MLB Preview: Texas Rangers

The reigning AL Champs only went as pick number 8 in our draft, but they're ready to repeat in 2011, take it to the bank. More on this story later.

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In 2010, the Rangers finally reached relevance. It only took almost 50 years. But hey, with Nolan Ryan calling the shots, who thought it wouldn't finally go their way.

Why did the Rangers win? Pitching. For about the past 15 years the Rangers have had fairly fearsome lineups. Guys like Ruben Sierra, Juan Gonzalez, Jose Canseco, Rafael Palmeiro, Alex Rodriguez, and Mark Teixeira have all been in the Rangers lineup at one time or another. But up until last year, a set of pitchers have gone through Arlington only to get shelled after having promising careers. Guys like Chan Ho Park, Kevin Millwood, Aaron Sele, Esteban Loaiza, John Thomson, Vincente Padilla, John Burkett and others have all fallen curse to its cozy confines.

Fortunately for the Rangers, in 2010 Colby Lewis, C.J. Wilson, Cliff Lee, and Tommy Hunter decided that they could pitch in Arlington, and the rest was a Cinderella story past the mighty AL East for the AL Crown. Last year, the Rangers led the majors in batting average (.276) and scored the fifth most runs (787), while having the seventh most stolen bases (123). But, that's normal for Texas. They also finished in the top third in the majors in WHIP (1.30) and ERA (3.93), exactly what they needed to win that pennant. And, oh yeah, they're prepared to win another one.

The Rangers are still loaded for 2011. The nucleus of the team is still intact, and barring injury and disaster, the Rangers should be able to capture another AL West title. Returning to the outfield will be AL MVP Josh Hamilton (.359/32/100), Julio Borbon (.309/3/42), and Nelson Cruz (.318/22/78). If Hamilton stays healthy, he could easily repeat as MVP or win the triple crown. Borbon continues to grow as a player, and Cruz is a solid hitter with a gun in right field. At third base will be the newly acquired Adrian Beltre (.328/28/102) while at short will be budding star Elvis Andrus (.265/0/35). On the right side of the infield will be Ian Kinsler (.286/9/45), who will be returning from some injuries, and first baseman Mitch Moreland (.255/9/25) who stepped in admirably late last season. Behind the dish will be Yorvit Torrealba (.271/7/37), but he should share time with Mike Napoli (.238/26/68). The designated hitter and utility man and Rangers' face of the franchise will be Michael Young (.284/91/21). Talk about your murderer's row.

The pitching is mostly intact as well.... for now, we'll assume Neftali Feliz will remain a closer, as the Rangers would like a repeat performance of his 40 saves. In the rotation. Colby Lewis (12-13, 3.72) and C.J. Wilson (15-8, 3.35) will make a great 1-2 punch as they try to repeat their outstanding career turnarounds in 2010. Tommy Hunter (13-4, 3.73) will make for a fantastic number three as well. The fourth starter will be Brandon Webb. If he can make his debut and be effective, he makes the rotation very formidable. The fifth starter is a bit more unsettled, but we should see Scott Feldman (7-11, 5.48) return to 2009 form or Derrek Holland (3-4, 4.08) make a move into the rotation. This of course only if Feliz stays in the bullpen.

Your Reigning AL Champs, the 2011 Texas Rangers:

C Yorvit Torrealba
1B Mitch Moreland
2B Ian Kinsler
3B Adrian Beltre
SS Elvis Andrus
LF Josh Hamilton
CF Julio Borbon
RF Nelson Cruz
DH Michael Young
SP CJ Wilson
SP Colby Lewis
SP Tommy Hunter
SP Brandon Webb
SP Scott Feldman
CL Neftali Feliz

Best Case Scenario
As the pitching goes, so do the Rangers. Lewis, Wilson, and Hunter all have repeats of 2010. Webb returns to his Cy Young winning form, and even Scott Feldman gets his act together. With the offense in top form, the Rangers coast to an AL West title.

This team has the potential to be one of the greatest in baseball history. After dispatching the Yankees, the Rangers are able to defeat the Red Sox in only five games for a repeat AL Pennant. Facing the Phillies in the World Series, the teams have pitching matchups for the ages in every game, with the Rangers winning game seven as Michael Young hits the go ahead home run off of Oswalt. The state of Texas finally takes home a World Series Title.

Worst Case Scenario
As the pitching goes, so do the Rangers. Lewis, Wilson, and Hunter can not repeat their 2010 performances. Webb is slow to return to any form resembling a Cy Young winner. Feldman's ERA skyrockets over 6. Nolan Ryan preaches patience, but quickly the Rangers fall behind the Athletics in the standings. The Rangers' lineup is still good enough to win a few games, but the pitching deteriorates further and further. Finally giving in to public pressure, Ryan comes out of retirement to be the closer. Feliz is moved the the rotation, but even after his fantastic spring, he struggles as a starter. Ryan throws three pitches before ruining his arm, and instead trades for Zack Greinke on July 31 to stop the bleeding. Unfortunately for Texas, the move is too little, too late. The Rangers miss the playoffs in a highly competitive AL West.