April 6

Sometimes the first two games are important. For the Texas Rangers, opening at home without two-time MVP Juan Gonzalez, having Gabe Kapler homer twice in the opener, Frank Catalanotto hit a game-breaking, three-run shot in the second game and Francisco Cordero win that game was the way they hoped to begin the season.

"In reality, two games doesn't mean much," says Texas general manager Doug Melvin. "But for our fans, it probably was important to have Kapler, Catalanotto and Cordero start positively at home. When you're traded for a two-time MVP, there's pressure, no matter how much we say there isn't any."

	Frank Catalanotto could be the suprise player in the Juan Gonzalez trade.

By now, everyone must understand that when the Rangers traded Gonzalez last November, it was one of the deals that had to be done, and many of Melvin's peers thought he got more for a potential 2000 free agent than they anticipated he could by making the trade soon after the postseason ended. Johnny Oates said it best: "We won three divisions in four years, but that team maxed out. We had gone as far as we could go." Not that they wanted to eventually lose Aaron Sele and Todd Zeile as well, but the Rangers were an aging team that wasn't going to go further, and Melvin did what the Rockies should have done two years ago when that club maxed out.

"It's hard to simultaneously retool and compete for the division title," says Melvin. "But that's what we're trying to do, and the Gonzalez deal gave us an opportunity to do so." Melvin also happens to be in a division where the Mariners were faced with the Junior Griffey/Alex Rodriguez mess, the A's are tied to a $28 million payroll and the Angels are undergoing their own reconstruction.

Texas couldn't afford to re-sign Gonzalez for the $17-18 million he sought and keep Pudge Rodriguez and Rafael Palmeiro and afford a contending pitching staff. When (and if) Justin Thompson comes back at the end of May, the Rangers should have a competitive rotation, with three left-handers. The bullpen had an erratic opening series against the White Sox, but should be a strength with Cordero joining John Wetteland, Jeff Zimmerman, Tim Crabtree and Mike Venafro. The Rangers defense struggled at times last season, but the addition of Tom Evans at third helps and the outfield changes give Texas a better all-around defense out there.

Royce Clayton shouldn't be considered a question, not after hitting .303 with 10 homers and a .391 on-base percentage in the second half last season. But Kapler and Ruben Mateo are different stories. When Kapler left Detroit, he was labeled a disappointment despite being rushed from Double-A. It was pointed out that all of his 18 home runs were pulled and all hit off breaking balls. Well, in the opener, Kapler drilled a fastball out to dead center and pulled another fastball for his second homer, the product of a spring's work with esteemed hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. Kapler's frenetic attitude, combined with kindred spirit Rusty Greer in left, means the talented Mateo is surrounded with boundless energy.

Is it really important to have a good first week? "It can," says Brewer manager Davey Lopes. "Especially when you've spent the spring answering negative questions."

So, the first series were important to both the Brewers and Angels. Milwaukee swept a two-game series in Griffey's debut in Cincinnati, pounding Reds pitching in the process. "We can hit, a lot better than some people think," says Lopes, especially with young second baseman Ron Belliard healthy. "Our bullpen is good." The problem, as everyone knows, is starting pitching, but Lopes hopes to eventually get Jeff D'Amico, John Snyder and Jamey Wright back healthy in the next couple of months.

Lopes has lashed out at media critics who buried the Brewers before April Fool's Day. He -- and several players -- got in Jeromy Burnitz's face for comment the right fielder made in the ESPN preview of the club. "Attitude does mean something, and we need an attitude," says Lopes, who, instead of whining about his shortage of pitching, has tried to instill an edge in his players.

The only team that was lampooned in the spring as much as the Brewers were the Angels. After a year and a half of playing hard and playing hurt and never complaining, Darin Erstad is healthy and raking. Tim Salmon and Mo Vaughn are stars, and Garret Anderson, who is now playing center field, is ready to hit for the power he's always possessed.

"Sometimes," says Lopes, "you have to re-establish your self-esteem with a good start. Then build from there."

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