Ben's Buzz: The buzz-eluding pitcher
While there’s been no shortage of buzz for the instantly spectacular Tanner Scheppers, or the surprisingly explosive Alexi Ogando, lefty Michael Kirkman has managed to elude the mainstream radar to some degree. Though he hasn't made quite the same splash as the other two, the organization is as thrilled by his progress as anyone's.
Scheppers arguably already has one of the best fastballs, curveballs and sliders in the organization. Has he even unpacked his bags yet? One source told me "I would bet everything in my checking account that he's going to be a superstar." Now it's just a matter of when.
Ogando has flat out blown folks away in Surprise. Literally. I'll be shocked if he doesn't pitch in Arlington at some point this season.
Quietly, Michael Kirkman has the organization wondering if his upside might be as high as any pitching prospect in camp. Based on the immense talent on hand, that says a lot. Now if he can just keep his ear out of the way of line drives, he might go on to have a pretty nice career.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Richard Durrett
Richard Durrett joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He writes about colleges, the Dallas Stars and the Texas Rangers. Richard spent nine years at The Dallas Morning News covering the Rangers, Stars, colleges, motorsports and high schools.
Bryan Dolgin
Bryan Dolgin joined ESPNDallas.com in February of 2011. This is his third season as the radio pre/post game show host of the Texas Rangers, and he also hosts Rangers Magazine. He has worked as a broadcaster for three minor league teams and has worked for ESPN 1000 in Chicago.
Tim MacMahon
Tim MacMahon joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. Tim covers the Cowboys and Mavericks. He has covered the local sports scene from high schools to colleges to pros during his six-year tenure at The Dallas Morning News. MacMahon is a graduate of UNT.
Jeff Caplan
Jeff Caplan joined ESPNDallas.com in December 2009. Jeff covers the Mavericks, Rangers and colleges. He has a wealth of experience in the area, covering multiple beats in his 11-plus years with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Ben Rogers
Ben Rogers joined ESPNDallas.com in November 2009. He is one half of "The Ben & Skin Show," heard weekdays from 9a-12p on 103.3 FM ESPN.
103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS
Play Podcast Rangers GM Jon Daniels discusses the team's recent struggles, the interest level in Roy Oswalt and more.
Play Podcast Rangers play-by-play voice Eric Nadel says he's not worried about the Rangers lack of offensive production.
Play Podcast Ron Washington breaks down Matt Harrison's consistency, has no regrets about resting his players and says he isn't concerned over Yu Darvish's rough start.
Play Podcast Rangers outfielder David Murphy talks about his inside-the-park home run, Yu Darvish's last start and more.
Play Podcast Rangers president Nolan Ryan comments on Neftali Feliz's injury, the club's interest in Roy Oswalt, re-signing Josh Hamilton and more.
Play Podcast Ben and Skin discuss the three most important figures for the Rangers, Mavs, and Cowboys. Who is the most vital to the ultimate success of each organization?
UPCOMING GAMES
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOR | 24-21 | 12-10 | 12-11 | L2 | |
| TEX | 27-18 | 11-9 | 16-9 | L1 |
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOR | 24-21 | 12-10 | 12-11 | L2 | |
| TEX | 27-18 | 11-9 | 16-9 | L1 |
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOR | 24-21 | 12-10 | 12-11 | L2 | |
| TEX | 27-18 | 11-9 | 16-9 | L1 |
TEAM LEADERS
| BA LEADER | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Josh Hamilton
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| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| HR | J. Hamilton | 18 | ||||||||||
| RBI | J. Hamilton | 49 | ||||||||||
| R | I. Kinsler | 36 | ||||||||||
| OPS | J. Hamilton | 1.187 | ||||||||||
| W | Y. Darvish | 6 | ||||||||||
| ERA | Y. Darvish | 3.05 | ||||||||||
| SO | Y. Darvish | 63 | ||||||||||
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