2008 Texas Rangers Picks & Predictions
May 22, 2008
Dave Price’s 2008 Texas Rangers predictions have Texas still rebuilding. This team is stockpiling young talent which could emerge in the next few years but likely not this season.
Pitching
The Rangers have gone eight seasons now without touching the postseason and the bulk of that falls on the performance of the starting rotation. Texas posted a 5.50 ERA in 2007, the worst of any AL rotation. Even Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla struggled after strong 2006 campaigns. Both posted career-high ERA’s in 2007 and finished well below .500. Brandon McCarthy and Kason Gabbard must both get healthy and contribute. The fifth spot is still up in the air. If I’m Texas, I give it to a youngster like Luis Mendoza to get him some experience.
Texas’ bullpen has been saving the starting rotations butts for the past few seasons, but this trend cannot continue for the Rangers to find success. C.J. Wilson has the stuff to be an outstanding closer, but he has not proven that he has the stamina to pitch consecutive days. Veteran Eddie Guardado is Texas’ insurance policy right now to bail them out if Wilson isn’t ready.
Offense
Ian Kinsler has 30-30 potential at second base. If he emerges into this in 2008, Texas will do everything they can to keep him around. Shortstop Michael Young doesn’t hit for power, but he is a phenomenal clutch hitter and a great guy to hit-and-run with. He had 94 RBIs last season. Centerfielder Josh Hamilton has 19 bombs in just 90 games with the Reds last season. The Rangers are hoping to see his numbers really blossom in the AL. And Milton Bradley always seems to find a way on base. Texas is bringing in some young talent, but it is evident that the Rangers are no longer the power team that they have been the past few seasons.
Defense
The middle infield is consistency personified knowing that Michael Young will be in the starting lineup 150-plus games. Ian Kinsler showed big defensive improvements after returning from injury. We look for this duo to be something special in Arlington. Third base is a big question mark as Hank Blalock did not play the field after going down to injury in mid-May. Hopefully, he won’t return to rusty. Ben Broussard is a solid fielder at first, known more for his glove than bat. The Rangers had one of the worst defensive outfields in 2007. They are hoping that the additions of Milton Bradley and Josh Hamilton will shore things up.
It looks to me like Texas is still several years and some additions to the starting rotation away from putting a contender on the field. Bringing in Bradley and Hamilton will help fill some holes in the outfield, but clearly these guys won’t make enough of a difference to put the Rangers in the AL West hunt.
Dave Price has proven himself to be one of the very best MLB handicappers in the industry over the past 10 seasons. You can bet the farm that he will prove himself again in 2008. Sign up for an affordable season package and rake in the profits with Mr. Price on a consistent basis.
Odds to win AL West: 10/1
Odds to win 2008 AL Pennant: 50/1
Odds to win 2008 World Series: 100/1
AL West
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