Mood Swings

Texas will get run production from the bats of Young, Sosa, Mark Teixeira, Hank Blalock and maybe even 39-year-old centerfielder Kenny Lofton. With an edict from Washington for more steals, sacrifices and hit-and-runs leading to more manufactured runs, the offense might indeed be more potent than ever.

But, as usual, there are doubts smack dab in the middle of the diamond. Can Kevin Millwood remain consistent? Can Vicente Padilla remain sane? Is Brandon McCarthy as good as John Danks? Is Eric Gagne capable of regaining his unhittable stuff as a closer?

"Most important thing we need to do is have our pitchers throw strikes," Washington says. "Make the other team hit the ball and earn their runs. Because I know Rudy is going to have us scoring runs. That ain't a worry."

Says Jaramillo, "I love this lineup. With the pitching we've added, I think we're close. Real close."

Come cancer or shutout, Jaramillo's mood never slumps.