With the recent addition of Cliff Lee, we have to start regarding the Rangers as threats to carve their way into the postseason and perhaps make a run at World Series glory. They have a bevy of young, talented arms in their organization. If Rich Harden can re-attach his mutilated pitching limb, he represents a nasty second starter. The likelihood of Harden coming back and being effective through the postseason though is about as likely as Ben Sheets playing through a hang-nail. But if Harden can contribute, he brings very special tools to the table.
Meanwhile, Lee is an alpha male, top of the rotation starter. He throws complete games with astounding ease and consistently shuts down the opposing team. In the postseason teams shorten their rotation to three or four main guys, and if one of those guys is giving you complete game shutouts every night, then the rest of the rotation, not to mention the bullpen, feels far less pressure.
Add to the improved pitching the Rangers' high octane offense and you have a team that can lock you down or outscore you with regularity. Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton, and Vladimir Guerrero bring more power to the Rangers' lineup than an Arnold Schwarzenegger-Carl Weathers handshake—that is if Hamilton can stay away from bars, Chris Berman, the Mexican Border, Ron Washington, and all other influences that could land him a drunken pictorial in People magazine. Michael Young and Ian Kinsler are both guys with some pop that hit for great average and get on base with tremendous consistency.
In a watered down division where the Angels are not what they used to be, the Mariners are not what they were supposed to be, and the Athletics continue to cut costs, the Rangers have an excellent chance to make the postseason. If they do reach October, the Rangers have the artillery to survive and beat anyone they might face. Wouldn't it be nice to see if a team outside the AL East in the World Series? Will it happen? As Arnold would say, "Stick around."
--from Adam
(Image from espn.com)
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