Vegas Projects 77.5 Wins For Rangers In 2015
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) -- The Texas Rangers suffered their first losing season since 2008 in finishing 67-95 in 2014. Las Vegas projects a second unsuccessful campaign in 2015.
Sports book Bovada has set the Rangers over/under total at 77.5 wins. That win total is the second lowest among the five AL West teams.
Angels 89.5
Mariners 86.5
Athletics 80.5
Rangers 77.5
Astros 74.5
The Rangers are largely relying on health to improve on a last place finish -- the team's first since 2007.
Prince Fielder, who was acquired in a trade from the Detroit Tigers last offseason, is "full speed ahead" for spring training after neck surgery last summer limited him to 42 games.
Shin-Shoo Choo -- who was awarded a seven year, $130 million contract prior to last season -- underwent season-ending surgery in August to remove a bone spur from his left elbow. He is expected to be fully healthy.
In all, Fielder, Derek Holland, Martin Perez, Matt Harrison, Jurickson Profar and Geovany Soto each missed at least 100 games. Tanner Scheppers and Alexi Ogando also suffered season-ending injuries.
The Rangers added to their rotation this offseason, most notably acquiring starter Yovani Gallardo from the Brewers. Gallardo, who turns 29 next week, was 8-11 last year with a 3.51 ERA in 32 starts.
After spending nearly 30 years with the Pittsburgh Pirates, new manager Jeff Banister will be in charge as pitchers and catchers report to Surprise, Arizona on Friday.
The Rangers open the season on April 6 in Oakland before returning to Arlington to play the Houston Astros on April 10.
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