2006 Texas Rangers Preview
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2006 Texas Rangers Season Preview
Overview
The 2005 Texas Rangers, under Buck Showalter, concluded the season with a disappointing 79-83 record. This was particularly frustrating given their 89 wins in 2004 and one of the league's best home records. In 2004, they secured 51 home wins, ranking 4th in the American League, but in 2005, they managed only 44, finishing 16 games behind the AL West-leading Angels.
Team Performance
The Rangers boasted an impressive offensive infield in 2005. First baseman Mark Teixeira (.301, 43 HR, 144 RBI) played all 162 games, while second baseman Alfonso Soriano (.268, 36 HR, 104 RBI) was also durable with 156 appearances. Shortstop Michael Young (.334, 24 HR, 91 RBI), third baseman Hank Blalock (.263, 25 HR, 92 RBI), and outfielders David Dellucci (.251, 29 HR, 65 RBI) and Kevin Mench (.264, 25 HR, 73 RBI) contributed significantly to the lineup's firepower.
On the pitching side, Kenny Rogers (14-8, 3.46 ERA) led the starters but saw a drop from his 18 wins in 2004. Young talent Chris Young (12-7, 4.34 ERA) showed potential, while Chan Ho Park (8-5, 5.66 ERA) held an 8-3 record before being traded to the Padres in August. Closer Francisco Cordero (3-1, 3.39 ERA, 37 saves) was a strong presence in the bullpen.
Offseason Moves
The Rangers had a busy offseason, losing Rogers to free agency and trading Soriano in a four-player deal with the Washington Nationals. They acquired Vicente Padilla (9-12, 4.71 ERA) from the Phillies for RHP Ricardo Rodriguez. Soriano was exchanged for Brad Wilkerson (.248, 11 HR, 57 RBI). Texas also signed free agent pitcher Kevin Millwood (9-11, 2.86 ERA) and completed a six-player trade with the Padres, obtaining relief pitcher Akinori Otsuka (2-8, 3.59 ERA) and starter Adam Eaton (11-5, 4.57 ERA). John Wasdin (3-2, 4.28 ERA) was re-signed as well.
2006 Outlook
With new pitching coach Mark Connor, the Rangers aim to improve their 4.97 ERA from 2005. The absence of an ace following Rogers’ departure will be challenging. Millwood and Padilla are valuable additions, albeit both had sub-.500 seasons in 2005, while Eaton is expected to be a stable presence in the rotation. Otsuka should bolster the bullpen, and retaining Wasdin was a smart move. The team will miss Soriano's bat, hoping Wilkerson can regain his 2004 form with 32 home runs. Despite many new faces, the lack of elite starting pitching may result in another season similar to 2005.
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