Over the last month, Rangers fans have been subjected to something not familiar to these parts: bad offense. Yes – that’s right – the Texas Rangers are having major offensive issues.
For the month of June, Texas owns the 2nd lowest batting average (.218), the worst on-base percentage (.277) and has scored the 2nd fewest runs in all of baseball. I never thought that I would say this but, the Texas Rangers have no offense.
Many continue to wonder why this is happening. Is this a result of Milton Bradley leaving? Partly. Is this happening because Josh Hamilton is hurt? That’s definitely part of it. But there might be larger factors at play that Texas fans do not want to recognize: maybe this offense just isn’t very good.
Think about it: on any given day, the Rangers’ lineup includes Chris Davis, Elvis Andrus, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, David Murphy and Nelson Cruz. None of those guys have even two full years of major-league experience.
Texas consistently relies on young and inexperienced players to complete more than half of their lineup. What did you expect? Most young players initially struggle upon making it to the big-leagues – Texas just happens to have more young guys than most teams. Remember, 2009 was meant to be a developmental year for the organization. Andrus, Davis, Salty, Teagarden and Cruz were slotted to get extended playing time to help Rangers’ General Manager, Jon Daniels, determine what players will be here for the long-haul.
Before the season, most expected Texas to struggle. Luckily for the metroplex, Texas got off to a hot start and has provided the area with some really exciting baseball through June. Yes, the offense has really struggled recently, but you have to keep things in perspective. It’s not all about this year – it’s about building a core of players that will be here for the next decade. Most young guys don’t step into a major-league lineup and immediately light it up. It generally takes time and we are witnessing that development take place at the major-league level.
Don’t give up on these guys and don’t call for changes. This is a young, promising team that has limitless potential. Like with any young team, there will be bumps along the road – but that doesn’t mean that you decide to go a different direction.
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