While it's far too early to draw any real conclusions about your 2006 Texas Rangers, the first five games of the season have left me feeling decidedly queasy. While there were a few encouraging signs, the negatives far outweighed the positives and I'm beginning to wonder (again) why this team full of sluggers can't buy a hit with runners in scoring position.
Pitching has been about what we figured. While Milwood got clobbered in his first game as the Rangers' ace, it's not too difficult to remain optimistic about him. Vicente Padilla looked great in his first Rangers' start, and Kam Lowe looked even better. RA Dickey has already been sent down after getting his ass handed to him the other day (a major-league-record-tying SIX home runs allowed), but many of us thought he should have started the season there anyway. Koronka looked OK in his first start, but one suspects the 4 and 5 spots in the rotation will be in flux most of the year, or at least until Eaton gets back.
Defense has been good enough through five games. No glaring problems, nor should there be. Ian Kinsler (Jewish?) got his first error to go along with his first hit and home run, but he should be an upgrade over Soriano. Everyone else is an average or better defensive player. We should expect solid, if unspectacular, defense from this team and, so far, that's what's been delivered.
It's the hitting that has me a bit freaked out at the minute. No one is pounding it, and the team can't buy a clutch hit. I keep hearing, "This team has too much talent. The hitting will come." Haven't we heard this same thing for about 3 years now? WHY can't this team move runners? If they don't homer, they've got nothing. I have been mystified by this for some time and remain so. I am further mystified by the fact that no one really seems to call them out on it.
Like I said - it's way too early to draw long-term conclusions, and it's certainly not time to panic. But it sure is time to start asking some questions.
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