Adam is in Vegas. LSB is mine, ALL MINE!

T.R. Sullivan writes about Josh Hamilton's appearance on Glenn Beck's Internet show where he spoke about being in counseling since his relapse.

Anthony Andro also writes about Hamiton.

Evan Grant does as well.

Mac Engel of the Inflaming Engels has a piece on Hamilton, also. Engel writes not of Glenn Beck appearances or counseling, however, but of whether or not Hamilton is getting a pass from the media because of his race.

Over at ESPN Dallas, Bryan Dolgin updates us on the Ballpark renovations which are nearing completion. For the curious, Drew Davison has videos of the new visiting bullpen and the new Vandergriff Plaza.

Richard Durrett's penultimate edition to his Positional Outlook series focuses on the Rangers' manager. That is Ron Washington.

Finally, Mike Napoli was on the Ben & Skin show. The DMN has a transcript. Mike Napoli on facing C.J. Wilson:

I'm going to do what I try to do to any other pitcher. I might give C.J. a head nod, but I'm still going to try and take him deep.

With the ZiPS projections coming out for the Rangers last week, we are doing a series of polls asking folks to pick whether they think various players will go over or under the OPS that ZiPS projects.

ZiPS projects Michael Young to have an OPS of 767 in 2012.

Do you think it will be over or under that figure? Cast your vote...

After the jump, we continue by taking a look at the #16 player in the LSB Community Prospect Rankings, righthanded pitcher Roman Mendez...

Continue reading this post »

T.R. Sullivan has a new Inbox column up...

There are questions on why the Rangers haven't traded Yorvit Torrealba since they have Mike Napoli, whether it makes sense to give Josh Hamilton a long-term deal after his recent relapse, and why the Rangers aren't putting Yu Darvish in the bullpen, among other things...

Check it out...

Thanks for voting in the catching poll, everyone.

Next up is first base. CAIRO gives Mitch Moreland a .759 OPS this year, while ZiPS gives him a .753. Pretty close. For these purposes, I'm going to split the difference, and ask you how regularly he'll play if that's the case. We can debate whether that's too high or too low when Adam puts up his thingy. Commence cut & paste.

Hey guys. I'm going to do another Rangers forecast this year based on some projection system (probably ZiPS or CAIRO or a mixture, don't know yet). I'll use that for the rate stats, but the best way to forecast playing time is to ask the knowledgeable fans. And LSB is, of course, the most knowledgeable Rangers fanbase.

So, I'm going to put up a series of polls trying to get y'all's ideas on playing time, and those will be the basis of the thingy (and I'll be acknowledging your help). Feel free to argue or OT or whatever in the comments, the poll is all I need. Suggestions and stuff also welcome.

This is not meant as a replacement or opposition to the LSB predictions that I assume we will eventually do. It may help you in gauging PA totals there, though.

Your help is greatly appreciated!

Spring training is coming...

Drew Davison has a story on all the stuff the Rangers are having sent to Surprise for spring training. So does T.R. Sullivan.

Craig Gentry's goal is the win the starting centerfield job this spring, and he says he's working on some specific mechanical issues with his swing in order to try to improve his at bats.

Anthony Andro has an early projection on the Rangers' 25 man roster.

Richard Durrett's positional outlook series continues today with a look at the Rangers' coaching staff.