After making the World Series back to back years in 2010 and 2011, the Texas Rangers have been in a downward spiral since. From losing the wild card game in 2012 to barely missing the playoffs in 2013. 2014? A dazzling record of 67-95 brought diehard fans to tears, and ended with the team's worst season since 1994. But what did we expect after they swept Nolan Ryan out the back door like a pile of dust they were too lazy to pick up. Needless to say, the move did not sit well with fans.
There are some occurrences that a front office can control, and then there are injuries. To add a little insult to injury after the Rangers traded away all-star second baseman for one of the best hitters in the league Prince Fielder, Fielder goes down with a neck injury after only 42 games. Injuries are part of any sport, but it seems the Rangers took a lump sum in 2014.
Despite the lackluster season in 2014 and already a string of injuries to begin the 2015 season, the Rangers are currently sitting at .500 for the year. Despite losing Profar (again) and Yu Darvish for the year, coupled with injuries to Derek Holland and Matt Harrison, the team seems to be settling in to a nice groove lately. After a seven game losing streak earlier in the season, they managed to rattle off a string of six straight wins in May.
While injuries are never something you want to see happen to your ball club, it does provide an opportunity for the younger talent in the organization to develop their skills. This has been the case for rising stars like Delino Deshields and most recently Hanser Alberto. Just last night we saw Chi Chi Rodriguez, a 6'3 righty from Oral Roberts make his pro debut. How did he finish? 5.2 innings pitched and zero runs allowed. Can we have some more of what he's having?
Although the Rangers have faced adversity and controversy over the last two seasons, the team seems to be headed in the right direction. Imagine getting a healthy starting rotation of Yu Darvish, Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Yovani Gallardo, and Nick Martinez/Matt Harrison. Couple that rotation with the speed and batting power our lineup has shown this year and the Rangers become a very dangerous team. No one in baseball is hitting the ball as well as Fielder, and Hamilton seems to be settling in nicely back home in Texas.
Let's not forget to give cred to Jeff Banister. Taking over as manager after Ron Washington was not an easy task. Washington certainly had some questionable instances arise during his tenure, but he was loved by the fans. Banister has taken over a young, injury plagued team and has them playing .500 ball. That's what they call getting it done.
The present and future looks to be bright for the Texas Rangers. Taking a punch in the mouth with all the injuries and turning it into an opportunity to strengthen the depth of the roster will only help them going forward. Playoffs 2015? Yes, please.
