Let’s just get to the real point of the post right off the bat: to remind all of you loyal InsideCornerians one more time that this Thursday, July 16, we will have our Pennant Race Pep Rally at Pappasito’s in Arlington.
And in case you missed it, Ian Kinsler still isn’t an All-Star. After narrowly missing being voted in as the AL’s starting second baseman, then narrowly missing being voted in as the AL’s final member, Kinsler not-so-narrowly missed being added to the roster by manager Joe Maddon after Dustin Pedroia pulled out to be with his pregnant wife. See, Kinsler never had a chance to make the team when Pedroia decided he wouldn’t head to St. Louis because Maddon picked his own player to replace Pedroia. It’s not that it’s a move most managers wouldn’t make or that Carlos Pena wasn’t deserving of a spot, it just leaves the AL with an awkward roster that features four 1Bs and only Aaron Hill at 2B.
But another Ranger did get some good news when Torii Hunter pulled out of the festivities with an injury. Nelson Cruz will make his first All-Star appearance with only the request to return to Arlington with his swing intact after he announced he’d participate in the home run derby. Then Nelly got his power swing started early on Friday with an 8th-inning, two-run homer off Shawn Kelley that proved to be the difference in a 6-4 game.
Unfortunately, the rest of the weekend wasn’t so successful. The Ranges lost three of four to the Mariners, including a disappointing opener that got away after a botched double-steal and a late-inning Franklin Gutierrez homer. So for those that were left with a lust for blood after frustrating series that put the Rangers 1.5 games back in the division, you can read Bob Sturm’s live blog of UFC 100.
And for those that just missed breakfast this morning, we’ve got you covered too.