Fansided

2016 MLB season: AL West preview

By Nathaniel Reeves

Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a two-run home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits a two-run home run during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Oct 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) walks off the field during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Texas Rangers defeat the Angels 9-2 and clinch the American League West division. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) walks off the field during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Texas Rangers defeat the Angels 9-2 and clinch the American League West division. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Texas Rangers

The Rangers finished a miserable injury-riddled 2014 campaign with 67 wins, leading to low expectations entering the season. Texas quietly hung around until the trade deadline and managed to chase down Houston after acquiring Cole Hamels.

This season should be even better, as the Rangers will have Yu Darvish for much of it, along with some more young talent. The Rangers are just behind Houston in talent, but the race should be close and exciting all season long.

Projected Lineup: 
1. Delino DeShields, CF

2. Shin-Soo Choo, RF

3. Prince Fielder, DH

4. Adrian Beltre, 3B

5. Mitch Moreland, 1B

6. Ian Desmond, LF

7. Elvis Andrus, SS

8. Rougned Odor, 2B

9. Robinson Chirinos, C

While there are some weaknesses, Texas figures to have a strong enough lineup to compete for a postseason spot, with Fielder and Beltre serving as the consistent anchors in the middle.

This may not be Texas’ lineup by the time the pennant race heats up, as a trio of young outfielders will be ready to take over a role in the Majors soon. Nomar Mazara, Joey Gallo and Lewis Brinson are all the type of prospects who could make a difference late.

One more interesting player to watch will be the 22-year-old Odor, who could be primed for a breakout after a promising 2.3 WAR season per FanGraphs. Desmond will also be a key as he shifts to the outfield and tries to recover from a down season at the plate.

Projected rotation: 

1. Cole Hamels

2. Derek Holland

3. Colby Lewis

4. Martin Perez

5. A.J. Griffin

If Darvish can return healthy by the end of May, the Rangers will have one of the best 1-2 punches in the game for much of the season. However, the rest of the rotation will determine if the Rangers win the division or are forced to battle for a Wild Card spot.

In particular, the oft-injured Holland and Perez could help Texas have a strong rotation top to bottom. If both can return to their 2013 form, the Rangers will have a great shot at catching Houston, while a couple of injuries could keep the team from the playoffs altogether.

Texas has a strong roster with more young talent on the way. At the very least, the Rangers should be in the mix for a Wild Card.

Projected record: 87-75.

Next: 1. Houston Astros

Home/Houston Astros