Rangers/Orioles

[OUEngineer]

Harden looks to bounce back from that complete meltdown versus Toronto. Guthrie takes the mound for the O's.

We need to keep the positive home vibes going.

 

[HornHuskerDad]

This is a "must sweep" series. The Rangers need to take care of business against the weak sisters - there will be tough series down the road, and they need to build up the lead in the AL West while the opportunity is there for the taking.

HHD

 

[WorsterMan]

Rangers need to at least take 2 of 3 from these bottom feeders.... as for Harden, things can only go up for him after that disastrous outing in Toronto.


I hope the predicted rains hold off for this game.

Go Rangers!!!

 

[Horn2Run]

No complaints about Harden. In the 5th, he's done well so far.

The day after the Toronto massacre he started in, Nadel and Barnett on the pregame show were saying all pitchers that entered the game in the first 90 minutes of fridays game had problems w/ wind on the mound (lack of balance). The only pitcher that couldn't be excused was Mathis & he was told before the game he was being sent down. Possible lack of motivation for Mathis.

I thought that was possible hogwash, but maybe there was something to it. He's doing ok tonight.

 

[OUEngineer]

Solid, if unspectacular, win.

Harden is never going to be able to pitch deep into games. He simply can't get guys out early in the count. Every hitter sees about 5-7 pitches. His stuff is good, which is why it's a little puzzling. He's always been a good strikeout guy, yet he is unable to put guys away quickly. At least he had decent control last night, though.

Scooter takes the bump tonight. He pitched better over the weekend, despite the final line he ended up with. I've never heard/seen of the O's pitcher, Matusz. He has decent enough numbers, but haven't bothered to see individual game stats.

We've really hit our stride this month, which seems to be a common theme for this club in May. Hopefully, it extends into the summer this year.

 

[Jester101]

What is encouraging about the Rangers is the number of close games they are winning. The Rangers of old would waste great offensive production with crappy pitching. On another note, are you surprised Washington did not ask the umps for a video review on Hamiltons homer that was not a homer last night? That could have been disasterous if the Rangers had not pulled the game out in the bottom of the 9th.

 

[Dead Horse]

Wash should have INSISTED on a review on that play.

Also, the bottom of the order is going to KILL the Rangers against good teams. Smoak, Treanor, and Borbon are hitting under 200 avg and little to no RBI's or walks. They HAVE to get more production.

I heard a rumor that Rangers were talking with Chi about trading for Pierzynski which would be a good addition if they don't give up to much for him.

I think with the ownership up in limbo the Rangers will be unable to add any salary to the bottom line.

 

[Jester101]

OUengineer,
The Orioles pitcher, Brian Matusz, has a record of 2-3, and an ERA of 4.18. If the umps allow some of our homers to be homers, we'll be ok.

 

[Texanne]

IIRC, Pierszynski has a reputation for being a bit of a troublemaker. The Rangers have a good thing going on in the clubhouse -- would the addition of Pierszynski shake that up to the point that the team suffers?

I know we need to get better production from the bottom of the lineup, but at what price?

 

[Dead Horse]

I think you are right bout Pierzynski. However, if you had to play for Ozzie you might be a little testy as well. Now that dude is a punk.

 

[OUEngineer]

The bats came alive last night. 13 runs, 20 hits. Feldman is still off, but he continues to eat innings, so maybe he can work through his issues.

4 home games, 4 wins.

 

[Horn2Run]

Glad to see the Rangers win these types of games.

This is the easiest part of their schedule. Beginning this past Monday, 14 of the next 17 series before the all star break is against teams with losing records.

14 of 17 series vs losing record teams....can't let this easy part of the schedule pass them by. Also a good time give Neftali some days off. He's been used quite a bit & will be needed after the break when they start playing better teams.