How close do you think the Texas Rangers are to becoming a contender

They can close the deal if they bring back Nolan Ryan as pitcher.

They are about the same chances as the mariners, and they dont have the best chance. Wait until their rookie and new players mature, and they will be a contender

Watch out for the Rangers this season, they wil surprise a lot of people.

They are about 3 good starting pitchers and 1 good reliever away.

If they can get a good pitcher theyll do ok

They will finish in second place again, which is right behind first place. Does that count?

*spreads arms far apart* . they are THIS close.

Wait until at least 2010. The Rangers r not looking to acquire any big names this offseason,so they will have to wait for the young core of talent to develop, since they easily have a top five farm system.

They may go into next season rebuilding, since they're looking to cut salary. That could mean losing Milton Bradley & Michael Young.

By 2010, top prospects such as SS Elvis Andrus, RHP Neftali Feliz, maybe 1B Justin Smoak, RHP Eric Hurley, & other will be major league ready.

This goes along with Chris Davis, Jarrod Saltalammacchia, & even Ian Kinsler will have progressed.

By 2010 or 2011, they should be in contention for a long time.

if they could only develop some good pitching, l could see them doing what the Indians did in the mid 90's. Very potent line-up.but alas, where is the pitching. Possibly on the way, if some of their young pitchers pan out.
l am a Ranger is fan, but also a realist. 2008 l see them finishing around .500 again, but in 2009 and 2010, l think they may be really contending, but anything could happen. Hopefully they will contend again.