The defending ALCS champs have started the 2011 campaign with a boom! Literally, they have hit 13 homeruns in just 4 games.
Besides hitting homeruns and averaging 7 runs a game they have won their first 6 games making them the only remaining undefeated team in baseball. Two Rangers, though, have led the way. Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz are at the top of their games.
Kinsler started the first two games with leadoff home runs and has already hit 3. Nelson Cruz has hit 4 homeruns tying him with former Ranger Mark Teixeira for the most in baseball. Though all is happy in Texas, there are still a few concerns for the Rangers. Looking at the wins, the first thing that catches the average fan’s eye is that they swept the Boston Red Sox, who by many were predicted to win the World Series this year; this is not an accomplishment. The Red Sox are currently one of the worst teams in baseball with a record of 0-5 losing two games to the Cleveland Indians, who are considered one of the worst in baseball.
Another issue for the Rangers is that big bats have saved poor pitching. The starting rotation for the Rangers has looked weak, pitching out of bases loaded jams and allowing high amounts of runs. Don’t let the numbers fool you. The Rangers pitching isn’t number 1 in the league, but it does help whenever you have played the Mariners twice, who are considered to be the worst in the AL West with their inability to hit for power and only 1 proven star pitcher.
But enough negativity; there are also many positives for the Rangers. Josh Hamilton, who has been quiet, is still looking to find his stroke. It will be hard for Kinsler and Cruz to carry the team for 162 games, and when they cool down, it could lead to Josh getting hot and being able to carry the team.
On to pitching: though only having pitched one game, Alexi Ogando showed promise when he won against rising star Michael Pineda and Derek Holland, and when he defeated former pitching champ Erik Bedard, who looks to return to Cy Young–form after being injured for almost 2 seasons. Finally, they are doing all this without super star Tommy “Big Game” Hunter. A fan favorite, Hunter is on the Disabled List and looks to come back soon and rejoin the Rangers pitching staff. For all you fans, do the claw and show your antlers, because it looks like it will be another thrilling year for the Rangers.
