Is our problem in the dugout? Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The “ex” in that title is really unfortunate, isn’t it? Because, if there is anything your Texas Rangers could use these days, it’s offense. The funny thing is, as a team, the Rangers are hitting .257; which is probably not as bad as you thought it was, and .257 is good enough for 6th in the American League.

So what’s the problem? The problem is that we’ve only scored 177 runs all year; 3rd WORST in the American League.

Now, let’s get back to those powerhouses (term used quite loosely for dramatic effect).

Check this out this look at Ian Kinsler, Nelson Cruz, and David Murphy in their final three years with the Rangers:

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And now their first year with their new teams:

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Kins is hitting .316?! Nelly has 13 home runs?!

Are we just cursed to have players on the verge of breakout seasons leave? Is the Curse of Nolan Ryan real? Or does Ian Kinsler actually have Jon Daniels voodoo doll?

To question 1: This could definitely be coincidence. And sometimes players just need a change of scenery to jump start their bats.

To question 2: Nolan wouldn’t curse us! He loves us (well all of us not named Jon Daniels)! Also…he’s a stand-up guy. (We still don’t like you Robin Ventura!)

To question 3: Ian Kinsler may play with dolls. But I doubt he knows voodoo.

So what am I getting at? Well…maybe the bigger issue here is the Texas Rangers coaching staff and the development of their players. Think about it, this hasn’t been one guy this year, one guy last year. This has happened on a consistent basis. I’m sure you remember Chris Davis’ performance in Baltimore last year. Heck, even Scott Feldman is pitching well. Imagine that!

It’s easy to call this all a coincidence; it’s also illogical.

I suspect that something isn’t right with how these guys are being groomed or handled within the organization. Now, I’m not talking about whether or not you agree with Wash’s pitching changes, or even the roster moves Jon Daniels makes; although that stuff plays a role too.

I’m talking about the stuff that goes on in the clubhouse, during infield practice, and BP every day before any of us are at the park to watch.

Maybe Wash’s “player’s manager” demeanor doesn’t work for a lot of guys. Sure it works for veteran leader types, but some guys might just need more structure. This isn’t all on Wash, his staff has work to do too.

But, I’ll add one more thing and that’s this: I’m not the only one that’s thinking this. I’m sure many of you are and so was Jon Daniels at the end of last season. Surely you remember JD cleaning house a little?

Maybe there’s a little more cleanup necessary. Maybe not. It’s hard to gauge where this team WOULD have been minus our 2456156 injuries.

But man…those 21 home runs and 84 RBI from Kins, Nelly, and Murph would be nice right now.

Waaahhh…

Oh well, time to pull ourselves together, game time is in ten minutes!

45 down, 117 to go.

Your Texas Rangers are 21-24.