\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"_Here is T.R. Sullivan’s ranking of the top 5 right-handed starting pitchers in Rangers history. Next week: left-handed starters._\n\n• **Rangers' all-time team:** C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | LF | CF | RF | DH\n\n**1)** Nolan Ryan**, 1989-93** \n_Key fact: Two no-hitters, his 5,000th strikeout and 300th win were all achieved while with the Rangers._\n\nRyan made 129 starts over five years for the Rangers and was 42 when he started pitching for them. During those five years, opponents hit .197 off him, the lowest among qualifying Major League pitchers in that stretch. He also led with 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings and had a 1.13 WHIP that was the fifth lowest.\n\nRyan’s penultimate start came against the Angels on Sept. 17, 1993, in Anaheim. At the age of 46, Ryan went seven innings and allowed one unearned run and four hits with five strikeouts and no walks.\n\nIn his final outing against the Mariners, he allowed six batters to reach base, gave up five runs and did not record an out before leaving with what was determined to be a torn ligament in his right elbow.\n\nFuture Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley said it best: “It was almost like he had to have his arm ripped off to stop pitching.”","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"1991-05-02T00:05:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2015/04/30/mlbtv_tortex_95738483_3gpp_128K.3gp","type":"video","description":"5/1/1991: Rangers pitcher Nolan Ryan strikes out Roberto Alomar to complete his seventh career no-hitter","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:01","slug":"ryan-completes-seventh-no-hitter-c95738483","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-141","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 141","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-121597","title":"Nolan Ryan","person":{"__ref":"Person:121597"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-application-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_APPLICATION_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-140","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 140","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-vtp-1990","title":"HBmig 1990s","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-140","title":"Texas Rangers","team":{"__ref":"Team:140"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-140","title":"HBmig Texas Rangers","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-top-play","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_TOP_PLAY","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-facebook-inline","title":"HBmig Facebook Inline","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"no-hitter","title":"no-hitter","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"pitching","title":"pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/irmfk9hww6hkdocnijkk"},"title":"Ryan completes seventh no-hitter","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/ryan-completes-seventh-no-hitter-c95738483"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**2)** Charlie Hough**, 1980-90** \n_Key fact: All-time Rangers leader in wins, innings pitched, games started, strikeouts, complete games and almost every other major category._\n\nThere was an afternoon at Arlington Stadium in 1986 when Hough walked past manager Bobby Valentine’s office. An All-Star that season, Hough had pitched the night before, earning one of his 17 wins.\n\n“Charlie, we need to talk about when you are going to pitch again,” Valentine called out.\n\n“When do you want me to pitch?” Hough asked.\n\n“Tomorrow,” Valentine said.\n\nOne day rest? Maybe the manager was joking. Maybe not. Hough shrugged.\n\n“I played golf today, but OK,” Hough said.\n\nHough may be the shrewdest acquisition in Rangers history. He had been a valuable reliever for the Dodgers from 1973-78, pitching in three World Series. He appeared to be on the downhill when Texas general manager Eddie Robinson purchased his contract on July 11, 1980.\n\nSpecial assistant Paul Richards lobbied for the acquisition. Hough worked out of the Rangers’ bullpen until given a chance by Robinson and manager Don Zimmer to start at the end of the 1981 season.\n\nHough made five starts and went 4-1 with a 1.83 ERA and two complete games. He spent the next nine seasons in the Rangers’ rotation, averaging 15 wins and 240 innings a year. He had a 3.70 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, and Texas had four winning seasons in Hough’s 11 years with the club.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"1989-04-05T00:05:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2015/01/30/mlbtv_dettex_37188363_3gpp_128K.3gp","type":"video","description":"4/4/89: Rangers pitcher Charlie Hough strikes out Chris Brown for the final out of his shutout on Opening Day","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:21","slug":"hough-gets-shutout-c37188363","tags":[{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-116176","title":"Charlie Hough","person":{"__ref":"Person:116176"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-140","title":"Texas Rangers","team":{"__ref":"Team:140"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-140","title":"HBmig Texas Rangers","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-vtp-1980","title":"HBmig 1980s","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-140","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 140","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-116","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 116","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"pitching","title":"pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"opening-day","title":"Opening Day","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/eiwuz5cttrrnppxamhsz"},"title":"Hough gets shutout","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/hough-gets-shutout-c37188363"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**3)** Fergie Jenkins**, 1974-75, ‘78-81** \n_Key fact: Jenkins was 25-12 with a 2.82 ERA in '74. Those 25 wins, 328 innings pitched and 29 complete games are Rangers records that fall in the “never to be broken” category._\n\nRangers fans insist that Jenkins should have been the American League Cy Young Award winner in 1974, an award that ended up going to Catfish Hunter.\n\nBoth pitchers went 25-12 in 41 starts. Jenkins pitched 10 more innings with one more complete game. Hunter had a 2.49 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP, while Jenkins finished with a 2.82 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Jenkins had more strikeouts (225 to 143) and led the league with 1.2 walks per nine innings and five strikeouts per walk.\n\nHunter pitched for an Oakland team that won a third straight World Series. The second-place Rangers were 84-76 after going 57-105 the year before. Acquiring Jenkins from the Cubs was a big reason why the Rangers had that stunning turnaround.\n\nHunter won the award, receiving 12 of 24 first-place votes. Jenkins earned 10, while Gaylord Perry (Indians) and Ryan (Angels) each received one. Now, with all the analytics available, a case could be made for either Perry or Bert Blyleven winning that year.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2016-12-14T20:11:14Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2016/12/14/1216000783/1481746131913/asset_450K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Christopher Russo remembers the 1977 trade that sent Fergie Jenkins back to the Rangers from the Red Sox","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:13","slug":"turn-back-time-jenkins-trade-c1216000783","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-feature","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_FEATURE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-mlbn-high-heat","title":"HBmig High Heat","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-116522","title":"Fergie Jenkins","person":{"__ref":"Person:116522"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-2016","title":"HBmig 2016","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-network","title":"MLB Network","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/er3awb26v0jreqsrpghq"},"title":"Turn Back Time: Jenkins Trade","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/turn-back-time-jenkins-trade-c1216000783"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**4)** Colby Lewis**, 2002-04, ‘10-16** \n_Key fact: Had a 4-1 record with a 3.11 ERA in nine starts and one relief appearance for the Rangers in postseason play._\n\nRyan, Hough and Jenkins are the top three right-handed starters in club history. Who are the next two?\n\nTexas has had 42 right-handers make at least 50 starts. In that group, Lewis ranks 32nd with a 4.62 ERA as a starter. A 1.32 WHIP? That ranks 24th. Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP)? He ranks 22nd.\n\nSo why is he fourth on this list?\n\nBecause he helped the Rangers win four division titles. Plain and simple. Rick Helling, Aaron Sele, Ken Hill, John Burkett, Bobby Witt … all of them don’t have dazzling analytics while with the club. But they were the ones who helped the Rangers to the postseason.\n\nLewis is the best of the bunch. To the victors go the spoils.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2016-06-16T19:35:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2016/06/16/822115583/1466120708784/asset_1200K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Colby Lewis flirts with a perfect game through 7 2/3 innings and a no-hitter through the 8th, then settles for a complete-game win","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:02:49","slug":"lewis-flirts-with-no-no-c822115583","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-mm-hightlight-reel","title":"HBmig Highlight Reel","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-140","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 140","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-2016","title":"HBmig 2016","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-140","title":"Texas Rangers","team":{"__ref":"Team:140"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-140","title":"HBmig Texas Rangers","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-133","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 133","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-application-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_APPLICATION_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-top-play","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_TOP_PLAY","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-407890","title":"Colby Lewis","person":{"__ref":"Person:407890"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-strikeout","title":"HBmig Strikeout","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"pitching","title":"pitching","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/fotieafykf7okdfwgdy0"},"title":"Lewis flirts with no-no","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/lewis-flirts-with-no-no-c822115583"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**5)** Kevin Brown**, 1986-94** \n_Key fact: Only Rangers pitcher to start an All-Star Game (1992)_\n\nBest pitches in Rangers history?\n\n**Fastball:** Ryan \n**Sinker:** Brown \n**Changeup:** Ryan \n**Curveball:** Blyleven \n**Slider:** Yu Darvish \n**Knuckleball:** Hough \n**Splitter:** Perry\n\nBrown’s 98-mph sinker may be No. 1 on that list, just ahead of the Blyleven curve and Darvish slider.\n\nBrown, the No. 4 overall pick in the 1986 MLB Draft, won 21 games and pitched 265 innings for the Rangers in 1992, the best of six full seasons in Texas. He largely underachieved, though, especially compared to his terrific work later with the Marlins, Padres and Dodgers.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":"Photography","format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/mdt8blyeifc1r0pi2ryh","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**Others receiving consideration** \nHelling is the most underrated player in Rangers history. Forget his numbers -- he pitched in the middle of the steroids era … Blyleven was a great acquisition for the Rangers in 1976, but he was traded away in ’77 … Perry deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, but not for what he did in his short time in Texas … Dick Bosman was the best of the Washington Senators pitchers ... A much longer story could be written about Darvish’s time in Texas. He pitched well when healthy, but losing time due to Tommy John surgery was a huge blow.","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/rangers-all-time-best-right-handed-starters","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"No one loves a good debate quite like baseball fans, and with that in mind, we asked each of our beat reporters to rank the top five players by position in the history of their franchise, based on their career while playing for that club. These rankings are for fun","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"season-2020","title":"Season 2020","type":"season"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-140","title":"Texas Rangers","team":{"__ref":"Team:140"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"tr-sullivan","title":"T.R. Sullivan","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-121597","title":"Nolan Ryan","person":{"__ref":"Person:121597"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-116176","title":"Charlie Hough","person":{"__ref":"Person:116176"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-116522","title":"Fergie Jenkins","person":{"__ref":"Person:116522"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-407890","title":"Colby Lewis","person":{"__ref":"Person:407890"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-111554","title":"Kevin Brown","person":{"__ref":"Person:111554"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"evergreen","title":"evergreen","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/q8b9tnpf97hwmhyy8nye","title":"Rangers all time best right-handed starters"},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}],"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/mlb/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"mlb-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"mlb-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV Partners","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Tickets","linkUrl":"/all-star/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1721167200;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB at Rickwood Field","linkUrl":"/events/rickwood/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1718924400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1711511940;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sell on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/sell/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=15&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Offers","linkUrl":"/tickets/fan-value","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"VIP Ticket Packages","linkUrl":"/tickets/on-location-experiences","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Students","linkUrl":"/tickets/students","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Tourism","linkUrl":"/tourism","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB World Tour","linkUrl":"/international/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Terms & Conditions","linkUrl":"/tickets/terms-and-conditions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"shopping-cart","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Online Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Auction","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=9mislq-18JnZhOEp-FeGzvUB3G6zxwkeKqwX99MKAttEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-Home","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB NYC Flagship Store","linkUrl":"/shop/nyc-retail-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en?portal=MLTS66FS&CMP=PSC-MLTS66FS","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Store","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rule Changes","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/rule-changes-2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/probable-pitchers/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Report","linkUrl":"/injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"World Baseball Classic","linkUrl":"/world-baseball-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Draft","linkUrl":"/draft/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Game","linkUrl":"/all-star/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Life","linkUrl":"/fans/mlb-life","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Pipeline","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pipeline","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason History","linkUrl":"/postseason/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Great Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/longform","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Watch","linkUrl":"/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"Video","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Search","linkUrl":"/video","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast","linkUrl":"/video/topic/statcast","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]},{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"MLB.TV","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Postseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/postseason","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Postseason Recap","linkUrl":"/postseason/history/2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season","linkUrl":"/schedule/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Postseason","linkUrl":"/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02-20","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team by Team Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/team-by-team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"National Broadcasts","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/national-broadcast-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast Leaders","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_leaderboard","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Statcast","linkUrl":"/statcast","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats/top-prospects?type=all&minPA=1","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings/wild-card","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Youth","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball","linkUrl":"/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball & Softball","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":"group","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Players","linkUrl":"/players","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Prospect Rankings","linkUrl":"/prospects","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Charts","linkUrl":"/team/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Players Association","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbplayers.com","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Negro Leagues","linkUrl":"/history/negro-leagues","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"/play","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=BeatTheStreak2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Immaculate Grid","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ImmaculateGrid2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trivia","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=SporcleTrivia2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pickle","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Pickle2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"By the Numbers","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ByTheNumbers2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diamond Decisions","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=DiamondDecisions2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bingo","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Bingo2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-mlb-2024","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;lang:es;label:Español","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"ES","linkUrl":"/es","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"日本語","linkUrl":"http://www.mlb.jp/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ja"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"한국어","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbkor.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ko"}]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#002D72","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#041E42","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#057AFF","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":null,"headerMastheadTagline":null,"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"56px"}}},"Person:121597":{"__typename":"Person","id":121597},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","id":140,"division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Person:116176":{"__typename":"Person","id":116176},"Person:116522":{"__typename":"Person","id":116522},"Person:407890":{"__typename":"Person","id":407890},"Person:111554":{"__typename":"Person","id":111554},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
No one loves a good debate quite like baseball fans, and with that in mind, we asked each of our beat reporters to rank the top five players by position in the history of their franchise, based on their career while playing for that club. These rankings are for fun and debate purposes only … if you don’t agree with the order, participate in the Twitter poll to vote for your favorite at this position.
Who is the best right-handed starter in Rangers history?....Our choice and the Top 5 will be revealed on Monday...Who do you think? Here are four of the candidates. The Mystery Fifth Starter will be revealed on Monday
1)Nolan Ryan, 1989-93 Key fact: Two no-hitters, his 5,000th strikeout and 300th win were all achieved while with the Rangers.
Ryan made 129 starts over five years for the Rangers and was 42 when he started pitching for them. During those five years, opponents hit .197 off him, the lowest among qualifying Major League pitchers in that stretch. He also led with 10.1 strikeouts per nine innings and had a 1.13 WHIP that was the fifth lowest.
Ryan’s penultimate start came against the Angels on Sept. 17, 1993, in Anaheim. At the age of 46, Ryan went seven innings and allowed one unearned run and four hits with five strikeouts and no walks.
In his final outing against the Mariners, he allowed six batters to reach base, gave up five runs and did not record an out before leaving with what was determined to be a torn ligament in his right elbow.
Future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley said it best: “It was almost like he had to have his arm ripped off to stop pitching.”
2)Charlie Hough, 1980-90 Key fact: All-time Rangers leader in wins, innings pitched, games started, strikeouts, complete games and almost every other major category.
There was an afternoon at Arlington Stadium in 1986 when Hough walked past manager Bobby Valentine’s office. An All-Star that season, Hough had pitched the night before, earning one of his 17 wins.
“Charlie, we need to talk about when you are going to pitch again,” Valentine called out.
“When do you want me to pitch?” Hough asked.
“Tomorrow,” Valentine said.
One day rest? Maybe the manager was joking. Maybe not. Hough shrugged.
“I played golf today, but OK,” Hough said.
Hough may be the shrewdest acquisition in Rangers history. He had been a valuable reliever for the Dodgers from 1973-78, pitching in three World Series. He appeared to be on the downhill when Texas general manager Eddie Robinson purchased his contract on July 11, 1980.
Special assistant Paul Richards lobbied for the acquisition. Hough worked out of the Rangers’ bullpen until given a chance by Robinson and manager Don Zimmer to start at the end of the 1981 season.
Hough made five starts and went 4-1 with a 1.83 ERA and two complete games. He spent the next nine seasons in the Rangers’ rotation, averaging 15 wins and 240 innings a year. He had a 3.70 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, and Texas had four winning seasons in Hough’s 11 years with the club.
3)Fergie Jenkins, 1974-75, ‘78-81 Key fact: Jenkins was 25-12 with a 2.82 ERA in '74. Those 25 wins, 328 innings pitched and 29 complete games are Rangers records that fall in the “never to be broken” category.
Rangers fans insist that Jenkins should have been the American League Cy Young Award winner in 1974, an award that ended up going to Catfish Hunter.
Both pitchers went 25-12 in 41 starts. Jenkins pitched 10 more innings with one more complete game. Hunter had a 2.49 ERA and a 0.99 WHIP, while Jenkins finished with a 2.82 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Jenkins had more strikeouts (225 to 143) and led the league with 1.2 walks per nine innings and five strikeouts per walk.
Hunter pitched for an Oakland team that won a third straight World Series. The second-place Rangers were 84-76 after going 57-105 the year before. Acquiring Jenkins from the Cubs was a big reason why the Rangers had that stunning turnaround.
Hunter won the award, receiving 12 of 24 first-place votes. Jenkins earned 10, while Gaylord Perry (Indians) and Ryan (Angels) each received one. Now, with all the analytics available, a case could be made for either Perry or Bert Blyleven winning that year.
4)Colby Lewis, 2002-04, ‘10-16 Key fact: Had a 4-1 record with a 3.11 ERA in nine starts and one relief appearance for the Rangers in postseason play.
Ryan, Hough and Jenkins are the top three right-handed starters in club history. Who are the next two?
Texas has had 42 right-handers make at least 50 starts. In that group, Lewis ranks 32nd with a 4.62 ERA as a starter. A 1.32 WHIP? That ranks 24th. Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP)? He ranks 22nd.
So why is he fourth on this list?
Because he helped the Rangers win four division titles. Plain and simple. Rick Helling, Aaron Sele, Ken Hill, John Burkett, Bobby Witt … all of them don’t have dazzling analytics while with the club. But they were the ones who helped the Rangers to the postseason.
Lewis is the best of the bunch. To the victors go the spoils.
5)Kevin Brown, 1986-94 Key fact: Only Rangers pitcher to start an All-Star Game (1992)
Best pitches in Rangers history?
Fastball: Ryan Sinker: Brown Changeup: Ryan Curveball: Blyleven Slider: Yu Darvish Knuckleball: Hough Splitter: Perry
Brown’s 98-mph sinker may be No. 1 on that list, just ahead of the Blyleven curve and Darvish slider.
Brown, the No. 4 overall pick in the 1986 MLB Draft, won 21 games and pitched 265 innings for the Rangers in 1992, the best of six full seasons in Texas. He largely underachieved, though, especially compared to his terrific work later with the Marlins, Padres and Dodgers.
Others receiving consideration Helling is the most underrated player in Rangers history. Forget his numbers -- he pitched in the middle of the steroids era … Blyleven was a great acquisition for the Rangers in 1976, but he was traded away in ’77 … Perry deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, but not for what he did in his short time in Texas … Dick Bosman was the best of the Washington Senators pitchers ... A much longer story could be written about Darvish’s time in Texas. He pitched well when healthy, but losing time due to Tommy John surgery was a huge blow.