Rangers vs. Yankees

Is there a team in baseball that I HATE (professionally, not personally) more than the NY Yankees? That's an easy NO. And so, it's surprising that when the Yanks come into town, they are nursing a horrendous record and can't seem to win even with the hardest of efforts. What saddens me about that franchise is the owner, George. The Yanks drop a few in a row, and all of a sudden Joe Torre's job is on the line. This Yankee team under Torre has been to the post-season a few more times than the Rangers. And even though I can't stand the team, I think it would completely dumb to constantly apply the pressure on Joe Torre like that. I really wonder just how much garbage will the guy take before he just says, "I'm tired of it, I'm leaving."

Up for the Rangers tonight is Kameron David Loe. He's 1-1 with a 5.21 ERA. Loe started the season as a long relief pitcher, even though he was the best "#5 starter" in preseason. His ERA seems a bit misleading, due to going into his last outing against Cleveland, his ERA was 3.29, but he allowed 7 runs (6 earned) in 5 1/3 innings. Loe has only two starts this season in his seven appearances. He's been involved with four games against NY, two starts/two relief and has received a decision on each game (1-3 against NY).

In May of 2006, Loe started two games against NY, going 0-2. He pitched five innings each time, giving up a combined nine runs off of 14 hits and four walks. He gave up two homeruns to NY on May 6th, 2006, but no dingers in his other start. In July 19th, 2005, Kam pitched 1 2/3 innings of perfect baseball against the Yanks. That is where Loe collected his win against the Yankees, his first appearance against them. He second appearance (relief) was on August 13th, 2005, when he pitched 2 1/3 innings and gave up two runs on three hits, including a homerun.

The Yankees hit Loe for a .315 average coming into tonight and have handed Loe a 7.62 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. I hope to see the Loe vs. NY via the Loe debut against them for 7 innings tonight, that's what I would like to see. Currently the hitters on the Yankee club are batting .350 (14-40) against Kam... some of those numbers:

• Alex Rodriguez: 3-8 (.375 ave.; 1 HR, 3 RBIs)
• Johnny Damon: 2-8 (.250 ave.)
• Derek Jeter: 2-7 (.286 ave.; 1 RBI)
• Robinson Cano: 2-6 (.333 ave.; 1 RBI)
• Jason Giambi: 2-3 (.667 ave.; .833 OBP; 1 double, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 3 BBs)
• Jorge Posada: 2-3 (.667 ave.; .800 OBP; 2 RBIs, 1 BB)

Hideki Matsui is on the DL but he was only 0-3 against Loe. Here's the thing, Loe has shown everyone that he has the stuff. His debut season, his ERA was under the 4.00 mark and he finished that season, his rookie year, with a 9-6 record. And he pitched well against some of the best. He's shown signs of greatness... the question is how quickly will it come? Hopefully, tonight will be another taste of what is to come, and not another blemish of doubt.

The Yankees are countering Loe with a fellow named Philip J. Hughes. If you're wondering why you have never heard of him, it's because he's "Brand Spanking New". He has pitched one Major League game on April 26th, 2007 against the Toronto Blue Jays (remember them?) and the Yankees were shutout 6-0. Hughes gave up 4 runs in 4 1/3 innings (8.31 ERA), but he only walked one and struck out five. He did, however, give up seven hits, and that's what killed him in the end.

In the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, Hughes went 2-1 this season with a 3.94 ERA in three starts. The 6'5" pitcher threw only 16 innings there, giving up 11 hits and 4 walks that produced 7 runs. He did not give up the long ball.

In 2006, Hughes went 12-6 with a 2.16 ERA over 26 starts. He gave up 5 trippers in 146 innings and struck out 168. This was split between the Tampa Yankees (A) and the Trenton Thunder (AA). My thoughts is that maybe Hughes could be rushed in to fill a much needed spot in the rotation (not a big stretch there...) simply because his only AAA time consisted of that 16 innings that I mentioned before. I don't know if he stats for the 2005 season in the minors.

Rangers could do well, they could stink it up with the bats, it's hard to say on a rookie. Odds are they will do well. Like I said, he's hear too early, I believe (Hughes). I think it is safe to say the Rangers will take this one, even without a brilliant outing from Loe, they should take it. That's the forecast...

Forecast: Rangers' bats light up the night-time sky - may not be many HRs, but plenty of hits in the Ballpark with this victory. Score: 10-6.