The Wilson whipsaw.

So the Rangers finally have a decent hold on first place with a two game lead over the Oakland A's. Nice to see the 6-1 homestand that ended today. Hopefully that success translates well on the road.

One of the main reasons the team is in first is the pitching. Great performances by the starting rotation to this point in the season. C.J. Wilson, seen here on a signed 2007 Upper Deck card, is one of the brightest lights at this stage. I must admit that I was leery when the talk of him being a starter surfaced. I figured that the ulcers were bad enough with one or two innings as he came out of the bullpen. I didn't want to try antacids for the first five or six innings of every fifth game.

Well, I have to say that I was mistaken and have been very pleasantly surprised. Wilson has been lights out and his 1.48 ERA is second in the American League. He has made seven starts now and hasn't had a bad outing. Even though his 3-1 record doesn't reflect it, you can be sure the opposing team is going to have a rough time at the plate when C.J. takes the mound. Now the lineup just has to get him some run support so he can pick up some wins.