Sandler: Let The Rangers 2016 Season Begin
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It's that time again. Three games into a 162-game regular season and I've got enough swirling thoughts that 140 just isn't enough.
For those of you new to reading my thoughts or following my work in any capacity, welcome. Seriously, I thank you. Without you, this isn't nearly as fun.
Without further ado, let's step into Pandora's Box: The Rangers bullpen.
1) Knee-jerking frustrates me, but passion does not. I applaud fans who aren't afraid to demonstrate passion. Passion can lead to knee-jerking and I get that. I will always take knee-jerking founded on passion than anything founded on apathy. Even if your knee-jerk comment frustrates me on the surface, I still appreciate the passion.
2) There is no debating that three games into the season the bullpen has been poor. But, in baseball, three games guarantees nothing. If you all of a sudden believe this bullpen sucks because of three games--only two bad ones--that's foolish. Just like it's foolish to assume Cole Hamels will win 20 games based on one start or that Prince Fielder will hit 30 HR because of one swing. Maybe the bullpen, which I still believe is the team's best individual unit, will thrive as expected. Maybe they'll disappoint us and struggle mightily. No matter the fate, three games is too soon to offer definitive judgment. Let's let it play out a bit more.
3) I'm not worried about the bullpen, but if you are, that's fine. I recognize that relievers are very volatile year-to-year. The relievers who are lights-out year after year after year are the exception. I'd argue that the Rangers' bullpen is made up of guys who have the "stuff" and talent to repeat their past successes, but if you don't want to buy that, totally cool. If that's your concern, I'd encourage you to remember 2015 and how a horrible bullpen evolved into a great one. Bullpens are easy to fix mid-year--easier than any other unit.
4) I think wanting a new closer is a fair opinion, I just don't agree with it right now. Before I explain why, I'm not by any many guaranteeing that a switch doesn't eventually happen, nor am I suggesting a switch shouldn't eventually happen, I just want to explain that now is not a time. Making a switch three games into the season sends a message of panic and demonstrates a lack of trust, not just in Tolleson, but everyone. Is a zero-tolerance-for-sucking precedent one you want to set in April? This team is 1-2, not 1-10. This team won the division last year in part because of the unwavering belief in that clubhouse. Changes were made--Feliz removed, Odor sent down, Choo sat down--but not right away. Even the horrible Ross Detwiler got nearly 20 games. Will a change be made? Perhaps, but now isn't the time.
5) IF there comes a time this year when a change is necessary, my preference would be for Keone Kela to assume the closer label if he can handle the responsibility, which I believe he can. Do I think he's the best reliever? No. I think he's "1C" behind, in my opinion, Diekman's "1A" and Dyson's "1B." Either way, they all have the ability to be shut down guys. I would simply prefer the flexibility to use Dyson and Diekman in earlier innings versus the tough hitters or in high-leverage situations if necessary. If there are runners at 1st and 2nd and 1 out in the 7th with the Rangers leading by 1 run, I want to be able to bring in a supreme ground ball pitcher in Dyson to clean the mess, for instance. Not every team has the luxury to do this, but I think the Rangers do and I'd like them to take advantage of it.
6) For those complaining about Doug Brocail, let's cut the crap. Again, offering an absolute assessment of anyone, especially a coach, three games in is unwise. Are you just going to conveniently forget the three straight quality starts his pitchers delivered? The pitchers rave about him and I can tell you that not every one of Mike Maddux's pitchers spoke as glowingly about him as they do Brocail.
7) Let's not forget that this team started the 2015 season 8-16--and probably didn't deserve to win 8--and found themselves below .500 after the All-Star Break, yet they ended up winning the division. I think they have a chance to overcome a 1-2 start.
We're three games in with 159 more to go in the regular season. Somewhere in there, I plan to pop some champagne and I hope you'll join me.
Peace Be the Journey
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