Best Time of the Year
The distinct smell of fresh cut grass. Chalk still looms in the air as new lines are drawn. The infield smoothed over one more time.
It is that time of the year again. The beginning of a new season, full of hope and aspirations. To some, the new season will be one for redemption, others to fulfill expectations and of course, revenge.
The Texas Rangers are no exception. They report to Spring Training with more than ever to prove. Last year, the Rangers played out one of the best come from behind victories in the second half of the season to take the American Leauge West pennant for the 6th time in team history. This year, the team must make a statement; the Rangers have to prove last season was not luck, but that they deserve the title.
Who needs to perform?
Cole Hamels. Currently the number one starter in the rotation, Hamels must set the bar high for the rest of the rotation must aim to reach it. He has to be the pitcher that will continuously give the team at least 6 innings a start.
Derek Holland. Quite the character, but proves himself on the mound. When he is in the zone, he is good, really good. However, Holland must become more consistent and mature into the top of the rotation guy the rangers need him to be. Coming off a season where he did not get many innings due to injury, this season could be vital to his future and the Rangers chances at the pennant.
Mitch Moreland. Mitch will have stretches of amazing baseball, however, he needs to elongate these bursts. He must produce the power at bat while minimizing errors at first.
Elvis Andrus. Elvis is in the building, but for how much longer. When the team signed him to an 8-year deal in 2013, we were ecstatic. Once again, it is crucial that he works on the errors (last season MLB record for most errors). Shortstop has to be able to initiate double plays and while the rangers led the league for a better part of the season last year of double plays, they also committed the most errors as a team.
Coaches. In the offseason, the Rangers hired a new hitting coach, Anthony Iapoce, and pitching coach, Doug Brocail. These new coaches have to prove they can make the Rangers successful. Also, the magnifying glass will be focused on reigning American Leauge Manager of the Year, Jeff Banister. After a cinderella rookie outing, it is time for Banny to back up last year.
While the team is in Suprise, AZ, we will be waiting anxiously for Globe Life Park to come alive again. All the blistering hot days (cue Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire), games that go on into extra innings forever, Gatorade showers and hugs from Banister.
Only a mere 40 days (faster than the dot race!) until the best day of the year, Opening Day will prove to be the kick-off to what will be a one-of-a-kind season!
It is that time of the year again. The beginning of a new season, full of hope and aspirations. To some, the new season will be one for redemption, others to fulfill expectations and of course, revenge.
The Texas Rangers are no exception. They report to Spring Training with more than ever to prove. Last year, the Rangers played out one of the best come from behind victories in the second half of the season to take the American Leauge West pennant for the 6th time in team history. This year, the team must make a statement; the Rangers have to prove last season was not luck, but that they deserve the title.
Who needs to perform?
Cole Hamels. Currently the number one starter in the rotation, Hamels must set the bar high for the rest of the rotation must aim to reach it. He has to be the pitcher that will continuously give the team at least 6 innings a start.
Derek Holland. Quite the character, but proves himself on the mound. When he is in the zone, he is good, really good. However, Holland must become more consistent and mature into the top of the rotation guy the rangers need him to be. Coming off a season where he did not get many innings due to injury, this season could be vital to his future and the Rangers chances at the pennant.
Mitch Moreland. Mitch will have stretches of amazing baseball, however, he needs to elongate these bursts. He must produce the power at bat while minimizing errors at first.
Elvis Andrus. Elvis is in the building, but for how much longer. When the team signed him to an 8-year deal in 2013, we were ecstatic. Once again, it is crucial that he works on the errors (last season MLB record for most errors). Shortstop has to be able to initiate double plays and while the rangers led the league for a better part of the season last year of double plays, they also committed the most errors as a team.
Coaches. In the offseason, the Rangers hired a new hitting coach, Anthony Iapoce, and pitching coach, Doug Brocail. These new coaches have to prove they can make the Rangers successful. Also, the magnifying glass will be focused on reigning American Leauge Manager of the Year, Jeff Banister. After a cinderella rookie outing, it is time for Banny to back up last year.
While the team is in Suprise, AZ, we will be waiting anxiously for Globe Life Park to come alive again. All the blistering hot days (cue Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire), games that go on into extra innings forever, Gatorade showers and hugs from Banister.
Only a mere 40 days (faster than the dot race!) until the best day of the year, Opening Day will prove to be the kick-off to what will be a one-of-a-kind season!
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