And with that, the hope for winning the division disappeared.

The Rangers trip to Seattle ended in embarrassment. Being shutout was the punctuation of their ineptitude. They went into Seattle 5.5 games out and could have made a real difference in the division. Instead, all they made was a thud. Well, that’s not accurate, thuds usually leave some indentation it to the surface. The Rangers weren’t even capable of doing that. 

They leave Seattle 8.5 games out, just a half-game ahead of the Astros, and sinking fast.

The choice now is, at the trade deadline, do they stock up for next year? Or are they fanciful enough to think they still have a shot this year.

Last year, the Rangers had six all-stars, five of them starters: Semien, Seager, Jung, Garcia, and Heim, in addition to Eovaldi. When Eovaldi entered the game, six Rangers were on the field at once.

This year, they won’t have a single starter. Semien isn’t having nearly the season Jose Altuve is. Seager has been too injured. Jung, of course, has played only four games. Garcia doesn’t deserve to make the team. And Heim is dead last offensively of all American League catchers. 

Marcus Semien will probably make it as the backup second baseman. Kirby Yates will probably make it out of the bullpen. 

That’s it. 

The game will be played here at The Shed and the Rangers will have minimal representation. 

They get exactly what they deserve.

*****  
TODAY’S GAME: