What we know about the Rangers ownership situation…

Here is what we know at this point about the Great Rangers Ownership Derby, starring Tom Hicks, Nolan Ryan, Chuck Greenberg, Dennis Gilbert, Jim Crane and Bud Selig.

* Hicks is expected to decide today between the three groups: Gilbert, Crane and Greenberg/Ryan.

* Selig is adamant that this get done as quicky as possible. Like today…although he suggested it might take a day or two longer.

* Greenberg’s group was working Tuesday to tweak their offer and enhance their position.

* Word was Hicks was focusing on Greenberg’s group Tuesday morning.

* Word is Gilbert’s chances appear to be fading fast, especially since a proposed merger with Hicks fell by the wayside. But…

* Crane, once out of it all together, is very much back in the picture even though it seems he will have a hard time being approved by Major League Baseball. Each group has had their stock go up or down at some point during the process.

* Hicks would be a minority partner in the Greenberg group.

* Ryan is in with Greenberg, out with Gilbert and “I don’t know” as far as Crane. However Crane wants him to stay with the team.

* There are times when all three groups appeared to be the front-runner. Only Hicks knows who is the real front runner.

* Hicks is obviously torn between holding on to the team and selling so he can pay off the substantial debt built up by the Hicks Sports Group. Major League Baseball wants it resolved and debt only gets worse if left alone.

* This, as somebody put it, become like a blind silent auction at a charity event,

Prediction: Greenberg

1. They are financially solid with local backing.

2. Ryan stays with the team.

3. Hicks is able to stay with the team as a minority partner and be a part of the new group building on what has been started here.

Also thought the 49ers were going to make the playoffs this year.