Rangers Notebook: Rangers Struggle With RISP; Should Tolleson Lose Closer Role?
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Watching the Rangers struggle with runners in scoring position this week was, simply put, annoying! Bad at-bats mixed with good at-bats and bad breaks--no matter what happened, the Rangers just couldn't crack the code.
*I wouldn't mind seeing Nick Martinez or Chi Chi Gonzalez make a start sometime before the Astros series just to give each starter an extra day's rest.
*I think we'll look back at this month and suggest that Drew Stubbs had the biggest impact of the September call-ups with the assumption that Josh Hamilton's knee will keep him from being a starting player for most of the month. Stubbs will likely be a starting outfielder against lefties, can serve as a defensive replacement, particularly at CF, and can provide some wheels off the bench. Multi-faceted addition to the team.
*Adrian Beltre's massive turnaround since July 31st has played a huge role in the team's turnaround. Not many recognize his "turnaround" because not many people realize that he needed one but the reality is, as much as we all love AB, that he was struggling to produce runs through the season's first four months (just 25 RBI).
*Should Shawn Tolleson be removed as the closer? Heck no! But it is worth keeping an eye on his innings. He's approaching the most innings he's ever had as a professional (71.2) and, when you factor in the high-stress innings he's worked this year, he's probably already exceeded his most previously most taxing season on the mound. Getting him rest when possible in September would be great.
Quote of the Week: "I'm not bitter about it. No matter what your problem is, somebody has it worse. Life could be a lot worse." -Jake Diekman, on dealing with the disease, ulcerative collitis.
Stat of the Week: 3/44 (.068)
Rangers batting average with RISP this week.
Stock Up/Stock Down
Here's a weekly look at performances of Rangers players
UP: Shin-Soo Choo .364 (8-for-22), 6 BB, 2 2B, 1 3B
DOWN: Delino DeShields .125 (3-for-24), 1 Run, 0 RBI, 0 BB
Good Reads
*Evan Grant's story on Jake Diekman (quoted above) and his dealings with the disease, ulverative collitis:
Good Listens
*Here's this week's "Hello, Win Column!" podcast with Mike Bacsik and me. We discuss the September call-ups, the legitimacy of the roster expansion rules, and the potential playoff rotation.
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