The Texas Rangers have won 90 games each of the past three seasons and made the World Series in both 2010 and 2011. That success has to be considered a coup for an ownership group that did a fantastic job bringing young prospects up to compliment veteran talent. Now, with Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli gone, how does the offense fare? Is this assemblage of talent prepared to continue the excellence that has been the Texas Rangers over the past few years? Can they make the playoffs again? If so, can they take that final step?
Projected Lineup:
- Ian Kinsler (2B)
- Elvis Andrus (SS)
- Adrian Beltre (3B)
- Lance Berkman (DH)
- Nelson Cruz (RF)
- AJ Pierzynski (C)
- David Murphy (LF)
- Mitch Moreland (1B)
- Craig Gentry (CF)
Projected Rotation:
- Yu Darvish
- Matt Harrison
- Alexei Ogando
- Derek Holland
- Robbie Ross
Strengths:
Rotation Depth: The Rangers have seven Major League caliber starters. With veteran Colby Lewis recovering from an elbow injury, and Martin Perez injured, Robbie Ross is ready to take advantage. The depth of the rotation is their biggest strength and Matt Harrison is one of the more underrated All-Stars from last year. Just check out this post from a few weeks ago.
Infield: Elvis Andrus has turned himself into one of the top five all-around shortstops in the game. At second base, Ian Kinsler can provide as much production as anyone this side of Robinson Cano. Meanwhile, at the hot corner Adrian Beltre finished 3rd in the MVP voting last year and has solidified himself as not just the top defensive third baseman in the game, but a perennial 30 homer threat. Mitch Moreland at first base leaves something to be desired, but I imagine it’s a place where they will look to improve at midseason.
Organizational Depth: The key to building longterm success is the depth and talent of the entire roster. Teams can compete with a few guys who are better than their peers, but sustained success requires more than a few guys. The Rangers were lucky to stumble upon Josh Hamilton and his production seemingly out of thin air, but the development of guys like Elvis Andrus and now Jurickson Profar is extremely exciting for their future. The team also boasts a top hitting third baseman Mike Olt who looks to be trade bait. Currently, the organization’s depth from top to bottom is impressive, but their Major League roster seems to have some holes….
Weaknesses:
Left and Center: David Murphy deserves a shot to play everyday. Absolutely. But, I’m not sure that shot should be on a team with World Series aspirations and as incredibly reliant on its offense as the Rangers. In the center of the outfield, Josh Hamilton’s heir apparent is Craig Gentry. The 29 year old hit .304 last year and if you gave me 303 guesses, I probably wouldn’t have guess .304. Both those guys are unproven and the fear is that when handed an everyday role, both will be exposed to advanced scouting reports and become downright bad. Basically, many scouts see these two as 4th outfielders. Currently, they’re the Rangers starters.
Bullpen(?): The bullpen lost Mike Adams to the Phillie, Koji Uehara to the Red Sox, and Alexi Ogando and Robbie Ross to the rotation. Joe Nathan remains the closer and the addition of Joakim Soria should help, but for all the depth that the Rangers have at other positions, the bullpen is glaringly weak when it comes to established talent.
Storylines:
How do they replace Josh Hamilton’s production? Can you even do that?
What is Nolan Ryan’s role with the organization? Doesn’t everyone care tremendously that his role as CEO may be compromised by someone now above him on the depth chart??! Thank God ESPN’s got that one covered.
Is Yu Darvish as good as he was in the second half of last year or the next coming of Dice-K? Pitch one good year and then coast before suffering a major elbow injury? That seems like the life, but that’s just me.
How do Craig Gentry and David Murphy hold up in the outfield?
What is Robbie Ross’s role on the team?
What happens when Colby Lewis and Neftali Feliz are ready to return from their elbow injuries?
Prediction:
93-69, 1st Place, AL West. The Rangers always break down. Nelson Cruz and Ian Kinsler are immensely injury prone and AJ Pierzynski and Adrian Beltre are coming off of career years. There will be a slide in offensive production and some of the pitchers will finally be forced to reach some of their potential. Yes, Derek Holland, I’m looking at you.
Bold Predictions:
- Josh Hamilton doesn’t play a single game in Arlington this year
- Nelson Cruz goes off (38 homers, 21 steals, .298 average)
- Yu Darvish is the guy he was in the second half and wins the Cy Young
- Jurickson Profar gets over 450 Plate Appearances
- Ike Davis is the Rangers first baseman by the end of the year.
-Sean Morash
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