TEXAS RANGERS (41-56, 5TH PLACE, AL WEST)
BIG PICTURE
Much had to go right for the Rangers to contend, and not much did. They have resided in the American League West cellar nearly all season and have to face the reality it’s time for a rebuild. Texas tipped its hand by extending general manager Jon Daniels’ contract.
BEST PERFORMANCE
In his 14th major league season, outfielder Shin-Soo Choo made his first AllStar Game with an impressive first half that included reaching base a club-record 51 consecutive games.
BIGGEST SURPRISE
The Rangers were waiting for outfielder Nomar Mazara, long one of their top prospects, to blossom, and he finally has with 15 home runs and 58 RBI.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT
Second baseman Rougned Odor was coming off a rough year in which he batted .204, and the Rangers were eager to see him bounce back. But Odor’s power numbers are dreadful: He has six home runs and 24 RBI after averaging 31.5 and 81.5 the last two seasons, and he’s not hitting for average (.239) either.
TRADE-DEADLINE FORECAST
Daniels should field plenty of calls. Left-hander Cole Hamels is a prime candidate to be traded, but his contract could limit the buyers to big-market clubs unless the Rangers agree to pay part of his salary. Although his contract runs out at the end of the season, there’s a $20 million team option for next year.
KEY SERIES
vs. Oakland Athletics July 23-26
Jay Paris