Texas Rangers Rise in FanSided MLB Power Rankings

Not much has gone right for the Texas Rangers this season. The starting rotation is in shambles. The offense has been outright offensive, aside from Prince Fielder and Mitch Moreland. Of course, Moreland is injured, joining the Rangers collection of the walking wounded. Add in a run differential of -18 and the third worst winning percentage in baseball heading into last night’s action, and once can see how the Rangers would not be the most highly regarded of teams.

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Yet, despite the injuries, the offensive ineptitude and the continued desire to put Ross Detwiler in a starting role, there is a slight bit of hope for the Rangers. In fact, the Rangers moved up one spot in the FanSided MLB Power Rankings this week. Yes, that move up the rankings involves the Rangers going from 27th to 26th overall, but any progress is a positive.

Obviously, things cannot be this bad all season. Shin-Soo Choo will not have an OPS+ of 23 for the season. Adrian Beltre will not finish the year with a batting average that is below his weight. The Rangers will find a competent left fielder. Josh Hamilton will be back in the somewhat near future, and may be able to provide a spark. After all, he cannot be much worse than what is already being sent out there.

Likewise, the pitching staff is almost guaranteed to improve by default. Detwiler had a decent outing last time out, and may be correct that he just had a mechanical flaw causing his problems. While Nick Martinez will come back to Earth at some point, Yovani Gallardo should improve. The bullpen, aside from Neftali Feliz, has been relatively solid. It is just a matter of having the offense wake up and provide a few runs.

The Texas Rangers have certainly not looked like world beaters in the early going. In fact, they have far too often served as the catalyst for a winning series for the opposition. Yet, despite this, they remain close in the American League West, where the only team over .500 currently is the Houston Astros. Yes, the same Astros that are likely a year or two away from being a legitimate contender. The division is still wide open.

Once the offense comes around, the Texas Rangers could be in fairly solid shape. Hopefully, that happens soon, and the Rangers can continue to rise up the power rankings.

Next: Texas Rangers Offense Continues to Struggle