Rangers DFA Neftali Feliz

Tonight's game was ugly after the first inning, but the real gut punch came 45 minutes after the games conclusion. 

The Texas Rangers have DFA'd Neftali Feliz to make room on the 40-man for Matt Harrison. 

After watching Chi Chi flounder with his control tonight,  I assumed the Rangers would DFA Detwiler to make room for Harrison, then send Chi Chi down on Tuesday to get some extra rest around the All Star break, making room on the active roster for Delino DeShields. 

I was wrong. 

I know much of my disappointment comes from the fact that my greatest memory as a Rangers fan is Nefi jumping into Benji Molina's arms after winning the 2010 ALCS, clinching the Rangers first ever World Series appearance. 

As Neftali jumped up and down in front of a sea of red, I did the same at home, attempting to throw up The Claw to any living thing in my presence, eventually grabbing my son out of his crib so he, at four months of age, could be with me to celebrate what I had been waiting 30 years to witness. 

I will never forget that moment, and until the Rangers finally win a World Series, no baseball moment will replace it.  

Thank you, Neftali. 

One of the unfortunate things about the Wash era in Texas was the overuse of young relievers.  Neftali fell victim to this and never recovered (same with Robbie Ross).  In 2010-2011, Neftali made 134 appearances for the Rangers.  That number is insane. 

After Tommy John surgery, Neftali was never the same. 

During the press conference, Feliz stated that he was surprised by the move, but "baseball goes on".

In the words of Ron Washington, "That's how baseball go".

It's a shame that this is the nature of the business.  I wish Neftali success where ever baseball may take him next and that one day he may rediscover his form from 2010. 

Baseball echoes life, where each of us wade through our struggles, clawing for that moment that will last forever. Regardless of his recent decline, Neftali will always have that moment; October 22, 2010, under a full moon in Arlington. 

And thanks to Neftali, so will we.