Spring Training Game 5: White Sox (1-0-2) vs. Rangers (0-3-1)

Nestor Molina (0-0, 0.00)

vs.

Yu Darvish (0-0, 0.00)

Spring Training Game 5: White Sox (1-0-2) at Rangers (0-3-1), 2:05 pm CT

The Rangers have been pretty flat so far this spring, but hopefully that changes today with the always electric Yu Darvish taking the bump.  I can't remember a single start for Darvish last year that did not have a little more excitement to it.  Hopefully Darvish can avoid the rough starts that Holland and Harrison went through. 

Chicago always features a powerful lineup offensively, and this team is no different with Paul Konerko, Adam Dunn and Alex Rios.  Each of those three have only seen four at-bats in the first three games, so I am not sure I expect to see them get in the box against Darvish so early, but maybe they want to see where they are at early this spring.

The White Sox will start Nestor Molina today, who has never appeared in a major league game.  The 24 year old has appeared in 126 games in the minor leagues, but has only started 49.  He made 22 starts last season combined in Double-A and Triple-A, posting a 6-11 record and a 4.55 ERA.  He has only been considered a starting pitcher since 2011.

As mentioned earlier, Yu Darvish will take the hill for the Rangers to kick things off.  The Japanese phenom arrived in a major way in 2012 for the Rangers, winning 16 games and posting a 3.90 ERA.  Darvish was masterful at times, striking out 221 hitters in his 191.1 innings.  While many expected Darvish to compete in the World Baseball Classic for Japan, Rangers fans are happy to know he is going to stay in camp and prepare for the 2013 season.

As usual, keep your eye on the outfield battle between Leonys Martin, Craig Gentry and Julio Borbon.  But also watch the two rookies who are trying to make the Rangers out of Spring Training.  Jurickson Profar only has one hit in his five at-bats, while Mike Olt is sitting at 0-for-6.  They are going to get their chance to make the big league team, but with other veterans stepping up around them, they are not taking advantage of the opportunity.  Yet.

Other Spring Training Action Today:

Grapefruit League:

Baltimore (3-0) at Pittsburgh (2-1) - 12:05 pm CT
Detroit (2-1) at Houston (SS) - 12:05 pm CT

Houston (SS) at Tampa Bay (3-1) - 12:05 pm CT

Minnesota (1-2) at Toronto (2-2) - 12:05 pm CT

N.Y. Mets (1-1) at Miami (1-1) - 12:05 pm CT

Washington (1-1) at Atlanta (1-3) - 12:05 pm CT
St. Louis (1-2) at Boston (2-2) - 12:35 pm CT

Notes: Some of the starters making their first stars today include David Price of the Rays and Ricky Romero of the Blue Jays.  Ross Detwiler will make his first start for the Nationals, and then get ready to take his place with the United States team in the World Baseball Classic.  Boston will also get their first look at new starting pitcher Ryan Dempster.

Cactus League:

Arizona (SS) at L.A. Angels (0-4) - 2:05 pm CT

Cincinnati (1-3) at San Diego (2-2) - 2:05 pm CT

Colorado (2-1) at Chicago Cubs (2-1) - 2:05 pm CT
Kansas City (3-0) at Cleveland (5-0) - 2:05 pm CT

Seattle (3-1) at Milwaukee (1-3) - 2:05 pm CT

San Francisco (1-1) at L.A. Dodgers (1-1) - 2:05 pm CT
Oakland (1-2) at Arizona (SS) - 2:10 pm CT

Notes: If there is such a thing in Spring Training, the most exciting game on the schedule as it appears is Kansas City at Cleveland.  I really could argue they have been the most impressive teams so far in 2013, and I'm interested to see if Cleveland can continue their roll.  I've said it a few times, but watch out for the Tribe in 2013!  In other news, Josh Hamilton will make his Spring Training debut for the Angels against Arizona.  A fine pitching match-up in the Giants-Dodgers game, as Tim Lincecum (Giants) will face Josh Beckett (Dodgers).  Yovani Gallardo will make his first start for Milwaukee, and Edwin Jackson will make his first Spring Training start for his new team, the Chicago Cubs.