When the Texas Rangers made their blockbuster trade with Philadelphia for Cole Hamels, the plan was for this to pay off in 2016. A healthy Yu Darvish would join with Hamels to form a formidable top of the rotation. Some of their younger pieces would be in place, and the team would be re-tooled from their 2010 and 2011 runs to the World Series. That was the plan, of course, until they won the AL West and went up 2-0 in the divisional series against the Blue Jays. Then their games three and four starters didn’t have good stuff, their bullpen didn’t hold up, Adrian Beltre was hurt, and Jose Bautista happened. Now, it’s a long off-season ahead.
Here’s the good news- the Rangers have a one-two punch in their rotation, a good line-up, and great system to work with. They are as well run of a team as there is in that division. They do have some aging offensive stars that should worry them, but frankly they can survive that with their talented minor leagues. Making sure they have an adequate #3 arm next season should be key to them contending again in a tough division. You have to like their chances.
No comments:
Post a Comment