Think about it, it was only over a year ago that the Texas Rangers were in the World Series for the 2nd time in as many years. Even though they lost in the Fall Classic each trip, the Rangers were still the favorite to do it again next season.
2012 came around and the Rangers started off in good shape. Their offense was scoring runs and Hamilton was was already in early Triple Crown talks.
But in the 2nd half the Rangers struggled down the stretch and it wasn't the Angels but insted the Oakland Athletics that fought until the end and captured the AL West crown for Texas.
The Rangers still made the playoffs but as a wild card where the ended up in a 1-game playoff vs Baltimore which they lost 5-1 in Arlington.
As the off season came around, Star slugger Josh Hamilton became a free-agent and was sought after by many teams. in the end, the Rangers werent willing to commit long term to Hamilton and not only did he leave Texas, but he went on to sign with the Rangers arch rival Los Angeles Angels on a 5-year, $125M deal.
On top of that, the Rangers lost big bat cather Mike Napoli who signed with the Boston Redsox to go along with Micheal Young who was trade by Texas to the Phillies.
The Rangers went on a strong push to aquire top free-agent pitcher Zack Greinke, but he also landed in LA with the Dodgers. After having high hopes of being able to trade for James Sheilds, the Rays dealt him to Kansas City. Texas also set their sights on trying to get the D-Backs OF Justin Upton, he was insted traded to go play with his brother BJ in Atlanta.
So do they go now? Their only big pickup this winter has been RP Joakim Soria who wont even be ready to pitch until May.
With their star players gone. Their offseason wishlist sold out, whats next for the Rangers and when will they be back on top in the AL and ready to contend with Josh Hamilton and the Angels. Only time will tell.
Follow me on Twitter, @GavinEwbank2013.
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