It's Not How You Start: Rangers Focused On Every Part Of Marathon Season
By Kevin Hageland | @OThankKevin
GOODYEAR, AZ (105.3 THE FAN) – To play or not to play, that is the question.
Of course every major leaguer aspires to be on the field for Opening Day, but the Texas Rangers are stressing the fact that their Apr. 6 game against the Oakland A's is only a small piece of the 2015 puzzle.
"Everybody gets caught up in Day 1," said Jeff Banister, Rangers' first-year manager, "but everyone also needs to understand that what you start with on Day 1 is not what you will end up with on Day 162. It's every day in between that matters also."
That may serve as some consolation to starting pitchers Chi Chi Gonzalez and Anthony Ranaudo, third baseman Joey Gallo and catchers Tomas Telis and Jorge Alfaro, all players who were recently assigned to the minor leagues, but also all players Rangers fans would like to see contribute sooner rather than later.
"I know sometimes it's difficult, but you have to have patience, especially with some of the younger players," said Jon Daniels, Rangers general manager. "They might not be ready now, but could definitely contribute later in the season."
Banister concurs.
"You've gotta play this game with some urgency, but also use patience in the decision-making process," he said. "Those 25 guys that head to Arlington, that's the start, but it's only the start, of our identity."
That's a message that doesn't apply just to the youngsters, but the veterans as well.
Take relief pitcher Shawn Tolleson. The Allen alum had an MRI on his right forearm earlier in the week and there is some thought he could spend the first week of the regular season on the DL
"Obviously, that would not be my preference," Tolleson said. "I'm a competitor, so of course I want to play as soon as possible."
But wanting to be ready by Opening Day somewhat differs from Banister's idea of focusing on the season as a marathon as opposed to a sprint.
"Last year was my first Opening Day and it was a really cool experience to be a part of," Tolleson said, "so I want to do everything I can to be out there again this season."
In that case, there might be a consolation prize if Tolleson isn't ready for the A's.
"There are really a couple of opening days," Banister said in regards to the team's official season opener Apr. 6 versus Oakland and its Apr. 10 home opener against the Astros.
Rangers' newcomer, but Metroplex native, Yovani Gallardo will start the season on the bump while Derek Holland is expected to get the nod versus Houston.
"(Pitching on Opening Day) is definitely something you want to do, but really there are two Opening days," Holland said. "So I'm very excited to do Opening Day in Arlington and I'm hoping to start things off the right way in front of our fans."
That message is no doubt what Banister wants to here as the Rangers gear up for Opening Day, but are also keeping a keen eye on being in the mix come Oct. 4 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
"Overall I'm very happy with our team's progress so far," Holland said. "And for me personally, I know once I get called upon, I've got to do it – I've got to show up."
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