The Rangers split a series with the Oakland Athletics after loaing one to the Houston Astros. Martin Perez looked pretty sharp in yesterday’s game, and the bullpen did alright again. Keone Kela may be the real deal at closer, he just may not get too many opportunities to close in this team. The offense has not been great. Only Nomar Mazara and Elvis Andrus are hitting over .300 after eight games, and six of the starting nine has already accumulated over 5 strikeouts in 8 games, Joey Gallo has 10 strikeouts in just eight games. He is on pace for close to 200 strikeouts.
The main problem with the offense has been hitting with runners in scoring position, or the lack of hiting with runners in scoring position. The Rangers have been dreadful at hitting with guys on base. Only one home run so far this season has been with someone on base, and that was game for against the Athletics in the ninth inning. This team is overall a young tram, so strikeouts are going to happen, and hitting with men in scoring position will come as the season progresses.
After eight games, the Rangers are sitting about where I thought rhey would be. They are not a great team, they are not a horrible team. They are mediocre. Theu will have flashes of great hitting, and they will strike out a whole lot. They will have some well pitched games, but overall this team will give up runs. This is not your 2011 Rangers. Texas welcomes in Toronto this weekend st the Ballpark. Go out and catch a game!
