I didn't think I would see enough Texas Ranger action to give my Ranger fans a comprehensive guide to the 2020 Rangers. However, the coronavirus, which is menacing us all, has given me some extra time to watch the final weeks of Spring Training. (We are being homebodies in NYC thanks to the virus.) Here is my (and Drake's) analysis of this year's Texas Rangers.
First, there was a completely different feeling in the air and on the field this year. For the past two years, you could just see the team was nowhere near ready to contend. One year we started Spring Training with 10 losses! This year, however, the pitching has been outstanding and the hitting has been lights out. The Rangers have the highest batting average in the Cactus League, and a winning record in Spring Training.
Some of the hitting changes from last year: Let's start with Odor. We were all so exasperated last year. He lived below the Mendoza line. He repeatedly struck out or hit the ball directly to the fielders in the shift. You can't have that kind of batting performance from a crucial hitter in the center of your lineup. This year I've seen Odor hit the ball repeatedly 'where they're not' as well as remind us he's a great power hitter.
Gallo looks better and better at the plate. He's solidifying the trend he began last year. Fewer strikeouts and more walks. His power looks even more solid. His big arm is making itself felt in the outfield.
The big time hitter this spring was unlooked for: Isaiah Kiner-Falefeh, freed from trying to become a catcher, arrived at camp looking like he'd put on 15 pounds of muscle in his upper body. He has hit the cover off the ball including hitting home runs for the first time in his entire career. (So far, his home run number is only "4", but that's a start for a player who's NEVER hit a home run.) He looks more than competent at 3rd base, and he's a lock for this team.
Todd Frasier, our acquisition for 3rd base, is a baseball professional. He's methodically getting ready to play. He's hitting and his fielding has been impeccable. As a journeyman, he's our place holder until either Kiner-Falefah or, and here's a newish name, Nick Solak seizes the job. Solak is a young infielder we acquired in a trade. He made us all sit up and take notice last year when he was called up in September. He's been absolutely solid this year. He's even been working out in the outfield. [He's more naturally an infielder.]
Willy Calhoun, who hit 269 last year in his first opportunity at extended play in the major leagues, and who was slotted to be the left field starter, was hit in the face a few days ago while batting. It was totally an accident. (The pitcher is a close friend of Calhoun, and he was devastated.) The news was bad, but not as bad as it could have been. First, he has a broken cheek bone, but his jaw wasn't dislocated. So, he will be out several weeks, but at least his jaw isn't wired shut. This opens up a starting position in the outfield. Center field will be Danny Santana (having a good spring), Gallo will play right field, and according to Drake, Heineman and Garcia will make the team with Garcia starting in left field. Garcia is a Cuban who is a mature player. He's hit the cover off the ball this spring, but Heineman has also hit well.
One element which will be a determination as to whether we can be good enough to capture a wild card spot is whether Guzman can hit left handed pitching. Early returns from Spring are encouraging. Elvis is playing/hitting with his usual abandon. Choo looks more relaxed in his role as a team leader and as a professional DH. Robinson Chirinos is back anchoring the plate. The other serious injury during Spring Training happened to our young catcher, Trevino. He fractured a bone, and he's out for some undetermined time. We'll probably see Mathis make the team as Chirinos' backup.
Whether we are 'also ran' this year or whether we can capture a wild card is the pitching. I'm here to report the pitching has been outstanding. Even in the games where we changed pitchers every single inning, the hallmark of the pitching staff was they were all throwing strikes. The pitchers have been consistently ahead of the hitters all Spring long. I haven't seen that kind of performance in the spring by the pitching staff for years.
Lance Lynn and Mike Minor have both looked very solid. Kluber, an "A" level pitcher we acquired from Cleveland, spent last year recovering from a broken bone, and we have lots of hopes pinned on him. He's looked good this Spring. Our other major signee, Jordan Lyles, is an open question. We also need LeClerc to return to his 2018 form.
The bullpen is up for grabs. I've seen a lot of good contenders for those slots this year - again, it's been strikes on top of strikes all spring long across the pitching board. Those facts about the pitching give me more hope for this team than I've had for the past two years.
Better than average pitching paired with our lights out offensive punch could propel this team to a wild card spot. We need a hot start to get us pointed in the right direction, and to allow a positive team chemistry to form naturally. Even if the Astros are booed in every away game, I think they are a lock for the American West division winner. However, this can be the type of season for the Rangers we had in 2008 and 2009 - a really fun team to watch and root for, and if lightening strikes this year, we could have a playoff team.
