ESPN put up their 2006 projections going into the off-season. Where are the Rangers placed?

19. Texas Rangers: The question: Will new, young GM Jon Daniels pull the trigger? As always, the Rangers need pitching in the worst way. Kenny Rogers, their best pitcher in '05, won't be back. Unless they trade from their surplus of bats (Soriano?) for an established starter or two, Texas will struggle again to reach .500.

Ouch.

Obviously this is premature, but at this stage, I'm inclined to think this is about where the '06 Rangers will end up if they don't acquire some decent pitching. It also reinforces my belief that placing a high priority on Manny Ramirez or additional offense would be a fool's errand.

Also, note the similarities between the Rangers and the Reds, who come in at #28.