Turning Up The Heat: Rangers Fall From First

It's about that time again. Mid-July in Texas. With temperatures around the 100 degree mark everyday in Arlington, it's impossible to ignore how the Texas Rangers' performance is already slowing down, as it seems to do perenially in the second half of the season.  Is it just coincidince, or is the heat really what kills the Rangers? Statistics indicate that the answer is no. The Rangers are 6-4 in their last 10 games, and loses have been primarily on the road as of late. The pitching hasn't been terrible, and injuries haven't been much of a factor. While stats may reveal a lot, they are also very prone to telling lies. The Rangers went 6-3 on their last home stretch, and have since gone 3-4 on their trip to the West Coast to face division rivals Seattle and Anaheim. But take a look beyond the numbers. Texas just returned from six games in California 6/19-6/25, and are welcomed warmly with 95-plus degree temperatures at home. They were able to play through ...