Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood gets a lot of grief from fans.

He makes more than $10 million a year and is the first pitcher in the Rangers rotation. He should be an ace. He hasn't looked like, though, for most of his first three years with the Rangers.

He had 2.86 ERA to lead the American League in 2005 for the Indians. As a Ranger his ERAs have been 4.52, 5.16 and 5.07. He has 35 wins in three years. Not ace stats.

But, and it's just one start, he looked like an ace in his 7 innings opening day.

He had command and velocity. The only run the Indians scored on him came on a wild pitch. He then came back to strike out Kelly Shoppach.

He threw 112 pitches, had five strikeout, just one walk and gave up a scattered five hits.

Simply put, he was in charge.

It's the kind of performance the Rangers need from the top of the rotation.

Of course it should be noted if Millwood pitches 182 innings he will extend his contract with the Rangers and make $12 million next year. That's motivation.

1 Comments

SP said:

I LOOOOOOVE Kevin Millwood. And have for a long time. This is his year!!

April 6, 2009 3:54 PM

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