The Texas Rangers New Dynamic Duo

Sep 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre (29) watches a his home run in the eighth inning of the game against the Los Angeles Angelsat Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The Rangers beat the Angels 6-2. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Back during the World Series runs on 2010 and 2011, the Texas Rangers had no lack of power at all with players like Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz, Mike Napoli, Adrian Beltre and more int he line-up from day-to-day. 2013 was a different story, however, as the Texas Rangers were not the power hitting threat that they had been in seasons past. Adrian Beltre really had no protection in the line-up to help him see better pitches, and of course Nelson Cruz got himself suspended for performance enhancing drugs. It was a rough season offensively for the Texas Rangers. Here is how they compared in the AL in 2012 and then in 2013.

2012

2013

But now a man named Prince Fielder and a man named Adrian Beltre hope to change the fact that the Texas Rangers scored 78 fewer runs, knocked in 89 less RBI, hit 24 less home runs and had an OBP that was .045 lower in 2013 than they were in 2012. Fielder is getting a chance for the first time this spring training to hang out and get to know Adrian Beltre, and he seems to like the chance.

"“I knew he had a little fun. I wasn’t around him a lot, played against him a lot. When you get to see a guy every day, you learn more about him. He’s funny,I like him. So it’s cool so far” From Postcards from Elysian Fields, T.R. Sullivan."

Oct 15, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Prince Fielder (28) singles against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning in game three of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Fielder will be batting third and Beltre will be batting fourth in the Texas Rangers 2014 lineup, and that is “set in stone” according to manager Ron Washington. Fielder will be protected by Adrian, and that is going to help both of them to see better pitches in my opinion. They are going to turn into the new Texas Rangers dynamic duo. Fielders career average is over 35 long balls a season over his career, and Beltre averages 27, but he is averaging 34 home runs a season over the past three seasons with the Texas Rangers. These guys going back to back following the speedy Choo and Andrus are going to make the Texas Rangers RBI and run count go back to where we are used to it in my opinion. Beltre can get along with just about everyone and is the clear leader of this team going forward in my opinion, and Fielder seems to be a guy that is also easy to get along with, and we all know that he is going to be able to take advantage of that short porch in right field at Globe Life Park at Arlington.

Even though the Texas Rangers are without the players that took them to back to back World Series, they still have a great chance in my opinion of getting back to their former glory if everyone stays healthy and the pitching is pretty good. If the pitching somehow turns out to be great, then this is going to be one special season to watch indeed. Either way though, I know that I am going to enjoy watching the new Texas Rangers dynamic duo.