Josh Hamilton looks to rebound from an injury-plagued 2009 season and the young players look to show their ready for a full season. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)(If you missed them, you can find the starting pitching preview here and the bullpen preview here.)
Normally, every year the Texas Rangers offense is based upon a high-scoring, home run hitting attack. Last season, Texas used a speedy, small-ball offense that used steals, bunts, and hit-and-runs to perfection. This season, the Rangers look to keep the same offensive philosophy but add some pop with newcomers like Vladimir Guerrero and guys who dealt with injuries last season like Josh Hamilton.
Here are your opening day 2010 Rangers:
Catchers: Jarrod Saltalamacchia: Last Season Stats: .233 average, Nine HR's. 32 RBI (84 games)
Taylor Teagarden: Last Season: .216, Six HR, 24 RBI (60 games)
Outlook: Both of these players are going to split time at the catcher position as the Rangers are trying to figure out just who is the catcher of the future. Both players struggled last season as 38 year-old Pudge Rodriguez was easily the best and most consistent player at the position in 2009. Now Rodriguez is in Washington and these two players have got to step up their offensive production for Texas to be true contenders. On a positive note, Salty's defense last season was gold-glove caliber and I don't see that dropping off this season. That's why he is still the team's number one catcher, for now.
First Base: Chris Davis: Last Season: .238, 21 HR, 59 RBI (113 games)
Outlook: Davis struggled last season, but after another Spring Training under his belt, he looks to rebound this season. This guy has all the physical tools to be a good power-hitter in this league for many years to come and, at 24, he still has plenty of room to grow. However, if he struggles, Justin Smoak is waiting in Triple A to take his place.
Second Base: Andres Blanco: Last Season (With Chicago Cubs): .252, One HR, 12 RBI (53 games)
Outlook: Blanco will fill in for injured starter Ian Kinsler until he comes off the 15-day DL. He's seen to be a solid defensive player, but a young guy who is a switch-hitter and could hit for a high average. Kinsler is one of the best player's on the team however, so Blanco's stay will be short-lived.
Short Stop: Elvis Andrus: Last Season: .267, Six HR, 40 RBI, 33 Steals (145 games)
Outlook: Andrus seems to be on the cusp of something special for the Rangers. His batting average increased throughout the season and his amazing defensive plays has Rangers fans jumping to their feet in excitement. This season it will be about being more consistent, making the routine plays, while still leaving room for the spectacular.
Third Base: Michael Young: Last Season: .322, 22 HR, 68 RBI (135 games)
Outlook: The heart and soul of the Rangers, his unselfishness has taken him to playing almost every position in the infield aside from first base. He's a career .302 hitter and, at times, shows some pop as he had 20+ home runs for the third time in his career last season. Young is solid defensively, a great mentor for Andrus and the team leader in the locker-room.
Outfielders: Josh Hamilton: Last Season: .268, 10 HR, 54 RBI (89 games)
Julio Borbon: Last Season: .312, Four HR, 20 RBI, 19 Steals (49 games)
Nelson Cruz: Last Season: .260, 33 HR, 76 RBI, 20 Steals (128 games)
Outlook: Hamilton looks to rebound from injury-plagued 2009 season. The third-year Ranger has shown the ability to put up MVP-like numbers. In order for the Rangers to truly contend, he's going to have to do that all-season long.
Borbon had a solid 2009 season. With a combination of blinding speed and good hitting, he will be the team's center fielder and leadoff hitter for years to come. Excellent defensive player also as he has plenty of range in center. I could see him having a monster season.
Cruz missed some time last season, but still put up excellent numbers. His combo of speed and power is unmatched by any other player on the Rangers aside from Hamilton. Another big year as long as he can stay healthy.
Utility: Vladimir Guerrero: Last Season: .295, 15 HR, 50 RBI (100 games)
David Murphy: Last Season: .269, 17 HR, 57 RBI (128 games)
Joaquin Arias: Last Season: Only three games played, no hits.
Ryan Garko: Last Season: .268, 13 HR, 51 RBI (118 games played)
Outlook: For the most part, Guerrero will be the designated hitter and play in the outfield sparingly. He is the biggest pickup for the offense and his ability to push the count and drive in runs will be invaluable. Murphy is a guy who could start for many other teams in the league, will be a good fourth outfielder. Arias has been in the minors for sometime but will serve as a good utility player that can play second, shortstop and third base. Garko is a recent acquisition who will back of Davis at first and young at third base.
Opening Day Lineup:
1. Julio Borbon (CF)2. Michael Young (3B)
3. Josh Hamilton (LF)
4. Vlad Guerrero (DH)
5. Nelson Cruz (RF)
6. Chris Davis (1B)
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia (C)
8. Andres Blanco (2B)
9. Elvis Andrus (SS)
If these guys can stay healthy, they have a great combination of speed and power that will give opposing pitchers headaches. That is a big question though as durability is a concern with quite a few Rangers players.
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