Down On the Texas Rangers' Talent-Rich Farm

The first step is addressing the Rangers' "good problem" behind the plate. The Rangers have more depth behind the plate than any other team in the league. Gerald Laird is solid behind the plate, both defensively AND offensively (don't forget that Laird led the team in sacrifice hits two years ago).

Other players capable of being the everyday catcher include Max Ramirez, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Taylor Teagarden. With so much depth, look for the Rangers to include one or two of these players in a deal that could provide some help to the pitching staff.

Next you have to deal with the slew of offensive hitters on the roster. Will Milton Bradley stay healthy next season? Will he even be a Ranger next season? Will Blalock stay healthy? Will Davis continue his torrid rookie season? This is a time when you wish you could play with nine players in the field but 13 in your batting lineup.

All of the following could and should deserve spots on the everyday lineup card next season: Young, Kinsler, Murphy, Hamilton, Bradley, Byrd, Davis, Laird, Blalock, Vazquez, Cruz, Boggs, and (possibly) Catalanotto. A set, nine-man roster needs to be established as the everyday roster so those core players can "gel," gain confidence in one another, and mold into the aforementioned cohesive unit.

A dream lineup for next season would be as follows (in order): Kinsler, Young, Byrd, Hamilton, Bradley, Davis, Blalock, Boggs, and Laird. With that lineup, the Rangers should score no less than five runs per game, and with a pitching staff with an overall ERA of over five, the more runs the better.

Another question is whether the current coaches can help this team come together as one. Matt Walbeck learned quickly last season as third base coach, and, across the diamond, Gary Pettis knows the game as good as anyone. Ron Washington knows how to "rally the troops," and the team responds to his enthusiasm of the game. Look for the same staff to return next season.

Did we forget one tiny problem area for the Rangers? How could we forget that the legendary Nolan Ryan himself is stirring the pitching pot by taking control of the pitching staff from the ground up.

Don't forget that Ryan promoted long-time Rangers catcher and Hall of Fame member, Jim Sundberg, into a Vice President role. A pitcher/catcher combination now at the top of the Rangers organization? Coincidence? I think not. Look for the Rangers to have different pitching and bullpen coaches by opening day.

With all the youth and change going on at the big-league level, what is left in system for the future? The answer? Plenty. Baseball America ranks Texas as one of the top teams in the league among talent throughout all levels of their farm system. There it is, straight from the horse's mouth (no, not Rangers Captain).

The Rangers' prospects are, without a doubt, raising eyebrows around the league. This is yet another "good problem" the Rangers have that should lift them and return them to October baseball, possibly as early as next season.

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