Today is Opening Day in the MLB for the 2011 season, and I couldn’t be more excited that America’s pastime is back. It was thrilling to see the Texas Rangers in the World Series last year, even if they did lose, but I’m more excited to see what they do for this upcoming season. They did lose some key players from last year’s team including ace Cliff Lee, veteran catcher Benji Molina, and the confidence of their longest club house favorite in Michael Young.

Even though the Rangers had a few key players leave the team over the off season, they did get some studs to join the staff. The Rangers biggest acquisition was Boston Red Sox all-star third baseman Adrian Beltre. Beltre batted .321 last season for the Red Sox and finished with 49 doubles and 102 Rbi’s.

The Rangers also rolled the dice on former Arizona Diamondbacks ace Brandon Webb. The jury is still out on this acquisition for the Rangers but they did get him on the cheap. He has been injury prone for the last three seasons in Arizona, but the Rangers are hoping they can see a turn around in the former Cy Young winner this season.

The Rangers will not open their season until tomorrow (April 1st) when they play host to AL East juggernaut Boston. Taking the mound tomorrow for the Red Sox will be Jon Lester. Lester was a 19 game winner last season in Boston and threw a no hitter back in 2008. C.J. Wilson will get the opening day start for the Rangers. He was a 15 game winner for the Rangers in the 2010 season and had a 3.35 era.

First pitch between the Rangers and the Red Sox is set for 3:05 Friday afternoon.

Here is a look at the schedule for Opening Day and April Fool’s Day from MLB.COM

Thursday March 31, 2011

Friday April 1, 2011

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