Season Preview: Texas Rangers

Moving right along with our preview of the American League West, here's the [super exciting] scoop on the Texas Rangers' upcoming season.

Kevin Millwood is expected to be the Rangers' Opening Day starter and the once empty spots in the rotation have filled up behind him this off season. Vicente Padilla was re-signed as the Rangers' number two starter while Brandon McCarthy, acquired from the Chicago White Sox, figures to be number three. Robinson Tejeda, based on his last nine starts, will enter Spring Training penciled in as the fourth starter. Depth? Not so much. The fifth spot is still iffy, but will most likely be handed to John Koronka.

The Rangers outfield is pretty stocked with the return of Sammy Sosa to the game. Frank Catalanotto, Kenny Lofton, Marlon Byrd, Nelson Cruz and Brad Wilkerson will somehow fit into the outfield, as well. Wilkerson's return is shaky however, as he is recouping from August shoulder surgery.

If Sosa is to become the new designated hitter, then the Rangers will probably start off with Catalanotto in left, Lofton in center and Cruz (or Sosa) in right. Byrd could share time in center with Lofton, who is averaging only 107 games played over the last three years, at the age of 39.

Gerald Laird, who will be holding down the catcher's spot has a great track record for throwing potential base-stealers out at 40.7%, even though he has only started 134 games. Miguel Ojeda will serve as back up along with Chris Stewart.

The Rangers first and third basemen combined for 190 runs scored in 2006, the fourth most in the American League. They also combined for 212 RBIs, which was the third-highest combination in the AL. Mark Teixeira will continue to hold down first base, backed up by Jason Botts, who will also see some time as backup DH. Five-year Ranger Hank Blalock's spot at third is safe, with Joaquin Arias ready to take over as needed.

With Mark DeRosa having signed with the Chicago Cubs, last years' backup Ian Kinsler gets the starting spot at second. Michael Young, who hit .314 last season, will return to short, backed up by Arias.

Long-time Los Angeles Dodgers closer Eric Gagne was added to the bullpen this off season, joining righties Akinori Otsuka, Wes Littleton, Rick Bauer, Josh Rupe's sweet chops, Joaquin Benoit (also known as Joaquin Dos) and Scott Feldman.

Third-year reliever C.J. Wilson will add a left-handed arm to the bullpen, along with lefty Ron Mahay.

The Rangers finished third in the West last season at just under .500, but managed a winning divisional record at 29-28. As the start of the season nears, look for the much-anticipated sighting of Sammy Sosa wearing his spankin' new "Don't Mess With Texas" T-shirt with matching belt-buckle.