The Texas Rangers had no shot of winning a World Series at the beginning of the 2010 season. The Rangers were 25-1 odds.
No one saw the 2010 team being a contender. Until they were that is.
With a young Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler, David Murphy and Derek Holland and veterans like Michael Young, Colby Lewis and Josh Hamilton the team had talent.
They did not have a rotation like the 2023 Rangers have, but still made it to the fall classic.
The team wound up using the trade deadline to improve, bringing in Cliff Lee to anchor the rotation that included Holland, Matt Harrison, CJ Wilson and Scott Feldman among others.
Not a team that would strike fear into the hearts of their opponents. Somehow, that team made it all the way and lost to the Giants (Bruce Bochy) in the World Series.
The current team has the potential to be better. However, the 2010 team was something special.
Josh Hamilton was a star and he had an amazing season in 2010. with 32 homers and 100 RBI, Hamilton also batted .359 for the season. That is not a typo.
Vlad Guerrero was also on that Rangers squad. The Rangers killer became a Ranger for their first World Series run.
Some players you may forget were on that team were guys like Matt Treanor, Justin Smoak, Bengie Molina (the cycle year), Chris Davis, Julio Borbon, Andres Blanco and others.
The team was not a group of superstars. They became one of the best teams in Rangers history. Game 6 of the ALCS is still the greatest moment in Rangers history in my opinion.
Alex Rodriguez striking out to end the series was very emotional for many Rangers fans. It was an amazing feeling.
They won 90 games and defeated the Tampa Bay Rays and NY Yankees on their way to their first World Series.
So how does that team compare to the 2023 Rangers? Here is what I see that needs to happen for another magical season:
- Starting Rotation needs to remain healthy. They have one of the best rotations in baseball on paper, but paper cannot win championships. They need health on their side.
- Corey Seager and Marcus Semien need to play up to their contract levels, as well as Josh Jung and Nathaniel Lowe need to continue to improve.
- Adolis Garcia needs to continue his rise and not have a down year.
- They need a third consistent outfielder, even if that comes at the All-Star break.
- The bullpen needs to do it’s job 9 times out of 10.
If the stars align correctly, 2023 could be another special season for Rangers fans.
