Texas Rangers first half report card
Starting pitching
It all begins with the starters. If your starting pitcher doesn’t go out and keep you in the ballgame, you’re going to have a difficult time winning. The Rangers know this all too well. Regardless of what the offense does, if the starter gives up six runs in the first three innings, hopes go from winning to simply surviving without losing a pitcher (or two) to arm fatigue.
Let’s begin by looking at the Bill James definition of a “quality start.” For a starter to earn a quality start, a pitcher must last at least six innings and allow three earned runs or less. I for one, think that’s a slightly low bar. But at the same time, I believe a line like that will keep a team’s hopes alive in most ballgames.
Rangers starters earned “quality starts” in 42 first half games, equaling 51.9%. The Texas team as a whole has a 35-7 record in those games. Believe it or not, that’s in line with the teams from 2015 & 2016 as well as 2010 and it’s significantly higher than the 1999, ’98 and ’96 teams.
Darvish
Yu Darvish has anchored the rotation with his 3.11 ERA in 17 starts. He’s held opponents to a batting average of just .205 with a .281 OBP. He’s averaged more than nine strikeouts per nine innings pitched. It’s no wonder he’s been selected to represent the Rangers in Miami for the All-Star Game.
Hamels
But for all of Darvish’s successes, Hamels has provided some let-downs. His 4.12 ERA is .61 points higher than his career average in a Texas uniform. He’s struggled to outsmart hitters this season and his pitches aimed at the corner have instead ended up down the middle or way outside the strike zone.
The rest of the rotation
Perhaps his injury could be a factor, as he looked strong against the White Sox his last time out. Maybe that indicates promise for a turnaround for the second half.
Aside from the top two, the rotation has performed pretty much like a back end of a rotation should. That’s why the first half grade is solid, but with clear room for improvement.