Rangers’ Kool-aid is being served in bulk, just in time for the Texas summer heat.
Optimism is at al all-time high in Arlington and Ranger nation is talking division title in the Metroplex; the only problem is the word IF is being used quite a lot in Arlington.
If Rich Harden finally lives up to his unlimited potential and stays healthy.
If Scott Feldman has back-to-back career years.
If the young arms in the middle of the rotation can consistently produce over the course of an entire season.
If the same C.J. Wilson, who was often chaotic in the set-up and closer role, can produce as a starter.
If Julio Borbon can be the catalyst of the Ranger lineup over the course of an entire season.
If Josh Hamilton can stay healthy and produce like he did in his first year with the Rangers.
If the aging Vladimir Guerrero can continue to dominate the ballpark he has had record-setting success in, but this time as a member of the home team.
If Ron Washington doesn’t micro-manage the team and cost them games, most notably with his obsession of the righty-lefty matchups.
If the Angels, the consistent class of the AL West, have been depleted by free agency.
Way, way too many Ifs in Arlington, I would love to be wrong about this one, but I am not one of the fans in the DFW ready to crown the Rangers the class of the AL West.
Until someone knocks off the Angels, it is their division to win.
Prediction: AL West Standings
LA Angels
Oakland
Texas
Seattle
