Fans looks toward new Ranger season
by Robert Barowski, Reporter

   Baseball season is just around the corner for the Texas Rangers. Pitchers and catchers report for spring training in Surprise, Ariz., today.

   Fans are anticipating a good team that has seen major changes take place in the off-season.

   An 18-wheeler loaded with supplies such as balls, bats, cleats and exercise equipment left Arlington last week en route to the Grand Canyon state.

   This is the first year in the team's franchise history that spring training is being held outside of Florida.

   The off-season has been a busy one for the team.

   General manager John Hart and new manager Buck Showalter have made several moves to improve the pitching, signing many free agents, such as Francisco Cordero, to contracts.

   As far as starting pitchers go, Chan Ho Park, Ismael Valdes, John Thomson, Colby Lewis and Joaquin Benoit or Ryan Drese will be taking the mound this season.

   Many people remember the club did not offer arbitration to veteran catcher Ivan "Pudge" Rodriguez, and most were furious with management.

   However, with Pudge playing for the Florida Marlins now, the team picked up Einar Diaz in a trade with the Cleveland Indians. He is slated to be the man behind the plate this year.

   The first workout for pitchers and catchers will be held tomorrow (Feb 13).

   All other position players report to camp on the 17th, and the first full team workout will be held the following day.

   Pre-season scrimmages will begin on the 27th against the Kansas City Royals, followed by a game with the University of Texas.

   The season starts March 30 on the road facing the defending world champion Anaheim Angels.

   The 2003 home opener for the Rangers is April 4 against the Seattle Mariners.