FanHouse DustinNippert

Three games into the season the Texas Rangers are a perfect 3-0 as they spent their first series knocking around the starting pitching of the Cleveland Indians to the tune of 29 runs. I know this because for the last few days Brinson and Snyder have gone out of their way to remind all of us here at FanHouse how they predicted this would happen.

While we've just smiled and patted them on the head letting them think they're the team's inspiration, the rest of us know what's really going on here. Generally when you're scoring nearly ten runs a game, you're going to win a lot. Besides, the reason the Rangers are playing well has nothing to do with those two. Everybody knows it's their lucky scorpion.

Alas, the moment will finally arrive. On Tuesday, the Diamondbacks' biggest off-season acquisition, Randy Johnson, will make his season debut, starting against the Padres at Chase Field. The date will be April 24th, which isn't too far off from the Unit's original projected date of return -- April 18th. This is a huge deal for Arizona, and a much-needed shot in the arm. The pitching staff has been banged up recently, with both Juan Cruz and Micah Owings getting placed on the 15-day DL.

Yusmeiro Petit, the prospect obtained from the Marlins in the Jorge Julio trade, will start Sunday for Arizona. The D-Backs also have recalled Dustin Nippert and Dana Eveland, and brought up Mike Schultz. Allow me to briefly say congrats to my old friend Mike Schultz on his Major League promotion. Mike missed two full seasons in the minors recovering from two shoulder surgeries. The guy used to be able to throw gas -- splitting a batting helmet in half and bloodying a batter's face back in high school.

As for Johnson, his most recent rehab start was on Thursday when he threw six innings for Triple-A Tucson. He most likely won't be able to work deep into the game in his first start, but his presence is more than welcomed. The Diamondbacks will now have the 1-2 punch they dreamed about heading into the season, with Brandon Webb and Johnson atop the rotation. Livan Hernandez, Doug Davis, and Edgar Gonzalez round out the formidable Diamondbacks' rotation.

Previously at FanHouse:
Randy Johnson's Not Quite Done With Rehab
Randy Johnson Could Be Less Than 10 Days Away
Randy Johnson's Happy He Didn't Kill Anybody
Randy Johnson Projected to Return Mid-to-Late April
Randy Johnson Will Start the Season on the DL
Randy Johnson Might Not Appear in a Cactus League Game
Like the Playoffs Against Detroit, Randy Johnson Throws BP
Randy Johnson Is Working His Way Back
Marlins Trade for Closer Jorge Julio

Here's a look around the NL West and what final roster moves your team made to prepare for Opening Day:

Diamondbacks: Infielder Brian Barden and utility man Robby Hammock made the squad. Hammock showed promise in '03 and '04, but missed all of '05 because of shoulder surgery. Right handers Dustin Nippert and J.D. Durbin won the final spots in the bullpen. (via East Valley Tribune)

Dodgers: Matt Kemp made the club as the final outfielder, beating out Larry Bigbie and James Loney (who hit .414 in Spring and didn't take the news well), presumably because Kemp's a right-handed hitter while Bigbie and Loney are lefties. Wilson Valdez will replace Rafael Furcal on the opening day roster. Furcal will start the season on the DL retroactive to March 23rd. Rudy Seanez is the final pitcher on the 11 man staff. (via LA Times)

Giants: They're going with a 12 man pitching staff, the seven men in the bullpen will be Armando Benitez, Vinnie Chulk, Kevin Correia, Brad Hennessey, Steve Kline, Jonathan Sanchez, and Jack Taschner. Scott Munter and candidate for the closer job, Brian Wilson, were optioned to Triple A amongst others. Todd Linden made the team as a bench player, Mark Sweeney was placed on the DL to start the year, and Jason Ellison was traded to the Mariners. (via Giants official site and Contra Costa Times)

Padres: Mike Thompson and Kevin Cameron made the final two spots in the bullpen. Cameron is a Rule 5 draft pick from Minnesota. Paul McAnulty will be the final bench player. (via San Diego Union-Tribune)

Rockies: Veteran John Mabry (pictured) beat out Ryan Spilborghs and Alexis Gomez for the final bench spot. Mabry is a left-handed pinch hitter who can fill holes as a corner outfielder and corner infield. Jeff Baker and Steve Finley are the other bench players in the outfield. Manny Corpas and Ramon Ramirez were awarded the final spots in the bullpen as well. (via Denver Post and Rockies.com)