Rangers Starters (the #5 Spot)

The Rotation as of Today:
#1: Millwood
#2: Padilla
#3: McCarty
#4: Tejeda
#5: Wright

Loe is going to work out of the bullpen, as is Chen. I know for Loe, that is going to be OK, since the #5 isn't going to pitch but three times in April, so Loe may get more work from the bullpen than the #5 spot. Also, I know that Loe hates - HATES sitting on the bench and twiddling his thumbs. He'd much rather be pitching. He's told me that he's been torn about pitching from the bullpen and starting in the past due to the bullpen work allows him to pitch in a more "day to day" basis, whereas starting allows him to be more of a leader for the team (gives him a certain feeling of satisfaction).

What has been talked about is since the #5 spot isn't necessary for the next week or so, Chen's contract has been renegotiated to a lower contract which the Rangers picked up. His orginal contract was for 1.1 Million and his new contract is $600,000; a considerable amount less. It also allows for the Rangers to send him down to the minors, although he would have to clear waivers, which might not happen. It would appear the Rangers are going to keep Chen on until April 13th, when they call up Eric Gagne. That is my personal guess. No speculation in the Newspapers. We'll see.

Wright is here for the time being. Since he punched his card the longest of the three, he gets the first call to start, although Loe pitched the best. (I personally think Loe picked his position to start or pitch out of the bullpen for April - I don't know, but I think they might have given him the option and he took the one most attraction to him, the one with the most action and innings.) After April, I am willing to bet to see that Wright will move to the bullpen and Loe move into the starting role. That has been the rumor mill around town, and it makes the most sense. Wright and Loe could also settle into the roles in which they are given and dominate respectively. Who really knows what the season will bring, but the season itself. It does look excited.

I'm so HAPPY baseball is here!!!