Linkin’ Park: Lurking Around The Web For You

The door closed on the Rangers’ chances at a division title on Monday with an ugly 11-0 loss in Anaheim. Last night, the Red Sox shut the window too. Had Boston lost their final six contests and the Rangers won out, Texas could’ve snuck into October as the wild card team in a scenario ESPN gave a 0.1 percent chance of happening. But the Rangers didn’t take long in extinguishing that option.

Just a night after the Angels celebrated their third straight A.L. West title right in front of them, Texas did what seemed all but a formality for the last week — they officially eliminated themselves from playoff contention. And now there’s not much left to do but commend the team for their most successful season in years and look to the future.

Probably the biggest question in need of an answer moving forward is who the Rangers will retain in the offseason. Both Marlon Byrd and Pudge Rodriguez figure to qualify as type-B free agents, meaning the Rangers would get compensated for losing either as long as they offer them arbitration. But Byrd, coming off a career year, will be looking for a big contract which could make it tough for the cash-strapped Rangers to bring him back, despite the fact that a few players are already publicly hoping for his return.

Even if the Rangers find the money to re-sign Byrd, Jamey Newberg wonders if essentially fielding the same team will yield any improvement for a sub-par offense. While Texas was right in the middle in the A.L. in runs scored — 7th out of 14 teams — they were 12th in on-base percentage and dead last in strikeouts. That’s led to even more speculation about Milton Bradley’s possible return to Arlington, especially with Josh Hamilton’s questionable health and Julio Borbon questionable readiness in center field. While the two years and $21 million left on Bradley’s contract could be a barrier to his acquisition, the Rangers surely haven’t forgotten the career best-.999 OPS he posted here last season.

On the mound, an improved pitching performance in 2009 was an encouraging sign for Texas, but there are still plenty of uncertainties regarding the pitching staff for next year. Derek Holland, who’s hoping to finish his rookie season strong tonight, figures to be in the rotation to start 2010, but he’ll have to drastically improve his 6.14 ERA to stay there. Scott Feldman will be under heavy scrutiny after a breakout season, and Kevin Millwood will be playing for a contract for the second straight year. But perhaps the biggest question regarding the roation is whether or not Neftali Feliz will be a part of it. After a mid-season switch into a reliever’s role in triple-A, Feliz dominated major league hitting with a 1.80 ERA in 30 innings out of the bullpen. But there’s no doubt his talents could help the Rangers more if he could provide 200+ innings as a starter if he could handle he switch. And the fact that the front office views Feliz as a potential future ace bodes well for his chances to earn at least a few starts in 2010.