2012 MLB Handicapping: Texas Rangers
The Rangers did not have a very good off-season, as they lost out on signing prized free agent Prince Fielder and they lost starting pitcher C.J. Wilson to the rival L.A. Angels. The Rangers will have, pretty much, the same team as they did last season, but that is not a bad thing since they came within 1 out of winning the World Series.
Here are some futures odds for the Rangers this season.
Odds to win the World Series +800
Odds win the AL Pennant +450
Odds to win the AL West +125
The Rangers did win the Yu Darvish sweepstakes and if the Japanese pitcher is as good as advertised the loss of Wilson will not hurt that much.
Texas won the AL West last season by 10 games and while the A’s and Mariners are long shots to win the division the new look Angels with Wilson and Albert Pujols may now be THE team to beat in the division.
How will the Rangers fare this season? Let’s take a look.
The one good thing the Rangers have going for them is that their batting order will be the same as last season where they ranked 3rd in the Majors in runs scored, 1st in team batting average, and 5th in on base percentage. Michael Young and Mike Napoli both hit above .320 last season, but each is over 35 and that is a concern.
The middle of the lineup is stacked with Josh Hamilton and the very underrated duo of Ian Kinsler and Adrian Beltre give the Rangers 3 guys that can hit for power and average. Hamilton’s contract issue should get done soon and that cannot be a distraction this season. Health will be an issue for the Rangers, as several key players missed a lot of games last season, but they were healthy down the stretch and that will be key this season. [dfads params=’groups=10&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]
How stacked is the Rangers’ offense? Well, last season Texas had 8 players hit more than 10 HR, including 5 who hit 25 or more, and 6 players had at least 75 RBI.
Alexi Ogando, Derek Holland, and Neftali Feliz will lead the rotation, but the big question mark is Darvish. In Japan he has not had an ERA over 2.00 in the last 5 seasons, but how will he pitch in the Majors? Big question in the Lone Star State.
Closer Joe Nathan takes over for Feliz, who is now a starter, and he must play like he did in the 2nd half of last season. Much like Nathan the bullpen was much betting in the 2nd half of the season and much of that success is because Mike Adams and Koji Uehara came over before the trade deadline.
The Rangers are not a good defensive team, but if their offense scores runs like last season that should not be a big issue this season.
Projection: I think the Rangers will have another good season, but I think age and health will take their toll. The Rangers will be neck and neck with the Angels this season, but I think L.A. will win the division, but Texas may make the playoffs as the Wild Card team.
Projected win total: 93-69
4 replies on “Texas Rangers Season Predictions | 2012 Season Betting Preview”
I love that the Rangers are the underdog. The Angels will be lucky to make the playoffs.
Rangers will always be underdogs according to every sports writer! Age shouldn’t be an issue seeing there is only one player over 35 (Michael Young) who had a career year, health on the other hand could factor in, but it didn’t last year! My prediciton: Rangers will win the Division.
You are an mother fucking idiot.
Texas clinging to a slim four-game lead at the break. I’d say that isn’t a reason to get to cocky. The Rangers lost 5-of-7 heading into All Star Game and the Halos won 5-of-7. The upcoming three-game series next weekend could tell the tale.