Warning: This article is rated PG (Under 17: Parental Guidance Suggested)

On second thought, perhaps a little guidance for us all wouldn't be such a bad idea. Ok, so do you want the good news or the bad news first? For the moment let's pretend to practice a little self-delayed gratification. So here is the grim news, your Texas Rangers are ranked 24h out of the 30 major league teams to win the 2008 World Series, according to the Las Vegas Sports Consultants, which happens to advise casino sports books on odds for sporting events.

Now, obviously the good news. The Rangers (100:1) is actually projected to have better odds than six other teams. Only the Florida Marlins (125:1), Baltimore Orioles (150:1), Kansas City Royals (150:1), Pittsburgh Pirates (150:1), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (150:1) and the Washington Nationals (200:1) ) are predicted to be even worst than the Rangers. Hooray!

Manager Ron Washington is reportedly optimistic at the start of this season because of lessons learned by his team at the end of last season. Although the 2007 squad got off to a horrendous start, posting a 13-29 record during a 6 ½ week span from April to June, the team did manage to finish the season strong. Although still in the red, they closed the gap and finished the season 75-87.

Who knows if this team can carry over their psychological edge from last season? But one thing is for sure, to borrow the words from a former employee of Terrell Owens, the Rangers front office should be shouting "WE HAVE 23 MILLION REASONS WHY THIS TEAM SHOULD BE BETTER."

Let's take for starters (no pun intended); Kevin Millwood and his $12 million a season coupled with the $11 million per season that right-hander Vincente Padilla is taking home. Can you think of two better reasons?

Also the team is hoping that the injury bug doesn't bite them in the butt as it did last season. They're counting on a healthy Hank Blalock and a few other teammates to lend a helping hand to Mr. Dependable, four-time team MVP, Michael Young.

So I ask you, do you "BELIEVE IN MIRACLES?" What the heck, I'm calling Vegas. After all, it's only a nickel.

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