Every opening day, well almost everyone, there is some hope among Texas Rangers fans. There should be and there is some this season too.

Take outfielder Josh Hamilton's prediction of more than 90 wins, for one.

It's been a decade since the Rangers made the playoffs, but there are some signs things could be better in 2009.

Pitching Will be Better: The Rangers have a new pitching coach, Mike Maddux, and two motivated starters at the top of the rotation. Vicente Padilla is in a contract year and if he pitches 180 innings Kevin Millwood will get another year with the Rangers at about $12 million. Kris Benson, who has a career ERA 4.32 has joined the rotation and Brandon McCarthy is healthy. The bullpen has added depth with the return of Eddie Guardado and C.J. Wilson has moved back to a setup role. Frankie Francisco will be the closer.

Hitting Will be Strong, Still: The Rangers lineup, as always, is rock solid. The only thing they may like is a little more power, but look for some of that to come for first baseman Chris Davis and now DH Hank Blalock. Davis is poised for a breakout year and if outfielder Nelson Cruz can produce like he has in the minors and the end of last season he'll bring some of that too.

Defense will be Better: The Rangers defense has to be better. They were worst in the league last season and it wasn't even close. They're determined to do better and the additions of Omar Vizquel and Andruw Jones bring a slew of Gold Gloves. Elvis Andrus as shortstop should upgrade the infield. How Michael Young transitions to third will be key. The outfield should be among the best defensively in baseball, with great range.

So there you go: Hope.

Just don't get too excited, yet. These Rangers have been fooling us for a few years.

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