And so it begins...

     Spring is on the horizon, though I couldn't tell that looking out my window.  All I see is white, with patches of brown where the snow has melted away or been driven over by cars.  We're supposed to get a fresh blanket on Sunday though.  Meanwhile, temperatures have been hovering in the teens and single digits, and and probably won't exceed the 20s for a few more weeks.

     Still, my heart is warmed by the knowledge that several of my favorite boys are in Arizona or are on their way.  Yes, it is pitchers and catchers report time.  And the Texas Rangers main page reminds us that the first spring training game is just 12 days away.

     Ahh ... does it get any better than this?

     I hope so.

     I was disheartened, however, to read on T.R. Sullivan's Thursday report that Kameron Loe will not be a contender for a rotation spot.  He and Robinson Tejeda have both been relegated to the 'pen.  Maybe relegated isn't a good word to use.  It's not exactly a demotion, though it's certainly not where I want to see Kam.

     You all know by now how strongly I feel about Kam's position as a starter.  I believe that's what he's meant to be.  And hopefully he will be again one day.  Even if it's not in 2008.  Perhaps this year he will be able to futher hone some of the pitches he's struggled with and in the process build his confidence and the organization's confidence in him. 

     I will never stop believing in him. 

     I'll never stop believing in Jason Botts either, although I'm nervous about whether or not he'll be with the Rangers club by opening day.  I've been nervous about this ever since the acquisitions of Milton Bradley and Kevin Mench.  Spring Training 08 only heightened my fears by listing Bottsie on a top ten most likely to be traded by opening day list.  Argh.  I don't like uncertainty. 

     Speaking of uncertain and future with the Rangers, Ian Kinsler comes to mind as well.  The Rangers have twice tried and failed to negotiate a long-term contract with Kinsler in the past year.  According to MLBTR, the Rangers signed him to the league minimum for 2008 (which is just over $400K) and he is arbitration-eligible after the season is over.  I sure hope they can lock him up before then. I strongly believe that consistency in the infield (particularly the middle infield) will be key for this ballclub as they move forward.  And with Michael Young in Rangers 10 until 2014, Kinz needs to become his permanent double-play partner. 

      Only time will tell, I guess.  I don't want to think about all this, however.  Right now is a time of optimism, so that's what I'm going to embrace until I'm given reason not to --- and I'll need lots of reason, as you well know if you've been reading my blog for any length of time.