Two years ago, the Texas Rangers rode a red-hot powerful lineup and a talented (but middling) pitching staff all the way to winning the World Series.
One year later, the lineup regressed towards the pitching’s level, on the lower tier of the middle. Adolis Garcia and Marcus Semien both hit under .240, and Corey Seager missed time with injuries despite hitting 30 home runs.
Now, in true Bruce Bochy every-other-year fashion, the Rangers look ready to get back to the playoffs. What’s more, given all the turnover on the Astros, Texas should be the arguable favorites to win the AL West this year.