MLB PREVIEW: Let's Play Two. Texas Rangers & Colorado Rockies

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#26.

PROJECTED LINEUP
SS Elvis Andrus
CF Leonys Martin
3B Adrian Beltre
1B Prince Fielder
RF Shin-Soo Choo
DH Mitch Moreland
LF Jake Smolinski
C Robinson Chirinos
2B Rougned Odor

PROJECTED ROTATION
Derek Holland
Yovani Gallardo
Colby Lewis
Ross Detwiler
Nick Tepesch

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: Neftaliz Feliz
Set-up: Kyuji Fujikawa

Top Prospect: Joey Gallo (3B)

BREAKOUT - There are players on this team that could bounce back, but not necessarily breakout. Prince Fielder, Shin-Soo Choo, and Yovani Gallardo all need to find their 2013 form if Rangers want to contend this season, especially with Yu Darvish out for the year. Maybe Ryan Rua can get an early call from Triple-A and give some much needed energy to a bland outfielder trio.

SPRING STORYLINES - It is hard to tell how much of last year's disaster was about injuries and how much was about a bad major league roster. Now that ace Yu Darvish needs Tommy John surgery before the season starts, the Rangers already start to load up the DL list. Changes need to be made in Arlington or the Ball Park with be empty and Price Fielder's contract will be one of the biggest mistakes of all-time.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 67-95 (5th in AL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 73-89 (4th in AL West)

#25.

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Corey Dickerson
RF Charlie Blackmon
LF Carlos Gonzalez
SS Troy Tulowitzki
1B Justin Morneau
3B Nolan Arenado
C Wilin Rosario
2B DJ LeMahieu

PROJECTED ROTATION
Kyle Kendrick
Jorge de le Rosa
Tyler Matzek
Jhoulys Chacin
Jordan Lyles

PROJECTED BULLPEN
Closer: LaTroy Hawkins
Set-up: Rex Brothers

Top Prospect: Jon Gray (LHP)

BREAKOUT - He already has a gold glove, but now Nolan Arenado has chance to become the top third basemen in the National League. He is only 23 years-old and a broken finger and pneumonia will not stop him from being one of many threats in a dangerous lineup.

SPRING STORYLINES - The Rockies rotation won't make anyone shake in their cleats up in the batter's box, but they should be able to score some runs. And they should be able to score some runs at home. But everyone will keep a third eye on Troy Tulowitzki and fourth eye on Carlos Gonzalez. Those two are the key for the Rockies. The more they stay on the field the better chance Colorado has to win ballgames.

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 66-96 (4th in NL West)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 76-86 (5th in NL West)

**Check back tomorrow for the Rays and Braves*