It seems to be assumed as fact that the Rangers are going to score some runs this season. It never is, really, and besides the departure of designated hitter Milton Bradley, the Rangers’ lineup is pretty much the same as last year, when they led the league in runs scored.
Ostensibly, Texas’ lineup is going to be a young murderer’s row of sorts. All the pieces seem to be in place; Hamilton will be better prepared, as will Chris Davis, as will new clean-up man Nelson Cruz.
Of course, the key word here is ‘ostensibly.’
But Opening Day should be a pretty good indicator. Texas has the opportunity (or perhaps misfortune) to be matched up against Cliff Lee, 22 game-winner and Cy Young recipient of 2008. He posted a 2.54 ERA and averaged 8.09 Ks / 9 innings pitched.
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Not bad for a guy who spent most of 2007 in the minor leagues.
If Texas gets to Lee early, it should be a positive harbinger, but certainly not the end of the story. Because last year, when Texas was led the league in runs scored, they were also dead last in the league with respect to runs allowed.
That’s why Kevin Millwood’s performance, more than any other on Monday, should be read as an indicator of the team’s 2009 hopes.
The Ryan-Maddux-instilled conditioning program will get its first real test, and Millwood is charged with setting a very necessary precedent with respect to starters; namely, it will be crucial for Texas’ starters to go deeper into games in 2009 than they did a year ago.
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