Texas Rangers 2015 MLB season preview and predictions

Apr 18, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos (61) celebrates with shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) after hitting a two run homer against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning of a baseball game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 18, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos (61) celebrates with shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) after hitting a two run homer against the Chicago White Sox during the third inning of a baseball game at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin (2) bats against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin (2) bats against the San Diego Padres at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

2015 Season Predictions

We know the pitching will be the weakness of the 2015 Texas Rangers. That said, anything above the low bar set for the staff will be icing on the cake. Texas has the firepower to stay in most games when healthy. If Prince Fielder can return to anything close to his old form, the Rangers will have an MVP candidate in their lineup. That would be enough to carry the team to greater heights.

The division is flaky but tough. Oakland is always a question mark, while the Astros are young and getting better by the day. I expect Seattle and the Angels to sit atop the division for most of the year. If all goes well, Texas scores like they have the potential to and the defense can limit the damage, I see no reason the Rangers cannot stay close to them.

Realistically, I the Rangers should be a better team simply based on Fielder being back in the lineup every day. Whether or not that will be enough to improve their record and position in the standings is the question. I think the answer is yes, but not by a lot.

I like the Rangers to finish fourth in the division — just ahead of the young Houston Astros — and flirt with 80 wins.

Next: Who Starts in Left Field for the Texas Rangers?

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