Category Archives: Cole Hamels

2018 MLB Season Preview: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister won the AL West in his first two seasons at the helm. They fell behind a few teams in their division and now find themselves near the bottom of the preseason predictions.

They have some explosive bats on offense and has gotten by with their pitching. Their bullpen has actually been very good have bailed out the back-end of their rotation many times a year ago. They will need to be great this season as the back-end of the rotation is bowling shoe ugly.

Can Mike Minor and Tim Lincecum end up being two of the smartest signings last offseason?

Here is the 2018 MLB season preview for the Texas Rangers.

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2017 MLB Season Preview: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers manager Jeff Banister has won the AL West in both of his first two seasons at the helm. They have been a tour de force on offense and has gotten by with their pitching. Their bullpen has actually been one of the best in the Majors and have bailed out the back-end of their rotation many times a year ago.

The Mariners made a few huge moves this offseason and the Astros young roster is expected to improve even more this year. Did the Rangers do enough this offseason to hold off both teams in the AL West?

Can Carlos Gomez be the Comeback Player of the Year?

Here is the 2017 MLB season preview for the Texas Rangers.

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2016 MLB Season Preview: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers went from worst to first in the AL West last season. Jeff Banister had one hell of a first season as manager in Arlington, Texas.

The Rangers are a team built to have a decent championship window. The Rangers are built around a mix of young players like Elvis Andrus and Yu Darvish, and veterans like Adrian Beltre and Cole Hamels to shoulder the load during a long season. The Astros also have a long window since their team is mostly built from their impressive farm system. The Rangers and Astros will be battling for the division for many years to come.

Can the Rangers repeat as AL West champions?

Here is the 2016 MLB season preview for the Texas Rangers.

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2015 MLB Team Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies got old in a hurry. In a span of four years, they went from a World Series contender to possibly being one of the worst teams in the league. They signed all their stars to lucrative long-term contracts during that time. The worst-case scenario played out and they are all nearly immovable in a trade.

Manager Ryne Sandberg took over after Charlie Manuel was fired mid-season in 2013. He’s great with younger talent, but he might not be able to keep his job during the transition. They need to move the big contracts for a few decent prospects, but dumping money is more important.

Can the Phillies find a trade partner for Ryan Howard?

Here is the 2015 MLB season preview for the Philadelphia Phillies.

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2014 MLB Team Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies championship window has officially closed. Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and Jimmy Rollins may be playing their last season together. They should be busy at the trade deadline this season, because they need to get younger.

Manager Ryne Sandberg took over after Charlie Manuel mid-season. He’s great with younger talent, which leads me to believe they are about to blow up this team. I doubt Ryan Howard is going anywhere with his bloated contract on the books through 2016.

Can Rollins and Sandberg squash their beef and get along this season?

Here is the 2014 MLB season preview for the Philadelphia Phillies.

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2013 MLB Team Preview: Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies have been perennial World Series contenders since Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley were in their first years in the Majors. The Phillies have spent a king’s ransom on pitching, yet the rest of the lineup have aged poorly. Could Philadelphia become sellers at the trade deadline this season?

Will Philly regret signing Cole Hamels to a superstar contract when he is the team’s third best starter?

Here is the 2013 MLB season preview for the Philadelphia Phillies. Continue reading →