03/30/2008

Big picture is Texas Rangers' focus

G.J. McCARTHY / DMN

Josh Hamilton is one player under 26 who could play a key role this season for the Texas Rangers.

2008 Preview: A real possibility exists the Texas Rangers will finish third or fourth in the AL West for the ninth consecutive year. How can the Rangers convince themselves – and perhaps more important, owner Tom Hicks and fans – that they are making progress?
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Average would be a good starting point for Texas Rangers
The good news is that the Rangers will make real progress in 2008, which, in this century, means they will be average. Texas has reached the .500 mark only once in eight seasons. An 81-81 season will tell us that hope is somewhere around the corner.

Texas Rangers schedule analysis (.pdf)
CLICK HERE for Evan Grant's analysis of 2008 Texas Rangers schedule.

Richard Durrett's roster analysis: Starting pitchers
Nearly every member of the Rangers' rotation had injury issues in 2007. The team must hope the starters stay healthy and some younger pitchers make a bigger impact in 2008.

Richard Durrett's roster analysis: The bullpen
This group had to pitch more innings than any other bullpen in the majors last season. It finished with a respectable 3.69 ERA, third-best in the AL. The Rangers will see how C.J. Wilson responds as the closer.

Richard Durrett's roster analysis: Catchers
It's the deepest position in the organization. Several catchers could see playing time, led by Gerald Laird.

Richard Durrett's roster analysis: Infielders
Gone is Gold Glove first baseman Mark Teixeira, traded in July to the Braves. The rest of the infield is familiar, with Ian Kinsler, who just signed a long-term contract, Hank Blalock and Michael Young.

Richard Durrett's roster analysis: Outfielders
There certainly has been some change in the outfield with Brad Wilkerson and Kenny Lofton no longer there. The Rangers are counting on newcomers Milton Bradley and Josh Hamilton, and a solid encore performance from Marlon Byrd.

Ranking the 25-man roster
Staff writer Evan Grant ranks the Rangers on the opening day roster in order of importance to the club's season:

SportsDay picks
Predictions from Tim Cowlishaw, Kevin Sherrington, Jean-Jacques Taylor, Evan Grant and Richard Durrett.

Breaking down the American League
Staff Writer Evan Grant predicts the order of finish

Breaking down the National League
Staff Writer Evan Grant predicts the order of finish

Cover of preview section (.pdf)
CLICK HERE for the cover of 2008 Texas Rangers/MLB preview section.