2011 MLB Team Preview: Texas Rangers
Hard to believe, as some of us still have VERY cold temperatures outside, that the Boys of Summer are almost back. But it’s true; teams have started reporting to 2011 Major League Baseball training camps and it’s time to start our team-by-team baseball gambling previews for the year.
SIGN UP TODAY With MySportsbook.com – 10% Sign UP Bonus – 10cent Baseball Lines – Gamble On 2011 MLB Future Odds and 2011 World Series Championship Lines
Rangers Calender
FEB. 1-18, 2011 – Salary arbitration hearings
FEB. 14, 2011 – Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for pitchers, catchers and injured players
FEB. 19, 2011 – Voluntary Spring Training reporting date for non-pitchers and catchers
FEB. 26, 2011 – Mandatory Spring Training reporting date for all players
You’d think an American League West title and a trip to the World Series would’ve earned the Texas Rangers plenty of respect among the oddsmakers for 2011. But it hasn’t, really. The Rangers find themselves behind the stacked Phillies, rejuvenated Red Sox, aging Yankees, world champion Giants and, at some books, even the upstart Milwaukee Brewers.
It’s clear that Cliff Lee’s departure has people leaping off the Texas bandwagon. But I think doing so is a bit premature.
TEXAS RANGERS
World Series odds: +2000
Losing Cliff Lee has nothing to do with the Texas Rangers’ offense, which is still formidable as ever. Josh Hamilton is the reigning American League MVP and absolutely has the talent to repeat the feat; hopefully moving from center to left field will keep him healthy. Nelson Cruz is another immensely gifted guy who can do everything on a baseball field. Two years ago, second baseman Ian Kinsler was considered the Rangers’ star; now he’s a supporting player? Impressive stuff.
The Rangers also have the consummate professional hitter in Michael Young, though he could get traded any time now. The reason: Texas signed Adrian Beltre this offseason. I don’t like the move. There was nothing wrong with Young’s game. Beltre is a defensive upgrade but he’s famous for only playing well in contract years. Now that his belly is full, will he deliver? I’m skeptical.
With Mike Napoli also joining the team as a power-hitting catcher in a hitter’s park and Elvis Andrus emerging as a respectable leadoff man, the Rangers hardly have an easy out in their lineup. A powerhouse offense almost seems like a shoo-in – if this team can stay healthy. One major reason for the Rangers’ step forward last year was an increased commitment to small ball, running a lot more and no longer just swinging for the fences all the time. As a result, though, the Ranger hitters get hurt. Kinsler, Hamilton and Cruz are among the most injury-prone stars in the game.
Still – the Rangers’ offense is a major plus. Any question marks surrounding them in 2011 have to do with pitching. For one, can Texas say afloat without Lee? Secondly, can 2010 breakout guys like C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis repeat last year’s success? 
While the Rangers arguably don’t have a No. 1 starter anymore, I still think they can survive without Cliff Lee. Brandon Webb still has plenty of ability and the Rangers didn’t risk much by bringing him in off the scrap heap. Also, Derek Holland was a blue-chip prospect and could finally leap forward to become a viable starter this season. I’d say that, between those two, there’s a chance that they could combine to equal Lee’s value.
I’m not really a believer in C.J. Wilson; he walks too many guys. But I like Colby Lewis. He was a new man after returning from Japan last year and he was as good as Cliff Lee in last year’s playoffs. Guys like Scott Feldman and Tommy Hunter are overrated but not horrible options at the back end of the rotation.
So why haven’t I mentioned Neftali Feliz? Yeah, the Rangers’ 2010 closer and American League Rookie of the Year is supposedly being converted to a starting pitcher this season. I don’t buy it. He was absolutely lights-out as a closer last year and has openly stated that he’s more comfortable in the closing role. I expect the Rangers to scrap the experiment and reinstall Feliz as closer before spring training ends. Whatever Feliz’s role is, he’ll help keep Texas’ pitching above-average.
2011 OUTLOOK
Because of their health woes and question marks among the pitching staff, the Rangers are perhaps the most volatile of the true 2011 World Series contenders. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t still a contender. They still look like the class of the AL West to me.
Prediction: 1st, American League West
