Texas Rangers: Who’s The Most Exciting Pitcher This Season?
The Texas Rangers are about to begin Spring Training. Pitchers and catchers are to report in less than 12 days. The Rangers are on a mission to rectify a mediocre and frustrating 2017 season, in the hopes of returning to being a team capable of winning games and avoid ending their season prematurely.
Last season, pitching was a major problem. The Texas Rangers brought in some new pitchers to compete for a spot in the starting rotation for this season. At least six names are expected to compete for starting roles. It seems like the Rangers are fully committed to restoring dominance in their pitching.
At the moment, the Rangers do not have a rotation. That’s no surprise because there’s no doubt they are planning to set up their rotation based on results by the competitors. They will give the starting roles to those who worked very hard and performed well. In other words, they will award the positions to those who have earned it.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
One thing’s for sure, and that’s the excitement about the players who are competing. As far as that goes, for the Rangers, perhaps their most exciting pitcher is Cole Hamels. For the past two and a half seasons, he’s been of the big names in the organization, and while things haven’t been in the very best for him, it seems that many fans are still on the Hamels bandwagon. In other words, he still has the trust and support of the fans, as well as the organization.
The 34-year-old veteran pitcher is entering his third season with the club. Since he’s arrived in Arlington, Hamels has pitched spectacularly during the regular season only fall apart in the post-season.
Last season, Hamels finished 11-6 but missed some time due to an injury. It’s pretty clear that he’s past his prime or is on the verge of officially passing his prime. That’s very worrisome for Rangers fans, for their ace pitcher to look as if he hardly has anything left in him. Apparently, he can’t be the same pitcher he was in his early years in the majors.
Hamels has two remaining on his contract, although there have been rumors circulating that he may be traded in July. Though the Rangers have not spoken about a possible plan to sell him. But then again, anything could happen.
Next: Top 10 MLB catchers heading into the 2018 season
Our expectations for Cole Hamels is for him to arrive at Spring Training healthy, in good shape, and focused. We can also expect to earn a spot in the rotation, and because of his experience and status in the club, he may be the Opening Day starter for the Texas Rangers.