Rangers are for real

[vicfurth]

The Texas Rangers are for real, folks. They've won seven straight, including an 18-inning marathon of a game yesterday. Kenny Rogers just tossed a CG 3-hitter (only 90 pitches). Hank Blalock is statistically better than A-Rod. Alfonso Soriano has 2 HR in as many games. Mike Young is a Gold Glove quality shortstop, I dare say as good as Miguel Tejada.

Kenny Rogers pitched a phenomenal game today. Complete game, only three hits, polished off the Astros in 90 pitches, & became the AL's first 10-game winner thus far. I would dare say he is Cy Young material if this keeps up.

Anyone else here think the Rangers are contenders? They definitely can win the AL West if injuries subside & they make a deal. All they need is one more pitcher & they can go pretty far, IMO.

[NJTank]

I cant believe how well they played this year, Buck Showalter is clearly on his way to being AL Manager of the Year at this point.

[Discrim]

rating the AL West...the Mariners might as well pack it in and call it a year. started out bad, it might get better but probably not by much.

having a three team race out of four ain't bad though. the Rangers surprised me, i admit. i bet A-Rod's asking why they didn't play this good when he was around. heck, they put in a few words for Rogers in the ESPN mag. If they keep playing like they are, they will take the division (and finally prove they're worthy of wearing blue hats ). there's a chance they could fade, however. it's happened to other teams, it could happen here. key word could, but probably won't.

The A's have a better bullpen with Dotel but i think they need a real closer. Dotel has closer stuff, but he's a setup man. and for some reason they have a AAA closer who's doing setup work. hmm, what's wrong with that picture? they don't do something to that pen outside of Dotel, the A's will be a distant third. Get a closer, they can take the division. Key word can

and the Halos...I can't put my finger on it but I think they're the crazy 8 in this race. they have the talent to win the division, and the knowhow to get it done. consistency's been a problem for em this year, however. at this point, i make no predictions for the Halos.

and as i said, teh Mariners are gonna finish last. stick a fork in em.