The Texas Rangers have a chance to prove something.
They will be without reigning AL MVP Josh Hamilton for six to eight weeks after he broke his upper right arm sliding into home plate in the first inning of Tuesday's loss to the Detroit Tigers.
Normally, the loss of an MVP is a death sentence for any team, but Texas has a chance to show what it's made of here.
Yes, Josh Hamilton is irreplaceable. His numbers can't be matched by anyone on the team. But he isn't the only headliner in Arlington.
The old cliché "There's no 'I' in team" couldn't be more applicable here.
The Rangers, while they might not dominate like they have the past two weeks, have the chance to still be one of Major League Baseball's best teams.
All they have to do is play like they know they can.
They still have Michael Young. He may be getting a little older, but he's still a very talented hitter, his defense is still among the best and he's still a force to be reckoned with on the diamond. Why do you think so many teams wanted him this offseason?
Ian Kinsler can be just as good as Josh Hamilton. He's proven he can hit for power and for high average, which is key. There's a reason many say he's the one of best second basemen in the league.
Nelson Cruz has a chance to shine now that he's not being overshadowed by Hamilton. He's just as capable in every aspect, and would be a number one outfielder anywhere else. He's proven he can hit, too. He and Kinsler became the first pair of teammates to both hit home runs in each of the first three games of the season.
That's never been done before, and that's worth something.
The Rangers' pitching staff will still continue to dominate on the mound. Yes, offense and defense is key to a title, but there's no more important aspect to a title run than pitching. The starters have been shutting teams down for two weeks now, and they're a big reason (if not the main reason) the Rangers are 9-2 and sit atop the AL West.
Josh Hamilton will be missed. There's no getting around that. But the Rangers are good enough that the next six to eight weeks have to be miserable.
If you thought your World Series run was good last year, Rangers fans, sit tight. This year could still prove to be one for the history books.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
- Login to post comments