2012 Texas Rangers: Opening Day Roster, Rotation and 2012 Statistics

The offseason is an exciting time of year for every MLB team.  Everyone's magic number is 162.  The offseason is a time of change.  

The Texas Rangers are already making moves of their own.  The team will definitely not be the same product that Nolan Ryan and Jon Daniels ran out on the field in 2011.  But like the 2011 team, 2012 will come with high expectations.  

This is the projected 2012 Texas Rangers Opening Day roster, rotation and the year-end statistics.

1. Ian Kinsler, Second Base

Kinsler's tenure in the leadoff spot was not without controversy.  His baserunning was lackadaisical at times and who can't picture Kinsler popping up, flipping his bat and hanging his head?

That being said, he was productive.  Kinsler became a member of the 30/30 club with 32 home runs and 30 stolen bases.  He also had 34 doubles.  He sets the table well for the Rangers' potent offense.  

Kinsler's glove has also been called into question by some but he made some definite strides in 2011.  His range increased, his turn at second was quicker and he made the routine plays—routinely.  

One of the best second basemen in team history is going to hold his position in the lineup and on the field.

2012 Statistics

Batting Average: .280

Home Runs: 27

Hits: 174

Fielding Percentage: .985

2. Elvis Andrus, Short Stop

Even though there were times in 2011 that we questioned where Elvis was mentally, there's no question he is a major piece of the franchise's future.  Look for him to start taking the next step in 2012.

He wreaks havoc on the basepaths and he's a vacuum in the field with unmatched range.  There aren't many (if any) other shortstops in the game like Elvis.

2012 Statistics

Batting Average: .306

Hits: 180

Stolen Bases: 44

Fielding Percentage: .979

3. Michael Young, Designated Hitter

The face of the franchise.  Young was one of the most consistent hitters in the lineup last year.  He's proven invaluable as a fielder moving around the infield.  Young had career highs with a .338 batting average and 106 RBI.  

Young's production will no doubt drop off a bit from his stellar season last year, but not by much.  There surely won't be any Michael Young for Eric Young Jr. rumors this year.

2012 Statistics

Average: .316

Home Runs: 16

Runs Batted In: 97

Doubles: 45

4. Prince Fielder, First Base

Before everyone says the Rangers won't sign Fielder because he's too expensive, there are a couple of things to consider.  

The Rangers have money.  They are coming off of back-to-back World Series runs.  They have a lucrative TV deal ($1.6 billion, 20 years, begins in 2014) that they signed September of 2010.  They have record numbers of fans flocking to every game.  They have Josh Hamilton's contract in limbo.  

If they don't feel they can lock down Hamilton on their terms, they'll find a way to sign Prince.  

Prince wants to play for a contender.  It's an offensive park.  It's a fun clubhouse.  Prince makes this team scary—scarier, I meant.

2012 Statistics

Batting Average: .298

Home Runs: 42

Runs Batted In: 130

Triples: 1 (the most exciting triple of the season)

5. Josh Hamilton, Center Field

Josh Hamilton has been one of the Rangers' most valuable players for the past four years.  He's coming off of a sports hernia surgery but should be good to go by Opening Day.  His presence in the lineup alters the game.

Hamilton is also a heck of an asset in the outfield.  When he's healthy, he can run down just about anything.  His arm is also as strong as anyone's.  There's always an injury concern with Hamilton in center field with more ground to cover.  

Nothing is going to stop Hamilton from recklessly attacking every ball in his zip code.  At least in center, he has more open space and one less wall to crash into.  

2012 Statistics

Batting Average: .309

Home Runs: 30

Runs Batted In: 105

Fielding Percentage: .986

6. Adrian Beltre, Third Base

Gold Glover.  Silver Slugger.  If he's healthy all year, his numbers should raise.  I'm going to put in my call— American League Most Valuable Player.

2012 Statistics

Batting Average: .338

Home Runs: 39

Runs Batted In: 110

Fielding Percentage: .989 

7. Nelson Cruz, Right Field

Nelson Cruz dazzled in the postseason and is a proven player on this roster.  He has a cannon of an arm.  Sometimes his routes to the ball frustrate but we can handle that.  

Nellie's hamstrings have been a cause for concern but Mitch Moreland is capable in the outfield.  Many cringe at the idea of Moreland standing in for Cruz, but he was injured for the second half of the season.  

Mitch Moreland can hit.  He hits quality pitching, bad pitching—to be brief, he's a professional hitter.  Hamstring injuries nag and are always a concern.  He'll need time off.  

2012 Statistics

Batting Average: .286

Home Runs: 27

Runs Batted In: 87

At-Bats: 399

8. Mike Napoli, Catcher

We all saw what Napoli did last year—30 home runs in only 369 at-bats.  His time injured definitely cut down on his plate appearances but Napoli may be one of those players who needs sufficient time away from the dish to be a dominant force at the plate. 

The Rangers are very fortunate with their catcher's carousel they have working with Napoli and Yorvit Torrealba splitting time at the plate.  He'll also spend some time at DH as well.

The pitcher's ERA with him calling the game was incredible.  The Rangers need his bat to keep at its pace and the rigors of catching don't often produce 30- to 40-home run seasons.  He'll move around and stay productive.

2012 Statistics

Batting Average: .290

Home Runs: 32

Runs Batted In: 99

9. David Murphy, Left Field

Murphy is a productive player.  2012 will be the year he gets it all together.  The Baylor product dazzles in the field with his hustle and catches.  

His bat isn't great but it's good enough.  He provides timely hits with occasional power to right

Murphy may not be a traditional "breakout" player, but this year he's poised to be a constant in the lineup.

2012 Statistics

Batting Average: .293

Home Runs: 20

Runs Batted In: 80

Doubles: 30

No. 1 Starter: Colby Lewis

Colby has been a solid starter for the Rangers.  He gives up home runs but he's an innings-eater who can find ways to get hitters out.  Colby will have an average season as their No. 1.

2012 Statistics

Wins and Losses: 14-12

ERA: 3.85

Home Runs: 32

No. 2 Starter: Yu Darvish

Texas is going to land Darvish by the deadline.  

He won't be the ace of the staff—yet.  He will electrify and prove his doubters wrong.  He's been the go-to guy in Japan for years.  He knows how to handle pressure.  

The 25-year-old will come in and immediately contribute.

2012 Statistics

Wins and Losses: 18-6

ERA: 2.45

Strikeouts: 238

No. 3 Starter: Derek Holland

Derek Holland proved last year in the playoffs that he has matured and moved towards becoming a consistent major league starter.

Holland also got over seven runs of support when he pitched last year.  He's getting the experience he needs to succeed.  Holland may frustrate at times, but when he's on, he misses bats.

2012 Statistics

Wins and Losses: 17-5

ERA: 3.56

Strikeouts: 172

No. 4 Starter: Matt Harrison

Matt Harrison gets better every year.  He was a 14-win pitcher last year.  Harrison is as solid as No. 4 starters come.  

2012 Statistics

Wins and Losses: 14-10

ERA: 3.35

Complete Games: 4

No. 5 Starter: Neftali Feliz

Nefti is going to struggle.  He doesn't look mentally able to come on as a great starter.  I feel like every time he came into a game he had to walk on the tying run.  

That being said, it isn't often you find a 24-year-old who can throw the ball 100 mph with the same effort it takes me to toss the ball around to the dog.  The front office sees something in him and I for one am going to trust their judgement.

2012 Statistics

Wins and Losses: 9-11

ERA: 3.98

Strikeouts:190

Closer: Joe Nathan

Joe Nathan had an awesome career in Minnesota.  He had 47 saves in 2009 with an ERA around two.  

But coming off of Tommy John surgery, Nathan only recorded 14 saves last year.  He'll be 37 at the start of this season.  I don't think he'll make it too long.  Look for Mike Adams to step in and take hold of the closer role around July.

2012 Statistics

ERA: 4.35

Saves: 10

Wins and Losses: 2-5

Season Predictions

Their lineup is potent.  Their staff remains daunting.  The Rangers are going to be the team to beat in 2012.  They had a full season with the target on their back and they answered the call.  

Look for the Rangers to complete what they couldn't do the last two years.  

2012 Statistics

Wins and Losses: 100-62 (first in AL West)

Runs: 910

Playoffs

ALDS: Texas over Boston (3-1)

ALCS: Texas over Anaheim (4-2)

WS: Texas over Philadelphia (4-2)