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5 Reasons Why Texas Rangers’ Fans Should Be Excited for 2015 MLB Season

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5 Reasons Why Texas Rangers’ Fans Should Be Excited for 2015 MLB Season

Jeff Smolinski Texas Rangers
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After a disastrous 2014 season where everything that could possibly go wrong for the Texas Rangers did, the beginning of Spring Training this year had a sense of de ja vu’ when it was discovered that their ace pitcher Yu Darvish would need Tommy John surgery. But as recently as last year, it has been proven that you should expect the unexpected when it comes to baseball. So with that in mind, here are 5 reasons why Rangers fans should be excited.

5. Derek Holland

Derek Holland Texas Rangers
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5. Derek Holland

Derek Holland Texas Rangers
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Even though Yovani Gallardo was tabbed the opening day starter, it’s Holland who actually has the potential to be the ace of the staff. His problem in the past has been consistency but after an off-the-field injury basically took his season away, he came back late last year and was laser focused. He finally showed flashes of what Rangers fans have been waiting to see by putting up a 2-0 record with a 1.46 ERA and 25 Ks in 37 innings.

4. Jeff Banister

Jeff Banister Texas Rangers
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4. Jeff Banister

Jeff Banister Texas Rangers
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Everyone on the team, everyone in the media, and almost every Rangers fan out there loved Ron Washington; however after a while a voice no longer resonates in the clubhouse and a fresh perspective or approach is needed to create a spark. Banister looks as though he can be that spark as he comes with a reputation of being able to communicate with his players and has a philosophy that shouldn't stray too far from that of his predecessor.

3. Adrian Beltre

Adrian Beltre Texas Rangers
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3. Adrian Beltre

Adrian Beltre Texas Rangers
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It appears that Beltre has found the fountain of youth as he was still able to produce at the age of 35 last year with absolutely no protection for him in the lineup. This year he has a healthy Shin-Soo Choo and Prince Fielder back in the lineup and that should help him get better pitches to hit. He is the clear leader of the bunch, so expect him to help keep this team on track as they hit rough patches throughout the season.

2. Elvis Andrus

Elvis Andrus Texas Rangers
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2. Elvis Andrus

Elvis Andrus Texas Rangers
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After getting his big contract a few years ago, Andrus’ production tapered off a bit. As opposed to progressing as a player each year like he did when he first entered the majors, his play both offensively and defensively has leveled off. But he took a different approach this offseason as he began getting in the weight room to better prepare his body for the marathon that is the baseball season. Expect to see big things from Andrus this year.

1. Low Expectations

Neftali Feliz Texas Rangers
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1. Low Expectations

Neftali Feliz Texas Rangers
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Now that Michael Young has retired, Ian Kinsler has moved on to Detroit, and Yu Darvish is out for the season, fans and the media alike are already writing this season off. This team felt pressure to perform for the first time in history and it took its toll. Now they can just go out and play, and given the talent that is still left on this team, they could surprise some people and sneak into a wild card spot.

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