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Just a few seasons ago, the Texas Rangers were one strike away from winning the club’s first World Series, and it appeared like the franchise had a perennial winner in place for years to come.
My, how things have changed.
Potentially devastating news that their ace, Yu Darvish, is leaning toward opting for Tommy John surgery to alleviate issues with his elbow came across the wire this afternoon. If this was to occur, it would clearly curb any hopes GM Jon Daniels and company had to compete once again in a tough AL West.
Last season, fellow Japanese hurler, New York Yankees RHP Masahiro Tanaka, was in a similar spot, but chose to avoid surgery and instead rehab the injury. Amazingly, it worked, as he was able to return to make a few starts near the end of the season. However, every case is different, and although many will clamor for Darvish to attempt the same, it appears he’s prepared to take the plunge into the depths of Tommy John surgery as soon as possible.
Let’s be honest, the Rangers have had terrible luck over the past year or so — Shin Soo Choo demanded a ridiculously inflated contract for someone with his skill set and underperformed during his first campaign in Texas, and Prince Fielder could either end up being the best or worst trade in MLB history. However, one thing is for certain — without Darvish’s presence every fifth day as one of the most dominating aces MLB has seen in recent memory, it really doesn’t matter what anyone else does, as the season would be as good as over as we speak here on Mar. 7.
Timothy Downs is a Staff Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him on Twitter @Tidow1212.
