The Texas Rangers play the Anaheim Angels Fri-Sun and the Oakland A's Apr 9-11 at the Ballpark in Arlington. Tickets are $5-40. Call 817-273-5100.

Here's a mind-blowing hypothetical question: What would happen if the current lineup of Texas Rangers had an even more hitter-friendly stadium than The Ballpark in Arlington? What if they played in Coors Field in Denver, or Enron...um...whatever they're calling that field in Houston? Would any hitting record be safe? Would someone hit 80 home runs, or collect 200 RBIs? Would more than one player hit .400? Would mental health professionals be on call to attend to shell-shocked pitchers?

Mental health professionals might be in order this year regardless. Last year, the baseball world watched Texas because of A-Rod's contract. This year, it'll be because of John Rocker and Carl Everett as much as the lineup designed to bludgeon other teams to death. Clubhouse chemistry is a funny thing, and the new attitudes may send the team spiraling into dysfunctional hell (like Boston last year), but they may just as well energize the team and ward off complacency (as with the late-'70s Yankees). Of course, the performance of the extensively revamped pitching staff led by Chan Ho Park will affect the team's mood.

Many prognosticators have picked Texas to finish last in the division, but the AL West figures to be volatile. Can Seattle recapture last year's regular-season magic? How will Oakland deal with Jason Giambi's absence? The Angels, A's, and Mariners visit the Ballpark in succession to start the season, so we'll get an early idea of how the balance of power has shifted. It's spring, and everyone has reason to hope, except Montreal. Let's play ball.