The Texas Rangers are making headlines this season, and closer-turned-starter C.J. Wilson is no small part of that. While his team sits atop the American League West with a three-and-a-half game lead over the Angels – the largest lead of any division in baseball – Wilson has settled into the starting rotation nicely after being Texas’ ninth-inning man for the last three years. With half the season come and gone, the team will now look to him to further solidify their hold in the AL West as they try to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999.

Wilson was a pickup of the Rangers in the 5th round of the 2001 amateur draft and quickly worked his way through the minor leagues. He was primarily used as a starter and even made his MLB debut in 2005, starting six games, but was moved to the bullpen for the remainder of that season as well as in the Texas and Pacific Coast Leagues in the first half of 2006. In 2007, he was converted to closer after the trade of Eric Gagne.

He was returned to the starters’ role before the 2010 season and through 16 starts so far, he is 6-4 with two complete games, an impressive 3.34 ERA, 73 strikeouts to 48 walks, and 1.26 WHIP in 102.1 innings pitched. With four pitches in his repertoire, Wilson was eager to return to a starting rotation, but had to earn the spot out of Spring Training. Not only did he do so, but he found himself third on the Rangers’ depth chart behind Scott Feldman and Rich Harden. With Harden now on the DL, Wilson has been moved up to number two.

Off the field, Wilson known as an active member in the blogging world, sharing his opinions on anything from teammates to lifestyle to politics. His thoughts got him into trouble in 2008, but since then he’s been more selective with his words. Now he’s seen as a unique connection for Rangers fans to their team. Wilson is a player unlike most others; one who isn’t afraid to speak his mind. Baseball could certainly use a few more guys like him to keep things interesting.