There is no event in sports quite like Opening Day!

Organizations, players, fans, and even sports writers all seem to wake up on the optimistic side of the bed on Opening Day. I know I always do! Maybe it’s because of the Spring weather.  Maybe we remember, for at least a brief moment, that this is America’s favorite pastime. Maybe we are just tired of basketball. Whatever the reason, Opening Day is truly special.

I’ve got my tickets…great seats in the club section. My grandpa, we call him Pappy, is going to the game with me. I can hardly wait!

And since the season is about to be under way, I think it is a good time to make my BOLD, overly optimistic predictions for the Rangers’ 2009 Season.

Here we go…

It is imperative that the Rangers get off to a quick start, especially considering the way they came out of the gate the last two seasons. Fortunately, their April schedule should allow them the opportunity pile on a few extra wins. Toronto is the only team they will face in April that had a winning record in 2008. If the Rangers can go 13-9 or 14-8 in April, I think they will have a great chance to contend in the AL West. The pitchers’ new conditioning program (long toss, throwing live BP, etc.) should make a difference come August and September. Derek Holland (and maybe Neftali Feliz) should join the rotation in Arlington at some point this season, which should give the Rangers mid to late season boost. But they can’t afford to stumble out of the gate again.

I predict the Rangers go 88-74 this season (9 wins more than 2008) and contend with the dreaded Angels (I hear the Rally Monkey has asked to be traded due to a lack of offensive support) for the AL West title.

I predict the Rangers will score 906 runs in 2009.

I predict the Rangers will have 4 players make the All-Star Team.

I predict the Rangers will have a player finish in the top 3 in AL MVP voting.

I predict the Rangers will have a pitcher win at least 17 games.

I predict the Rangers will have 3 pitchers with at least 12 wins.

I predict the Rangers will be in contention going into the final week of play.

There’s nothing like Opening Day!

What are your predictions?