About six years ago, the Rangers were one strike away from bringing home a World Series title. Sadly, they came up short. Since then, they’ve won two more American League West titles, but they would come up short in the first round. Yes, it’s been a rough six years for the Texas Rangers organization and its fans.
Jeff Banister, the current manager of the Texas Rangers has spent his first two seasons building a team that can reach the World Series and bring the trophy to Arlington. Banister has done a fantastic job in his first two years. Because of his leadership and managing, led the team to back-to-back A.L. West titles, he won the A.L. Manager of the Year award in 2015. In other words, he’s leading the team down the right path.
Ironically, the biggest obstacle for the Rangers seems to be the first round of the playoffs since they’ve lost in the first round the last two years. Last season, Texas entered the post-season with home-field advantage and as the best American League team. But they were swept by Toronto.
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Texas has a very talented roster. A roster capable of making it to the final. However, in the past two seasons, the Rangers have been struggling with injuries. Of course, injuries is the last thing any baseball club needs.
Pitching is the biggest concern right now for Texas. At the moment the starting rotation is Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish. Banister will have A.J. Griffin, Martin Perez and several other prospects compete for a spot on the rotation. Texas signed a few pitchers this off-season and they’re all expected to be at Spring Training. In any case, Banister will not go easy on anybody.
If Texas can continue to win the A.L. West, then there’s no doubt they can eventually reach the World Series. First and foremost, players need to stay healthy and focused. Texas is on a six-game losing streak in the playoffs. Reminding the team of the six-game losing streak in the playoffs is Banister’s way of motivating the team.
The way Banister has been managing the team, Texas could be a World Series within the next two or three years. In any case, everyone needs to be ready. Above all, they need to be healthy.