Sporting News released its 2011 Texas Rangers preview on Monday, and it looks like the Rangers have taken a spot among the league's elite teams as the reputable source picked Texas to end up back in the ALCS but to bow out to the Boston Red Sox and coming up short of the World Series.
That could make the season-opening series against the Red Sox even that much more interesting, right? Oh, who are we kidding, there will still be 159 games left when it's over, but it'll be fun nonetheless.
Some other interesting points the publication made:
- Michael Young won't be a distraction of any sort. He's too professional to wreck things in the clubhouse and in the media.
- C.J. Wilson will show that he has the stuff to be considered a true "ace" in the majors, something not every team has. Being a No. 1 doesn't make you an ace.
- Elvis Andrus will have his best season yet after a somewhat disappointing season last year, though he was one of the best players on the team in the 2010 postseason.
The publication also tabbed third baseman Adrian Beltre as the key newcomer in the entire AL West as the Rangers out-bid division foe, and perceived biggest threat, the Oakland A's.
So, the big question is, will the Texas Rangers fans be happy with "just" another appearance in the ALCS? You'd sure hope so.
