(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
The Rangers took two games of three from the Angels, their divisional rivals. A lot of attention was paid to Josh Hamilton’s return and the reception from the fans, but there are several other talking points to discuss.
This offseason, the Rangers shed some pretty big names – most notably Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, and Mike Napoli. Admittedly, 4 games into the 2013 season, it’s entirely too early to look at statistics, but it’s at least interesting to see how these players have started with their new clubs.
The Rangers faced their new AL West bunkmates, the Astros, and won the series two games to one. In the series, we saw two opposite ends of the baseball spectrum: near-perfectness and complete ineptitude. Let’s look at the good and bad aspects of the series from the Rangers’ perspective.
This week on the Strained Hammy Podcast, we give our Rangers season predictions, talk about Elvis and Tony Romo’s extensions, and discuss the Mavericks’ chances of making the playoffs.
2:00 – 17:20: Rangers season prediction
17:50 – 38:18: Elvis Andrus and Tony Romo extension talk
38:50 – 50:40: Mavs’ chance of making the playoffs
The Rangers just made their biggest mistake in franchise history, signing Elvis Andrus to a 8 year, $120 million contract extension that, when added to his current deal, will make him a Ranger for 10 years at a total cost of $131 million dollars.
Andrus certainly earned his new money after taking himself out of a Spring Training game because he got a tattoo, and going 0-4 on Opening Night. The shortstop, who’s seen his home run totals go down every year since his debut will be paid handsomely for his ineffectiveness.
Matt Harrison ended his night with 9 strikeouts, but his loss of command in some key situations, combined with some odd bullpen usage doomed the Rangers on Opening Night, and they lost 8-2.
Rex, Travis and Mark discuss the Cowboys, the Stars’ trade of Brenden Morrow, and their favorite sports moments they’ve seen in person.
Ah, yes, the draft day stick pic…
Article by special contributor Mitchell Droz
Notice: This article was written by a Penguins fan. The Stars are my number two team, no contest. None. But I digress…
Stars fans, it has become official. This team is moving in a decidedly new direction; a younger, faster direction. Brenden Morrow has been dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade that, on its surface, could seem like a massive failure by management. The captain of the team for a defensive prospect and a third round pick exchanged for a fifth? It’s understandable to be worried. However, Dallas’ new acquisition is not just another defensive prospect. Joseph Morrow is a 20 year old smooth-skating offensive defenseman with a large amount of untapped potential. I’ll be honest, as a Penguins fan this trade made me excited, but as a Stars fan, I was ecstatic.
With the Stars’ inconsistent play seemingly improving as of late, there was some question if GM Joe Nieuwendyk would trade some veteran pieces when the Stars might sneak into the playoffs this year. The question has been answered. It appears the Stars will send Brenden Morrow and a third round pick to Pittsburgh for Joe Morrow and a fifth round pick.
As Spring Training winds down, we’re starting to see the Opening Day roster come together. With Justin Grimm and Randy Wells being sent down to AAA today, it appears that Nick Tepesch will emerge as the winner of the competition to be the Rangers’ fifth starter.
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