Spring training site
Surprise, Ariz.
2008 record
79-83, second in AL West (21 games behind Angels)
New faces
OF Andruw Jones (free agent, Dodgers); SS Omar Vizquel (free agent, Giants); RHP Derrick Turnbow (free agent, Brewers); LHP Eddie Guardado (free agent, Twins)
Biggest offseason acquisition
A year at the bargain bin for the Rangers. A few years ago, all of the above players were All-Stars. But none of the four even received a major-league deal this offseason. Jones has more upside than the others, if he can figure out why his production the last two seasons fell off a cliff. But of the four, Jones is the one who's probably least likely to make the opening-day roster.
Gone but not forgotten
OF/DH Milton Bradley (free agent, to Cubs); C Gerald Laird (trade, to Tigers); IF Ramon Vazquez (free agent, to Pirates); RHP Jamey Wright (free agent, to Royals); RHP Kameron Loe (to Japan)
Spring training battles
The infield will have to shake out, as Michael Young is moving from shortstop to third to make room for 20-year-old prospect Elvis Andrus, who has promise with big-league hitting ability but isn't quite there with the glove (32 errors in Double-A; enter Vizquel as player/coach). And as usual, this team has some gaping holes in the starting rotation.
Projected lineup
- 2B Ian Kinsler
- 3B Michael Young
- CF Josh Hamilton
- RF Nelson Cruz
- DH Hank Blalock
- LF David Murphy or Marlon Byrd
- 1B Chris Davis
- C Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Taylor Teagarden
- SS Elvis Andrus
Projected starting rotation
- RHP Kevin Millwood
- RHP Vincente Padilla
- RHP Scott Feldman
- LHP Matt Harrison
- RHP Brandon McCarthy
Projected bullpen
- RHP Frank Francisco (closer)
- LHP C.J. Wilson
- LHP Eddie Guardado
- RHP Derrick Turnbow
- RHP Warner Madrigal
- RHP Josh Rupe
- RHP Dustin Nippert
Biggest strength
1-2-3 in the order, no doubt. Kinsler, Young and Hamilton are three of the best in the majors, and Cruz could be on his way. This is a team that's well-stocked in the minors as well.
Glaring weakness
The two top pitchers in the rotation each have a history of injuries, which doesn't bode well. Manager Ron Washington could have his hands full managing this pitching staff.
