The Ranger Reporter

In the spring training opener the defending AL champions lost to the Kansas City Riyals 4-2 in the Catctus League opener. In two innings of work C.J Wilson gave up two runs which were produced by a Billy Butler single.One of the interesting events surrounding the game was Jeff Francouer playing his teammates who he travled to the Fall Classic with last year and he fittingly hit a home run in the fourth inning. The Rangers will receive A chance to avenge the lost Monday in there second spring training game

The continued question that has been raging all winter long and now into spring training is weather Micheal Young would be A Texas Ranger. All signs pointed to him receiving his wishes and being traded so that he can continue to play in the infield. Well Spring is among us and number 10 still is on the roster and surprinsgly showed up to spring training ready to work. Word is that teams are reluctant to pick up the remaining 48 million for the 34 year old infielder. Maybe a solution is in sight for the Gold Glove winner as he did state to reporters he is open to playing different positions including the outfield

The Texas Rangers sured up slugger Josh Hamilton for the next two years and avoid arbitration for 24 million dollars. Negotiations have been going on all winter long and faced a stalemate over years and monetary value. Speculation is that the Rangers were worried about the durability and off field issues that have plagued the AL MVP n the past. The contract solves the short term issue and allows Hamilton two more years to show he is worth and can handle the money and spotlight a big contract brings along.

After A historical 2010 season and A busy off season the Texas Rangers expect to be where they were last fall in the post season. The favorites to win the AL west the team added Slugger Adrian Beltre to an already potent offense who the angels rode to there first World Series appearance . Historically an below average pitching club the rotation stood strong with Cliff Lee, C.J. Wilson and  Coby Lewis serving as a productive front end. With Lee gone the pitching staff will have to do with more with less and the offense may have to pick up a slightly heavier load. Also the uncertainty of all star Micheal Young who has been the topic of some trade talks due to the signing of Adrian Beltre and Texas need for pitching. The contract of reining  A.L. MVP Josh Hamilton who has been spectacular when healthy, but the big word is when. With some of these changes and a somewhat cloud of uncertainty hanging over the ballclub this seems to be and tell all year for the baseball team from Arlington.