Good News-maybe.

In their desperate attempt the squeeze into the playoffs, the Rangers have been battling against two teams: the Red Sox and the Angels. The Rangers are only 2 1/2 games behind Boston for the Wild Card, but I'm still banking on them catching the Angels. So, with that in mind, let's bring in some good news about this formidable foe. One of the most frustrating aspects of the 2009 season has been the Rangers' inability to catch LA since they took over first place back in June. Or, to put it in other words, the Angels' inability to lose when Texas is hot. It seems as if the Angels have been on a winning streak coupled with an occasional loss ever since early July and since then the Rangers have done little to make a serious push at first place. They've been hanging around 3, 4, 5, games behind for a while. Despite their solid play, the Angels have been just a little bit better than Texas. The big question was: Can this team (LA) slow down? Well, it looks like perhaps they might be doing so. Finally. It's only a short stretch of time, but in their last ten games, the Angels are 3-7. It's been a while since we've seen those numbers. Unfortunately the Rangers haven't exactly been playing dynamite ball, going a mediocre 5-5 in that same stretch. That's why they're still 4 games out. But, that 3-7 mark for the Angels may be a sign of what's to come in September, which would then give the Rangers a golden opportunity. Another breath of light is that Texas is 9-3 against the Angels this year, and they still have seven game left against them. Certainly doesn't bode well for LA. On the downside, the Angels just acquired Scott Kazmir, who, despite his calamitous 5.92 ERA this year, has been pitching much better of late.