Gameday Thread: Astros vs. Rangers (SEASON OPENER) 3/31/2013

[TXNick]

I think rotation wise the Rangers have potential to be very very good. Now there are question marks, but I think Harrison is a quality 2, Darvish could very well be in the Cy Young mix, Ogando and Holland have potential out the wazoo and we should be getting back Colby Lewis back in enough time where he can make a positive impact. Depth is a big issue, an injury or two and we could be in trouble. Kirkman, Grimm, Tepesch, Perez(when healthy) aren't exactly blue chip prospects. Perez is the best of the lot and his stock has fallen over the past few seasons. Cody Buckel is still a year away most likely.

 

The bullpen right now is my main area of concern. It remains to be seen what will come of Soria, and if Feliz can help out when he gets back(albeit most likely in August) but they should help steady the ship. Frasor terrifies me, Scheppers waffles between lights out and lit up. Lowe I think can be effective if used effectively but knowing Wash that is unlikely. The only two I have full confidence in are Ross and Nathan, with Ortiz looking like he will be good to have around. JD has a pretty solid record of being able to asemble a worthwhile pen though, so I am confident they will get it sorted out.

 

As far as the lineup is concerned I think they will score plenty. The play of the CF platoon is important, as well as a make or break year from Mitch Moreland, but I think they will score enough to keep them in most games. Getting Hamilton out of CF is huge for our defense, Martin and Gentry are both plus fielders, and our infield defense is among the best in baseball.

[Bashbrothers]

I think it's funny you believe Washington will use a platoon.  He will stick to one guy starting there no matter what. Guarantee it.

[TXNick]

I think it's funny you believe Washington will use a platoon.  He will stick to one guy starting there no matter what. Guarantee it.

 

I don't think it will be a straight platoon, Martin will get the majority ABs, but I think it will be about a 70-30 split based largely on matchups.

[fan_since79]

Fantastic catch by Maxwell. Guy also has 2 triples tonight.

Trout will catch up by next week.