DIVISIONAL OUTLOOK: AL West—Decisions loom in TEX

Texas Rangers     

Following a 2012 in which they led the AL in runs, the Rangers are now eighth in AL scoring and seventh in HR, its lowest offensive output in years. Part-timer David Murphy (OF, TEX) had the worst season of his MLB career, and will likely be allowed to walk into free agency. A tough decision must be made on suspended Nelson Cruz (OF, TEX), whose 27 HR is second on the club behind Adrián Béltre, but who will also turn 34 next July. Likewise, 37-year-old free agent A.J. Pierzynski (C, TEX) had a good offensive season (.282 BA, 17 HR) but there is no obvious MLB-ready replacement in the system.

The well-stocked infield looks crowded—with the exception of first base, where the team could look for a right-handed-hitting...

Almost!

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