Rangers GM sees infectious naivety driving the team ahead of veteran returns

Winners of 14 of their last 18, there are plenty of reasons why the Texas Rangers are suddenly just two games out of the AL West lead, as well as two games out of the final Wild Card spot. However, most people, including the club's GM and POBO Chris Young, believe that a group of players lovingly referred to as the "Little Rascals" is a big reason why the team is suddenly in contention.

This version of the Little Rascals is made up of Alejandro Osuna, Cody Freeman, Michael Helman, Dustin Harris, and even Ezequiel Duran. They're small in stature and, before mid-August, also had tiny expectations placed on them in replacing guys like Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Evan Carter, and others. However, they've been instrumental in the surge towards the playoffs.

Texas Rangers find spark in ‘Little Rascals’ lineup additions

Speaking to GBag Nation on 105.3 The Fan (KRLD-FM), Young said he thinks the unheralded players are bringing a kind of infectious energy to the club.

"I’ve said this before, any time you get an infusion of young players into a big league clubhouse, it can be a really good thing, it can be a positive thing. And that’s what we’re seeing right now, these guys coming in and playing with an infectious kind of naivety and energy, which is great for veteran players, a veteran team that’s been around a long time."

Young also believes that with a season as long as baseball's, there's bound to be a bit more of a charge when there's a light at the end of the tunnel and a team like the Rangers is in contention.

"I think part of that’s just September in general, you can see the end of the season, you know the games mean something. It’s got a little bit of feel to early fall baseball and that kind of gets everyone going."

Whatever the reason, the Texas Rangers are within shouting distance of a playoff spot with 15 games to go, including three against one of the teams they're chasing.