Texas Rangers

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The lineup and the rotation in Texas may change from year-to-year, but the team never really does. It's always a power-hitting lineup without a great rotation. Draft accordingly.

Lineup:

• 2B Ian Kinsler
• DH Frank Catalanotto
• SS Michael Young
• RF Milton Bradley
• 3B Hank Blalock
• CF Josh Hamilton
• C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
• 1B Ben Broussard
• LF Marlon Byrd

Rotation:

• Kevin Millwood
• Vicente Padilla
• Kason Gabbard
• Brandon McCarthy
• Jason Jennings

Closer: Eddie Guardado/CJ Wilson

Thoughts...

On bad teams, I like to look at the closer first. If a team has a talented closer, he's worth drafting to see if he'll produce saves when given the chance and get traded to a contender in mid-season. Unfortunately, Texas has a huge logjam in the back of the bullpen. CJ Wilson, along with Joaquin Benoit, closed games at the end of last season, but the club brought in free agents Eddie Guardado and Kazuo Fukumori. Right now, any of the four could end up with the job. Fantasy translation: Stay away.

Kevin Millwood has historically had some productive fantasy seasons - never really top numbers, but good enough to merit drafting as a 4 or 5. Not last season. He had some injury problems, but his ERA also ballooned over 5.00 while his strikeouts from 157 to 123. Generally speaking, I like veteran pitchers to rebound toward their career numbers (coming off good seasons and bad), but I can't really justify drafting Millwood. Give him the month of April before you give him a roster spot on your team.

Josh Hamilton is a popular sleeper pick whose ADP may have risen above that of a true sleeper. Although he is an awesome story and a guy who could fill a number two outfielder spot, you shouldn't draft him as if he will be a number two. Be mindful of the difference, but look to grab him when appropriate. 

I always forget about Ian Kinsler, and I know I'm going to pay for it in one of my drafts this season. He's BJ Upton minus batting average, but he's usually available five rounds later. Unfortunately, he may not give you the RBI numbers you want because he hits so high in the lineup. Nonetheless, have your eye on him to give great value in the middle rounds of a draft. 

Offensively, this team has potential at many positions. Blalock can be had late and potentially provide 25 HRs at 3B, Salty is widely projected to be a good fantasy catcher, and even Milton Bradley is worth a look if you think he can stay healthy. I don't think I could justify drafting a single pitcher from this team, though.