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New Ranger DJ Peters earns his stripes in the August team awards

Photo: Alex Plinck/Dallas Sports Fanatic

New Ranger DJ Peters earns his stripes in the August team awards

Let’s all put our honesty hats on. It was unclear how the Rangers would react after the trade deadline. It started nicely; the club took two of three from a playoff-contending Seattle Mariners team. Then, however, the club hit another bump with a series loss to the Angels and then were swept by the Oakland Athletics. In the end, the club went 10-18, but they had to deal with seven players going to the COVID-19 list, including three starting pitchers. Nevertheless, August had its moments, so here they are.

Game of the Month: August 21 at Red Sox

There were some exciting finishes, a few good blowouts, but the Rangers’ embarrassing the Boston Red Sox at Fenway eventually edged out the award for game of the month. The Red Sox committed five errors, Texas landed seventeen hits, and DJ Peters turned an incredible double play to boot. Even the Boston broadcasters were embarrassed that night. It brings back 2010 flashbacks to their second trip to Boston after the trade deadline.

Player of the Month: DJ Peters

It was a hard choice to make this month. Guys like Nick Solak, Charlie Culberson, and Joe Barlow had good months on paper, but they didn’t play for half of the month. Taylor Hearn gutted out a good August, but it didn’t compare to how good his July went. Ultimately, I went with DJ Peters. The numbers in August aren’t the greatest, Peters did hit seven home runs (leading the team for August). He also made a boatload of great defensive plays in the outfield. “It’s sticking with my approach everyday, whether good or bad,” DJ told me Tuesday. “I know what I do well and I know what I need to work on.”

For his defense, Peters attributes his full potential mentality to his dad. “Watching my dad grow his company from the ground up. Once you set your mind on something, you want to be the best at it.” DJ also earns the award for best facial expressions. He finished with about three or four classics in August.

Quote of the Month – Elvis Andrus (8/13 vs. OAK)

An Adrián Beltré ceremony to the Rangers’ Hall of Fame HAS to include Elvis Andrus. It was a perfect setup (regardless of intentional or not). The Athletics were in town, and so was Elvis. However, Andrus and his wife had their third baby on the same weekend. It was a nice Jumbotron message with Emily Jones, but it was sad to see Elvis leaving the building the day before.

Most entertaining pitching performance of the Month – Brock Holt’s scoreless eighth (8/7 at SEA)

I said that day this was the greatest thing I saw all season, and I stand by it. Brock Holt’s pitching performance stopped the baseball world as we knew it. I even asked Jose Trevino about it, who caught him about framing that first pitch in the Matt Chapman at-bat. “Every pitch counts,” Trevino said. “You never know what’s going to happen.” I also asked Jose if the home plate umpire Chris Guccione said anything on the frame. “He didn’t say anything. He was just like, wow, I can’t believe this.” Of course it all ended with DJ Peters making a great catch along with Brock Holt wanting Guccione to check his glove for foreign substance.

Play of the Month: Adolis García robs Jake Fraley of a home run in extra innings (8/19 vs. SEA)

August saw some highlight-reel plays, but García robbing Fraley of a homer is something we never get tired of seeing. Adolis’ defense in right field quietly is becoming a show to watch within a show. Combine that was DJ Peters, and the Rangers’ outfield is an exciting one to watch. Add Leody Taveras, and when Eli White comes back and there’s some range among the outfield.

Best Rangers Shirt of the Month: Rangers Roots Shirt (8/27 vs HOU)

On Friday, August 27th, Rangers fans will remember that as Glenn Otto’s terrific debut, as they should. Maybe it’s coincidental, but that night was Rangers’ Roots Night at Globe Life Field. Taylor Hearn sported out an awesome shirt that designated five Rangers home cities. It’s an awesome shirt, and I’m sure more may add to the list later on (Glenn Otto is a Tomball, TX native). Unfortunately, the Rangers couldn’t lock down a win that night.

Dot Race Win of the Month – Hannah Wing (8/19 vs. SEA) 

I can’t give you the lowdown on the entire race as I didn’t make it to the part that afternoon, but Rangers’ digital and in-game host, Hannah Wing, added perfect Dot Race percentage to her resume. She took the lead as green dot early and never looked back as Red Dot didn’t have a chance. I hope this is a yearly occurrence.

Cowboy Hat of the Month – Nathaniel Lowe (8/31 vs. COL)

Lowe and DJ Peters each won the cowboy hat twice in August, joining Jose Trevino as the only three Rangers’ to win it twice in the same month (Trevino won it in April). However, I feel like Lowe’s win Tuesday meant a little more than just winning the Cowboy Hat. After the game, the Rangers’ media learned that Lowe lost his grandfather on Sunday in an emotional press conference. “It’s an honor to play in the big leagues and to have a family member like that. I wouldn’t be here without him, and I appreciate everything he did for me.” Look, I know we tend to lighten things up when it comes to Mr. Hat, but looking at the trade-off picture from AJ Alexy to Nathaniel Lowe did put a smile on my face.

Ceremony of the Month – Adrián Beltré and Chuck Morgan (8/14 vs. OAK)

I know it’s cheating because there was only one ceremony. But who cares? Even if he came unopposed, the Chuck Morgan and Adrián Beltré ceremony would earn a spot on the awards list. The crowd was electric, it was a great throwback to see the past Rangers’ Hall of Famers, and the Rangers players and media did a good job sending their congratulations.

Worst Food Opinion of the Month – Mayo on Hot Dog (DMN’s Joe Hoyt all month)

Mayonnaise doesn’t belong on Hot Dogs. It doesn’t. Case closed. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but putting mayo on a hot dog is like putting soy sauce in pudding. Kids, don’t put mayo on your Hot Dog.

Also an honorable mention to Nick Solak’s and his beard which made fans happy. As far as I know, it’s sticking around.

We have one final month remaining to close out the 2021 season. Some say it’s a sign of relief. Others are sad. For me, I don’t know. I’ll ask this same question in 35 days. As for guys getting reps in September, DJ Peters said it best, “The only way to get better in the big leagues is to play in the big leagues.”

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Credentialed Media Staff Writer covering the Texas Rangers for Dallas Sports Fanatic | 2014 University of North Texas graduate with a Bachelor's in Radio, Television, and Film. I talk about things. Find me on the tweeter @aplinckTX

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