Southern Sluggers: A Texas Rangers Dynasty

[Pokeys]

Game 2 of 3: Oakland Athletics(8-9) Vs Texas Rangers(8-9)

Rangers Shutout A's, McCarthy Goes The Distance

Left: Brandon McCarthy Striking Out Chavez | Right: Sosa's Home Run to Straight Away Center on the grass.

Game Wrap:

Texas got to Dan Haren pretty quickly, with Hank Blalock hitting a solo HR in the 2nd to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead. McCarthy was taking care of the A's batters Striking out the side in the 3rd. Rangers added another run in the 4th to make it 2-0. McCarthy had a perfect game going until the 5th Inning where Eric Chavez got a single but the A's were unable to do anything else and that was pretty much the story of the game for them.

The game exploded in the 8th where Catalanatto go on with a single and Tex cashed him in with

an RBI Double, Followed by a 2 Run Smash courtesy of Sammy Sosa.

Athletics Notes:

- The A's did not get an extra base hit.

- SP Dan Haren drops to 1-3.

E: Dan Haren (1)

Rangers Notes:

- OF Joey Gathright went hitless in his Rangers debut.

- Brandon McCarthy has pitched Gems in back to back games now.

E: Joey Gathright (1)

Player Of The Game:

SP Bradon McCarthy 9 IP, 3 H, 0 BB, 6 K's, 0 ER, CG Shutout

[Pokeys]

April 22nd, 2007

Game 3 of 3

Game 3 Starters

[Pokeys]

Game 3 of 3: Oakland Athletics(8-10) Vs Texas Rangers(9-9)

Rangers Win, Sweep A's

Left: Goodbye Blanton! After giving up 5 runs in the 5th | Right: Tex making the play at first

Game Wrap:

Game started out slow, Padilla forcing ground out after ground out andBlanton doing the same thing. Scoreless till the 5th where the Rangers loaded up the bases with none and #9 Hitter Eric Byrnes brought 2 of them in on a Double. The Rangers got a couple more singles that inning and made the game 5-0 and never really looked back. Padilla pitched some solid ball. Rupe came in for the 8th and 9th innings not giving up a hit and securing the W.

Athletics Notes:

- 3B Eric Chavez is batting .154 on the season.

SB: Bobby Crosby (1)

Rangers Notes:

- Rangers are back to .500 on the season and are 1 game back of the Angels for first.

- Josh Rupe pitched 2 hitless innings and struckout 2.

CS: Kenny Lofton (4)

Player Of The Game:

OF Eric Byrnes 2 for 3, 2B, 2 RBI's

[Pokeys]

April 23rd, 2007

Game 1 of 2

Game 1 Starters

[Pokeys]

Game 1 of 2: Seattle Mariners(9-11) Vs Texas Rangers(10-9)

Young Rocks Ramirez, Rangers Win

Left: Ichiro caught stealing 2nd Base in the 1st Inning | Right: Tex making a diving catch in the 9th Inning

Game Wrap:

Horacio Ramirez was unhittable to start the game carrying a perfect game into the 5th the Rangers batters were finally able to get to him with the first batter of the Inning Michael Young smacking one out of the ballpark. DH Jason Botts was able to get on base with a single and Sammy Sosa would bring him in on a 2 out single. But the Mariners were able to strike right back in the 6th putting together a couple of runs by playing small ball. The game was tied 2-2. Bottom of the inning Michael Young hit ANOTHER HR scoring 3 to make it 5-2. Rangers bullpen would come into the game and close it out.

Texas has now won 4 in a row and are on top of the AL West.

Player Of The Game:

SS Michael Young 2 for 4, 2 HRs, 4 RBI's

[Pokeys]

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Rangers Transactions

- Rangers Place 1B Mark Teixera On The 60-Day DL

- Rangers Call Up SS Joaquin Arias from (AAA) Oklahoma Redhawks

- Redhawks (AAA) Call Up OF John Mayberry from (AA) Frisco Roughriders

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Jeez louise man! I dont know what to say... My jaw dropped when I seen that after the game cause it didnt even say that he was hurt during the game. Must've been on that diving catch there in the 9th :nay: . I guess ill move Botts to first full time. But damn that sucks losing a bat like that in my lineup and my best player. Im going to move Blalock into his #4 Spot in the batting order.

Called up Joaquin Arias might move him to Shortstop fulltime and move Young to first, he can play first. Not totally sure what im going to right now.

[Pokeys]

Rangers Baseball Moves On Without Teixeira

April 24th, 2007

Game 2 of 2

Game 2 Starters

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Updated Batting Order

Bench: C Quiroz, SS Joaquin Arias, OF Joey Gathright

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Well here goes nothing, the long road without Tex begins . I rocked Felix last time and I think ill get to him again. With ED on the mound I dont see my team giving up many runs, if any...

[endeavor]

I feel your pain dude! Give Botts a chance, however, do consider moving Young to first. Think it'd be worth an experiment. Unfortunately I know exactly what that is like when important players get hurt. One of my guys will be out for 78 days, check updates in my Dynasty coming soon and see who got hurt.

:(

[Pokeys]

Couldnt believe Tex got hurt lol, hes not even injury prone. My first injury and its my best player haha. Yeah Im going to give Botts a chance he played good in this game that im about to post.

Will take a peak at your dynasty .

[Pokeys]

Game 2 of 2: Seattle Mariners(9-12) Vs Texas Rangers(11-9)

Rangers Win Late

Left: Jason Botts 7th Inning HR into the 2nd Deck | Right: Rookie Joaquin Arias coming home for the game winning run on a Kenny Lofton Triple

Game Wrap:

Texas got to Felix Hernandez in the 3rd where Michael Young hit a solo Home Run continuing his hot streak. But the 1-0 lead didnt last long as Suzuki hit a leadoff double the following inning and Sexson brought him in with a Home Run.

2-1 for the Mariners till the 7th where 1B Jason Botts smacked a leadoff HR to left to tie the game. Rangers had back to back ground outs and the inning looked like it was over, But recently called up Shortstop Joaquin Arias hit a single and then Lofton hit a Triple and they took the lead.

Eric Gagne came in to close the game out in the 9th and got two quick outs and had Ibanez to 2 strikes but somehow he hit a double that was just inches short of tieing the game. Sexson was on with a chance to tie but Eric Gagne threw a circle change inside and jammed Sexson. Texas won 3-2, and have swept back to back series.

Rangers Notes:

- Shortstop Michael Young has an 8-Game Hitting Streak going.

- Jason Botts hit his 1st HR of the season.

Player Of The Game:

OF Kenny Lofton 1 for 4, 3B, 1 RBI, Game Winning RBI

[Pokeys]

Upcoming Series & Probables

@

1-2, 4.85 Millwood ---------- 2-1, 3.46 Westbrook

Game: Wed., April 25 at 6:05 p.m. CT

@

3-0, 4.05 McCarthy ---------- 1-2, 4.74 Carmona

Game: Thurs., April 26 at 11:05 a.m. CT

[Pokeys]

Game 1 of 2: Texas Rangers(11-10) Vs Cleveland Indians(13-9)

Rangers Comeback Falls Short

Left: Travis Hafner smacking one out | Right: Hank Blalock Fistpump after a HR

Game Wrap:

Both teams got on the scoreboard early. Kinsler hit a triple and Young brought him in on a ground out. The Indians went to work on Millwood the former Indians pitcher and had a big first inning with Hafner hitting a 2 run blast then Sizemore hitting a solo right after Hafner. The Rangers would battle back however. Blalock hit a solo in the 4th to make it 3-2 but the Indians put up some more runs via a Dellucci blast and some small ball.

Skip ahead to the 9th Inning. With Closer Fernando Cabrera in the game Sosa got a two out Single, Jason Botts jacked one out to deep right to make the game 5-4 but the very next play Catalanatto grounded out and the Indians won, snapping the Rangers 5 game winning streak.

Rangers Notes:

- Shortstop Michael Young had his 8-Game Hitting Streak snapped.

- Jason Botts has hit Home Runs in back to back games.

- Recently acquired Joey Gathright went 0 for 4 at the plate in his first start.

- Starting Pitcher Kevin Millwood has given up 10 Home Runs in 4 starts.

E: Michael Young (5)

Player Of The Game:

DH Travis Hafner 2 for 3, BB, HR, 3 RBI's

[Pokeys]

Game 2 of 2: Texas Rangers(12-10) Vs Cleveland Indians(13-10)

Rangers Dominate Indians

Left: McCarthy striking out Casey Blake Looking | Right: McCarthy Again, Celebrating the Complete game victory

Game Wrap:

Texas got on the scoreboard in the 2nd Inning where Catalanatto hit his first home run of the season, and Ian Kinsler later jacked out a 2 run blast to left. The Indians finally got a hit off McCarthy in the 4th where Martinez hit a leadoff Home Run but that would be the only run the Indians score on this afternoon as Brandon McCarthy was throwing heat all game long. The Indians were only able to get 2 other hits on him 1 by Choo and the other by Sizemore. Texas won 6-1 to split the series.

Rangers Notes:

- Joey Gathright got his first stolen bases of the season, where he stole 2nd and 3rd base in the top of the 9th.

- Starting Pitcher Brandon McCarthy has improved his record to 4-0.

- 1B Jason Botts was injured running to first base, He will be out 5 Days with a Strained Ribcage.

E: Sammy Sosa (1)

Player Of The Game:

SP Brandon McCarthy 9 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 6 K's, 1 ER, CG

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Now im basically forced to roll with Young at first. Good thing Botts is only hurt for a couple of days.

[Pokeys]

Upcoming Series & Probables

@

2-1, 3.65 Padilla R -------- 1-1, 3.48 Chacin L

Game: Fri., April 27 at 6:07 p.m. CT

@

1-1, 2.61 Chen L -------- 0-1, 6.14 Ohka R

Game: Sat., April 28 at 12:07 p.m. CT

@

2-0, 3.99 Volquez R ------- 2-1, 2.82 Halladay R

Game: Sun., April 29 at 12:07 p.m. CT

@

1-3, 5.52 Millwood R ----- 3-2, 4.28 Burnett R

Game: Mon., April 30 at 6:07 p.m. CT

[Pokeys]

Game 1 of 4: Texas Rangers(13-10) Vs Toronto Blue Jays(12-12)

Rangers Smash Jays

Left: Gathright hitting an RBI double to center | Right: Gibbons getting tossed

Game Wrap:

The Rangers were unable to do much vs Chacin but in the 5th they broke things open playing small ball and scoring 3 runs that inning. The next inning Chacin got injured and floodgates opened up soon after. Texas would get to McGowan in the 8th to add some insurance with Gather right driving in 2 on a Double. The Rangers took the series opener 8-0.

Rangers Notes:

- Both starting pitchers left the game with Injuries. Padilla will be out for 5 Days with a Fractured Nose.

- Joey Gathright had a breakout game hitting 2 doubles and driving in 3 runners.

E: Joaquin Arias (1)

Player Of The Game:

3B Hank Blalock 3 for 4, HR, 3 RBI's

[Pokeys]

Game 2 of 4: Texas Rangers(14-10) Vs Toronto Blue Jays(12-13)

Rangers Win Shootout

Left: Vernon Wells Hitting a Home Run to deep left | Right: Otsuka Striking out overbay in the 9th Inning

Game Wrap:

Back and forth type game, The Jays had a nice 3-0 lead going into the 4th and Ohka was just cruising along. Lofton hit a leadoff single in the 4th but that was followed by 3 straight ground outs. The next inning the Rangers were able to tie it up playing some small ball with the #9 hitter Gathright coming through with a big hit. Bottom half of the inning the Jays got to Chen again, Thomas blasted a 2 run shot to make the game 5-3. Texas just wouldnt go away though, in the top of the 7th they were able to load up the bases and Lofton brought in a couple, and Arias brought in a couple and catalanatto brought in one to make the game 8-5 Rangers.

The Jays werent having any of it as they were able to get 4 consecutive singles in the 8th to make the game 8-7 and Clayton brought in the runner from 3rd on a 2 out single.

Tied going into the 9th inning Texas quickly got to BJ Ryan with back to back singles Arias came home on a sac fly by Blalock to give the Rangers the lead. Eric Gagne came in for the bottom of the 9th and took care of the heart of the Jays lineup.

Rangers Notes:

- 2B Ian Kinsler was hurt on what looked to be a harmless play. He will be day to day with a bruised ankle.

- Hank Blalock had 2 RBIs despite having no hits.

E: Hank Blalock (2), Catalanatto (1)

Player Of The Game:

OF Kenny Lofton 3 for 5, 2 RBI's, SB

[Pokeys]

Rangers Transactions

- Rangers Designate RHP Josh Rupe for assignment

- Rangers Call Up 2B Matt Kata from (AAA) Oklahoma Redhawks

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Ill put Kata at 2nd for now. Good thing Kinsler is only out for a couple of games.

[xcrunner4623]

Very nice dynasty. I am liking what I am seeing. You don't seem to have too much power, even in that high scoring game. I always enjoy going up against Carmona and the Indians. I always shell him. Let's see if Sosa can knock a few out, maybe I should add him to my record chasers team.

[Pokeys]

Thanks... Yeah my team doesnt have alot of power but guys like Kinsler, Sosa, and Blalock are slugging the ball really well and my crappier guys are getting the job done somehow.

[Pokeys]

Game 3 of 4: Texas Rangers(15-10) Vs Toronto Blue Jays(12-14)

Rangers Crush Jays

Left: Sammy Sosa doing his little Celebration after his 1st Inning HR | Right: Blalocks 2nd HR to straightaway center

Game Wrap:

A suprising and rare bad start for Halladay as the Rangers got to him immediately, Sosa hitting a 3 run homer in the 1st. Texas kept adding runs and before the end of the 3rd Inning Halladay was gone. Volquez pitched fairly well for the Rangers however he was giving up alot of hits, The Jays just couldnt cash in runners.

Rangers take game 3 11 to 4.

Rangers Notes:

- 2B Matt Kata went 3 for 4 in his Rangers debut, the bad news is he'll probably be sent tommorow.

- Joey Gathright is on a 4 game hitting streak.

- Hank Blalock is now tied for the league lead in Home Runs with J.D. Drew & Chad Tracy.

E: Michael Young (6)

Player Of The Game:

3B Hank Blalock 2 for 5, 2 HR's, 3 RBI's, 3 Runs

[Pokeys]

Game 4 of 4: Texas Rangers(16-10) Vs Toronto Blue Jays(12-15)

Burnett Hurt, Jays Get Swept

Left: Kinslers 1st HR of the game, Into the Bullpen in Left Field | Right: Completing the Sweep over the Jays

Game Wrap:

Texas got the lead early and never looked back, adding runs all throughout the game. Burnett was hurt on the first pitch of the game and left. Shaun Marcum came in the game and gave up 2 Ian Kinsler home runs as well as some other manufactured runs by the Rangers offense.

Rangers Notes:

- Hank Blalock went 0 for 5.

- Joey Gathright has extended his hittting streak to 5 games.

Player Of The Game:

2B Ian Kinsler 2 for 5, 2 HR's, 2 RBI's, Game Winning RBI

[Pokeys]

Upcoming Series & Probables

@

3-1, 2.35 Wang R ----- 4-0, 3.28 McCarthy R

Game: Tues., May 1 at 6:05 p.m. CT

@

2-1, 4.71 Pettite L ------ 0-0, 3.86 Loe R

Game: Wed., May 2 at 7:05 p.m. CT

@

0-2, 7.31 Igawa L ------ 1-1, 3.51 Chen L

Game: Thurs., May 3 at 7:05 p.m. CT

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Monthly Team Awards

Rangers Player Of The Month:

(MLB) RHP Brandon McCarthy 4 GS, 35.2 IP, 4 Wins, 16 K's, 3.28 ERA

Minor Leagues Hitter Of The Month:

(AA) OF Jake Blalock .322 Avg, 4 HR's, 30 RBI's, .536 Slug%

Minor Leagues Pitcher Of The Month:

(AAA) RHP Robinson Tejeda 4 GS, 39.2 IP, 3 Wins, 39 K's, 2.95 ERA

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Rangers Transactions

- Rangers Designate 2B Matt Kata for assignment

- Rangers Call Up RHP Josh Rupe from (AAA) Oklahoma Redhawks

Trade

To Tor

RHP Mike Wood

To Tex

RHP Josh Banks

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Just made a minor deal. Mike Wood is a little better but Banks has 5 pitches and is younger and may progress nicely while playing in the Minors. Botts is back for this series with the Yanks which is nice my team is relatively healthy now. Just have Tex gone for the season and Padilla for a few more games. Loe will be making a spot start.

[Pokeys]

Game 1 of 3: New York Yankees(17-9) Vs Texas Rangers(16-11)

Blalock's Three Home Runs Not Enough

(Left) Ron Washingtong & Joe Torre watching the Home Run fest (Right)

Game Wrap:

What started out as a low scoring game with great pitching all changed in the 8th Inning when Abreu hit a 3 Run Homer to take the lead back and his 2nd Home Run of the game. Not long after in the 8th Texas got a man on and Blalock hit his 3RD HOME RUN of the game to tie it up. But before you know it the Yankees worked their way back on top with an RBI single by A-Rod scoring Jeter from 2nd base. A clutch 2 out hit for the Yanks.

Mariano Rivera came in to close out the game, got 2 quick outs then faced Sammy Sosa pinch hitting for Laird and he hit a double. However Byrnes was unable to bring him in. Yankees take the first game in style.

Rangers Notes:

- Ian Kinsler hit his first Triple of the season.

- Jason Botts went 1 for 4 in his first game back.

- Hank Blalock now leads the league in Home Runs.

E: Michael Young (7)

Player Of The Game:

3B Hank Blalock 3 for 4, 3 HR's, 5 RBI's

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Ive seriously had enough of Michael Young at Shortstop, im going to move him to DH his constant Errors are hurting me. Going to throw Arias back to Shortstop hes a stud defensively and has hit the ball well in his few games. Pondering whether I should try to trade Eric Byrnes away.

That Yankees lineup is tough to face lol, not really any easy out in it.

[philliesphan18]

Game 2 of 4: Texas Rangers(14-10) Vs Toronto Blue Jays(12-13)

Rangers Win Shootout

Left: Vernon Wells Hitting a Home Run to deep left | Right: Otsuka Striking out overbay in the 9th Inning

Game Wrap:

Back and forth type game, The Jays had a nice 3-0 lead going into the 4th and Ohka was just cruising along. Lofton hit a leadoff single in the 4th but that was followed by 3 straight ground outs. The next inning the Rangers were able to tie it up playing some small ball with the #9 hitter Gathright coming through with a big hit. Bottom half of the inning the Jays got to Chen again, Thomas blasted a 2 run shot to make the game 5-3. Texas just wouldnt go away though, in the top of the 7th they were able to load up the bases and Lofton brought in a couple, and Arias brought in a couple and catalanatto brought in one to make the game 8-5 Rangers.

The Jays werent having any of it as they were able to get 4 consecutive singles in the 8th to make the game 8-7 and Clayton brought in the runner from 3rd on a 2 out single.

Tied going into the 9th inning Texas quickly got to BJ Ryan with back to back singles Arias came home on a sac fly by Blalock to give the Rangers the lead. Eric Gagne came in for the bottom of the 9th and took care of the heart of the Jays lineup.

Rangers Notes:

- 2B Ian Kinsler was hurt on what looked to be a harmless play. He will be day to day with a bruised ankle.

- Hank Blalock had 2 RBIs despite having no hits.

E: Hank Blalock (2), Catalanatto (1)

Player Of The Game:

OF Kenny Lofton 3 for 5, 2 RBI's, SB

-- Just saw this -- Why in the world is Sammy Sosa listed as the econd baseman?!?

[Pokeys]

LMAO... Yeah I know that was messed. Kinsler got hurt that game Subbed Sosa in to bat. Moved Michael Young to 2B and Sosa to first for a few Innings. Didnt really have anyone else on my bench.