February 6, 2015
Numerous injuries derailed the 2014 Texas Rangers. Texas finished with an embarrassing 67-95 record and ownership dismissed manager Ron Washington. Prior to the 2014 season, Texas made an aggressive trade by sending second baseman Ian Kinsler to Detroit for first baseman Prince Fielder. Fielder, who suffered an early season neck injury, appeared in just 42 games while newly signed outfielder Shin Soo-Choo only appeared in 123 games. First baseman Mitch Moreland suffered an ankle injury and only appeared in 52 games. First year manager Jeff Banister will be tasked with righting the ship and the front office has added pitching depth to help the process. Texas traded for Yovani Gallardo, who should solidify the middle of Texas’s rotation. Banister can rely upon third baseman Adrian Beltre, who has become the team’s cornerstone. Beltre, who is entering the final year of his five-year, $80 million contract, has carried the offense for the last few seasons. Despite not having a lot of lineup protection, Beltre posted a .324 batting average and a career-high .388 on-base percentage in 2014. Having Fielder and Choo in the lineup will take a lot of pressure off of Beltre and provide more RBI opportunities.
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On TicketIQ, the average price on the secondary market for Rangers Opening Day tickets is $402.32 while the get-in price is $86. Ticket prices for Opening Day 2015 are the highest over the last five Opening Days at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
| Year |
Opponent |
Avg Price |
Get-in Price |
| 2015 |
HOU |
$402.32 |
$86.00 |
| 2014 |
PHI |
$198.58 |
$47.00 |
| 2013 |
LAA |
$192.13 |
$52.00 |
| 2012 |
CWS |
$236.66 |
$78.00 |
| 2011 |
BOS |
$246.85 |
$73.00 |
| 2010 |
TOR |
$148.69 |
$40.00 |
Higher ticket prices are directly tied to Texas’s new rivalry with the Houston Astros. Houston is entering its third season as a member of the American League West. Unlike Houston, Texas has stability at the top of its rotation with Yu Darvish and Derek Holland. The middle of Texas’s order is stacked with power as Fielder and Beltre should have many opportunities to drive in runs. The 2014 season was forgettable for fans, so expectations are high for a bounce back season.
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