ARLINGTON, Texas — With the beginning of a slow off-season and all the possible changes, the Rangers are looking to get the edge up.
The Rangers organization was hit with a few curveballs this past season and as we know, three strikes and you’re out.
“ The fact is we have to correct what we didn’t do this year and make it better”. Rangers owner Ray Davis specifically stated, after being embarrassed this past season. Finishing American League worst you could blame it on the coaching, injuries, or players, maybe all three.
Significant losses due to injury at certain positions such as pitcher and more gave young athletes opportunities to showcase their talent in the big leagues. Four players 22 years old or younger made their debut for the Rangers and impressed many including Davis.
The future looks to be bright for the Rangers, with young athletes stepping up, 2 gold glove winners, and a few coaching changes.
Some may see it as a shock that Julio Rangel won’t be returning as pitching coach after only two seasons but nothing improved. While Julio was there in fact it got worse. Going from 5.06 earned run average, to 5.02. The Rangers showed no empathy or hesitation with that move. Julio isn’t the only person to blame for that.
After acquiring two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber, and closer Jose Leclere they both tore shoulder muscles.
If one can’t get it done, maybe two coaches can, the Rangers will now have Brenden Sagara and Doug Mathis as co-pitching coaches. How this duo of co-pitching coaches will work out we’ll just have to see but one will be in the dugout while the other is in the bullpen.
Brenden Sagara 47 years-old will now have his first Major League coaching role, after the minor league season was canceled, Sagara coached at the Rangers training site. He was also with the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins player development staff. While Doug Mathis was the bullpen coach for Texas last year.
Nobody likes losing and when losing becomes a tradition changes will always be made, after four seasons of missing the playoffs the Rangers are now looking to move forward.
