Series Preview: Texas Rangers

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Current Series

3 game series vs Rangers @ Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

Minnesota Twins Twinkie Town @ Texas Rangers Lone Star Ball Friday, Apr 25, 2008, 8:05 PM EDT Rangers Ballpark in Arlington Nick Blackburn vs Kevin Millwood Complete Coverage >
Sat 04/26		8:05 PM EDT
Sun 04/27		2:05 PM EDT

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Going In, In Brief

With the Twins (10-12) fresh off being obliterated by the Oakland Athletics, and the smell of change on the wind, they're getting the right team at the right time.  For a struggling offense like the Twins, a Texas pitching staff that has allowed 77 runs in the last seven games has to be divine timing.  Minnesota also has the benefit of putting their three best starters (so far) on the mound for this series.

Texas (7-16) have lost seven in a row, and have been out-scored 24-77 in that span.  Their play isn't doing any favors for the team's motto, You Could Use Some Baseball, because nobody wants to pay to see their team pounded.  It's early in the season, but it's already stacking up to be a long summer for the Rangers and their fans.  Still, their offense is potent, and unlike the Twins they have no problems knocking the ball out of the park (21 team home runs).

Probable Pitchers

Nick Blackburn VS Kevin Millwood
Scott Baker VS TBA
Livan Hernandez VA Vincente Padilla

Opposition Focus

Josh Hamilton:  After a great rookie season with Cincinnati, Hamilton is picking up right where he left off.  He's hitting .293/.355/.522 with four homers, seven doubles and ten walks.  This guy is a force.

Milton Bradley:  Utilized as the Texas designated hitter, Bradley is tearing the cover off the ball.  Batting .329/.422/.471 he's playing over his head, and even though five of his walks came in one game he can't be over-looked.

Michael Young:  Young is on fire, 16-for-40 over his last nine contests.  He currently boasts a .910 OPS.

Hank Blalock:  Blalock appears to be full healthy, and is once again an offensive threat.  He's cooled over his last five games (.150/.190/.150), but he's a decent hitter with good power, and he can ignite at any time.

C.J. Wison:  The only member of the Ranger bullpen keeping opponents under a .356 OBP, the Texas closer has been solid most of April.  He doesn't strike many batters out, but he's effective nevertheless.

Stats