Texas Rangers - 5 questions

[Dr. Jack]

Texas Rangers


1: Has the starting pitching improved? Every year it seems that the main question about the Rangers has to do with their pitching. This year is no different. Texas traded RHP Kevin Millwood (13-10, 3.67 ERA), to the Orioles, leaving a hole at the top of their rotation. Enter RHP Rich Harden (9-9, 4.09 ERA in 2009 with the Chicago Cubs). Harden, a supremely talented pitcher, has battled injuries his whole career, cracking 150 IP only once. The Rangers are hoping Harden stays healthy and produces as he is capable. Also at the top of the rotation is RHP Scott Feldman, who had a breakout year in 2009, going 17-8 with a 4.09 ERA. Texas needs him to pick up where he left off last year. The rest of the rotation will likely consist of RHP Tommy Hunter (9-6, 4.10 ERA in 2009), LHP Derek Holland (8-13, 6.12 ERA) and RHP Colby Lewis (pitched in Japan in 2008 and 2009). Hunter and Holland are both young (23) and have lots of potential. Lewis, 30, is returning to the majors after two successful seasons with the Hiroshima Carp. If the Rangers are to be successful they need their rotation to solidify and produce, something that hasn't happened since moving into their ballpark in Arlington in 1994.


2: What does DH Vladimir Guerrero have left in the tank? Once one of the most feared hitters in the game, Guerrero has seen a decline in both his production and his health over the past few seasons. Texas, always looking for a bat, snatched up the ex-Angel who hit .295 with 15 HRs in 100 games in 2009. Guerrero is one of only a handful of players to have over 400 career home runs and a batting average over .320 (currently at .321 and 407 HRs). Other names in that club include Ruth, Gehrig, Foxx, Williams and Musial. Not bad company. The days of putting up elite numbers and have passed him by, but Guerrero is still capable of 20+ homers and 80+ RBIs if healthy for a significant portion of the season.


3: How good can CF Julio Borbon be? The Rangers are going to rely on this 24 year old prospect to be their starting center fielder and leadoff man in 2010. Offensively, Borbon appears to have the necessary tools to be a successful leadoff man, with an OBP of .376 in 46 games in 2009. He also flashed some serious speed on the base paths and looks to be a nuisance for opposing pitchers. The questions with Borbon lie with his defensive ability. He is notorious for taking poor angles in the outfield and throwing a ball that breaks so much that it makes Rangers pitchers jealous. If the Rangers can coach up Borbon, he could emerge as one of the best center fielders in the game.


4: How is the Rangers health? Presumptive starting C Jarrod Saltalamacchia had offseason surgery, but appears healthy and prepared for the '10 season. OF Josh Hamilton injured his shoulder shortly before the start of camp and has missed some time. However, the injury is not considered serious. Hamilton, who was limited to 89 games in 2009 with rib and abdominal injuries, needs to be the RBI machine he was in 2008 for the Rangers in 2010.


5: Where will the Rangers finish the season? Ranger President and all-time legend Nolan Ryan has predicted 92 wins for his club this year. After finishing with 87 wins in 2009, 92 seems like an attainable goal. This team will hit. The question is, can they pitch? If the Rangers are to make a run at the top of the AL West or the Wild Card they will need improved performance out of the rotation in 2010. You can find the Rangers at +1415 to win the AL Pennant and at +2250 to win the World Series over at The Greek Sportsbook.

[The Nac]

I really think the Rangers win the West this year. Great young lineup on a team that has dormant long enough.

[MCP313]

Rangers overrated big time this year IMO.

Feldman is garbage and Harden is decent as is but nowhere near what he once was or seemed he was going to be. Hunter and Holland arent polished enough yet.

Unless they play superior defense and/or kill the ball they will be lucky to break even.

Feliz biggest bright spot on the team and he might waste time screwing around in middle relief which will only hinder his progress.