Training Camp Week One Observations

Dez Bryant's (pictured right, catching the ball) high ankle sprain has been the main story to come out of the first week of camp. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Normally around the time of year, I have to admit, I'm usually much more excited about the Dallas Cowboys.

The Rangers are normally in the midst of a July swoon out of first place (or not even in contention), but this year has been different. Texas looks like the team to beat in the American League West, and I don't remember the last time I was this excited about Rangers' baseball.

That being said, the Cowboys are still the main attraction here in Dallas. As the start of the season grows nearer, I know my anticipation will steadily begin to grow. The Cowboys have high expectations this season, and I've been examining some things I've found interesting from the first seven days of camp.

Old-School Loss - 9-7

Texas squanders a 5-0 lead as Juan Rivera (above) and the Angels took the first game of the series, bullying Rangers' pitching for two big innings. Rivera went 2 for 4 in the game, knocking in four of the Angels nine runs and scoring two more. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

After scoring a combined total of 14 runs in the first three games of the four-game set between these two teams last week, the Texas Rangers (60-43) and Los Angeles Angels (53-52) put up more runs (15) through the first four innings of Friday night's shootout. Rangers' starter Tommy Hunter lasted only three innings, and Texas lost it's first game to open a series since the All-Star break.

"I certainly wasn't expecting three innings out of him tonight," manager Ron Washington said. "He just left too many pitches in the middle of the plate. And they didn't miss. I thought we played well enough to win that ballgame. We put up seven runs in four innings, but we just couldn't stop them."

Offense Breaks Out - Rangers Close Out A's 7-4

Micheal Young went 4 for 4, scoring three runs, as the Rangers' offense snapped a week-long slump - taking the series against Oakland 2 to 1. (AP Photo/Cody Duty)

After scoring only four runs in the last 19 innings combined, the Texas Rangers (60-42) matched that total Thursday night by the sixth inning in winning it's 60th game of the season. The Oakland Athletics' (51-50) pitching staff had dominated the series up to this point, but the Rangers' offense broke out in a big way - totaling seven runs on 14 hits.

"It's great to see everybody contribute," David Murphy said.

Trade For Cantu Makes Sense For Rangers

The addition of another slugger to an already potent lineup only cements the Rangers chances of making the playoffs for the first time in 11 years. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)

The Texas Rangers have done it again.

Texas has found another team to absorb the majority of a player's one-year contract, while sending a couple of minor leaguers to complete the deal. The Florida Marlins have agreed to part with infielder Jorge Cantu as part of a three-player deal that has Texas sending two double-A players to the Marlins.

Here are the trade details.

This is good for the Rangers because Cantu is a career .276 hitter in six MLB seasons, had knocked in 100 RBI in two of his six Major-League seasons and, made especially important with Ian Kinsler recently being put on the 15-day disabled list, can play every infield position aside from shortstop.

Even when Kinsler gets back, the Rangers now have the flexibility to start someone who can actually hit at first base. Chris Davis, who is batting .188 with no homers and three RBI in 101 at-bats this season, will either be sent to the minors or used in spot duty for the remainder of the season.

However, like anything else, Cantu doesn't come without some flaws.

Bats Go Cold - Rangers Fall 3-1

A's starter Trevor Cahill (above) shut down the Rangers' offense, allowing only two hits over eight innings. (AP Photo/Cody Duty)

The Texas Rangers (59-42) have run into quality young pitchers in back-to-back games that have showcased the youth of the Oakland Athletics' (51-49) staff.

The Rangers have managed only one run in the first nine innings of each game, as the lineup has been suffocated by A's starting pitching. First, it was Gio Gonzalez on Tuesday who shut down the Rangers potent offense. Now Trevor Cahill got his shot, and the 22-year old right-hander didn't disappoint - shutting down the Rangers for eight innings for his 10th win of the season.

"You think about the environment he's pitching in, the weather, the team, that's about as good as you can do," A's manager Bob Geren said.

Cahill (W, 10-4) was able to induce weakly hit ground-ball outs all game, culminating with a line of eight innings, two hits, no runs and four strikeouts.

Cruz Delivers In Extra's -Texas Beats A's 3-1

Even with Cliff Lee delivering nine more innings of excellent pitching, the Rangers needed extra-innings to put away the A's. Nelson Cruz (above) reacts after launching the walk-off two-run homer in the 10th. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

For some reason, the vaunted Texas Rangers' (59-41) offense continues to struggle to give former Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee any run support (9) so far in his first four starts with the club.

The trend continued Tuesday night as the Rangers could only muster one run through nine innings against Gio Gonzalez and the Oakland Athletics (50-49). Luckily for the Rangers, Nelson Cruz came through in the 10th with a clutch, two-run blast that gave Texas yet another walk-off win.

"It's too bad we couldn't get Lee the win, but the team got the win and that's all that matters," manager Ron Washington said.

Not So Hot Of A Month For Vlad, But Rangers Will Survive

Texas has continued to distance itself from the pack in the A.L. West despite Vladimir Guerrero's month-long slump. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Going into the month of July, Rangers' designated hitter (and top free-agent pickup) Vladimir Guererro had a .339 batting average and just finished up a month in which hit hit .356 and knocked in 24 RBI to go along with six homers in 24 games.

Fast forward to today and Guerrero's average has dropped 30 points to .309, and the Rangers' slugger hasn't knocked in a run for a season-long nine straight games.

It doesn't stop there.

Guerrero has a lowly .200 and knocked in only two homers and eight RBI in 20 July games. If he doesn't increase his average by eight points and knock in at least three RBI over the next five games, it will be the lowest totals for RBI and batting average in any month he's played at least 20 games since the 2000 season.

Rangers Take Three Of Four Against Halo's

Josh Hamilton (above) knocked in three of the Rangers six RBI in the final game of the series as Texas widened it's lead in the American League West to seven games. (AP Photo/Cody Duty)

The Texas Rangers (57-41) have cleared the first real hurdle of the second-half of the season in taking out the Los Angeles Angels (52-49), A.L. West winners six of the last eight seasons, three games to one. Three quality starts from Cliff Lee, C.J. Wilson, and Tommy Hunter secured the series win.

"All they've done is put together quality starts one after another," said Rangers' catcher Bengie Molina, who caught every game in the series.

Hunter (W, 8-0) pitched 6 1-3 innings of three-run baseball to remain undefeated this season.

Wilson Pitches Lights Out - Rangers Win 1-0

Combine eight innings of scoreless baseball thrown by C.J. Wilson (above) with another solo homer by Michael Young, and the Rangers now have a seven game lead in the American League West. (AP Photo/Mike Fuentes)

Two straight games against the division-rival Los Angeles Angels (51-48), two games where the new-look Texas Rangers' (57-40) pitching staff has shown it's mettle with back-to-back dominating pitching performances. The student even outperformed the master Friday night as C.J. Wilson (W, 9-5) threw eight shutout innings, compared to Cliff Lee's stellar two-earned 8 1-3 innings outing Thursday, for a 1-0 Rangers win.

Wilson credits Lee with helping to expand his game since he arrived here with Texas.

Statement Game - Rangers Win 3-2

Texas started the four-game series with L.A. strong with Cliff Lee (above) nearly going the distance again while winning his first game as a Ranger. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

When the Texas Rangers (56-40) traded for Mariners' starter Cliff Lee a little over two weeks ago, this must be exactly what they envisioned the former Cy Young winner could do for this team. Lee pitched 8 1-3 innings of two-run baseball, as the Cliff Lee-Jared Weaver pitching matchup certainly lived up the the hype in what was a pitchers duel throughout.

"Anytime you go out and give the team a chance to win, it feels good," Lee said. "Got the first one out of the way."

Tigers Thwart Sweep - 4-1

Ex-Rangers' catcher Gerald Laird (above) hit a two-run homer and Tigers starter Max Scherzer pitched seven innings of shutout baseball as Detroit snapped a seven-game losing streak. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

With the Texas Rangers' (55-40) offense shut-down for most of the night, and starter Colby Lewis (L, 9-6) struggling in the seventh inning, the Detroit Tigers (49-44) were able to salvage a victory in the final game of the three-game series. Texas, however, still finishes it's 7-game road trip with a 5-2 record as the team heads home to take on the division rival Los Angeles Angels.

"We went 5-2 and won two series against Boston and Detroit, so we're going home with our heads' high," manager Ron Washington said. "Those aren't two teams that you can just expect to beat every night, and we won both series."

Putting On A Show - Rangers Win 8-0

Elvis Andrus and Ian Kinsler (above) made spectacular plays both in the field and at the plate, helping Tommy Hunter become the first pitcher in franchise-history to start a season 7-0. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

It was just one of those nights for the Texas Rangers (55-39) where everything seemed to go right. Hitting, defense, and pitching were all at top form as Texas is now one game away from sweeping the Detroit Tigers.

"[Hunter] pitching well, the guys behind him played good defense and we put up some runs on the board," manager Ron Washington said. "That's about as clean a game of baseball as you can play."

Cruz Rolling Since All-Star Break

(left)Nelson Cruz is a major reason why the Rangers have won four out of it's last five games. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Over the last five games, the Texas Rangers have scored a total of 29 runs. Nelson Cruz alone has accounted for over 30 percent of the Texas offense with 10 RBI - at least one in every game - over the same stretch.

Even with Josh Hamilton slugging away to the tune of an MLB-leading .353 batting average, Cruz has been even hotter as of late. Since the All-Star break, Cruz is 12 of 23 from the plate (.521 batting average), has at least two hits in all five games, and has raised his average over 25 points since the break (.299 to .325).

Rangers Finally Put Tigers Away - 8-6 In Extras

A two-run home run by Nelson Cruz (above) in the 14th sealed a late-innings win for the Rangers. The win is the first for Texas in Detroit since 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

After nearly six hours of baseball, the Texas Rangers (54-39) finally pulled it out with a clutch, two-run homer from Nelson Cruz.

"It was starting to rain, and I was getting hungry," Cruz said jokingly. "It was a great feeling to see that ball go over the fence, especially since we hadn't scored since the seventh."

Cruz homer raced just over the right field wall, and the Rangers' dugout went crazy as he rounded the bases.

Rangers Take Three Of Four In Boston

Behind Bengie Molina's cycle Friday night and C.J. Wilson's (above) career-high 10 strikeouts Sunday afternoon, Texas won two of the final three games of the four-game series against Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

As bad as the Texas Rangers (53-39) played to end the first-half of the season, they played just the opposite in winning three of four against the Boston Red Sox (52-40) to start off the second-half. Bengie Molina became only the fifth player in Rangers' history to hit for the cycle, and Texas pitching dominated the Red Sox throughout the series.

Rangers Get Back To Business - Crush Red Sox 7-2

A huge first inning off knuckleballer Tim Wakefield proved too much for Boston to come back from as Texas scored six runs off six hits in the first alone. Tommy Hunter (above) provided 6 2-3 innings of solid work as he helped to lock the Red Sox down. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

After a poor start to the month of July, the Texas Rangers' (51-38) plan to come out of the All-Star break rested and ready has gotten off to a good start. Texas terrorized Boston Red Sox (51-38) starter Tim Wakefield (L, 3-8) to the tune of seven runs (six earned) on eight hits, knocking the 17-year veteran out of the game after only two innings.

The win stopped a four-game skid and the Rangers, as a whole, looked energized coming out of the break.

"Before the break, I felt like we needed a break. Some of the guys were tired," said Josh Hamilton, who regained the Major League Baseball lead in batting average (.351) with a 3 for 4 game. "Everybody got some rest and we came out stronger."

Mavs Acquire Tyson Chandler From Bobcats

It wasn't what Mavericks' fans expected to get with the Erick Dampier instant expiring contract, but the addition of Chandler instantly makes Dallas a better team, while still leaving the opportunity open for other acquisitions. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

At the outset of free agency the Dallas Mavericks roster goal was clear: add a top free agent (Lebron, Wade, etc) using the Erick Dampier instant expiring contract. Of course, Dallas tried this, things didn't work out, and here we are. But, don't confuse the fact that (obviously) the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh had already made a decision to join one-another, with the assumption that the Mavericks didn't try - which is absolutely false.

Rangers In The All-Star Game

How did your Texas Rangers do in a meaningless, mid-season exhibition game? (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

A team-record six Rangers suited up for the All-Star Game Tuesday night, but it wasn't enough as the National League won it's first mid-summer classic since 1996, 3 to 1. I'm not going to lie to you, dear reader, I didn't watch one second of this load of crap. It's a pointless, waste of time manufactured for corporations to sell products and players to be self-indulgent - kind of like Valentine's Day, Easter, and all other sporting "All-Star" games.

But here's a recap and box-score, for the few who care.

Rangers Players Box:

Josh Hamilton: 1 for 3, no HR or RBI, two left on base.

Elvis Andrus: 0 for 1, caught stealing.

Ian Kinsler: 0 for 1, walk.

Vlad Guerrero: 0 for 2, strikeout.

Cliff Lee: One innings, no earned runs, 1 K.

Neftali Feliz: DNP

Can we fast forward to the second-half of the season now?

Officially Troublesome - Rangers Lose 4-1

With both Josh Hamilton and Elvis Andrus getting the game off, the Rangers offense struggled to get anything going. Miguel Tejada (above) hit a solo homer for the Orioles who got it's first four-game sweep since 1995. (AP Photo/Cody Duty)

The Texas tailspin has now reached four games as the Texas Rangers () continue to struggle going into the All-Star break. The Rangers have now lost eight of 11 games in the month of July after a 21-6 record in June.

"We're in first place. There's no need to be sad," manager Ron Washington said. "We just have to come out of the break and hold on to it."

Debut Gone Awry - Rangers Lose 6-1

Cliff Lee went the distance, but allowed three home runs along the way as just about nothing went right for Texas Saturday night. (AP Photo/Cody Duty)

Saturday night was an evening to forget for the Texas Rangers (50-37) who are now on the verge of being swept at home by the worst team in baseball, the Baltimore Orioles (28-59). Even the newest Ranger, Cliff Lee (L, 8-4), was unable to right the ship for this struggling team.

"It's been hectic," said Lee, who arrived in Dallas at around 1 a.m. early Saturday. "I don't think that was the reason I didn't do as well... The first one is out of the way and hopefully I can do better from here on out."

Timing Of Lee Deal Impeccable

Back-to-back losses show the importance of a workhorse-type pitcher like Cliff Lee (left) for the Rangers to succeed. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)

It seems this was the perfect time for the Texas Rangers to pull the trigger on acquiring former Cy Young Award winning pitcher Cliff Lee. The overworked Rangers bullpen has pitched a total of 273 1-3 innings - fifth most in baseball - and are showing signs of fatigue recently in the form of two big blown leads in the past two games. On the flip side, Lee's former team - the Seattle Mariners - have a rested bullpen that has pitched only 217 2-3 innings, next to last in the Majors. This has a lot to do with Lee's ability to consistently pitch deep into ballgames.

Another Bullpen Meltdown - Rangers Lose 7-6 In 10th

For the second straight game the Rangers bullpen screwed the pooch. This time, closer Neftali Feliz (above, middle) allowed four runs in the ninth inning to allow the Orioles to send it into extras. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

This is what happens when a tired, overworked bullpen is constantly forced into spot duty by starting pitchers who can't seem to last more than six innings on a good day. This time, at least, the Texas Rangers (50-36) got seven solid innings of two-run baseball from starter Scott Feldman and held a four-run lead in the ninth inning before everything went to hell in a hand basket.

Special Delivery - Lee Coming to Texas

Despite recent struggles with it's ownership situation, the Texas Rangers have added a bona-fide ace in Seattle Mariners starter Cliff Lee (above). (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Just when you thought the New York Yankees would add yet another weapon to it's evil empire, the Rangers swooped in and took the pitcher with the best ERA in the American League.

"We haven't won anything yet but we feel like we're in our best position to put our best foot forward," Rangers' GM Jon Daniels said. "We've always said if we had a chance to improve, we would. We're excited about it."

Bullpen Blows It - 6-4

Texas squandered a 4-0 lead (along with six strong innings from starter Tommy Hunter, pictured above) as they lost to the worst team in the Majors. (AP Photo/Cody Duty)

For the last couple of months of the season, the bullpen for the Texas Rangers (50-35) seemed to have shrugged off it's rocky start to the season. Old habits die hard, however, as the bullpen reverted to early-season form in blowing a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning against the worst team in baseball - the Baltimore Orioles (26-59).

Just Chillin'

Only the best business meeting attire for Mr. LeBron James. The LeBron-a-thon is tonight 8:00 p.m, if your a fan of extreme self-indulgence. (AP Photo/The Plain Dealer, Joshua Gunter)

Best. Article. Ever.

Coming soon - Dirk, Mavs Free-Agency Options

Rangers Take Care Of Business, Take Series From Indians With 4-3 Win

Texas rebounded after an embarrassing game-one loss to the lowly Indians with a dominant 12-1 victory and now a comeback 4-3 win to take the series two games to one. Julio Borbon (above, center) was key to the win as he knocked in the go-ahead run with two-outs in the sixth inning. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

The Texas Rangers (50-34) just keep going about their business. After a shaky 1-3 start to the month of July, the Rangers have rebounded, taking two of three from the lowly Cleveland Indians (33-51) and pushing it's lead in the American League West to 5.5 games.

High Five! Rangers Cruise To 12-1 Victory

Texas was able to get back to it's high-scoring ways for the first time in July and C.J. Wilson got the pitching staff back on track in an all-around dominant win. Unlikely hero Joaquin Arias (above, left) knocked in a career-high four RBI on the night. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

With both Micheal Young and Elvis Andrus getting the night off, the Texas Rangers (49-34) got some unexpected offensive-production from it's two utility infielders.

Indians Crush Rangers - 9-3

The July struggles continue as the Rangers got themselves into a 4-0 hole early and were unable to climb their way back. Matt LaPorta (7) celebrates after hitting a two-run homer in the third inning. (AP Photo/Cody Duty)

Another game, another loss for the Texas Rangers (48-34) who have won only one of five games played in July. This time, rather than losing to a team with a legitimate, over .500 record, Texas lost to a Cleveland Indians (33-49) team that is more than 15 games below .500.

"We were playing catch up all night and couldn't do it," manager Ron Washington said. "They just kept pouring in runs."

Rangers Lose Two Of Three To White Sox

Texas continues it's struggles against teams with winning records after the White Sox took the series 2-1. Alexei Ramirez (above) knocked in two crucial RBI in the final game of the series, securing a White Sox win, and went 8 of 12 from the plate for the series. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

It's hard to tell from one day to the next if these Texas Rangers (48-33) are for real.

Texas Falls Short - 2-1

Angels take series thanks to a dominant start from Jared Weaver (above), who pitched seven innings of two-hit baseball. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

For the first time this season, the Texas Rangers (47-31) and the Los Angeles Angels (45-36) had a bona fide pitcher's duel. Unfortunately for the Rangers, a late-inning comeback against a shaky Angels' bullpen fell just short.

"It's a credit to us that we go out there and take down the hottest team in baseball," Angels center-fielder Torrie Hunter said.

Rangers Bounce-Back With 6-4 Win

Texas came back from being down 3-0 early, led by Vladimir Guererro (above) who hit two home runs (one of which with the bases-loaded) and knocked in five RBI against his old team. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Anybody else think the Los Angeles Angels (44-36) may want a do-over in it's decision to let Vladimir Guerrero go after a sub-par 2009 season?

Guerrero's new team, the Texas Rangers (47-30), were happy to capitalize off of the Angels mistake. The Rangers acquisition, who has paid dividends all-season long, made his former team pay as he literally won the game on his own - knocking in five runs to the Angels' four.

"He's as dangerous as any hitter in the game right now," Angels' manager Mike Scioscia said.