2009 Texas Rangers Preview

In an effort to get every preview done by the season opener, you may notice that some of the team previews will be of the shorter variety. With some of the “extra information” not included, this should make for an easier read. Enjoy!

Key Additions: Derrick Turnbow, Omar Vizquel

Key Subtractions: Milton Bradley, Gerald Laird, Ramon Vasquez

A look at the lineup:

CA – Jarrod Saltalamacchia is expected to get a majority of the at-bats, but Taylor Teagarden will see plenty of work as well and could eventually steal the job away. Max Ramirez will begin the season in the minors, but could see work later in the season.

1B – Chris Davis will get a chance to play everyday at first base and will be relied on for power in the middle of the order. Hank Blalock will be his primary backup.

2B – Ian Kinsler’s outstanding 2008 campaign was cut short by injury, but he will be back at second base and in the leadoff spot for the Rangers in 2009. Omar Vizquel is the primary backup.

SS – Elvis Andrus will open the season as the team’s starting shortstop and nine hitter. If he struggles in his first full-time action in the majors, Vizquel will get the call. Joaquin Arias adds depth.

3B – Michael Young makes the move from shortstop to third base this season. Young, who is expected to hit second, will be backed up by Travis Metcalf and Blalock.

LF – David Murphy will be the starter in left field and will bat seventh. Marlon Byrd and Frank Catalanotto will see work off the bench.

CF – Josh Hamilton is back as the starter in centerfield and will hit third. Andruw Jones and Byrd are his primary backups.

RF – Nelson Cruz will get a chance to start in right field and will likely hit sixth. Byrd will back him up as well.

DH – Hank Blalock will hope injuries will be less of an issue in the designated hitter role. He is expected to hit cleanup. Catalanotto and Byrd could also see some time at DH.

A look at the pitching:

Starters – Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla will lead one of the league’s worst rotations. Brandon McCarthy, Matt Harrison, and Scott Feldman are expected to complete the starting five. Other pitchers who could see starts throughout the year include Jason Jennings, Kason Gabbard, Kris Benson, Derek Holland, and Neftali Feliz.

Relievers – Frank Francisco will return as the team’s closer. Eddie Guardado and C.J. Wilson will be in the setup role. Warner Madrigal, Josh Rupe, Joaquin Benoit, Willie Eyre, Derrick Turnbow, and Dustin Nippert will battle it out for the rest of the innings in relief.

Outlook:

The offense should be outstanding, especially since it is a group of power hitters in a hitter’s park. That said, as usual, the pitching is horrible. It’s hard to imagine this team competing without an improved rotation.

Prediction:

The Rangers will be competitive thanks to the offense, but the pitching will inevitably keep them from competing for a playoff spot. They will go 75-87 and finish third in the AL West.