It's no surprise that each year the Rangers' main weakness is pitching. Thus far, with one month to go, the Rangers are 14th out of 14 teams in the AL in ERA, and quality starts. Traditionally, they have no problems with their offense. Currently they are first in team average, first in runs scored, first in extra base hits, and second in homeruns. So, why can't the Rangers manage to get quality pitchers? The answer may not be as easy as fans think.
Contrary to popular belief, the Rangers aren't affected by the curse of A-Rod. The money that they owed him was not the single factor that they can't lure quality pitching to Arlington. Look at Kevin Millwood. Before he signed with the Rangers he fiished the season at 9-11, but with a 2.86 ERA. He gave up less hits per innings pitched and struck out 146. At the time, that seemed to be a good choice to bring him to be the starter for Texas. He did and finished his first year in Texas with a 16-12 record, but he couldn't maintain that the next season. Injuries were taking its toll and he lost control of his command. His bread-and-butter pitch, the fastball has tailed off and quite honestly, Millwood isn't getting any younger. This isn't to say he's not a good pitcher.
The fact of the matter is, you can never tell when a pitcher has reached its peak or if they're on the downhill slide of their career. Tapping into the free agency market can be dangerous because one good season doesn't necessarily translate into long-term success. Look at Chris Young, a former pitcher for the Rangers, now with the Padres. Since leaving Texas, he has had mediocre numbers with the Padres and can't seem to maintain his health.
Trading may not be the answer either because you risk giving up players that may be the face of the franchise. Michael Young came from the Toronto Blue Jays' farm system. I don't think I need to tell you what he's doing now with Texas. There are some low risk-high reward trades, like that of Josh Hamilton for Edinson Volquez. You see what both players are doing in the league now and the trade worked out for the Rangers and the Reds. The Reds may very well have the future at a discounted price and the Rangers have the center fielder they coveted at the league minimum. Money does play a big part of the process, but any team is in trouble if they can't afford it. So what option do you have left?
The Farm System
This is the most obvious answer to bring in quality pitching, but there is a downside to it. What is it? The players have to develop well. If you rush a player too soon, it could destroy their arm. But what's worse, you may have lost your pitching prospect for good. Development is probably the most impatient way to groom pitchers, but it's the cheapest way, and, dare I say, the smartest way. The farm system is the most underrated way to bring in pitchers; every pitcher has to start somewhere. Part of the problem is fans want it now. Don't worry, that's the same sentiment team owners and general managers share. Do the names Bobby Jenks and John Danks ring any bells? Look at what they're doing for the White Sox. Fortunately for the Rangers, they still have a good farm system that could very well be the cornerstone of their pitching staff.
Who is the next generation of hope for the Rangers pitching staff?
Elizardo Ramirez: He is 10-5 in Triple A Oklahoma, but has a nasty fastball and his slider is almost to the point where it can be a problem for season major leaguers. He needs to get his control down and you very well could see him in a starting role next season.
Thomas Diamond: He is a diamond in the rough, no pun intended, but he needs to stay healthy to develop. He is done for the rest of the season which will give him more time to rehab. He was drafted because of his fastball and his ability to get out of jams. His problem is consistency. He will be on his game one start and off the next. That's normal for youngsters, but with one or two full season in the minor leagues, he could take the league by storm.
Justin King: He is in the rookie league for the Rangers this season, but he is sporting a 3-1 record, two saves, and a WHIP of .081. King will advance quickly, but he, like Diamond needs to spend one to two season in the minor league system to work on control. He's only 21 years of age so he's very immature, baseball speaking.
A Rangers fan myself, I understand the frustration, but with Ron Washington taking the helm, the Rangers are doing it the old fashioned way and parting with players who don't want to be there, i.e. Sidney Ponson, and taking care of business in the minor league system. The Rangers are vastly improving in the regards to pitching, not digressing, even though they are at the bottom of the league. They have things cooking. Your patience will be rewarded. Let's just hope the managers feel the same way.
Keywords: Baseball, Pitching, Texas Rangers
