[Nick Soulis]

TEXAS ALL STARS

Houston Astros (3711-3666 W-L, 1965 - 2011) - 1 Pennant and 9 Playoff Appearances

Texas Rangers (3034-3199 W-L, 1972 - 2011) - 1 Pennant and 4 Playoff Appearances

[LEFT]

[/CENTER]

Ball Park - Rangers Stadium at Arlington

Manager: Bobby Valentine

C	Ivan Rodriguez	Jim Sundberg
1B	Jeff Bagwell	Mark Teixeira
2B	Craig Biggio	Julio Franco
3B	Buddy Bell	Ken Caminiti
SS	Michael Young	Dickie Thon
OF	Josh Hamilton	Jose Cruz
OF	Juan Gonzalez	Lance Berkman
OF	Luis Gonzalez	Rueben Sierra
DH	Rafael Palmeiro
SP	Nolan Ryan
SP	JR Richard
SP	Mike Scott
SP	Roy Oswalt	Kevin Brown
CL	Billy Wagner

Catchers - No one has caught more games then Ivan Rodriguez and his defensive skills in his prime are a thing of legend. Rodriguez has all the intangibles as a great backstop and a rocket arm but his bat was not something to laugh at, especially in the clutch. The backup is Jim Sundberg who is another class act and fine defensive catcher. Pudge is the main man here and Sundberg a decent backup.

First Base - A loaded position in Texas history and an open battle heading into spring training. Jeff Bagwell is siad to be the favorite and the hard hitting slugger had a career of slamming fastballs and effort that was off the charts. Mark Teixeira is the backup and many are clamoring for him to play not only becuase of his smooth bat but also because he is one of the best gloves you will see at the position. It will be fun to watch how this position is filled, even more so with Rafael Palmeiro on the roster.

Second Base - Craig Biggio has his claim on this position as a future Hall of Famer. Biggio is a player who teamates and fans love becuase he finds a way to help his team win. Biggio is what this Texas team hopes to be all about. The ageless Julio Franco had some very productive seasons as a second baseman for the Rangers. Franco turned into a nice power threat at the position and routinely worked to improve his game.

Short Stop - Maybe not the most appreciated player Michael Young wll be given a stage to perform at short stop. Young isnt the most natural short stop but its his bat that opens many eyes. Young is an outstanding hitter who has batting titles on his resume and should love this league. Dickie Thon is the utility man on this roster and has a good glove; Thon is also a good baserunner.

Third Base - Another position where the debates are sure to go on. Two very diffrent players will battle it out here as Buddy Bell and Ken Caminiti look to win the job. Bell has the edge most say due to his gold glove and competence to make contact when he needs to. Caminiti has an MVP to his name and is a sourse of power that would look great in the lineup. Look for a platoon here but many teams would love to have either one of these guys.

Outfield - Runs batted in should reach astronomical numbers with this crew. Juan Gonzalez is an RBI machine who could maybe drive in 100 with 50 games to spare, his big bat will be fun to watch. Josh Hamilton is all about Texas power and when in a groove can do everything at the plate. The last starting spot is an open question but Luis Gonzalez is said to be the leader to get the starting spot. Gonzo is a winner and had some ridiculus season's including his 57 home run effort. Gonzalez will be tested by Rueben Sierra who is a plus power hitter who can run and hit for average. Lance Berkman can fill in at a few spots and is a very good bat to turn to on the bench. Julio Cruz in the final man on the roster and he will bring fire to the dugout as he is a vocal leader.

Designated Hitter - Rafael Palmeiro will find a place to play as few players ever have had a more sweet swing to work with. Raffy is a Texas favorite and will help the Texas lineup round itself off to one of the best in the game. Numerous options could fill into this position and Bobby Valentine is sure to get creative with his rotations.

Starting Pitching - No Texas team is complete without strike out king Nolan Ryan. Ryan is the headliner and attacks hitters in the fiercest of ways. Ryan needs to have a big season. JR Richard was on pace to break a world of records before his career derailed. Still anyone who saw Richard throw during his time with the Astros wont forget just how dominant he was. Mike Scott had an unhittable pitch and had a season in 1986 that is one of the best ever. Scott is a nice option from the fire ballers, but strikes out a ton in his own way. Roy Oswalt will fight for the final rotation spot and the right hander has excellent control and movement. Oswalt will be tested by Kevin Brown who wants a spot in the rotation, Brown also had some unbelievanble years but consistency is also important.

Closer - The hard throwing continues as Billy Wagner will be closing the door on games. Wagner throws fireballs as well as a hard slider that hitters just hate. Wagner in his prime has many saying he was one of the best closers ever.

Spring Training Battles
Roy Oswalt vs Kevin Brown (Rotation)
Jeff Bagwell vs Mark Teixeira (1st base)
Ken Caminitti vs Buddy Bell (3rd base)

Cooperstown Rating
Offense - A
Defense - B-
Starting pitching - B+
Closer - A-
Predicton - 90-72

Quick word with Bobby Valentine
"Its an honor to manage this team. I'm just going to let the boys play and try not to get in their way."