While the first half of the season was not exactly what we all expected for the Texas Rangers, we are still 4 games up in the West as the second half begins. For those of us who are life-long Rangers fans and have endured years of losing, we have to be content with where we are. Some thoughts on the next 76 games:
*Offense has to pick up the slack. It's no secret that we would be running away with the West right now if our offense simply played to their abilities (there's no telling where we would be if they were above their abilities). Shutouts, one-run, and two-run games simply will not get it done, regardless of how well the pitching staff does.
*Don't sell the farm this year. Two years ago, we gave up a lot to get Cliff Lee. I applauded that then. And I still applaud it today. We were at a spot where we had never been before: one pitcher away from putting us over the top. And he did put us over the top in 2010 (Even though he shook off the pitch selection from the dugout in the 8th inning of WS Game 5 to give up a 3-run game-winning home run. I'm not bitter or anything.). But I do not think we are in a spot where Hamels or Greinke will not improve our pitching staff enough to give up valuable prospects this year. We are where we want to be: contenders every year. We stay that way by continuing to do what got us here: investing heavily in the farm system. The only profitable trade I see out there is Justin Upton if, and only if, we can get him to put ink on an extension with us. That would give us insurance for when we lose Hamilton to free agency this year. An expiring contract, particularly for a pitcher, is not something that we need to take on.
*Feliz will be the difference. I truly believe that what we do with Feliz once he returns from the DL will be an X-factor of sorts for our year. I do not know where he belongs. But what we do with him, be it the rotation or the bullpen, will have great impact, not only upon him but upon the feelings of whoever he replaces in the rotation or in the bullpen. We can blame Cruz all we want for not catching the ball in Game 6 last year. But Feliz was the reason we were in that position to need a great catch from Cruz. The dude is fragile. But we need him. And we need him to be in the right place, in the right frame of mind.
*No World Series does not mean failure. Bandwagon Rangers fan know nothing but the World Series, since we have played in it for the last two years. Taking a look at perennial postseason times, like the '90s-early '00s Braves, shows us that success does not always equal a spot in the WS. So stinkin' much can happen once you reach the playoffs. I believe the Rangers will make the playoffs, be it through the West or through the wild card. But the idea that nothing short of a World Series championship is a failure this year is ludicrous.
We'll see what happens. Rangers fans, keep your head up and on straight this second half, even during losing streaks. It's a long season and 76 games still to go. Believe in Wash. Believe in Jon Daniels. And believe that ultimately, the best team wins. Let's hope we're the last team . . . and the best team standing.
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