"Hello, Win Column!"
Cliff Lee and Bengie Molina embrace after clinching the ALDS on Tuesday, October 12th.So much happened in Game 5 of the 2010 ALDS -- hell, so much happened in the whole series -- that, at first blush, it’s hard to figure out where to begin.
You’d probably have to start with 16 innings, 11 hits, 2 runs, 21 strikeouts, 0 walks, 224 pitches, 166 strikes. And two huge wins. Because whoever you figured were the leading candidates for the Rangers’ ALDS MVP – Nelson Cruz, Ian Kinsler, maybe even a stray thought of Bengie Molina – Cliff Lee put an end to all debate with his complete-game masterpiece.
Lee absolutely dominated the Rays. He crushed their spirits with a breathtaking bit of pitching under pressure in the third inning. Somehow, he found another gear in the fourth. And then, all the more unbelievably, he kicked it a notch higher still in the seventh inning, after B.J. Upton’s single and steal of second base threatened to make it a more nerve-wracking game that any Rangers fans in their right minds could reasonably imagine.
But then you’d also have to mention Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz. The pair spent much of the regular season on the DL, and both struggled, at times. Kinsler, especially, bore the brunt of many fans’ unhappiness, just as he has in seasons past. And both players struggled defensively in key moments of the series.
At the plate, though, and when it really counted, both men came up golden. Cruz was amazing, posting a .400/.400/.950 line, and going 3-for-4 in Game 5 with a double and two runs scored. And Kinsler one-upped him, putting up an astonishing .444/.500/.944 overall, and going 3-for-4 in Game 5 himself, with three RBI – two of them on a key ninth-inning blast off Rays closer Rafael Soriano. (It was the second time in the series that Kinsler hit a huge home run; his solo shot in Game 3 would have been the series clincher, had it not been for an unexpected bullpen meltdown.)
Then there was Bengie Molina. The much-maligned mid-season acquisition, ostensibly brought in for his ability to handle pitchers and his “veteranosity,” had largely failed to impress the Rangers faithful over the last few months of the season. But nobody can complain about the catcher’s four-game line of .357/.357/.571 -- plus a stolen base.
And Elvis Andrus, who silenced (at least for a couple days) any calls for a new leadoff batter with a masterful night at the plate and on the base paths.
And C.J. Wilson, who, until Lee’s Game 5 gem, boasted the most impressive start of the series.
And Ron Washington, who weathered storms both on and off the field this season, and managed to keep his players confident in the midst of it all.
And Jon Daniels, who should be a slam-dunk winner of the AL Executive of the Year Award.
And Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan, who fought for and won ownership of a hell of a ballclub.
But at the end of the game and the series, one person, one phrase, one voice stood out more than any other.
For a long, lingering moment after Eric Nadel made the final call of Game 5, it was hard to find any words to describe anything at all. And as soon as that moment passed, it was perfectly clear where to begin:
“Hello, win column!”
As he made that call, in honor of his departed partner, Mark Holtz, the man who is arguably the finest baseball broadcaster on the planet was obviously choking back tears. It sounded as if those tears were starting to flow when Nadel reviewed the final highlight during his post-game wrap-up.
Some readers here may not remember Holtz, who died on September 7, 1997, of leukemia. Holtz broadcasted his last Rangers game on May 22 of that year; he and Nadel had partnered for 14 years before enjoying their first postseason together in 1996.
For many Rangers fans, Holtz was one of the last two voices they heard before falling asleep as kids: the fade-out on the soundtrack of almost every Texas summer night, year in and year out. BBTiA and its readers owe Holtz a special debt, though many may not know it; “It’s baseball time in Texas!” was his signature opening line for every home broadcast.
Holtz, as much as anyone, symbolizes the highs and lows of Rangers fans over the last 39 years. And the nostalgic joy (and joyful nostalgia) in Nadel’s voice as he made the final call of the 2010 ALDS was about as perfect a summation as you could want of the feelings of Rangers fans as Texas finally -- finally -- claimed a postseason series.
The Rangers aren’t done; not by a long shot. There are at least four games to be played, and Texas is fully capable of taking down New York in the ALCS, and any NL opponent in the World Series. Washington and his players can’t get too secure or sentimental as they move on to confront their next challenge.
But for the fans -- for us? It’s worth taking a moment to appreciate having been around for this -- for all the watching and listening and cursing and cheering and, yes, writing and reading. Just a moment.
“Hello, win column!”
Now let’s go watch the Rangers kick the Yankees’ rears.
Analysis, The Season
Reader Comments (57)
It's a great day for Ranger fans. Thanks to BBTIA for your coverage & analysis to make this charmed Ranger season even more special for the team's fans.
This is one of your finest articles. That's a great description of why Mark Holtz means so much to so many fans. He was ... and always will be for me ... the voice of the Texas Rangers.
Really nice job, Josh.
"Hello win column" is far better than the comments made on your chat at the conclusion of last nite's game. Yours is a thoughtful and reasoned baseball site and that teen-aged trash doesn't belong.
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Congratulations to the Rangers and their Fans! As NY fan this series became a "pick your Poison" affair for me. Both teams looked very tough. The Rangers are a scary team and the ALCS should be a nail-biter all the way - can't wait til Friday.
Again, congrats on an excellent season and your first post-season series win. With the team Ryan & Co. have assembled there should be many more.
Holy crap Josh. The reminder of Holtz and "it's baseball time in Texas" just sent crazy chills up and down my spine. I used to beg my dad to let me go out to his car and sit in the driveway to listen to WBAP all the way in Nashville, TN. His car was the only radio that would pick it up on clear nights.
Thanks for the article.
Everyone is awesome! Life is beautiful! Kill Yankee scum!!
What an incredible year this has been, dating all the way back to the ballsy moves made by the front office to switch out Millwood and his salary for Harden and Colby Lewis. Unbelievable.
It was a real privilege to watch Lee and Wilson pitch this week. I think Lewis has a better outing next time around and hopefully the bullpen calms down and performs up to their usual level.
Bring on the Yankees.
My computer died in the top of the 9th, sorry I didn't get to share it with you guys. I seriously think I pulled a muscle in my shoulder high fiving my wife. I'm going to the doctor today.
I was so happy that I was listening to the radio instead of the TV last night to hear that magical call. I found myself wondering after the Kinsler HR, when it seemed certain, just how Nadel was going to make the call. I wanted to hear those three words more than anything, and when he said it, I got just as choked up as he did in the post-game talking about the call. That was some special moment for long-time Rangers fans, and I'm sure he was right, Mark Holtz was looking down last night and enjoying it all with the rest of us.
Video of the Rangers' ginger ale celebration for Hamilton. What a nice way to appreciate their 2010 mvp.
http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/foul_territory/2010/10/video-of-rangers-ginger-ale-celebration.html
Josh,
What a great article. I remember a couple of tears when I found out Holtz had passed. Your article and the call brought it all back.
Damn, this feels good!
First two at home. Fans will be even crazier at Ballpark than before.
Big right handed lineup to mash against their two main pitchers.
Lee at Yankee stadium in game 3 looks like a certain win.
Rangers can run wild on Posada...it should look like a carousel on the bases.
Team has gotten to Rivera before...he doesn't scare this team like he used to.
Take series in 6 then Lee can go in game one at Philadelphia.
We have all of our weapons locked and loaded. Paybacks are hell.
WOW!
I was skeptical the "sleeping giant" that the Rangers allowed back in this series were going to pull out the W last night... and once again, the Rangers would still be without that 1st post season series win. I'm definitely a glass 1/2 empty type of guy... but that attitude made the game even more enjoyable.
Lee was completely dominant. He was poised and in control of the game... and despite numerous Rays trying to break his rythm by calling time and stepping out, right as Lee was 1/2 way through his motion, he held his emotions in check and showed us what a REAL $20M a year pitcher is like.
BTW... after the 3rd or 4th hitter called time, I wished Lee would temporarily morph into Vincete Padilla and put a couple guys on their backs.... even though, I knew that was the wrong thing to do at that point in the game. Again, Lee showed great poise and is a true professional.
Onto the Yankees...
Man I miss Mark Holtz. It was classy of Nadel last night and classy of you here. Nice job!
Help me out here guys... who gets the ball in Game 4 if the following holds true:
Game 1 CJ
Game 2 Colby
Game 3 Lee
Game 4
Game 5 CJ
Game 6 Colby
Game 7 Lee
CJ, Lee and Colby each get 2 games.... so does Wash go with the best of the rest in Game 4, maybe Hunter or Holland? Or, could he throw caution to the wind and do something unorthodox like giving the remaining pitchers say 2 or 3 innings a piece? I guess it largely depends on how much the bullpen has been used to that point and whether or not game 4 is an elimination game... but what if the Rangers are up 2 games to 1?
OK time to think about the (Damn) Yankees.
My question: How does having Lee close out the Rays instead of opening against the evil empire affect the rotation IF the series went to the final game? In other words last night's masterpiece by Lee should have been at home this Friday. Will Lee get the same number of appearances against the Yanks and on how much rest?
BTW, ha sanyone ever seen a better pitched game? It was different because it wasn't the typical fastball dominance, but more artful with a complete mastery of off speed pitching cutting, breaking, and sliding for strkes on both sides of the plate. Simply amazing.
I see that Pabloesque and I have the same thoughts since he posted while I was typing.
Could Lee have squeezed in a third game if he pitched friday?
Holtz was the greatest. Those of us who are older also remember Dick Risenhoover: Goodbye baseball!
Another Mark Holtz fan here. I even go back further, and enjoyed Dick Risenhoover's Ranger announcing days. His trademark home run call: "Good-bye, baseball!" Baseball has had its share of truly great announcers, hasn't it? Nadel is terrific, he loves the sport and that love comes through to the true-believing fan.
As far as the Rangers, I remember about 20 years ago, Orel Hersheiser went on a crazy pitching binge in the playoffs and almost single-handedly won the series for the Dodgers. I'm not trying to put it all on Lee, but it is nice to have him as a blazing vanguard right now, leading the way.
i said while watching the game...Cliff Lee was castrating every batter up there.
around the 5th or 6th inning, the Rays took on this long, slow death of an appearance. it was greatness. love it.
Nobody (C.C., maybe) goes 1-4-7 anymore. Pitchers get two starts a series now. The order in which you get to four wins doesn't matter if you count on two from Lee plus (2 from Wilson, or 1 there and 1 from Lewis.) I don't think that John Kruk at ESPN gets it when he says the Rangers don't have Lee for Game 1. Who cares?
I think that the Yankees have a tougher time vs. LHP. I would consider starting Holland in Game 4 (albeit in NY.)
Can anyone clear up the site of Lee in the bullpen in game 3? Kruk, Buck Martinez, et al seem to be making a big deal about this. I NEVER took it as him "warming up" but instead getting his work in between starts. Why would anyone consider the former when the Rangers were up 2-0 in the series? I could understand Wilson in game 4 because he was done for the series.
Any thoughts?
I tried turning up the sound on Nadel and watching it on TV but the lapse in the picture and sound didn't work for me, so I just accepted that I had to go with the TV sound. I wasn't too crazy about the TBS announcers but I thought the one guy did a great job analyzing Lee's ins and outs with his pitching style. Awesome job with your column, Josh.
@Jon - Lee pitched game 5 on 5 (full) days rest... but if the Rangers closed it out on Sunday, Lee would pitch games 1 and 6 vs. the Yankees... but that's assuming the playoff schedule would've been the same had the Rangers won over the weekend. I think the schedule would've been moved up had they swept or won it in 4... but I'm not 100% sure of this... maybe the ALCS dates were set in stone, regardless of the ALDS outcome.
Either way, Lee will pitch 2 of the 7 games... and I don't see any scenario where he would be available for 3 of the 7 games... unless of course the Ranger's swept the rays and the schedule was moved up... and it's too early in the morning for me to think my way through that scenario.
Great read, as always.
God bless Mark Holtz.
Yaaaaaaay! Please, please, please put Kinsler in the #2 slot and Cruz in the #4 slot! Vladdy 5 and MY 6. Given the problems the Yanks have vs Lefties, I'd strongly consider Holland or even Matt Harrison as my Game 4 starter.
Will Frank Frank be back on the roster for this round? I'd love to see an extra arm I trust in the pen. I would also like to see Nippert and German dropped from the roster for a pair of lefty RPs, say Rapada and Kirkman or Harrison. If Holland isn't going to start Game 4, I'd drop him as well. Say, Holland, Nip, German out, Frankie, Rapada, Kirkman in.
Long time reader, just wanted to interject my appreciation for the site - you guys do an excellent job. I agree with what another poster stated in the last article - outside of my son being born - the Rangers win yesterday was the most indescribably awesome feeling I have ever known - keep em coming Rangers!
Someone is going to write a book about this season. It just wouldn't be right for it to end without a Rangers WS victory.
@ TZig "Nobody (C.C., maybe) goes 1-4-7 anymore. "
Thanks. This where I date myself because somehow I remember that happening and since Lee is an expnsive rental the tought of getting all possible psot season starts is very appealing.
Of course my next quetstion is what IF it doesn't go to seven. Will there be a game where we look back and say "if Lee had been available........."
I guess what would help ease my befuddled mind would be a side by side comparison. Maybe, I will try this at lunch.
I am trying to do to much thinking about this. On LSB people are speculating that Lee may start games 3 and 7. However, what if the Rangers are down 3-2 going into game 6?
My guess is 2 and 6.
Then someone else mentioned the possibility of rain in NY ................
Somewhere, Mark Holtz is smiling not only at the Rangers success but for this perfect tribute to him.
I suppose during his all-too-short stay with the Rangers a lot of us took him for granted. Listening to his game descriptions first on radio then on television were as comfortable as an easy chair.
You knew winter's chill was over and the spring thaw had finally arrived when you heard him declare "It's baseball time in Texas!''
It is entirely appropriate that Eric Nadel would choose that phrase to put an exclamation point to the finest moment in franchise history.
When Mark Holtz was with us, he was the best and Eric Nadel was next, a fact he acknowledges to this day.
But now, Eric Nadel is the best, by far, in baseball.
Getting WAY ahead of myself, but if we get a game 7 at the ballpark next weekend (can't believe thats an actual possibility!), I would hope the fans will stay and stand for our team regardless of the outcome. The mass exodus last night from the Trop was embarassing. You go to the game and you support your team no matter what. Especially when it's the last game.
I havent been too productive today...still soaking it all up. Let's see...Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. Thats 5 business days out of the next 7 that will likely have my mind elsewhere. Maybe I should just take the week off...
I still miss Holtz. As far as I'm concerned he is more responsible for my love of the great game than anyone else. He was true greatness.
"For many Rangers fans, Holtz was one of the last two voices they heard before falling asleep as kids: the fade-out on the soundtrack of almost every Texas summer night, year in and year out."
Yes, this was me. I'm 45 years old now but I still remember him well.
Mark Holtz always has been and always will be the voice of the Texas Rangers to me. I'll admit I shed tears the night he died, and I honestly can't imagine doing that for any other sports figure. Thanks for the mention and the fitting tribute, and for posting Nadel's call for those of us unfortunate enough to not be able to hear it.
"Hello, Win Column!" indeed. Here's hoping we here that several more times this year.
@Scooby Dude - I LOVE the idea of sliding Kins in the 2 spot vs. LHP... but not so much Cruz at cleanup. Even though his splits are reasonably close, Cruz is a little better against RHP... whereas Vlad traditionally kills lefties... so even though Cruz is on fire, I think you have to play the percentages and ride Vladdy at cleanup. When they face RHP, I'm completely on-board with Cruz at 4 and knocking Vlad to 5 or 6.
This is all about winning and not about hurt feelings, etc.. and I believe Kins at 2 and MY at 6 makes the most sense. And I don't want to bash MY... but he looks lost right now.
Unless Sabathia can pitch on 3 days rest (which is what he did a couple of years back with the Brewers, correct?) the Yankees are going with a 4 man rotation.
Game 1 Sabathia vs. CJ
Game 2 Pettitte vs. Colby
Game 3 Hughes vs. Lee
Game 4 Burnett vs. Hunter or Holland
Game 5 Sabathia vs. CJ
Game 6 Pettitte vs. Colby
Game 7 Hughes vs. Lee
Sabathia and Pettitte are tough on lefties (2.10 and 2.31ERA respectively)... but my lineup would look like this against LHP:
1 - Elvis
2 - Kins
3 - Hamilton
4 - Vlad
5 - Cruz
6 - MY
7 - Francouer
8 - Molina
9 - Moreland
** All but Hamilton hit LHP better than RHP
When Hughes and Burnett pitch (vs. RHP):
1 - Elvis
2 - Kins
3 - Hamilton
4 - Cruz
5 - Vlad
6 - MY
7 - Murphy
8 - Treanor
9 - Moreland
** All but Hamilton hit LHP better than RHP
To me, the wild card here is Pettitte. If he out-pitches Colby, we're in trouble.
CJ vs. Sabathia is troublesome too... but if CJ can somehow split and come away with 1 win, we're in business.
Lee vs. Hughes should result in 2 wins... even though Hughes pitched very well against the Twins, his regular season splits were pretty much the same (4.34 vs 4.02).
Burnett vs. Hunter/Holland will hopefully result in a W...but if AJ is on his game, it's an L.
So, here's my prediction on this series:
Game 1 = L
Game 2 = W
Game 3 = W
Game 4 = L
Game 5 = W
Game 6 = L
Game 7 = W
It could ultimately come down to the bullpens... and apart from Rivera, this is heavily in the Ranger's favor.
How bad ass is Cliff Lee? He didn't even turn to see Elvis catch the final out. BAD ASS.
I think I see it about the same Pablo. But I think we would have a better chance of beating CC in game 1 at home rather than game 5 in the bronx. Either way, we need a win from CJ, 1 from Lewis and 2 from Lee. For some reason, it doesn't seem too daunting. We really need to get at least 1 this weekend before we head to NY. Being at the games in September between these 2 teams showed that we can beat em when both teams were trying very hard to win. So why not now?
IT'S TIME!!
Wow guys,
do you all really realize that the Texas Rangers are only 4 wins away from the frigging World Series?
It gives you goosebumps thinking about it.
What is Frankie's status for the LCS?
Also, if Borbon is never going to start, then do we really need Borbo AND German on the bench?
Also, given the Yankees' relative problems vsLHP, shouldn't Nippert be dumped for Kirkman or Rapada or Harrison?
@Wizz - I'm just curious to see how CJ handles the pressure of game 1, at home, against the defending champs. I was concerned about this in game 2 of the Rays series but he obviously shined, rather than wilt under the pressure.
So what's it realistically going to take to sign Cliff Lee; 5yrs at $20M, 4 yrs at $25M? If he's smart... and I believe he is... he will take into account the cost of living, state income tax, etc... in living in NY and playing for the Yankees, where he will also be the #2 SP... not the #1... and if his ego requires constant stroking (and I'm not suggesting it does) he's going to compete with the likes of ARod, Jeter, etc...
Just sayin'
I've read several comments on here about dumping 1 player for another... and forgive my ignorance here but I thought the post season roster is already set and cannot be changed... am I wrong about this?
Pablo, they can switch the roster around in between series'. You can also move players around in the middle of the series, but the players who are taken off of the playoff roster would then have to miss the next series. As far as your earlier question, TBS was advertising the ALCS starting on Friday way before the teams had settled things, so I'm guessing that means that the LCS schedule was set in stone without regards to how long it took to wrap up the first round...
As far as Mark Holtz goes.... I learned to love the Rangers on the radio long before I learned to love the Rangers on TV or in person, Mark and Erik had everything to do with that. As a kid I didn't know great broadcasting from lousy broadcasting, but I knew I always enjoyed them. Hell, even Extra Innings with David Hatchett was something I stuck around for.
And lastly, I love the Rangers
I also love how the stadium announcer at the Ballpark (sorry, forgot his name) also paid tribute to Holtz by announcing "It's baseball time in Texas!" before he introduced the players.
Back to the Vlad/Nellie debate, one bonus for moving Nellie to 4 and Vlad to 5 is that Nellie is much less likely to go GIDP. How many times has Vlad ended a rally that way this season, only to have Nellie bust a double or tater to lead off the next inning?
The rotations for the Rangers is not as important as the rotation for the Yankees
According to the NY Daily News the yankess will use 4 starters in the ALCS
C.C. Sabbathia
Andy Pettitte
Phil Hughs
A.J. Burnett
The Rangers will look like
C.J. Wilson
Colby Lewis
Cliff Lee
Tommy Hunter or Derrek Holland
Wilson may not have the pedigree of C.C. Sabbathia but look at the start he had in game 2 of the ALDS. He can easily keep the Rangers in the game. Actually Wilson has pitched better in the playoffs and has similar numbers for the year.
Lewis vs Pettitte satistically they are a wash
Cliff Lee vs Phil Hughs - The Rangers win that game
Hunter/Holland - A.J. Burnett - Another game the Rangers should win easily Burnett has been awfull with an ERA of nearly 6 both Hunter and Holland have been better. Indeed Feldman or Harden would be as good!
It looks to me that the Rangers have at least 2 games in this series, probably 3 sewed up if they play well since Cliff Lee goes again if there is a game 7.
I'm not saying the Rangers win this in 4 but Yankees fans who are expecting to roll over the Rangers might be in for a rude surprise.
Josh thanks for the article & the link to Eric's call I really appericate it! I am 32 years old also grewup listening to Mark Holtz & Eric Nadel I feel like they taught me how to be a more astute fan of the game as a youngster. I am sure that Eric was so happy but yet so sad all at the same time. I was a freshman in college when Mark passed that was hard for me to take I idolized that man. I miss him every baseball season. Eric call was classic I will never forget it tears came to
my eyes when I heard Eric's man I am so
proud of our TEAM !! Go Rangers I will be there Saturday to root them on!!
And Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan, who fought for and won ownership of a hell of a ballclub.
A hell of a ball club, put together by Jon Daniels... hired by Tom Hicks when no one had a clue who he was...
Wow. I am sitting here fighting back tears listening to that call. Holtz was who I grew up listening to call Rangers games on TV, and his passing was one of the first sad moments when mortality started to hit home. I still put a "HELLO WIN COLUMN" post on facebook after every big win, and I can't wait to explain to my daughter what that means when she is born and old enough to goto games with the wife and me.
As great as last night was, Nadel's tip of the cap to Holtz made it even better. Mark Holtz was a great voice and a gifted storyteller. I wrote to him once to ask if I could interview him about broadcasting. He took the time to call back (and there is nothing stranger than Mark Holtz's voice on your answering machine...) and invite me into the booth for a game. Incredible kindness from a wonderful man. Thank you Eric for honoring him last night.
For many Rangers fans, Holtz was one of the last two voices they heard before falling asleep as kids: the fade-out on the soundtrack of almost every Texas summer night, year in and year out.
Great stuff.
Used to fall asleep to his voice, at some point in the night waking up and hearing Bill Mack coming from the radio, at which point I'd turn it off.
Holtz and Nadel were the only thing the Rangers had going for them for many years. I think Nadel is much better suited to be a color commentator (though he's great with play-by-play as well), and they were the best team in baseball. Still haven't heard any duo do it better.
Without Mark Holtz, I would not be a Rangers fan today. I was born in San Diego and grew up a Padres fan. We moved to Austin when I was 8. The Astros were in the Padres division back then, so I had no chance to adopt them. I'd never liked the American League, so I didn't immediately take to the Rangers. I had an aunt that lived in Fort Worth, so we caught a few games in the late 70s. When my Uncle died in 1985, we stayed with her for a couple weeks where I caught a bunch of games on Channel 11. I loved watching Ruben Sierra that summer along with Oddibe and the Ink Man, O.B. and LP. In the summer of 86, just before I left for college, my family moved to Brownwood and I was able to listen to Rangers games on WBAP. Mark Holtz closed the deal. I loved listening to that man call a baseball game. Absolute perfection. Great as Nadel was and is, for me Holtz was the man. From the way he called a swinging to the way he called for a bloop and a blast and on and on. I spent two years in college up in Nebraska, on clear nights I could drive out to the cornfields and listen to Holtz and Nadel. I'm not a religious person in the least, but whatever the hereafter is, I'm certain it was ringing with "And the Rangers say Hello to the American League Championship Series for the first time in franchise history..." last night.