Did you watch on TV that news conference last week introducing Yu Darvish as a member of the Texas Rangers?

Team president Nolan Ryan, one of the greatest pitchers in major league history, had a previous commitment and could not attend, but it will be interesting to see if Ryan will take a hands-on role in the development of the young right-hander as an American Leaguer.

Darvish may not go on to become a 300-game winner, notch more than 5,700 strikeouts, toss seven no-hitters, play 27 seasons until the age of 46 and gain entrance to the Baseball Hall of Fame as Ryan did. However, let us recall what Trey Hillman, manager of the Hokkaido Nippon Ham Fighters, said in 2007: "In a few years, Darvish has a chance to become the best pitcher in the world."