Today is the final game in Surprise, Arizona. Then, the Rangers load up the bats and balls and helmets and all the equipment and drive it all back to Arlington for two games against the Royals Monday and Tuesday. 

Then an off day.

Then, opening day on Thursday.

Most publications and writers are picking the Rangers to win the West. That’s a lot of expectations to put on a team that finished under .500 last year. 

This team has the talent to do it. Of course, like with every season, a lot has to go right. The Rangers pitching staff has to hold up. But, really, can’t you say that about pretty much every team? Even though the Rangers are relying on older pitchers with histories of arm problems, it’s really no different than what other teams have to worry about. With the epidemic of pitching injuries, it’s not just veteran pitchers a team needs to worry about. Every pitcher at every phase of his career develops arm problems. 

It’s been Houston’s division, having won the West the last seven full seasons in a row. Oakland won in COVID-shortened 2020.

But Kyle Tucker is in Chicago. Alex Bregman is in Boston. Justin Verlander is in San Francisco. And, for some head-scratching reason, Jose Altuve is in right field, where all anyone has to do is hit a line drive just six feet off the ground and he won’t be able to reach it.

Houston appears to be at the end of its run. Seattle is never good enough. Oakland is now in Sacramento, but they did improve a lot over the offseason. And, of course, Los Angeles is saddled with Arte Moreno as an owner. As long as he owns them, they own last place. 

The Rangers have questions, but so does every team. Even the Dodgers. 

These last three days will influence the last two or three spots on the Rangers opening day roster. The rotation isn’t settled. A few spots in the bullpen aren’t settled. Center isn’t settled.

They have three games to figure it out

*****

TODAY’S CACTUS LEAGUE GAMES: 

Kansas City vs Texas, 2:10

Television: Rangers Sports Network, Victory+    Radio: 105.3 FM