Which lineup is better?
The projected 2018 lineup has a ton of promise. You could have said the same thing at this time last year about the projected 2017 lineup; however, there are three differences between this year’s offense and last year’s that will make this year’s substantially better.
First of all, this years lineup projects balance. It is a well-structured batting order that includes high on-base players such as DeShields, Choo, and Andrus, power threats in Beltre, Gallo, Odor, and Mazara, decent speed throughout (except Beltre), and most importantly, players that understand their roles.
Secondly, the Texas Rangers did not bring in any offensive free agents, at least none that will make the major league roster at the start. Every position player on their roster will have played a big league game in a Rangers uniform before. It doesn’t seem like much but think of all the changes many other teams go through and the time it takes for their offenses to click.
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Some click in a few months, others take an entire year. But you rarely see new-faced offenses click right away. Ultimately, the Rangers are a close-knit group that should be a successful offensive group from game 1 to game 162.
Lastly, we get to see what young stars Joey Gallo, Nomar Mazara, and Rougned Odor will do with another year of experience. Odor seems like an established veteran by now, but he just turned 24 years of age. The Texas Rangers are hoping a defined offseason workload will result in a more disciplined, consistent Rougned Odor.
As for Gallo and Mazara…the sky is the limit. Gallo appears every bit capable of becoming one of the MLB’s top power hitters for the next 10 years. Mazara has “face of the franchise” written all over him.
Next: Boston Red Sox Bench Crunch
There are glaring weaknesses to the Texas Rangers squad that will very likely keep them out of the playoffs this year. Unfortunately, they play in a very unforgiving division that will make for an uphill climb starting from game one against the World Series champs. But there is one thing Rangers fans can always rely on…the Texas Rangers should have a very entertaining offense in the upcoming regular season.