The Texas Rangers still have the best record in the American League, they have 51 wins and the regular season is basically half-way over. Numbers typically tell the tale as the season rolls along, and while grit, and the baseball Gods can get you so far, the reality is that numbers almost always win.
The numbers are interesting: The Rangers are 5th in the AL in ERA, starting pitching is 2nd, relief pitching is dead last, they are 30 of 39 in save opportunities, they are 8th in WHIP, 7th in home runs allowed, tied for 10th in runs allowed, and they have allowed the 3rd most walks.
Offensively, the Rangers are 5th in batting average, 7th in OPS, tied for 6th in home runs, 3rd in runs scored, 13th in taking a free pass, they are 6th with a runner on 2nd base, they are 2nd in the league with a runner on 3rd and less than 2 outs, and 2nd in the league at getting a hit with a runner in scoring position.
What do these numbers tell us? The hitting has been exceptional in situational chances. This team does a super job when they have opportunities. If Prince Fielder and Mitch Moreland pick up their hitting from early season slumps this can and should be a dangerous team.
The glaring fact is that while individual bullpen ERA’s are not that high, the relief situation has resulted in epic meltdowns as we saw against the Yankees. The team is dead last in relief pitching, and mediocre overall, with the exception of starting pitching. The starters have been brilliant, but to review: Colby Lewis who was having his best season ever is out at least two months, Yu Darvish is back but is fragile, Derek Holland has not been right all year and is out indefinitely with shoulder issues.
This team needs help, and what seemed like a plethora of talent only a couple of weeks ago is now very thin for a team looking to go all the way. Unless you want to count on just Cole Hamels, Martin Perez, and AJ Griffin to take you to a World Series, which would seem risky considering Griffin is fragile too.
All of the pitchers throw hard, but can be erratic in the pen. Walks are devastating at the wrong times. Those free passes hurt and being 3rd in most allowed is a bad sign.
It is my opinion the Rangers need another starter a true closer with experience, and another setup man. I hear names like Chris Sale and Matt Moore tossed around and those are certainly quality guys. It would also cost them a bunch of prospects to get them. Names like Chi Chi Gonzales, Joey Gallo, Jared Hoying, Jurickson Profar, Nick Martinez are going to headline the list with Lewis Brinson in demand too.
Who is untouchable? Who would you give up and how much to get the Yankee relief pitchers that are most likely on the market? Some of these top prospects are going to be dealt, that is a fact everyone needs to deal with. John Daniels is a numbers guy, and he wants to win now and the Rangers have depth.
If they go after Sale, they are going to need to get rid of some salary. Matt Moore is less expensive. The clear trade partner targets are Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Arizona, and San Diego are all very bad teams that will be looking to improve. The Yankees are nearly out of it, and most likely will be looking to get younger too. However, there are 30 other teams also wanting those same guys.
Anything is possible, but they need relief pitchers who can force a swing and a miss, and throw strikes and the entire team needs to cut down on base-on-balls. Trades need to happen, the team can’t afford to wait for Keone Kela, and Tanner Sheppars they need help now. The Rangers have done to well to let that big lead evaporate, and it very well could without adding some stability.
I vote for getting Chris Sale another ace, and trading for a closer and 8th inning setup man. I would go all in and trade Chi-Chi, Holland, Gallo, and Hoying if it would bring in those guys. That’s just me, I want to win now! Let me know your opinion.
Moreland is back into his slump again. I like his glove at first base, but he should be in the prime of his career with a decent batting average, home runs, etc. Just not getting it done. Package him with a few prospects and bring in a pitcher in the likes of Archer, Moore, or Pomeranz.