The All-Star break has come and gone, and now it is time for the second half of the season to begin. The Rangers finished at the break with a record of 54-41, just two games behind the first place Oakland Athletics. For a look at the first half I recommend reading this.
As I have mentioned before, to be just two games back with all of the injuries the Rangers sustained in the first half of the season is not only surprising, it is down right impressive. The Rangers battled and battled no matter who they sent to the mound, even if it was Josh Lindbloom or Ross Wolf. The offense is not what it once was, but that happens when you let Mike Napoli and Josh Hamilton walk during the offseason.
So, what do we as Rangers fans have to look forward too on the second half of the baseball season. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. The Rangers will get Colby Lewis, Alexi Ogando and Matt Harrison back at some point in the second half. Even if they are not at full strength, it will be an improvement over some of the young arms that seem to be fading at the moment. And, keep in mind that three of our five starters will be mostly tested going down the stretch thanks to their injuries (Always look on the plus side of things!).
2. Soria just came back and I expect good things from him. With the pen the way it is set up right know, I believe that it is going to be tough for the Rangers to blow the lead in a game with the arms they have. It is a very impressive bull pen.
3. The Manny factor. Everyone is saying what if Manny can’t hit. Well, what if Manny can hit? What if he surprised us all and can still be a productive major league hitter? We won’t know until we see him in Arlington, and trust me, we will see Manny in Arlington.
4. Jon Daniels and the trade deadline. I bet you Jon and his crew have something up their sleeves for the trade deadline, and I am looking forward to seeing what that is. I have faith that if try think they can improve this club, they will.
5. The A’s can’t win forever. I may be wrong on this one, but every team goes through. Losing streak at some point, and the A’s are way overdue. Hope it comes at a good time for the Rangers.
I am hopefully optimistic for the next section of the 2013 season, why don’t you join me and we can cheer out Rangers right back into the post season again. And who knows, once they are there, anything can happen.
