[RCCook]

Got to meet the two of them at the Winter Carnival this past weekend. Really nice guys. Teixeira looks a little like Jason Biggs (from American Pie). They're both also pretty big- the rumors of Blalock's putting on 20-25 pounds of muscle this winter are true...

The word at the Carnival (from Rangers brass) is that Blalock will have to have an incredible spring to win the job now- the team's prepared to let him spend a little time at AAA to fine-tune a few things. Not that he needs much, apparently...

Teixeira should begin his pro career at AA Tulsa, and the blueprint last year was to get him 400-500 minor-league at-bats before promoting him to the majors. That sounds to me as if both will be in the lineup next spring- most likely, Blalock at third, and Teixeira at first, now that Carlos Pena is an Athletic. I don't know about fantasy fans in other cities, but here in Texas, we're getting very excited about seeing these two in the lineup with Alex!

[Hal Jordan]

these guys sound like really nasty hitters. it will be exciting to see them! Good report, R.C.!

I live in Tulsa and saw the new hammerin Hank in action...He can jolt some shots a loooooooooong way. Now you tell me I get to see Texeria this year...oh my it doesn`t get much better than that. I drafted Blalock this year so I have a spot waiting for his arrival. I would not be a bit surprized to see Blalock in Texas by the all star break if not before...It seems to me like the Rangers will show Lamb off a bit before trading him with either Greer or Kapler for some pitching. But, I doubt very much that they go through over half of this season without promoting Blalock. They just may want to see how he handles AAA first. But, remember Pudge was only promoted from A ball to Tulsa for a couple of months before the Rangers brought him up in 91. This sounds like a scenario that will be repeated with Blalock.