The Greatest Texas Rangers players by position in the last 50 years

 

I am continuing my list of the greatest players for each team in the last 50 years by position (1B, 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF, C, right-handed, and left-handed starting pitchers, relief pitcher and DH). Criteria is players must have played at least (5) years on team since the 1973 season. Note players who started prior to 1973 can be included, however only what they accomplished since the 73 season will be considered. There were many factors in the selection process. Were they Hall of Famers? Were they consistent? Were they league leaders? Did they win any awards (MVPs, Cy Youngs, gold gloves) and how much post season success did they have? I will be doing 1 team a week. I am now in the American League West. Since the World Series starts tonight, I am going out of order, so today’s team is the Texas Rangers. Here is my list of greatest Rangers players by position since the 1973 season. Note the time and accomplishments are listed only with the Rangers.

·        First Base- Rafael Palmeiro (1989-1993, 199-2003)- Gold glove award winner. 2^nd in HRs for Rangers.

·        Second Base- Julio Franco (1989-1993)- Batting title.307 average with Rangers.

·        Third Base- Adrian Beltre (2011-2018)- 3X Gold Glove award winner with Rangers. 3,000 hits.

·        Shortstop- Michael Young (2000-2012)- Batting title. Gold Glove award winner.

·        Left Field- Rusty Greer (1994-2002)- 3X over 100 RBI.

·        Centerfield- Josh Hamilton (2008-2012)- MVP, ALCS MVP, Batting title.

·        Right Field- Juan Gonzalez (1989-1999)- 2X MVP, 2X HR leader.

·        Catcher- Ivan Rodriguez (1991-2002)- HOF MVP, 10X Gold Glove award winner with Rangers.

·        Designated Hitter- Nelson Cruz (2006-2013)- ALCS MVP.  

·        Right-handed starting pitcher- Fergie Jenkins (1974-1975, 1978-1981)- HOF

·        Left-handed starting pitcher- Kenny Rogers (1989-1995, 2000-2002, 2004-2005)- 4X Gold Glove award winner. Perfect game. 2^nd all time in wins for Rangers.

·        Relief pitcher- Jeff Russell (1985-1992, 1995-1996)- 2^nd All-time saves leader for Rangers.

Notes. The Rangers have had some great players in their history which led to some difficult choices. At first base, Mark Texiera was considered, but he did not reach the 5-year criteria (played 4 full seasons with the Rangers). At second base, Ian Kinsler had played longer. But, I went with Franco, who had some terrific seasons during his 5 years with the Rangers (including winning a batting title). At Shortstop, Alex Rodriguez won an MVP, but only played 3 seasons with the Rangers. Young was the obvious choice. Third base was a tough decision between Buddy Bell and Beltre. Bell was a terrific third baseman who won 6 gold gloves with the Rangers, but he his offensive numbers could not compare to Beltre. Left field was one of the most challenging positions to select. The Rangers have not had many great left fielders in their history. It was between David Murphy and Greer. Although Murphy was part of the Rangers 2 WS teams in 2010 and 2012, Greer had the better numbers. Hamilton and Gonzalez were MVPs. Rodriguez is a HOF. Right-handed starting pitcher may have been the most difficult position to select. I had to choose between Jenkins and another Hall of Famer Nolan Ryan. Although Ryan had some good years for the Rangers (including pitching 2 no hitters in his 40s), I had to give the nod to Jenkins, who had more terrific seasons (winning 16 or more games in 4 of his 6 seasons with the Rangers, including winning 25 in 1974). The Rangers closer with the most saves all time is John Wetteland, but he only pitched 4 seasons with them. 

Next up, I will look at the other World Series team, the Arizona Diamondbacks.