BALLGAME!

It has been eleven years since the Texas Rangers have won the American League West. But at approximately 6:15 pm CDT on September 25, 2010 they clinched. Certainly not without a lot of drama and unusual heroes. Jorge Cantu, an acquisition from the Marlins, who seemed a total bust, drives in his first RBI as a Ranger, and then follows up with his first home run. We even had a flashback to the bad old days. With one out in the ninth, Neftali Feliz on the mound going for a rookie record 38th save, the Oakland player hits a fly to right center. Jeff Francoeur (a great acquisition from the Mets) and Julio Borbon do the old "I got it, you take it." But the Rangers prevailed.
Knowing the North Texas fan base, there will be a serious sale on deer antlers this week.
It is still early to talk about postseason awards, but the Rangers should have some numerous contenders. The General Manger, John Daniels, no longer the Boy Blunder, with all the acquisitions he has made, not just this summer, but in building this team from nothing, should be the Executive of the Year. Note to Jerry Jones: See what a difference a real general manger can make.
There has been plenty of talk about Ron Washington as Manager of the Year. He certainly has pushed the right buttons, set the appropriate attitude, and is the poster model for the second chance. Here is a man who had to endure the public revelation of a failed drug test in the off season. Nolan Ryan stuck by him and it paid off.
Speaking of second chances, there is Josh Hamilton, a player of immense talent, a real-life Roy Hobbs. A player whose career was on the skids due to drugs. But he got a second chance and announced to the baseball world his return with that fantastic display in the Home Run Contest at the All Star Game. He may be the MVP.
Then there is Michael Young, 1502 games in a Ranger uniform, no playoffs. And Darren Oliver, a starter back in the "glory days", picked up in the off season as a middle reliever. The list goes on.