To say the Rangers have done a complete 180 from the first quarter of last season is no joke.

The club is 20-14, an exact reversal of their first 34 games last season, when Texas was 14-20. In the last three weeks, the starting pitching has been phenomenal, the offense has been clutch, and the bullpen has been stellar.

So why is nobody buying it?

Fans continue to stay away from the Ballpark in droves, though some of that can be attributed to fan interest in the Mavericks' playoff run. The ominous Spring weather has also played a role in threatening fashion, leading to several bad days at the gate. There are signs of life, however, as more than 25,000 came out to see a recent win.

But there remains a lingering suspicion about this club. Brandon McCarthy is starting to struggle again, after five straight terrific starts to open the season. Elvis Andrus has been better than advertised, but is still a rookie. Rough patches are inevitable. Matt Harrison currently looks like Cy Young, but is unproven.

And the stifling, dreadful Summer heat hasn't arrived yet. The Rangers historically wilt once the temperatures start breaking triple digits, and when Cowboys training camp begins.

The offense will smash homers at a record pace- this, we know. But the jury is still very much out about the overacheiving pitching staff. The real rotation of the future, Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz, Michael Maine and Martin Perez aren't here yet. Holland will slowly be worked into the rotation at some point.

Long-suffering fans can go out and watch some competitive baseball in these parts and that stands for some real progress. But it's too soon to proclaim the Rangers the Tampa Bay Rays of 2009. Some of the signs are there, but let's check back in late July before we know the excitement is real.

2 Comments

Dominic said:

The Texas Rangers are thrilling US right NOW, and we WON'T know if their teasing US until the All-Star Break. Lets just enjoy the ride and see where we are after the next 34 games.

May 15, 2009 4:55 PM

Kim White said:

I am so ready to see the Rangers finally get the appreciation and media attention they deserve. The Cowboys, Stars, and Mavericks seasons are OVER!! Give our Ranger boys some love! They are in first place, and showing AWESOME teamwork. Also, these young men are very supportive of our communities in the metroplex. They show class both on and off the field. GO RANGERS!!!

May 15, 2009 7:45 PM

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