2011 Texas Rangers season
Encyclopedia
The Texas Rangers’
2011 season
was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas
. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions.
Despite playing during one of the hottest summers on record in Texas, the Rangers claimed their second consecutive Western division title (fifth overall), and set franchise records for winning (96 wins and a .592 winning percentage, one win better than the previous record set in 1999) and home attendance (2,946,949 fans at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, breaking the old record set in 1997). Another year of improvement from the starting pitching and defense would give the Rangers the most shutouts in the American League, and trailed the Philadelphia Phillies
by only 2 for the MLB lead. All 5 members of the opening day starting rotation would stay in the rotation for the entire year. CJ Wilson tied for the league lead in starts with 34 while Derek Holland
for second in shutouts with 4, tied for first in the American League, and each pitcher would have at least 13 wins. The offense, always considered a strong point for the team, would also have another good year with 3 players getting 30+ home runs, and Ian Kinsler
completed his second 30/30 season.
They won their second straight AL West title and beat the Tampa Bay Rays
in four games and the Detroit Tigers
in six to advance to the 2011 World Series
. They lost to the St. Louis Cardinals
in seven games, their second straight defeat in the World Series. The World Series was notable for the Rangers being one strike away from being World Champions twice in Game 6 with a two run lead each time before ultimately losing to the Cardinals 10-9 in an 11 inning thriller. They would go on to lose Game 7, 6-2.
. According to major media markets, Lee's most likely destination for 2011 was a return to Texas, or signing with the New York Yankees
. Bob Simpson, a lead investor of Rangers Baseball Express which owns the Rangers, told media "We’re going to go after Cliff Lee – hard, and we have the financial firepower to do that." After an extended process which included a flight by principal owner Chuck Greenberg, team investor Ray Davis, and assistant GM Thad Levine to meet with Lee, his wife, and agent following the winter meeting, Lee signed a five-year deal with the Phillies to return to the team which traded him away at the start of the 2010 season.
On November 3, 2010, the Rangers declined to exercise their 2011 option on Vladimir Guerrero
's contract. Guerrero was a type A free agent but the Rangers would not receive draft pick compensation for Guerrero after he signed with the Baltimore Orioles
.
Scott Feldman
underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. The rehab time for the surgery will prevent Feldman from returning to compete for a rotation spot for the start of the season. Feldman was the Texas Rangers' pitcher of the year in 2009 and opening day starter for 2010, but failed to repeat his success in 2010 after signing a three-year extension.
For the second year in a row, the Rangers needed to fill the position of hitting coach after Clint Hurdle
took the manager position with the Pittsburgh Pirates
. The Rangers signed Thad Bosley
. Bosley was a member of the A's coaching staff during Washington's time with the A's, and was also teammates with first base coach Gary Pettis
in the Rangers organization during his final playing year.
The Rangers signed two players in November: 34-year-old free agent Japanese pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama
, a side-arm throwing relief pitcher, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba
from the San Diego Padres. Torrealba was a type B free agent and did not cost the Rangers a draft pick for the signing. Bengie Molina
, the Rangers' primary catcher in 2010, elected to retire.
On December 26, the Rangers and pitcher Brandon Webb
agreed to terms for a one-year contract. Webb, who was recovering from shoulder surgery, had not pitched in the majors since opening day of 2009.
The Rangers' biggest free agent move for the 2011 season would be the signing of third baseman
Adrian Beltre
. The six-year, $96 million dollar deal would force incumbent veteran Michael Young into his fourth position with the Rangers. Although Young was hesitant to make another position move, Young told the Rangers and the media he was willing to switch to designated hitter
in order for the Rangers to sign Beltre. With the signing of Beltre and move of Young, the Rangers did not continue to attempt to re-sign Guerrero, who would sign a one-year deal with the Orioles.
In late January the Rangers made their biggest trade of the offseason when long-time trade target Mike Napoli
was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays
for relief pitcher Frank Francisco
. Napoli became available to the Rangers after being sent to the Blue Jays with Juan Rivera just three days earlier in exchange for Vernon Wells. The weakening of the bullpen from the loss of Francisco would not be the biggest problem from the Napoli trade as DH utility infielder Michael Young would demand his second trade request in three years. After a press conference in which Rangers president Nolan Ryan
and GM Jon Daniels
acknowledged Young's trade request, indicating Young had a change of heart after initially agreeing to be the primary designated hitter
, Young fired back telling the press
Although trade rumors concerning Young would continue after his demand, as it did during and after the winter meetings, no trade would be forthcoming and Young reported for Spring Training on time.
and Tommy Hunter
. Free agent Brandon Webb
would continue to prepare for a return to baseball, but would not be ready in time for opening day and would start the season on the disabled list. An injury to Hunter would place him on the disabled list to start the season, and Matt Harrison
, who had earned the fourth spot, would be moved to third. The remaining candidates, Derek Holland
, Michael Kirkman
, Eric Hurley
, and closer Neftali Feliz, would continue to compete for the final two spots. Kirkman and Hurley were sent to AAA, and Feliz was returned to the closer role due to a weakened bullpen. Reliever Alexi Ogando
would be the number 5 starter behind Holland to start the season.
On March 11, just 220 days after acquiring the team from auction, Chuck Greenberg would resign as CEO from the Rangers. The resignation came about due to different management styles between Greenberg and president Nolan Ryan
. Ryan added the CEO title to his position.
Although the rift between Greenberg and Ryan were never publicly discussed by the Rangers, reports indicated two major events that might have directly led to the removal of Greenberg, Greenberg's involvement with additional attempts to sign Cliff Lee
, and his involvement with potential Young trades after Young demanded a trade, most specifically that Greenberg demanded Young forfeit deferred interest due to him by the Rangers. The demand would have been a violation of the MLB CBA.
During Spring Training GM Jon Daniels
and Young met twice to discuss the situation leading to Young's trade demand. Daniels said it was the Rangers' continued trade discussions after Young being told he would not be traded once third baseman Adrian Beltre
was acquired that helped lead to the trade demand.
The Rangers later traded Matt Treanor
to the Kansas City Royals
(Treanor would later be traded back to the Rangers at the end of August).
Rotation: CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
, Matt Harrison
, Derek Holland
, Alexi Ogando
, Dave Bush
For the first time under manager Ron Washington
the Rangers would finish the month of April with a record above .500. After sweeping the first two series against Boston
and Seattle
the Rangers would take their first loss of the season against Baltimore
in the first game of a double header on April 9 after the series opener was rained out. The Rangers were the last team in the 2011 season to record a loss and each Ranger starter would get the win from game 2 through game 6, the first team to have 5 different starters win at least 1 game each. After the Baltimore series the Rangers would lose three straight series versus the Tigers
, Yankees
, and Angels
. A sweep of the Royals
, a 1-3 series lose to Toronto
, and a two game split with Oakland would finish out the month. The Rangers would spend only one day out of first place for the West
in the month.
Ian Kinsler
would make Major League history by being the first player to hit a lead off home run in the first two games of a season. Kinsler would also set another record along with Nelson Cruz by being the first teammates to hit at least one homerun each in each of the first three games of the season. Cruz would go on to hit a homerun in the first four games of the season, only the third player in Major League history, and the first to do so in the American League. Shortstop Elvis Andrus
would also hit his first homerun since 2009 in the fourth game of the season.
Ogando would make his second start against the Detroit Tigers and earn his second win. In each of his first two starts of the season he went 6+ innings, earned the win, and gave up 2 or fewer hit in each start, joining only 4 other pitchers since 1919 to do so. Ogando would be the first to do so without giving up a run.
On April 12 left fielder Josh Hamilton left the game after a first inning play at the plate. The Rangers would ultimately lose their second game of the season and Hamilton would be diagnosed with a fracture in his right shoulder. After the game, Hamilton expressed his concern about the play before running calling it a "stupid play" and thinking "I don't want to do this... something is going to happen" but said he listened to his third base coach and ran on the infield foul out.
As a result of the rainout versus Baltimore
on April 8, starter Colby Lewis
pitched one day later than scheduled. This would force Lewis to miss his next start on April 13 against Detroit
and resulted in Lewis missing a second start for the birth of his child. Local blogger and radio shock jock Richie Whitt would criticize the Rangers’ and Lewis’ decision to take a leave as a result of the birth of Lewis’ second child. Whitt pointed out a starter only gets thirty or so chances to impact a baseball game, and since players are paid millions, the birth of a child should be planned for the off season if need be.
The Texas Rangers’
2011 season
was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas
. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions.
Despite playing during one of the hottest summers on record in Texas, the Rangers claimed their second consecutive Western division title (fifth overall), and set franchise records for winning (96 wins and a .592 winning percentage, one win better than the previous record set in 1999) and home attendance (2,946,949 fans at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, breaking the old record set in 1997). Another year of improvement from the starting pitching and defense would give the Rangers the most shutouts in the American League, and trailed the Philadelphia Phillies
by only 2 for the MLB lead. All 5 members of the opening day starting rotation would stay in the rotation for the entire year. CJ Wilson tied for the league lead in starts with 34 while Derek Holland
for second in shutouts with 4, tied for first in the American League, and each pitcher would have at least 13 wins. The offense, always considered a strong point for the team, would also have another good year with 3 players getting 30+ home runs, and Ian Kinsler
completed his second 30/30 season.
They won their second straight AL West title and beat the Tampa Bay Rays
in four games and the Detroit Tigers
in six to advance to the 2011 World Series
. They lost to the St. Louis Cardinals
in seven games, their second straight defeat in the World Series. The World Series was notable for the Rangers being one strike away from being World Champions twice in Game 6 with a two run lead each time before ultimately losing to the Cardinals 10-9 in an 11 inning thriller. They would go on to lose Game 7, 6-2.
. According to major media markets,http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/cliff-lee-rumors-sunday-1.html Lee's most likely destination for 2011 was a return to Texas, or signing with the New York Yankees
. Bob Simpson, a lead investor of Rangers Baseball Express which owns the Rangers, told media "We’re going to go after Cliff Lee – hard, and we have the financial firepower to do that." After an extended process which included a flight by principal owner Chuck Greenberg, team investor Ray Davis, and assistant GM Thad Levine to meet with Lee, his wife, and agent following the winter meeting, Lee signed a five-year deal with the Phillies to return to the team which traded him away at the start of the 2010 season.
On November 3, 2010, the Rangers declined to exercise their 2011 option on Vladimir Guerrero
's contract. Guerrero was a type A free agent but the Rangers would not receive draft pick compensation for Guerrero after he signed with the Baltimore Orioles
.
Scott Feldman
underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. The rehab time for the surgery will prevent Feldman from returning to compete for a rotation spot for the start of the season. Feldman was the Texas Rangers' pitcher of the year in 2009 and opening day starter for 2010, but failed to repeat his success in 2010 after signing a three-year extension.
For the second year in a row, the Rangers needed to fill the position of hitting coach after Clint Hurdle
took the manager position with the Pittsburgh Pirates
. The Rangers signed Thad Bosley
. Bosley was a member of the A's coaching staff during Washington's time with the A's, and was also teammates with first base coach Gary Pettis
in the Rangers organization during his final playing year.
The Rangers signed two players in November: 34-year-old free agent Japanese pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama
, a side-arm throwing relief pitcher, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba
from the San Diego Padres. Torrealba was a type B free agent and did not cost the Rangers a draft pick for the signing. Bengie Molina
, the Rangers' primary catcher in 2010, elected to retire.
On December 26, the Rangers and pitcher Brandon Webb
agreed to terms for a one-year contract. Webb, who was recovering from shoulder surgery, had not pitched in the majors since opening day of 2009.
The Rangers' biggest free agent move for the 2011 season would be the signing of third baseman
Adrian Beltre
. The six-year, $96 million dollar deal would force incumbent veteran Michael Young into his fourth position with the Rangers. Although Young was hesitant to make another position move, Young told the Rangers and the media he was willing to switch to designated hitter
in order for the Rangers to sign Beltre. With the signing of Beltre and move of Young, the Rangers did not continue to attempt to re-sign Guerrero, who would sign a one-year deal with the Orioles.
In late January the Rangers made their biggest trade of the offseason when long-time trade target Mike Napoli
was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays
for relief pitcher Frank Francisco
. Napoli became available to the Rangers after being sent to the Blue Jays with Juan Rivera just three days earlier in exchange for Vernon Wells. The weakening of the bullpen from the loss of Francisco would not be the biggest problem from the Napoli trade as DH utility infielder Michael Young would demand his second trade request in three years. After a press conference in which Rangers president Nolan Ryan
and GM Jon Daniels
acknowledged Young's trade request, indicating Young had a change of heart after initially agreeing to be the primary designated hitter
, Young fired back telling the press
Although trade rumors concerning Young would continue after his demand, as it did during and after the winter meetings, no trade would be forthcoming and Young reported for Spring Training on time.
and Tommy Hunter
. Free agent Brandon Webb
would continue to prepare for a return to baseball, but would not be ready in time for opening day and would start the season on the disabled list. An injury to Hunter would place him on the disabled list to start the season, and Matt Harrison
, who had earned the fourth spot, would be moved to third. The remaining candidates, Derek Holland
, Michael Kirkman
, Eric Hurley
, and closer Neftali Feliz, would continue to compete for the final two spots. Kirkman and Hurley were sent to AAA, and Feliz was returned to the closer role due to a weakened bullpen. Reliever Alexi Ogando
would be the number 5 starter behind Holland to start the season.
On March 11, just 220 days after acquiring the team from auction, Chuck Greenberg would resign as CEO from the Rangers. The resignation came about due to different management styles between Greenberg and president Nolan Ryan
. Ryan added the CEO title to his position.
Although the rift between Greenberg and Ryan were never publicly discussed by the Rangers, reports indicated two major events that might have directly led to the removal of Greenberg, Greenberg's involvement with additional attempts to sign Cliff Lee
, and his involvement with potential Young trades after Young demanded a trade, most specifically that Greenberg demanded Young forfeit deferred interest due to him by the Rangers. The demand would have been a violation of the MLB CBA.
During Spring Training GM Jon Daniels
and Young met twice to discuss the situation leading to Young's trade demand. Daniels said it was the Rangers' continued trade discussions after Young being told he would not be traded once third baseman Adrian Beltre
was acquired that helped lead to the trade demand.
The Rangers later traded Matt Treanor
to the Kansas City Royals
(Treanor would later be traded back to the Rangers at the end of August).
Rotation: CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
, Matt Harrison
, Derek Holland
, Alexi Ogando
, Dave Bush
For the first time under manager Ron Washington
the Rangers would finish the month of April with a record above .500. After sweeping the first two series against Boston
and Seattle
the Rangers would take their first loss of the season against Baltimore
in the first game of a double header on April 9 after the series opener was rained out. The Rangers were the last team in the 2011 season to record a loss and each Ranger starter would get the win from game 2 through game 6, the first team to have 5 different starters win at least 1 game each. After the Baltimore series the Rangers would lose three straight series versus the Tigers
, Yankees
, and Angels
. A sweep of the Royals
, a 1-3 series lose to Toronto
, and a two game split with Oakland would finish out the month. The Rangers would spend only one day out of first place for the West
in the month.
Ian Kinsler
would make Major League history by being the first player to hit a lead off home run in the first two games of a season. Kinsler would also set another record along with Nelson Cruz by being the first teammates to hit at least one homerun each in each of the first three games of the season. Cruz would go on to hit a homerun in the first four games of the season, only the third player in Major League history, and the first to do so in the American League. Shortstop Elvis Andrus
would also hit his first homerun since 2009 in the fourth game of the season.
Ogando would make his second start against the Detroit Tigers and earn his second win. In each of his first two starts of the season he went 6+ innings, earned the win, and gave up 2 or fewer hit in each start, joining only 4 other pitchers since 1919 to do so. Ogando would be the first to do so without giving up a run.
On April 12 left fielder Josh Hamilton left the game after a first inning play at the plate. The Rangers would ultimately lose their second game of the season and Hamilton would be diagnosed with a fracture in his right shoulder. After the game, Hamilton expressed his concern about the play before running calling it a "stupid play" and thinking "I don't want to do this... something is going to happen" but said he listened to his third base coach and ran on the infield foul out.
As a result of the rainout versus Baltimore
on April 8, starter Colby Lewis
pitched one day later than scheduled. This would force Lewis to miss his next start on April 13 against Detroit
and resulted in Lewis missing a second start for the birth of his child. Local blogger and radio shock jock Richie Whitt would criticize the Rangers’ and Lewis’ decision to take a leave as a result of the birth of Lewis’ second child. Whitt pointed out a starter only gets thirty or so chances to impact a baseball game, and since players are paid millions, the birth of a child should be planned for the off season if need be.
The Texas Rangers’
2011 season
was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas
. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions.
Despite playing during one of the hottest summers on record in Texas, the Rangers claimed their second consecutive Western division title (fifth overall), and set franchise records for winning (96 wins and a .592 winning percentage, one win better than the previous record set in 1999) and home attendance (2,946,949 fans at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, breaking the old record set in 1997). Another year of improvement from the starting pitching and defense would give the Rangers the most shutouts in the American League, and trailed the Philadelphia Phillies
by only 2 for the MLB lead. All 5 members of the opening day starting rotation would stay in the rotation for the entire year. CJ Wilson tied for the league lead in starts with 34 while Derek Holland
for second in shutouts with 4, tied for first in the American League, and each pitcher would have at least 13 wins. The offense, always considered a strong point for the team, would also have another good year with 3 players getting 30+ home runs, and Ian Kinsler
completed his second 30/30 season.
They won their second straight AL West title and beat the Tampa Bay Rays
in four games and the Detroit Tigers
in six to advance to the 2011 World Series
. They lost to the St. Louis Cardinals
in seven games, their second straight defeat in the World Series. The World Series was notable for the Rangers being one strike away from being World Champions twice in Game 6 with a two run lead each time before ultimately losing to the Cardinals 10-9 in an 11 inning thriller. They would go on to lose Game 7, 6-2.
. According to major media markets,http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/cliff-lee-rumors-sunday-1.html Lee's most likely destination for 2011 was a return to Texas, or signing with the New York Yankees
. Bob Simpson, a lead investor of Rangers Baseball Express which owns the Rangers, told media "We’re going to go after Cliff Lee – hard, and we have the financial firepower to do that." After an extended process which included a flight by principal owner Chuck Greenberg, team investor Ray Davis, and assistant GM Thad Levine to meet with Lee, his wife, and agent following the winter meeting, Lee signed a five-year deal with the Phillies to return to the team which traded him away at the start of the 2010 season.
On November 3, 2010, the Rangers declined to exercise their 2011 option on Vladimir Guerrero
's contract. Guerrero was a type A free agent but the Rangers would not receive draft pick compensation for Guerrero after he signed with the Baltimore Orioles
.
Scott Feldman
underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. The rehab time for the surgery will prevent Feldman from returning to compete for a rotation spot for the start of the season. Feldman was the Texas Rangers' pitcher of the year in 2009 and opening day starter for 2010, but failed to repeat his success in 2010 after signing a three-year extension.
For the second year in a row, the Rangers needed to fill the position of hitting coach after Clint Hurdle
took the manager position with the Pittsburgh Pirates
. The Rangers signed Thad Bosley
. Bosley was a member of the A's coaching staff during Washington's time with the A's, and was also teammates with first base coach Gary Pettis
in the Rangers organization during his final playing year.
The Rangers signed two players in November: 34-year-old free agent Japanese pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama
, a side-arm throwing relief pitcher, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba
from the San Diego Padres. Torrealba was a type B free agent and did not cost the Rangers a draft pick for the signing. Bengie Molina
, the Rangers' primary catcher in 2010, elected to retire.
On December 26, the Rangers and pitcher Brandon Webb
agreed to terms for a one-year contract. Webb, who was recovering from shoulder surgery, had not pitched in the majors since opening day of 2009.
The Rangers' biggest free agent move for the 2011 season would be the signing of third baseman
Adrian Beltre
. The six-year, $96 million dollar deal would force incumbent veteran Michael Young into his fourth position with the Rangers. Although Young was hesitant to make another position move, Young told the Rangers and the media he was willing to switch to designated hitter
in order for the Rangers to sign Beltre. With the signing of Beltre and move of Young, the Rangers did not continue to attempt to re-sign Guerrero, who would sign a one-year deal with the Orioles.
In late January the Rangers made their biggest trade of the offseason when long-time trade target Mike Napoli
was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays
for relief pitcher Frank Francisco
. Napoli became available to the Rangers after being sent to the Blue Jays with Juan Rivera just three days earlier in exchange for Vernon Wells. The weakening of the bullpen from the loss of Francisco would not be the biggest problem from the Napoli trade as DH utility infielder Michael Young would demand his second trade request in three years. After a press conference in which Rangers president Nolan Ryan
and GM Jon Daniels
acknowledged Young's trade request, indicating Young had a change of heart after initially agreeing to be the primary designated hitter
, Young fired back telling the press
Although trade rumors concerning Young would continue after his demand, as it did during and after the winter meetings, no trade would be forthcoming and Young reported for Spring Training on time.
and Tommy Hunter
. Free agent Brandon Webb
would continue to prepare for a return to baseball, but would not be ready in time for opening day and would start the season on the disabled list. An injury to Hunter would place him on the disabled list to start the season, and Matt Harrison
, who had earned the fourth spot, would be moved to third. The remaining candidates, Derek Holland
, Michael Kirkman
, Eric Hurley
, and closer Neftali Feliz, would continue to compete for the final two spots. Kirkman and Hurley were sent to AAA, and Feliz was returned to the closer role due to a weakened bullpen. Reliever Alexi Ogando
would be the number 5 starter behind Holland to start the season.
On March 11, just 220 days after acquiring the team from auction, Chuck Greenberg would resign as CEO from the Rangers. The resignation came about due to different management styles between Greenberg and president Nolan Ryan
. Ryan added the CEO title to his position.
Although the rift between Greenberg and Ryan were never publicly discussed by the Rangers, reports indicated two major events that might have directly led to the removal of Greenberg, Greenberg's involvement with additional attempts to sign Cliff Lee
, and his involvement with potential Young trades after Young demanded a trade, most specifically that Greenberg demanded Young forfeit deferred interest due to him by the Rangers. The demand would have been a violation of the MLB CBA.
During Spring Training GM Jon Daniels
and Young met twice to discuss the situation leading to Young's trade demand. Daniels said it was the Rangers' continued trade discussions after Young being told he would not be traded once third baseman Adrian Beltre
was acquired that helped lead to the trade demand.
The Rangers later traded Matt Treanor
to the Kansas City Royals
(Treanor would later be traded back to the Rangers at the end of August).
Rotation: CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
, Matt Harrison
, Derek Holland
, Alexi Ogando
, Dave Bush
For the first time under manager Ron Washington
the Rangers would finish the month of April with a record above .500. After sweeping the first two series against Boston
and Seattle
the Rangers would take their first loss of the season against Baltimore
in the first game of a double header on April 9 after the series opener was rained out. The Rangers were the last team in the 2011 season to record a loss and each Ranger starter would get the win from game 2 through game 6, the first team to have 5 different starters win at least 1 game each. After the Baltimore series the Rangers would lose three straight series versus the Tigers
, Yankees
, and Angels
. A sweep of the Royals
, a 1-3 series lose to Toronto
, and a two game split with Oakland would finish out the month. The Rangers would spend only one day out of first place for the West
in the month.
Ian Kinsler
would make Major League history by being the first player to hit a lead off home run in the first two games of a season. Kinsler would also set another record along with Nelson Cruz by being the first teammates to hit at least one homerun each in each of the first three games of the season. Cruz would go on to hit a homerun in the first four games of the season, only the third player in Major League history, and the first to do so in the American League. Shortstop Elvis Andrus
would also hit his first homerun since 2009 in the fourth game of the season.
Ogando would make his second start against the Detroit Tigers and earn his second win. In each of his first two starts of the season he went 6+ innings, earned the win, and gave up 2 or fewer hit in each start, joining only 4 other pitchers since 1919 to do so. Ogando would be the first to do so without giving up a run.
On April 12 left fielder Josh Hamilton left the game after a first inning play at the plate. The Rangers would ultimately lose their second game of the season and Hamilton would be diagnosed with a fracture in his right shoulder. After the game, Hamilton expressed his concern about the play before running calling it a "stupid play" and thinking "I don't want to do this... something is going to happen" but said he listened to his third base coach and ran on the infield foul out.
As a result of the rainout versus Baltimore
on April 8, starter Colby Lewis
pitched one day later than scheduled. This would force Lewis to miss his next start on April 13 against Detroit
and resulted in Lewis missing a second start for the birth of his child. Local blogger and radio shock jock Richie Whitt would criticize the Rangers’ and Lewis’ decision to take a leave as a result of the birth of Lewis’ second child. Whitt pointed out a starter only gets thirty or so chances to impact a baseball game, and since players are paid millions, the birth of a child should be planned for the off season if need be. Dallas Morning News reporter Evan Grant countered the blog posting stating it was the rain delayed Baltimore game which caused Lewis’ next start to be a day later, resulting in Lewis missing his next start to attended the planned birth of his second child. Grant also reported Lewis offered to make a short rested start before the leave to avoid missing a start, and was declined by the Rangers to do so. Dave Bush would get the starts in Lewis' place. Bush would be the last player who started the season on a team’s 25-man roster to make his 2011 debut. Lefthanded pitcher Michael Kirkman
would be called up during Lewis' leave.
On April 15 the Rangers and pitcher Matt Harrison
would tie the MLB record by turning 6 double plays in the game. When Lewis returned on April 18, reliver Mark Lowe
was optioned to AAA. Rule 5 draft pick Mason Tobin
would leave the April 19 game with an injury and be placed on the 60-day DL the next day. Closer Neftali Feliz would be sent to the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation on April 23 and Darren O'Day
would go on the 60-day DL with a torn labrum in his hip. Darren O'Day
would also be placed on the 60 day DL on April 27 with a torn labrum in his left hip.
Rotation: Matt Harrison
, Derek Holland
, Alexi Ogando
, CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
, Dave Bush
After losing their May 1 game, the Rangers would be tied for first place with the Angels until falling to second place on May 5. The Rangers would spend the next eleven days out of first place, falling as far as third in the division, but would never fall below 2 games behind the Angels and would retake the division lead on May 16. The Rangers would finish the month .5 game up on Seattle and 1 game up on the Angels.
After several weeks of speculation, the Rangers signed Cuban defect Leonys Martín
on May 4 for a $15.5 million major league contract and added him to the 40-man roster. The Rangers also recalled Mark Lowe
to the majors and option Pedro Strop
to AAA.
Closer Neftalí Feliz returned from the DL on May 6. Nelson Cruz was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained right quadriceps muscle on May 7. Craig Gentry
was called up to replace Cruz on the roster.
The May 11 day game between the Texas Rangers and Oakland A's was postponed due to rain in the middle of the fourth inning. After a 2 hour 21 minute delay, the game was called. The Rangers held a commanding 7-0 lead in part due to a Mitch Moreland
grand slam, but because the game was called before the end of the fifth inning, all results from the game were voided. Although both teams had the next day off, the game was not able to be made up the following day because the Rangers had played the previous 20 days in a row, and it is against MLBPA rules to play more than 20 days in a row. The game would instead be made up in on a fateful July 7 day.
Julio Borbon
pulled a hamstring during the May 13 game and was placed on the 15 day DL. During this time, all three starting outfilders would be on the DL. Journeyman centerfielder Endy Chávez
was called up to replace Borbon. To make room for the addition of Chávez on the 40 man roster, Brandon Webb
was placed on the 60 man DL. Chávez had been with the Rangers organization on a minor league contract since 2010 while recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the 2009 season.
The Rangers took first place in the division back on Colby Lewis
' first career shutout on May 16.
Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz returned to the team from the DL on May 23.
A second Rangers home game would be delayed do to rain in the month of May. The 7:00 May 24 game would result in fans evactuating the playing field and being placed in the underground entrances by ballpark officials with a "tornadic supercell" less than 10 miles from the ballpark. The teams would play again at 1:00 cst the next day, but the umpiring crew concluded the game should be continued and play resumed after a three hour delay.
Off the field, on May 26 the Rangers officially removed rookie play-by-play man John Rhadigan out of the TV booth and back to the Fox Sports Southwest post-/pre- game show. Rhadigan moved to the TV booth to replace long-time play-by-play game caller Josh Lewin
, whose contract expired at the end of the 2010 season. Rhadigan had no previous play-by-play experience prior to the season, and was often lampooned by fans of the time on the internet for his in game mistakes and inabilty to correctly and timely describe the action on the field.
Rotation: Alexi Ogando
, Derek Holland
, CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
, Matt Harrison
The Rangers would hold onto first place for the entire month of June, but would lead the division by no more than 2.5 during the month and ended with a 1 game lead over the Angels.
After completing his DL stint, centerfielder Julio Borbon
was optioned to AAA on June 3. If Borbon had been returned to the ML roster, David Murphy, Endy Chavez
, or Craig Gentry
would have been removed from the 25 man roster. Although Murphy was having a bad offensive year coming into June, he still represented a better offensive potential than the remaining outfielders, and Gentry was the only right handed outfielder other than Nelson Cruz. Chavez was out of options and in order to remain in the organization, would have had to have been placed on waivers and options to AAA.
Ian Kinsler
went on paternity leave on June 8. The same day the Rangers also announced the dismissal of hitting coach Thad Bosley
for communication differences. Beat writer Evan Grant reported after the dismissal one example taking place between Bosley and catcher Yorvit Torrealba
.
The Rangers replaced Bosley by promoting AAA hitting coach and former Ranger's player Scott Coolbaugh
. Coolbaugh is the third hitting coach in two seasons following Rudy Jaramillo
's 14 years as Texas' hitting coach.
Mike Napoli
was placed on the 15-day DL on June 12 with a strained left oblique muscle.
Former reliever Alexi Ogando
recorded a 7-0 record before losing his first decision to the New York Yankees
on June 14. He would lose the next two decisions finishing June with a 7-3 record.
After ending July 3 tied for first place with the Angels, the Rangers entered the all-star break on a 7 game winning streak. The streak would last another 5 games, the second best winning streak in franchise history. However, the Rangers would get no further than 5 games ahead of the Angels as a result of the streak. The Rangers ended the month 2 games in first place.
Ron Washington
and first base coach Gary Pettis
were both ejected from the July 3 game after a close call by first base umpire Ángel Hernández
. Washington did not engage in the argument between Pettis and Hernández, but began yelling at the umpire after Hernández, according to Washington, "told me my job is to get him (Pettis) off the field. You don't tell me what my job is..... You can't talk to Angel. Angel is the smartest umpire in baseball." Washington was later fined for his comments.
The following day, Washington pinch hit Mike Napoli
for designated hitter Michael Young in the 8 inning of a 13-4 win over the Orioles
. At the time of his at bat, Young was a home run short of hitting for the cycle, and Washington later admitted his error by lifting Young for Napoli. It was the second time in Washington's tenure as Rangers' manager that he pinch hit for a batter who was one potential at bat away from completing the cycle.
Prior to the non-waiver trading deadline the Rangers picked up Koji Uehara
from the Baltimore Orioles
in exchange for Chris Davis
and Mike Adams from the San Diego Padres
. Arthur Rhodes
was released.
The Rangers started a Shannon Stone memorial fund for the family and plans to place a monument at the homeplate entrance of a father and son walking into the ballpark.
Hamilton was the only Ranger selected by fan voting. Young and Beltre were each selected by player voting. Wilson was selected by Washington. This decision did create some criticizing from media and fans, especially those who wanted Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia selected. However, when Washington made the selection he also had the players voting results available to him, and know which pitchers would be selected if other starters were made unavailable due to starting prior to the All-Star game. After starting pitcher Justin Verlander
was made unavailable due to his start, the next pitcher selected was Sabathia who also started. The final spot was then awarded to Ogando who had not lost a game when the player voting took place.
Prior to the last day of the month the Rangers picked up Michael Gonzalez (also from the Orioles) who received Pedro Strop
in exchange, and re-acquired Matt Treanor
from the Kansas City Royals
.
On Friday, September 23, the Rangers (playing at home) defeated the Mariners by a score of 5-3 and moving the magic number
to 1 game. Because the Angels had a scheduled start on the west coast, approximately 12,000 fans stayed inside Rangers Ballpark watching the outcome of that game on the scoreboard. Once the Angels were defeated by the Oakland A's by a score of 3-1, making the Rangers American League West champions for the second consecutive year, the Rangers returned to the field to celebrate in front of the fans. In a familiar scene, the Rangers celebrated using ginger ale
on-field with Josh Hamilton, but later sprayed each other with champagne once inside the locker room.
By sweeping the Angels in the last away-game series, the Rangers also clinched home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a record of 96-66, second in the American League only to the New York Yankees with a record of 97-65.
' game 3 start was only the 17 game in postseason history to have a starter go at least 6 innings with 1 hit or less, and Lewis became the eighth pitcher to do so in a postseason game while recording 6 or more strikeouts.http://www.bbtia.com/home/2011/10/4/the-greatest-story-ever-told.html
The Rangers clinched the ALDS in game four and became the third franchise to advance to the ALCS in consecutive years during the past decade. Matt Harrison
lasted only 5 innings in game 4, but recorded 9 strikeouts in the outing. Harrison is the 10 player to throw 9 strikeouts or more in less than 6 innings in a postseason game.http://www.bbtia.com/the-clubhouse/2011/10/5/nine-strikeouts-in-18-seconds.html Adrian Beltre
became the fifth player to hit 3 homeruns in a playoff game, becoming the first to do so in a League Division Series game. The last time a player hit 3 homeruns in a postseason game was 1978 by George Brett
.http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/share.cgi?id=VAbrz
(b) Game 2 was rescheduled from 10/9 to 10/10 due to rain
(c) Game 2 was an 11th-inning walk-off
(d) Game 4 suffered a pre-game rain delay totaling 2:13 and was extended into 11 innings
. Loux was the 6th pick in the 2010 MLB draft
from Texas A&M
, by the Arizona Diamondbacks
, but Loux failed a physical from the Diamondbacks and a $2 million draft bonus was voided. MLB commissioner Bud Selig
ruled the Diamondbacks would receive a compensation pick for the 2011 MLB draft
and Loux would be a free agent
. Including Loux, the Rangers signed 5 of the first 50 picks from the 2010 MLB draft.
The Rangers signed 18 year-old Dutch short stop Nick Urbanus in November. In December the Rangers signed three additional free agents; sixteen year old short stop Rougned Odor from Venezuela
, catcher
Fernando vivili from Dominican Republic
, and pitcher
Jose Leclair, also from the DR.
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
2011 season
2011 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:December*December 5: Last time to outright a player prior to the Rule 5 Draft – 5 p.m. ET.*December 7: Last date for player who declared free agency to accept an arbitration offer from former club...
was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions.
Despite playing during one of the hottest summers on record in Texas, the Rangers claimed their second consecutive Western division title (fifth overall), and set franchise records for winning (96 wins and a .592 winning percentage, one win better than the previous record set in 1999) and home attendance (2,946,949 fans at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, breaking the old record set in 1997). Another year of improvement from the starting pitching and defense would give the Rangers the most shutouts in the American League, and trailed the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
by only 2 for the MLB lead. All 5 members of the opening day starting rotation would stay in the rotation for the entire year. CJ Wilson tied for the league lead in starts with 34 while Derek Holland
Derek Holland (baseball)
Derek Lane Holland is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He is noted for his kid-like appearance....
for second in shutouts with 4, tied for first in the American League, and each pitcher would have at least 13 wins. The offense, always considered a strong point for the team, would also have another good year with 3 players getting 30+ home runs, and Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
completed his second 30/30 season.
They won their second straight AL West title and beat the Tampa Bay Rays
2011 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays 2011 season was the team's 14th season of baseball. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history...
in four games and the Detroit Tigers
2011 Detroit Tigers season
The 2011 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 111th season. The season began on March 31 at New York against the Yankees, and the home opener was on April 8 against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers honored the late Sparky Anderson during the season...
in six to advance to the 2011 World Series
2011 World Series
The 2011 World Series was the 107th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion St...
. They lost to the St. Louis Cardinals
2011 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 season was the 130th season for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, the 120th season in the National League, and the sixth season at Busch Stadium III. The Cardinals began their season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 31, coming off a 86-76 season and...
in seven games, their second straight defeat in the World Series. The World Series was notable for the Rangers being one strike away from being World Champions twice in Game 6 with a two run lead each time before ultimately losing to the Cardinals 10-9 in an 11 inning thriller. They would go on to lose Game 7, 6-2.
Offseason
The biggest free agent pitcher of the 2011 market was Cliff LeeCliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
. According to major media markets, Lee's most likely destination for 2011 was a return to Texas, or signing with the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Bob Simpson, a lead investor of Rangers Baseball Express which owns the Rangers, told media "We’re going to go after Cliff Lee – hard, and we have the financial firepower to do that." After an extended process which included a flight by principal owner Chuck Greenberg, team investor Ray Davis, and assistant GM Thad Levine to meet with Lee, his wife, and agent following the winter meeting, Lee signed a five-year deal with the Phillies to return to the team which traded him away at the start of the 2010 season.
On November 3, 2010, the Rangers declined to exercise their 2011 option on Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
's contract. Guerrero was a type A free agent but the Rangers would not receive draft pick compensation for Guerrero after he signed with the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
.
Scott Feldman
Scott Feldman
Scott Feldman was a news anchor for News 12 Long Island for 22 years.-Early life:Feldman was born in St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from the University of Denver in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard....
underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. The rehab time for the surgery will prevent Feldman from returning to compete for a rotation spot for the start of the season. Feldman was the Texas Rangers' pitcher of the year in 2009 and opening day starter for 2010, but failed to repeat his success in 2010 after signing a three-year extension.
For the second year in a row, the Rangers needed to fill the position of hitting coach after Clint Hurdle
Clint Hurdle
Clinton Merrick Hurdle is a former Major League Baseball outfielder whose 10-year career was spent with the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals. After retiring from playing baseball, Hurdle became a manager...
took the manager position with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. The Rangers signed Thad Bosley
Thad Bosley
Thaddis Bosley Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the California Angels , Chicago White Sox , Milwaukee Brewers , Seattle Mariners , Chicago Cubs , Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers ....
. Bosley was a member of the A's coaching staff during Washington's time with the A's, and was also teammates with first base coach Gary Pettis
Gary Pettis
Gary George Pettis is the current first base coach of the Texas Rangers. Prior to coaching, he spent eleven seasons as a center fielder in Major League Baseball....
in the Rangers organization during his final playing year.
The Rangers signed two players in November: 34-year-old free agent Japanese pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama
Yoshinori Tateyama
is a Japanese Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.As a sidearm pitcher Tateyama combines a fastball that averages 87 mph with a curveball, and he also pitches a screwball against lefties. While his strikeout totals were average, he got hitters out with his control .On November...
, a side-arm throwing relief pitcher, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Adolfo Torrealba is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Texas Rangers. He previously played for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres. He bats and throws right-handed.-San Francisco Giants:...
from the San Diego Padres. Torrealba was a type B free agent and did not cost the Rangers a draft pick for the signing. Bengie Molina
Bengie Molina
Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina , nicknamed "Big Money", is a former Major League Baseball catcher.He is the older brother of major league catchers José Molina and Yadier Molina....
, the Rangers' primary catcher in 2010, elected to retire.
On December 26, the Rangers and pitcher Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
agreed to terms for a one-year contract. Webb, who was recovering from shoulder surgery, had not pitched in the majors since opening day of 2009.
The Rangers' biggest free agent move for the 2011 season would be the signing of third baseman
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
Adrian Beltre
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
. The six-year, $96 million dollar deal would force incumbent veteran Michael Young into his fourth position with the Rangers. Although Young was hesitant to make another position move, Young told the Rangers and the media he was willing to switch to designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
in order for the Rangers to sign Beltre. With the signing of Beltre and move of Young, the Rangers did not continue to attempt to re-sign Guerrero, who would sign a one-year deal with the Orioles.
In late January the Rangers made their biggest trade of the offseason when long-time trade target Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...
was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
for relief pitcher Frank Francisco
Frank Francisco
Franklin Thomas Francisco is a relief pitcher.-Baseball career:Francisco was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Boston Red Sox. He was traded by the Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox on July 31, , along with Byeong Hak An in exchange for reliever Bob Howry...
. Napoli became available to the Rangers after being sent to the Blue Jays with Juan Rivera just three days earlier in exchange for Vernon Wells. The weakening of the bullpen from the loss of Francisco would not be the biggest problem from the Napoli trade as DH utility infielder Michael Young would demand his second trade request in three years. After a press conference in which Rangers president Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
and GM Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels is the current General Manager of the Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball. When hired, at age 28, he was the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history. And as of 2011 was still the youngest GM.-Biography:...
acknowledged Young's trade request, indicating Young had a change of heart after initially agreeing to be the primary designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
, Young fired back telling the press
Although trade rumors concerning Young would continue after his demand, as it did during and after the winter meetings, no trade would be forthcoming and Young reported for Spring Training on time.
Spring Training
With an infield and outfield set, and multiple players able to cover in different positions, the rotation and bullpen would be the biggest questions for the front office to handle. CJ Wilson was named the opening day starter early on, followed by Colby LewisColby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
and Tommy Hunter
Tommy Hunter (baseball)
Raymond Thomas "Tommy" Hunter is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles....
. Free agent Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
would continue to prepare for a return to baseball, but would not be ready in time for opening day and would start the season on the disabled list. An injury to Hunter would place him on the disabled list to start the season, and Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
, who had earned the fourth spot, would be moved to third. The remaining candidates, Derek Holland
Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a figure on the European far-right noted for his Catholic Integralism.Holland was brought up in Huntingdon and was already trying to recruit new members to the National Front while a student at Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology...
, Michael Kirkman
Michael Kirkman
Michael Scott Kirkman is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Early life:Prior to playing professionally, he attended Columbia High School in Lake City, Florida...
, Eric Hurley
Eric Hurley
Eric William Hurley is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Career:Hurley attended Samuel W...
, and closer Neftali Feliz, would continue to compete for the final two spots. Kirkman and Hurley were sent to AAA, and Feliz was returned to the closer role due to a weakened bullpen. Reliever Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
would be the number 5 starter behind Holland to start the season.
On March 11, just 220 days after acquiring the team from auction, Chuck Greenberg would resign as CEO from the Rangers. The resignation came about due to different management styles between Greenberg and president Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
. Ryan added the CEO title to his position.
Although the rift between Greenberg and Ryan were never publicly discussed by the Rangers, reports indicated two major events that might have directly led to the removal of Greenberg, Greenberg's involvement with additional attempts to sign Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
, and his involvement with potential Young trades after Young demanded a trade, most specifically that Greenberg demanded Young forfeit deferred interest due to him by the Rangers. The demand would have been a violation of the MLB CBA.
During Spring Training GM Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels is the current General Manager of the Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball. When hired, at age 28, he was the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history. And as of 2011 was still the youngest GM.-Biography:...
and Young met twice to discuss the situation leading to Young's trade demand. Daniels said it was the Rangers' continued trade discussions after Young being told he would not be traded once third baseman Adrian Beltre
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
was acquired that helped lead to the trade demand.
The Rangers later traded Matt Treanor
Matt Treanor
Matthew Aaron Treanor is an American professional baseball catcher who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball...
to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
(Treanor would later be traded back to the Rangers at the end of August).
April
Record 16-11Rotation: CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
, Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
, Derek Holland
Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a figure on the European far-right noted for his Catholic Integralism.Holland was brought up in Huntingdon and was already trying to recruit new members to the National Front while a student at Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology...
, Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
, Dave Bush
For the first time under manager Ron Washington
Ron Washington
Ronald Washington is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and the current manager of the Texas Rangers. Prior to managing the Rangers, Washington coached in the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics organizations.-Playing career:Washington was signed by the Kansas City Royals on July 17, 1970...
the Rangers would finish the month of April with a record above .500. After sweeping the first two series against Boston
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
and Seattle
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
the Rangers would take their first loss of the season against Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
in the first game of a double header on April 9 after the series opener was rained out. The Rangers were the last team in the 2011 season to record a loss and each Ranger starter would get the win from game 2 through game 6, the first team to have 5 different starters win at least 1 game each. After the Baltimore series the Rangers would lose three straight series versus the Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, and Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. A sweep of the Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
, a 1-3 series lose to Toronto
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
, and a two game split with Oakland would finish out the month. The Rangers would spend only one day out of first place for the West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
in the month.
Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
would make Major League history by being the first player to hit a lead off home run in the first two games of a season. Kinsler would also set another record along with Nelson Cruz by being the first teammates to hit at least one homerun each in each of the first three games of the season. Cruz would go on to hit a homerun in the first four games of the season, only the third player in Major League history, and the first to do so in the American League. Shortstop Elvis Andrus
Elvis Andrus
Elvis Augusto Andrus Torres is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Texas Rangers.Entering , he was rated by Baseball America as the No. 2 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization...
would also hit his first homerun since 2009 in the fourth game of the season.
Ogando would make his second start against the Detroit Tigers and earn his second win. In each of his first two starts of the season he went 6+ innings, earned the win, and gave up 2 or fewer hit in each start, joining only 4 other pitchers since 1919 to do so. Ogando would be the first to do so without giving up a run.
On April 12 left fielder Josh Hamilton left the game after a first inning play at the plate. The Rangers would ultimately lose their second game of the season and Hamilton would be diagnosed with a fracture in his right shoulder. After the game, Hamilton expressed his concern about the play before running calling it a "stupid play" and thinking "I don't want to do this... something is going to happen" but said he listened to his third base coach and ran on the infield foul out.
As a result of the rainout versus Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
on April 8, starter Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
pitched one day later than scheduled. This would force Lewis to miss his next start on April 13 against Detroit
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
and resulted in Lewis missing a second start for the birth of his child. Local blogger and radio shock jock Richie Whitt would criticize the Rangers’ and Lewis’ decision to take a leave as a result of the birth of Lewis’ second child. Whitt pointed out a starter only gets thirty or so chances to impact a baseball game, and since players are paid millions, the birth of a child should be planned for the off season if need be.
The Texas Rangers’
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
2011 season
2011 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:December*December 5: Last time to outright a player prior to the Rule 5 Draft – 5 p.m. ET.*December 7: Last date for player who declared free agency to accept an arbitration offer from former club...
was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions.
Despite playing during one of the hottest summers on record in Texas, the Rangers claimed their second consecutive Western division title (fifth overall), and set franchise records for winning (96 wins and a .592 winning percentage, one win better than the previous record set in 1999) and home attendance (2,946,949 fans at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, breaking the old record set in 1997). Another year of improvement from the starting pitching and defense would give the Rangers the most shutouts in the American League, and trailed the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
by only 2 for the MLB lead. All 5 members of the opening day starting rotation would stay in the rotation for the entire year. CJ Wilson tied for the league lead in starts with 34 while Derek Holland
Derek Holland (baseball)
Derek Lane Holland is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He is noted for his kid-like appearance....
for second in shutouts with 4, tied for first in the American League, and each pitcher would have at least 13 wins. The offense, always considered a strong point for the team, would also have another good year with 3 players getting 30+ home runs, and Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
completed his second 30/30 season.
They won their second straight AL West title and beat the Tampa Bay Rays
2011 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays 2011 season was the team's 14th season of baseball. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history...
in four games and the Detroit Tigers
2011 Detroit Tigers season
The 2011 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 111th season. The season began on March 31 at New York against the Yankees, and the home opener was on April 8 against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers honored the late Sparky Anderson during the season...
in six to advance to the 2011 World Series
2011 World Series
The 2011 World Series was the 107th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion St...
. They lost to the St. Louis Cardinals
2011 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 season was the 130th season for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, the 120th season in the National League, and the sixth season at Busch Stadium III. The Cardinals began their season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 31, coming off a 86-76 season and...
in seven games, their second straight defeat in the World Series. The World Series was notable for the Rangers being one strike away from being World Champions twice in Game 6 with a two run lead each time before ultimately losing to the Cardinals 10-9 in an 11 inning thriller. They would go on to lose Game 7, 6-2.
Offseason
The biggest free agent pitcher of the 2011 market was Cliff LeeCliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
. According to major media markets,http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/cliff-lee-rumors-sunday-1.html Lee's most likely destination for 2011 was a return to Texas, or signing with the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Bob Simpson, a lead investor of Rangers Baseball Express which owns the Rangers, told media "We’re going to go after Cliff Lee – hard, and we have the financial firepower to do that." After an extended process which included a flight by principal owner Chuck Greenberg, team investor Ray Davis, and assistant GM Thad Levine to meet with Lee, his wife, and agent following the winter meeting, Lee signed a five-year deal with the Phillies to return to the team which traded him away at the start of the 2010 season.
On November 3, 2010, the Rangers declined to exercise their 2011 option on Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
's contract. Guerrero was a type A free agent but the Rangers would not receive draft pick compensation for Guerrero after he signed with the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
.
Scott Feldman
Scott Feldman
Scott Feldman was a news anchor for News 12 Long Island for 22 years.-Early life:Feldman was born in St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from the University of Denver in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard....
underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. The rehab time for the surgery will prevent Feldman from returning to compete for a rotation spot for the start of the season. Feldman was the Texas Rangers' pitcher of the year in 2009 and opening day starter for 2010, but failed to repeat his success in 2010 after signing a three-year extension.
For the second year in a row, the Rangers needed to fill the position of hitting coach after Clint Hurdle
Clint Hurdle
Clinton Merrick Hurdle is a former Major League Baseball outfielder whose 10-year career was spent with the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals. After retiring from playing baseball, Hurdle became a manager...
took the manager position with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. The Rangers signed Thad Bosley
Thad Bosley
Thaddis Bosley Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the California Angels , Chicago White Sox , Milwaukee Brewers , Seattle Mariners , Chicago Cubs , Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers ....
. Bosley was a member of the A's coaching staff during Washington's time with the A's, and was also teammates with first base coach Gary Pettis
Gary Pettis
Gary George Pettis is the current first base coach of the Texas Rangers. Prior to coaching, he spent eleven seasons as a center fielder in Major League Baseball....
in the Rangers organization during his final playing year.
The Rangers signed two players in November: 34-year-old free agent Japanese pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama
Yoshinori Tateyama
is a Japanese Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.As a sidearm pitcher Tateyama combines a fastball that averages 87 mph with a curveball, and he also pitches a screwball against lefties. While his strikeout totals were average, he got hitters out with his control .On November...
, a side-arm throwing relief pitcher, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Adolfo Torrealba is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Texas Rangers. He previously played for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres. He bats and throws right-handed.-San Francisco Giants:...
from the San Diego Padres. Torrealba was a type B free agent and did not cost the Rangers a draft pick for the signing. Bengie Molina
Bengie Molina
Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina , nicknamed "Big Money", is a former Major League Baseball catcher.He is the older brother of major league catchers José Molina and Yadier Molina....
, the Rangers' primary catcher in 2010, elected to retire.
On December 26, the Rangers and pitcher Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
agreed to terms for a one-year contract. Webb, who was recovering from shoulder surgery, had not pitched in the majors since opening day of 2009.
The Rangers' biggest free agent move for the 2011 season would be the signing of third baseman
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
Adrian Beltre
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
. The six-year, $96 million dollar deal would force incumbent veteran Michael Young into his fourth position with the Rangers. Although Young was hesitant to make another position move, Young told the Rangers and the media he was willing to switch to designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
in order for the Rangers to sign Beltre. With the signing of Beltre and move of Young, the Rangers did not continue to attempt to re-sign Guerrero, who would sign a one-year deal with the Orioles.
In late January the Rangers made their biggest trade of the offseason when long-time trade target Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...
was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
for relief pitcher Frank Francisco
Frank Francisco
Franklin Thomas Francisco is a relief pitcher.-Baseball career:Francisco was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Boston Red Sox. He was traded by the Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox on July 31, , along with Byeong Hak An in exchange for reliever Bob Howry...
. Napoli became available to the Rangers after being sent to the Blue Jays with Juan Rivera just three days earlier in exchange for Vernon Wells. The weakening of the bullpen from the loss of Francisco would not be the biggest problem from the Napoli trade as DH utility infielder Michael Young would demand his second trade request in three years. After a press conference in which Rangers president Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
and GM Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels is the current General Manager of the Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball. When hired, at age 28, he was the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history. And as of 2011 was still the youngest GM.-Biography:...
acknowledged Young's trade request, indicating Young had a change of heart after initially agreeing to be the primary designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
, Young fired back telling the press
Although trade rumors concerning Young would continue after his demand, as it did during and after the winter meetings, no trade would be forthcoming and Young reported for Spring Training on time.
Spring Training
With an infield and outfield set, and multiple players able to cover in different positions, the rotation and bullpen would be the biggest questions for the front office to handle. CJ Wilson was named the opening day starter early on, followed by Colby LewisColby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
and Tommy Hunter
Tommy Hunter (baseball)
Raymond Thomas "Tommy" Hunter is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles....
. Free agent Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
would continue to prepare for a return to baseball, but would not be ready in time for opening day and would start the season on the disabled list. An injury to Hunter would place him on the disabled list to start the season, and Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
, who had earned the fourth spot, would be moved to third. The remaining candidates, Derek Holland
Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a figure on the European far-right noted for his Catholic Integralism.Holland was brought up in Huntingdon and was already trying to recruit new members to the National Front while a student at Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology...
, Michael Kirkman
Michael Kirkman
Michael Scott Kirkman is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Early life:Prior to playing professionally, he attended Columbia High School in Lake City, Florida...
, Eric Hurley
Eric Hurley
Eric William Hurley is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Career:Hurley attended Samuel W...
, and closer Neftali Feliz, would continue to compete for the final two spots. Kirkman and Hurley were sent to AAA, and Feliz was returned to the closer role due to a weakened bullpen. Reliever Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
would be the number 5 starter behind Holland to start the season.
On March 11, just 220 days after acquiring the team from auction, Chuck Greenberg would resign as CEO from the Rangers. The resignation came about due to different management styles between Greenberg and president Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
. Ryan added the CEO title to his position.
Although the rift between Greenberg and Ryan were never publicly discussed by the Rangers, reports indicated two major events that might have directly led to the removal of Greenberg, Greenberg's involvement with additional attempts to sign Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
, and his involvement with potential Young trades after Young demanded a trade, most specifically that Greenberg demanded Young forfeit deferred interest due to him by the Rangers. The demand would have been a violation of the MLB CBA.
During Spring Training GM Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels is the current General Manager of the Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball. When hired, at age 28, he was the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history. And as of 2011 was still the youngest GM.-Biography:...
and Young met twice to discuss the situation leading to Young's trade demand. Daniels said it was the Rangers' continued trade discussions after Young being told he would not be traded once third baseman Adrian Beltre
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
was acquired that helped lead to the trade demand.
The Rangers later traded Matt Treanor
Matt Treanor
Matthew Aaron Treanor is an American professional baseball catcher who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball...
to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
(Treanor would later be traded back to the Rangers at the end of August).
April
Record 16-11Rotation: CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
, Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
, Derek Holland
Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a figure on the European far-right noted for his Catholic Integralism.Holland was brought up in Huntingdon and was already trying to recruit new members to the National Front while a student at Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology...
, Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
, Dave Bush
For the first time under manager Ron Washington
Ron Washington
Ronald Washington is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and the current manager of the Texas Rangers. Prior to managing the Rangers, Washington coached in the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics organizations.-Playing career:Washington was signed by the Kansas City Royals on July 17, 1970...
the Rangers would finish the month of April with a record above .500. After sweeping the first two series against Boston
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
and Seattle
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
the Rangers would take their first loss of the season against Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
in the first game of a double header on April 9 after the series opener was rained out. The Rangers were the last team in the 2011 season to record a loss and each Ranger starter would get the win from game 2 through game 6, the first team to have 5 different starters win at least 1 game each. After the Baltimore series the Rangers would lose three straight series versus the Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, and Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. A sweep of the Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
, a 1-3 series lose to Toronto
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
, and a two game split with Oakland would finish out the month. The Rangers would spend only one day out of first place for the West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
in the month.
Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
would make Major League history by being the first player to hit a lead off home run in the first two games of a season. Kinsler would also set another record along with Nelson Cruz by being the first teammates to hit at least one homerun each in each of the first three games of the season. Cruz would go on to hit a homerun in the first four games of the season, only the third player in Major League history, and the first to do so in the American League. Shortstop Elvis Andrus
Elvis Andrus
Elvis Augusto Andrus Torres is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Texas Rangers.Entering , he was rated by Baseball America as the No. 2 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization...
would also hit his first homerun since 2009 in the fourth game of the season.
Ogando would make his second start against the Detroit Tigers and earn his second win. In each of his first two starts of the season he went 6+ innings, earned the win, and gave up 2 or fewer hit in each start, joining only 4 other pitchers since 1919 to do so. Ogando would be the first to do so without giving up a run.
On April 12 left fielder Josh Hamilton left the game after a first inning play at the plate. The Rangers would ultimately lose their second game of the season and Hamilton would be diagnosed with a fracture in his right shoulder. After the game, Hamilton expressed his concern about the play before running calling it a "stupid play" and thinking "I don't want to do this... something is going to happen" but said he listened to his third base coach and ran on the infield foul out.
As a result of the rainout versus Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
on April 8, starter Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
pitched one day later than scheduled. This would force Lewis to miss his next start on April 13 against Detroit
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
and resulted in Lewis missing a second start for the birth of his child. Local blogger and radio shock jock Richie Whitt would criticize the Rangers’ and Lewis’ decision to take a leave as a result of the birth of Lewis’ second child. Whitt pointed out a starter only gets thirty or so chances to impact a baseball game, and since players are paid millions, the birth of a child should be planned for the off season if need be.
The Texas Rangers’
Texas Rangers (baseball)
The Texas Rangers are a professional baseball team in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, based in Arlington, Texas. The Rangers are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League, and are the reigning A.L. Western Division and A.L. Champions. Since , the Rangers have...
2011 season
2011 in baseball
-Major League Baseball:December*December 5: Last time to outright a player prior to the Rule 5 Draft – 5 p.m. ET.*December 7: Last date for player who declared free agency to accept an arbitration offer from former club...
was the 51st season in the overall history of the franchise and the 40th since the team relocated to Arlington, Texas
Arlington, Texas
Arlington is a city in Tarrant County, Texas within the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan area. According to the 2010 census results, the city had a population of 365,438, making it the third largest municipality in the Metroplex...
. Going into the season they were the defending American League champions.
Despite playing during one of the hottest summers on record in Texas, the Rangers claimed their second consecutive Western division title (fifth overall), and set franchise records for winning (96 wins and a .592 winning percentage, one win better than the previous record set in 1999) and home attendance (2,946,949 fans at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, breaking the old record set in 1997). Another year of improvement from the starting pitching and defense would give the Rangers the most shutouts in the American League, and trailed the Philadelphia Phillies
Philadelphia Phillies
The Philadelphia Phillies are a Major League Baseball team. They are the oldest continuous, one-name, one-city franchise in all of professional American sports, dating to 1883. The Phillies are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's National League...
by only 2 for the MLB lead. All 5 members of the opening day starting rotation would stay in the rotation for the entire year. CJ Wilson tied for the league lead in starts with 34 while Derek Holland
Derek Holland (baseball)
Derek Lane Holland is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He is noted for his kid-like appearance....
for second in shutouts with 4, tied for first in the American League, and each pitcher would have at least 13 wins. The offense, always considered a strong point for the team, would also have another good year with 3 players getting 30+ home runs, and Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
completed his second 30/30 season.
They won their second straight AL West title and beat the Tampa Bay Rays
2011 Tampa Bay Rays season
The Tampa Bay Rays 2011 season was the team's 14th season of baseball. Despite starting the season 0-6 and trailing the Boston Red Sox by 9 games as late in the season as September 1, the Rays captured the AL Wild Card and made consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in franchise history...
in four games and the Detroit Tigers
2011 Detroit Tigers season
The 2011 Detroit Tigers season was the team's 111th season. The season began on March 31 at New York against the Yankees, and the home opener was on April 8 against the Kansas City Royals. The Tigers honored the late Sparky Anderson during the season...
in six to advance to the 2011 World Series
2011 World Series
The 2011 World Series was the 107th edition of Major League Baseball's championship series. The best-of-seven playoff was played between the American League champion Texas Rangers and the National League champion St...
. They lost to the St. Louis Cardinals
2011 St. Louis Cardinals season
The St. Louis Cardinals' 2011 season was the 130th season for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri, the 120th season in the National League, and the sixth season at Busch Stadium III. The Cardinals began their season at home against the San Diego Padres on March 31, coming off a 86-76 season and...
in seven games, their second straight defeat in the World Series. The World Series was notable for the Rangers being one strike away from being World Champions twice in Game 6 with a two run lead each time before ultimately losing to the Cardinals 10-9 in an 11 inning thriller. They would go on to lose Game 7, 6-2.
Offseason
The biggest free agent pitcher of the 2011 market was Cliff LeeCliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
. According to major media markets,http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/12/cliff-lee-rumors-sunday-1.html Lee's most likely destination for 2011 was a return to Texas, or signing with the New York Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
. Bob Simpson, a lead investor of Rangers Baseball Express which owns the Rangers, told media "We’re going to go after Cliff Lee – hard, and we have the financial firepower to do that." After an extended process which included a flight by principal owner Chuck Greenberg, team investor Ray Davis, and assistant GM Thad Levine to meet with Lee, his wife, and agent following the winter meeting, Lee signed a five-year deal with the Phillies to return to the team which traded him away at the start of the 2010 season.
On November 3, 2010, the Rangers declined to exercise their 2011 option on Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Guerrero
Vladimir Alvino Guerrero is a free agent Major League Baseball right fielder and designated hitter.In , he was voted the American League MVP...
's contract. Guerrero was a type A free agent but the Rangers would not receive draft pick compensation for Guerrero after he signed with the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
.
Scott Feldman
Scott Feldman
Scott Feldman was a news anchor for News 12 Long Island for 22 years.-Early life:Feldman was born in St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from the University of Denver in 1971. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard....
underwent surgery to repair torn cartilage in his right knee. The rehab time for the surgery will prevent Feldman from returning to compete for a rotation spot for the start of the season. Feldman was the Texas Rangers' pitcher of the year in 2009 and opening day starter for 2010, but failed to repeat his success in 2010 after signing a three-year extension.
For the second year in a row, the Rangers needed to fill the position of hitting coach after Clint Hurdle
Clint Hurdle
Clinton Merrick Hurdle is a former Major League Baseball outfielder whose 10-year career was spent with the Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals. After retiring from playing baseball, Hurdle became a manager...
took the manager position with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are a Major League Baseball club based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They play in the Central Division of the National League, and are five-time World Series Champions...
. The Rangers signed Thad Bosley
Thad Bosley
Thaddis Bosley Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the California Angels , Chicago White Sox , Milwaukee Brewers , Seattle Mariners , Chicago Cubs , Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers ....
. Bosley was a member of the A's coaching staff during Washington's time with the A's, and was also teammates with first base coach Gary Pettis
Gary Pettis
Gary George Pettis is the current first base coach of the Texas Rangers. Prior to coaching, he spent eleven seasons as a center fielder in Major League Baseball....
in the Rangers organization during his final playing year.
The Rangers signed two players in November: 34-year-old free agent Japanese pitcher Yoshinori Tateyama
Yoshinori Tateyama
is a Japanese Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.As a sidearm pitcher Tateyama combines a fastball that averages 87 mph with a curveball, and he also pitches a screwball against lefties. While his strikeout totals were average, he got hitters out with his control .On November...
, a side-arm throwing relief pitcher, and catcher Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Adolfo Torrealba is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Texas Rangers. He previously played for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres. He bats and throws right-handed.-San Francisco Giants:...
from the San Diego Padres. Torrealba was a type B free agent and did not cost the Rangers a draft pick for the signing. Bengie Molina
Bengie Molina
Benjamin José "Bengie" Molina , nicknamed "Big Money", is a former Major League Baseball catcher.He is the older brother of major league catchers José Molina and Yadier Molina....
, the Rangers' primary catcher in 2010, elected to retire.
On December 26, the Rangers and pitcher Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
agreed to terms for a one-year contract. Webb, who was recovering from shoulder surgery, had not pitched in the majors since opening day of 2009.
The Rangers' biggest free agent move for the 2011 season would be the signing of third baseman
Third baseman
A third baseman, abbreviated 3B, is the player in baseball whose responsibility is to defend the area nearest to third base — the third of four bases a baserunner must touch in succession to score a run...
Adrian Beltre
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
. The six-year, $96 million dollar deal would force incumbent veteran Michael Young into his fourth position with the Rangers. Although Young was hesitant to make another position move, Young told the Rangers and the media he was willing to switch to designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
in order for the Rangers to sign Beltre. With the signing of Beltre and move of Young, the Rangers did not continue to attempt to re-sign Guerrero, who would sign a one-year deal with the Orioles.
In late January the Rangers made their biggest trade of the offseason when long-time trade target Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...
was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
for relief pitcher Frank Francisco
Frank Francisco
Franklin Thomas Francisco is a relief pitcher.-Baseball career:Francisco was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Boston Red Sox. He was traded by the Red Sox to the Chicago White Sox on July 31, , along with Byeong Hak An in exchange for reliever Bob Howry...
. Napoli became available to the Rangers after being sent to the Blue Jays with Juan Rivera just three days earlier in exchange for Vernon Wells. The weakening of the bullpen from the loss of Francisco would not be the biggest problem from the Napoli trade as DH utility infielder Michael Young would demand his second trade request in three years. After a press conference in which Rangers president Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
and GM Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels is the current General Manager of the Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball. When hired, at age 28, he was the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history. And as of 2011 was still the youngest GM.-Biography:...
acknowledged Young's trade request, indicating Young had a change of heart after initially agreeing to be the primary designated hitter
Designated hitter
In baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
, Young fired back telling the press
Although trade rumors concerning Young would continue after his demand, as it did during and after the winter meetings, no trade would be forthcoming and Young reported for Spring Training on time.
Spring Training
With an infield and outfield set, and multiple players able to cover in different positions, the rotation and bullpen would be the biggest questions for the front office to handle. CJ Wilson was named the opening day starter early on, followed by Colby LewisColby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
and Tommy Hunter
Tommy Hunter (baseball)
Raymond Thomas "Tommy" Hunter is a Major League Baseball right-handed starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles....
. Free agent Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
would continue to prepare for a return to baseball, but would not be ready in time for opening day and would start the season on the disabled list. An injury to Hunter would place him on the disabled list to start the season, and Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
, who had earned the fourth spot, would be moved to third. The remaining candidates, Derek Holland
Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a figure on the European far-right noted for his Catholic Integralism.Holland was brought up in Huntingdon and was already trying to recruit new members to the National Front while a student at Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology...
, Michael Kirkman
Michael Kirkman
Michael Scott Kirkman is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Early life:Prior to playing professionally, he attended Columbia High School in Lake City, Florida...
, Eric Hurley
Eric Hurley
Eric William Hurley is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent.-Career:Hurley attended Samuel W...
, and closer Neftali Feliz, would continue to compete for the final two spots. Kirkman and Hurley were sent to AAA, and Feliz was returned to the closer role due to a weakened bullpen. Reliever Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
would be the number 5 starter behind Holland to start the season.
On March 11, just 220 days after acquiring the team from auction, Chuck Greenberg would resign as CEO from the Rangers. The resignation came about due to different management styles between Greenberg and president Nolan Ryan
Nolan Ryan
Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. , nicknamed "The Ryan Express", is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He is currently principal owner, president and CEO of the Texas Rangers....
. Ryan added the CEO title to his position.
Although the rift between Greenberg and Ryan were never publicly discussed by the Rangers, reports indicated two major events that might have directly led to the removal of Greenberg, Greenberg's involvement with additional attempts to sign Cliff Lee
Cliff Lee
Clifton Phifer "Cliff" Lee is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies. Lee has also played for the Cleveland Indians, the Seattle Mariners, and the Texas Rangers....
, and his involvement with potential Young trades after Young demanded a trade, most specifically that Greenberg demanded Young forfeit deferred interest due to him by the Rangers. The demand would have been a violation of the MLB CBA.
During Spring Training GM Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels
Jon Daniels is the current General Manager of the Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball. When hired, at age 28, he was the youngest GM in Major League Baseball history. And as of 2011 was still the youngest GM.-Biography:...
and Young met twice to discuss the situation leading to Young's trade demand. Daniels said it was the Rangers' continued trade discussions after Young being told he would not be traded once third baseman Adrian Beltre
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
was acquired that helped lead to the trade demand.
The Rangers later traded Matt Treanor
Matt Treanor
Matthew Aaron Treanor is an American professional baseball catcher who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball...
to the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
(Treanor would later be traded back to the Rangers at the end of August).
April
Record 16-11Rotation: CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
, Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
, Derek Holland
Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a figure on the European far-right noted for his Catholic Integralism.Holland was brought up in Huntingdon and was already trying to recruit new members to the National Front while a student at Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology...
, Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
, Dave Bush
For the first time under manager Ron Washington
Ron Washington
Ronald Washington is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and the current manager of the Texas Rangers. Prior to managing the Rangers, Washington coached in the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics organizations.-Playing career:Washington was signed by the Kansas City Royals on July 17, 1970...
the Rangers would finish the month of April with a record above .500. After sweeping the first two series against Boston
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox are a professional baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, and a member of Major League Baseball’s American League Eastern Division. Founded in as one of the American League's eight charter franchises, the Red Sox's home ballpark has been Fenway Park since . The "Red Sox"...
and Seattle
Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. Enfranchised in , the Mariners are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. Safeco Field has been the Mariners' home ballpark since July...
the Rangers would take their first loss of the season against Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
in the first game of a double header on April 9 after the series opener was rained out. The Rangers were the last team in the 2011 season to record a loss and each Ranger starter would get the win from game 2 through game 6, the first team to have 5 different starters win at least 1 game each. After the Baltimore series the Rangers would lose three straight series versus the Tigers
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
, Yankees
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are a professional baseball team based in the The Bronx, New York. They compete in Major League Baseball in the American League's East Division...
, and Angels
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim
The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim are a professional baseball team based in Anaheim, California, United States. The Angels are a member of the Western Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The "Angels" name originates from the city in which the team started, Los Angeles...
. A sweep of the Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
, a 1-3 series lose to Toronto
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are a professional baseball team located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Blue Jays are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball 's American League ....
, and a two game split with Oakland would finish out the month. The Rangers would spend only one day out of first place for the West
American League West
The American League West is one of three divisions in Major League Baseball's American League. The division currently has four teams, but it has had as many as seven teams before the 1994 realignment. Although its teams currently only reside along the west coast and in Texas, historically the...
in the month.
Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
would make Major League history by being the first player to hit a lead off home run in the first two games of a season. Kinsler would also set another record along with Nelson Cruz by being the first teammates to hit at least one homerun each in each of the first three games of the season. Cruz would go on to hit a homerun in the first four games of the season, only the third player in Major League history, and the first to do so in the American League. Shortstop Elvis Andrus
Elvis Andrus
Elvis Augusto Andrus Torres is a Major League Baseball shortstop for the Texas Rangers.Entering , he was rated by Baseball America as the No. 2 prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization...
would also hit his first homerun since 2009 in the fourth game of the season.
Ogando would make his second start against the Detroit Tigers and earn his second win. In each of his first two starts of the season he went 6+ innings, earned the win, and gave up 2 or fewer hit in each start, joining only 4 other pitchers since 1919 to do so. Ogando would be the first to do so without giving up a run.
On April 12 left fielder Josh Hamilton left the game after a first inning play at the plate. The Rangers would ultimately lose their second game of the season and Hamilton would be diagnosed with a fracture in his right shoulder. After the game, Hamilton expressed his concern about the play before running calling it a "stupid play" and thinking "I don't want to do this... something is going to happen" but said he listened to his third base coach and ran on the infield foul out.
As a result of the rainout versus Baltimore
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
on April 8, starter Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
pitched one day later than scheduled. This would force Lewis to miss his next start on April 13 against Detroit
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers are a Major League Baseball team located in Detroit, Michigan. One of the American League's eight charter franchises, the club was founded in Detroit in as part of the Western League. The Tigers have won four World Series championships and have won the American League pennant...
and resulted in Lewis missing a second start for the birth of his child. Local blogger and radio shock jock Richie Whitt would criticize the Rangers’ and Lewis’ decision to take a leave as a result of the birth of Lewis’ second child. Whitt pointed out a starter only gets thirty or so chances to impact a baseball game, and since players are paid millions, the birth of a child should be planned for the off season if need be. Dallas Morning News reporter Evan Grant countered the blog posting stating it was the rain delayed Baltimore game which caused Lewis’ next start to be a day later, resulting in Lewis missing his next start to attended the planned birth of his second child. Grant also reported Lewis offered to make a short rested start before the leave to avoid missing a start, and was declined by the Rangers to do so. Dave Bush would get the starts in Lewis' place. Bush would be the last player who started the season on a team’s 25-man roster to make his 2011 debut. Lefthanded pitcher Michael Kirkman
Michael Kirkman
Michael Scott Kirkman is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Early life:Prior to playing professionally, he attended Columbia High School in Lake City, Florida...
would be called up during Lewis' leave.
On April 15 the Rangers and pitcher Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
would tie the MLB record by turning 6 double plays in the game. When Lewis returned on April 18, reliver Mark Lowe
Mark Lowe
Mark Christopher Lowe is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He made his Major League debut for the Seattle Mariners on July 7, in relief against the Detroit Tigers, loading the bases before striking out the side. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. His fastball...
was optioned to AAA. Rule 5 draft pick Mason Tobin
Mason Tobin
Mason Reed Tobin is a right-handed Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Prior to playing professionally, Tobin attended Kentridge High School in Kent, Washington and then Everett Community College. He was drafted three times – first, in the 15th round of the 2005 amateur...
would leave the April 19 game with an injury and be placed on the 60-day DL the next day. Closer Neftali Feliz would be sent to the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation on April 23 and Darren O'Day
Darren O'Day
Darren Christopher O'Day is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. He played college baseball for the University of Florida, and has played professionally for the Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers...
would go on the 60-day DL with a torn labrum in his hip. Darren O'Day
Darren O'Day
Darren Christopher O'Day is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles of Major League Baseball. He played college baseball for the University of Florida, and has played professionally for the Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, and Texas Rangers...
would also be placed on the 60 day DL on April 27 with a torn labrum in his left hip.
May
Record (month, year) 13-15, 29-26Rotation: Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
, Derek Holland
Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a figure on the European far-right noted for his Catholic Integralism.Holland was brought up in Huntingdon and was already trying to recruit new members to the National Front while a student at Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology...
, Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
, CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
, Dave Bush
After losing their May 1 game, the Rangers would be tied for first place with the Angels until falling to second place on May 5. The Rangers would spend the next eleven days out of first place, falling as far as third in the division, but would never fall below 2 games behind the Angels and would retake the division lead on May 16. The Rangers would finish the month .5 game up on Seattle and 1 game up on the Angels.
After several weeks of speculation, the Rangers signed Cuban defect Leonys Martín
Leonys Martín
Leonys Martín Tápanes is a Cuban baseball player. He defected from Cuba at the 2010 FISU World University Championships in Taiwan in order to become a Major League Baseball free agent....
on May 4 for a $15.5 million major league contract and added him to the 40-man roster. The Rangers also recalled Mark Lowe
Mark Lowe
Mark Christopher Lowe is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers. He made his Major League debut for the Seattle Mariners on July 7, in relief against the Detroit Tigers, loading the bases before striking out the side. He bats left-handed and throws right-handed. His fastball...
to the majors and option Pedro Strop
Pedro Strop
Pedro Ángel Strop is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles.-Major League Baseball career:Strop was originally signed as an international free agent by the Colorado Rockies in ....
to AAA.
Closer Neftalí Feliz returned from the DL on May 6. Nelson Cruz was placed on the 15 day DL with a strained right quadriceps muscle on May 7. Craig Gentry
Craig Gentry
Craig Alan Gentry is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:...
was called up to replace Cruz on the roster.
The May 11 day game between the Texas Rangers and Oakland A's was postponed due to rain in the middle of the fourth inning. After a 2 hour 21 minute delay, the game was called. The Rangers held a commanding 7-0 lead in part due to a Mitch Moreland
Mitch Moreland
Mitchell Austin Moreland is a professional baseball first baseman and right fielder who plays for the Texas Rangers....
grand slam, but because the game was called before the end of the fifth inning, all results from the game were voided. Although both teams had the next day off, the game was not able to be made up the following day because the Rangers had played the previous 20 days in a row, and it is against MLBPA rules to play more than 20 days in a row. The game would instead be made up in on a fateful July 7 day.
Julio Borbon
Julio Borbon
Julio Alberto Borbon is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:...
pulled a hamstring during the May 13 game and was placed on the 15 day DL. During this time, all three starting outfilders would be on the DL. Journeyman centerfielder Endy Chávez
Endy Chávez
Endy de Jesus Chávez is a Major League Baseball outfielder.Chávez bats and throws left-handed and is considered to have good fielding skills, speed, and the ability to hit to all parts of the field...
was called up to replace Borbon. To make room for the addition of Chávez on the 40 man roster, Brandon Webb
Brandon Webb
Brandon Tyler Webb is a Major League Baseball pitcher. He was the 2006 National League Cy Young Award winner.-High school:Webb attended Paul G...
was placed on the 60 man DL. Chávez had been with the Rangers organization on a minor league contract since 2010 while recovering from a torn ACL suffered during the 2009 season.
The Rangers took first place in the division back on Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
' first career shutout on May 16.
Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz returned to the team from the DL on May 23.
A second Rangers home game would be delayed do to rain in the month of May. The 7:00 May 24 game would result in fans evactuating the playing field and being placed in the underground entrances by ballpark officials with a "tornadic supercell" less than 10 miles from the ballpark. The teams would play again at 1:00 cst the next day, but the umpiring crew concluded the game should be continued and play resumed after a three hour delay.
Off the field, on May 26 the Rangers officially removed rookie play-by-play man John Rhadigan out of the TV booth and back to the Fox Sports Southwest post-/pre- game show. Rhadigan moved to the TV booth to replace long-time play-by-play game caller Josh Lewin
Josh Lewin
Josh Lewin is an American sports play-by-play announcer who most recently called television games for the Texas Rangers baseball club. He serves as radio voice of the San Diego Chargers football team...
, whose contract expired at the end of the 2010 season. Rhadigan had no previous play-by-play experience prior to the season, and was often lampooned by fans of the time on the internet for his in game mistakes and inabilty to correctly and timely describe the action on the field.
June
Record (month, year) 14-13, 43-39Rotation: Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
, Derek Holland
Derek Holland
Derek Holland is a figure on the European far-right noted for his Catholic Integralism.Holland was brought up in Huntingdon and was already trying to recruit new members to the National Front while a student at Cambridgeshire College of Art and Technology...
, CJ Wilson, Colby Lewis
Colby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
, Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
The Rangers would hold onto first place for the entire month of June, but would lead the division by no more than 2.5 during the month and ended with a 1 game lead over the Angels.
After completing his DL stint, centerfielder Julio Borbon
Julio Borbon
Julio Alberto Borbon is a Major League Baseball center fielder for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:...
was optioned to AAA on June 3. If Borbon had been returned to the ML roster, David Murphy, Endy Chavez
Endy Chávez
Endy de Jesus Chávez is a Major League Baseball outfielder.Chávez bats and throws left-handed and is considered to have good fielding skills, speed, and the ability to hit to all parts of the field...
, or Craig Gentry
Craig Gentry
Craig Alan Gentry is a Major League Baseball outfielder for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:...
would have been removed from the 25 man roster. Although Murphy was having a bad offensive year coming into June, he still represented a better offensive potential than the remaining outfielders, and Gentry was the only right handed outfielder other than Nelson Cruz. Chavez was out of options and in order to remain in the organization, would have had to have been placed on waivers and options to AAA.
Ian Kinsler
Ian Kinsler
Ian Michael Kinsler is a Major League Baseball All-Star second baseman for the Texas Rangers.Despite having been drafted in only the 17th round out of college, Kinsler has risen to become a two-time All Star, and a member of the Sporting News 2009 list of the 50 greatest current players in baseball...
went on paternity leave on June 8. The same day the Rangers also announced the dismissal of hitting coach Thad Bosley
Thad Bosley
Thaddis Bosley Jr. is a former Major League Baseball outfielder for the California Angels , Chicago White Sox , Milwaukee Brewers , Seattle Mariners , Chicago Cubs , Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers ....
for communication differences. Beat writer Evan Grant reported after the dismissal one example taking place between Bosley and catcher Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Torrealba
Yorvit Adolfo Torrealba is a Major League Baseball catcher for the Texas Rangers. He previously played for the San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and San Diego Padres. He bats and throws right-handed.-San Francisco Giants:...
.
The Rangers replaced Bosley by promoting AAA hitting coach and former Ranger's player Scott Coolbaugh
Scott Coolbaugh
Scott Robert Coolbaugh is an American former baseball player. Coolbaugh played Major League Baseball from to for the Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres and in for the St. Louis Cardinals. He also played two seasons in Japan for the Hanshin Tigers in and , and continued to play in the minor...
. Coolbaugh is the third hitting coach in two seasons following Rudy Jaramillo
Rudy Jaramillo
Rudolpho "Rudy" Jaramillo [ha-dah-MEE-yoh] is the hitting coach for the Chicago Cubs. During his time with the Texas Rangers, Jaramillo was the first individual in Rangers history to serve more than eight seasons on their major league coaching staff. He served as the Texas Rangers' major league...
's 14 years as Texas' hitting coach.
Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...
was placed on the 15-day DL on June 12 with a strained left oblique muscle.
Former reliever Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando
Alexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
recorded a 7-0 record before losing his first decision to the New York Yankees
2011 New York Yankees season
The 2011 New York Yankees season was the 111th season for the New York Yankees franchise. The Yankees began the season at home against the Detroit Tigers on Thursday, March 31. The Yankees clinched a playoff berth in the first game of a doubleheader on September 21, 2011, and clinched the AL East...
on June 14. He would lose the next two decisions finishing June with a 7-3 record.
July
Record (month, year) 18-9, 61-48After ending July 3 tied for first place with the Angels, the Rangers entered the all-star break on a 7 game winning streak. The streak would last another 5 games, the second best winning streak in franchise history. However, the Rangers would get no further than 5 games ahead of the Angels as a result of the streak. The Rangers ended the month 2 games in first place.
Ron Washington
Ron Washington
Ronald Washington is a former Major League Baseball shortstop and the current manager of the Texas Rangers. Prior to managing the Rangers, Washington coached in the New York Mets and Oakland Athletics organizations.-Playing career:Washington was signed by the Kansas City Royals on July 17, 1970...
and first base coach Gary Pettis
Gary Pettis
Gary George Pettis is the current first base coach of the Texas Rangers. Prior to coaching, he spent eleven seasons as a center fielder in Major League Baseball....
were both ejected from the July 3 game after a close call by first base umpire Ángel Hernández
Angel Hernandez (umpire)
Ángel Hernández is an umpire in Major League Baseball. He has worked in the National League from 1991 to 1999, and throughout both major leagues since 2000. He has umpired in the World Series in 2002 and 2005, as well as the 1999 All-Star Game...
. Washington did not engage in the argument between Pettis and Hernández, but began yelling at the umpire after Hernández, according to Washington, "told me my job is to get him (Pettis) off the field. You don't tell me what my job is..... You can't talk to Angel. Angel is the smartest umpire in baseball." Washington was later fined for his comments.
The following day, Washington pinch hit Mike Napoli
Mike Napoli
Michael Anthony Napoli is a Major League Baseball catcher/first baseman with the Texas Rangers.-Early career:Napoli attended Charles Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida...
for designated hitter Michael Young in the 8 inning of a 13-4 win over the Orioles
2011 Baltimore Orioles season
The Baltimore Orioles' 2011 season was the 111th season in franchise history, and the 58th in Baltimore.-Offseason:The 2010-2011 offseason has been notable for the Orioles, featuring a complete makeover of their infield, with only Brian Roberts expected to reprise his starting role...
. At the time of his at bat, Young was a home run short of hitting for the cycle, and Washington later admitted his error by lifting Young for Napoli. It was the second time in Washington's tenure as Rangers' manager that he pinch hit for a batter who was one potential at bat away from completing the cycle.
Prior to the non-waiver trading deadline the Rangers picked up Koji Uehara
Koji Uehara
is a Major League Baseball Japanese right-handed relief pitcher. He is currently a relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Uehara throws a high-80s four-seam fastball and a solid forkball as his primary pitches...
from the Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are a professional baseball team based in Baltimore, Maryland in the United States. They are a member of the Eastern Division of Major League Baseball's American League. One of the American League's eight charter franchises in 1901, it spent its first year as a major league...
in exchange for Chris Davis
Chris Davis
Chris Davis is the name of:*Chris Davis , British singer and guitarist*Chris Davis , Major League baseball player for the Baltimore Orioles...
and Mike Adams from the San Diego Padres
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres are a Major League Baseball team based in San Diego, California. They play in the National League Western Division. Founded in 1969, the Padres have won the National League Pennant twice, in 1984 and 1998, losing in the World Series both times...
. Arthur Rhodes
Arthur Rhodes
Arthur Lee Rhodes, Jr. is a Major League Baseball left-handed relief pitcher.-Career:Rhodes played high school baseball at La Vega High School in Waco, Texas. He was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2nd round of the 1988 Major League Baseball Draft.Rhodes made his MLB debut with the Orioles...
was released.
Fan's death
Exactly one year and one day after firefighter Tyler Morris fell from the upper deck onto the lower infield seats, another fan fell from the stands. Shannon Stone, also a firefighter, was in attendance at the July 7 game against Oakland. After left fielder Josh Hamilton retrieved a foul ball, he tossed it into the left field seats toward Stone. Stone, who was in attendance with his son, attempted to catch the ball by leaning over the guardrail when he lost his balance and fell head first between the divider separating the left field wall and the stands. Although Stone was conscious when he left the ballpark, he died on the way to the hospital.The Rangers started a Shannon Stone memorial fund for the family and plans to place a monument at the homeplate entrance of a father and son walking into the ballpark.
All-Star selections
- Michael Young DHDesignated hitterIn baseball, the designated hitter rule is the common name for Major League Baseball Rule 6.10, an official position adopted by the American League in 1973 that allows teams to designate a player, known as the designated hitter , to bat in place of the pitcher each time he would otherwise come to...
- Josh Hamilton LF
- CJ Wilson P
- Alexi OgandoAlexi OgandoAlexi Ogando is a Major League Baseball starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Oakland Athletics:Ogando was born in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, and originally signed with the Oakland Athletics as an outfielder in...
P - Adrian BeltreAdrián BeltréAdrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
3B
Hamilton was the only Ranger selected by fan voting. Young and Beltre were each selected by player voting. Wilson was selected by Washington. This decision did create some criticizing from media and fans, especially those who wanted Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia selected. However, when Washington made the selection he also had the players voting results available to him, and know which pitchers would be selected if other starters were made unavailable due to starting prior to the All-Star game. After starting pitcher Justin Verlander
Justin Verlander
Justin Brooks Verlander is an American professional baseball pitcher with the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball....
was made unavailable due to his start, the next pitcher selected was Sabathia who also started. The final spot was then awarded to Ogando who had not lost a game when the player voting took place.
August
Record (month, year) 16-12, 77-60Prior to the last day of the month the Rangers picked up Michael Gonzalez (also from the Orioles) who received Pedro Strop
Pedro Strop
Pedro Ángel Strop is a Major League Baseball relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles.-Major League Baseball career:Strop was originally signed as an international free agent by the Colorado Rockies in ....
in exchange, and re-acquired Matt Treanor
Matt Treanor
Matthew Aaron Treanor is an American professional baseball catcher who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball...
from the Kansas City Royals
Kansas City Royals
The Kansas City Royals are a Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals are a member of the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. From 1973 to the present, the Royals have played in Kauffman Stadium...
.
September
Record (month, year) 19-6, 96-66On Friday, September 23, the Rangers (playing at home) defeated the Mariners by a score of 5-3 and moving the magic number
Magic number (sports)
In certain sports, a magic number is a number used to indicate how close a front-running team is to clinching a season title. It represents the total of additional wins by the front-running team or additional losses by the rival team after which it is mathematically impossible for the rival team...
to 1 game. Because the Angels had a scheduled start on the west coast, approximately 12,000 fans stayed inside Rangers Ballpark watching the outcome of that game on the scoreboard. Once the Angels were defeated by the Oakland A's by a score of 3-1, making the Rangers American League West champions for the second consecutive year, the Rangers returned to the field to celebrate in front of the fans. In a familiar scene, the Rangers celebrated using ginger ale
Ginger ale
Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink flavored with ginger. Dr. Thomas Cantrell, an American apothecary and surgeon, claimed to have invented ginger ale and marketed it with beverage manufacturer Grattan and Company. Grattan embossed the slogan "The Original Makers of Ginger Ale" on its bottles...
on-field with Josh Hamilton, but later sprayed each other with champagne once inside the locker room.
By sweeping the Angels in the last away-game series, the Rangers also clinched home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs with a record of 96-66, second in the American League only to the New York Yankees with a record of 97-65.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers
After losing the first game of a best-of-5 playoff series against Tampa Bay, the Rangers rebounded to win the next three games (including both games in Tampa Bay) to take the series 3-1. Colby LewisColby Lewis
Colby Preston Lewis is a Major League Baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers.Lewis was originally a first-round draft choice of the Texas Rangers in the 1999 Major League Baseball Draft, and made his major league debut in...
' game 3 start was only the 17 game in postseason history to have a starter go at least 6 innings with 1 hit or less, and Lewis became the eighth pitcher to do so in a postseason game while recording 6 or more strikeouts.http://www.bbtia.com/home/2011/10/4/the-greatest-story-ever-told.html
The Rangers clinched the ALDS in game four and became the third franchise to advance to the ALCS in consecutive years during the past decade. Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
Matthew Reid Harrison is a Major League Baseball left-handed starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers.-Baseball career:Harrison attended South Granville High School in Creedmoor, North Carolina...
lasted only 5 innings in game 4, but recorded 9 strikeouts in the outing. Harrison is the 10 player to throw 9 strikeouts or more in less than 6 innings in a postseason game.http://www.bbtia.com/the-clubhouse/2011/10/5/nine-strikeouts-in-18-seconds.html Adrian Beltre
Adrián Beltré
Adrián Beltré Pérez is a Major League Baseball third baseman for the Texas Rangers.The youngest player in the National League when he made his major league debut, he has also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Seattle Mariners , the Boston Red Sox , and the Texas Rangers . He bats and...
became the fifth player to hit 3 homeruns in a playoff game, becoming the first to do so in a League Division Series game. The last time a player hit 3 homeruns in a postseason game was 1978 by George Brett
George Brett
George Brett , is an American baseball player.George Brett may also refer to:*George Edward Brett , British-born American publisher*George Brett , World War II USAAF general...
.http://www.baseball-reference.com/play-index/share.cgi?id=VAbrz
Detroit Tigers vs. Texas Rangers
(a) Game 1 suffered 2 rain delays totaling 1:50(b) Game 2 was rescheduled from 10/9 to 10/10 due to rain
(c) Game 2 was an 11th-inning walk-off
(d) Game 4 suffered a pre-game rain delay totaling 2:13 and was extended into 11 innings
NL St. Louis Cardinals vs. AL Texas Rangers
MLB draft and international free agents
On November 11, 2010 the Rangers signed free agent draftee Barret LouxBarret Loux
Barret Christopher Loux is an American professional baseball pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization.Loux was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 24th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball Draft, but did not sign, opting to play college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies.Loux was drafted by...
. Loux was the 6th pick in the 2010 MLB draft
2010 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2010 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was held on June 7–9, 2010 at the MLB Network Studios in New York City.-First-round selections:The draft order was determined based on the 2009 MLB standings, with the worst team picking first.Key...
from Texas A&M
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a coeducational public research university located in College Station, Texas . It is the flagship institution of the Texas A&M University System. The sixth-largest university in the United States, A&M's enrollment for Fall 2011 was over 50,000 for the first time in school...
, by the Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks are a professional baseball team based in Phoenix. They play in the West Division of Major League Baseball's National League. From 1998 to the present, they have played in Chase Field...
, but Loux failed a physical from the Diamondbacks and a $2 million draft bonus was voided. MLB commissioner Bud Selig
Bud Selig
Allan Huber "Bud" Selig is the ninth and current Commissioner of Major League Baseball, having served in that capacity since 1992 as the acting commissioner, and as the official commissioner since 1998...
ruled the Diamondbacks would receive a compensation pick for the 2011 MLB draft
2011 Major League Baseball Draft
The 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft was held from June 6 through June 8, 2011 from Studio 42 of the MLB Network in Secaucus, New Jersey.-Draft order:The draft order was determined by the 2010 Major League Baseball standings...
and Loux would be a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
. Including Loux, the Rangers signed 5 of the first 50 picks from the 2010 MLB draft.
The Rangers signed 18 year-old Dutch short stop Nick Urbanus in November. In December the Rangers signed three additional free agents; sixteen year old short stop Rougned Odor from Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
, catcher
Catcher
Catcher is a position for a baseball or softball player. When a batter takes his turn to hit, the catcher crouches behind home plate, in front of the umpire, and receives the ball from the pitcher. This is a catcher's primary duty, but he is also called upon to master many other skills in order to...
Fernando vivili from Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is a nation on the island of La Hispaniola, part of the Greater Antilles archipelago in the Caribbean region. The western third of the island is occupied by the nation of Haiti, making Hispaniola one of two Caribbean islands that are shared by two countries...
, and pitcher
Pitcher
In baseball, the pitcher is the player who throwsthe baseball from the pitcher's mound toward the catcher to begin each play, with the goal of retiring a batter, who attempts to either make contact with the pitched ball or draw a walk. In the numbering system used to record defensive plays, the...
Jose Leclair, also from the DR.
Roster
| 2011 Texas Rangers | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster | |||||||||
| Pitchers | Catchers Infielders Outfielders |
Manager Coaches (third base) (hitting) (hitting) (bullpen) (pitching) (bench) (coach) (first base) |
|||||||
Game log
| Legend | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rangers Win | Rangers Loss | Game Postponed |
| Legend | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rangers Win | Rangers Loss | Game Postponed |
External links
- 2011 Texas Rangers season at Official Site
- 2011 Texas Rangers season at Baseball Reference
- Lone Star Ball: Welcome to the Angrydome
- Jamey Newberg's The Newberg Report
- Baseball Time in Arlington, a SweetSpot Network; an ESPN Affiliate
- Dallassportsnetwork.tv: Everything but the games
- MLB Trade Rumors, Texas Rangers
- TR Sullivan's Postcards from Elysian Fields, an MLBlog
- Dallasnews.com's Rangers blog
- Star Telegram Rangers