C. J. Wilson has reportedly signed a contract for the 2009 season, terms were not disclosed.

I really hope C. J. comes out of the gate in a big way this year. Last year was disappointing for everyone, especially him, and I think if he can come out the same way he did in 2007 we should all be expectant of a surprisingly big year from him. C. J. told me he was at full health and is ready to get going in Spring ball. I wish him the best over Spring Training and expect to see him coming out of the bullpen this year with the same swagger he had in 2007.

UPDATE: The one  year deal was inked for $1.85 million

Here is a short interview that C. J. Wilson was cool enough to do with me, I think we all are pulling for him this season. Here we go:

(AS) How has the rehab process been and how does your arm feel right now? What are the expectations for Opening Day?

(CJ) Rehab is always a mixed bag- obviously you’re doing it because you had
an injury, but I really enjoy the healing process and the expertise
that John at TMI in Arlington gave me. Right now, I’m fully into a
normal mode for this time of year.

(AS) Which young pitchers are the Rangers staff most excited about seeing in
Arlington this year? Do you have much interaction with the young guys?

(CJ) I’m not sure who the staff is excited for- but I’m looking forward to
seeing our young pitchers like Holland, Feliz, etc as well as a healthy
Hurley and a more experienced Harrison. I try and make myself as
available as possible to any of the younger dudes.

(AS) How different has the pitcher’s conditioning program been this year as
opposed to last year with Nolan at the helm? Have you seen any benefits
from it yet?

(CJ) The conditioning program is a hot topic of conversation but until the
season starts it will be difficult to see how it affects the players-
basically it’s up to each individual player to keep himself in major
league shape. If someone is out of shape, I’d generally say it’s 100%
the player’s fault because it is such a large component of our job
description. My goal every year is to be in better shape than all the
other pitchers.

(AS) Are you pulling for a Ben Sheets addition?

(CJ) I’m of the thought process that our young players need to get
experience in order for the franchise to succeed long term. Since JD
and Nolan control our additions and I’m just a pitcher, my input is
never really pertinent and they’ll be doing what’s best…

(AS) What are you most looking forward to out of the 2009 season?

(CJ) I think 2009 is offering a lot to look forward to. For me personally it
will be my first time at 100% since the first half of ’07 so I look
forward to putting my best performance out there on the field.

Once again, thanks to C.J. I should be posting some more interviews here in the coming weeks so stay tuned.