Two teams left, both begin with a T.  Let’s see which one it is…

Oh ####, I’m not ready for this…

Texas Rangers

The Rangers were tied for the lead in the division last season with Oakland at the All-Star Break, but pitching implosions, offensive collapses and general mismanagement by Buck Showalter lead to the Rangers finishing third for the third straight year.  Showalter is gone, replaced by Ron Washington and the team has been drastically reshaped, resulting in a team that looks very different from the one that left Safeco Field last October.

Starting Rotation

1. Kevin Millwood (RHP) – Millwood is the ace of the rotation and proved to be a solid innings eater as well as a role model to guide the younger pitchers in the rotation.  Millwood will have to improve his performance at home, but aside from that he should be a solid starter and workhorse at the top of the rotation.
2. Vicente Padilla (RHP) – There’s some question as to whether Padilla will be as good as he was last season now that he’s locked in with a long term deal.  However, I think that Padilla should be fine, as she showed all of the performance that made him an All-Star back in the day.  He’s already a favorite of Rangers manager Ron Washington, who wants other Rangers pitchers to have a similar “take no prisoners” type of attitude.  That will result in a lot more fights, particularly with the Angels, who are still pretty peeved with him and have some unfinished business with him as a result of that brawl last year.
3. Brandon McCarthy (RHP) – White Sox GM Kenny Williams wanted John Danks so badly that he was willing to part with McCarthy, a huge kid at 6-foot-7, to do so.  McCarthy has spent most of the last two seasons in the majors, but he’s still 23 and has five years of service time left.  He’s been pitching mostly out of the bullpen.  McCarthy works off a low-90s fastball that can hit the middle 90’s and he’s added on some weight to his frame, so it’s possible he could develop a little more power.  His curve and change are solid major league pitches.  His biggest problem is that he’s homer prone, but that is mostly because of his home park, U.S. Cellular Field.  Ameriquest is a little more forgiving and all in all, he’s been dominant in Spring Training and should be fine.
4. Robinson Tejeda (RHP) – Based on how stellar he was in his last eight starts, Tejeda has all but locked up the fifth starter spot and will keep the spot unless he somehow loses it.  Tejeda has a great arm and his fastball clocks in the low 90’s with a good curveball and changeup, all of which he has great command over.  The only problem is that he’s got to adjust his performance at home, as he was awful.  Still, he looks good so far in Spring Training and should help improve the depth in the back.  On a side note, Tejeda has a lot of respect from the younger Latin players and goes out of his way to take some of the younger ones under his wing.  He’s got the potential to be a great leader in the clubhouse in the years that come.
5. Jamey Wright (RHP) – Wright has been nothing short of spectacular this season and so far appears to be the favorite to be the fifth starter.  Wright has decent stuff, but he’s never put it together for some reason.  Here’s hoping that he’ll be able to do so in Texas.

Bullpen

• Eric Gagne (Closer) – This is a gamble, as the Rangers really don’t know what to expect from him, nor did they really need him, but Gagne looks good so far in workouts and there is hope that he can become a Trevor Hoffman style closer, depending on a solid breaking pitch rather than pure heat.  .
• Akinori Otsuka (Setup Man) – Otsuka was one of the better closers in baseball last season and really stepped into the role after Francisco Cordero flamed out.  The Rangers rewarded him by booting him out of his spot and back into the setup role.  So far, the Rangers appear to be using him as a setup man, but it’s also equally possible that Otsuka could be dealt to a contender in exchange for a prospect.  At the moment, Otsuka will remain with the team, but it should be interesting to see the market develop if someone gets hurt.
• Frank Francisco (RHP) – Francisco was an integral part of the Rangers league-leading bullpen in 2004 when he was 5-1 with a 3.33 ERA and struck out 60 batters in 51 1/3 innings.  He then underwent Tommy John surgery, but appears to be completely healthy.  Francisco has explosive fastball as well as a excellent splitter that make him an excellent setup man and possible spot closer.
• C.J. Wilson (LHP) – Wilson took a big step forward in 2006, turning himself from failed pitching prospect to promising lefty reliever.  Wilson was solid out of the bullpen, making some wonder if it would be possible for him to be turned back into a reliever.  Wilson himself has said that he prefers to relieve, and has expressed a desire to be a closer in the future.  So far, club officials are satisfied with his effort and it’s possible that he could get a shot as soon as next season.
• Ron Mahay (LHP) – The always dependable Mahay gives Texas a second lefty reliever to help keep things honest in the later innings.
• Wes Littleton (RHP) – Littleton was my sleeper last season, an under the radar prospect that makes good and makes the roster.  He was an absolute beast last season.  Littleton will help Francisco in the 7th inning duties and could be in the mix for a closer’s role when Gagne inevitably leaves at the end of the season.
• Joaquin Benoit (RHP) – Benoit has long had a live arm, but he’s been rather inconsistent.  However, he’s been dominating Spring Training this season and looks to be the winner of the last roster spot.  All I can say is that he better be this dominant during the regular season.

Starting Lineup

1. Kenny Lofton (CF) – Lofton may be old, but he can still hit rather well and still can swipe a few bases.  He’s a decent defender in center and, while he won’t hit for much power, will be a solid leadoff man unless he totally implodes.
2. Frank Catalanotto (LF) – The return of the Cat means the return of a solid bat between the leadoff hitter and Young, allowing Young to push Mark Teixeira farther back in the order.  Cat is a disciplined hitter that does well against right handed pitching but gets murdered by lefties.  Cat likely will play the field, a iffy proposition considering that he’s an average to below average defender.  But Sosa looks like he’s got the every day DH job, meaning that’s the only place he’ll be able to play.
3. Michael Young (SS) – Young returns to the three hole now locked up long term at short and will likely be a Ranger for life.  It’s hoped that Young won’t succumb to injuries like Rusty Greer did, but Young has been surprisingly durable and consistent.  He’s got some power to his bat and some speed on the bases and his defense continues to improve.  He should be a rock in the franchise for years to come.
4. Mark Teixeira (1B) – Tex returns to hit clean up and hopes to have some protection behind him in the lineup.  Tex should be good for 30 to 40 home runs along with driving in over 100 and will continue to be a Gold Glover at first.  Whether or not Tex stays in Texas is another question all together, as the Rangers need to win and win now in order to keep him.  The Rangers seem to have a good shot this season and the next, but privately, they’re also looking at their internal options, just in case Big Tex leaves.
5. Sammy Sosa (DH) – Sosamania has hit the metroplex for some reason, so let’s take a look at what Sosa can provide.  Sosa may have some power potential and his bat speed is somewhat better than what it was back in Baltimore.  Best case scenario is 20 home runs, maybe 80 RBI’s.  Worst case scenario?  DFA in May.
6. Hank Blalock (3B) – Blalock, more than any other player, needs to return to his All-Star form.  Rudy Jaramillo has stated that Blalock’s problem is that he’s pulling the ball too much, trying too hard for a homer and not concentrating on being satisfied with a double, walk or single.  Ron Washington has made it his priority to get Blalock back to his All-Star form and wants to make him a Gold Glover at third.  We’ll see what happens, as I firmly believe that Washington’s wish to keep Blalock was the only thing that kept him from being traded this off-season.
7. Ian Kinsler (2B) – Kinsler had a nice rookie season and showed that he’s got some thunder in his bat.  Kinsler will likely benefit from another year of experience and Washington is already working on Kinsler’s defense to help him improve.  He also figures to run more, thanks to Washington’s love of base theft.
8. Nelson Cruz (RF) – Cruz has lots of power potential and can work the count as well as defend.  What needs to be key to his success is whether or not he can hit a breaking ball, which has been giving him trouble.  If Cruz can read pitches better, he’ll be a dynamite outfielder corner.  There is also an experiment about him playing center, where it is believed his bat would translate better.
9. Gerald Laird (C) – Laird looked like he was the starter in 2005, but he lost the job due to injury to Rod Barajas.  However, Laird hit well enough to show that he could be a regular and he’s going to be that chance.  Laird has solid glove work and calls a good game, plus he’s got a relatively strong arm.  Laird also has untapped power potential in his bat and could be a 20 home run threat.

Bench

• Brad Wilkerson (OF) – Wilkerson had a rough year last year, going down with injury again while having loads of strikeouts.  Still, Wilkerson could come back, as he’s still got decent power potential and he’s a adequate defender in left.  He can also steal a bit as well.  Wilkerson will likely be pushed out by Frank Catalanotto and will share playing time in all the outfield positions.
• Guillermo Quiroz (C) – I think that Quiroz will likely be the backup, as he’s out of options, but he’s also got the potential to be a neat little project for Rudy Jaramillo.  Quiroz has got some power potential in that bat and he’s already a solid defensive catcher.  He could be the next Rod Barajas.
• Jerry Hairston Jr. (UTIL) – Hairston looks like he’ll make the team.  In terms of flexibility, Hairston can play the infield corners plus the outfield.  He seems willing to work on his swing to help return him to that of a big league regular instead of a backup.  We’ll see.  As for the HGH allegations, all I have to say is that if he did take them, they sure didn’t help.  And, to his credit, he was quick to denounce the rumors, something former Ranger Gary Matthews Jr. did not.
• Jason Botts (1B/LF) – Botts is one of the bigger players on the Rangers, standing at 6-5.  A switch hitter, Botts has great power to all fields and works the count well, waiting for the pitch he wants as well as taking a walk.  However, Botts doesn’t defend or run well and his long swing will always result in a ton of strikeouts.  For some reason, the Rangers have never given Botts a proper shot to prove he can hit and as a result, it’s unknown what his long term future will be with the team.

Down On The Farm…

The Rangers’ farm system is underrated, mostly because a lot of the prospects really no longer qualify for prospect status.  I know people are going to think I’m padding the Rangers’ farm, but realistically, with as many pitchers as this team seems to go through, it may be possible to see ALL of these players in Arlington at one point or another.

• Eric Hurley (RHP) – Hurley has emerged as the Rangers’ top pitching prospect after he did well in the California League and dominated the Texas League at the end of the season.  Hurley is big and his body still offers some projection.  He a competitive pitcher with lots of poise and his mechanics are very clean.  As far as stuff, Hurley’s fastball hits 92-95 and can touch 97 at ties.   He’s got a power slider with great movement and his changeup is starting to develop into a plus pitch.  The only real problem with Hurley is that he gets taken deep when he elevates his fastball.  Hurley will likely begin back in Double A, but he could be in line for a call up in September.  Expect the Rangers to develop him with care, however.
• Edinson Volquez (RHP) – Volquez is believed to have the best pure stuff in the organization, starting with a 92-95 mph fastball has touched 98 in the past, and he compliments this with a filthy changeup that features excellent action and fade.  His curve isn’t as good, but it’s far enough where he can mix it in from time to time.  He was also tinkering with a slider last season, to help give him a fourth pitching.  He’s also very aggressive on the mound as well.  The problem is that Volquez works high in the zone and his control comes and goes at times.  As a result, he gets pounded badly, as see by his last two call ups (though in 2005, the Rangers had no business calling up Volquez from Double A, as he wasn’t even dominating that league.) 
• John Koronka (LHP) – Koronka was acquired last year when Adam Eaton went on the DL and he had some success before he unraveled.  Koronka will likely be one of the regulars on the shuttle between Oklahoma and Dallas as a emergency starter.  Koronka has decent stuff with a low 90’s fastball that touches 93 at best and a decent slider and curve. 
• Bruce Chen (LHP) – Chen was signed to a minor league deal and will likely be sent down to the minors, where he and Koronka will compete for starts whenever someone gets hurt or traded or is sent down as well.
• Scott Feldman (RHP) – Last season, Feldman arrived on the scene in a big way, posting a 3.92 ERA in 36 relief appearances for Texas and for throwing a punch at Adam Kennedy.  Feldman really projects to be a setup man or a middle reliever in the majors, but he’s the closer here in Frisco.  Feldman has a sidearm delivery that goes very well with his height and he throws fairly hard and for strikes.  Feldman’s primary weapon is a sinker, which induces a lot of ground balls, but his secondary stuff is good enough that he’s effective. 
• John Rheinecker (LHP) – Rheinecker was obtained from Oakland last season and was stellar in a few starts before derailing completely, though he was able to return as a excellent middle reliever.  It’s likely that that’s what he’ll remain, as his stuff really doesn’t lend itself to error.  Rheinecker is a finesse lefty who gets hitters out by mixing a high-80s fastball, a cutter, and a slider.  At the very least, he’ll be in the majors as a setup man, but he’s blocked at the moment, thanks to C.J. Wilson and Ron Mahay.
• Josh Rupe (RHP) – Rupe made one start for the Rangers in 2005, almost made the rotation out of Spring Training last year before coming down with an elbow injury.  When he returned last July, the Rangers used him strictly in relief.  That is a waste because Rupe belongs in the rotation, as he’s got four plus pitches that are all very effective.  He throws a sinker, slider, a curve and a changeup.  All are plus pitches.  I expect Rupe will get some starts as he tries to build up his durability to become a starter once again.
• Nate Gold (1B) – Gold surprised the Rangers by hitting .292 with 34 home runs and 103 RBIs at Double-A Frisco last year, earning him player of the year honors.  The question is whether or not that breakout is legitimate, as he was 26 when he accomplished the feat.  He’s earned himself a promotion to Frisco, where he’ll be given every chance to succeed, but he’s got to prove that he’s indeed a legitimate prospect.
• Drew Meyer (2B) – One of the biggest draft busts in the Rangers’ history, Meyer was a stretch as a first round pick in 2002, as he simply wasn’t a impact player.  When he was drafted, he had a hitch in his swing that, since corrected, really has resulted in his stock dropping.  He’s got almost no bat to speak of and he’s since been trained to play the outfield corners as well as center, making his future likely that of a utilityman.  At the moment, no one knows what his future holds, as Meyer has been exposed to the Rule V Draft twice already and hasn’t been taken, nor was he claimed when he was dropped from the 40 man roster this season. 
• Joaquin Arias (SS/CF) – Arias still is a high quality talent, but he’s now permanently road blocked by Michael Young, who will be in Texas for the long haul.  Arias can still play shortstop well as he’s an excellent defender, though he’s prone to stupid mistakes and bad throws.  As a result, Arias is believed to be getting training to play centerfield and is being worked on with first base coach Gary Pettis.  Arias is an outstanding athlete with good tools and has a good feel for contact and he’s got some raw power as well.  Arias can be a above average centerfielder, as his bat looks a lot better in center than it does at short.  He still does need to learn some more plate discipline, as he walked only 19 times last year, but if he can take to the move like a duck to water, he could have a full time job in 2008 if he does well.
• Freddy Guzman (CF) – Guzman is a solid defensive centerfielder that is also one of the fastest players in the minor leagues.  He’s got some decent hitting ability, but he projects to be nothing more than a fourth outfielder in the majors.
• Victor Diaz (RF) – Diaz has major league experience and, given the chance, could become a solid hitter (not superstar, but one of those lunch pail players that goes to work and hits well enough to merit his own cheering section in Ameriquest.)  Diaz' best asset is his bat, and he had consistently produced for power and average throughout his minor league career.  He’ll be in Oklahoma at the start of this season, but expect a call up at some point if he starts hitting well.

In Conclusion…

This team has the potential to be very good, should everything hold up.  For once, there is a balance of pitching and the offense, though depleted, could surprise many.  But this team won’t surpass the Angels and, all in all, this team will season some improvement, but not enough to get into the post-season.

Final Standing:  Second In The American League West