Rangers Have Favorable Schedule

(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Texas Rangers are entering an easy part of the schedule in which they must win practically every game. At this time of year, it's essential to rack up the wins against easy opponents to avoid the pressure against the tough division opponents.

The Rangers could find themselves in control late in the season, if they simply win. They won't have to worry as much about their challengers continuing to win games, because of scheduling.

Before today's action, the Rangers are 3.5 out of the Angels for the division lead and two for the wild card. The Rangers and Angels still play each other seven times in the coming weeks, but it's hard to believe the season series will remain so lopsided.

On the year, the Rangers have won nine games against the Angels opposed to the Angels three. Without the domination, the Rangers would be well out of the race for the playoffs.

The Rangers will finish off a series in Baltimore this weekend and will head to Cleveland for a three game series. Then the Rangers take on Seattle and Oakland. That's a really favorable schedule considering what time of year it is. Seattle is the only team with a winning record, and the other three don't even have 60 wins yet.

The Angels have to take on Seattle, Chicago, New York, and Boston before traveling to Texas. That's a very difficult schedule. Only Chicago doesn't have a winning record, and they aren't by much. At the very least, the Angels might be tired heading into the big series against the Rangers.

Boston has a tough schedule too, including games against Tampa Bay and Chicago. Boston does have Kansas City and Baltimore on the schedule, but they have to play the Yankees again at the end of the season.

I don't think it would be a surprise to see the Rangers take over the wild card lead or division lead in the next couple weeks. That's of course if the Rangers can take care of business and win these easy games.

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