It has been a long time since the Texas Rangers celebrated winning the ALCS last year in Arlington. Little did they know, they would be sorely disappointed later after a heartbreaking loss in game 6 and subsequently in game 7 to lose the World Series to the Cardinals. As a Rangers fan that hurt, but I can only imgane how the players and coaches might feel. That was the second consecutive loss in the World Series for them, but I fully believe that 2012 will be the year they finally break through and win a championship.Not only do we retain the core of the team that came within a strike of a title twice last year, but we have also added many valuable pieces. Last year, we lost Cliff Lee to the Phillies and still made it to the fall classic, so I don't put much stock losing C.J. Wilson. Not only that, we will have relievers Koji Uehara Mike Adams for a full season, Neftali Feliz will be moved to the rotation, added Joe Nathan to an already deep bullpen, and Japanese phenom Yu Darvish will be taking his talents to Arlington. Returning other pitchers such as Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, Alexi Ogando, and others will make a solid pitching staff with plenty of youth in the minors that are poised to take their place in the majors if they need to. Backing up that pitching is some of the best fielders in the league and a downright deadly lineup for opposing pitchers to navigate. During the offseason, Nelson Cruz, Mike Napoli, and Elvis Andrus all received a vote of confidence and signed contract extenions with the Rangers. Joining them will be Michael Young, David Murphy, Ian Kinsler, Mitch Moreland, Yorvit Torrealba, and Josh Hamilton. Having to decide who to play would be a problem I would love to have as a manager. This is the same group of hitters that made up one of the most potent offenses in the big leagues last year, and they ALL return. As for Hamilton and his relapse this offseason: I firmly believe it will have no impact on his game and that few off the field problems do...except for Tiger Woods but that is something entirely different. One of the most important moves, however, was the re-signing of Manager Ron Washington. He has managed two straight World Series teams and has
withstood countless criticims and come out on top. Other factors that will contribute to another Rangers championship is the relative weakness of other teams. The only team to get significantly better was the Angels (whos seriously lack depth) and the Marlins (who lack pitching). With all this working in their favor, it has become a perfct sotrm for the Rangers to make the World Series, and I fully believe the third time is the charm for the Claw and Antler Nation.
It has been a long time since the Texas Rangers celebrated winning the ALCS last year in Arlington. Little did they know, they would be sorely disappointed later after a heartbreaking loss in game 6 and subsequently in game 7 to lose the World Series to the Cardinals. As a Rangers fan that hurt, but I can only imgane how the players and coaches might feel. That was the second consecutive loss in the World Series for them, but I fully believe that 2012 will be the year they finally break through and win a championship.Not only do we retain the core of the team that came within a strike of a title twice last year, but we have also added many valuable pieces. Last year, we lost Cliff Lee to the Phillies and still made it to the fall classic, so I don't put much stock losing C.J. Wilson. Not only that, we will have relievers Koji Uehara Mike Adams for a full season, Neftali Feliz will be moved to the rotation, added Joe Nathan to an already deep bullpen, and Japanese phenom Yu Darvish will be taking his talents to Arlington. Returning other pitchers such as Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, Alexi Ogando, and others will make a solid pitching staff with plenty of youth in the minors that are poised to take their place in the majors if they need to. Backing up that pitching is some of the best fielders in the league and a downright deadly lineup for opposing pitchers to navigate. During the offseason, Nelson Cruz, Mike Napoli, and Elvis Andrus all received a vote of confidence and signed contract extenions with the Rangers. Joining them will be Michael Young, David Murphy, Ian Kinsler, Mitch Moreland, Yorvit Torrealba, and Josh Hamilton. Having to decide who to play would be a problem I would love to have as a manager. This is the same group of hitters that made up one of the most potent offenses in the big leagues last year, and they ALL return. As for Hamilton and his relapse this offseason: I firmly believe it will have no impact on his game and that few off the field problems do...except for Tiger Woods but that is something entirely different. One of the most important moves, however, was the re-signing of Manager Ron Washington. He has managed two straight World Series teams and has 
withstood countless criticims and come out on top. Other factors that will contribute to another Rangers championship is the relative weakness of other teams. The only team to get significantly better was the Angels (whos seriously lack depth) and the Marlins (who lack pitching). With all this working in their favor, it has become a perfct sotrm for the Rangers to make the World Series, and I fully believe the third time is the charm for the Claw and Antler Nation.
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