Some could argue that the Texas Rangers had a devastating offseason. That wouldn’t be too far from the truth.
The loss of key personnel (Cliff Lee), as well as losing guys to injury in spring training (Tommy Hunter), and the mix-up in the outfield—Nelson Cruz dropping the first fly ball because of Julio Borbon bumping into him in the home opener—the Rangers have a long season ahead of them.
Two games into this long 162-game season, however, the Rangers have had some great things happen already.
Ian Kinsler became the first player to have two leadoff home runs in as many games to start the season. Adrian Beltre is showing he may just be worth that big contract, with a grand slam on Saturday. And the Rangers get ready to pull out the brooms against the Red Sox.
But the man to figure to be the No. 4 man in the rotation is still on the DL.
Brandon Webb said his bullpen session on Thursday was the best he has thrown in his comeback from shoulder surgery.
This is good news for the Rangers, seeing how Webb could be off the DL by the end this upcoming week.
The Rangers acquired the injury-prone pitcher from the Arizona Diamondbacks for an insignificant $3 million.
This could be the biggest bargain in the Major Leagues if the Rangers could somehow figure out a way to get Webb to win 10 or 11 games.
With the starting rotation taking a hit with Tommy Hunter on the DL for a 15-day stint because of a groin injury and Neftali Feliz’s return to the bullpen, Webb’s importance is going to be key to a successful season for the Rangers in 2011.
Without a doubt, Webb has the goods.
Let’s not forget, before he was hurt in Arizona, Webb was a Cy Young winner in 2006, beating out Chris Carpenter and Trevor Hoffman.
Webb also made three appearances in the All-Star Game for the Diamondbacks. He led the NL in wins in 2006 and 2008, and led the NL in in innings pitched in 2007.
Webb, an eighth round draft pick for the Diamondbacks, signed a four-year contract extension that is worth a guaranteed $19.5 million in 2005.
No doubt he was being considered for the long term in Arizona.
Injuries took over in 2009, however, when Webb pitched just four innings against the Rockies in the season opener. He was quickly placed on the DL, and he never made it back in 2009 or in 2010.
The Rangers grabbed up Webb from Arizona, in hopes they could get some production out of him and help the starting rotation.
With Neftali Feliz flip-flopping on starting and closing, manager Ron Washington made the decision to put him back in the bullpen. “The need is greater in the bullpen,” he told reporters of his decision.
The initial starting rotation for the Rangers was to consist of C.J. Wilson, Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, Tommy Hunter and Derek Holland.
With Hunter on the DL, Webb is expected to pick up the slack until he could be brought back.
If the Rangers get some good solid production out of Webb, taking over for Hunter, the Rangers could have the same success they had in 2010, before they picked up Cliff Lee with an eight-game lead in the AL West.
That would help Hunter as well, as he may be better suited for the bullpen in stretch relief.
Webb could be the key in determining if the Rangers get back to the playoffs and win the AL pennant.
Reports are he is close to making his debut with the Rangers, maybe in about a week.
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