30 Clubs in 30 Days: No.6 Texas Rangers

Another team that is going to make me look foolish as hell for ranking them where I have them, the Texas Rangers have the potential, the talent, and the power to repeat as American League champions. The Ranger hitters are the scariest group in the American League, but the rotation is going to have to pitch as effectively as they hit for the Rangers to bring the World Series trophy to Arlington.

No. 6 Texas Rangers

Projected Rotation

1. C.J. Wilson-LHP
   
   

   CJ Wilson

2. Colby Lewis-RHP
3. Brandon Webb-RHP
4. Tommy Hunter-RHP
5. Michael Kirkman-LHP

Projected Bullpen

1. Neftali Feliz-RHP
2. Alexi Ogando-RHP
3. Darren O’Day-RHP
4. Mark Lowe-RHP
5. Darren Oliver-LHP
6. Arthur Rhodes-LHP
7. Derek Holland-LHP

Projected Lineup

1. CF Julio Borbon
2. DH Michael Young
3. LF Josh Hamilton
4. 3B Adrian Beltre
5. RF Nelson Cruz
6. 2B Ian Kinsler
7. 1B Mitch Moreland
8. C Yorvit Torrealba
9. SS Elvis Andrus

Analysis

The biggest concern with the Rangers is the fact they infuriated all-star Michael Young with the signing of Adrian Beltre. The move puts Young at designated hitter, which he is not happy about. So far in spring training the issue hasn’t seemed to be a distraction and for the moment Young is a Ranger. He’s not the kind of guy to loaf it just to prove a point so as long as he’s in Texas it SHOULDN’T be a problem, but it’s safe to say this is not an ideal situation to be in with such a dominant player.

Fortunately the rest of the batting order is filled with more than glorious news. Bringing in Beltre was a fantastic move as he was a silent MVP candidate last season. On top that he’ll be hitting behind the real MVP, The Josh Hamilton who has been God’s gift to the baseball world for the past few seasons.

Moving down the lineup Cruz and Kinsler provide very capable bottom of the order guys and Elvis Andrus is one of the more promising young players in the American League.

The Ranger pen has an embarrassment of riches with the defending rookie of the year, Neftali Feliz. For now Feliz will be a closer, but there have been rumors he’ll make the jump to the starting rotation. That remains to be seen, but as a closer Feliz could be the best in the AL. Backing up Feliz the Rangers have an all-star in Rhodes, and more very capable arms in Oliver, Ogando, and O’Day. Just like last season the pen will ignite the Rangers in late inning situations and keep them in games. Hopefully, all the way through the post season.