The Astros and Mariners put up a good fight. Well, the Astros didn’t against the Rangers, but they did against the rest of baseball. It became pretty obvious a few weeks ago that the Rangers were going to repeat as American League West champions, and Friday night they did just that.
Cole Hamels got the start against Oakland, and to me it is fitting that it was Cole. He was back to pitching great baseball. Matt Bush was also great, and then of course Adrian Beltre just continued to be Adrian Beltre.
The Rangers can now prepare for the post season. They can get their rotation in order, they can rest some guys, and they can have Rougie work on his right hook in case the Rangers and Blue Jays square off again. Texas now has 91 wins, and it is their fifth time in the last seven years to top 90 wins. They have had only one season with a losing record since 2009. They have also won the division four times in the last seven season, and made the post season five times (and played a game 163 in 2013).
This team has been very good this season, and I expect them to continue being good going forward. The thing that worries me is the way they are always behind (most come from behind wins in the MLB). They need to be able to get and hold a lead in the post season. They will be facing excellent pitching night in and night out.
Now is the time to celerate. The Rangers are once again AL West champions! This may be the best team the Rangers have taken into the post season. I personally believe this team is better than 2010 or 2011. All I ask for now is to win the last game of the season. If the Rangers do that, we will really have something to talk about!
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