MLB Season OPEN

Regardless of how you feel about the baseball season starting in Japan the fact remains that the season is underway. As a life long Texas Rangers fan this spring really does not hold any hope for the upcoming season. I do believe that the team as constructed as some serious holes in the line-up and that the pitching is still developing, but there is a core of players that I truly enjoy watching. Michael Young is one of my favorite players in all of the MLB. Michael works everyday and many people complain about his lack of range at Short, but I disagree compared to what the Rangers have had at Short in the 80s and 90s Young is the second best Short Stop to ever play in Arlington. He's only second to ARod. Some of the other players I cheer for are Kinsler, J. Hamilton, Hank, and Laird. I know many people disagree with me on Blalock and Laird, but I like them. I really think this team is just a few players away from being a legitimate contender. DH is the gap I'm concerned about as the season starts, but if Bradley can be healthy maybe that concern is being addressed. My second concern is the outfield, Marlon Byrd needs to prove that last year was no fluke and then left field platoon of players will need to each play well. I hate having a platoon of players for the outfield and wish there was a defined line up out there. First base is another question, with Saltalamachia being pushed into the catcher position that leaves first wide open. Too bad Adrian Gonzales is in San Diego now. Don't even get me started on that trade....

Pitching is always an issue, Padilla, Gabbard, and McCarthy have a lot to prove in 2008 and if they pitch like last year the Rangers are in for a long season. Padilla has had good years and we need a decent year with more that 15 wins from him. Gabbard and McCarthy need to have at least 10 wins and I expect Jennings and Millwood to have more than 15 wins also. My prediction is that Luis Mendoza will excel and show that he is a 3 or 4 in a 6 man rotation. He will be better than both Gabbard and McCarthy.

I expect the Rangers to have at least 80 wins this season, and could even be sniffing the Division lead late in the season if they can split or win the majority of their series with the Angels and Mariners. I believe the heart is there if they can just perform on the field and if the pitching can stay healthy and play up to their ability.

GO RANGERS!!!!!