No Moves is Good News

The Rangers apparently worked the phones up until the final minutes, hoping someone would cave and dangle an impact hitter for an affordable price. That moment never happened, and so Jon Daniels and company were content standing pat. In the end, I think this was probably the right call.

For all the consternation over the struggles of Jurickson Profar, it's forgotten that Mike Trout struggled during his first stint of Major League action as well. That's about as far as the comparison goes (for now), but it's important to remember that Profar is still immensely talented, and the fact that he's a switch-hitter will only help the Rangers somewhere down the road, quite possibly even this season.

The move of Ian Kinsler to the third spot in the lineup appears to be a move that has potential to work out for everyone involved, especially Kinsler. Then there's the fact that this pitching staff actually did get stronger with the addition of Matt Garza, and will continue to get stronger as pitchers return from injury. Robbie Ross and Tanner Scheppers may be able to get some extra rest at that point, as someone (or several someones) will be likely demoted from the rotation to a bullpen role. It's quite possible that the timing of the returns will be perfect to allow the bullpen to catch its breath for the stretch run.

All indications point to Nelson Cruz appealing any suspension handed down by Major League Baseball. That could change tomorrow, but good news nonetheless.

Perhaps the best news is that, for two nights in a row, the Rangers faced the best pitchers the Angels had to offer, took their best, and still came out on top. The truth is, the offense is capable of that each and every day, and whether by Ron Washington's meeting or some other factor, there seems to be a renewed sense of energy that has been missing for the better part of two months.

Despite doing nothing of significance on the last day of the non-waiver trading period, this ball club is in excellent position to compete each and every day, and that's something that gives me confidence that they can get the job done.

The Texas Rangers may not end up winning the AL West, but something tells me they'll make it interesting and fun along the way. Plus, it doesn't hurt when you have moments like Leonys Martin hitting a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning.