Ok, so my title is probably a bit exaggerated.  The Rangers haven't exactly had a flurry of big moves.  No teams have, really.  The Winter Meetings were fairly anti-climactic.  The subsequent weeks have been fairly innocuous as well.

     Don't confuse quiet for inactivity. The folks in the Rangers front office has made some decisions already and are no doubt working through several others.  It will be interesting to see who is on the 25-man roster on Opening Day.  There will certainly be new faces.  And some familiar ones missing. 

     The addition of Josh Hamilton is intriguing.  I don't know much about the guy, but I've heard/read snippets about his career. From everything I can gather, this has the makings of a good move.  It was certainly a big one.  Trading Edison Volquez (and Danny Herrera), who has long been touted as a key piece in the Rangers' pitching future, for a young outfielder whose off-field activities have garnered more attention than his stats.  But Volquez, who proved a lot by working his way back from A ball this past season, obviously didn't fit the Rangers' plans anymore.  At least not when they had the potential to get a run-producing outfielder, which Hamilton is billed as.  As for his off-field activities, I'm a firm believer in second chances.  And I hope Hamilton's second chance pays off for my team.

     Akinori Otsuka was a major piece in the controversial and infamous trade of 2005.  The Rangers shipped Chris Young, Adrian Gonzalez and Termel Sledge to San Diego for Otsuka, Adam Eaton and Billy Killian.  Fans were outraged, especially when Eaton didn't pan out as a front-end starter.  (I haven't heard a bit about Killian.)  Any chances the Rangers had of salvaging respect rested on Otsuka.  For awhile, Aki was a true gem.  And I truly believe he will be one again. Someday.  But his immediate future will be spent recovering from elbow surgery.  Non-tendering him doesn't look like such a bad move. 

     The Rangers have also added Eddie Guardado and Kazuo Fukumori.  Guardado's also coming back from elbow surgery, and failed to make a full recovery while with the Reds in 2007.  I think this move is a big gamble on the Rangers' part.  But, it could pay off in a good way.  Admittedly, I don't know much about Fukumori.  I just know that the duo is being rumored to be the future set-up and closer team.  I'm not really happy with these rumblings.  I understand the organization is not ready to "give" the job to the "young kids."  No job should be given.  It should always be earned.  However, I think C.J. Wilson and Joaquin Benoit deserve a few extra points to their totals for their performances in 2007.  I've gushed about both pitchers in previous entries, but, succinctly, they both stepped in and did the job -- well -- last season.  I don't know what more they need to do to "earn" the closer and set-up roles, but I suspect they'll begin to figure it out in 32 days (that's when pitchers and catchers report to Surprise).

       Many Rangers who were on the 2007 roster are currently floating without a real "home" -- Brad Wilkerson and Sammy Sosa are the first two who come to mind.  I know some fans are saying, "good riddance."  But I don't find it that easy to wave "goodbye" to two guys who came into the organization with much bias already against them.  True, neither turned into an all-star, but they each contributed quite a bit.  Sammys 600th homer and Wilkerson's three-homer night vs. the Angels provided shining moments in an otherwise lackluster season.

     I'm sure I could think of more to say, but it's late and I just finished a 12-hour work day. 

     Before I go, though, I want to congratulate my friend Minda, who is about to embark on a dream! She has been selected as a research assistant for a book on the 1975 Cincinnati Reds.  So, even though she's a Royals fan, it's safe to say she'll be buried in crimson for the next several months.  And enjoying every minute, no doubt.  Way to go, Minda!

EDITED because lonestar pointed out a big error on my part about where Guardado played during 07.  Also, everyone should definitely check out the link to the Hamilton article he posted in the comments.  Thanks Jon!

I know this sounds strange, but New Year's is my favorite holiday.  I know it's an odd one to have as a favorite.  Most people prefer Christmas or Halloween or even 4th of July.  But not me.  There's just something about even the mere illusion of a fresh start with the turning of the calendar that I am drawn to. 

My (baseball-related) highlights of 2007

- My BIG trip to California, where I got to spend some time with Jennifer and Mayra.  We enjoyed Disneyland, Medieval Times, the beach (briefly), people watching in a hotel (ha ha) and, of course, baseball.  It was a fabulous trip!! I only wish I could have stayed longer!

- Getting to eight Rangers games.  That's quite a feat, considering I live 900 miles away from their home park and more than 200 miles from the closest opponent's park.  I saw my boys in Anaheim (obviously), Kansas City and Minneapolis.  Their record with me in attendance was not great -- 2-6.  Then again, their record on the whole season wasn't great, so I'll try not to take it personally.

- I started this blog, which has not only been a great outlet for me, but has opened the door for some new friendships.  After losing my closest friend in Rangers fandom nearly two years ago, this blog is filling a huge void.

- Collecting quite a few autographs from Rangers players (in the majors and minors), including Gerald Laird, Brad Wilkerson, Wes Littleton, Sammy Sosa, John Rheinecker, Kameron Loe (yes, again), C.J. Wilson, A.J. Murray, Mike Wood, Jason Botts, Tug Hulett (*sniff* now property of the Mariners *sniff*), Nate Gold, Freddy Guzman, Kevin Mahar, Chris Baker and Chris Stewart.

Miscellaneous highlights (non-baseball related)

- Seeing Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers four times.  I loved each show for a different reason, and I'm so glad I was introduced to this band. 

- 2nd row at John Mayer in Des Moines.  Enough said.

- Concert trips to Oklahoma City and Omaha to see the aforementioned Mayer with some fabulous friends.  My trip to OKC also included some baseball, with a brief trip to the Ballpark.

- Seeing/meeting several presidential candidates including Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Bill Richardson, Mitt Romney and Tom Tancredo. Regardless of whether they get my vote or not, it was still impressive to be in their presence.

- My first season as an Iowa State football season ticket holder.  Okay, so it wasn't the most successful start, but the wins I saw were pretty fun!!

- My involvement with the Relay for Life, which raised more than $30K.

Things I'm looking forward to in 2008

- Catching 11 Rangers games...in Minnesota, KC and hopefully Baltimore (if this works out, I can also add another ballpark to my collection).

- Hopefully getting some more autographs from my favorite players.  And maybe a photo or two.

- A trip to DFW in April for a wedding.  Sadly, I will miss Opening Day by two days.  Grrr!

- The first ever 80/35 Music Festival in Des Moines.  I've also jumped on board the planning committee, so my spring and summer are going to be VERY busy.

- Another successful Relay For Life.