in MLB Articles

The Texas Rangers are putting together a very impressive run right now in the American League. Buck Showalter’s team is playing some great ball, winners of night straight games. The Rangers have always had the hitting, but it appears the pitching is now clicking as well. With the Angels struggling, Texas is now the top dog in the AL West.

Last season’s late year collapse will prove to be invaluable for the Rangers in 2005, as they learn from their experiences and seek to get back to the postseason. The youth movement is no longer a project for the future, as players such as Soriano, Blalock, Teixeira and Young are carrying the offense.

Back to that pitching. Would you believe that the staff is being lead by the resurgent ageless one- Kenny Rogers? The wily lefty has more lives than Garfield and more experience than anyone in the division (except for maybe Jamie Moyer of the Mariners). Rogers has been a shockingly good pitcher in 2005, leading the American League in E.R.A. He’s also won seven consecutive decisions for Texas. The Rangers are also getting help from another veteran given up for dead; Chan Ho Park. The Korean right hander is 5-1 on the year, as his teammates have responded very well in his starts. Park had been battling injuries in recent years and many thought his best days were behind him.

The Angels are missing their top slugger in Vladimir Guerrero, which has obviously contributed to their downslide. In any case, this battle should be a closely contested one right down to the last week of the year. We’re talking about two great managers (Mike Scioscia for Los Angeles) making shrewd moves all the way down the stretch. Man, I love baseball.