DallasAg 94 said:
Some thoughts about the game.
I was glad Duran got the GS at 1B on OD. He deserves it and he did a great job. I'm not sure how they plan to use Walsh, but giving Duran the nod on OD was a nice touch.
At the end of the year, when we're looking at "cost/win" the $1.7M paid for Jankowski has already met the ROI. I have to believe he had other options for more and more years?! Especially concerning for him had to be Langford. In his session with Langford, Bochy said told Langford it was their expectation at the end of '23, that he'd be on the OD roster in '24. Jankowski knows his role with the Rangers and that has to give more comfort than money.
Sborzy looked confident. Then, he looked mid-season Sborzy. After the GRD it was like he took a deep breath and remembered, "I got the last freaking out to win the World Series. I'm taking over."
Not sure if the Langford hype has distracted Evan Carter. Maybe it was OD... he'll settle in. But Langford and Jankowski certainly planted themselves firmly in the game.
The game experience was different than usual, IMO. I didn't go to many games in '23. I was in 136. It is the OF... the cheap OF seats and the concern was packed with SRO. I'd be interested in hearing other's thoughts. Fans just didn't seem to care (in a good way) and had a freedom to engage in the game. Usually, Rangers fans are a little more timid and reserved. There was more of a confidence like, "We're World Series Champions."
I think I'm going to like it out there. Growing up we always sat in the OF cause that was our economic level. Not sure if it was just OD, but there were lots of people who just didn't give a care... in a good way (mostly).
Sure, there might have been a fan or two removed. Mostly because the Six Shooters were right there. I was surprised at the boldness of some of the fans. At one point a fan called over the woman that leads them (red jacket) and he asked her if the Six Shooters could do something for his buddy. Not sure if it was his birthday or what. But I think he asked if his buddy could climb up there with them and get a picture. To which I think she responded, "I would get fired."
Last year, we were like 0-63 in games we were behind in the 8th inning or later. This year, we are 1-0.
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Last year, we converted 48% of Save Opps. This year we are 1-0. Or does that count as 1-1?!
Lots of Cubbie fans, but not too bad.
All-in-all, I think this is going to be a great season of baseball (G1 projection) where we go 162-0 and the atmosphere is going to be great.
It was a walkoff win, so no save last night. Robertson would get the win.
