2005 Texas Rangers Preview

Texas Rangers Preview

ABOUT BASEBALL breaks down & previews the 2005 Texas Rangers.

2004 Record:] 89-73, 3rd in AL West
Home Ballpark: Ameriquest Field.
Manager:Buck Showalter

Prediction: 81-81, 3rd in AL West

Home on the Range:
Sandy Alomar Jr. (C) via free agency from White Sox
Pedro Astacio (RP, rhp) via free agency from Red Sox
Ryan Bukovich (RP, rhp) via waivers from Padres
**Greg Colbrunn(1B) via free agency from Diamondbacks
Richard Hidalgo (OF) via free agency from Mets

Gone, Goodbye:
*Mike Bacsik (rhp) via free agency to Phillies
**Andy Fox (3B) Via free agency to Twins
Brad Fullmer (DH) - unsigned Free Agent
Rusty Greer (OF) retired.
Brian Jordan (OF) via free agency to Padres
**Jeff Nelson (RP, rhp) via free agency to Mariners
Herbert Perry (DH) - unsigned Free Agent
Jay Powell (RP, rhp) via free agency to Braves
Eric Young (OF) via free agency to Padres

Lineup:
Michael Young SS
Alfonso Soriano 2B
Hank Blalock 3B
Mark Teixeira 1B
Kevin Mench LF
Richard Hidalgo RF
David Dellucci DH
Laynce Nix CF
Rod Barajas C

Outlook: Texas played way above its head in 2004, finishing 16 games above .500in Year 1 without A-Rod.

place that really exposes a weak pitching staff. Bats include Mark Texiera, Hank Blalock & Alfonso Soriano - who will put up some of the best numbers in thre league. Pitching, however, continues to an issue. Nobody expects 40-year-old Kenny Rogers ... an 18-game winner last year ... to repeat his strong performance. Thankfully for Rangers fans, this lineup alone is so potent - it will lead them to a .500 record.