The art of being advantageous

Goofballs

The Texas Rangers are a lot of things. Opportunistic isn't one of them.

The Rangers lost two of three from Minnesota in the most heartbreaking fashions: A bad offense, a bum called strike and a faulty bullpen.

The Rangers easily sweep this series, but I don't feel the sense of urgency that I would expect a team trying to make the playoffs. It seems the Yankees, Red Sox and Angels are all playing as if there were no tomorrow. They have that extra gear. The Rangers seem to not have it. If they do, they need to shift into that gear quick because the Angels and BoSox are not slowing down.

Notes:
1. Tommy Hunter was better Friday night than Scott Feldman was Saturday night, but Feldman helped with a shutout and Hunter took a loss.

2. How many wins has the bullpen left on the shelf for Kevin Millwood? At least four.

3. The offense sucks. They haven't had a big hit in weeks and they fail to drive runs in to really put games out of reach.

4. I would've pulled C.J.Wilson quick Sunday. It was clear he didn't have it and it's a shame that Ron Washington isn't into winning games. I bring Frank Francisco or Neftali Feliz once the righties start coming up. But whatever.

5. Second guessing Ron Washington again: I pull Blalock out late in Sunday's game and put in the defensive Chris Davis.

6. Again second guessing: I pinch-hit Dave Murphy for Elvis Andrus against Joe Nathan, who Murph had doubled off of the day before. I mean, you're in the playoff race, why not actually try to make it?

5. I'm done with Hank Blalock.

6. Julio Borbon's the fourth Ranger with double-digit steals.