Texas Rangers: A Look at the Probable 2012 Opening Day Roster

The two-time defending American League Champion Texas Rangers know that anything less than a World Series title in 2012 will be a disappointment.  The Rangers are coming off one of the most crushing and disheartening World Series defeats ever.  The Rangers were twice just one strike away from bringing the franchise their first championship only to see it all break down.

But that was 2011, and as soon as it ended, preparation for 2012 was underway.  The Rangers were not extremely active in the offseason but they made a huge splash by signing Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish. Darvish was an ace in Japan, and judging by the money they gave him, the Rangers expect him to be their ace too. That's something the Rangers didn't possess in 2011.  

No offense to former Rangers' top starter C.J. Wilson, but he wasn't the type of pitcher that most would consider an ace.  He's no Roy Halladay or CC Sabathia. Wilson is a solid Major League starting pitcher, but he probably cost himself millions with a miserable postseason performance. Wilson has made nine career postseason starts and carries a 1-5 record and a hefty 4.82 ERA. 

That brings us back to Darvish, who needs to pitch like an ace in order for the Rangers to finally reach their championship goal. 

The other big move was bringing in closer Joe Nathan, formerly of the Minnesota Twins.  Nathan is being counted on to replace former closer Neftali Feliz, who is being moved to the starting rotation.  This appears to be a gamble.  Nathan missed all of 2010 due to Tommy John surgery and returned last season with just 14 saves and an ERA of 4.84, easily his highest mark since becoming the Twins closer in 2004.  

I'm not really sure why GM Jon Daniels didn't make a run at Ryan Madson, who signed a super friendly, no-risk deal with the Cincinnati Reds, but Daniels chose the 37-year-old Nathan, who's best days are clearly behind him.

The rest of the roster will be very familiar to Ranger fans and the rest of MLB.  Here's a look of how they will lineup on opening day:

PITCHERS (12)

Starting Rotation - Yu Darvish, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison

Bullpen - Scott Feldman, Mark Lowe, Alexis Ogando, Mike Adams, Koji Uehara, Michael Kirkman, Joe Nathan

Manager Ron Washington will have some flexibility here, as he could use Scott Feldman or Alexis Ogando for spot starts if needed.  Harrison might be sent to the bullpen if the Rangers brass wants Ogando in the rotation, or if they feel they need another lefty in the bullpen.  Kirkman will probably make the roster by default but if the Rangers re-sign Mike Gonzalez, Kirkman will probably end up in AAA.

CATCHERS (2)

Mike Napoli and Yorvit Torrealba

Not sure why Torrealba cold-cocked a Venezuelan umpire in the Winter League this offseason, but these two will obviously return.  Despite his reputation, Napoli was solid defensively last season.

Since Napoli will spend a lot of time at DH and 1B, the Rangers might go with three catchers, which would probably cost a reliever (perhaps Lowe) a roster spot. The non-roster invitee list doesn't do much to excite the senses so a late spring trade might occur here.

INFIELDERS (6)

1B Mitch Moreland, Michael Young, 2B Ian Kinsler, SS Elvis Andrus, 3B Adrian Beltre, UT Alberto Gonzalez

Napoli can also be used at first while Young spent time at each infield position in 2011.  Still, an upgrade at utility could be in order. Gonzalez, a non-roster invitee, is probably the favorite but he hit just .215 for the Padres last season. A big spring by Brad Hawpe or Conor Jackson could send Gonzalez packing.

OUTFIELDERS (5)

CF Julio Borbon, Craig Gentry, LF Josh Hamilton, David Murphy  RF Nelson Cruz

Washington might do a straight righty/lefty platoon with Gentry and Borbon but neither player conjures up much excitement. Keep an eye on prospect Leonys Martin this spring.