2010 Rewind: It was a banner year for the Rangers in 2010. The franchise won just the fourth division title in its 50 years history and for the first time ever participated in the World Series. While a defeat at the hands of the Giants may be bittersweet, the Rangers are still a good, young club and should continue to have a bright future.

The Good: Offensive production has rarely been a problem in Texas and 2010 was no exception. Led by AL MVP Josh Hamilton, the club had the best team average in the majors (.276) and scored the fifth most runs (787). But it was pitching that made the difference for the Rangers. After posting a 4.38 ERA in 2010, and a 5.37 ERA the year before, the staff finished with a 3.93 ERA in 2010 – third best in the AL. They were led by 15-game winner C.J. Wilson. Colby Lewis and Tommy Hunter were nice surprises winning 12 and 13 games respectively. The bullpen was also quite good thanks to AL Rookie of the Year Neftali Perez and his 40 saves.

The Bad: Injuries continue to plague Hamilton. After playing in just 89 games in 2009 he missed 19 games last year. Second baseman Ian Kinsler has only played in more than 130 games only once in his career thanks to injuries. Nelson Cruz also appears to be ‘injury-prone’ and had just 399 ABs last year.

Biggest Loss: Although his 20 starts with the Rangers last year were mediocre, the team looked to lock up Cliff Lee as the ace for the near future. But the Yankees, and then the Phillies lured the stud pitcher away. Vladimir Guerrero had a nice bounce-back year with 19 HRs and 115 RBI. But the team found him expendable and he left for the Orioles.

Best Addition: The Rangers let Guerrero go after signing third baseman Adrian Beltre. Last season Beltre hit 28 HR with 102 RBI and a .321 average with the Red Sox. Those numbers could get better in Texas. To try to replace the loss of Lee, the team signed former Cy Young winner Brandon Webb. Unfortunately Webb’s shoulder is not completely healthy and he looks to miss at least the first month of the season.

Fantasy Slant: The fact that the Ballpark in Arlington is definitely a hitters park makes it tough to pick anyone from the Rangers staff. But Perez should still be taken as one of the league’s best closers. There was some question of turning him back into a starter, but he will be getting the ball in the ninth when the season starts. On offense the Rangers feature a flurry of stud fantasy players. Hamilton, Cruz and Kinsler all have injury questions but their talent is remarkable. Michael Young will primarily DH this season, but will also play everywhere in the infield giving him great versatility. Mike Napoli will mainly cover first, but is eligible at catcher and could have a big year in Texas. Mitch Moreland is a sleeper-pick and should play some outfield while sharing time with Napoli at first.

Final Take: If the Rangers are to repeat as AL Champs in 2011 it will take the same thing as last year – pitching. The club is already an offensive power-house and everyone knows it. Not even injuries to major stars slowed them last year. But the pitching staff has to show up like it did last season. Webb getting healthy and throwing well will help a ton. And another July trade for a stud wouldn’t hurt either. Winning the division may be an easier goal. Neither the Mariners or A’s look to contend but the Angels are for real and look to overtake Texas for the title…2011 Record: 90-82, 2nd place, AL West.

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