Texas Rangers

It's been a little over a day since Josh Hamilton was injured, and I've had time to think about how his absence in the lineup will affect the Rangers. There is no more "knee-jerk reaction" in this article.

Let's face it. Texas lost its reigning AL MVP after he carried them to the World Series.

Or did they?

There is a lot of talk in the media about Josh Hamilton's latest injury.  For those who somehow missed it today, Hamilton broke a bone in his arm trying to tag up on a foul pop up.  The catcher had left the plate uncovered, and it would take perfect execution to get him out.  It was a foot race to the plate.

The Texas Rangers' impressive offense took a major step backwards Tuesday when reigning American League MVP Josh Hamilton injured his right shoulder sliding into home plate.

Hamilton, who had tripled to reach third base, slid headfirst into home in an attempt to score. Detroit Tigers catcher Victor Martinez made a great play to tag Hamilton out.

The Texas Rangers have a chance to prove something. 

They will be without reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton for six to eight weeks after he broke his upper right arm sliding into home plate in the first inning of Tuesday's loss to the Detroit Tigers.

Fans who follow Josh Hamilton know he is going to get hurt at some time during the season.

No one expected it to be during Game 11 of the young 2011 MLB season.

As I reported earlier in the 5-4 loss to the Tigers, in the second inning, a foul ball was hit and Hamilton was told to head home because no one was covering home plate.

Baseball writers and fans often argued that had New York Yankees outfielder Mickey Mantle been able to stay healthy, he may have been the greatest baseball player to ever play.

Someday, people may argue the same about Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton.

Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers was hurt trying to make a head-first slide into home base on Tuesday’s 5-4 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

Matt Harrison and Alexi Ogando had two terrific performances which have helped propel the Rangers to a 9-1 record and an early lead in the AL West. The Rangers toyed with the idea of starting Neftali Feliz this spring training, and there was considerable support to put him in the depleted rotation.

So the first 10 days of baseball season have come and gone. Many teams have been very impressive to watch and hear about (Rangers, Phillies, Reds). Others have had unexpected disappointing starts (Red Sox, Rays, Twins, Tigers) while others have been surprises (Indians, Royals, Orioles).

The Texas Rangers have looked unstoppable while sweeping the Boston Red Sox under the mat in opening weekend. People were still skeptical and said the bottom half of the Rangers rotation consisting of Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando would falter. The duo stunned everyone and had arguably better outings than C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis.