Kinsy Arguably, the biggest factor that went into the success of the 2010 Texas Rangers was change.
When Frank Francisco blew a couple saves the first week of the season, management quickly pulled the plug, inserted Neftali Feliz and never looked back.
Never. Like, I don't remember there ever being a time when the thought of re-inserting Francisco into the closer's role ever was even hinted at. While we're at it, I'd like to retire the thought of conjoining the words "re-inserting" and "Frank Francisco" in a sentence for the season.
When Julio Borbon was clearly overwhelmed, the Rangers quickly put Elvis Andrus at the top of the batting order. And never looked back.
Give the Rangers credit. They're a decisive group of assholes.
And that was 2010. There were structures and borders. Everyone knew their role, no one publicly bitched and it worked out. This -- above all -- probably is what irks us about Michael Young. If everyone can be cool, why can't he?
Already the tinkering has begun. Evan Grant already brought this to the table two days ago. Yesterday, it was apparent in the first intersquad game.
Ian Kinsler is apparently the new lead-off hitter, Andrus will drop to the two-hole ("two-hole," "re-inserting," "Frank Francisco" ... what's wrong with me) and Michael Young will drop to sixth where he can pile up those jaw-dropping RBI numbers.
Although injuries limited him to 400 at-bats and 100 games, Kins put forth, most think, his best season at the plate in 2010 (I also feel Dave Murphy did the same). He rounded his walk-K ratio to practically 1:1 (56-57), notched a .382 OBP, quit the upper cutting shit and became a much improved hitter. Combine his skill at the plate, his penchant for getting on base and his speed (71 stolen bases in last three seasons) and he seems like natural fit at the top of the order. Furthermore, he's got quite a bit more pop than Borbon and Andrus.
Andrus, conversely, will be able to utilize his acumen with the lumber to move runners over, go hit and run and much more. Ideally, we're putting Kins and Tiny E in the perfect spots to do the most damage. Even with Young at six, he'll be able to swing free and easy, driving the ball to all parts of the field.
The Rangers are already making drastic changes and there isn't even a problem yet. The Rangers have seemingly mastered this: Identify the problem, find a solution and execute that solution with no apologies, little regret and with your eyes looking ahead. Making changes and bracing for the ridicule is a ridiculous way to run an organization. It may be a key for them in 2011.
