Since 2010 the Texas Rangers have been one of the most successful teams in Major League Baseball. The Rangers have made the playoffs in the past three seasons which was highlighted by consecutive appearances in the World Series in 2010 and 2011. The Rangers have started off strong this season as through 45 games they have the best record in Major League Baseball. What makes it more astonishing is the constant losses that the Rangers have had to endure in free agency.
The Rangers were led to the World Series in 2010 by starting pitcher Cliff Lee. The Rangers attempted to keep Lee in Arlington, but he instead opted to join the Philadelphia Phillies. After the 2011 season, starting pitcher C.J. Wilson was the next free agent that left the Rangers as he joined the Los Angeles Angels. Following a spot in the American League Wild Card Game last year, outfielder Josh Hamilton left to sign with the Angels while catcher Mike Napoli signed with the Boston Red Sox. The icing on the cake was when infielder Michael Young was traded to the Phillies.
When Lee and Wilson left it stung, but last year’s moves appeared to hurt the Rangers more as a portion of the core of the lineup was gone. In true Texas fashion, the Rangers have not felt sorry for themselves.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels once again used the off-season to remedy any worries about his team. With Napoli no longer behind the plate, Daniels knew that he needed a veteran presence to catch his pitching staff. The Rangers signed former Chicago White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Pierzynski is set to return from the 15-day disabled list as he recovers from an oblique injury and he has also contributed to a Rangers pitching staff that has the second best earned run average in the AL at 3.59.
Daniels may not have been able to retain Lee or Wilson, but starting pitcher Yu Darvish is a good as advertised. Last year it took the Rangers over $51 million dollars to obtain the rights to negotiate with Darvish. Darvish has posted a 7-1 record this season with a 2.97 earned run average. Darvish also leads the American League in strikeouts with 86. Darvish has been the ace of the Rangers pitching staff for Daniels and Rangers manager Ron Washington which was highlighted by Darvish’s 8 inning, 130-pitch, 6 strikeout performance against the Detroit Tigers last week.
Daniels also brought a native Texan into the fray as he signed former Houston Astros outfielder Lance Berkman. At 37-years of age Berkman was brought in to be a designated hitter and he is currently leading the team in batting average at .309 and on-base percentage at .423. Berkman fits right into a Rangers lineup that has always been known for “pop”. The Rangers 58 home runs are second in the AL as they are led by outfielder Nelson Cruz who has 11 home runs. With infielders Mitch Morleand and Adrian Beltre, the Rangers still have a potent combination in the middle of their lineup.
You cannot discuss the Rangers success and leave out the manager of this team Ron Washington. Washington has only had two losing seasons with the Rangers which were his first two years at the helm. Washington’s 549 managerial victories are second most in Rangers franchise history as he only trails Bobby Valentine who recorded 581. Washington has his pulse on this team and he knows how to push the right buttons which is why the Rangers have continuously been successful despite losses in free agency.
The Dallas/Fort Worth area is football crazy, but if the Rangers continue their recent success people will begin to sing a different tune in the Lone Star state.
Source:Baseball-reference.com
Leave A Comment