Game 50: Texas at Cleveland

I still have more ideas on what to do to the Cleveland logo. It really is going to be fun. Gabbard has some pressure on his hands. Ten games into the season was the last time the Rangers were at 500. The Rangers have played with touching 500 again with the series against the Twins, but managed a slit in the series. The last eight series the Rangers are 7-0-1, with no sweeps.

Fausto Carmona is a guy I've never even heard of... maybe I've been under a rock, but I just have never heard of this guy. This is his third Major League season, and you would think after a 19-8 season last year, he would have hit my radar. Hit debut season, he went 1-10 but only started 7 games. This year looks to continue what he did last year, as his ERA is better and the BAA is a cozy .243 batting average. He is a career 1-2 against the Rangers in three starts. The Rangers knock a .219 batting average, and hand Carmona a 3.48 ERA. Carmona does well at home. Despite his 3-1 record at the Jake, his ERA is an amazing 1.65... which is mind-boggling, really.

Players to watch for: (Note: the most Ranger at-bats against Carmona is 7)

• Michael Young: 3-6 (500 BA)
• Ramon Vazquez: 2-6 (333 BA), 1 double

As a team, the current roster is batting a combined .178 (8-45) with 1 double, 1 HR, and 3 RBIs. Carmona currently has a 2.25 ERA and a 4-1 record coming into tonight's game.

Gabbard... it doesn't seem like he has all that great a chance to win tonight. But, let's take a look-see as to what he has to offer. Now, Gabbard isn't a bad pitcher, by any means. He comes into today's game with a 1-1 record and a 3.12 ERA. Gabbard has already visited the DL this season and upon return was greeted by Richie Sexson on the mound with a hug.

Some day, I just might get bored of doing this. But until then...

The Rangers are 5-2 when Gabbard starts, however in those starts, Gabbard has hit the six inning mark twice, both before the injury occured. The "fight" game and the "injury" game, he pitched a combined 5.2 innings. In his last start, the Rangers lost against Houston. He gave up 9 hits in five innings and walked three. He also gave up five runs in the loss. He has started two games against Cleveland and is 0-1 with a 6.97 ERA in 10.1 innings. Cleveland bats .308 against him, but the current roster is 8-28, which amounts to a lower .286 batting average. They, too, have one double, one homerun and 5 RBIs. The most at-bats against Gabbard happens to be a little bit of a five.

Players to Think About:

• Grady Sizemore: 3-5 (600 BA); 3 RBIs
• Ryan Garko: 2-5 (400 BA); 1 double

I really feel stupid posting players with these little numbers. 5 at-bats doesn't create a trend. You need more like 15 at-bats to gather a real clue. But I work with what I got.

Forecast: I really want to say that it is more of a bullpen job, since Gabbbard has been inconsistent at best. I believe that this season is going to lead to a more break-out season for him next year. It is more-or-less a game for Carmona to lose. He has displayed an ability of skill to the point that he can only beat himself. I see the Tribe taking this one tonight, but if Gabbard has his A game and Carmona has even his B game, the Rangers could sneak this one through. Score: 4-1 Tribe.

Home Plate