As the calendar turns over from 2015 to 2016, the Texas Rangers and their fans can look back on a very successful 2015 campaign. The Rangers were better than any of us predicted, they were better than anyone expected, and they went back to the post season, which was very unexpected. As a long time fan and blogger, it was great to see the team bounce back after the miserable 2014 that the Rangers organization had. And now we look forward to what lies ahead in 2016. Here is what we know:
The Rangers have Cole Hamels, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, Martin Perez and most likely Chi Chi Gonzalez until the return of Yu Darvish from Tommy John Surgery. The rotation is looking pretty good, especially when Darvish returns. My only problem is I have no idea which Derek Holland is going to show up for the next season. I have more confidence at this point in Perez and Lewis. I think Holland needs to prove himself right out of the gate, and if I were the Rangers management I would put him on a short leash.
The pen will have a great closer in Shawn Tolleson, and a bunch of working parts after him including Jake Diekman, Sam Dyson, Keone Kela, and a variety of other arms trying out in the spring. I feel pretty good about the pen, but would not be opposed to the Rangers bringing in some more help in that area of the team.
The Rangers have added some minor league players with invites to spring training, including pitcher A. J. Griffin, former first round draft pick Matt Bush, who had may struggles off the field, catcher Michael McKenry and others. There could be big upside to all three of these guys, but they could also all be a bust and the Rangers know that.
If the Rangers want to repeat as AL West champions, it will take health, it will take talent, and it will take a little luck. They need to add a few more pieces to make the organization a bit stronger in my opinion, but I am excited that we are less than 50 days from pitchers and catchers reporting for duty!
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