Texas' Lee Eyes No-Trade Clause in Next Deal

By T.R. Sullivan

ANAHEIM -- Cliff Lee is a free agent in the offseason. He's not sure where he will be playing next season, and he's not sure how much he will get paid.

But he does know one thing. He wants a no-trade clause.

"I'm going to do everything I can to have that in there," Lee said. "I want to have some control of my life."

Lee and his family still live in Arkansas, but he is now with his fourth team over the past 12 months after being acquired by the Rangers in last Friday's six-player trade with the Mariners.

Lee has made one start for Rangers, losing to the Orioles on Saturday, but is still representing them at the All-Star Game. It's the fewest games pitched by an All-Star pitcher for the team he is representing.

But the Rangers didn't acquire Lee so he can pitch an inning wearing their cap in the All-Star Game. They made the trade because they believe they can win the American League West, they believe he's the big piece missing and they believe he can take them beyond just a division title.

Maybe to their first World Series ever.

"I'm up for it, let's do it," Lee said. "But I don't think it's all just me. I'm hoping to give the team a chance to win, win some games and make the playoffs. But there is a lot more involved than just starting pitching. It takes a whole team and a group effort, not just one guy. I just hope I have similar success like last year down the stretch. It will be a lot of fun."

Lee, after being traded from Cleveland to Philadelphia at the Trade Deadline last year, was 7-4 with a 3.39 ERA in 12 starts for the Phillies down the stretch. He was 4-0 with a 1.56 ERA in five playoff starts, beating the Yankees twice in the World Series.

That's why his new teammates were thrilled when general manager Jon Daniels acquired him on Friday, especially when there were reports that morning that the Yankees were going to get him.

"We were really shocked," outfielder Josh Hamilton said. "New York usually gets everybody. We were very excited ... it happened so quickly. Jon Daniels did a great job just making it happen. He's a big piece for us. We had a good team before, and it's a better fit now."

Second baseman Ian Kinsler said most important is the message that it sends.

"It's a huge message," Kinsler said. "We never made a trade like this before. We wanted to ... the players wanted it. Now we've acquired one of the best pitchers in baseball and it brings a lot of excitement. We were very serious about winning before we got him. Now this shows how serious we are about winning this year."

The Rangers, despite ending the first half with a four-game losing streak, have a 4 1/2-game lead in the AL West at the All-Star break. It's the largest lead of any of the six division winners.

"We're in a good place," Lee said. "This is a good spot for me. They've already got some good leaders on the team. I just want to do my part."

The Rangers would like to keep him beyond this season. They won't have any idea if they'll be able to do that until their ownership situation gets resolved, and that's unlikely to happen anytime soon.

But maybe it helps that his home in Little Rock it just a short flight or a few hours drive up I-30 from Dallas.

"I don't know ... there are so many ifs and buts," Lee said. "There's no telling who is going to be out there trying to sign me. There are so many variables and unknowns to give you a really good answer."

One thing is almost for certain. The Rangers will be more than happy to give him that no-trade clause.

Rangers acquire Cliff Lee

RANGERS ACQUIRE PITCHER CLIFF LEE
The Rangers acquired left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee and right-handed reliever Mark Lowe on Friday from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for first baseman Justin Smoak, pitcher Blake Beavan, Double-A Frisco reliever Josh Lueke and second baseman/outfielder Matt Lawson.

Lee is 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts with Seattle this season after being traded by Philadelphia this past offseason. The 2008 Cy Young Award winner with Cleveland, Lee has 89 strikeouts and six walks in 103 ⅔ innings and is eligible for free agency after this season.

Lowe, currently on the 15-day disabled list, is 1-3 with a 3.48 ERA in 10 ⅓ innings pitched for the Mariners this season.
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Game 3: Rangers vs. Indians

The Rangers are one in four teams without a loss. How great would it be to be one of two teams to go to 3-0? McCarthy had a great spring, it is a day game today, with the game starting in an hour, so I get to listen to this one at work.
Scouting Report:
Indians: Pavano is the mystery man of the Indians' rotation. It's difficult to predict what the Tribe can expect from a guy who has only logged 45 2/3 innings in the Majors over the past three seasons. A bust in four years that cost the Yankees $40 million, Pavano is looking to repair his reputation and rejuvenate his career with an Indians team that believes he can still be effective, if healthy. Pavano, who won 18 games for the Marlins in '04, returned from Tommy John elbow surgery at the end of last season and made seven starts. And he made it through the Tribe's Spring Training camp with no body woes. His stuff improved as camp went along, so the Indians are encouraged. Pavano has never faced the Rangers.

Rangers: McCarthy missed most of last season with severe right elbow inflammation and made just five starts for the Rangers. He made just 22 starts and one relief appearance for Texas in 2007, when he went 5-10 with a 4.87 ERA. For his career, McCarthy is 10-14 with 4.56 ERA in 39 starts with the Rangers and White Sox; McCarthy is 4-2 with a 4.58 ERA in 13 career games against the Indians, who are the only team McCarthy has beaten more than once.

-This one has McCarthy's name all over it.
I am two-for-two days. I just need Hammerton to come through for me today.

Forecast: Well, it has already rainged today and the clouds don't look like it is going to lighten up in the slightest. Strong winds could routine fly balls into homeruns. And that is for realio. Still, the Rangers have pounded the Tribe twice... so why not again today before heading to Detroit? Score: 7-5, Rangers.

Home Plate

Game 2: Rangers vs. Indians

The Rangers are undefeated at 1-0 and Cleveland is winless at 0-1. I do like saying that about the Rangers... undefeated!

Scouting Report:

Indians: Two Carmonas exist -- the guy who used his sinking, 97-mph fastball to great effect in 2007, when he won 19 games and finished third in the Cy Young voting, and the guy who overthrew that sinker with disastrous consequences in his brief closing stint in '06 and his unremarkable '08. Carmona had a hip strain that held him out of action for two months last year, and that was no doubt part of his problem. But the Indians also believe he had trouble controlling his emotions. He showed much better control of himself and his pitches in spring camp, so the Tribe has high hopes for him going forward. They'll need a strong season from him in the No. 2 spot of the rotation if they're going to contend. Carmona was 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA in two starts against Texas last year.

Rangers: Padilla went 0-2 with a 4.80 ERA in four Spring Training outings. He was 3-2 with a 3.79 ERA in six April starts in 2008, but is 13-19 with a 4.09 ERA in his career in April. That's his worst won-loss record for any month. He ended up winning 14-plus games for the fourth time in his career and was the Rangers' Pitcher of the Year. He is 2-2 with a 6.82 ERA in six career starts against the Indians.

Here's who I have picked for my "Beat the Streak" for thie next few days. I am a bit worried about Padilla and his start against the Tribe. I'm sure he will do well, but I am just a little leary is all... It's mostly coming from the high ERA against them. This is a different team, as far as character this year than in previous years. It already spells a win in the season opener... could it spell 2-0?

Forecast: There will be hits. A lot of them. And from both sides. The Rangers have the upper hand here, with more firepower than the Tribe. In fact, they have more firepower than most teams out there. And that is what the DR. ordered for this game. Look for a high scoring affair in the realm of 10-7, Rangers.

Home Plate

Game 1: Rangers vs. Indians

The Rangers had a GREAT spring... however, it is just preseason. Professionals say the Rangers are going to finish last in their division... I don't see that at all. I'm drinking the KOOL-AID... as I tend to do each season. Rangers are going to do well, this year, make the playoffs, either as a division winner, or as a WILDCARD.

Scouting Report:

Indians: What will Lee do for an encore, after a remarkable '08 season in which he became the Indians' second Cy Young Award winner in as many years and their second 20-game winner in 34 years? The Indians aren't expecting Lee to turn in a duplicate of that campaign, but they do expect the 30-year-old Lee to be a steady, guiding hand at the top of the rotation. With former ace CC Sabathia long gone, the Indians are relying on Lee more than ever. They need him to set the tone for a rotation that enters the season with no shortage of question marks and concerns. Lee certainly has the mentality for the job, as his unshakable consistency, in terms of fastball command and aggressiveness, carried him to new heights in '08. He was one of just seven pitchers since 1920 to win 22 of his first 25 decisions, and his ERA was the lowest by an AL left-hander this decade. There will, however, be a worry that Lee's career-high workload (223 1/3 innings) could affect him in '09. Lee had a rough Spring Training camp, performance-wise, but he attributed most of his struggles to working on locating his fastball.

Rangers: Millwood is making his fourth straight Opening Day start for the Rangers but still looking for his first victory in that role. He is 0-3 with a 4.50 ERA in his past three Opening Day games. He pitched six strong innings last season against the Mariners at Safeco Field, taking a 1-0 lead into the sixth before allowing two unearned runs. The Rangers ended up losing 5-2. Millwood was 5-3 with a 5.09 ERA in 13 starts at home and is 20-14 with a 5.11 ERA in 45 starts at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington over the past three years. He went 1-2 with a 6.48 ERA this spring, allowing 30 hits and eight walks in 25 innings while striking out 19. But he made it through the spring without a physical setback for the first time in three years. Millwood pitched for the Indians in 2005 and won the American League ERA title before signing with the Rangers. He is 3-1 with a 4.56 ERA in four career starts against them. He made one start against them in 2008 and won, 9-4, on June 5, although he allowed four runs on nine hits in six innings.
I would like to share the probable starters list I made. I can't see it going down like this for the entire season, however, it does give an idea of how things will go if they are stay healthy and the schedule doesn't get shuffled.
Forecast: The Rangers tend to do well against the Tribe... I don't know if that is reality or just a gut feeling... I could be remembering wrong. Still, I like the Rangers in this one. Look for Millwood to go six innings and into the seventh before getting pulled. The Rangers bullpen is good and will nail down the win, with a score of 7-4.

Home Plate

The Twins and White Sox Games

Game 160: The Twins have the inside track with a fairly easy opponent in the Royals. Still, this is the majors and one shouldn't count the other out until they have a 20 run lead...Scouting Report:

Royals: Davies has burst into prominence in his last two starts. After throwing eight shutout innings against the Mariners, he got through the opening seven innings on Saturday against the White Sox without surrendering a run. Davies faced the minimum over that span and wound up surrendering just two runs and taking his second victory of the week. Davies has cited a quick tempo as the key to his recent success. He's challenging the strike zone with his best stuff and therefore has gotten away from his earlier penchant for high pitch counts.

Twins: Liriano rebounded from his roughest start since being recalled on Aug. 1 to deliver a gem against the Rays at Tropicana Field. The left-hander allowed just one run over seven innings to the playoff-bound Rays. Liriano struck out seven but found some trouble, issuing four walks. He is 6-0 with a 2.05 ERA in 10 starts since returning to the Majors. He’ll face the Royals for the fourth time this season. Two of those have come during his second stint with the Twins, and in those, Liriano has allowed just five earned runs over a combined 13 2/3 innings.

Game 159: The White Sox and Twins are neck and neck, with the Twins having a 1/2 game edge. The Sox have a tougher opponent in the Indians... and then one game against Detroit, should it be needed.

Scouting Report:

Indians: Lewis showed that he is, in fact, human in his third career start on Sunday, though he was still able to pick up his third win in as many opportunities. Lewis worked five innings and gave up three runs in the Indians' big win over the Tigers. His 15-inning scoreless inning streak was snapped in the second inning, when he allowed a run in on a double play. Lewis was finally touched up for his first career home run when Edgar Renteria launched one in his final inning of work. Surprisingly, though, Lewis, not known for his velocity or nasty stuff, picked up six strikeouts to go along with three walks. This will be Lewis' first career start against the White Sox.

White Sox: Danks responded to the challenge of what Ozzie Guillen dubbed as the team's biggest game of the year by throwing seven scoreless innings during the White Sox 3-0 victory Sunday at Kauffman Stadium. Danks allowed four hits in seven-plus innings, striking out three and walking one, extending his scoreless innings streak to 13 straight. He threw 62 of his 90 pitches for strikes and will come back Friday on regular rest in a start that could lock down the American League Central title. Danks has a 0-1 record and 2.89 ERA in three starts against the Indians this season and is 4-5 with a 3.46 ERA at U.S. Cellular Field.

Forecast: Here's the thing. The Twins should just be given two of these next three games, meaning that the White Sox need to win three out of their next four to force a tie. Well... I do like the Royals chances in this one, but the Twins will take it with a score of 4-2. For the Sox, they are sending Danks, who should be a Ranger... (bitter much?)... and has great enough numbers, that he should take this one for the Sox... with a score of 3-2.

Home Plate

Game 131: Rangers vs. Indians

Hopefully, the Rangers are going to get HOT. And I am not talking about 107° F at 10PM either. I am talking about great pitching and solid hitting. And by great pitching, I mean somewhere around 4 runs or less per nine innings. Is that too much to ask for? I guess it depends on the day...
Anyway, I am going to this game. The last time I went to a game where Padilla started, the Rangers won with a walk-off GRAND SLAM. Is that going to be the flavor for this game? Not likely, but it would be nice to grab a W... whether walk-off or otherwise, I'll take it.

Padilla is 12-7 with a 4.96 ERA. I still think the ERA is a tad high, but I'll take it anyway. He's given up the long ball six times in his last three starts. And he had nine days off between starts (8/9 to 8/19) and was rough out in his last outing. The question lingers in my head: is he healthy right now? I don't want to go and say send him to the DL... the last thing the Rangers need right now in trying to finish over 500 for the season is send another starter, a key starter in the rotation right now, to the DL.

He has five starts against the Tribe and is 2-2 with a 7.09 ERA. They slap him a hard .316 batting average but only have two HRs in the 26.2 innings. Padilla has lost his last two starts, but the Rangers won when he started in the previous four games. A good note is that Padilla is still good for innings. Twice in his last 13 starts has he pitched less than six innings. One of those two short outings sent him to the DL... and the other one was on 8/9, which was also injury related.

Indians to Watch (the usual suspects):

• Victor Martinez: 4-11 (.364 BA); 3 doubles and 3 RBIs
• Jhonny Peralta: 4-10 (.400 BA); 1 double, 1 HR, and 5 RBIs
• Grady Sizemore: 4-10 (.400 BA); 1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, and 2 RBIs

Anthony Reyes has never pitched against Texas, but he comes into this game with a 4-2 record with a 3.66 ERA. He's pitched a total of 32 innings between St. Louis and Cleveland. He was a relief pitcher with the Cardinals and has moved to the starting rotation for the Tribe, where he has a 2.60 ERA as a starter. He has a career record of 12-25 with a save in 56 games. Chances are... he'll still stay on fire and spit out a good game.

Notable Rangers:

• Josh Hamilton: 1-3 with 1 HR and 1 RBI

Yep. That's it. Hamilton is it for the Rangers he has faced, but then, what could you expect.

Forecast: Well, Padilla will obviously know that I will be at the game, so it is a win for the Rangers. Stats don't matter when other "rules" come into play. Seriously, though, I think the Indians have a much better chance in this one... but then, stranger things. Score: 3-2, Indians.

Home Plate

Game 130: Rangers vs. Indians

Doesn't the Indian look a ton better with Ranger colors? I think so. It brings out the... whatever. So... Harrison gets a little hammered. I have noticed that when I pick the Rangers, they lose and when I pick the other team, the Rangers win. That is just a recent trend... and I think it is telling me something. Now, if I pick the oponent thinking the Rangers will win, and the Rangers lose, because I was picking the oponent expecting the Rangers to win, does that mean I should pick the Rangers anyway? Or maybe if I pick the Rangers and they win, could that mean I was the system would have figured me out, thus negating the system to begin with? Maybe I overthink things too much.
Anyway, we have Sowers, who simply sucks. And then we have McCarthy who hasn't pitched in the majors this season. But we reserve the right to call McCarthy a typical pitcher, and we all know what that means, right?

Let's start out with McCarthy today. McCarthy went 5-10 for the Rangers last year and is 12-19 for his career. His ERA last season, however, was 4.87, and in a Texas uniform, that shapes up to be pretty good. McCarthy has a career ERA against Cleveland at 4.88 and a 4-2 record that has 12 games but only 4 are starts.

McCarthy's last start against Cleveland was on July 31st of 2007, where he went 6.2 innings and gave up one run (a HR) on four hits and three walks. That was his last career victory. I guess it is fitting that he start this season with a start against the Tribe.

Indians to Watch:

• Grady Sizemore: 6-17 (.353 BA); 2 RBIs
• Victor Martinez: 5-12 (.417 BA); 4 doubles, 1 HR, and 2 RBIs
• Travis Hafner: 4-10 (.400 BA); 1 double, 2 HRs and 6 RBIs
• Ryan Garko: 5-10 (.500 BA); 1 HR and 3 RBIs

Wow. It is not as bad as you think, though, because the rest of the team is 3-33 with 1 double, 2 HRs and 3 RBIs. So, even with the few hits the rest of the bunch has, they still do some damage.

Sowers. Man, what a strange name. But, I guess he didn't get to choose his last name, it was given to him... moving on. Sowers is 2-6 with a 5.46 ERA. He should do OK pitching here in Arlington. I say that due to him having a 1.29 G/F. He has been nothing but a starter for Cleveland. Despite pitching for Cleveland for three seasons, he has never faced the Texas Rangers and he has only faced one batter on the Rangers roster, Josh Hamilton, who is 1-2 with a solo HR. He is also coming off his second win, at home against the Angels. He is 1-5 on the road this year with a high ERA at 6.59 and a higher OBA at .309. His other victory this year was against the Mariners, also in the AL West. He hasn't pitched against the A's this season.

Forecast: Well... I'll just shoot from the hip and say the Rangers own more of the numbers on this one. So, should I say the Tribe, because I think the Rangers, or should I say the Rangers because I think the Rangers... I think I will say the Rangers by a margin of 6-4.

Home Plate

Game 129: Rangers vs. Indians

I like Harrison. I like how he can take the mound and end a losing streak. He has confidence. He has skill. And every time he takes the mound, be believes he can and will win. And, I was reminded that Harrison threw a no-hitter earlier this season for Frisco. He knows he has great stuff.
I created this post two days ago... and I don't know if you would call it boredom or writers block or what, but I have really struggled in putting this one together. Yawn. So, here goes...

Fausto Carmona has an ERA of 4.71 with a 5-5 record coming into this game. Cleveland has won their last four games and would be considered HOT, especially compared to their opponents, the Texas Rangers. The Rangers are 3-7 in their last ten, whereas Cleveland is 7-3 in that time.

Carmona simply sucks against the Rangers. The Tribe is 2-5 in his last 7 starts, including the May 23rd Game against the Rangers. In that game, the Rangers got 3 walks and five hits in his two innings of work and scored 6 times on their way to a 13-9 victory. That was at the Jake (formally the Jake, anyway, before they sold out the cool name for something commercial). That game, Carmona went to the DL.

Carmona's career against the Rangers consists of four starts and a 1-3 record. In those four games, the Rangers hit .250 and have handed him a 5.56 ERA. Outside of the last game, Carmona looks a WHOLE lot better.

Notable Rangers:

• Michael Young: 3-7 (.429 BA)
• Milton Bradley: 2-6 (.333 BA); 1 double, 1 HR, and 1 RBI
• David Murphy: 2-2 with 1 double and 3 RBIs

The current Ranger roster is 11-51 (.216 BA) with 4 doubles, 1 HR and 6 RBIs.

Matt Harrison, the kid who threw a No-Hitter earlier this season for Frisco, is a good deal better at home. He is 5-2 with a 5.77 ERA, but his ERA at home is 4.08. This is his first stint in the Majors, and it looks like he is here to stay. The Rangers are 6-2 when he starts. He has three consecutive wins, which are against the likes of Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and the NY Yankees. He has good stuff and he is not afraid to use it.

He has never faced the Tribe or any of their hitters (DUH!)... but I would think he would and should give special attention to the likes of Sizemore and Peralta who have considerable power. Ben Francisco, who has some pop and hits for average.

Forecast: Logic simply states two different things in this particular game. Logic first tells me that since Cleveland is hot, they will win. Sizemore has been on FIRE and things are clicking for the Tribe. But, then logic tells me these things: The last pitcher to lose for Cleveland? Carmona. And Harrison pitches good enough each time to win. So then Logic first tells me Cleveland, and then it tells me the Rangers... and I ALWAYS listen to logic when it says Rangers (well, at least today). Score: 8-5, Rangers.

Home Plate

Game 62: Texas vs. Cleveland

Well, C.C. Sabathia is not going to be the Cy Young winner this year. I wonder if he will even grab one vote... I doubt it.
Ponson and Sabathia... it is like a classic battle between gladiators. But it's not. It's just like one though... if you consider a washed up pitcher who is suddenly performing and a former Cy Young winner who isn't. If you consider that to be gladiators, well then this is right up your alley.

Anyway, I digress into weirdness. And my wife will tell you that I do that ALL THE TIME. And to believe I tone it down when I am online. I really do want a better, less painful looking picture of Ponson. My goodness, it really looks like he is in pain in that pic. Either that, or he is getting sick. Seriously, I am going to post some stats. Let's get to it.

Ponson has been looking like a stud of late. He's 4-1 with a 3.83 ERA (4.40 ERA at home). Four of his eight starts have gone longer than 6 innings, including a complete game victory in Minnesota. His ERA has gone up over his last two starts, from 2.95 up to 3.83. The Rangers are 5-3 when he takes the hill... and 3-1 in his last four starts.

Success has eluded him against Cleveland. I really think that is an understatement, but let's just look at it as "he's due". In 11 starts and 12 games, Ponson is 0-7 against the Tribe. His BAA is .342 and his ERA is an atrocious 9.47. And yes, I call that painful. Maybe the picture is fitting for today. I am afraid to see the batter vs. pitcher stats...

Indians to watch:

• David Dellucci: 2-8 (250 BA); 1 HR and 1 RBI
• Travis Hafner: 3-5 (600 BA); 1 double, 1 HR, 5 RBIs

I can't say that I understand it in the slightest, but the current roster is 7-23 (304 BA) with 1 double, 2 HRs, and 8 RBIs. With as many innings Ponson has put in against Cleveland, I would think that it would be a whole lot more...

The Indians have lost the last three games Sabathia has started, including the 7 inning stint against the Rangers on May 25th. Why has he lost? Run support. He pitched 7 innings in two of those games and 8 innings in the other. And the Indians have scored 4 runs for him. And that isn't per game, that is a total for his last three starts. In fact, when Sabathia takes the hill, the Tribe takes a vacation. The team is 4-8 when he starts. In the four games he started an Indians win, they scored 33 runs (8.25 runs per game in support). In the eight losses, they scored 16 runs (2 runs a game in support). What's a guy to do?

Still, Sabathia has twelve career starts on the Rangers and is 7-2 with a 4.38 ERA. The Rangers have hit a .273 batting average on Sabathia.

Rangers to Watch:

• Michael Young: 9-31 (290 BA); 3 doubles and 4 RBIs
• Chris Shelton: 6-19 (316 BA); 1 HR and 2 RBIs
• Ian Kinsler: 2-6 (333 BA); 2 HRs and 4 RBIs

The Rangers have a good shot at this. The current roster is 31-108 (287 BA) with 4 HRs and 15 RBIs. I like those numbers.

Millwood did not have any walks in his previous starts. He acted like he owned the game... and in a way, he did. Cleveland hits a .230 off Millwood and in his career, Milly is 2-1 in three starts. It is almost like this would be a candidate game for a "no-no". Millwood already owns one no-hitter in his career... just saying.

Indians to Watch:

• Jamey Carroll: 5-11 (455 BA); 1 double
• Victor Martinez: 4-8 (500 BA); 1 double

As a team, the Indians are 18-67 (269 BA) and sport 6 doubles, 1 HR, and 7 RBI off of Millwood. I really like the Rangers chances on this one. Yeppers. I just copied this from yesterday's post, since Millwood was supposed to start yesterday... and then didn't.

I guess I might as well start adding the dot race on here. This is the BLACK dot. It will not even show tonight. Mostly because they don't have a black dot in the dot race. But if they did... I would say that would be the one.

Forecast: The Rangers win for two reasons, good offense and poor offense. The Rangers have the good one and the Tribe has the poor one. Score: 4-1, Rangers.

A Change in the Weather: I think the score is still going to be in that neighborhood of 4-1... but my newest concern is that Cleveland's bats are gaining some confidence. What better way to shut them up with Millwood on the hill. Score: 5-3, Rangers.

Home Plate

Game 61: Rangers vs. Indians

This is a long four game series. And here is Cliff Lee. I spared you on the old guy in the barber shop quartet picture. The start where Cliff Lee lost to the Reds (mentioned in a previous post) is the only time Lee did not pitch 6 innings or more and the only time he grabbed a loss. Since his win over the Rangers, he grabbed another win over the Royals. His ERA is now 5.80 against the Rangers and he has a 4-2 record. He is 2-2 in Arlington with an 8.06 ERA in the Texas heat. Yeah, he doesn't do all that well here.
Cliff Lee saved the Indians from getting swept in Cleveland. Now he goes up against Millwood in Arlington. He comes in with a 8-1 record. Millwood has an even 3-3 record and he dominated in his return start from the DL. This could be a competitive game of baseball on a Wednesday night.

Millwood did not have any walks in his previous starts. He acted like he owned the game... and in a way, he did. Cleveland hits a .230 off Millwood and in his career, Milly is 2-1 in three starts. It is almost like this would be a candidate game for a "no-no". Millwood already owns one no-hitter in his career... just saying.

Indians to Watch:

• Jamey Carroll: 5-11 (455 BA); 1 double
• Victor Martinez: 4-8 (500 BA); 1 double

As a team, the Indians are 18-67 (269 BA) and sport 6 doubles, 1 HR, and 7 RBI off of Millwood. I really like the Rangers chances on this one.

Forecast: Like I said... I like the Rangers chances. Millwood goes 7+ innings, working his way to a second straight victory since his return from the DL. Score: 4-1, Rangers.

Home Plate

Game 60: Texas vs. Cleveland

Reminder: Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News reports that righthander Vicente Padilla has returned to Nicaragua to attend to a family matter. The club is pushing his Monday start against Cleveland back a day to Tuesday. If he's not back in time, lefthander A.J. Murray will likely come up from Oklahoma for a spot start.

I'm planning this so that Padilla will start...

Jake Westbrook has ten career starts agains the Rangers, going 5-1 with a 4.76 ERA. This season, he is 1-2 with a 3.12 ERA... and the Tribe is 1-4 when he starts, which should be promising to the Rangers.

Rangers to Watch:

• Michael Young: 11-27 (407 BA); 2 doubles, 1 HR, and 4 RBIs
• Frank Catalanotto: 5-15 (333 BA); 1 double

The current Ranger roster is 33-97 with a .304 batting average. Rangers sport 7 doubles, 1 triple, two HRs, and 9 RBIs. Westbrook is 3-0 over his last four starts against the Rangers. He is also has a career 3-1 record at the Rangers Ballpark.

Padilla, should he return in time, is just on a tear. Hopefully, he will continue that against the Tribe. He has a 7-2 record and a 3.67 ERA. The Rangers have won their last seven when he starts, which is a reflection of what Padilla does for this team when he takes the hill. He is still holding at four beanballs, so I will have to check to see who is a likely target today:

Indians to Watch:

• Victor Martinez: 4-11 (364 BA); 3 doubles and 3 RBIs
• Jhonny Peralta: 4-10 (400 BA); 1 double, 1 HR, and 5 RBIs
• Grady Sizemore: 4-10 (400 BA); 1 double, 1 triple, 1 HR, and 2 RBIs

As a team, the Indians are 24-82 on Padilla, with 6 doubles, 2 triples, and 3 HRs. The 19 RBIs are seemingly huge... maybe because they are huge. Martinez does have some health issues concerning a hamstring. Maybe a bean to the leg to give the guy some rest the few days? Padilla is your guy for that. Just saying.

I just got word that Padilla is on the bereavement list and will miss this start. AJ Murray is taking his place. He made his ML debut last year in May. He's made one spot start this season and grabbed a win in 5.1 innings against the A's on May 3rd. His debut was against Tampa Bay on May 16th, 2007. He has two appearances against Cleveland last year for a grand total of one inning of perfect baseball. He threw 28 innings last season, two starts at the end of the season and has a career 2-2 record. Two current Indian batters have faced Murray and both are a surprising 0-1. After all, I did say that he had a perfect inning against the Tribe.

Forecast: I have to say that I find it tempting to pick Westbrook... even though I don't really believe the Indians will win this game. My gut tells me to pick the Rangers for this one. And I say, "OK." Score: 6-2, Rangers.

A Change in the Weather: With Padilla being out and Murray taking over, I am a not as confident as I was before. My gut is telling me that the Tribe's chances just got better, and of course, you would always want Padilla pitching the way he has to always be on the mound. I am thinking that it is going to be more of something like this... Score: 4-3, Rangers.

Home Plate

Game 59: Texas vs Cleveland

Eddie Sefko of the Dallas Morning News reports that righthander Vicente Padilla has returned to Nicaragua to attend to a family matter. The club is pushing his Monday start against Cleveland back a day to Tuesday. If he's not back in time, lefthander A.J. Murray will likely come up from Oklahoma for a spot start.

Records since April 24-May 31:

AL East:

• Tampa Bay: 23-11
• Toronto: 21-14
• Boston: 19-15
• New York: 16-16
• Baltimore: 13-19

AL Central:

• Minnesota: 18-15
• White Sox: 18-16
• Cleveland: 15-18
• Detroit: 13-19
• Kansas City: 13-21

AL West:

• TEXAS: 22-12
• Angels: 19-15
• Oakland: 15-18
• Seattle: 10-23

Today's matchup is Aaron Laffey against Doug Mathis.

Mathis hasn't had a great run as a starter in the majors this season. He's worked 11.1 major league innings and shows a 5.56 ERA for his effort. He is 1-1 this season and 0-1 as a starter. His last start was against the Tribe, where he pitched 6 innings to a no-decision. The Rangers won that game 2-1. This is his first start at home. Cleveland batted .318 against him on 5/25/08...

Laffey has a 3-3 record and a 1.59 ERA. He has picked up a decision in all of his starts this season, and managed to miss the Rangers in Cleveland. In fact, he has never faced the Rangers in his short career. This post is going to be a bit small. One thing is for certain, however, is that Laffey is for real. He can pitch.
Forecast: Mathis had success against Cleveland. Laffey has success due to skill, but really lacks lady luck. Here's the thing: Laffey just doesn't give up hits... I think the Tribe might generate a little more offense, just enough to scape this one out. Score: 3-1, Tribe.

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Game 51: Texas at Cleveland

The Rangers have climbed back to 500, after achieving one game over 500 (Early April, the sweep of Baltimore in a doubleheader put them there) and the plummetting down, they have climbed back up. And I would say that they are one of the hottest teams in baseball right now. But they are also facing an extremely strong pitcher in Cliff Lee.
Now, the guy is actually named Cliff Lee. And I really wish the gentleman who sings baritone in a barbershop chorus would be pitching than the real Cliff Lee who pitched nine innings of shutout baseball and got a no-decision.
There are several things that might give the Rangers a chance tonight. One: Cliff Lee is coming off a loss to the Reds on his last start. Two: Cliff Lee has a career ERA of 6.52 against the Rangers and a 3-2 record. Third: the Rangers hit .288 on Lee for a career average.

Feldman doesn't have much numbers on Tribe, but has pitched a career 6.1 innings and given up one run (over five appearances). This will be Feldman's first career start against the Tribe, and the Rangers need for it to be a good one, since the bullpen got wasted last night.

Forecast: It can simply be one of two ways, Feldman stinks it up and the bullpen doesn't play, or Feldman hangs tough for a good six or seven innings and the Rangers have a solid chance. I think the latter will happen, but the Rangers don't end up pulling it off. Tribe takes it 5-2.

Home Plate

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