The Texas Rangers have made some monumental, and much needed trades.
With one player owning one third of the entire team's salary budget, a
change was needed. The Texas franchise needed more role players, and not
superstars, in order to be competitive. Sacrificed has been power and
speed, and it is hoped that timely and patient hitting, along with a
'get your uniform dirty' attitude will vastly improve this organization.
The Rangers main concern was pitching, and they now firmly believe that
they have not only a decent starting five, but a crafty and dependable
relief core as well. It is said that pitching win games, so we will
begin with the pitching staff....

The Starting Rotation

Chan Ho Park, Russ ortiz, and Denny Neagle are virtually guaranteed
spots. However, the remaining two spots will be fought over by John
Thomson, Ismail Valdes, Franciso Cordero, and Luis Vizcaino. Cordero and
Vizcaino have been starting during winterball games, and it is believed
that both are ready to start. Of the two who don't get picked, one will
be sent to the bullpen, and the other will most likely be dealt.

The Relief Core

The bullpen will most likely start the season seven deep. Dejean,
Fetters, Hernandez, Holmes, Jiminez, and Zimmerman, with the 'sixth'
starter seeing bullpen time. Zimmerman has the closer's role and it is
his to lose.

Catching

Einar Diaz will catch the bulk of the games, with Todd Greene serving as
backup. If need be, Mike Lamb may also see some catching time. Prospect
Gerald Laird is going to be sent back to LOW for further conditioning.

Designated Hitter

Herbert Perry will serve as the primary DH, and lefty Rusty Greer may
see some playing time there as well.

First-Base

Sleek fielding, switch-hitter David Segui will be the evryday starter.
In winter-ball, the vet hit .330, and expects similiar results this
season. Newly acquired Wil Cordero may see some time as well.

Second-Base

Raphael Furcal is being moved to second. He will serve as the leadoff
hitter, and will be expected to do whatever it takes to get on base.

Shortstop

Denny Hocking is penciled in to start at SS, but the Texas brass plan on
drafting one or two of the fantasic SS's available in the Dispersal
draft.

Third-Base

Mark Derosa will move from second to third. Veteran Craig Counsell may
play the odd inning there as well.

The Outfield

The new weak spot of the Rangers...The Texas brass plan on signing at
least two OFers with their two early picks. The outfield at the moment
consists of Rusty Greer, Dee Brown, Kevin Mench and Mike Lamb.

The Future

The Rangers plan on sending Teixeira, Blalock, Adrian Gonzalez, Laynce
Nix, and Will Smith to LOW along with C Laird. At least one more season
of conditioning should see these propects develop significantly.