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Another reason to look forward to the March 31 MLB opener: It’ll mark Lance Berkman’s debut for Texas and put him in Houston, his original club, for the Astros’ debut as an American League team. Former Jackson Generals star Berkman also considered Houston before signing as a free agent with Texas. The switch-hitting Berkman likely will be the Rangers’ DH and cleanup batter in 2013, possibly helping to ease the club’s loss of Josh Hamilton. There was speculation last year that the 36-year-old Berkman, beset by injuries in 2012, would retire. It’s good to see that he wants to give it another shot. If his legs hold up, he can certainly swing the bat. Recall that in 2011, when many were doubting what he had left after an injury-plagued 2010, he helped St. Louis win a World Series while batting .301 with 30 home runs. He also gets to renew his pursuit of 2,000 hits; he’s at 1,843. He’s already got 360 homers and 1,200 RBIs. With 2,000 hits, and a .295-plus career average, Berkman will be a strong Hall of Fame candidate.