Comments on: Salty Performance In Ninth Inning Helped Texas Rangers To 10-Inning Win Over Houston Astros

By: Longhorn Matt

Longhorn Matt — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:05:37 +0000

Salty was definitely the MVP of the game. Salty’s HR and his throw on Bourn’s bunt attempt were great, but the throw that got Bourn was simply perfect. After Salty threw out one of the most dangerous baserunners in the game, I could not help but think back on all of the runners that Pudge threw out in his time with the Rangers. With Salty’s defensive improvement, and with Teagarden in the mix, home plate at Rangers Ballpark appears to be in good hands.

By: Another Jesse

Another Jesse — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:59:24 +0000

On the telecast, it was mentioned that Jones was 2 for 4 lifetime against the guy… I’m still wondering why Chris Davis isn’t in Collin County…

By: Brandon

Brandon — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:16:46 +0000

I really like what Vizquel is doing here… mentoring the younger guys, accepting his role, and playing great. Wash apparently does not. Vizquel was 3/8 lifetime against Valverde, left/right match-up as opposed to what Wash went with, wasn’t cold coming off the bench, had a chance to win the game and set a record that means the world to him in story-book fashion, and he gets pulled. The look on his face in the dugout said it all… that’s how you lose a veteran.

By: JS

JS — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:11:24 +0000

I am not a baseball guy, so I would appreciate it if someone would explain to me why Pudge’s throw on Vizquel’s steal was an error (the ball was in the glove, and Matsui lost it) and why Kinsler did not get an error on the second ball that got by him in the fourth (the first was well hit, but shouldn’t he have been able to get the second one?). Thanks!

By: t ball

t ball — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:07:56 +0000

Jeff Miller is good.

By: Thursday a.m. Rangers things

Thursday a.m. Rangers things — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:01:20 +0000

[...] Jeff Miller writes that, although Pudge Rodriguez was honored last night, it was Jarrod Saltalamacchia who starred behind the plate, with a homer and a couple of big plays in the 9th that kept the score tied. [...]

By: C.J.

C.J. — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:49:24 +0000

I’m not going to give Vizquel too much credit for some of the guys’ improvements, but seeing Andrus the human-vacuum-cleaner and Salty throwing lasers shows me that having one of the greatest SS ever is nothing but beneficial to your developing players. So, I’ll give a little credit. I got into a similar argument about A. Jones on the sportingnews site (the guy thought Jones didn’t deserve a roster spot because of his average): having guys in the clubhouse who were at one time (even if they no longer are) a premier player only adds to team confidence, understanding, and most importantly, the development of young talent. When you’ve got “coaches” that are still taking ABs and manning the field, good things happen.

By: Apples

Apples — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 14:30:53 +0000

O’day was great he should be used more and longer

By: utb

utb — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:46:26 +0000

Yeah…I’m sure it was a “gut” feeling. “Jones might be hitting .140 in June and is cold coming off the bench and creates a righty-righty matchup, but I just have a feeling.”

And I really love how Wash continues to use the worst reliever on the roster for critical situations. If there is ever a tie or one-run game late, just get ready for Eddie.

Salty has drastically improved though – it’s good to see.

By: James

James — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:11:01 +0000

Did Wash answer any questions regarding his “strategy” (or lack thereof) in the 9th? I would really be interested in seeing what his thought process was.