2010 MLB preview: Texas Rangers
Look here new ownership is on the horizon, but the command structure will remain in tact. The Rangers will be looking to build on a 2009 winning record. 2009 was the first time since 2004, and just the second time since 1999 that the club finished a season with a winning record. However trouble looms this team was in first place as late as July 10th last season, but wound up 10 games behind American League West Champion LA Angels. The club ‘s success lies with their starting rotation, since they had a down year offensively last season.
To turn around their offense this club will need Josh Hamilton to stay healthy. Hamilton was severely limited by injuries in 2009, and the offense went from the best scoring offense in 2008 to just the 10th best in 2009. While all that is not on Hamilton’s back, this team clearly needs him in the lineup every day.
Is their starting rotation good enough? Who knows, Team President Nolan Ryan has promised to make the staff tougher, and they improved in 2009, but Kevin Millwood was traded to Baltimore, and the ace will be Scott Feldman. He won 17 games in 2009, but only had 7 MLB wins before that season. He will need to step up big time in 2010. He will need at least a repeat performance of 2009, but the Rangers would like to see him become a 20 game winner. The added Rich harden in the off season but he is not the durable type Ryan prefers. Their rotation will feature two 23 year old is Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter , and, either Colby Lewis who spent the last two years in Japan, or CJ Wilson who may start the season in the bull pen.
The last question is how much does Vladimir Guerrero have left? The Rangers could use his bat at the DH position, but he may be on the far side of his career.
Related LInks:
- Texas Rangers news and notes
- The Buisness of Major League Baseball
- MTR Baseball.com
