Opening Day for the Rangers is just about 13 hours away. I’m sure the Rangers are more than ready to put their last-place finish in the Cactus League behind them. But that’s what Spring Training is supposed to be – getting rid of any kinks and rustiness after a long offseason. The Rangers are hoping for a shorter offseason – meaning that expectations and excitement are through the roof, partly due to the anticipated buzz of the Chuck Greenberg-Nolan Ryan ownership transfer. The official switch from Tom Hicks may take place in as little as two weeks.
Scott Feldman, who more than impressed last season as a starter, will pitch the game for the Rangers against the Toronto Blue Jays. On Friday, the Rangers extended Feldman’s current contract through 2012 with a club option for 2013. Jarrod Saltalamacchia will catch Feldman during the 1:05 p.m. start at Rangers Ballpark while Taylor Teagarden will draw Rich Harden for Game 2 of the series on Wednesday.
Second baseman Ian Kinsler continues to try and rehab a high ankle sprain and will begin the season on the disabled list. With Kinsler sidelined, Andres Blanco will get to experience playing on Opening Day for the first time in his Major League career. Wrist inflammation is not expected to keep Elvis Andrus off the field Monday.
Projected Opening Day Lineup
CF Julio Borbon
3B Michael Young
LF Josh Hamilton
DH Vladimir Guerrero
RF Nelson Cruz
1B Chris Davis
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
2B Andres Blanco
SS Elvis Andrus
*Of note, the Red Sox beat the Yankees on Sunday night at Fenway Park to open the Major League Baseball Season. As Rangers’ fans know, anytime the Yankees get beat is good.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment