There was much talk before the season began of the Rangers' need for a good start. And it was the schedule that was supposed to help them. But after a three-game sweep of the Indians, the Rangers have gone 6-10. A 4-3 road trip, including taking 3 of 4 in Baltimore, should give them some confidence as they arrive back at home tonight. BTW, the 9-10 record is two games better than their 2008 mark through 19 games. And it's three games better than where they were at this time in 2007.

The Rangers are three games behind Seattle. They began the road trip 2 1/2 games back. So they are essentially treading water. And in the AL West, that's good enough to contend. This stretch against division opponents is an opportunity to move up in the standings. In fact, outside of two series with the Chicago White Sox, the Rangers face Oakland for five games, five games against Seattle and three against the Los Angeles Angels between now and May 17.

So how will the Rangers' do in those 13 games against AL West opponents in the next three weeks? I think this team is exactly what many of us figured: around .500. So that's what they'll be against the division. Since nine of these games are at home, I'll say the Rangers go 7-6 in that stretch. Your turn.

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