Inkredible Backup

On August 28th, Nelson Cruz pulled up lame after doubling off Jered Weaver in the bottom of the 6th inning. The Rangers would go on to win that game 9-5 and take a 3 game lead over the Angels. Cruz went on the DL and David Murphy was given the start in all 13 games that Cruz missed. The Rangers went 8-5 in those games and have kept the same 3 game lead over the Angels.

Cruz came off the disabled list yesterday, but didn't play. He'll be an integral part of the Rangers push for the playoffs, but you can't argue with the numbers Murphy put up while filling in for Cruz. Murphy hit .426 (23/54), scored 12 runs and drove in 14. He had 4 homers, 4 doubles, a triple and 3 steals. Even Ron Washington said he needed to keep Murphy in the lineup.

I'll be keeping David Murphy in my lineup now thanks to Greg from Plaschke, Thy Sweater is Argyle. He saw a Russell Martin A&G relic on one of my posts and well, the rest is trade history.

He sent over a short stack of Rangers plus a couple of Rangers autos.




This David Murphy auto is from 2009 Upper Deck. It's also my first Murphy auto.



He also included this 2005 Just Minors K.C. Herren auto. K.C. was released by the Rangers in 2009 having never advanced above A ball. I've never heard of K.C., but I know he was drafted 51st in the 2004 draft, 13 spots ahead of Hunter Pence. I'm thinking that didn't work out for Texas.

Greg, thanks for a great trade and I look forward to another trade soon!