2012 Texas Rangers Starter Closer Overview

The Texas Rangers were the best of the AL for the second consecutive year, leading the West with a 96-66 mark. The Rangers went back to the World Series after a disappointing showing in 2010, but ultimately slipped short for the 2nd consecutive year. They lost to the Giants in 5 games in the 2010 World Series, and were prepared to reign supreme in 2011 against St. Louis, though it was not to be. The Rangers couldn't gain advantage from the chance and lost the Championship again. Texas is more than capable of going back to the World Series for a 3rd consecutive year, but it is looking like it may be a dogfight for the division this year as the L. A. Angels signed main players C.J. Wilson and Albert Pujols. Here is the projected starting pitchers and closer situation for this season. If you want more details on the team check our Texas Rangers predictions.

Projected Starters
Colby Lewis (RHP) - Now that Wilson is a member of Los Angeles, Lewis will be the Opening Day pitcher for Texas this year. He won a career-high 14 games last year, but his ERA jumped from 3.72 in 2010 to 4.40 last year. His ERA should fall back to under 4.00 this year and it is likely that he could set another career high in victories with the offense he has backing him in Arlington.

Derek Holland (RHP) -In his first full season as a starter for the Rangers, Holland actually impressed with his performance, and if he continues his stellar work at the start of 2012, he could become the ace of the rotation as fast as this season. He went 16-5 with a 3.95 ERA and 1.35 WHIP in 2011, and his robust finish at the end of the season carried over to the playoffs. A consistent performance for him in 2012 is all he must be a crucial part of the Rangers' future.

Yu Darvish (RHP) - After losing Wilson to Los Angeles, the Rangers slightly eased the loss with the signing of Darvish, who has been a sensation in Japan for the past five years. Although routinely Japanese players take a while before adjusting to the major leagues, it seems like Darvish is ready to shine in his first year.

Matt Harrison (LHP) - Harrison actually came on powerful last year for Texas, regardless of just having 32 starts in the prior 3 years. The 26-year-old went 14-9 with a 3.39 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 30 games.

Neftali Feliz (RHP) - The last few years, Feliz was employed as the Rangers closer, and he probably did the role quite well. He saved 72 games with just nine blown saves, while posting an ERA of about 2.70. It's going to be complicated for him to transition from reliever to starter, but he was brought to the Rangers to finally become a starter.

Projected Closer
Joe Nathan (RHP) - The Rangers went out and added Nathan to take over the closer role, which is a massive reason explaining why Feliz is being moved to the rotation. Nathan is one the select closers in the game when healthy, but injuries troubled his 2011 season. He finished with just 14 saves, which was a far cry from the 41-save average he compiled over his prior 6 seasons.


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