TWO DAYS, PEOPLE!!!

Spring training is so close, I can smell it! I love football and I love my Cowboys, but I love the day after the Pro Bowl when gears can officially switch over to baseball. So, in honor of spring training, I wanted to put together a list of my favorite current Rangers players and some that I have high hopes for. But before I do that...I have a confession...

Confession #1: Baseball players are pretty dang good lookin'. Yes, I love the game. Yes, there is nothing sweeter than a walk-off home run, a double play to end a close game, or a crucial strikeout. But...good lookin' baseball boys don't hurt! I'll admit one thing that got me even more interested in the game of baseball was one certain player...Laynce. Nix.  I was instantly a fan when he got a hit in his first major league game in 2003. I loved the way he patrolled centerfield...no holding back, always going after every ball, even if it meant he needed to slam into the outfield fence to catch one. When he did just that and hurt his shoulder, he was never the same. It killed me to see all of that talent and potential on the bench. Now, he is in the Brewers minor league system, hoping to compete for a spot on the big league team this year. He is still one of my favorite players because he made me more interested in the game and had a role in developing my love for it. I hope he can put together a good spring training and have a productive 2008.

Now that I got that out of the way, here are my favorite current Rangers.

MICHAEL YOUNG

How can you not be a fan??? The one word that comes to mind when I think of Michael is consistent. Consistent leader, consistent hitter, consistent figure in the community. For the past five seasons, he has had at least 200 hits and batted .300. You just don't worry about this guy. When he started out slow last year, there was no concern because we knew he would come around. And he did. He is also very involved in the community and the Wipe Out Kid's Cancer organization. Here's to another 200 hit season!

C.J. WILSON

I have to admit, I was not a fan of his in the beginning. I finally started to appreciate him last year, especially when he transitioned to the closer's role. He completely thrived there, and it was fun seeing him attack the 9th inning. I hope he wins the job again in 2008. I love watching him pitch, but it was his off-the-field success that really made me a fan. C.J. spent alot of time this off-season dedicated to organizing a Guitar Hero tournament to benefit the young cancer patients at Cook Children's. Being in college studying to be able to work with these children someday, I really appreciate his effort to bring happiness to them.

HANK BLALOCK

I'm really pulling for Hank this year. He will be returning to third base for the first time since May 16th, and it will be a crucial year for him to show people that he can be the Hank that he once was. I know he can do it, and I think he will. I predict a monster year for him and those Homies out in left field!

JOSH HAMILTON

I haven't even seen him play in a Ranger's uniform, but I am already a fan. If you haven't read this story by Evan Grant yet, go read it now. I am a ****** for good stories, and this one is good. Josh has been through some low valleys in his life, and he has survived through them with the help of his faith and family. I hope we can stand by and support him as he continues his career as a Ranger.

JASON BOTTS

I have been a fan of Jason's for quite some time now. I followed him some while he was working his way up the minors, and I remember checking those websites to see how many home runs he hit that day. Just by looking at him, you can tell he is a power hitter. This year, it is now or never for him. He must hit at the big league level. Jason just had a great season in the Mexican Pacific League, and now he needs to keep that momentum going for the 2008 season. I have a feeling this will be his year to break out and silence those who say he'll never be able to hit at this level.

There you have it...my favorite current Rangers. I'm also looking forward to getting to know our new players and those promising young prospects we now have in our minor league system.

Get excited everyone...48 more hours!