As we inch closer to Opening Day, exhibition games have started to take place in Florida, with the Grapefruit League, and Arizona, with the Cactus League. Day 7 of the team previews bring us back to the American League West, where we evaluate the 2015 Texas Rangers. At least one team from each division has been reviewed thus far, and now it’s time to look at how the injury prone Rangers of 2014 look to rebound in 2015.
Team Overview: Texas Rangers
After finishing in first place in 2010 and 2011 and reaching the World Series both years (losing to the Giants and Cardinals, respectively) and finishing in second place in 2012 and 2013, the Rangers had an uncharacteristic year, going 67-95 and finishing last in the AL West. The season consisted of a load of injuries to many of their starters, inconsistency for others, and ended with the resignation of Manager Ron Washington on September 5 due to an extramarital affair, although he was only 53-87 at the time. Tim Bogar replaced him on an interim basis.
The Rangers key addition prior to 2014 was Prince Fielder, who they acquired for franchise star Ian Kinsler. Fielder hit only .247 with 3 homers and 16 RBIs in 42 games before ending his season due to neck surgery in June. A rebound, healthy season from Fielder will greatly assist the Rangers line-up, which was viewed as one of the best line-ups last year until injuries sidelined many starters.
Roster Moves
He’s Here: P Joe Beimel, C Carlos Corporan, OF Delino DeShields Jr., P Ross Detwiler, P Kyuji Fujikawa, P Yovani Gallardo, P Anthony Ranaudo
Non-Roster Invitees with chance to make roster: OF Kyle Blanks, OF Ryan Ludwick, P Juan Carlos Oviedo, OF Nate Schierholtz
He’s Gone: P Scott Baker, P Scott Barnes, P Neal Cotts, P Alexi Ogando, OF Alex Rios, OF Dan Robertson, P Robbie Ross Jr., 2B Luis Sardinas, C Geovany Soto, P Matt West
The Lone Star Kids
The 2014 Rangers used a whopping 37 pitchers throughout the season, along with 65 different players overall, and 2015 is shaping up to look the same already, with their ace Yu Darvish out with a sprained ligament in his right elbow and contemplating Tommy John surgery. Two rotation spots are now up for grabs for the Rangers, with newcomers Ross Detwiler (from Washington) and Anthony Ranuado (from Boston) looking to battle it out, along with Rangers returners Nick Tepesch and Colby Lewis. Martin Perez is still recovering Tommy John surgery, performed in May 2014, and will not be ready for Opening Day. Infielder Jurickson Profar, expected to be the Rangers future, is expected to miss all of 2015 after getting right labrum surgery.
The bullpen is the other thing that raises questions, since many of the pitchers the Rangers used last season ended up in the bullpen at some point. The Rangers recently brought in Joe Beimel on a one-year contract. The lefty, who posted a 2.20 ERA with Seattle last season, should be able to aid in the rebuilding of the bullpen, relieving in front of expected closer Neftali Feliz. Shawn Tolleson and Tanner Scheppers also look to be key pieces in the Texas ‘pen.
The top of the line-up looks solid, and has a strong mid-point in a returning Prince Fielder and ageless Adrian Beltre, who turns 36 on April 7, to anchor it. Speed at the top from Leonys Martin followed by consistent hitting in Elvis Andrus sets the table for Fielder and Beltre to drive in runs from their spot in the order, and following them is Mitch Moreland and injury-returner Shin-Soo Choo.
Team Outline
(Red indicates a new acquisition)
C: Robinson Chirinos
1B: Prince Fielder
2B: Rougned Odor
3B: Adrian Beltre
SS: Elvis Andrus
LF: Ryan Rua
CF: Leonys Martin
RF: Shin-Soo Choo
DH: Mitch Moreland
Left field is still up for grabs, as Rua was penciled in as the starter for now, since he was already in the organization, along with Jake Smolinski, who was also figured to have playing time in left, although two non-roster invitees make compelling cases to start: Kyle Blanks and Ryan Ludwick. Blanks is an underrated power hitter who can play left and right field and first base, and fits into the line-up virtually anywhere besides lead-off. Ludwick has put up league average numbers, with an injury past, but an opportunity to start would most certainly help his force to become a better player.
1. Derek Holland
2. Yovani Gallardo
3. Colby Lewis
4. Ross Detwiler
5. Anthony Ranuado
*Yu Darvish- possible Tommy John surgery
*Martin Perez- recovering from Tommy John surgery
The Rangers trade of infield prospect Luis Sardinas to the Brewers for starter Yovani Gallardo was a questionable deal at the time, but now clearly makes sense because Gallardo has become important as the number two guy. The potential trade of Jurickson Profar to the Mets for starter Dillon Gee was prevalent all off-season, but never really gained any traction. The Rangers will just have to go with what they have.
Bottom Line
Injuries have hampered this franchise recently and they did not start 2015 any better, with Darvish and Profar being out and Perez still a few months away from full recovery. The Rangers don’t have what it takes to compete with the West teams like the Angels and Mariners, and are about even with the Astros at this point. A 4th place or 5th place finish, around 65-74 wins, albeit a large range, seems reasonable.
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