Busy Rangers have 5 more things on to-do list
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have had a busy offseason to this point. It needs to get busier.They are only halfway through the offseason calendar, but here are five things that still need to be addressed before the regular season begins.Finish the rotation: The Rangers are off to a decent start in
ARLINGTON -- The Rangers have had a busy offseason to this point. It needs to get busier.
They are only halfway through the offseason calendar, but here are five things that still need to be addressed before the regular season begins.
Finish the rotation: The Rangers are off to a decent start in rebuilding their rotation by signing
Right now, the rotation consists of Lynn, Mike Minor,
• Rangers' 2019 tickets
The Rangers need at least two more proven starters, plus additional depth at Triple-A, to keep from pushing their young pitchers too quickly as they have done way too often in the past.
Address the bullpen: Again, the Rangers are off to a decent start by signing reliever
They don't need to make it worse. Leave
How about some ex-Rangers. Jake Diekman? Seems to be a great fit. Tony Barnette?
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Define the catching situation: The Rangers signed veteran catcher Jeff Mathis to a two-year deal, but the situation behind the plate is a bit murky. The Rangers have the makings of a decent catching arrangement, but Mathis, a guru at handling pitching, is 35 and hasn't started more than 73 games since 2011.
The Rangers need more catching depth.
Sign
Signing a 33-year-old outfielder would seem contrary to a team building around young players and with what appears to be a glut of outfielders. But Jones is a proven right-handed hitter with veteran leadership skills. He could play all three outfield positions, plus be used at designated hitter when needed. The Rangers have young and talented hitters in their lineup, but most of them swing from the left side. Jones would give them some balance.
That's probably a move that would be made by a club intending to be a contender. But that is one of the missing links in the Rangers' offensive scheme.
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Anchor the battleship: Joey Gallo has played first, third and three outfield spots in his career. He has been able to move around the diamond and play different positions depending on what the Rangers' priority is at the time.
Here is a novel idea: pick one position for Gallo and make it the top priority. Decide what position Gallo will play and then build the lineup around him. Gallo is defined as a home run hitter, not a utility player.
T.R. Sullivan has covered the Rangers since 1989, and for MLB.com since 2006. Follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger and listen to his podcast.