We’re only in mid-March and already new manager Jeff Banister’s mantra is being tested. If not altogether trashed.
Never Ever Quit.
If Jurickson Profar’s season-ending injury dented the Rangers’ enthusiasm in Spring Training, Yu Darvish’s career-threatening surgery went and severely harpooned it.
Darvish, the ace of the pitching staff and a beacon of hope for 2015, will instead undergo Tommy John surgery Tuesday and miss the entire season.
I know the Rangers still have Derek Holland on the mound and Adrian Beltre and Prince Fielder at the corners. But, I’ll be honest, I’d like a do-over over my projection that they’ll finish over .500. A month ago Las Vegas set the Rangers’ win total at 77 games. After these injuries, that feels about right.
Not trying to be a Debbie Downer. But coming off a 2014 that was short-circuited by injuries, 2015 is off to a stumbling start. For the Rangers to replace Darvish’s potential 20 wins and quality starts, somebody we’ve never heard of is going to pitch better than they ever have before.
Never Ever Quit.
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But what if the Rangers never even get out of the blocks?
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
