Nolan Writin' » Stephen Howerton

Fan Thoughts After 17-8

Stephen Howerton — Fri, 04 May 2012 23:27:05 +0000

Over the years as a Texas Rangers fan you could get used to three things; 1.) Big swinging bats that when the hit they hit with power but the titanic strikeouts that went with them, 2.) Pitching that just never was enough, and 3.) Long streaks where it seemed everything just feel apart. Over the last two seasons when the dream of Jon Daniels was matching with the will of Nolan Ryan and the ability on the field this has all changed. Ironically this brings out things that I never thought I would see as a Ranger fan, mostly being first in the West and complaining about losing two series.

Texas Rangers president and CEO Nolan Ryan Credit: Tim Heitman-US PRESSWIRE

Yes losing sucks, but it is part of the game. The Rangers schedule is for 162 games in 2012. For April and the first few days of May the Rangers are 17-8 through roughly 15 percent of the season. If the Rangers continue on this pace they will win over 100 games in just the regular season. If as fans of the Rangers, or any team for that matter, you cannot be happy with 100 regular season wins then I am not sure what to tell you.

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Rangers Starters May 4

Stephen Howerton — Fri, 04 May 2012 22:14:39 +0000

Tonight the Texas Rangers are looking to get back to their winning ways. With two back to back series losses against the Rays and the Blue Jays the Rangers hope to take down the Indians. While injuries and miscues marred the Blue Jays series the Rangers are looking to Colby Lewis who has been shockingly strong this season to start the winning streak.

Lewis has gone 3-0 with a 1.93 ERA this season. But perhaps the most shocking part of his stat line is the fact that he has given up only 4 walks all season while punching out 29. Lewis will have most of the power back in the lineup to support him, except Adrian Beltrewho is still out. This season Lewis is pitching at the best level he has in his career, and it will be nice to see if as a veteran he has finally found a comfort zone.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Colby Lewis Credit: Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE

Texas Ranger Starters May 3rd

Stephen Howerton — Thu, 03 May 2012 21:30:41 +0000

Ok the Texas Rangers have finally gotten to another off day. After dropping the last two series a day off is the best thing the Rangers can have. They are 17-8 so far and a comfortable lead in the American League West yet they have shown signs of being human in the last few games with Matt Harrison and Derek Holland being less than stellar. Yet the Rangers have a club ERA of 3.25 and two starters with sub 2.20 ERAs. The lefties will regain their composure and start again with quality starts, and if not the Texas Rangers have more than enough quality pitchers who can pick up the slack. Tomorrow the Rangers start a series against the Indians and will feature Colby Lewis on the hill.

Texas Rangers Pitching coach Mike Maddux Credit: Jim Cowsert-US PRESSWIRE