Rangers Notebook: Playing Pepper
By Jared Sandler | @sandlerJ
Just the other day I wrote about the Joey Gallo dilemma the Rangers could be facing soon...what to do with the standout rookie. You can read it here.
*June 17 marked the one-year anniversary of Richard Durrett's sudden passing. He was a tremendous individual and the hyperbole you might think was attached to his legacy, was not hyperbole at all. He was truly the kindest person you'd meet, supremely knowledgeable and generous.
*Here's Joey Gallo's impressive HR against Clayton Kershaw.
*The Rangers' quality start streak that ended at 12 is unreal considering the pitchers who made up the rotation that accomplished that.
*The Rangers likely won't face a four-pitcher stretch as tough as Kershaw-Greinke-Sale-Rodon the rest of the year...and maybe for the next few years.
*I'm starting the wonder if Shin-Soo Choo gets traded simply to unclog the lefty logjam. I'll write more on that soon.
*As we spitball about a potential six-man rotation, I imagine most pitchers wouldn't be a fan of that for various financial reasons. Not that this should dictate a decision about what is best for the team, but for the sake of the conversation, my guess is they would resist--Yu, aside--because of the various clauses in their contracts that activate based on performance, both quality and quantity (starts made, etc.)
Quote of the Week
"I was like, 'throw me whatever you want and I'll get a base hit.'" -Rougned Odor on his mentality during his 2-run single during his return to the majors on Monday.
Stat of the Week: 17
Consecutive starts by Rangers pitchers allowing three runs or less, a franchise record and the longest such streak in MLB this year.
Stock Up/Stock Down (a weekly look at performances of Rangers players)
UP: Rangers vs. RHP
Since June 4, the Rangers are hitting .282 versus RHP, 7th best in Major League Baseball.
DOWN: Rangers vs. LHP
Since June 4, the Rangers are hitting .168 versus LHP, worst in Major League Baseball.
Elsewhere In Baseball...
*The St. Louis Cardinals might be in some serious trouble.
Good Reads
*Jeff Wilson's tribute to Richard Durrett last year.
*And T.R. Sullivan's
*And Anthony Andro's
*T.R. Sullivan tells the story of Hanser Alberto's father, Tony.
Good Listens
Mike Bacsik and I rank the #Rangers pitchers and discuss a new-look batting order and the Delino DeShields injury in this week's "Hello, Win Column!"
Ben & Skin's "Bacon and Bronson" pranked a Dodgers' blogger
Song
"Slip Slide" by Chance the Rapper (Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment)
*Listen to the lyrics and it talks about standing on your "own two [feet]." Seems like that's what the Rangers are waiting to do with all these injuries.