DC 2010 MLB Preview: Texas Rangers

2009 Record: 87-75

Added:
IF - Matt Brown
OF/DH - Vladimir Guerrero
LHP - Darren Oliver
LHP - Clay Rapada
RHP - Rich Harden
RHP - Chris Ray
RHP - Colby Lewis

Lost:
C - Ivan Rodriguez
1B - Hank Blalock
IF - Joe Inglett
MI - Omar Vizquel
OF - Andruw Jones
OF - Marlon Byrd
LHP - Eddie Guardado
RHP - Joaquin Benoit
RHP - Kevin Millwood

Hitting:

CF - Julio Borbon
3B - Michael Young
DH - Vladimir Guerrero
LF - Josh Hamilton
2B - Ian Kinsler
1B - Chris Davis
RF - Nelson Cruz
C - Jarrod Saltalamacchia
SS - Elvis Andrus

Every year the Rangers pump out a bunch of run, and this year should be no different. Still, I do have some questions with this offense. Is Vlad going to be able to play much? Can Hamilton stay healthy? Can Chris Davis stop sucking? Is it Nelson Cruz's time to shine? Anyways, it doesn't seem to matter who they have in this lineup they rake. It will be very interesting to see who wins the catchers battle, and if they can get any kind of contribution from that position.

Pitching:
Rich Harden
Scott Feldman
Tommy Hunter
Derek Holland/Brandon McCarthy
Colby Lewis

Closer:
Frank Francisco

The Rangers have been crippled by terrible pitching for as long as I can remember, but things are starting to change, and I really like the direction of this pitching staff. Feldman came out of nowhere and was the team's ace last year racking up 17 wins. He fits perfectly in Texas because he is a ground ball pitcher (fly ball pitchers get spanked in Texas). Tommy Hunter needs to continue to grow, but I do like what I have seen so far. The big question is Harden. If he is healthy then this team could come together nicely, but if he is in and out of this rotation it could be another year of having to score 10 runs to win.

Overall:
Three years straight the Rangers have improved their record. Seattle is a lot better this year, but the Angels have slid back to the pack. I think the Rangers improve their record, but only slightly and not enough to make the playoffs.

2010 Record: 88-74