Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Tuesday, August 30th (Rangers)

Rangers have a double-dip today! I have always wanted to see one of these, and today, like the rest, I won't. So, the next best thing is scouting it.

Rangers vs. White Sucks (Sox) - Game 1 - Garland vs. Benoit - Garland is a superstar this year. Who doesn't know about Garland? Man alive, is he good. Why are the Sox doing so well? Garland, Garland, and Garland. So, let's take a look at the chump, shall we? 3.28 ERA this year, 16-7 mark, Not a strikeout guy (84), but he doesn't walk either (33). Against Texas, he has a 6.23 ERA and a 1-1 record this year. Rangers have mustered up 9 runs in 13 innings, and hit .280 against Garland. Maybe Garland doesn't want to pitch today... Career against Garland, the Rangers have a .309 ave. Look for the "Hammer" to dominate today. He is 6 for 14 Career with 1 dinger and 2 walks. Gary Matthews Jr. should play, he has 2 dingers against Garland. Benoit has pitched only 2 1/3 innings against the Sox this year, giving up only 1 hit, K'ng 3. His last 3 starts, he has lost... Game 1 to Sox 3-2. Benoit does not get the loss, relief does.

Rangers vs. White Sox - Game 2 - McCarthy vs. Volquez - Volquez is one of the "Frisco Three," so this should be good. However, let's look at his stats from AA. Edison Volquez was 1-5 with a 4.14 ERA in Frisco, he pitched 58 2/3 innings giving up 58 hits, 17 walks, and striking out 47. Not to bad, but that's Double A and this is prime time. Will he be snuff? Will he be greatness? Well, let's just say, this is his major league debut against the best team in baseball. If he does well, He's a superstar. If he doesn't, well he lost to the best team in baseball his try out... sounds like a good excuse to me... McCarthy has 5 starts this year and is 0-1 with a 8.14 ERA. Not the reason why the Sox are the best, to be sure. HERE'S MY FAVORITE STAT OF THE DAY: 8 DINGERS IN 24 1/3 INNINGS. Whatever Ranger who is in a slump, this is your guy. He will last 3 innings? Most likely. Our guys will feast for sure. (You know, everytime I say this, they don't)... correction: Our guys will be struggling like a 100 year old grandma trying to get to the restroom. Depends (had to say it). I say Volquez will last a good 5 innings in his debut. Rangers win one for the new guy 11-5.

1 Random Thoughts:

Anonymous said...

oooo, you oughta go to the 2x-header, dude. Rangers have played the ChiSox tough all year long.

still, i'll go laong with your prediction - they split the two games. just to be ornery, I'll predict opposite of you - Rangers take the first one 5-3; lose the second one 11-8.

oh, and the Phils win too. 4-1. And the Philly PHanatic makes the highlight reel on ESPN.

as for the d'backs, peavy vs. vasquez is only good on paper. Padres win it, 7-3.