Rangers Notebook: Huge Series vs Houston Starts Tonight
By Jared Sandler | @SandlerJ
*This series between the Rangers and Astros is easily the biggest, most significant series played between these two in their matchup's history.
*I like putting Mike Napoli in left field against left-handed pitching to try and spice up the lineup. It allows the Rangers to beef up a struggling attack while also splitting up lefties and righties.
*The Rangers desperately need Prince Fielder to snap out of his slump. With the way Shin-Soo Choo has been getting on base, they need him to return to being a quality run-producer for this team.
*Right now, Colby Lewis is in my playoff rotation. Martin Perez isn't. Not exclusively because of Perez, but because both teams that the Rangers could conceivably play in a series mash against left-handed pitching and rotating three left-handed starters seems like a death-sentence.
*Who would you identify as this team's MVP?
Quote of the Week: "I can't wait. Are you kidding me?...As a fan of baseball in the state of Texas, to have your two teams square off in meaningful games right now? It should be your dream."
...Rangers manager, Jeff Banister, on whether he's excited for the Houston series.
Stat of the Week: .774 (41-12), the Rangers winning percentage when Delino DeShields scores at least one run.
Stock Up/Stock Down
Here's a weekly look at performances of Rangers players
UP: Shin-Soo Choo, .360 (9-for-25), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1.124 OPS
DOWN: Prince Fielder, .222 (6-for-27), 1 XBH, 2 RBI
Good Reads
*Evan Grant's story on Rangers manager, Jeff Banister, and why he should be considered for AL Manager of the Year.
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