Happened to catch Norm Hitzges on my lunch break and the discussion surrounded whether this is the best Ranger starting rotation in a while and maybe ever. That combined with an outfield of Gallo, Santana and Calhoun, an infield of Frazier at 1B, Odor/Solak at 2B, Andrus at SS and Kiner-Falefa at 3B with Chirinos behind the plate is a pretty good basis for an argument that the Rangers will be contenders this year.
Over a 162 game season they wouldn't be Houston level strong but in a 60 game sprint they have a real chance to not just compete with the Astros but maybe even finish ahead of them. Norm focused also on fact that 22 of their first 27 games are against teams that were sub .500 last year so they have a real chance to get off to a fast start. He also noted that Kluber, Minor et al are all throwing 80-90 plus pitches in the intrasquad games indicating they can go 6 plus innings from the get go keeping some of the pressure off the bullpen which is the big question mark for this team.
I have to admit my Ranger fan excitement meter is at about a level 8.
(Plus its a great distraction from the ongoing ugliness of the On the Field board).
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Last edited: Jul 14, 2020