Rangers Are Playoff Bound!

 

For the first time since 2016, the Texas Rangers are headed to the American League Playoffs, and in doing so, after leading the American League West Division for over 140 out of 149 days, and they have regained that first place with one game LEFT in the season, they still have the chance to clinch the Division and be the NUMBER 2 seed in the playoffs.

A quick recap of the 2023 season, has to start with opening day against the Philadelphia Phillies, at Globe Life Field, and there was a feel in the air, something that hasn’t been felt since 2010, or maybe even 2011, under Ron Washington as the Manager of the Rangers.

New BOSS on the bench—Bruce Bochy, who after winning three World Series when he was the skipper of the San Francisco Giants—including the year that he faced Texas in 2010.

The Rangers also secured some arms with  Jacob deGrom (who later was lost to Tommy John , Surgery) a mid season pick up with Max Scherber from the Mets, and a couple of pieces for back up catcher and some outfield help, but the truth is, that this team had all the components that Chris Young wasis  able to put together before the Trade Deadline.

This season also gave us a chance to see what this offense could produce, such as 4 ALL STARS (including a Rookie Third Baseman) but solid All Stars like Marcus Semien at 2^nd base, or Corey Seager at short stop, Adolis Garcia in right field, Jonah Heim behind the plate, and Pitcher Nathan Evoldi… that’s a pretty good line up all on its own!

Go through the season and be at the top of the heap in the West for the majority of the season until August—when they go into a tail spin and Houston catches up, Seattle is in the hunt- and the eroding of the Angels falling by the way side—with Otani closing out his locker before the last week of the season, and also seeing Mike Trout of the Angels not being a factor in that three game series at the end of the season. BUT after sweeping the Mariners for the last series at HOME to close out the home side of the 2023 season, it looked promising that the Rangers would secure 1^st place in the West once again!

BUT WAIT! Its not over, losing 3 of four games to the Mariners in Seattle to close out the season and the Astros winning their last games against the Diamondbacks to move a game ahead of the Rangers to become the Western Division Champs on the LAST DAY of the season.

The Rangers will now take on the Tampa Bay Rays starting on the 3^rd of October in Tampa and it’s the best of three series for the Wild Card, and IF there is a third game to settle the score, it will also be played in Tampa. The Rangers WILL NOT play a home playoff game until the Divisional Series.

The Feel is the same as opening day—the thought is the same as that day as well.