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The Texas Rangers are a part of the West Division of the American League. They are also a Major League Baseball. The team is based in Arlington, Texas.The Texas Rangers played their first game on April 15, 1972. The first match ended in a 1-0 defeat at the hands of California Angels. But the very next day, the Rangers hit back the Angels with a 5-1, for the team's first victory. This is a testimonial to the spirit of the team which bounces higher after every low.

Toward the end of 1974, the Texas Rangers began to be recognized as a team on their own. In that year, they finished 84-76, in second place behind the World Series champion Oakland Athletics. In fact, in 1974 Rangers were the only MLB team to have finished above .500 after two back to back 100-loss seasons. In that year of the glory Mike Hargrove became the AL Rookie of the Year. The Manager of the Year was Billy Martin. Then there was Jeff Burroughs who was named AL Most Valuable Player. In the end, Ferguson Jenkins was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year after winning the club record 25 games. The record still holds.

The Texas Rangers' first four seasons was the setting of the pattern for the team--cycles of poor to mediocre seasons, which was then followed by an occasional year of almost-success. Just before the 2001 season, star free-agent shortstop Alex Rodriguez, was acquired by the Rangers in one of the most lucrative deals in baseball history. It was a 10-year, US $252 million contract. He was previously with the Seattle Mariners. However, the move was considered controversial. For a team that lacked real pitching talent, focusing so much on one single player was not seen as an intelligent decision. As predicted, Rodriguez's individual performance was spectacular, but the other Rangers continued to struggle.

2006 Season Preview:

In the 2006 season, Millwood roughed up in his debut game as Rangers fell to BoSox. On the other hand Curt Schilling looked very much like his old self in his very first Opening Day start in almost seven years. However, the debut of the Texas ace Kevin Millwood was a total bust. The Rangers traded outfielder David Dellucci with the Phillies for the right-hander Robinson Tejeda and the minor league outfielder Jake Blalock. A's acquired Dominguez from the Texas Rangers in three-team deal. Oakland Athletics bought off right-hander Juan Dominguez from Texas Rangers in a trade that sent utility player Freddie Bynum to the Chicago Cubs.With so many changes taking before the beginning of the season, 2006 is year to look forward to.