Spring Training=Blind Optimism

The Texas Rangers are my team. I enjoy rooting for other teams in other sports such as the Cowboys and Mavericks, but I live and die with the Rangers.

Ever since I can remember the Rangers have had world- class hitters. But the one concept that evidently wins championships has evaded us for almost 10 seasons now... pitching and defense.
But 2009 could be different. Why? It's simple. President Nolan Ryan and Pitching Coach Mike Maddox.
These two guys could take this club from the worst to first very quickly.









These two believe in conditioning pitchers in a way that disregards E.R.A. and focuses on pitchers going deep into games. The problem is that our pitching is still very suspect. So, along with the solid pitching I have come up with five question marks.























No.5 The Bullpen

First of all, if C.J. Wilson is a key part of this bullpen, then we're in trouble. Even though the guy has an above average fastball and a few other pitches that work from time to time; he's a head-case.
The Rangers need consistency. C.J. Wilson does not bring that. In 2008, the Rangers were last in bullpen E.R.A(5.97), pitches per game(22) and were second to last in blown saves(29.) Obviously this needs to change but that means more of long relievers like Eddie Guardado and less of C.J.




No.4 Josh Hamilton

Talk about the face of a franchise. Not only does this guy hit the cover off the ball better than anyone in the game but he has an incredible and compelling comeback story to go with it. Hamilton brings star power to a team that has not really had any kind of marketable figure since AROD.
Even though Hamilton shot out of the gates last year hitting 25 homeruns before the all-star break, he faded later in the season. Can his body withstand an entire 162 game season? There is no question that he is a five tool player and if the Rangers plan to fight for the A.L. West title they'll need him healthy.








No.3 Pitching Prospects
The Rangers have slowly developed what Baseball America calls the "best young farm system in baseball." The two prospects that could make a difference in 2009 are Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz. Holland could make his major league debut sooner than later depending on the state of the Rangers' bullpen. Feliz, who was part of the Mark Teixeira trade in July of 2007 could be the Rangers' ace in a few years. He features a fastball that has been clocked at 99 mph consistently. If either one of these guys can come up and make a difference in 2009, the Rangers could be the Rays of this year.




No.2 Elvis Andrus
I did not agree with the move of my boy Michael Young from short stop to third base in order to make room for the 20 year old Andrus when it happened, but now I'm starting to think Ron Washington knew what he was doing. This guy was also apart of the Teixeira trade in 2007, and could be the third player from that trade to contribute significantly to this team already. Andrus has incredible range at his position and could make this infield the best in the A.L.

With his speed, if he can hit anywhere above .220 it will be a huge lift for the bottom of the Rangers' powerful lineup.


No.1 Starting Pitching
Duh, right? We all know that good pitching beats good hitting but I guess the Rangers have not figured that out yet. But with the addition of pitching coach Mike Maddux and the tough mentality of President Nolan Ryan guiding this rotation, the staff could be very good. The starting rotation of Kevin Milwood, Vincente Padilla, Brandon McCarthy, Matt Harrison and maybe Scott Feldman could be a staff that provides this team with a combination of veterans and young arms to compete for the division.


My Prediction: 90-72, A.L. West Champions. It's bold I know, but I believe it can happen.