Chickens on the Run: 2009 Ranger Predictions

It's early. The Rangers haven't even played a pre-season game just yet.

**Pre-Season Predictions**
Predictor	Wins	Loses
Josh Hamilton	90	72
Nolan Ryan	86	76
Johnny Ray	82	80
Jenny Ray	70	92

I just want the Rangers to finish over 500... so I settled with a 82-80 record. Hosh Hamilton says the Rangers can even win 95 games this year, but I went with his lowest number, 90 wins. Jenny Ray, my wife, said she put the expectations low so that if the Rangers do better, see will be pleasantly surprised. I gave her a little "boo" when she told me 70 wins. Nolan Ryan says the Rangers should win at least eight more than last year, which they won 79 games... that give the Rangers 86 wins. If you have any guesses for the Rangers 2009 season, let me know. I can add them to the list. I need the quesstimate before the regular season starts.

Another Prediction

**Possible Rotation**
Position	Name
Ace	Kevin Millwood
#2	Vicente Padilla
#3	Matt Harrison
#4	Scott Feldman
#5	Brandon McCarthy
Long	Kason Gabbard
Set-Up	CJ Wilson
Closer	Frank Francisco

There can be some variations of this, but it looks like this would be the rotation going into the season. Eric Hurley would be in here, however, he is out for the season with an injury. Ben Sheets could figure in here later in the season if: the Rangers sign him. That would be the only requirement. Still, Paul Byrd is still out there, along with Pedro, Kenny Rogers, Mark Mulder, and Orlando Hernandez. Some of those names look better than others, but if signed, could be a spark in the rotation.

**Possible Lineup**
Position	Name
#1	Ian Kinsler, 2B
#2	David Murphy, LF
#3	Michael Young, 3B
#4	Josh Hamilton, CF
#5	Hank Blalock, DH
#6	Chris Davis, 1B
#7	Marlon Byrd, RF
#8	Saltalamacchia, C
#9	Elvis Andrus, SS

There are plenty of possiblities for this one. First off, Omar Vizquel could be in for shortstop instead of Elvis. Nelson Cruz and Brandon Boggs also figure in to be in the outfield... German Duran also figures in to be a utility infielder. Taylor Teagarden and Max Ramirez may grab some time at catcher. And that is just a few suggestions as to how things could pan out. There's one thing I also wanted to point out...