Countdown to Opening Day: #3 Texas Rangers

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#3 Texas Rangers: With or Without Yu

PROJECTED LINEUP

2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Adrian Beltre
DH Lance Berkman
RF Nelson Cruz
C AJ Piersynski
1B Mitch Moreland
LF David Murphy
CF Leonys Martin

PROJECTED ROTATION
Yu Darvish
Matt Harrisn
Derek Holland
Alexi Ogando
Nick Tepesch

BULLPEN

Closer: Joe Nathan

Set-up: Robbie Ross

Top Prospect: Jurickson Profar (SS)

As Josh Hamilton walks away to greener pastures and greener pockets (cha-ching) there has been some chatter that back-to-back losses in the World Series will be as close as this group gets. But hold the sad violin sounds. This group still has plenty of talent - talent that is underrated and up and coming. Go ahead and pick the A's to repeat as West champs or go with Hamilton's new home and the Angels. These Rangers are far from done competing. I am not guaranteeing a World Series appearance, but the Rangers are not going anywhere and are a force in the American League.
The bullpen is deeper and getting healthier and the rotation is similar, now its led by a sophomore Yu Darvish who I expect to find his control and contend for a Cy-Young award.
The offense may not hit as many homers, but it is still above average led by Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, and MVP candidate Adrian Beltre. And let's not forget some of the top prospects in the game Jurckison Profar and Mike Olt are a phone call away.
Don't count the Rangers out yet. They want to beat Hamilton and the Angels more so than ever.

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - After a sluggish two weeks in April there is no more time wasted and Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt are on the first train from Round Rock. It may mean Olt moves to left field
and Kinsler goes to first base, but they do whatever it takes to get all of their top offensive players in the lineup. The youngsters' energy rubs off on veterans Lance Berkman and A.J. Piersynski and the Rangers roll in the A.L. West.

REAL TALK - Behind an improved Yu Darvish and new look offense that still scores tons of runs the Rangers can win the West. Yes, the Angels are better and the A's are not to be taken lightly, but I get the hunch if you give up on Ron Washington's group too soon they will come back and shove it in your face.

Breakout: Yu Darvish (RHP)

Bust: David Murphy (OF)
Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Matt Harrison (LHP) 

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 93-69 (2nd in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 92-70 (1st in AL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Washington Nationals**