2009 MLB Preview - Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers
Manager: Ron Washington (3rd season)
2008 Record: 79-83 (2nd AL West)


Added: OF Andruw Jones (LAD), SP Kris Benson (PHI), RP Derrick Turnbow (MIL)
Lost: C Gerald Laird (DET), 3B Ramon Vazquez (PIT), OF Milton Bradley (CHC)

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. 2B Ian Kinsler (.319, 102 R, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 26 SB) 2. 3B Michael Young (.284, 102 R, 12 HR, 82 RBI) 3. CF Josh Hamilton (.304, 98 R, 32 HR, 130 RBI) 4. RF Nelson Cruz (.330, 19 R, 7 HR, 26 RBI) 5. DH Hank Blalock (.287, 37 R, 12 HR, 38 RBI) 6. 1B Chris Davis (.285, 51 R, 17 HR, 55 RBI) 7. LF David Murphy (.275, 64 R, 15 HR, 74 RBI) 8. C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (.253, 27 R, 3 HR, 26 RBI) 9. SS Elvis Andrus (Rookie)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Kevin Millwood (9-10, 5.07 ERA, 125 K) 2. Vicente Padilla (14-8, 4.74 ERA, 127 K) 3. Kris Benson (Hasn't pitched since 2006) 4. Brandon McCarthy (1-1, 4.09 ERA, 10 K) 5. Matt Harrison (9-3, 5.49 ERA, 42 K)

Bench
C Taylor Teagarden, SS Omar Vizquel, OF Marlon Byrd, OF Andruw Jones

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
Frank Francisco (5 SV, 63.1 IP, 47 H, 83 K, 3.13 ERA), C.J. Wilson, Derrick Turnbow, Eddie Guardado, Warner Madrigal

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Fantasy Studs: 2B Ian Kinsler, OF Josh Hamilton
Fantasy Sleepers: 1B Chris Davis, OF Nelson Cruz

Men In The Minors: C Max Ramirez, 1B Justin Smoak, OF Julio Borbon, SP Neftali Perez, SP Derek Holland

Home Ballpark: Ballpark at Arlington (Grade 7/10)

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Team Outlook: If you want to go to a baseball and see a lot of runs, then head to Arlington to check out the Rangers because they will score. As usual, the pitching staff though is what is keeping this team from any serious consideration for the playoffs. Millwood is a cagey vet but he's not good. Padilla also is probably on the downside of his career. Benson hasn't pitched since 2006 and the final 2 are just simple unproven. The bullpen has bright signs but many times, they will be pitching from behind. The lineup though will score a ton of runs. The top 3 of Kinsler, Young and Hamilton should make for lots of runs. Cruz has the potential to his with a ton of power as well. Davis is the most intriguing player. He has plenty of pop in his bat too and if he keeps hi average up, will be a threat for years to come. I don't like this team's chances to win the division but once they get some pitching, they will be a very dangerous team.

Next Preview: Toronto Blue Jays