Baseball is finally being played and the Rangers sure have had plenty of interesting things already happen just a few games into the 2016 season. These are my basic observations so far.
The bullpen is supposed to be the strength of the team. They have struggled to live up to the hype. They are lights out at times, then totally melt down. This should be more consistent as the season progresses. Losing late is always tough, especially after your starter does his job keeping you in the game. Cole Hamels is a true Ace, and the others are all solid starters. That gives plenty of time for Yu Darvish to go through rehab the right way. Cannot wait to see the Hamels/Darvish 1/2 punch!
The hitting has been very poor too. This team continues to struggle hitting home runs, and is looking for timely hits. On the nights they win they hit with RISP about half the time. On the nights they lose it is around 10% or worse. They just have to become more consistent if they cannot hit the long ball, still they are around .270 with RSIP way ahead of last year.
Injuries are always a part of baseball. Losing Sin Soo Choo this early is huge, but he only hits after the All-Star break anyway. It is great to see what Nomar Mazra can do and get a good look at his potential. The catching situation is probably most worrisome. While I love giving the young guys a chance, this is a very thin position. I would not be surprised to see John Daniels make a move here. In watching the games, it is clear that the pitchers are having to call their own games, and there is confusion. This may improve but I have always seen the catcher as your leader on the field.
The other factor is that Prince Fielder is still a solid player but he is never going to hit 30 home runs again.
This means that Adrian Beltre, who is 38 years old is still the best player on this team. He is the heart and soul of the team, the leader on and off the field. It is his team and the Rangers screwed up by not getting a long-term contract done for him to finish his career as a Texas Ranger during spring training.
We all understand the numbers and risk of paying someone his age big money. Consider this he earns less than either Fielder or Choo, and which would you rather have? A 38 year Beltre or either of them?
Those others may be younger, but I will gladly take what Beltre is producing. He is the only guy on the team that can single-handedly take over a game completely. I don’t know how much that is worth, but I bet it can be figured. Do you offer someone who old a 5-year $20 million deal? Can he play for that long? My guess is 5 years at $15 making that a $75 million contract. That assures he goes into the Hall of Fame as a Ranger. I think he plays until he feels the team cannot win or be competitive. I say pay him, lock him up, do something because nobody else on the team is going to have a five RBI night.
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