Texas Rangers: Why the Rangers Will Have a Dominant Offense in 2011

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Texas Rangers Bash 11 Home Runs In Three Games Against Red Sox, But They're Just Getting Started

The Texas Rangers have been all about the offense in recent seasons, bashing home runs out of their bandbox of a stadium with ruthless efficiency, while raking in runs scored and RBI, the nectar of any big league offense. 

But, after seeing what this team is capable of in a three-game demolition of the Red Sox, it's clear that this Rangers team is something special. 

They clubbed 11 homers off of the top of the Red Sox's rotation in a three game series, guys who were aces at one point, are aces now, or are on the verge of becoming aces. 

There's literally no one in the lineup who cannot hit. The outfield is littered with the likes of reigning MVP Josh Hamilton (who didn't get in on the homer fest), Nelson Cruz, David Murphy and the speedy Julio Bourbon (who can't really hit, but is plenty fast enough to get away with his soft bat). The infield is just as stacked, led by speedy shortstop Elvis Andrus and balanced hitter Ian Kinsler. After them comes even more power, in the form of utility man/DH Michael Young, third baseman Adrian Beltre, catchers Yorvit Torrealba and Mike Napoli, and first baseman Mitch Moreland. 

Even the bench players can hit, as David Murphy can attest. There aren't many holes in this lineup, and with a ballpark that strongly favors hitters (and has since it was built), there's a good chance this could wind up being one of the most potent offenses baseball has ever seen. 

Of course, nothing's ever that easy. Both Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz have a nasty habit of getting hurt, Bourbon's hitting is still a big issue, Kinsler is almost as bad as Hamilton and Cruz about staying healthy, and Moreland is unproven as a power hitter. 

But, the potential for greatness is there, and if this weekend's games were any indicator, the Rangers are ready to achieve it. 

For more baseball, check out 2011 MLB Predictions: Each Team's Biggest Concern Heading into the Season. 

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