A Way-Too-Early Rangers State of the Union

OK, it's only five days after Opening Day, but I still have some big-picture observations on the state of the Texas Rangers. The Rangers took two of three from the Phillies and dropped a game at Tampa Bay to arrive at 2-2. Here we go:

• Health is about to save the rotation: Yu Darvish will start Sunday. Colby Lewis is targeting April 11. Matt Harrison has a goal of April 23. Thank ... goodness. Here's an idea: Joe Saunders never pitches another game in a Rangers uniform. After one start Friday (3.2 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB, 4K), I'm not interested in asking for a second date. It's just not meant to be. The jury's still out on rookie Nick Martinez, but he'll likely only pitch on Saturday before being demoted. A rotation with Saunders and Martinez misses the playoffs. A rotation of Darvish, Martin Perez, Harrison, Lewis and Robbie Ross/Tanner Scheppers (and Derek Holland by midseason) can win the division. 
• Adrian Beltre is our most important offensive player: Even at age 35, this dude is still Mr. Clutch. His glove remains legendary, and his plate presence is still intimidating. I'm coming around to hitting Fielder third and Beltre cleanup, even though I would have done it the other way around before the season started. Beltre is off to a .357 start. 
• Left-handed relief is a big concern: After Texas moved Ross to the rotation, Neal Cotts remained the only trustworthy left-handed reliever on the team. Pedro Figueroa has heat, but he doesn't have the control to be a long-term bullpen asset. Hope I'm wrong. 
• Pictures are fun: Here are a few sweet shots from Tuesday's 3-2 victory over Philadelphia, courtesy of my brother Dave:

Photos courtesy of David Sorrentino

• Walk it Out: Both Ranger victories have been of the walk-off variety, leading me to think that we'll be in for some close calls and edge-of-your-seat games in the late innings this year.
• Walk it Out, pt. II: Shin Shoo-Choo's walk-up song is DJ Snake & Lil Jon - "Turn Down for What." That's just awesome.
• Blazing trails: Alex Rios is crushing the ball, hitting .400 through the first four games. Even his outs seem like they're roped. Leonys Martin also looks dialed in with a .400 average. It's really early - but this is encouraging. 
• Breakout for Perez? I hope 2014 is the year Martin Perez breaks out. His first start was nice (5.2 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 7 Ks). If his strikeouts increase like this, he could be a dangerous pitcher. 

So far, so decent, I suppose. I'm just glad baseball is back.