The Rangers haven’t thrown a pitch this season. Haven’t had a hit. Fielded a grounder. Or even reported to Spring Training.
But, yep already, 2016 is a success. Because ace Yu Darvish is on track to return.
They could be a good team again without their No. 1 pitcher, like they did last season. But with Darvish paired at the top of the rotation with Cole Hamels they could be great.
World Series great.
Darvish, who underwent Tommy John surgery last season, hopes to be back on the mound by late May or early June. He hasn’t thrown full-speed yet, but says he already feels like he can top 95 mph. If he’s back to his former self, it’ll be tough to find a better 1-2 punch in the AL than Darvish-Hamels.
Every time Darvish takes the ball a no-hitter is possible. And every time it’s him or Hamels, the Rangers will be heavy favorites to win the game.
That’s a luxury this franchise hasn’t enjoyed since, oh I dunno, ever?
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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 lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
