Sponsored Links
Since pitchers and catchers report first, I thought I would start my spring training coverage with pitching. Pitching is what wins championships, after all. The rotation is going to look a bit different than it did at the start of the 2011 season, a season, by the way, where the Rangers were AL Champions for the second consecutive year. C.J. Wilson has moved on the the Angels, Alexi Ogando appears to be headed back to the bull pen, and Neftali Feliz is headed to the rotation. There is also still the name Roy Oswalt which is being floated out there as a possible Ranger in 2012. Just to get my opinion, which I am sure you are all dying for, I do not believe that the Rangers should pick up Oswalt, even though I really like him and I think he would have a positive influence on the young staff. I think the Rangers should go with this rotation right here.
1. Colby Lewis – Lewis struggled with injury for most of the 2011 season according to reports, but still had a pretty decent season as the Rangers no. 2 guy. Colby was 14-10 with a 4.40 ERA in 2011, striking out 169 batters while walking 56. His big problem in 2011 was the home run ball. Colby gave up 35 home runs in 200.1 innings pitched, compared to his 2010 numbers which were 12-13, a lower 3.72 ERA, 196 strikeouts to 65 walks and 21 home runs. With C.J. out of the picture and the uncertainty of some of the other starters, Colby is the clear choice to be the opening day starter. Colby was fighting several injuries, according sources last season, and the understanding is that he will be 100% going into the 2012 season. I think that Colby will be a 15 game winner this season, and I think that his ERA will be under 4 this season. Look for Colby to also break through season as far as strikeouts are concerned, I think he will break through the 200 mark while walking less than 60. So, here are my projected numbers on no. 1 starter Colby Lewis: 16-12, 3.65 ERA, 215 strikeouts, 48 walks, 20 home runs.
