Many weren’t sure if Nelson Cruz’ showing last season was a mirage. But, he’s proving this season that he is indeed for real. Cruz has played in 44 games for the Rangers this season and he is 48 for 162 (.296 avg, .932 OPS) with 24 runs scored, 12 homers, 32 RBIs and 9 stolen bases. This was a great example of patience paying off as the Rangers almost let Cruz go early last season and they are now reaping the rewards of their decision.

Taylor Teagarden is off to a poor start to the 2009 season for the Texas Rangers. Teagarden has played in 8 games for the Rangers this season and he is 4 for 25 (.160 avg, .410 OPS) with 2 runs scored and 2 RBIs. He has also whiffed a stunning 12 times already this season. The Rangers have recalled 24-year old righty swinging Max Ramirez to replace the injured Josh Hamilton on the roster and he will push Teagarden for his job as the backup catcher. Ramirez has played in 16 games in AAA-ball this year and he is 15 for 64 (.234 avg, .603 OPS) with 9 runs scored, 1 homer and 8 RBIs. He has also had a problem with whiffs as he has went down 25 times already this year. Teagarden better shape up soon or he will wind up back in AAA-ball.

Starting 2B Ian Kinsler has been incredible for the Rangers so far this season. He has played in 23 games for the Rangers and he is 32 for 97 (.330 avg, 1.069 OPS) with 21 runs scored, 8 homers, 23 RBIs and 7 stolen bases. Kinsler is the player that makes the Rangers go and they need him to stay healthy which has been a problem thus far in his major league career. Kinsler is a better player than last years’ MVP in the American League (Dustin Pedroia) so he could make a run for that award this year.

The Rangers have placed Josh Hamilton on the 15-day disabled list with a strained rib cage. Hamilton has played in 18 games this season for the Rangers and he is 16 for 66 (.242 avg, .661 OPS) with 8 runs scored, 2 homers, 10 RBIs and 3 stolen bases. Look for Andruw Jones to get a nice bump in playing time with Hamilton out of action. Jones has played in 12 games for the Rangers this season and he is 12 for 36 (.333 avg, 1.250 OPS) with 12 runs scored, 3 homers and 7 RBIs. The Rangers will miss Hamilton but Jones has been swinging a good bat so the Rangers should be o.k.