2010 World Series - Rangers vs. Giants: Game 2 Preview

[jump] If I'm Ron Washington I put Nelson Cruz back in right field, David Murphy in left and have Vladimir Guerrero be my first bat off the bench. It didn't really cost them in last night's blowout, but Guerrero misplayed four balls by my count, two resulting in 8th-inning errors. In...

By Richie Whitt

October 28, 2010

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If I'm Ron Washington I put Nelson Cruz back in right field, David Murphy in left and have Vladimir Guerrero be my first bat off the bench. It didn't really cost them in last night's blowout, but Guerrero misplayed four balls by my count, two resulting in 8th-inning errors. In a tight, low-scoring game defensive miscues could cost the Rangers not just pile-on runs, but a precious game.

After two strong playoff starts, Game 2 starter C.J. Wilson threw only 48 strikes and 45 balls in a Game 5 loss in New York last week. The good news is he is following Lee to the mound. In those starts, C.J. is 3-1 with a 1.40 ERA.

Another reason to sit Guerrero is that Giants' Game 2 hurler Matt Cain was so tough on right-handed batters this season. He limited righties to a .217 average, 8th-best among NL pitchers. In 13.2 innings this post-season he's allowed only one unearned run. Cain faced the Rangers last year in San Francisco, limiting Texas to one run on three hits in eight innings.

If all else fails, the Giants are 0-2 in Game 2s in these playoffs and the Rangers are 2-0.

Antlers? Check. Claw? Check. Resiliency? Check.

C.J. Wilson? ...

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