| Scott Miller's Take |
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The Rangers should start drilling for pitchers like they drill for oil in Texas. It can't hurt. This unofficially is the 541st consecutive season the Rangers will begin in Arlington short of arms. The day I was in their camp this season, Sidney Ponson was preparing to make his first appearance of the spring. Sidney Ponson! And he was stunned that his weigh-in earlier in the day revealed he was five pounds higher than he wanted to be. Maybe new president Nolan Ryan can sprinkle holy water on the joint and come up with something. Video Outlook
Strengths
Second baseman Ian Kinsler is signed through 2012 (with a club option for 2013) and shortstop Michael Young is signed until 2013. That's a pretty good nucleus to build around, both in terms of production and quality people. As always, scoring will be no problem for Texas. Kinsler, Michael Young, third baseman Hank Blalock and outfielders Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley will keep scoreboard operators busy. Manager Ron Washington learned a lot in his first year and has delegated more authority to the coaches, which he needed to do. It will make him a better manager, and things should run more smoothly between the skipper's office and the clubhouse.
Weaknesses
That thing many other clubs do reasonably well from the mound. New year, same story. Pitchers, apply at that counter over there. Texas' rotation last season worked the fewest innings of any rotation in the majors. No starter has thrown as many as 120 pitches in a game since September 2005. Rangers pitchers traditionally are hit early, then leave early. Problem is, Jason Jennings is the only newcomer. Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla and lefty Kason Gabbard need to step it up.
Difference Maker
Josh Hamilton. Technically, the difference-maker should be a pitcher, because if the Ranger lineup gets its usual non-support, they're not going anywhere. But Hamilton, in his second season after essentially missing three full years because of drug and alcohol addiction, was so good this spring scouts were raving that he could quickly develop into the game's best player. Can't wait to see what he does this summer.
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| Top Prospects |
| 1. |
Chris Davis, 3B |
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This monster power prospect could move in if Hank Blalock gets dealt.
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| 2. |
Taylor Teagarden, C |
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Big-time U. of Texas star finally hit stride in pro ranks; can he catch?
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| 3. |
Kasey Kiker, SP (L) |
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Long term we like his chances to star over all of Texas' pitching prospects.
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| 4. |
Eric Hurley, SP (R) |
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Rangers SP prospects are cursed, but perhaps this one can make it in '08.
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| 5. |
German Duran, 2B |
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Nice power potential for his position, but he's seriously blocked right now.
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Complete AL West prospects |
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After years of battling drug addiction, OF Josh Hamilton hit .292 with 19 HR for the Reds last season and is a breakout candidate for the Rangers. (AP)
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| Team Info |
2007 record: 75-87 (4th in AL West)
Manager: Ron Washington, 2nd year (75-87)
Stadium: Rangers Ballpark in Arlington (49,115; grass)
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| Lineup |
| No. | Player | Comment |
| 1. | I. Kinsler, 2B | Hit .275 in 20 games as leadoff last season |
| 2. | M. Young, SS | Rebounded from a poor start last season but needs to add more HR |
| 3. | J. Hamilton, CF | Hopefully will be the big bat OF they've been searching for |
| 4. | M. Bradley, RF | Can be a big producer if health and temper are in check |
| 5. | H. Blalock, 3B | His return to old form is key for the offense |
| 6. | M. Byrd, LF | Finished '07 with a career-high 70 RBI and 10 HR |
| 7. | F. Catalanotto, DH | Has at least 100 career at-bats at five different spots in the lineup |
| 8. | B. Broussard, 1B | His chance to play everyday at first after utility role with M's |
| 9. | G. Laird, C | Stronger defensively than J. Saltalamacchia |
| Pitching |
| Rotation | Comment |
| 1. |
K. Millwood (R) |
The Rangers' opening day starter for the past two seasons |
| 2. |
V. Padilla (R) |
Needs to forget '07 (6-10) and bounce back to '06 form (15-10) |
| 3. |
J. Jennings (R) |
If recovered from elbow surgery he can boost the rotation |
| 4. |
K. Gabbard (L) |
Has potential but another starter rebounding from arm injury |
| 5. |
L. Mendoza (R) |
Only three major league starts but gets the nod, replacing B. McCarthy |
| Closer |
Comment |
| C.J. Wilson (L) |
Had 12 saves in 14 opportunities and a 3.03 ERA as closer last season |
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