http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/02/texas-rangers-starter-matt-harrison-having-renewed-back-issues-will-have-mri.html/

this is not looking good

Dead stick

With this rotation already being fragile and his history from last season, how is it that this is just NOW being discovered a month before the season?

I said at the time last year he'd never pitch again. This isn't the kind of injury you ever really rally from, ever.

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I said at the time last year he'd never pitch again. This isn't the kind of injury you ever really rally from, ever.

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Randy Johnson says "Hello"

I think you don't truly simulate the stress of pitching during the off season. Especially coming back from what he was coming back from.

I'm hoping it is just the result of scare tissue. I'm usually the optimist, but at this point, I'm not going to expect him to pitch this season.

The link also noted Scheppers with some stiffness, as well.

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Scheppers has had his own back stiffness to start camp and has not yet thrown to hitters. He reported some improvement on Thursday, but will only play catch. He, too, seems destined to be at least a week behind the others.

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Injury is as much a part of the game as anything else... it is also an excuse some could use for not winning.

So, we have:
* Darvish - slimmer, improved and motivated by Tanaka's contract.
* Perez - with plenty of distractions about unrest at home.

* Ogando - desires to be a SP... can he remain healthy.

*

From the article:

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Yu Darvish and Martin Perez would be the only ones guaranteed jobs

Alexi Ogando not far behind.

Colby Lewis (coming back from hip surgery)
Tommy Hanson (coming back from a big drop in velocity)
Nick Tepesch (coming back from arm issues)

or relievers Robbie Ross and Tanner Scheppers, who are trying to convert from the bullpen.

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Colby returning IMO is a long-shot
Hanson would seem a likely candidate.

Not sure Tepesch's issues but... dang... remember SP was our strength?! Need a FA signing, IMO, but there isn't much on the table. TONS of FAs after 2014 that are solid options. Maybe a trade?!

I would like to see them stretch out Feliz again. I think that he provides the team the best chance at a quality #3 come September when hopefully Darvish and Holland going strong. Ogando has had success the first time through the opponents lineup but has a history of trailing off in the second half. I also have concerns about Perez having a sophmore slump.

Damn

I wish Lewis could get back.

Holland getting hurt with his doggie was really bad news.

Not sure Nefti wants to move back into the rotation. I have reads lots that he likes being the closer. I think he excelled at it. (Not that I don't wish we still had Nathan and some more flexibility, but not at his asking price.)

GIG 'EM - Class of '93