“The Rangers have lost the lead in the AL West with the Angels taking the spot that they have been so familiar with over the last four years.  Texas has lost steam, but ironically, the pitching has kept them afloat and the offense has let them down.  The Rangers have finished the past two seasons atop the AL in offense and now they find themselves in the middle of the pack.

1B/DH Justin Smoak

“Chris Davis has had his struggles at the plate hitting .200 in June.  He is on pace to break the record for most strikeouts in a season.  For a batter, that’s not a good stat to lead in.  Biggest word from Rangers camp is bringing in offensive phenom Justin Smoak.  Smoak is tearing up the minor leagues and currently bats .355 at Triple A Oklahoma.  Smoak was last season’s number one draft pick out of South Carolina.  Josh Hamilton remains hurt and has not had a good rehab stint.  He may not be back until after the All-Star break.

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Image by Getty Images via Daylife

“All things considered, the Rangers were projected to finish next-to-last in the AL West, something they have been accustomed to this decade.  They have shown progress in pitching and defense, but now their main concern is to get the bullpen and Josh Hamilton healthy.  No one expected (me included) the Rangers to be over .500 at this point in the season and certainly not contending for the lead in the AL West.  June has traditionally been a good month for the Rangers, but not this season.  July is a month where they traditionally lose it. Perhaps their fortunes will turn around.”

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