Do the Rangers Have Enough Starting Pitching to Win the AL West?

Year after year, the Texas Rangers have given us the same story. They are a great offensive team that can’t pitch.

While they consistently spend money on pitching, bringing in the likes of Chan Ho Park and Kevin Millwood, the results never come. With a 4 1/2 game lead over the three-time defending AL West-champion Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim though, it seems like the Rangers may have actually found the formula this year.

In the starting rotation, C.J Wilson and Colby Lewis have impressed, both posting season ERAs under 3.50. Young arm Tommy Hunter has developed greatly, undefeated in his eight starts with a 2.33 ERA. Their worst pitchers, in fact, have been those who were expected to comprise the front end of their rotation. Scott Feldman won 17 games last year, but has eight losses and an ERA over 5.00. Likewise, Rich Harden is on pace for the worst season of his career with a 5.68 ERA.

Recent acquisition Cliff Lee, though, will do a lot to put the Rangers over the top, but Anaheim may actually feature more proven winners in their rotation with Jered Weaver, Ervin Santana, Joe Saunders, Scott Kazmir, and Joel Pineiro.