MLB Previews: Texas Rangers

Texas Rangers Last season: 75 -87, .463, 19 GB, last in AL West 2008 Outlook: There aren't enough good players to go around to produce a contender out of the Rangers and the team's off-season moves were more negative than positive. Last place looks again likely for a Texas team that's consistent in one regard: they're usually out of the race before the All-Star break. Biggest Changes: No Mark Teixeira at first, no Sammy Sosa in the outfield, but the Rangers signed free agent Milton Bradley from the Dodgers, though he's still recovering from an ACL injury. Ben Broussard will take over at first base, while Jason Jennings moves over from Houston to join the starting rotation and steady Eddie Guardado shifts into the bullpen and possibly the closer slot. Rookie/Free Agent Prospects: Josh Hamilton will probably be the team's everyday center fielder after playing 90 games with Cincinnati last season and posting solid numbers: .292, 19 HR and 47 RBI. Starting pitchers Brandon McCarthy and Kason Gabbard seem to be going in different directions. McCarthy, who's been ineffective in three seasons (12-19, 4.58 ERA) is probably going to start the season on the DL, while Gabbard (7-4, 4.37), who was traded to the Rangers from Boston last season, seems to be making progress and could emerge as one of the better starters after Kevin Millwood and Jennings.

Fish , Hunt Ducks and Waterfowl Lake Manitoba Narrows
Golf, Fish Walleye , Fall Duck Hunting at Resort Lake Manitoba Narrows Home Cottage Lot.

fishlakemanitobanarrows.com

Best fantasy bets: The Rangers actually have some solid position players like Hank Blalock, who only played in 58 games last season, but finished strong and could hammer 25 HRs and 100 RBI. If you can't get one of the premium shortstops, Michael Young could be your guy. He's one of the most consistent hitters in the game, having hit .331, .314 and .315 in his last three seasons. Another interesting choice is second baseman Ian Kinsler, who is beginning his third season. Kinsler stole 23 bases last season, while batting .263. He knocked a surprising 20 homers and scored 96 times. A solid pick for a speed guy. Three Excellent Links: George W. Bush Timeline with the Texas Rangers Dallas Morning News Sports page Lone Star Ball: A Texas Rangers Blog Next: Oakland A's