This blog entry is for all of my Texas Ranger fans who are also readers. Last season was an absolute MISERY, but according to my resident baseball expert:
RANGERS’ EXPECTATIONS ARE RISING FAST
Spring training won and lost records don’t historically correlate with regular season results for a number of well-known reasons. Some teams are so called “set clubs” with most roster spots and roles already known by March 1. These teams mainly focus on getting their players tuned up and minimizing injury risk. Often their established guys work on improvements and adjustments, but are relieved for at least half the game action by youngsters destined for the minor leagues. This scenario mostly applies to the Rangers this year.
All the new Rangers’ high profile starting pitching signed during the off-season has been sparingly used in Cactus League games due to their injury history. Thus, the Rangers have lost several games when their minor league level pitchers coughed up leads in the late innings. This should not concern us as the regular season pitching role patterns will be very different from these meaningless exhibitions games.
The “everyday” position players have shown much to be encouraged about in the Spring Training games. Offensive production has been good by the guys destined for the starting lineup. This includes the rookie Josh Jung whose grasp of the third base position has been widely expected but delayed by injury for over a year. The eye test for Jung suggests a breakout year for him in 2023 and big star status for years to come.
The only position player questions to make the Ranger's roster are bench / utility roles in both the outfield and infield. The Rangers have lots of quality competitors for these spots, so disappointing assignments to AAA, or perhaps a trade or two, should be expected just before the season begins. The challenge here is to capture as much of this talent as possible in AAA for depth in case of injury on the active 26-man roster.
The bullpen composition presents an interesting challenge. The Rangers now have unusual starting pitcher depth resulting from General Manager, Chris Young's off-season moves. There are several starters from last year and young MLB-ready guys who have been pushed aside by the new acquisitions (e.g. Dunning, Otto, Howard, Ragans). This valuable depth will be needed during the season due to inevitable injuries in the starting pitching rotation. Expect a mix of AAA and active roster bullpen assignments to store these assets to open the season. The bullpen will be crowded with these multi-inning “just in case” starters as well as the more traditional one inning flame-throwing specialists.
It does seem to be the case this year that the Rangers have a surplus of talent overflowing the 26-man active roster. Two years of good free agent signings, judicial trades, and continual “organic” young talent development are ready to pay off. Having lots of difficult roster cut decisions are a clear measure of talent depth which, at least on paper, should translate into a much more competitive team this year.
Of course, actual win/loss results also depend on intangibles like team chemistry injuries, and even luck. A fast early start could be a big benefit to a team coming off a miserable season. My opinion is thanks to a confluence of talent, there should be a much more entertaining product on the field this year. Enjoy.
