Hardly had we ever considered a team more buried than we did the Texas Rangers for 2015!  Handicapping the AL West before the 2015 season, the checklist has us looking at the Angels and Mariners first and foremost.  Sure we even had the Astros on the might watch list but whom would have ever consider the A’s or the Rangers.  After all, Texas was willing to take the disfunction to their team in the form of Josh Hamilton. Americas Bookie’s The Brink woke up to a new reality as the sun rose.  The Texas Rangers are in first place in the AL West.  We will go over how this and other events transpired last night and what they mean for your wagering tendencies for the remainder of the baseball season!

All Hail Hamels and Holland

Video courtesy of CBS Sports

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1TRDECxAZM

Synopsis for you:  Rangers were eight games out as late as August 2nd.  With the foundation of the Houston Astros being boom or bust at bat, they have seen dips in most areas of concern.  Have this coincide with Holland’s return from injury and the acquisition of Cole Hamels saw the Rangers make their move.  With another one run win last night (6-5) over Houston, Texas now has the cat bird seat in the AL West.  The video goes on to say that Holland and Hamels should gain rather than diminish for the rest of the season.  This might very well be true but he is discounting the streaky nature of the Astros.

Seen this Before

Houston and the Angels had their mini tug of war atop the division earlier this season when Houston got cold.  They responded with furious offensive output while the Angels imploded.  What few want to bring up is the level of potential disfunction on the Rangers.  This is certainly a feel good story and tight divisional races are good for the sport.  Remember Hamilton?  How about Fielder?  These are people that can mash during the regular season but get their images posted on milk cartons when prime time comes around.  Playoff collapses are their bread and butter.

Anyone can handle adversity.  Scramble as hard as you can to make something of yourself.  Ability to handle and hold on to success is the key.  Fewer can do that.  I would rather take a team that is learning this than one who has players who flunked the final exam before.  Wager on the Houston Astros tonight and for the future to win the AL West.  Good fortune in this an we will talk tomorrow here at The Brink.