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11/07/2009

Texas Rangers' Young still hungry for a title

"You get to a certain point in your career and all you want to do is win," said the Texas Rangers' Michael Young.

LOUIS DeLUCA / DMN

The Texas Rangers' Michael Young wants to win, writes columnist Evan Grant. Only two active players have played in more games than Young without reaching the playoffs.

Blog: Rangers

Topics: Michael Young

11/05/2009

Texas Rangers' new hitting coach plans to listen

Clint Hurdle instructed Rockies hitters from 1997 to 2002 before he was promoted to replace Buddy Bell as manager.

Getty Images

The Texas Rangers hired a hitting coach Thursday who definitely brings a creative approach to improving the offense. This is what Clint Hurdle plans to tell the players he knows about hitting: Nothing. It might just be the right first step, writes Evan Grant.

Blog: Rangers

Topics: Clint Hurdle

Tell Us: Good pick?

10/27/2009

Phillies would be good role models for Texas Rangers

The Phillies work out Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, where the World Series is set to open tonight.

Getty Images

If the Texas Rangers really want to find a postseason participant to model the franchise on, the Philadelphia Phillies are that team, writes Evan Grant. Philadelphia has built itself a dynastic team the smartest way possible.

Blog: Rangers

Quick Take: Rivera will save day for NY

NY-Philly: Matchup | Preview

Rivera will save the day again for the Yankees
There has been much debate in New York this fall about whether Alex Rodriguez should be crowned the new "Mr. October."

10/15/2009

Angels won't let gap in AL West close

Angels shortstop Erick Aybar (left), 26, has great range and hit .306 this season. He's part of a talented young Angels infield.

DMN FILE PHOTO 2009

It's true that the Los Angeles Angels face a winter of decisions. And it's true that the Texas Rangers improved dramatically in 2009. What isn't true, Evan Grant writes, is the perception that the Angels are about to lose their grip on the American League West.

Blog: Rangers

Grant's quick take

Yankees' off-season investments will pay off in ALCS
I like – no, I love – the way the Los Angeles Angels play baseball. They are about pitching, defense and speed. Limit runs allowed. Manufacture them when needed. Shut opponents down. It is the perfect scheme for playoff baseball. And this year, they've even added some real offensive muscle to the mix.

10/14/2009

Rudy Jaramillo invited back by Texas Rangers, but not really
To quote Seinfeld , the lexicon for modern times, it was a nonvitation.

LA to showcase latest lefty ace
When they are at their postseason best, the Los Angeles Dodgers have always had a dominant left-handed starter to anchor their rotation. Sandy Koufax springs to mind. So does Fernando Valenzuela. And now the next generation: Highland Park's Clayton Kershaw?

10/07/2009

Evan Grant's look at Wednesday's MLB playoff series
St. Louis' Game 1-2 pitching combo is Chris Carpenter and Adam Wainwright. Cards won all four of their starts vs. Dodgers this season. They had a 1.50 ERA in those four games. If series goes the max, they figure to start four of those. Don't expect it to go the max.

10/04/2009

Texas Rangers wrap-up: Playoff hopes drained away in stormy September

An injury to Michael Young (left) opened a miserable September for the Texas Rangers.

RON JENKINS / Special to DMN

If you are looking for a reason to explain why 2009 became the 10th consecutive Texas Rangers season devoid of playoff baseball in Arlington, looking toward the heavens might be a good place to start, writes columnist Evan Grant. And we're not talking about the Angels.

Blog: Texas Rangers

Photos: Defining moments