On the Radio: Texas Rangers Game 5 Preview

Oct 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter

(84) singles against the Toronto Blue Jays during the eighth inning in game four of the ALDS at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, co-editor Ric Dickens had the privilege of joining 1310 news in Ottawa to discuss the Texas Rangers vs the Toronto Blue Jays in a winner take all game five. In the 10 minutes, we discussed the events that had led up to this pivotal game five, interesting managerial decisions by both managers, Adrian Beltre‘s health, and how the Texas Rangers can finally close out this series. If you want to take a listen, here is the link.

A couple of things to keep in mind as game five is about to get under way.

1. The Rangers have absolutely no pressure on them. Sure they jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but no one expected the Rangers to be here. The Rangers were picked by every analyst under the sun to lose this series, and taking it to a game five in itself is impressive to most.

2. Adrian Beltre is in the lineup, and he will be effective. The Rangers need their emotional leader to produce, and in the podcast I talked about the upgrade (even at 60%) that he is over Hanser Alberto. His production goes far beyond the box score, and having him in the lineup for game five is huge.

3. I don’t like the decision to start Cole Hamels. Yes, I said it, I simply don’t like it. I get that he is a proven big game pitcher, and that he has proven time and time again that he can pitch in these situations. After-all, he pitched brilliantly to lock up the division in the last game of the season. But I would’ve loved to see Yovani Gallardo get the ball to start, and at least get one time through that Blue Jays lineup. Gallardo has been masterful against the Blue Jays, and because Banister has played the numbers game all series and season long, I would’ve loved to see him get the ball. After one time through the lineup, you hopefully turn it over to Hamels in the third when the pressure is on, and you ride him to the bullpen.

4. That being said, I get the reason to start Cole Hamels. It’s the safe play, the play that most everybody will agree with. The Rangers have won 11 straight starts of his, and the Rangers have won seven straight road games in division series. This team is confident with him on the mound, and his postseason experience is what Banister elected to go with and I certainly can’t blame his reasoning on that.

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