By Malone Graham
Coming off a rough 2018 season that featured 95 losses and the firing of manager Jeff Banister, the Texas Rangers looked to get back on track in 2019. This year, the organization was under new leadership, both in the coaching and player aspect. The hiring of former Los Angeles Dodgers third base coach, Chris Woodward, as manager, sparked the beginning of what many called a rebuilding process. Woodward, however, chose a different motto for his club: growth in every aspect. From the young players and new staff to the veterans in need of a fresh challenge, he wanted to bring a sense of urgency to the ballclub. His positive energy and likable personality quickly earned him the respect of his players and fellow coaches, motivating them to attack the upcoming season.
The Texas Rangers also had to adjust to new leadership roles on the field after 4x All-Star Adrian Beltre retired in the offseason. The 21-year veteran was the captain and face of the organization ever since he arrived in Texas in 2011. Without their leader, it was time for the guys who learned under his guidance for the past 8 years to step up. Most of the responsibilities fell on long-time shortstop Elvis Andrus, who was admittedly uncomfortable in this position at the beginning of the season. It has been a process for Andrus, who has struggled with the balance of adjusting to his new role while being consistently productive at the plate. He has taken this opportunity to learn and grow, just what his manager is looking for, as they all work to fine-tune their new duties together.
Considering all of these new changes, the Texas Rangers were expected to duplicate their poor performance from the previous year. It is safe to say that not many would have thought they would be in the position they are right now. With only 15 games left in the season, the club sits at one game under .500 at 73-74. It is not the result the team is looking for, but it does indicate one thing: growth. The Rangers will finish the 2019 season with a better record than last year, and the number of wins is not the only element that has improved.
The team batting average of .247 and home run total of 199 so far are both higher than last year. The club’s defensive fielding rate has also seen an increase this season while committing 30 fewer errors than last season thus far. Veterans Hunter Pence and Mike Minor unexpectedly gave the club a boost throughout the season, along with some younger guys. Outfielders Danny Santana and Willie Calhoun have been standouts, taking advantage of the opportunity to play in the big leagues for an extended period. Rookie Nick Solak has also made an impression after earning his first major league start as designated hitter towards the end of August.
These statistics all point to growth, and right now, the Rangers are not concerned with how big these improvements are. They are relying on slow, but constant progression to get them back in playoff contention. With the gradual increase of production at the plate and in the field, the club can continue to develop its young players and coaches in their new roles. The Texas Rangers look to close out the final season at Globe Life Park on a positive note, preparing for a playoff appearance in 2020 under the roof and air conditioning of their long-awaited new ballpark, Globe Life Field.
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