So many amazing things have happened this season, from the Rangers overcoming their terrible start to Josh Hamilton’s storybook year, or seeing all the kids Texas has called up from the minors play so well.  The Rangers have shown resiliency all year, but I don’t think anything was more resilient than what happened last night.  Texas dug themselves a 10-0 early deficit in their typical manner with a costly error and Scott Feldman getting hit hard.  Most teams will check out of a game like this, but the Rangers always believe they can climb their way back.  Even after Youkilis hit his homer in the eighth, I didn’t think it was unreasonable to think Texas would tie it, even with Papelbon on the mound.  I would have loved to have been at Fenway relishing the moment when Sox fans booed their own team for throwing what seemed like batting practice to Ranger hitters.  Even as frustrating as it was to lose last night after an incredible comeback, I love the energy of this team, watching players play hard when everyone in Massachusetts is thinking which watering hole they will visit after the game.  Again, the game last night epitomized the Ranger’s season.

A look at the strengths and weaknesses of this team is two extremes.  The offense is first in batting average, runs scored, hits, RBI, doubles, OBP%, SLG%, total bases, and second in home runs.  This is the second game in a row they have put together 20 hits.  On the other extreme is the pitching and defense.  The Rangers lead the league with 104 errors, almost twice as many as the Yankees.  The pitching staff is last in ERA, hits, runs, home runs, and walks allowed.  With the pitching and defense statistics, it is amazing the Rangers are two games over .500, especially a team that is so riddled with injuries.

Friday is the last day to sign 1st round picks Justin Smoak and Robbie Ross.  Both are holding out for 1st round bonus money.  Understandable why they would want to get as much as possible, but waiting this long has cost them an entire summer of development, which makes it that much longer before we will see either of these guys in Arlington.

I have said over the past week that this series with the Red Sox and Rays would make or break the Rangers for the wild card race.  After Boston, Texas comes home to play the Rays, who will be at their weakest without Evan Longoria and Carl Crawford.  Lets hope Texas can pick up at least one game in Boston and catch the Rays in a slump.