2010 Texas Rangers
Special points of interest:
· Key Fantasy Player: Michael Young
Three Keys to Victory:
*Young Strong Pitching Rotation
*Josh Hamilton
*Building on the success of 2009
· The X-Factor: Josh Hamilton
· Over Rated: Nelson Cruz
· Seasons End: A first place finish in the AL West followed by a quick elmination from the playoffs. Another year to build on for Nolan & The Rangers.
1. Ian Kinsler 2B
2. Michael Young 3B
3. Josh Hamilton CF
4. Nelson Cruz RF
5. Vladimir Guerrero DH
6. Jarrod Saltalamacch C
7. Chris Davis 1B
8. Julio Borbon CF
9. Elvis Andrus SS
SP) Scott Feldman RH
SP) Rich Harden RH
SP) Colby Lewis RH
SP) Derek Holland LH
SP) Brandon McCarthy RH
RP) C.J. Wilson LH
RP) Frank Francisco RH
Nolan Ryan / Chuck Greenberg
A group headed by club president Nolan Ryan and Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg are in the final stages of purchasing the controlling interests of the Rangers from owner Tom Hicks.
An official announcement was made by Hicks Sports Group several months ago. The final transaction is expected to be in excess of $500 million. The agreement is still subject to approval by Bud The Used Car Salesman. There is also still some financing on the part of Nolan and Chuck that needs to be completed.
But the when completed, the deal will mark a historic day in MLB. Never before as a former player, the caliber of Nolan Ryan, become an owner of a Major League Baseball franchise. More former players are sure to follow. Perhaps even my boy friend Derek Jeter.
2010 West Pick
I’m sure there will be plenty of skeptics who will disagree with my picking the Rangers to win the AL West in 2010.
However, is it really that crazy a pick?
Last season the Rangers finished three wins from hitting the magic 90 wins mark. A record they haven't achieved since 1999. They were just ten games behind the LA Angels, and I believe if the injury bug hadn't hit the Rangers so hard last season, they would have been a lot closer then 10 games. Texas lost their center fielder, catcher and closer for significant stints a year ago.
Now, with a fresh start, some new faces, and a winning year in 2009 under their belts, the Rangers are sure to be in a place to win the Division this year.
