It's all up to you, Brandon and Robinson

Sparse blogging the last couple of weeks, despite the heroic efforts of Powerhouser Scott. It's about time for a Rangers update.

Full squad workouts have begun for the Texas Rangers, with the official start of spring training only days away. What do we have to look forward to?

Conventional wisdom, in this case, turns out to be right on the money. The Rangers season will come down to the labors of the back end of the rotation - Brandon McCarthy, Robinson Tejeda, and whoever wins the fifth starter spot from among the hodgepodge of rookies and veterans that Jon Daniels has assembled. McCarthy might just morph into the Rangers long sought ace. According to Sports Illustrated, Peter Gammons recently polled over 70 GMs, scouts, and coaches, asking them who would have a breakout year.

The number one answer? Brandon McCarthy.

With no lefty pencilled in for opening day, erstwhile Atlanta pitcher Bruce Chen and Mr. Meltdown John Koronka will get long looks. Josh Rupe, who had the inside track on the fifth spot last year before elbow inflammation brought him down, also looks to be a favorite.

In other Rangers pitching news, C.J. Wilson is attempting to add the Dice-K invented gyroball (basically a cut fastball that tails upward) to his repertoire. If he's successful, I think this might be the year that Vicente Padilla will have some beanball competition.