After the first of the year is when I start getting geared for the upcoming baseball season. That is usually when the Cowboys are getting beat in the playoffs, and the Mavericks are trying as hard as they can to fill my void and attention off of Ranger baseball, but it never seems to work that well. When February comes, the Cowboys are done, the Mavs are fighting for playoff positioning, and the Rangers start Spring Training. The excitement for April 5 (Opening Day) grows even more...

When March rolls around, I start thinking about Opening Day tickets. I love buying Opening Day tickets, because the reality of the day soon approaching finally hits you- baseball is ALMOST here.

But after all it is only November 17. Lots of time in between, but I can't help but think about it.

93 days Ranger fans....93 days.

Andruw Jones- not expected to re-sign with Rangers

Ivan Rodriguez- in discussion with the Rangers, but the team wants to monitor Jarrod Saltalamacchia's recovery from surgery

Marlon Byrd- wants to re-sign with Rangers, but also wants money. 

Omar Vizquel- expected to be back with the Rangers

Joaquin Benoit- I have no clue. 

Hank Blalock- not expected back.

Eddie Guardado- expected to retire

There is just some tidbits as we head into the free agency period. 

Clint Hurdle has his work cut out for him, trying to resurrect this Rangers offense that was abysmal in 2009, after being the best in 2008. 

This from Rangers GM Jon Daniels-

I had reported earlier this afternoon that 105.3 The Fan and 103.3 ESPN Radio in Dallas were both reporting the signing of Hurdle, then they came on and said that it was a false alarm and that Hurdle had not been signed.

Well this evening it was all sorted out (I think and hope) and it appears that Clint Hurdle will be the new Rangers hitting coach replacing Rudy Jaramillo. 

Sorry for all the confusion, but I think we have it figured out now. 

I will talk more about Hurdle and the philosophy he will bring more in the next few days after the Rangers make an official announcement.

A decision is not expected by the Rangers today.

Sorry for the confusion, I figured I could trust 105.3 The Fan, but everyone makes mistakes. 

I will update with any information I get in the coming hours/days. 

This is after interviewing Rusty Greer, Gerald Perry, Thad Bosley, and Hurdle at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Monday afternoon. 

Hurdle was the manager of the Rockies from 2002-2009, being fired after starting 18-28 in 2009. He was the Rockies hitting coach from 1997-2002 before taking the reigns as manager. 

- Played from 1977-1987 as an outfielder

- Managed the Colorado Rockies from 2002-2009 (fired after a 18-28 start in 09')

- Has a 534-625 Managerial Record

- Currently an analyst on MLB Network

- Played from 1977-1990 (2 seasons in Texas, 1989-1990)

- Hitting Instructor for the Oakland A's 1999-2002

- Coached with Rangers manager Ron Washington in Oakland

- Currently the Head Coach at Bethany University

- Played from 1983-1995 as a first baseman

- Hitting Instructor of the Chicago Cubs from 2006-2009 (fired on July 13, 2009)

- Played for the Rangers from 1994-2002 (his whole career)

- Texas Rangers Hall of Famer

- Currently Assistant Coach at Texas Wesleyan University under Mike Jeffcoat

- Extremely popular in the DFW area as a former Ranger and Humanitarian 

There is just a little rundown of what the Rangers are looking at in their next hitting coach. Rudy Jaramillo will be missed of course, but I am excited in the new direction the team is going with hitting. They are looking for a guy who can teach patience, plate management, and discipline. The choice will be very interesting. I will keep you updated as the Rangers make decisions. 

Record: 20-22

Innings: 496.3

ERA: 4.38

Hits: 454

Runs: 740

Earned Runs: 699

Saves: 45

The bullpen was most likely the biggest surprise in the 2009 season. That along with the defense made it a very fun spring and summer for the Rangers and their fans. The bullpen was at times shaky in the beginning of the season, but as the season went on, and they got stronger, they got a lot more consistent and was the anchor of this team. The whole pitching staff as a whole was a whole lot better than in years past, and I just hope the Rangers can build on that going into 2010. 

Information/Reference: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/2009.shtml

Games: 128

Plate Appearances: 515

Average: .260

Hits: 120

RBI: 76

HR: 33

Cruz made the All-star team for the first time in his career and he deserved it. He had a breakout power season, putting up 33 homers in 128 games. He struggled in average and run production, but when you needed power, Cruz delivered. Again, here we go again with the crowded outfield but the Rangers have to find out how to fit Cruz in next year, either in the outfield of DH. Although there has been some speculation that Cruz might be trade bait for starting pitching. We'll see as the winter goes on. Whatever happens, Cruz is a good player and he will help the Rangers in 2010...or another team perhaps.

Information/Reference: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/2009.shtml

Tomorrow- Bullpen

Games: 89

Plate Appearances: 365

Average: .268

Hits: 90

RBI: 54

HR: 10

Josh Hamilton the break out season of all break out seasons in 2008. He lead the league in RBI's and was close in HR and average. He was an absolute beast at the plate, and was a menace in the field. He had a great year. 2009 was supposed to be even better, until he got hurt in May and never quite fully recovered. His 2009 turned into a complete nightmare when the story broke loose of him having a lapse in his sobriety and recovery in January of 2009 when he had photos taken of him drinking and partying with women that were not his wife. People make mistakes, I do not judge him, or thinks he is a hypocrite. He is still in his recovery process and he still will have pressure, and for one night, he gave in. He admitted to his mistake, and he has owned up to it very mature and professional. As baseball goes, Hamilton's 2009 was nothing special to talk about. He was never quite healthy enough to produce like he did in 2008. Look for him to be the every day right fielder next season with maybe some DH duties. This offense needs Hamilton in there healthy for them to be back where they once was a offense in 2008.

Games: 146

Plate Apperances: 599

Average: .283

Hits: 155

RBI: 89

HR: 20

Marlon had a great season. He stepped into the center fielders role very nicely after Josh Hamiton went down and he produced in the clean up spot in the lineup all season. He was the only hitter, besides Michael Young, in the lineup that didn't really go through a tremendous slump at some spot during the season. He was very consistent and very productive. He played in almost every game, and did he rarely not have an impact on the game. The Rangers would be stupid not to try to re-sign him for next season. He brings so much more than what's on the field, he is a leader in the clubhouse and a out-spoken teammate. His teammates respect him, his fans respect him, and the league respects him. He plays the game to his hardest and does not look back. He is the true example of how major league baseball is supposed to be played. I hope to see him back in a Ranger uniform in 2010.

Games: 11

Plate Appearances: 19

Average: .118

Hits: 2

RBI: 1

HR: 0

Gentry was called up during the September call up period. He was actually quite a surprise in the call-ups. No one really expected to see him come from AA to play with the Rangers. He did not play much, but when he did, he flashed some pretty good skills and ability. He has a rocket arm and is a great defensive center fielder. The only problem with Gentry is that the Ranger outfield is already crowded, and that may not leave any room for him on the roster next season. He will be good to have in the future though as the Rangers move forward. 

Information/Reference: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/2009.shtml

Tomorrow- Right Field