Loser: Texas Rangers
Things aren’t quite as bleak for the Rangers as some other teams that we’ve gone over. But if Texas was offered a mulligan, it would be hard pressed to say no.
The Rangers offense is not overwhelming, but it’s fine. It certainly has its shortcomings, like ranking 20th in batting average (.220) and 24th in OBP (.298). But the Texas hitters also rank seventh in home runs (34) and a respectable 10th in runs scored (114). So, it could be better, but it could be worse.
The starting pitching is also fine, ranking ninth in ERA. Unfortunately, the Rangers have yet to throw a complete game. So, at some point, every game goes to the bullpen and goodness gracious, that’s a problem.
Texas is 22nd in bullpen ERA (4.85), 20th in WHIP (1.38) and 24th in strikeouts per nine innings. This isn’t a new problem for the Rangers, either. It plagued them throughout 2016 and certainly looks like it will be the team’s undoing in 2017.
Texas may not be in desperation mode yet. But this team not only won the American League West in both 2015 and 2016, but had the American League’s best record over that stretch. With that in mind, 11-14 is massively disappointing.