Happy 27th birthday, C.J. Wilson!

      A year ago, C.J. Wilson was viewed as little more than a situational lefty. His name evoked little enthusiasm from the average fan and most probably thought he was expendable. Still, a few people believed in his ability, and their faith was rewarded this season when C.J. became not only a fan favorite but a powerful weapon in the bullpen as well.

     When Eric Gagne came on board in 2007, it seemed the Rangers had found their closer.  By late July, he was 16 for 17 in save opportunities and it appeared he was on track to remain in Ranger blue for a little while.  Then, Jon Daniels shipped him off to Boston in exchange for LHP Kason Gabbard and a pair of minor leaguers -- David Murphy and Engel Beltre. 

     Some may have thought our late-inning pitching threat was gone.  But a few people knew better.  Including C.J. Wilson.  He stepped in and finished the season with a 3.03 ERA and was 12 for 14 in save opportunities.  You can't really ask for more from a guy who came into the majors as a starting prospect.

      But C.J. is clearly meant to be a closer.  He has the right stuff and the right mentality for the job.  I think he said it best -- "I feel like a closer when I brush my teeth."

      As the Rangers discuss the possibility of bringing Eric Gagne back, I'm wary.  Yes, a veteran presence is good.  Yes, he might possibly be able to mentor C.J. 

      But...

      Why spend the money on the end of the bullpen when you really need to be spending it on the front line?

      Our bullpen certainly wasn't perfect last year, but they were also extremely overworked due to a shaky (at best) rotation.

      If JD were asking for my opinion (and he's not), I'd tell him to forget about Gagne, unless he comes at an incredible bargain and doesn't demand to be named the official closer.   Wilson and Benoit have proven to be a legitimate late-inning threat and deserve another season to grow into those roles.

...but I am. Why? Well, you know it has SOMETHING to do with the Rangers already. More specifically, it has something to do with where they'll be the weekend of my 28th birthday ---- MINNEAPOLIS!! Needless to say, I know how I'm spending my birthday next year.
I regret not blogging sooner with some end-of-the season thoughts, but I was just so worn down by the time it was over. And disappointed. Yes, I knew the boys would end their season in Seattle. I just didn't expect them to end it on a skid. It was just a bummer and I didn't have the desire to put my thoughts up.

I do, however, have some thoughts on the latest news and rumors surrounding the ball club.

Joaquin Benoit's two-year contract - I'm so glad the Rangers signed him to a two-year contract. He earned it this year. And, in my mind, he earned it even before then by coping with the tumultuous years of his career known as the Buck Showalter era. Buck didn't seem to have much confidence in Joaquin and he never gave Jack a chance to build that confidence. Thank goodness Wash didn't seem to look at any of Buck's notes. Jack was a different pitcher out there this season. The good kind.

Rudy Jaramillo's contract extension - Another good move by the Rangers to renew his contract. He's likely the best hitting coach in the business. On top of that, the players love him. They trust him. Even the most stubborn/established/seasoned player has something to learn from him.

A-Rod opts out of contract - Hooray!!!! $21 million more to shop for pitching!!

Centerfield dilemma - It seems the team isn't 100 percent comfortable with marching Marlon Byrd or David Murphy or any other in-house options out to centerfield. So, their options on the market are the pricey Torii Hunter or the cheaper Aaron Rowand or Mike Cameron. I heart Torii Hunter and would love to see him roaming centerfield in Arlington. But. But, he has an awfully high price tag, and I think there are more pressing needs in the club (pitching, anyone?). Rowand would be a good viable option, but I'm not sold on Cameron, especially given his latest suspension.

Pitching - As far as pitchers, I have no idea where the team's best options lie. At the same time, the rotation makes me nervous. Millwood's going to be better. He has to be. Gabbard has earned a spot too, I think. McCarthy has to be in (it's the only way we'll ever really see if the Danks deal was worth it...so fans can stop complaining). Volquez could work himself in there in spring training. I don't want to see Padilla back, but I think that's inevitable. Of course I want to see Kam back in there. I am going to stick to my guns about him.

105 days until pitchers and catchers report. The countdown will continue.