Opening Day Roster 2012

RH Pitchers: 

• Mike Adams
• Yu Darvish (SP)
• Scott Feldman
• Neftali Feliz (SP)
• Colby Lewis (SP)
• Mark Lowe
• Joe Nathan (CP)
• Alexi Ogando
• Koji Uehara

LH Pitchers: 

• Matt Harrison (SP)
• Derek Holland (SP)
• Robbie Ross

Catchers: 

• Mike Napoli
• Yorvit Torrealba

Infielders: 

• Elvis Andrus (SS)
• Adrian Beltre (3B)
• Alberto Gonzalez
• Ian Kinsler (2B)
• Mitch Moreland (1B)
• Brandon Snyder
• Michael Young (DH)

Outfielders: 

• Nelson Cruz 
• Craig Gentry
• Josh Hamilton 
• David Murphy

Game 1: Rangers vs. White Sox

The season opener, Rangers Colby Lewis takes on a former Rangers prospect John Danks. Both are making their first career season opener starts, so NO PRESSURE! HA!

Danks is 1-4 with a 3.81 ERA in his career against the Rangers. He went 8-12 last season with a 4.33 ERA and has a career 54-56 mark with a 4.03 ERA.

Rangers against Danks:

• Ian Kinsler is batting .360 (9-25) with 2 doubles, 3 homeruns, and 4 RBIs. 
• Elvis Andrus is batting .455 (5-11) with a double and 2 RBIs.
• Adrian Beltre is batting .231 (6-26) with a double, 2 homeruns, and 5 RBIs.
• Josh Hamilton is batting .357 (5-14) with a double, a homerun, and 3 RBIs.
• Nelson Cruz is batting .353 (6-17) with 2 doubles, a homerun, and 2 RBIs.

In April of last year, Lewis didn't do so hot. he threw 30 innings of work and pitched a 5.70 ERA, so YUCK! I don't know if that will carry over to this season, but the last two years, he has a 4.16 ERA and a 5-3 record.  Against the White Sox, he has a 1-1 record and a 2.95 ERA over the last two years, so let's hope that is what continues and his weak April last year become what it already is: HISTORY.

Last season, Lewis tossed a 14-10 record while posting a 4.40 ERA. The current roster of the White Sox against Lewis bat .214 off him, and have only one homerun (Alex Rios) and five RBIs (led by Paul Konerko's 3, Rios has the other 2) in 70 at bats.

Forecast: I like the Rangers in this one. Lewis has the overall numbers I like to see. I think that he should continue his dominance over the ChiSox with the Rangers winning 6-3.

Rangers vs. Diablos

Rolando Valdez is the slated starter for the Red Devils. He's got good numbers in his earlier minor league career, but has been getting hammered in the last few seasons, particularly in the last four. His has two starts this season, with an even 9.00 ERA...

I don't think that is Valdez up in the picture. It may be, it may not. That is definitely Harrison.

Harrison is 1-0 in four starts with a 1.69 ERA.

This is just an exhibition, no wagering please. In other words, it doesn't count, but it will be nice to be back in the Rangers Ballpark with my son.

Forecast: Rangers win this one 14-4.

Spring Training

I am so stoked the Rangers are back to work. I'll try to be on top of it this season. Rumors have it that some National Magazines pick the Rangers to win the World Series this year. And if a magazine says it, well that is good enough for me.

Rangers Agree to Terms with Nelson Cruz

The Rangers have signed outfielder Nelson Cruz to a two-year contract, covering the final two seasons of his arbitration eligibility.  Various reports indicate it’s a $16 million deal, with added incentives that could pay another $500,000. The 31-year-old will be a free agent at the conclusion of the 2013 season. 

The Rangers have one remaining arbitration case, catcher Mike Napoli.

The Royals agree to terms with Alex Gordon.