If you have ever read the classic novel “The Hitchhikers Guide To the Galaxy”, you’ll know that the selling point of the book is the fact that is has “Don’t Panic” written on the cover in nice, friendly letters. And just like the 2018 Texas Rangers so far, the story is a comedy. Was that a little too harsh? The Rangers have begun the season with a less than stellar record (4-9), Less than stellar pitching (4.93 ERA, 5th worse in the AL) and stagnant offense (they are now 0-8 with the bases loaded) and several injuries.
Is it time to Panic? Should Rangers fans be freaking out and throwing in the towel for the 2018 season? Will this team be given the tools it needs to improve? I don’t think Panic is in order yet, but I also don’t see help on the way any time soon. Doug Fister is now injured, which means the mediocre pitching staff got even more mediocre. It looks like Bartolo Colon will be starting for the foreseeable future. The bullpen has been okay, but not great. And now the Rangers are without Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrew for a while as well. Elvis really hurts. He was having another career year. The short answer is help is not on the way, the ownership was not willing to spend the money to put a serious competitor on the field before the season started, so I don’t see how they would start spending money now.
The team is not doomed, and anything can happen. Rangers fans, don’t panic! Rangers fans will get an extended look st some young players who are the future of this organization, or at least the future trade chips. The season is young, baseball is here, and we can still all go enjoy the atmosphere and the fun of a ballgame at the ballpark. Until they tear it down in a few years that is.
