Texas Rangers: 10 Reasons They Can Make It 3 Straight AL Pennants

Coming into 2012, the Texas Rangers were considered one of the best teams and a favorite to make it back to the World Series. Hopes have never been higher in Arlington.  

The Rangers have started off 2012 the way they wanted to. They're really two innings from being undefeated, but at five and two they're behind only the Tigers (5-1) for the best record in the American League.  

Baseball is a marathon but the Rangers are looking like a World Series contender already.  

Here are ten reasons why the Rangers can win their third straight American League Pennant in 2012.

Power

The Rangers' potent offense is already showing its scary potential. Kinsler has started out white-hot and the rest of the team is following suit.  

The team is in the top 6 of every major offensive category. It's a young season and the Rangers are already scoring runs in bunches. Yu Darvish's first start could have been a major disaster, but the bats picked him up and gave him the confidence to roll through the game after a rough (to say the least) first inning.

There isn't a team that top to bottom has more power than this team. They're threatening from the leadoff hitter to the number nine man. One player's slump will be masked by another's hot bat. 

Fielding

This team is full of Gold Glove caliber players.

Hamilton seems to impress on a daily basis with a circus catch. Adrian Beltre looks fully ready to defend last year's Gold Glove. Michael Young is solid all over the field. Elvis Andrus is a one of the premier shortstops in the league and Ian Kinsler is proving what a great decision is extension was every game.  

Washington presses on defense and it shows.

The one spot that could maybe be called "lacking" is left field with David Murphy, but when the game is on close in late innings he is quickly replaced by Craig Gentry for defensive purposes. Murphy could easily start on most major league teams without competition.  

It'd be tough to find a better all-around defensive team than this one.

They make the spectacular plays and the routine.  

Game Management

The Rangers' culture has changed over the past 5 years. When Ron Washington came to the organization in 2007, he brought his small ball, almost National League, approach with him. 

Since, the Rangers are known for playing little baseball. Going from first to third on singles. Moving runners into scoring position any way possible.  

The Rangers seem to always be in the right spot at the right time (especially in the outfield) thanks to Wash's shifts.  

They're lucky to have one of the top 5 managers in the league on the bench making the calls.

Real Rivalry

It's been a long time since the Rangers had a real rival. A team that they truly couldn't stand. The Angels have become that.  

They've been divisional opponents fighting for a divisional crown but nothing like this.The Angels went out this offseason and purchased a number of enormous upgrades. Albert Pujols may be the best player to walk to earth and he torched the Rangers in the World Series.

The team wants to make sure that Albert doesn't see the postseason for the duration of his contract.

CJ Wilson has been his normal self this offseason. His Twitter prank got under Napoli's skin. Wilson was never a favorite in Texas, but Napoli has already cemented himself as one of the most loved players of all time for the team.  

For the most part, Ranger fans want to see the Angels fail, and the Rangers themselves don't want the Angels sniffing success ever again. Having a real rival will keep the Rangers at their best. They know that one of the best teams in baseball is in their division.

There won't be any nights off.

Team

This team loves to have fun and it shows on the field. Team chemistry may not translate directly to wins but it will make the scorching summer days a lot easier to bear.  

Baseball is a marathon. During the season, everyone will go through slumps. These players know that their teammates can pick up the slack when needed.

2010 was the "Year of the Claw" and since they've had something to rally around. This year they all want the bad taste of the World Series loss out of their mouths.  

Josh Hamilton

Hamilton is in a contract year and could earn a monstrous deal depending on how he plays. At 30 years old, this could be his only chance to earn a huge free-agent deal.  

He's playing like a man that wants to get paid. If the season ended today, Hamilton would easily have to be considered for MVP. If he can stay healthy throughout the year, he'll be in the conversation for the award.  

He's seeing the ball well and his fielding has been spectacular. Night after night he seems to make a diving catch in the outfield at critical times.  

His personal life seems under control and he is playing like a man possessed.

Hamilton could carry this team back to the World Series.

Starting Pitching

The Rangers' starting staff has yet to lose a game.

Without the ninth inning in two games, they're undefeated. Their starting pitching has been nothing short of awesome.  

Colby Lewis is second in the American League in strikeouts. Holland has showed poise in both of his starts. Darvish overcame adversity and pitched one run ball after the first inning. Harrison may be the best pitcher in the bunch.

Maybe the biggest surprise was Neftali Feliz's start. 7 innings pitched, 0 runs, 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. The biggest question mark starter in spring training had the best outing.

Their starting pitching can keep them in games until the seventh when they give way to...

Bullpen

I know Joe Nathan already blew two opportunities to shine. I think it needs to be mentioned that he pitched back-to-back nights and was in the bullpen warming up on five of six of the first six games. Give him a month or so before you are totally out on him.  

The rest of the bullpen has been untouchable.  

Mike Adams began where he left off last year and Alexi Ogando is in all-star form. Robbie Ross is a rookie who impressed in Spring Training and looks to breakout big this year. Koji Uehara was excellent in Baltimore last year but struggled in Texas. He looks to be building his confidence up one successful appearance at a time.

If the Rangers can get the the 7th and let these guys throw, they'll have more than a fair shot.

Front Office

As the season goes on, needs will arise. Jon Daniels has put them in position to win the last two years, and he'll do it again this year.  

Whether you look at the Cliff Lee trade in 2010 that basically won them their first playoff series ever or last year's Adams and Uehara move, Daniels has made solid choices.  

They'll handle Josh in a way that is best for the team, but they'll put in pieces that fill holes as the season moves along. The more that we watch Jon work, the more apparent it is that the Rangers have a very special GM.

Nolan Ryan will also continue to successfully lead this team. His presence has given the Rangers a certain grit that they didn't have before him.  

Experience

It's cliche and over reported, but the Rangers were at the crux of one of the biggest collapses in sports history. They want to get back to the World Series and right the wrongs that happened last year.  

Most everyone on this team now is playoff tested. The team leaders have been there and know what it's like. They've come as close as you can get.  

This team looks like a team on a mission to get to October and earn their championship.