What to make of the Rangers?

Posted by Matt Patterson

on May 6, 2010M at 6:56 am

Julio Borbon is hitting .193 so far.

There are two things the Texas Rangers have been known for over the last decade (or longer). Bad pitching and a lineup that could turn even the biggest ballparks into pinball machines.

Oddly, the Rangers seem to have solved their starting pitching problem. The rotation is steady if unspectacular. Rich Harden seems to be coming around. CJ Wilson has been okay. Colby Lewis has proven to be a workhorse. And if those guys don’t work out there’s always Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter waiting in the wings.

But the offense, the thing the Rangers used to be known for, just isn’t there as the Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant points out. The Rangers, when it comes to plating runs, are average.

And that could have an impact here at home. The RedHawks are one of the best hitting teams in the PCL. Justin Smoak has already been plucked from Bobby Jones’ flock. Chad Tracy, Brandon Boggs and Mitch Moreland can all hit, even if Moreland has started slow. Of that group Tracy seems the most likely to get a call up. Texas seems willing to reward players with promotions. Tanner Scheppers is the latest going from Frisco to OKC barely unpacking his bags in Double-A.

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