elsewhere. However, unearned runs still count. It probably cost them a sweep in Atlanta. You can still be great while still being just good. On some plays, good is enough.
Craig Gentry
Has he made Murphy tradeable? The knock on the guy -- who's done all he can in Triple A -- is he can't hit in the Majors. Well, he's hitting .271 with a .377 OBP. He doesn't strike out a lot. He has no home run power, but can hit the gaps. Love his brains and hustle. One of the better baserunners (along with speed) on the roster.
