WILTED RANGERS?

     So the Rangers trade for Cliff Lee, then blow a lead in the top of the 9th to the worst team in baseball. A sign of things to come? According to many commenters here at HH,  the Rangers pitching is about to "wilt", due to excessive Summer heat. Is it true? Here's a look back at the last 5 seasons. First, overall record and 1st half-2nd half win-loss splits (for the record, 1st half is pre-ASG, 2nd half is post-ASG).

     Yes, there is a trend for the Rangers not performing as well in the 2nd half. Only once in the last 5 years (2007) did their 2nd half winning percentage exceed their 1st half percentage. But was pitching the difference? Here are the ERA numbers for the last 5 seasons, showing overall season ERA, and then 1st half 2nd half splits;

     There is no consistent trend. In 2005 and 2008, their team ERA was significantly higher in the 2nd half. 2nd half team ERA was slightly higher in 2009. But, team ERA was slightly lower for the 2nd half in 2006, and almost a full run lower in 2007. I just don't see a consistent "wilting" trend in these pitching numbers. In fact, the numbers below make as good a case for their hitters "wilting" in the Texas heat;

     Conclusion? Don't bet on the Rangers pitchers appreciably worse during the summer heat wave. Now that they have added Cliff Lee, I suspect their 2nd half ERA this season will be better than if he had remained in Seattle. I hope the Rev is correct (in this fanpost) that their relief pitching falls apart like it did last evening.

     If there is any trend in the numbers above, it is that they have steadily improved their win-loss percentage every year since 2007.  This will be the toughest divisional fight for the Angels since 2006. I hope our guys are up to the task. Nutter-up!