Every year it seems the Texas Rangers compete for a playoff spot, but at the end they just run out of juice.
Year after year sportswriters everywhere predict big things from the Texas Rangers, but this season you haven't really heard too much of that.
The reason is because they have delivered so much disappointment to those that have picked them in previous seasons. Despite that, I'm still going to go out on a big limb here and say that the Texas Rangers will go deep into the playoffs this season.
So without further ado, I give you four reasons why the Texas Rangers will be serious contenders in 2010.
4. Baseball's Best Lineup
If you asked 100 baseball fans who had the best offense in baseball the Yankees would probably get more then half the vote. While the Yankees do have a great offense, it just simply doesn't have the dimensions of the Texas Ranger's lineup.
You have guys like Elvis Andrus and Julio Borbon with big-time speed. You have big power bats like Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton. And I didn't even mention Michael Young or Ian Kinsler yet. This lineup has a whole lot of firepower and can score with just about anybody they want.
3. Elvis Andrus
Elvis Andrus played extremely well as a rookie last season. He's only going to get better this year. He'll always give Texas a defensive advantage with his glove, but he has enough speed to steal 60 bases this year, too. Also, with another year under his belt, expect his average to go up, maybe even past .300.
The best part is that in a few years in addition to his great glove, speed and pure hitting ability, and power could be on the way. If so, the Rangers may have the next great shortstop. If you don't want to take my word for it just remember the Rangers moved long-time shortstop and franchise player Michael Young to 3B for this kid.
2. Neftali Feliz
This kid is extremely talented. He proved last season that he could do it at the big-league level with a 1.74 ERA and 39 Ks in 31 IP. He turned a whole lot of heads and the Rangers have two options for this kid.
They can leave him at the back of the bullpen and have a lights out reliever maybe closer or they can put him in the rotation and have a guy with ace type stuff for years and years.
Not bad options, huh?
1. Rich Harden And Scott Feldman Anchor An Improved Rotation
Just two years ago the Texas Rangers rotation was the laughing stock of the league. It consisted of guys like Kameron Loe, John Koronka, Vincente Padilla, and other no-name pitchers.
Well, now the Rangers are laughing back.
This offseason, they grabbed Rich Harden who is one of the most talented pitchers in the league as long as he can stay healthy. They also return 27-year-old pitcher Scott Feldman who won 17 games last season. Returning also is electrifying rookie Derrek Holland who has fantastic stuff and could put it together this season. Plus if Neftali Feliz is part of the rotation this season then watch out.
So there you have it. Just a few of the reasons why the Texas Rangers might be dangerous this year. Tell me whether you agree or disagree. Thank you.
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