5 Reasons the Blue Jays Shouldn’t Fear the Rangers

Sep 28, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers second baseman Rougned Odor (12) cannot field the ball hit by Detroit Tigers third baseman Andrew Romine (not pictured) during the third inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Defense

The Blue Jays have had the benefit of seeing highlight reel plays from every member of the starting 9. The Rangers, not so much. This season the Rangers committed 119 Errors which ranks them third in the league. The Blue Jays on the other hand are tied for Nineteenth with the playoff bound Mets and Royals with 88 Errors for the year. The Rangers’ offense score runs often, but the frequency of their defense is much scarcer.

Toronto Blue Jays

Taking it a step further, the Defensive Efficiency Rating (DER) for the Rangers is a lack luster .689 which ranks them 17^th in the Majors. The Blue Jays are tied for first with an impressive .908. DER is a statistical tool that compares the efficiency that balls hit in play (not Home Runs) to how they are handled. Thus a team like the Jays, that has been defensive juggernaut of late, not surprisingly is at the top of the list.

The Rangers’ team just isn’t particularly savvy at playing solid defense. Normally fantastic defenders, Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus are responsible for 39 Errors overall. Add in Rougned Odor’s 17 at second and the trio of Ranger’s infielders committed 56 of the team total. That’s near half. Add in the defensive limitations of often injured Josh Hammilton and Shin Soo Choo, and it’s clear to see that the Rangers won’t be laying it out there. Like we see Pillar, Revere, and Goins do daily.

This isn’t to say they can’t get the job done, they often do. But there is a clear disparity between the two teams and their ability and willingness to go all in. Look at Donaldson feverishly trying to run out the ball to first during the 14-5 blowout last month in Arlington. I don’t think we’ll see Hammilton or Fielder be doing that anytime soon. Speaking of big bats…

Next: How great is that offense?