http://www.sportsnipe.com Texas Rangers, Team News, Updates, and Stats from all sports sources, updated continually. http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2906076/ian-kinsler-returns-for-rangers-to-familiar-place-in-lineup.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2903185/blue-jays-7-rangers-2-f-fort-worth-star-telegram-blog.html Globe and MailBlue Jays 7, Rangers 2 (F)Fort Worth Star Telegram (blog)TORONTO - The Toronto Blue Jays extended the Texas Rangers losing streak to four by pouncing on Tommy Hunter for six runs in the first three innings on ...Blue Jays pound RangersGlobe and MailWells, Hill homer again in Jays winCBC.caTexas Rangers (75-61) @ Toronto Blue Jays (70-66)Bettingpro.comNational Post -Bluebird Banter (blog) -ESPNall 360 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2903184/washington-brushes-off-interference-call.html Washington brushes off interference call Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2903183/hunteramp39s-effort-hurt-by-fiverun-inning.html Hunter's effort hurt by five-run inning Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2903182/7562.html More photos » Paul Battaglia - AP about 21 hours ago: Texas Rangers' Cristian Guzman watches his single off Minnesota Twins closer Matt Capps during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday Sept. 5, 2010, in Minneapolis. Guzman was 2-4 on the day as the Twins won 6-5. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia) Browse more photos » And the beat goes on... Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2903181/rangers-add-esteban-german-designating-alex-cora-for-assignment.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2903180/rangers-rocked-by-blue-jays-72-in-fourth-straight-loss.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2903179/wells-hill-amp-escobar-homer-blue-jays-beat-texas.html TORONTO (AP) -- Vernon Wells hit a three-run homer, Aaron Hill had a two-run shot and the Toronto Blue Jays beat Texas 7-2 Monday, handing the reeling Rangers their seventh loss in nine games. Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2903178/blue-jays-7-rangers-2.html ^Texas @ ^ Toronto @ ^ Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2901478/injuries-could-doom-texas-rangers-to-familiar-fate-past-playoffs-usa-today.html Injuries could doom Texas Rangers to familiar fate of past playoffsUSA TodayGetting their top players healthy would seem the priority for the Texas Rangers, still cruising with an eight-game lead in the AL West and hardly threatened ...and more » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2901477/rangers-scratch-lee-from-tuesday-start-cbs-47.html msnbc.comRangers scratch Lee from Tuesday startCBS 47Cliff Lee #33 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Oakland Athletics at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 6, 2010 in Oakland, California. ...Texas Rangers LHP Cliff Lee's Tuesday start in Toronto is in doubtESPNRangers' Cliff Lee likely to miss next start with back painUSA TodayBack soreness keeps Cliff Lee from throwing in bullpen, next start uncertainThe Canadian PressYahoo! Sports -Dallas Morning News -Bleacher Reportall 384 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2901476/labor-day-rangers-things.html More photos » Paul Battaglia - AP about 17 hours ago: Texas Rangers Michael Young, left, is held back by Texas Rangers third base coach Dave Anderson (obscured) after being called out at third by third base umpire Alfonso Marquez, front right, to end a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010, in Minneapolis. Rangers manager Ron Washington (wearing sunglasses) looks on. The Twins won 6-5. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia) Browse more photos » A pretty awful series in Minnesota ends in an absolutely ridiculous fashion.  Both Jeff Wilson's game story and T.R. Sullivan's game story focus on the disputed interference call at third base that ended the game, and both stories quote the section of the rule book that seems to indicate that the umpires simply didn't know the rule, as Tim Tschida said after the game that any contact means an automatic out.  Jon Daniels is apparently contacting the MLB offices today to get an explanation as to the rule, and what exactly happened yesterday. Evan Grant offers his thoughts on the weekend's series and the disputed call. And the imbroglio even made the lead of this morning's Buster Olney column, with Olney saying that the umps blew the call, and that MLB needs to clarify the rule. Sullivan mentions in his notes that Rich Harden will be staying in the rotationbullpen, rather than replacing Cliff Lee on Tuesday for a spot start, and suggests that Esteban German may be getting called up to join the Rangers. Wilson's notes have updates on the injuries to Josh Hamilton, Cliff Lee, and Elvis Andrus. Gil Lebreton has a column urging fans not to panic.  He also talks about the disputed call, and points out that TV replays show that Alfonso Marquez was looking at third base, not Michael Young or Dave Anderson, so he couldn't have been able to tell whether they touched or not. Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2900482/rangers-left-stranded-by-umpires-call-victoria-advocate.html Rangers left stranded by umpire's callVictoria AdvocateMINNEAPOLIS - The Texas Rangers can only wonder what might have happened had they been able to see Nelson Cruz bat with the bases loaded in ...and more » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2898910/mark-prior-continues-comeback-scoreless-inning-in-triplea-debut-canadian-press.html Go-Ems.comMark Prior continues comeback with scoreless inning in triple-A debutThe Canadian PressIt was the first game for the former first-round draft pick and all-star pitcher after signing a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers. ...Looking back: The best of the Oklahoma City-Rangers relationshipAmerican ChronicleRedHawks clinch PCL American SouthPawSox.comall 19 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2898909/texas-rangers-pitcher-cliff-lee-scratched-from-next-start-gathercom.html CBC.caTexas Rangers pitcher Cliff Lee scratched from next startGather.comCoasting along with a comfortable lead in the American League Western Division the Texas Rangers have decided to be cautious with pitcher Cliff Lee by ...Cliff Lee may miss next start for RangersThe Associated PressToronto Blue Jays vs Texas Rangers 9/6/2010: Cory's Free MLB Baseball PickSports Chat PlaceLee could miss next start for RangersOne News PageSB Nation Dallas (blog) -The Canadian Press -FanHouseall 179 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2898908/prior-pitches-scoreless-inning-in-triplea-debut-ap.html Mark Prior struck out two batters in a scoreless inning Sunday in his debut for the Triple-A Oklahoma City RedHawks. Prior stranded the bases loaded after allowing a pair of singles and walking a batter in the fourth inning of Oklahoma City's 9-1 loss to the Omaha Royals. It was the first game for the former first-round draft pick and All-Star pitcher after signing a minor league deal with the... Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897840/toronto-blue-jays-vs-texas-rangers-962010-corys-free-mlb-baseball-pick-sports-chat-place.html Sports Chat PlaceToronto Blue Jays vs Texas Rangers 9/6/2010: Cory's Free MLB Baseball PickSports Chat PlaceVernon Wells has absolutely eaten up Texas pitching this season, batting .371 with five home runs and 11 RBIs. This matchup isn't a good one for the Rangers ... Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897839/twins-6-rangers-5-f-fort-worth-star-telegram-blog.html Globe and MailTwins 6, Rangers 5 (F)Fort Worth Star Telegram (blog)Not even CJ Wilson could stop the Texas Rangers' woes at Target Field, and a bizarre ending didn't help either. The left-hander lost for the first time ...Twins edge Rangers 4-3Examiner.comThome's pair of HRs powers Twins past Rangers 12-4The Associated PressRangers vs Twins Baseball HandicappingOffshore InsidersBleacher Report -Sports Chat Place -CBSSports.comall 1,070 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897838/quick-link-texas-rangers-star-josh-hamilton-out-indefinitely-bruised-ribs-sportingnewscom.html Sportsbook GurusQuick Link Texas Rangers star Josh Hamilton out indefinitely with bruised ribsSportingNews.comThe Texas Rangers have the largest division lead of any team in baseball, which is a good thing in more ways than one. Obviously, the eight-game advantage ...Josh Hamilton of Texas Rangers: Signs point to 'not soon' for return to lineupESPNRangers Hit Hard by the Injury BugMVP Texas (blog)Bruised ribs sideline Rangers' HamiltonToronto SunAHN | All Headline News -UPI.com -Reuters Canadaall 131 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897837/peaks-valleys.html From the August 13, 2006 Newberg Report, about something that happened 10 years before that: ==================== On Friday I went to the Alumni Legacy Luncheon, honoring th... Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897836/texas-rangers-star-josh-hamilton-out-indefinitely-bruised-ribs-sportingnewscom.html The Texas Rangers have the largest division lead of any team in baseball, which is a good thing in more ways than one. Obviously, the eight-game advantage over second-place Oakland bodes well for their first trip to the postseason since 1999. But the big lead also means they can give their injured star time to rest. Josh Hamilton, a top candidate for the American League MVP award with his .361 average, 31 homers and 97 RBIs, is sidelined with bruised ribs. Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897835/rangers-rally-late-but-drop-finale-to-twins.html Rangers rally late but drop finale to Twins Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897834/7561.html More photos » Paul Battaglia - AP about 3 hours ago: Texas Rangers second baseman Cristian Guzman dives for but misses a ground ball off the bat of the Minnesota Twins' Orlando Hudson during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday Sept. 5, 2010, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Paul Battaglia) Browse more photos » Add "game ending because of incidental contact between baserunner and third base coach" on the list of weird things that have happened this year. Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897833/umpire-blew-call.html From the baseball rule book, it is interference if: In the judgment of the umpire, the base coach at third base, or first base, by touching or holding the runner, physically assists him in returning to or leaving third base or first base. For those who missed the end of the game, Vlad Guerrero hit a roller up the middle with the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the 9th, with Minnesota leading, 6-4. Orlando Hudson dived and knocked the ball down.  Michael Young, the runner at second, had rounded third and was headed home when third base coach Dave Anderson waved for him to stop. As Young was stopping, he stuck out his arm, and his fingertips appeared to -- maybe, not definitely -- graze Anderson's fingertips. Anderson didn't physically assist Michael Young in returning to third base, and Young returned to third base safely; however, he was called out, purportedly because of interference on the part of Anderson. Thus, the call by third base umpire Alfonzo Marquez that ended the Rangers game this afternoon was clearly wrong. If the call is correctly made, Nelson Cruz comes up with 2 outs, bases loaded, down 1. Maybe Texas loses anyway. But a clearly blown call by the third base ump, calling Michael Young out because (supposedly) of interference by third base coach Dave Anderson, ended the game and cost the Rangers the chance to tie or take the lead. Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897832/game-thread-rangers-comeback-bid-vs-twins-ends-one-run-short.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897831/rangers-awards-watch-worthy-candidates.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897830/prize-right.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897829/michael-young-on-gameending-decision-bad-call-by-good-umpire.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897828/rangers-big-rally-ends-in-controversial-fashion-twins-win-65.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2897022/cliff-lee-may-miss-next-start-for-rangers-associated-press.html CBC.caCliff Lee may miss next start for RangersThe Associated PressMINNEAPOLIS ? Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington says there's a good chance that Cliff Lee's next start will be skipped because of the pitcher's back ...Lee could miss next start for RangersOne News PageCliff Lee Scratched From Tuesday StartSB Nation Dallas (blog)Lee will have his next start for Rangers delayed because of back discomfortThe Canadian Pressall 171 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2896713/hamstrung.html he's... Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2895666/twins-edge-rangers-43-examinercom.html Washington PostTwins edge Rangers 4-3Examiner.comThe Minnesota Twins pulled out a victory against the Texas Rangers in the first of three game series. Matt Fox lasted 5 2/3 innings in his major league ...Thome's pair of HRs powers Twins past Rangers 12-4The Associated PressTouch-'Em All Jim Thome: Two Home Runs Vs. Texas Rangers Surpasses Big Mac.Bleacher ReportRangers vs Twins Baseball HandicappingOffshore InsidersSports Chat Place -Seattle Times -The Ledgerall 857 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2891048/texas-rangers-lhp-cliff-lees-tuesday-start-in-toronto-doubt-espn.html Texas Rangers LHP Cliff Lee's Tuesday start in Toronto is in doubtESPNRichard Durrett and the rest of the ESPNDallas.com team have the inside scoop on the Rangers, the American League and Major League ...and more » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2891047/rangers-at-minnesota-hamilton-ok-discuss-game-view-live-stats.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2890479/kinsleramp39s-time-off-benefits-ankle.html Kinsler's time off benefits ankle Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2887498/rangers-spotlight-on-mark-prior.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2885431/live-game-thread-rangers-at-twins.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884835/after-missing-game-josh-hamilton-back-in-texas-rangers-lineup-as-dh-espn.html After missing game, Josh Hamilton back in Texas Rangers lineup as DHESPNMINNEAPOLIS -- Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, the leading hitter in the majors, is back in the lineup for Friday's game against ...Rangers | Josh Hamilton back in lineup FridayKFFL (blog)all 4 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884834/texas-rangers-agree-mark-prior-on-minor-league-deal-espn.html SB Nation Dallas (blog)Texas Rangers agree with Mark Prior on minor league dealESPNMINNEAPOLIS -- The Rangers have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Mark Prior on a minor league contract. ...Prior signs minor league deal with RangersYahoo! SportsMark Prior goes from OC Flyers to Texas RangersOCRegisterPrior agrees to terms with Texas Rangers on a minor league contractThe Canadian PressSB Nation Dallas (blog) -NewsOK.com -SCPlaybook.com (subscription)all 55 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884831/lee-returns-will-throw-amp39pen-session-saturday.html Lee returns, will throw 'pen session Saturday Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884830/former-ranger-farmhand-mike-nickeas-to-majors.html So I'm scanning Yahoo's MLB page, and I see this blurb in the transactions section: M. Nickeas, NYM, C Purchased from minor For those who don't remember, way back when, Mike Nickeas was thought to be the Rangers' catcher of the future.  He was a 5th round draft pick in the 2004 draft who turned heads quickly in short-season ball after signing.  In the 2004-05 offseason and in 2005 spring training, you heard a ton of buzz about Nickeas. Nickeas was fast-tracked by the organization, starting the 2005 season at AA.  That sort of jump is rare for any but upper-first-rounders, and Nickeas couldn't handle it, failing to hit, getting hurt, and ultimately flaming out in the Ranger system before being dealt to the Mets for Victor Diaz in August, 2006. The Rangers pretty clearly mishandled him, and it has been suggested that rushing him crippled his career, but he's had a pretty nice season this year in AA for the Mets.  He's likely been added to the 40 man roster to provide the Mets with a third catcher for the final month, but one would guess he'll end up appearing in a major league game, which isn't bad for a fifth rounder whose original organization gave up on him about two years after he was drafted.   Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884828/evan-grant-hot-september-could-get-rangers-home-field-advantage-in-first-round.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884101/what-we-learned-in-kansas-city-sb-nation-dallas-blog.html Washington PostWhat We Learned In Kansas CitySB Nation Dallas (blog)1 day ago: Texas Rangers relief pitcher Neftali Feliz, right, and left fielder Josh Hamilton celebrate after the Rangers' 4-3 win a baseball game against ...Royals pay for lapses in 4-3 loss to RangersKansas City StarAround the horn Jeff Francoeur joins Rangers as Ian Kinsler comes off disabled ...Detroit Free PressJeff Francoeur joins Texas Rangers, not in starting lineupThe Canadian PressThe Associated Press -MiamiHerald.comall 613 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884100/rangers-activate-nippert-from-dl-miamiheraldcom.html Rangers activate Nippert from DLMiamiHerald.comBy Sports Network The Texas Rangers made a series of roster moves on Friday, including activating pitcher Dustin Nippert from the 15-day disabled list. ...Teagarden, Rapada, Nippert join RangersMLB.comall 29 news articles » Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884096/tonightamp39s-game-begins-at-740-pm-ct.html Tonight's game begins at 7:40 p.m. CT Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884095/what-we-learned-in-kc.html What we learned in KC GoET runs it down. Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884094/rangers-make-more-roster-moves.html More photos » Jeff Chiu - AP 27 days ago: Texas Rangers' Taylor Teagarden, right, celebrates after hitting a two-run home run off of Oakland Athletics' Dallas Braden in the fifth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Friday, Aug. 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Browse more photos » T.R. Sullivan has an update on a flurry of roster moves that have gone down today. Taylor Teagarden has been recalled, Clay Rapada has been called up, Omar Beltre has been recalled and put on the 60 day d.l., and Dustin Nippert has been activated from the disabled list. Although Sullivan says Rapada has been recalled, I think Rapada's contract was purchased, as I don't believe he was on the 40 man roster prior to today.  That is why Beltre would have had to have been moved to the 60 day d.l. In addition, Brandon Boggs has cleared waivers and been outrighted.  If the Rangers don't add him to the 40 man roster before the end of the World Series, he will be a minor league free agent. Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884093/series-preview-texas-rangers-minnesota-twins-theres-no-place-like-home.html More photos » Ron Schwane - AP "Have you seen that? You can get a goddamn fish on a stick over there." Browse more photos » Little did we know that an early September series in Minnesota would be the biggest of the season. Somehow, however, it is. We've talked a lot about it. The Rangers are locked in a battle with the Twins for the second best record amongst division winners which will grant the team that finishes with the better record home field advantage in the first round of the post season. This series is huge for the Rangers chances of opening October at home and avoiding the AL East winner at their place. Currently the Rangers trail the Twins by 1.5 games but only one game back in the loss column. You probably know the scenarios but I will group them into two: Good: Sweep (1.5 games up), series win (.5 games down) Bad: Swept (4.5 games down), series loss (2.5 games down) It's possible that the Rangers could come back and overtake the Twins with a better record if they lose this series and are 2.5 games back with about 25 left to play. It isn't likely in the slightest, however. Basically, the Rangers need to win this series to have a realistic shot. If the Twins sweep this series, like they did in May, well, I guess you'd better start figuring out which is more appealing to you: The Yankees or watching Rangers playoff games from Tropicana Field. So, while the headlines and weekend series previews might be written about how this series is a battle between division leaders and could be a possible playoff preview, and sure, that's factually correct, the real story is the fact that these teams are locked in a struggle for a prize that isn't exactly baseball-headline tangible. It's interesting to me (and likely no one else) how abstract this challenge is for the Rangers. It's not a down the stretch all-out battle for the division title. It's not a cross-division melee for that final berth via the Wild Card. Instead, it's just a couple of teams trying to get into the post season with a better record than the other. This isn't about being a playoff preview, but it should be played with playoff intensity. For the first time in a long time this season, the Rangers have something to lose. Friday, September 3 7:10: LHP Derek Holland vs. RHP Matt Fox Saturday, September 4 3:10: RHP Colby Lewis vs. RHP Carl Pavano Sunday, September 5 1:10: LHP C.J. Wilson vs. RHP Nick Blackburn? Good news: The Rangers actually have a decent chance to win this series. While the Twins are a very good team, and are playing at home, which puts the Rangers at a disadvantage immediately, there are some unique circumstances that might slant the playing field in the Rangers favor. Thanks to the Detroit Tigers bumbling chance after chance to put a game away against the Twins last night for 13 innings, before finally winning it, the Twins had to use eight pitchers, including two whom were supposed to start games in this series. There's an excellent chance that the Twins bullpen will be in disarray for at least the first game of this series and probably more. Sure, thanks to September roster expansion, the Twins can call up reinforcements, but wouldn't you rather face an Anthony Slama in a late-inning situation than a Jesse Crain?   The Twins will be calling up Triple A starter Matt Fox to make his Major League debut in game one instead of previously scheduled Nick Blackburn who was the losing pitcher in the 13th inning of last night's game. Fox is a right-hander with a 4.60 FIP in 123 innings at Rochester. Game two will be a rematch of a game from about 10 days ago between Colby Lewis and Carl Pavano. The Rangers won that game 4-3. Game three currently has C.J. Wilson, who might be the best pitcher in the American League over the last two months, scheduled to face Blackburn. The Rangers will have their chances with these match-ups. They need to capitalize because they probably won't see a pitching probables perfect storm like this again this season. The fact that it comes in the biggest series of the year to date is all the more fortuitous. But the Rangers still have to win the games. Other good news: Ian Kinsler!! Minnesota Twins (77-57, 1st place AL Central) Rangers' 2010 Record vs. Minnesota: 3-4 Minnesota's Recent Results: 2-1 Series win against the Detroit Tigers SBN Twins' Blog: Twinkie Town      Match-up: (as of 9/02)        Rangers   Twins Advantage Batting (RAR) 204.4          (9th) 262.5 (2nd) Twins Starters (RAR) 95.3 (20th) 134.5 (4th) Twins Bullpen (RAR) 41.8 (5th) 26.1 (10th) Rangers Overall RAR 341.5 423.1 Twins Defense Runs Saved 11 45 Twins                         Questions to Ponder: Did You Know: In 61 games, Danny Valencia has a WAR of 2.2? That means somehow Danny Valencia is an aggregate full season 6.0 WAR guy. If they gave out second half awards, he would run away with the second half ROY. Over/Under: 2.5 home runs the Rangers hit in this series? If the Rangers played the Twins in the ALCS in consecutive years, would anyone be able to muster up a sense of rivalry between these teams? It would be like a Pacers/Bobcats Eastern Conference Finals. Matt Fox: That guy from LOST or yet another nondescript starter the Twins seem to buy in bulk? 2 of 3 or are you greedy for a sweep? Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884092/rangers-minorleague-report-taylor-teagarden-hits-another-homer.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates http://www.sportsnipe.com/main_sportsnews/2884091/rangers-take-on-twins-in-battle-firstplace-clubs.html Texas Rangers - Sport Snipe - Team News - Stats - Updates