The two biggest things for the Rangers have been swinging and missing at high (middle and up) fastballs, which as been an issue all season for some; and walking their hitters. Most of the lineup is absolutely getting hammered with high fastballs, so we either need to start early and get to them or simply lay off and hope for something down. They have to adjust though. On the pitching side, the Astros are unbelievably disciplined at the plate, so you MUST throw them strikes (especially early in the count). You have to let them beat you, which they very well might, but you cannot put guys like Maldonado, Tucker, Pena, etc. on via the free pass. Those walks turn into runs in the blink of an eye right now.sburg2007 said:
My biggest concern today is that we did not exactly light Verlander up or put a bunch of traffic on the bases. The script can easily be flipped today between he and Monty if our bats are chasing high fastballs they cannot catch up to.
*****Official Texas Rangers 2023 Season Thread***** [Staff Warning]
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Astros returned a pretty big allotment of tickets to us for todays game. Go to our website and buy now!
Heard a stat on the Musers this morning that Verlander threw ~46 fastballs in Game 1 and didn't produce a single swing and miss. Leading one to believe the Rangers can pick that pitch up well when it leaves his hand. I believe 26 or 27 of those resulted in a foul ball but I could have heard the foul number wrong.sburg2007 said:
My biggest concern today is that we did not exactly light Verlander up or put a bunch of traffic on the bases. The script can easily be flipped today between he and Monty if our bats are chasing high fastballs they cannot catch up to.
So hopefully that means we can jump on his fastball this afternoon/tonight, but it is probably just as likely that we'll have 10 k's on swing and misses from his fastball.
I just know my Astro friend who has been to the last two games in Arlington and the entire series in September and is undefeated this year when he goes to an Astro game in Arlington is not going to the game today. So we have that going for us, which is nice.
FYI : Tix are much cheaper on TickPick than the Rangers website for this one.
Example: Section 309 on Rangers website: $150.00 ea, vs. $76.00 on TickPick. No fees either.
Example: Section 309 on Rangers website: $150.00 ea, vs. $76.00 on TickPick. No fees either.
Grapesoda2525 said:With the Astros it's just different. I mean we all have co-workers, friends, maybe even family members who are fans of the Astros because it's a team from Texas and the largest city in Texas.JWinTX said:Grapesoda2525 said:Just really hurts losing to that team with those fans. I mean half of the Astro fans barely even behave like humans, they're freaking Neanderthals.South Platte said:Baby Billy said:
We hit the ball hard a lot tonight. We weren't finding gaps and had some terrible luck (Seagers rocket and the batting glove, missed 3rd strike call on the corner)
In truth, we don't have the pitching staff to be here in this situation so if you take away the disaster of the last 2 games I'm pretty content with the opportunity ahead. It would be generous to say that we have 4 relievers (Leclerc, Chapman, Sborz, Stratton) and even then not a single one of them are shut down guys. We have 2 starters that we feel comfortable with, had to bring in Scherzer last night for a glorified rehab assignment, and basically had a bullpen game tonight.
I think Bochy has done an incredible job with this group, maybe even one of the best in his career given the roster and circumstances. The entire season rides on tomorrows game so let's see what we can do
No doubt. We are deep into the ALCS. Who would have guessed?! With this injured pitching staff and lousy bullpen. With our 2 best pitchers going in games 5 and 6. We are RIGHT THERE. Even if this goes sideways this weekend - what a year, what an amazing surprise.
They're no worse than any East Coast fanbase or the Dodgers fanbase. You hate them because of the interactions on here and the fact that they own us in our park this season. Nobody is worse than Philly fans, NY fans, or LA Dodgers fans, all of whom will kill you.. To my knowledge, that's not happened with Houston fans.
That's another huge reason losing to them sucks so bad.
At least Philly, LA, and NY can be tuned out or ignored, due to distance or not a massive following in the state, but Astro fans are everywhere here.
Fair enough, but they aren't Neanderthals, either. At least no more than we are.
MrCoachEricTaylor said:BCSWguru said:
Its mental at this point. Just dont see a way the Rangers win two in Houston.
Not necessarily the case, especially with how they play at home and with Framber still scheduled for their first game back in HOU. Just as hot and cold as our offense can be, they can really turn the switch on and score 10+ out of nowhere. The boys just need to be more selective chasing pitches and be ready to punish the middle middle pitches they've just been watching.
This.
It is mental and neither team can get the home doldrums out of the way. Even when Houston blasts us again tonight, they know they have to go to Houston again. The Astros aren't excited about that at all. The Rangers are. This thing is either Houston in 6 or Texas in 7.
I had never heard of TickPick until now.
Roof.
Open or Closed this afternoon?
Open or Closed this afternoon?
It's the only secondary ticket market website I use now.
It just wraps all the BS fees into the ticket price, so you see the all-in price up front.
It just wraps all the BS fees into the ticket price, so you see the all-in price up front.
JWinTX said:MrCoachEricTaylor said:BCSWguru said:
Its mental at this point. Just dont see a way the Rangers win two in Houston.
Not necessarily the case, especially with how they play at home and with Framber still scheduled for their first game back in HOU. Just as hot and cold as our offense can be, they can really turn the switch on and score 10+ out of nowhere. The boys just need to be more selective chasing pitches and be ready to punish the middle middle pitches they've just been watching.
This.
It is mental and neither team can get the home doldrums out of the way. Even when Houston blasts us again tonight, they know they have to go to Houston again. The Astros aren't excited about that at all. The Rangers are. This thing is either Houston in 6 or Texas in 7.
Well, with how Monty pitched in game 1 and has been pitching the 2nd half of the season, I will always say there's a chance we can squeak one out today. Just pray that Seager's HR yesterday gets him back on track and the boys can start getting lucky again, because the first two games it felt like we had all the lucky breaks, games 3 and 4 sure felt like HOU had all the lucky breaks.
Roof is closed today.
Be careful about TickPick (really any lesser known third party). I know some people who have been double sold. Rangers staff can correct me if I'm wrong. But I believe SeatGeek is the official third party of the Rangers (used to be Stubhub). Thus it's much easier to clear any issues if you use SeatGeek.
If double sold, TickPick gives you equal or better seats. They charge the seller a $100.00 penalty + the difference it costs them to provide the new seats.CampingAg said:
Be careful about TickPick (really any lesser known third party). I know some people who have been double sold. Rangers staff can correct me if I'm wrong. But I believe SeatGeek is the official third party of the Rangers (used to be Stubhub). Thus it's much easier to clear any issues if you use SeatGeek.
An event like this with thousands of seats available, you'll have no issue.
I know I'm dreaming, but I would kill to be able to make a trade in the off-season with ATL to bring in Minter and sign him to a good contract..
All of our LH RP of consequence based on IP are FAs.
Will Smith, Chapman, "Perez."
We're left with Brock Burke, Bradford (RP/SP?), and Latz.
I get the A&M connection, but not sure Minter... with 1 yr of team control... is someone worth trading for.
Will Smith, Chapman, "Perez."
We're left with Brock Burke, Bradford (RP/SP?), and Latz.
I get the A&M connection, but not sure Minter... with 1 yr of team control... is someone worth trading for.
DallasAg 94 said:
All of our LH RP of consequence based on IP are FAs.
Will Smith, Chapman, "Perez."
We're left with Brock Burke, Bradford (RP/SP?), and Latz.
I get the A&M connection, but not sure Minter... with 1 yr of team control... is someone worth trading for.
He's 30, but he's arguably better than any LHRP on our roster, and definitely better than what we have on the books for next year. He's a career 3.35 ERA guy with a 1.1-1.2 WHIP and a 3.5 K/BB ratio.
I looked at his numbers... just don't know that is any better than what we'll have access to in FA.MrCoachEricTaylor said:DallasAg 94 said:
All of our LH RP of consequence based on IP are FAs.
Will Smith, Chapman, "Perez."
We're left with Brock Burke, Bradford (RP/SP?), and Latz.
I get the A&M connection, but not sure Minter... with 1 yr of team control... is someone worth trading for.
He's 30, but he's arguably better than any LHRP on our roster, and definitely better than what we have on the books for next year. He's a career 3.35 ERA guy with a 1.1-1.2 WHIP and a 3.5 K/BB ratio.
Minter: 3.35 ERA, 1.215 WHIP, 3.46 K/BB
Chapman: 2.36 ERA, 1.084 WHIP, 3.24 K/BB
WSmith: 3.67 ERA, 1.224 WHIP, 3.22 K/BB
If we're dreaming.
Hader (SD): 2.50 ERA, 0.944 WHIP, 4.13 K/BB
Matt Moore (2yrs): 2.20 ERA, 1.168 WHIP, 3.8 K/BB <- Numbers as RP last 2 yrs.
Minter is nice... but I'd rather not give up prospects for a 1 yr deal... as a FA signing maybe, but doesn't really move the needle for me.
Hader likely wants 4yrs at $25M+ per. WAY more than I'd want to spend, for sure. I think Moore would be a better option, but we likely could have had him for 2023, if CYoung was willing to spend on RP. A question we'll find out this off-season.
Having said that... I would expect us to trade for a LHRP.
Why would we need one? Couldn't Bradford fill that role at league minimum? He's been OK this year and has gotten better. He went into high leverage situation last night and almost got out of it. Yes, he gave up a 450 ft job to Abreu, but that pitch on the corner could have gotten him out of the inning giving up 1 run.DallasAg 94 said:
Having said that... I would expect us to trade for a LHRP.
Edit: I hate talking about next year when we're sitting at 2-2 in the ALCS. This team, despite all of its flaws, should be remembered for a long time. If we end up with a WS title during this window, we can point to this team that started it. Every single guy on the roster contributed toward a win at some point, even guys that aren't seeing much action anymore like Janko, Duran, and Will Smith. It's a special team.
DallasAg 94 said:I looked at his numbers... just don't know that is any better than what we'll have access to in FA.MrCoachEricTaylor said:DallasAg 94 said:
All of our LH RP of consequence based on IP are FAs.
Will Smith, Chapman, "Perez."
We're left with Brock Burke, Bradford (RP/SP?), and Latz.
I get the A&M connection, but not sure Minter... with 1 yr of team control... is someone worth trading for.
He's 30, but he's arguably better than any LHRP on our roster, and definitely better than what we have on the books for next year. He's a career 3.35 ERA guy with a 1.1-1.2 WHIP and a 3.5 K/BB ratio.
Minter: 3.35 ERA, 1.215 WHIP, 3.46 K/BB
Chapman: 2.36 ERA, 1.084 WHIP, 3.24 K/BB
WSmith: 3.67 ERA, 1.224 WHIP, 3.22 K/BB
If we're dreaming.
Hader (SD): 2.50 ERA, 0.944 WHIP, 4.13 K/BB
Matt Moore (2yrs): 2.20 ERA, 1.168 WHIP, 3.8 K/BB <- Numbers as RP last 2 yrs.
Minter is nice... but I'd rather not give up prospects for a 1 yr deal... as a FA signing maybe, but doesn't really move the needle for me.
Hader likely wants 4yrs at $25M+ per. WAY more than I'd want to spend, for sure. I think Moore would be a better option, but we likely could have had him for 2023, if CYoung was willing to spend on RP. A question we'll find out this off-season.
Having said that... I would expect us to trade for a LHRP.
Yeah, they're definitely going to have to stick to the budget this go round.
2B M. Semien R
SS Corey Seager L
LF Evan Carter L
RF A. Garcia R
CF L. Taveras S
3B Josh Jung R
1B N. Lowe L
DH Mitch Garver R
C Jonah Heim S
SS Corey Seager L
LF Evan Carter L
RF A. Garcia R
CF L. Taveras S
3B Josh Jung R
1B N. Lowe L
DH Mitch Garver R
C Jonah Heim S
Lineup for today is out. Garver down to the 8 spot and Jung up to the 6th.
ETA: didn't even notice Heim and Taveras switching spots. Bochy looking for an edge.
ETA: didn't even notice Heim and Taveras switching spots. Bochy looking for an edge.
Double Talkin' Jive...
Not sure you'd want to sign Hader. Not only the money but I think he's due a QO this year and you lose a draft pick for that signing. Not sure what round but we need to be loading up the farm.
Double Talkin' Jive...
Moved Taveras up to 5.
Fuzzy Dunlop said:
Not sure you'd want to sign Hader. Not only the money but I think he's due a QO this year and you lose a draft pick for that signing. Not sure what round but we need to be loading up the farm.
Yeah, I'm not too keen on chasing anyone at the top of the markets this year.
Have a feeling we're going to have a fairly large Astros contingent today, even more-so than last night.
I'm just not sure Bradford's role in '24.
For 2024, we'll have:
Scherzer (R), Eovaldi (R), Gray (R), Dunning (R)
Heaney (L) will be a question if he takes his Player Option ($13M or $20M vesting)
deGrom in Aug?
Bradford? Monty? Leiter? OWhite?
For 2024, we'll have:
Scherzer (R), Eovaldi (R), Gray (R), Dunning (R)
Heaney (L) will be a question if he takes his Player Option ($13M or $20M vesting)
deGrom in Aug?
Bradford? Monty? Leiter? OWhite?
And last night I not only learned who Koe Wetzel is, but also that he is unable to identify Luka on the big screen.
Prices falling fast. I just bought seats and will be there.
Some people just realizing it is a day game.fc2112 said:
Prices falling fast. I just bought seats and will be there.
upper deck seats under $50. Standing Room $25.
I just refuse to believe this team is gonna let the ****ing astros take all 3 at home. Would be the biggest disappointment in our playoff history. Nut up guys!
I like Bradford's focus and body language. He shows no fear and hasn't had issues with wildness. At times this postseason his pitch spotting was sensational. He's literally walked 1 guy since August 1. Chapman walks the 1st batter he sees every appearance.
A little prone to give up the long ball, but he's off to a good start. Give me more Bradford.
A little prone to give up the long ball, but he's off to a good start. Give me more Bradford.
Ha, bold statement. We have more than a few to choose from. I'm still pissed about giving up late leads in 3 straight games to NYY in 1996.PatriotAg02 said:
Would be the biggest disappointment in our playoff history.
Agreed, but as much as I hate the NYY, I hate the Astros more. But yeah that sucked.South Platte said:Ha, bold statement. We have more than a few to choose from. I'm still pissed about giving up late leads in 3 straight games to NYY in 1996.PatriotAg02 said:
Would be the biggest disappointment in our playoff history.
It wouldn't even make the top 3 disappointments if we get swept at home by Houston, since we still get to play them at the park they struggle in so mightily.PatriotAg02 said:
I just refuse to believe this team is gonna let the ****ing astros take all 3 at home. Would be the biggest disappointment in our playoff history. Nut up guys!
1.) Forever 2011 World Series
2.) Getting swept after going up 2-0 in Toronto and having the bat throw from Bautista
3a.) Losing three in a row in 1996 against a Yankees team that we were just as good as, if not better.
3b.) Getting swept by Toronto in 2016 with the best record and homefield advantage in the AL
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