When the Rangers win a game, they’re in the playoffs. When they lose, they’re in five teams back from making the playoffs.

That’s how screwy the American League is this year. It’s mediocrity masquerading as parity.

But Joc Pederson predicted the Rangers would make the playoffs this year. And maybe they will. But, really, this is one year where it doesn’t matter. Because someone has to win that third wildcard slot. It’s in baseball’s rulebook. 

So, whether it’s the Rangers (62-64), Twins (62-65), Blue Jays (62-65), Guardians (61-65), Orioles (61-65), or Tigers (61-65), it’s more just a participation trophy than any real reward.

It’s who is the least bad? 

The Rangers came off a disastrous road trip where they went 2-5 against truly weak teams to defeat the Washington Nationals 5-0 at home. It was one of their better games of the year. And it’s really hard to get too excited about it, because they don’t haven’t shown the ability to sustain anything. 

Maybe they will. Maybe Joc Pederson’s prediction comes true. Maybe the Rangers back into that third and final wildcard slot. Would this season be deemed a success?

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