Michael Young was our original choice to represent the Rangers, but we called an audible after realizing he is already 30-years old, going instead with Mark Teixeira. Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners was the number one rated pitching prospect in 2005 by Baseball America and showed his promise later that season. The Case for Teixeira Teixeira is one of the finest switch hitters in the game today. Coming out of Georgia Tech, Teixeira put up impressive numbers as soon as he made his debut in 2003. While he has been very steady, 2005 was easily his most dominating season. He recorded a .954 OPS, 43 home runs, 144 RBIs and 194 hits while leading the AL in total bases. He also is a very fine defensive player, winning the Gold Glove each of the past two seasons. The Case Against Teixeira Teixeira plays in one of the friendliest hitter parks in the game and his statistical output has been significantly better at home. (HR: 79 vs. 61, OPS: .956 vs. .840, RBI: 266 vs. 184). In 2006, Teixeira had a disappointing season, at least by his standards, hitting only 9 home runs prior to the All-Star break. He finished strong however, posting a .998 OPS after the midsummer classic. The Case for Hernandez Before names like Liriano, Papelbon and Verlander dominated the 2006 landscape; Felix Hernandez was expected to be the next great pitcher. He was a late season call-up in 2005 and he posted a 2.67 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Built very well, Hernandez has a high-nineties fastball, along with a very good curve and change. He already is one of the finest strikeout pitchers in the game, striking out nearly one pitcher per inning. The Case Against Hernandez His numbers during his first full MLB season were terribly disappointing, 1.34 WHOP, 4.52 ERA and a 12-14 record. He did strikeout 176 batters over 191 innings. Hernandez struggles mightily against left-handed hitters, recording a 1.51 WHIP compared to 1.16 against right-handed hitters.