Post-Game Show: Rangers 4, Red Sox 3

Posted on August 16th, 2009 4:44pm by Evan Grant
Filed under Uncategorized

D-tails
• Boxscore, AL West standings, Wild Card Standings

Story Of The Game
The Rangers went on Sunday where only their playoff-participating predecessors dared. By winning the last two games of the Boston series, the Rangers took over the AL Wild Card lead.  The only times the Rangers have been in playoff position this late in the season, they ended up winning a playoff spot.

Only once during the entire weekend did the Rangers end an inning trailing Boston, which now trails Texas by a half-game in the Wild Card race. That came at the end of the ninth on Friday when the Rangers blew a 4-2 lead.  RHP Frank Francisco, who had allowed all six of Boston’s ninth-inning runs on Friday, pitched a perfect ninth Sunday. After getting CF Jac0by Ellsbury to fly out to start the first, Francisco struck out Dustin Pedroia and Victor Martinez in succession.

Three Up
• 2B Ian Kinsler homered for the second consecutive day to account for the Rangers first lead.He also had two-out, run-scoring single in the third. Since coming off the DL on Saturday, Kinsler hasa reached base seven times in nine plate appearances. He’s raised his OBP from .313 to .322 in those three games.
• LF Julio Borbon is making a pitch to remain in the leadoff spot regardless of which arm the pitcher throws with and regardless of who may or may not be on the Rangers roster. He reached base three more times Sunday. He has reached base seven times in 10 plate appearances atop the order this weekend.
• RHP Dustin Nippert allowed two runs in six innings to qualify for his first quality start of the season and the second of a 17-start career. In six starts for the Rangers this season, he has allowed more than three runs just once.

Three Down
• 1B Hank Blalock went 0-for-4 to extend his hitless skid to 13 at-bats. He’s now hitting .200 for the second half with a .200 OBP thanks to no walks in 120 at-bats.
• Asked to protect a two-run lead, RHP Doug Mathis quickly gave back one of the runs by allowing a seventh-inning homer to Dustin Pedroia. It was, however, the first home run he’s allowed in 17 career relief appearances.
• With SS Elvis Andrus on first, nobody out and the Rangers up by two runs, there was no need to have Julio Borbon lay down a sacrifice bunt. It only allowed Boston to intentionally walk the Rangers best hitter, 3B Michael Young, and set up the double play. Pinch-hitter Andruw Jones lined into a double play.

Stat O’The Game
8: Errors for 2B Ian Kinsler, who was charged with bobbling a ball in the second inning. Kinsler, who played his last game last year on August 17, 2008, had 18 at this point.

Player Of The Game
Your candidates: RHP Frank Francisco (1 IP, 2Ks, save); 2B Ian Kinsler (2-for-3, HR, 2 RBI); RHP Dustin Nippert (6 IP, 2R, 1st quality start of year); C Taylor Teagarden (2-for-3, HR, BB). Vote here.

Saturday’s Player of the Game: Julio Borbon (73 percent).

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56 Comments to “Post-Game Show: Rangers 4, Red Sox 3”
  • chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 4:54 pm

    @ Evan –

    Any info on Purke? Do you have a rough estimate of what he’s asking ($’s)?

  • Ruffian @ August 16th, 2009 at 4:58 pm

    Absolutely imperative that FF come back with an outing like today. No doubt that he is my player of the game.

  • jcouch @ August 16th, 2009 at 4:59 pm

    @Chadb no offense to you but I have been making the rounds of the rangers blogs and the common themes from the comments are get hank out of here, when are we signing purke, lets get CD up… STOP NOW…. who cares abt purke… if he signs he will probably never make the majors and if he does he is 4 years away… we are in a pennant race…. UGH… we just beat the freaking RED SOX… if the playoffs started today we would be in there… please talk BASEBALL… enough abt the future… yes it is bright but so is the present…

  • chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    Let’s get Hank out of here.

  • S. Arcasm @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:02 pm

    My appreciation of Wash continues to grow by him putting Frankie out there for the 9th today. That must have spoke volumes to FF about people believing in him and he made it pay off. Obviously there must be some back to back outing issues still left to be sifted through but FF’s confidence level has to be a lot higher than it was 24 hours ago. We need him for the stretch run.

  • jcouch @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    how about… do we keep Julio up when Nelson gets back and will Nelson be able to play the field with a bum ankle if Julio goes down? How about making nelson the full time DH until he is fully recovered from the ankle injury and going with a hamilton, borbon, Byrd/murph outfield? Nobody trusts Guardado so what do we do there? Back up C is an issue, I think TT will continue to play better with consistent playing time but we have to add a C or bring up MAx when he is fully healthy and has his timing back… wouldn’t mind seeing CD up but if they don’t I understand….

  • chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    We have to get a big-league back-up catcher, especially considering that it should be cheap.

  • Phil @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:10 pm

    Ok, if Chris Davis was sent down, rightfully so BTW, for his atrocious showing, what happens with Hank? Outright release?

    Now, he is an absolute liability in the order.

    Does this mean the Fo can gripe as much as you did earlier in the season? Perhaps his early career numbers indicate juice?

    He may be a good guy and all, but so am I and I bet i could work a walk or two.

    Hank, now you know why the club was always so reluctant to make you a full-time player.

    If he stays (which he will), how about moving him to the Nine hole?

  • RealDeal2009 @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

    My name has been the same on this blog since the beginning of the year and the deeper we go into the season the better I feel about it. 2/3 from the Angels and now 2/3 from the Sox…..i love it. If you aren’t on a Rangers high right now…you have no soul because this is awesome!!

  • tett @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    I have to disagree Evan regarding the sac bunt. I like the move, just as I like the move of pinch hitting AJ. I am not an AJ fan, but Murph nearly hit into dp’s twice today, and AJ came up and ripped the ball down the 3b line. Poor luck, and maybe not the best baserunning by Elvis, although I’m not sure if he could do anything there to stop the DP. A few inches one way or the other, though, and at least one run scores on that play.

  • Jackson @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    As I see it, here’s the situation with Hank. He is a notorious streak hitter, and Wash is hoping that, at the end of the season, Hank will suddenly get hot and carry this team for a week or so. You never know when the streak will start. Secondly, the Rangers want to hang on to him so they will at least receive some sort of draft pick when he becomes a free agent. If Hank is released, I think they can kiss the draft pick goodbye. It may not be a good one. But it will be a new warm body and probably better than the one who left.

  • Chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    Hank probably won’t end the year as a Class B free agent so I don’t think we would get a draft pick if he leaves.

  • rob m @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:37 pm

    Jackson: I order to recieve draft pick compensation the Rangers would have to offer Hank arbitration. They won’t do that for fear of him accepting.

  • Tom in Cali @ August 16th, 2009 at 5:42 pm

    I do not expect to see Davis in a Ranger uniform until after Sept. 1st – it helps to protect team chemistry to do that way.

    @Evan – I expect the Rangers to carry no more than 28-29 players in September – you agree?

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    @tom in Cali:

    I see Max R., AJ Murray, Eyre, Moscosco, Golson/Boggs and Davis.

    And of course that leaves Grilli and BMac.

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 6:40 pm

    sorry – didn’t mean to type AJ Murray. Not on 40 and they aren’t going to add him.

  • 1st Time Caller @ August 16th, 2009 at 6:50 pm

    Yank Hank

  • Rangers Fan @ August 16th, 2009 at 6:51 pm

    Chris Davis was pulled in the bottom of the 8th in the OKC game. Not listening to it, just saw it on gametracker. Is he hurt orrrr…getting called up (not sure who would be going)?? Wishful thinking probably…

  • The future is now @ August 16th, 2009 at 7:06 pm

    Looks like CD got pulled for a pinch runner. OKC scored six in the bottom of the eighth for a 7-6 lead. CD, Smoak and MaxRam a combined 4-10 with three walks

  • chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 7:12 pm

    Smoak up to .245.

  • Jerry Barnett @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:30 pm

    Marlon does not need to be hitting clean up. Keep Borbon and release Andrew. Borbon give us soooo much more on the bases and as a hitter than Andrew. Put Byrd 6th or 7th and no higher

  • Chris @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:38 pm

    swiping Murphy for Jones was one of RW’s dumbest decisions of the weekend. Jones needs to be DFA’ed tonight.

  • chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:41 pm

    I’d nominate putting Eddie Guardado on the mound.

  • Rangers Fan @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:43 pm

    A healthy line up…that would be awesome

    Borbon
    Young
    Kinsler
    Hamilton
    Cruz
    Murphy
    Davis
    Tegarden
    Andrus

  • Rangers Fan @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    Oh and Byrd hitting 6th vs. lefties

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:51 pm

    1. Andrus and borbon and 9 and 1 wreaks havoc for an opposing battery. I can’t argue with Jones OPS (i think this is one of the examples where the stats can deceive) and I appreciate that he is one of the few hitters that will work pitchers, but I’ll be pretty bummed to see Borbon’s game taken out of this lineup.

    2. Also, I’m with Evan – my hunch is the Rangers aren’t seeing the mechanical improvement they need to see from Davis. Even still, I’m ready to bring him up.

    3. The 2008 Ian and Josh both appear back. Lesson learned? They can’t ride Ian as hard next year in the first half.

    4. I’m having a very hard time deciding on my next jersey purchase. Have red Dutch and a Blue Kinsler. Want a grey one. ALMOST pulled the trigger last week on a josh (there was sale going on), but then last saturday broke and I don’t want to get caught with the jersey of a suspended player. Plus, he’s kind of a boring pick. I’m beginning to think wait until next year and pick up a Smoak. But, I am also starting to think a #30 would be pretty cool. Thoughts?

    5. Can anyone remember a funner season?

    6. Which was the bigger win? The finale in May against LAA (josh’s catch), the finale against BoSox last month (Nippert stepping in the spot start and delivering herculean effort, together with Mathis or today? Tough call, huh? Give me today.

    7. I think I have a new most hated player, trumping both Teixeira (i refuse to call her Teix) and Alex (I refuse to call here ARO#). That little elf that Boston runs out there at 2B.

    8. Why do I think BMAC is going to take Jennings role in the pen down the stretch? Just a hunch I have.

    9. Frankie sleeps much better tonight, and directly related to that, so do I.

    10. There is nothing better than silent Bahston fans leaving The Temple. Sit down Red Sox!

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    hey Rangers Fan. Good to see you. Killing time while Jack Mamma finishes up with her vampire show, so I can then watch Mad Men and Entourage/Hung.

    Wanna talk some baseball? Give your top 10 musings after today. Anyone else out there? Let’s have em.

  • chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:54 pm

    You can’t go wrong with the Feliz jersey. I’d also like #1 & #35.

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:55 pm

    if bmac doesn’t take jennings spot, i see grilli doing so. either way, i don’t see JJ on the post-season roster. hurts him.

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:56 pm

    chadb – i think we’re going to see A LOT of #1s next year. I think in 2 years, he’s the most popular ranger. the dude is magical.

    Also could definitely get behind a 35. Love that dude.

  • Rangers Fan @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:58 pm

    @JackDaddy:

    4. the jersey situation: I would hold off on smoak…he may not start the year here. Michael Young? Doesn’t every Ranger fan need something to rep the great MY?

    6. Biggest win? Hmmm…They’re all huge. I think the LAA win in May helped the team realyyy believe they are a good team. But this was a huge bounce back series win.

    7. Pedroia has never done anything to make me hate him…I do think he is a little overrated though.

    8. Could we be so lucky?

    10. Priceless

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    btw, if my post wasn’t clear on the point, and i have my way, jones would only receive limited ABs going forward (pinch hitting) and Hank would never hit again (he already isn’t ever going to walk again :) ).

  • Rangers Fan @ August 16th, 2009 at 8:59 pm

    ok let me complile my musings and post them…

  • chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    Yeah, I think BMac will be a good reliever.

    I might go with 7/21 as the game of the year. Tommy Hunter beats Josh Beckett.

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:01 pm

    @rangers fan – i have a weird relationship with Michael. He’s like a good looking chic that happens to be your sister. You appreciate that he’s really good, but he does nothing for me. I will always like him, no matter what he ever does, but I will never love him. Probably doesn’t make sense. Plus, he’s too old to get a jersey of.

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    chadb – that was corner night and i was there (by myself, so i actually could watch the whole game and didn’t spend and inning or two holding my 3 year old on the crapper). was awesome, no doubt.

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:04 pm

    btw,

    I sent Bill Simmons (aka, the Sports Guy) an email this morning saying (paraphrasing) suck it Simmons, and the Red Sox too. i hope you enjoyed your steroid fueled 6 yr dynasty. Because we’re about to dominate this league for the next 10 years.

    Everybody on this board needs to bombard that dude with smack talk (and I actually love the SG).

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:06 pm

    @RF – i like your lineup. Suspect that may be the opening day lineup next year, shifting Smoak for Murphy at DH.

  • Rangers Fan @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:10 pm

    1. Oh my…that was the most painful loss in any sporting event I have ever been a part of. I sat right down by the field (in good earshot of the dugout) and let me tell you…fans let them have it, mainly Guardado and FF. So painful…
    2. But it sure made the next 2 wins even sweeter. I was nervous on my way out to the park Saturday. I believe this team is tought, mentally and physically, but that was a tough tough loss.
    3. The fans were insane Friday night. Better than Saturday. Strangers were hugging after the pitcher got thrown out at home. I have never seen hysteria like that, even at playoff games in recent years with the Mavs/Stars.
    4. Borbon and Andrus…are going to be truly special. They will drive opposing pitchers and catchers crazy. That will be fun.
    5. Feliz…I think that says all that needs to be said. Even better in person. Awesome buzz around the park when he came in.
    6. Josh Hamilton- 2 out clutch hits, back to back games…I’m not sure there’s an athlete I respect more.
    7. Ian Kinsler- Doesn’t this show us how truly important he is to the team? The offense just works better with him in it. He may be the most versatile hitter in the lineup.
    8. Jason Varitek…Being the Kinsler homer I am, I haven’t let the plunking go. I used to think of Varitek as one of those “ball players”. They may not have the most talent but they are all heart. His reaction to Kinsler, killed that.
    9. Derek Holland and Feliz in the same game- oh my I can’t contain my excitement.
    10 a. Please DFA Blalock and Jones when Cruz returns and keep Borbon and bring up Davis. I can’t take any more of those 2.
    b. This is so exciting. Not only the great baseball now but what is to come. I hope vets who have stuck with us, Michael Young, are starting to see the fruits of their labor. How special it would be for him to win here.

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:11 pm

    big day tomorrow:

    1. Martin Perez start #2;
    2. possible (probable) signing of purke
    3. game 1 vs. Twins (against liriano).

    meanwhile, was lucky enough to have 1st row seats today right by camera well on 3rd base line. My 3 year flirted with the great Emily Jones for the entire 8th inning, at one asking her “who her daddy was”. Classic.

  • David in Cleburne @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:13 pm

    I bought a red Andrus T shirt yesterday at the park. Was pissed about the fact that I could not find a Holland shirt and amazed at the number of Blalock shirts in view. Almost as many as the Hamiltons. Wearing a Hamilton jersey or T shirt is just joining the crowd.

    I used to be a fan of Blalock, and I still like him as a person. As a baseball player, well, I sold my stock in him at a loss last year.

  • Tyler @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    @jack daddy, Perez’s start has been pushed back to Wednesday.

  • chadb @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    Also, the beginning of the Kevin Richardson era. hopefully it’s short

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:14 pm

    @RF – nice catching Holland and Feliz in same game. still haven’t seen Dutch this year (been to 15 games, just pure bad luck), but did see him 2X last year. Making a special trip out on Thursday just to see him (again, by myself).

    I felt that vibe Friday on TV. was literally on my hands and knees during the VMart AB. Yes, the play at the plate was special. Too bad it didn’t turn out to mean more.

    Ok, wife done with her silly vampire show. Its Mad Men time. Talk at you fellas tomorrow night. Need to play well before this B#### of a road trip.

  • Rangers Fan @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:16 pm

    @Jack Daddy…in that case, I’d like to see Cruz at DH and Murphy in the field. I’m not overly impressed with him in the field other than his rocket arm. I’m not totally convinced Smoak will start here. He hasn’t shown he dominating AAA, so we’d need to see marked improvement over the winter/spring, in my opinion.

  • Jack Daddy @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:16 pm

    @david – you nailed it -its just joining the crowd.

    @tyler – thanks. I didn’t know that. I wonder why?

    @chadb – I suspect that is the only time those words (KR era) will ever appear in print!!

  • David in Cleburne @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:17 pm

    @Rangers Fan-
    Yes, by all means keep Borbon, I agree, let’s see what he can do over a long stretch. He’s only been awesome so far.

  • Rangers Fan @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    I don’t think they do it though. We are more likely to see something done with German, be it a “DL” stint or DFA. I’m anxious to see who leaves the bullpen for Grilli. I think he is maybe the most underrated guy coming out of the pen.

  • fluaggie @ August 16th, 2009 at 9:23 pm

    When Murphy got pinch hit for today all I could think of was how strange of a lineup we have that our #3 hitter is being pinch hit for. I bet that hasn’t happened in the major leagues all year this year, unless there was some sort of injury. I love Murphy and think he is an everyday player on a good team but I like him a lot more in the 6 or 7 hole…not #3.

    This team is the most fun Rangers squad I can ever remember. What a season it has been thus far!

  • Dan @ August 16th, 2009 at 11:22 pm

    I got my (blue) Andrus jersey all the way back in May. Next up may have to be Feliz. Probably will have to go with red this time.

  • Dan @ August 16th, 2009 at 11:28 pm

    @jack–

    funny, my wife and I will be out at the game Thursday night too. I was pumped to find out Holland was slated to start that night.

  • Dan @ August 16th, 2009 at 11:30 pm

    Borbon
    Young
    Hamilton
    Cruz
    Kinsler
    Murphy/Byrd
    Davis/Smoak
    Catcher
    Andrus

    That’s my everyday 2010 lineup.

  • Josh in NM @ August 16th, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    One word for this team: Resilient!!!

  • haiku man @ August 17th, 2009 at 7:22 am

    Rangers lead Wildcard
    overcame a disaster
    I can’t stop fapping

  • txmemaw17 @ August 17th, 2009 at 7:56 am

    I think they ought to switch Hamilton and Murphy. I really don,t think Murphy is comfortable in the three spot and he was really great in the five spot last year. Also when Cruz comes back he should be DH not the either of Warshs favorites AJ and Byrd they both stink there. Byrd gets a lot of hits but he has no pitch recognition at all he just free swings. Cruz should not play in the outfield as was said he has a good arm but poor routes to balls. Byrd is the same way but he doesnt have a good arm.
    Several times it has looked like Byrd made a sensatiional catch but it is because he takes the wrong route to the ball and has to dive for it. Those catches would be routine for Hamilton Ellsbury and some of the other good center fielders. As for Jones his OPS is coming down check the stats.

  • Tom @ August 17th, 2009 at 9:15 am

    Can we trade Hank to the Astros for Pudge?