Keys to tonights game- 1.) Take advantages and use them. The Texas Rangers roll into Tribe town with the worst record in the majors (43-65) and 5th in the AL West. The Rangers are coming off of an off day yesterday, and are starting a nine game road trip. They have been struggling on the road- losing 16 of their last 20. The last time we faced them, we took three of four against them. We have had their number this season. But this does not mean we should assume anything going into this series. We still need to show up and compete as if we were facing the best team in the majors. It is important that we make the most of scoring opportunities. We once again are facing a fill in pitcher in Jerome Williams (filling in for Nick Tepesch- who has a bum left knee). For some reason we have struggled with the fill in pitchers we have faced this season...be it because we have never faced them or what. But that needs to stop. We need to not allow him to settle in...jump on him early and play small ball. Make Williams pitch over the plate- have smart at bats. We also need to do a better job when we have the bases loaded. Clutch hits is the name of the game. 2.) Salazar have command of his secondary pitches. His 94 mph fastball, when he has control of it, is deadly. He is a strike out machine. But you can not throw fastballs and nothing else. He sports a splitter and slider, but only uses them about 20% of the time- and often loses control of them- making mistakes which out opponents have jumped on at times. Salazar has won his last two starts since reemerging in the Bigs. He does not give up many walks...but has been known to give up home runs- but that should not be a surprise because he is a strike throwing pitcher. Who should he watch out for? Adrian Beltre- he likes to hit home runs when the pitcher leaves the ball over the plate. Salazar is making the start for the recently traded Justin Masterson. This is the new era of Tribe pitchers-= time to make a name for themselves. 3.) Take the opener. Somehow... we are still in the hunt even though we have lost eight of our last eleven. We should be thankful that Detroit is just as streaky as we are...because they have left the door open for us to make a move... if we can turn this slump around. The big thing is realizing and have confidence that we can actually do it. Make no mistake... it has been a rough week for the boys. It is hard to lose teammates to trades...because they are not just teammates. They are friends. Frustration and emotions are high. Confidence is lacking. But the nature of the game says play on and play through. This is game one of the rest of the season. The deadline has past...focus can be restored...this is our team. So now the team needs to step up and play like we all know they are capable of playing. Taking game one of this series is a start.
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 21:01:03 +0000
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