subject: Why The Texas Rangers Are Still A World Series Contender [print this page] Why The Texas Rangers Are Still A World Series Contender
Looking back at 2010, it's safe to say that nobody could have expected the Texas Rangers to have the type of season that they did. After all, the team had not made the post season in nearly 11 years, and there were ownership issues surrounding the club. Still, despite history not being on their side and outside issues, the Rangers were able to put it all together and come within two wins of the team's first World Series title ever. This offseason, the Rangers lost arguably the game's best pitcher to free agency, as well as bat for hire Vlad Guerrero. With so many questions surrounding the Rangers, here is why we believe they are still a contender.
The Texas Rangers spent literally a decade trying to figure out how to build a contender. By the time 2010 rolled around, the Rangers had built up one of the best cores of pitchers and position players of any team in the league. By the trade deadline last July, the Rangers were literally a staff ace away from contending, and that is when they acquired Cliff Lee. While Lee was a big reason for the team's push to the World Series, he wasn't the only reason, as the whole team took their play to the next level.
While unable to retain the services of Lee for the long term, the Rangers were able to keep most of their young pitching core intact. In fact, the only pitcher they lost was closer turned setup man, Frank Francisco, who currently is in a battle for the Toronto Blue Jays closer role. The Rangers biggest concern is that they do not have a true ace, but rather a team full of quality pitchers. However, the Rangers took a risk on former CY Young turned arm problem pitcher Brandon Webb. Webb appears to finally be over his arm difficulties, and in an ideal world, can ascend back to the number one pitchers role. What's more, the fact Webb is only make $3 million, may turn out to be the best bargain in baseball come playoff time. The future looks bright in Texas, and that is why they should remain contenders.
