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I decided to start with the good because that is always more fun to write about. The Texas Rangers have had a good start to the 2011 season, and they are 10 games over .500 at the unofficial halfway point. And I can’t help but mention that they finished the first half on a 7 game winning streak. So lets go through some things that the Texas Rangers did right for the first 92 games.
The Starting Pitching –
No one predicted, and believe me, I went back and checked, and absolutely no one predicted that the Rangers stating pitching would do as well as it has. The 5 main starters have a combined ERA of 3.64, with 3 of the 5 of them (Ogando, Harrison and Wilson) having an ERA under 3.25. Also, all of them have 7 or more wins. Also, they have combined for 439 strikeouts (C.J. leads the way with 117) and only walked a combined 176. That gives our starters a combined WHIP of 1.24. The starters have 40 of the Rangers 51 wins. All very good and very surprising.
C.J.Wilson – First time all star C.J. has been the ace of the staff so far this season. People were wondering if C.J. would have a sophomore slump, and so far he has proved that last season was not a fluke. C.J. looks comfortable up there each time he gets the ball, and I love to watch him pitch.
Derek Holland – Derek Holland, ignoring that one horrible start a week or so ago, has show us more and more that he has the chance to be a very dominate starter. Derek has confused hitters with his selection of pitches, and even the A’s manager said he was brilliant. I see Derek really coming on in the second half of the season.
Alexi Ogando – Alexi, first time all star, has been nothing short of amazing so far, but how long can it last? I think the problem he had in the three starts he lost was an exception to the rule, and not the rule. Ogando did not look tired or worn out, he was just missing with his location. He seemed to have it together for his last few starts, and I think he will be one of the keys to the Rangers winning the AL West again this season. Watch for Alexi to be on of the Rangers MVP candidates at the end of this season.
Matt Harrison – Matt has had several season with the Rangers where he had a great start, and then fell apart after 5 or 6 starts and never made it back in the rotation. This year, I see a different Matt Harrison. Harry has 17 starts under his belt so far in 2011, and he has an astonishing low ERA of 3.04. Everyone that has watched him pitch or talked to him have said that he is a different pitcher than he was in years past, and he has shown it to me so far. I think good things are ahead for Matt.
Colby Lewis – The only way to describe Lewis’ post season in 2010 was clutch. Colby dominated whoever he faced in the 2010 post season. Colby is one that everyone expected to be amazing in 2011, and so far he has been inconsistent. When he has been good, he has been very good. When he has been bad, he has been almost unwatchable. I look for Colby to get it together in the second half of the season.
Michael Young – There was a whole lot written and said about Young during spring training. Young was going several places including Colorado, Chicago Cubs, and others. The day he arrived in camp, all that talk stopped, and Michael Young reminded us that he is still Michael Young. He is the face of the franchise, and I hope he will remain to be that until he retires. Young has a .323 batting average, and he is still unreal with runners in scoring position. Michael Young is the Rangers first half MVP in my opinion. He is the heartbeat of the offense, and he is one of if not the best DH in the AL.
First Place – The Rangers have been in first or shared the lead for the majority of the season. I think I underestimated the Angels in my season preview in thinking that they would finish a distant 3rd. I think it is going to be a long summer, and that the final series of the season may decide the AL West champs. I still think the Rangers will wind up AL West champs again.
Awards:
Best Starter – Alexi Ogando
Best Offensive Player – Michael Young
Best Defensive Player – Adrian Beltre
Most Surprising Player – Endy Chavez
So there you have it. My look at the good from the first half of the season. Leet me know if you agree, disagree, or just want to tell me how great I am. ben@therangerreport.com
