Two more days to go before Opening Day. I'm fired up. For those who didn't read the FanPost where everyone was offering their guesses for the A.L. West, I have the Rangers finishing in 2nd place with 88 wins, behind the 90 win Angels, who get a boost in late July when they trade Brandon Wood, Hank Conger and Mike Trout to the M's for Cliff Lee.
Jeff Wilson writes that, while the team had a lousy spring record, the Rangers' intensity and performance improved over the latter part of camp, with the result being that the team is peaking at the right time and ready to hit the regular season in stride. I hope he's right...
C.J. Wilson looked terrific yesterday, allowing no hits during his 5 inning stint. I was a doubter about the conversion of Wilson to the rotation -- I felt he'd be an okay starter, but a #4/#5 caliber guy. But if he pitches this season like he did yesterday...
Opening Day starter Scott Feldman agreed to a contract extension through 2012, with a club option for 2013. At $4.4 million for 2011, $6.5 million for 2012, and a $9.25 million option for 2013 (with a $660,000 buyout), this is a reasonable deal for both sides, I think...and it indicates that the Rangers don't view Feldman as a flash-in-the-pan, but as someone they feel should be a reliable starter going forward.
Joey Matches has an in-depth examination of the Feldman extension at BBTiA.
T.R. Sullivan says that Feldman and the Rangers are feeling confident about things for Opening Day.
The S-T's notes talk about Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz, who were scratched last night because of injuries (but expected to be good to go on Monday), and Chris Davis, who, according to Ron Washington, will not be platooned.
Luis Mendoza was sent to the Royals for cash considerations. Although it was expected, I'm still sad. If he can ever get to where he can consistently command his two-seamer, he can be a quality major league pitcher. That's a huge "if," though.