If Colby Lewis is any sort of a right-handed prophet, Rangers fans are in for an incredible and rewarding turnaround in 2015.
As in, from 95 losses last season to 96 wins in this season. I know, 30-game improvements in Major League Baseball are rare. But in an appearance on KRLD-FM this week Lewis predicted a shocking return to glory for his franchise.
“I don’t see why we can’t be back to 2010-2011 form,” he told the team’s flagship radio station.
In those years, of course, the Rangers went to consecutive World Series and went 96-66 in 2011. Last year they won 67 games.
The reason for Lewis’ optimism is shared by fans and teammates and even some national experts who consider last year’s just an injury-induced hiccup.
“With all the additions that we got – we just got (Yovani) Gallardo – and with guys being healthy,” Lewis explained. “With Prince (Fielder), with (Mitch) Moreland, with (Shin-Soo) Choo – those guys were playing hurt before they even had surgery. It’s just going to be a good time. Everybody puts up innings; guys going deep into games. The bullpen’s going to be more relaxed; guys are going to know their roles. It’s going to be a lot more pressure off of guys, and it’s going to be a relaxed atmosphere and a winning atmosphere, I think.”
After missing a season with major hip surgery, Lewis returned with surprising success last year and will enter Spring Training as an important, solid cog in the 5-man starting rotation.
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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.
