(AP photo/LM Otero)
ARLINGTON — Here’s what the Texas Rangers received for their $580 million offseason spending spree:
A 68-94 record.
A sixth consecutive losing season.
A fired manager and president of baseball operations.
A fan base that continued to lose interest.
They were much better than last year despite the record. But a long road is still ahead. Even if they do get a couple front lines pitchers, this team will need to play better defense and learn how to win. A .500 record will be tough.
8 more wins this year, but many more close games. I would like to say how pleased I was that all of our new long term contract guys showed up and played hard without finding a way to get to the IL and stay there. There are lots of examples, thankfully none with the Rangers in 2022. Still wonder what might have been if only we had stood still with Heim and Trevino instead of making moves. Of course, the Yankees are quite thrilled. Jung’s pre-season injury (again) was a real downer. Let’s hope he can get to Mar 31 healthy in 2023. CF was a real pleasant surprise in 2022. The Rangers D is looking as good as any for 2023. No shifts next year (Seager is salivating). The Rangers will need way more pitching to compete at a high level in 2023 and they know it. Start with getting Perez signed. Leiter and Rocker…need to hear from both next year. Here’s to a great off season after ending 2022 on a high note.