Elvis Andrus

With the weather heating up in Texas during the summer months, many felt that the Rangers would have their typical late summer meltdown. Not so in 2009 and with the core returning and rookies going into their second season, there is hope in Arlington. Despite rumblings that All-Star shortstop Michael Young did not want to move to third base, he put aside his ego for the good of the team and hit a team high .322. Rookie shortstop Elvis Andrus had a solid season (.267 in 145 games with 33 stolen bases) and he came in second in the ROY voting. Second baseman Ian Kinsler had a solid season (hitting 31 homeruns and stealing 31 bases). Playing without outfielder Josh Hamilton for virtually the entire season (he was either hurt or unproductive in 89 games), the Rangers outfield of David Murphy, Marlon Byrd (who played Gold Glove caliber defense to go with his.283 average), and Nelson Cruz (33 homeruns and 20 stolen bases) all stepped up and had great seasons.

Veteran workhorse Kevin Millwood did what he does best: pitch close to 200 innings despite an unspectacular record (13-10 with a 3.67 ERA). However him and his contract became expendable and he was traded to Baltimore to mentor their young starters. Scott Feldman quietly put up CY Young quality numbers (17-8 with a 4.08 ERA in 31 starts with 113 strikeouts). The young rotation of Feldman, Tommy Hunter, Derek Holland, Brandon McCarthy, Matt Harrison, and Dustin Nippert had to step up when veteran Vicente Padilla was let go and they will have to step up again in 2010 without Millwood. The Rangers promoted the highly touted Neftali Feliz and his 100 mph fastball worked well out of the bullpen (1.74 ERA with 2 saves in 20 games with 39 strikeouts and just 13 hits allowed), though he may go back to starting in 2010.

Julio Borbon

The 2010 Texas Rangers have quite a few holes. First baseman Chris Davis struggled mightily in 2009 (.238 with 21 homeruns) and continued to rack up strikeouts (150 Ks in 391 at-bats), which led to his demotion to the minors. If he struggles again in 2010, top prospect Justin Smoak should be ready to jump in (if he doesn’t beat out Davis in spring training). The loss of Millwood leaves the Rangers short a veteran and the young arms will have to limit the growing pains. Management has taken the kid gloves off by letting the veterans go and forcing the youngsters to build off their first or second years. With Byrd a free agent (and a hot item for many teams) it may be unlikely that he would re-sign. Rookie speedster Julio Borbon showed glimpses of his exciting style of play in 2009, but he’ll need to replicate it for a full season (.312 in 46 games with 19 stolen bases). Manager Ron Washington did a great job guiding the Rangers in 2009 but he may have to do a better job in 2010 as the Rangers have not made any moves this offseason to strengthen the ball club. Here’s their wish list:

1. A bargain hitter: Due to the Rangers impending sale, they may not have a lot of money to spend this offseason. With a young outfield and a set infield, the Rangers are looking for a middle-of-the-order power hitter who could DH or spell one of the outfielders. Ideally they would re-sign Marlon Byrd. They could go after a Matt Stairs type of hitter (because he will probably retire) that won’t cost too much, will provide veteran leadership, and will provide some power. The deal for Boston’s Mike Lowell fell through so the Rangers are still searching. If Josh Hamilton regains his pre-2008 All-Star game form, they could be alright.
2. Bullpen help: Bullpen help could turn to rotation help depending upon what they do with Neftali Feliz and CJ Wilson. Both pitched in the back end of the bullpen in 2009, but one (or both) could move into the rotation. The Rangers have been keeping an eye on injured starter Ben Sheets for two years now but have yet to make a deal. The only moves the Rangers have made this offseason are acquiring former Orioles closer Chris Ray in the Millwood deal and signing left-hander Darren Oliver. Ray has not been the same since Tommy John surgery but maybe a change of scenery will be just what he needs. Oliver, despite his age, was the best reliever for the LA Angels in 2009 (5-1 with a 2.71 ERA in 63 games and a .237 opponent’s average). They also received Ben Snyder in the Rule V draft and he went 4-4 with a 2.88 ERA for Double-A Connecticut (Giants organization).
3. A catcher: Starter Jarrod Saltalamacchia battled a shoulder injury during the 2009 season and the injury re-emerged in winter ball. Back up Taylor Teagarden struggled with the bat (though his defense has never been in question) and was sent to the Arizona Fall League to get some at-bats and work on his swing. The Rangers added veteran Pudge Rodriguez late in 2009, but he signed with the Washington Nationals this offseason. I would think the Rangers would look to add an offensive catcher as Teagarden provides the defense.