4. Texas Rangers

Big Leagues- This was my favorite team to watch all of last year and into their playoff run to the World Series.  Unfortunately, they came up a little short.  This year they return most of the same players, minus Vlad Guerrero and Cliff Lee.  I don’t think the lost of Cliff Lee will hurt as much as everyone thinks, because they added even more pop to the lineup.  Adrian Beltre will be taking over the 3rd base job with Michael Young moving over to DH.  Beltre has a history of struggling after signing a big contract, but if he doesn't struggle, hitting in Texas will help his numbers.  Gone are the days for the Rangers that Taylor Teagarden, Jarrod Saltalamacchia, and Chris Davis were the future of the club.  Catcher and 1st base are now manned by Yorvitt Torrealba, and Mitch Moreland.  Both could be late round sleepers with the lineup that is around them.  Ian Kinsler, Adrian Beltre, Josh Hamilton, and Nelson Cruz should continue to be drafted among the top ten at their positions.  Nelson Cruz struggled to stay healthy last year, but when he did he produced.  Don’t be surprised for him to hit over 30 home runs and 100 rbi's in this new lineup.  The pitching staff really does lack the number 1 guy this year, but C.J. Wilson emerged last year as a viable number 2 behind Cliff Lee, coming up big in the playoffs.  The rest of the rotation is filled with solid starters and former top prospect Derek Holland.  If one of them emerges they will be fine,  if one of them struggles I wouldn't be surprised to see Neftali Feliz or Alexi Ogando stretched out into the rotation.  Their lineup would be like this is the season started today:

Catcher-Yovitt Torrealba

1st Base- Mitch Moreland/ Chris Davis

2nd Base- Ian Kinsler

Shortstop- Elvis Andrus

3rd Base- Adrian Beltre

Left Field- Josh Hamilton/David Murphy

Center Field- Julio Bourbon/David Murphy

Right Field- Nelson Cruz

DH- Michael Young

Pitching- C.J. Wilson, Tommy Hunter, Colby Lewis, Derek Holland, Scott Feldman

Relief- Neftali Feliz, Alexi Ogando, Darren Oliver

Top 5 Prospects

SS Jurickson Profar- Last year the Rangers signed the young righty to a 1.55 million dollar signing bonus.  Many scouts for other teams could not decide whether Profar was a shortstop or a pitcher.  The Rangers got him and through the 17 year old into class A for 63 games last year.  He batted .250 with 4 home runs and 19 doubles.  He also stole 8 bases.  That isn't amazing production but for a 17 year old it's impressive.  His first full year next year will show a lot to what is future could hold.  

LHP Robbie Erlin- Erlin was a 3rd round pick in 2009 and has exceeded expectations.  Last year in Single A as a 19 year old, the 5'11 lefty dominated.  He had a 2.12 Era in 28 appearances including 17 starts.  He threw 114 innings and struck out 125 while only walking 17.  He was a step above everyone else last year and will look to increase his workload at Double A next season.  He should continue his success with his ability to control all of his pitches.  

LHP Martin Perez- Heading into 2010 Baseball America had Perez as the 17th ranked prospect in baseball, and he slightly disappointed playing above his head as a 19 year old in Double A.  He had a 5 and 8 record with a 5.96 ERA in 99 innings.  Perez struck out 101 batters, but struggled with his control walking 50 batters.  This was an expected lump for the youngster though, because you rarely see 19 year olds in Double A.  He should stick with the same level next year and expect a big jump in his numbers.

3B Mike Olt-  Olt was the 49th overall pick in the 2010 draft out of the University of Connecticut.  He comes to the Rangers with a polished bat and an excellent approach at the plate.  His last year at Uconn he hit a record 21 home runs while batting .313 leading the Huskies to a top 25 ranking.  He has the maturity and bat to cruise through the minors which makes him number 4 on our list.

OF Engel Beltre- You could know his name because he caused a bench clearing brawl after hitting a walk off home run this year in the minors, but that shouldn't take away from his talent.  In 115 games last year between Single A and Double A Beltre hit .300 with 6 home runs, 8 triples, and 15 doubles.  He also had 18 stolen bases.  He's a very solid player who likes to put the ball in play in use his speed, he only struck out 58 times last year.  Look for him to start next year in Double A.

Payroll and Direction- Last year the Rangers only paid out 68 million dollars to their players, that's not because they were really cheap, they just had so many young players they were paying under a million dollars because they have not signed their first real contract.  They did save money by Cliff Lee jetting to Philly, but they did get their second option of Adrian Beltre.  Having that extra money will go a long way when all of their young players need a new contract they should be able to retain them.  They should still be the favorites in the AL West with or without Cliff Lee.