Texas Rangers First-Half Player Grades

The Texas Rangers knew they could be here. But did they know they would be here?

After 89 games, the Rangers rest with a record of 48-39, 1.5 games back of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

To add to this feat, the Rangers have accomplished this while having 2008 wonder-boy Josh Hamilton miss 47 of those games due to injury. The pitching staff, which has a 4.34 ERA (more than a full run lower than 2008), has carried the team, while an inconsistent lineup toiled to find its groove at the plate.

With a fully healthy Josh Hamilton and continued competency from the pitching staff, the 2009 Texas Rangers have a chance to challenge the Angels in the second half.

But what good is conjecture? Here are my first-half grades for your Texas Rangers.

(Grades are not given to players with limited appearances)

Pitchers

Kevin Millwood (A)

Millwood has finally earned the title of “Ace.” 130 innings and eight wins show he has embraced Nolan Ryan’s pitching philosophy and led his team by example. A close second for team MVP.

Vicente Padilla (C+)

Padilla has experienced his share of highs and lows. Since being placed on waivers following a horrendous outing against the Yankees in June, the Nicaraguan right-hander has pitched five or more innings in each of his starts.

Scott Feldman (B)

The forgotten starter coming out of Spring Training, Feldman worked his way into the rotation behind an 8-2 record and 3.83 ERA. Improvements of his cutter and breaking ball have allowed him to flourish in Texas.

Derek Holland (C+)

Holland has performed like most rookie pitchers do: inconsistently. What sets him apart is his ability to forget poor outings and continue to take the ball. The baby-faced lefty has shown flashes of brilliance with his fastball and breaking pitch.

Dustin Nippert (D)

Nippert needs to extend his outings in order to keep a spot in the rotation. His command has been questionable.

Jason Jennings (B) 

Jennings has transitioned to the bullpen with ease. His history as a starter gives him a leg-up as the Rangers long-relief man.

Eddie Guardado (C)

The elder statesmen of the bullpen started a little shaky but has “rounded” in to fine form.

Darren O’Day (B-)

O’Day was claimed off waivers, lost his first appearance while wearing Gabbard’s jersey, and now boasts a 1.93 ERA.

Jason Grilli (C+)

Another waiver claim has produced great value out of the bullpen. Grilli possesses a 1.46 ERA. Let’s just say he’s “Grilli” happy to be in Texas.

C.J. Wilson (B)

New year, same story for Wilson. Stretches of brilliance are muddled by moments of foolishness. The eclectic reliever remains one of the top talents in the bullpen.

Frankie Francisco (B-)

Francisco was given his first full-year opportunity as closer and has performed well. Injuries are the only reason for a lower grade.

Catchers

Jarrod Saltalamacchia (B+)

Salty has earned his place as the starting catcher. Saltalamacchia’s well-known batting ability has been bolstered by his necessarily improved defense.

Taylor Teagarden (C)

The University of Texas product has proved a solid backup this season. Teagarden has adapted to the role of part-time player and gets the most out of his pitchers when in the game.

Infielders

Chris Davis (D- )

Davis began the season in a slump and never broke it. His superb defense at first base is what kept him in Arlington for the first half of the season. A spell in Triple-A Oklahoma City could be just what he needs.

Ian Kinsler (B)

A recent slump at the plate takes a little air out of the power numbers he has posted (20 HR, 55 RBI).

Hank Blalock (B)

Started the season as DH and has hit all season long. Blalock has earned the opportunity to play every day at first base with Davis in the minors.

Elvis Andrus (B-)

The 20-year-old Venezuelan rookie shortstop has made people forget he was the reason Michael Young was “asked” to switch to third base. Andrus has exhibited smooth fielding and an unexpected competency at the plate.

Michael Young (A+)

The Rangers’ unquestionable leader swallowed his pride once again this offseason and moved to third base, his second position change with the club. What does he do with it? Young will started at third in the All-Star game and is the first-half team MVP.

Outfielders

Marlon Byrd (B+)

“The Byrdman” filled in brilliantly in center field while Josh Hamilton was on the DL and continues to campaign for every day playing time.

Nelson Cruz (B+)

Cruz, who reached the finals of the Home Run Derby, has continued his powerful hitting with 22 HR and 53 RBI.

David Murphy (B-)

Murphy has forgotten about his 0-for-23 start to the season by hitting .312 since breaking that slump.

Josh Hamilton (C)

Last year’s poster boy for redemption needs some more of his own magic in the second half. Hamilton’s first half never really materialized due to injuries.

Andruw Jones (B)

Although only hitting .231, he has become Rudy Jaramillo’s newest disciple. The L.A. Dodgers castoff returned to Los Angeles last week to visit the Angels. Jones matched his 2008 home run total with three home runs in one game.

Altogether, this Rangers team is much-improved from a year ago, but they still show a few weaknesses. The main concern is a new one in Texas: hitting. Inconsistency and impatience are a bad combination for a team that relies on its heavy-hitters so greatly.

The Texas Rangers stand a chance to challenge the Angels in the second half.

It feels good to say that without my fingers crossed.