Texas Rangers Weekly Report 25: End of season awards

The Texas Rangers finally made it to the end of a long, grueling season on Sunday, losing their final series of 2021 against the Indians (soon to be Guardians).

With 102 losses, it was the team’s worst season since 1973. We were also dealt a blow this week with the news that Rangers super fan John “Zonk” Lanzillo Jr. passed away at the age of 88.

On a lighter note, though, here are some awards I want to hand out to some of the Rangers players that stood out during the season.

Texas Rangers MVP: Adolis Garcia, “El Bombi”

Adolis Garcia was really the true MVP of this young Rangers team. He was the “Energizer Bunny” that kept the team’s spirit going. Garcia also set some team records during his rookie season.

• HR: 31 1st overall
• TB: 264 1st overall
• XBH: 59 2nd overall
• RBI: 90 1st overall
• OF Assists: 16 1st overall
• Hits 141: 3rd overall

He also made a really good catch against the Angels that Ranger fans wished Nelson Cruz made during the 2011 World Series.

If he is not the AL Rookie of the Year by a mile, I would like to know why the voters didn’t vote for him. I understand some reporters tend to vote for the rookie they cover, but you can’t ignore what Adolis Garcia has done this year.

Texas Rangers Biggest Surprise: D.J. Peters “Winter Soldier”

DJ Peters was acquired by the Rangers on waivers after the trade deadline. He provided some extra offense for this young Rangers roster in the second half of the year.

Also, Peters provided some really good robberies in the outfield that had fans rewinding their TVs just to see it again.

Based on how good Peters played in the last half of the season, he will most likely be on the 2022 Opening Day roster.

Texas Rangers Biggest Disappointment: Kohei Arihara

Early on in the season, it looked like the Rangers found their new Yu Darvish. Not too far into the campaign, though, Arihara injured his throwing hand and missed most of the year. Based on the really good pitching depth in the minors, he has to do well in 2022 Spring Training to make the roster again.

After Thoughts

It was a tough season for the Texas Rangers, and for us, the fans. It’s not fun to lose. But the future is bright and things should improve soon. With the exciting play with the prospects this year and the upcoming off-season, it will be interesting to see what the Rangers do. Whatever happens, we’re ready for it.

Stay tuned to Nolan Writin’ for all of your Texas Rangers offseason coverage from free agency to the beginning of spring training.

Texas Rangers: Adolis Garcia show is just getting started

Adolis Garcia won the AL Rookie of the Month Award for May 2021, becoming the first Texas Rangers player to do so since Nomar Mazara in 2016.