Monday, March 20, 2006

Early Season Forecast

Posted By Dan in Texas

In case you haven’t been reading (and judging by the site counter, you haven’t) I haven’t been posting regularly. I bought a new Laptop and hoped to be able to post daily, but apparently paying for a brand new computer doesn’t insure it works.

Not that care or even like the Cowboys, but the T.O signing has dominated DFW sports. This is the reason I’ve always had a problem with Metroplex (90’s word) fans. My colleague is the exception to the rule of course. That said, the Rangers always seem to be a minor point of interest in this area, taking a backseat to the Cowboys. Listening to local radio (as I sometimes do when the O&A show or MLB Home Plate is not interesting or wasting time on things I don’t care about) makes me want to call in and scream to any and all P1s P2s and assorted P3s

“IT IS EFFING SPRING TRAINING! YOU PEOPLE DON’T EVEN DESERVE A TEAM! WAKE UP! WHO GIVES A @#%$ ABOUT FOOTBALL IN MARCH?

Granted the Rangers have never won a World Series, appeared in a World Series or even won a playoff series and the Cowboys have won 5 Superbowls blah, blah blah… But come on! Fall turns to spring as does a young mans fancy turn to the great game of baseball.

Not to rip the ticket too much but Norm, Greggo and Rhynes, and the Musers discuss Ranger Baseball at a minimum and have little real knowledge outside of the Rangers, not counting stats of course. Any attempt to delve into national league ball is met by delusional pronouncements and illogical conjecture. Bob and Dan seem to keep a firm grasp on the state of the game and are the most under-rated show on the ticket.

Anywho, I was just thinking about the Rangers season and have come up with 5 key elements to the Rangers season in respect to a playoff run. I did not include the obvious “stay healthy, consistent pen, etc” (I hate when people do that. It’s so obvious. It’s like stating I think the Rangers will win most of their games if they score more runs than the other team.)

Back to my original forecast.

Oh, and I am usually a great prognosticator when it comes to matters of baseball but I’m sure I missed one or two points and (on the offhand chance that anyone reads this) I welcome anyone who would like to add some I may forget in the comments section. I changed the setting so it is very easy to comment. Post anonymously if you must.

95 wins- I think without a shadow of a doubt that 95 wins will be the minimum for winning the West. The Angels will undoubtedly be the team to beat in the East. The A’s and Mariners can always come out of nowhere and surprise people. 95 wins means October baseball in Arlington.

Buck leads his men- Buck lost this team last year. In most instances when a team quits on their skipper the skip will be cleaning out his office by the end of the year. I don’t like Buck that much (more on that at a later date) but he is a good Field General. Last year’s poll of all active managers revealed that he is equaled only by Frank Robinson for players loath. One could venture that when Buck always tows the company line it would grate on his players. The Milwood signing was the first step to showing the players that this team is ready to win and will add top shelf pitching if the chance arises. They need to follow-up. The John Daniels era may really be an organizational shift in behavior (though with Hart still an “advisor” it seems tough to swallow.) Buck needs to take the players side on demanding more from management if he wants the core guys to get on board. Signing Tex was also another good step but if things get ugly early, the team could quit before the All-Star break. Buck is great field marshal but if he can’t restore the clubhouse chemistry that seemed to drive the team in 04 then the solders might not follow him into battle.

Big wins in big games early- This team is still young and series wins over the Bo Sox and Yanks could get this team on an early rocket to the top. The Yankee’s have always been a team that Texas couldn’t handle in crunch time. A big victory over Boston and The Evil Empire could make these guys believe they are champions now. Conversely getting slapped around early will
A. Put you way behind the Angels and maybe the A’s and M’s.
B. Makes it real easy to feel despar and then see Buck leads his men

Blalock. I think he has been nursing a minor injury. I can’t prove it and have no evidence but it’s a gut feeling. I think Hank playing a complete season will be key to Ranger Success.

Orel- Bulldog departure and the promotion of Mark Connor may be a major adjustment for Texas. I know Mazonne leaving Atlanta was only facilitated because of a prior relationship. The Rangers have the Best in the game at Hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Go get a real pitching coach. I know Conner has been with Buck during the Yankee Years and the Diamond Back years but there are 3 potentially great arms coming up and need a top flight pitching coach to guide them to maturity.

Please feel free to comment.

Oh and before I go...
No one is left out there via free agency save Clemens but if the Sox are looking to move Clement, Mench would seemingly be the bat the Sox are looking for. one of the DVD boys might have to be added but that seems like a reasonable price. Mench leaving does make the outfield very shaky on the offensive tip but with the bats in the infield, a solid defensive leftfielder may be easy to acquire. Wilkerson will be a big contributor this season baring injury. Wilkerson’s presence in the outfield and an upgrade of pitching make Mench expendable.

The little chatter I hear is regarding Clemens, Wells. Clemens is not the answer. Wells would be more of a distraction than any kind of help. Wells is cancer and Clemens, well just a Douche.

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