Published: June 16, 2009 02:29 pm      

Poll: Rangers are improving

Phil Riddle

editor@weatherforddemocrat.com

The Texas Rangers have their fans thinking positive thoughts, at least the ones voting in this week’s www.weatherforddemocrat.com online poll.

Of the voters who participated, a little more than 40 percent say they expect the Rangers to miss the playoffs, but still finish with a better mark than last year. Almost 28 percent are firmly ensconced on the Rangers’ bandwagon, feeling like a playoff run is in the cards for ‘09.

The other 31 percent? Well, they see an all-to-familiar post-All-Star game collapse.

The poll is not scientific and reflects only the opinions of those who voted.

The Rangers currently lead the American League west by 21/2 games over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. At the start of the month, Texas boasted a 41/2 game margin heading into a six-game road trip to New York and Boston. By all accounts, the 3-3 split between the Yankees and Red Sox was impressive for the Rangers, but the wheels continue to wobble.

Since June 1, Texas is 5-7, dropping home series to the Blue Jays and Dodgers.

In addition, injuries have taken out one of the team’s offensive leaders, centerfielder Josh Hamilton, who is out with what has been described as a sports hernia, as well as right-handed pitcher Brandon McCarthy, who is suffering from a stress fracture in his left shoulder.

Hamilton’s absence creates a well-documented power hole in the clean-up position of the Rangers’ batting order.

McCarthy carried a 5-2 record to his stint on injured reserve.

The Rangers’ next chance to right their listing ship comes with a three-game run against intrastate rival Houston in this week’s Silver Boot Series at The Ball Park in Arlington.

To participate in this week’s poll, click on www.weatherforddemocrat.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

This week’s poll question: “What precautions are you taking against the summer sun and triple digit temperatures?”