Josh Hamilton and the Rangers are locked in

Last night Josh Hamilton extended his MLB best hitting streak to 23 games. He did it after most of us were asleep, with a ground rule double to the opposite field. I’ve been watching the box scores each night as Hamilton’s hit streak has grown. He’s as white-hot as I’ve ever seen a hitter in this game. I mean, he’s locked into a groove right now that most guy never experience once in a career.

The numbers back it up. Over the streak he has sported a .457 batting average (43-for-94) with nine homers and 29 RBIs.

“I’ve been on some streaks before, but they’d always end at like 13 or 14, and then I’d get a day and pick back up,” Hamilton said. “It’s never lasted this long, so I can’t really compare it to anything.”

The Rangers hitting coach is a guy by the name of Clint Hurdle. He’s been working with Hamilton on his batting practice routine–instead of putting on a show for the fans by hitting as many home runs as he can, Hurdle advised Hamilton to save a little extra for the game. Hurdle could be a guy that Hamilton relates well with; as Hurdle entered the league with lofty expectations only to experience some disappointment with a career filled with hard-partying and late nights.

It’s special to watch what Hamilton–a sure fire MVP candidate–is doing right now.

The Rangers went an MLB best 20-6 in June. They’re in first place by 4.5 games. The reputation this team has is not one that they haven’t had before. This team can flat out rake.