Texas Rangers: Cody Buckel
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Struggling prospects Mike Olt and Cody Buckel began their search Tuesday for what's behind their shockingly poor starts to the season.
Olt, the Rangers' second-highest ranked prospect behind shortstop Jurickson Profar, saw team doctors Tuesday after informing club officials he was having issues with his vision. It could be as simple as the Triple-A Round Rock infielder needing contacts or glasses, general manager Jon Daniels said, or it could be something more. Daniels didn't have a diagnosis for Olt before the Rangers' game Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox.
Buckel, a right-handed pitcher who has been having issues with his control at Double-A Frisco, was moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen Tuesday. Buckel, the club's eighth-best prospect, has 25 walks in 18 innings. He had three walks and didn't record an out in his most recent start, against Corpus Christi on Saturday.
Olt's vision problems might help explain why he's off to a dismal start. Olt, a career .282 hitter in the minors entering the season, entered Tuesday batting .139 in 72-bats and has one home run after tying for the Texas League lead with 28 home runs last year.
"It would make sense if that's what has developed," Daniels said Tuesday.
Buckel heads to the bullpen after not pitching more than three innings in his five starts this season. He had a season-high six walks in three innings at San Antonio on April 22 and has walked at least five in three other starts.
Buckel will take up some innings in what has been a dominant bullpen in Frisco. But Daniels said the club thought it was better that Buckel sort things out in Double-A rather than at extended spring training.
"It's nothing physical with Cody," Daniels said. "He's been scuffling all season."
Both Olt's and Buckel's names came up in trade talks during the offseason.
Other Rangers notes:
Baker in, Murphy out: Jeff Baker got the start in left field against White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana, giving struggling starter David Murphy an extra day off. Murphy, batting .176 with two home runs, has a track record that says he will get his bat going.
"He's missing pitches that he usually gets," manager Ron Washington said.
Murphy and third baseman Adrian Beltre both have started slow. Beltre is batting .221 with four home runs and only nine RBIs.
"You know their track record is there," Washington said. "You just have to be patient."
More on Beltre: Beltre said Tuesday that he's not concerned with his slow start, noting he always has been a warm-weather player. Beltre is batting .107 with runners in scoring position.
"I know I'm going to be OK," Beltre said. "I would say I've been average. There hasn't been a time when I've felt great and there's not a period where I've felt terrible."
Randy Wells retires: Veteran pitcher Randy Wells, who has been at Triple-A Round Rock, has retired, Daniels said Tuesday. Daniels said the 30-year-old Wells told club officials that he didn't have the same level of desire for the game.
It's Joseph Ortiz: The Rangers said Tuesday that reliever Joe Ortiz has been asked to be called Joseph Ortiz from this point forward. Ortiz has allowed runs in his past three appearances, but the Rangers didn't provide that as the reason he is going with Joseph.
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| Tanner Scheppers joins Matt Mosley and Chuck Cooperstein to discuss pitching for the Rangers and what it's like watching Yu Darvish. Listen  |
Buckel, a right-handed pitcher who has been having issues with his control at Double-A Frisco, was moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen Tuesday. Buckel, the club's eighth-best prospect, has 25 walks in 18 innings. He had three walks and didn't record an out in his most recent start, against Corpus Christi on Saturday.
Olt's vision problems might help explain why he's off to a dismal start. Olt, a career .282 hitter in the minors entering the season, entered Tuesday batting .139 in 72-bats and has one home run after tying for the Texas League lead with 28 home runs last year.
"It would make sense if that's what has developed," Daniels said Tuesday.
Buckel heads to the bullpen after not pitching more than three innings in his five starts this season. He had a season-high six walks in three innings at San Antonio on April 22 and has walked at least five in three other starts.
Buckel will take up some innings in what has been a dominant bullpen in Frisco. But Daniels said the club thought it was better that Buckel sort things out in Double-A rather than at extended spring training.
"It's nothing physical with Cody," Daniels said. "He's been scuffling all season."
Both Olt's and Buckel's names came up in trade talks during the offseason.
Other Rangers notes:
Baker in, Murphy out: Jeff Baker got the start in left field against White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana, giving struggling starter David Murphy an extra day off. Murphy, batting .176 with two home runs, has a track record that says he will get his bat going.
"He's missing pitches that he usually gets," manager Ron Washington said.
Murphy and third baseman Adrian Beltre both have started slow. Beltre is batting .221 with four home runs and only nine RBIs.
"You know their track record is there," Washington said. "You just have to be patient."
More on Beltre: Beltre said Tuesday that he's not concerned with his slow start, noting he always has been a warm-weather player. Beltre is batting .107 with runners in scoring position.
"I know I'm going to be OK," Beltre said. "I would say I've been average. There hasn't been a time when I've felt great and there's not a period where I've felt terrible."
Randy Wells retires: Veteran pitcher Randy Wells, who has been at Triple-A Round Rock, has retired, Daniels said Tuesday. Daniels said the 30-year-old Wells told club officials that he didn't have the same level of desire for the game.
It's Joseph Ortiz: The Rangers said Tuesday that reliever Joe Ortiz has been asked to be called Joseph Ortiz from this point forward. Ortiz has allowed runs in his past three appearances, but the Rangers didn't provide that as the reason he is going with Joseph.
What's a fair offer for Giancarlo Stanton?
April, 16, 2013
Apr 16
8:21
AM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
ESPN.com's Buster Olney shared a quick nugget the other day in his daily blog, noting that the Rangers were doing "some early reconnaissance on how they could put together some kind of a deal" for Giancarlo Stanton. This shouldn't come as a shock. The Rangers' front office is very proactive and it makes perfect sense to be poking the Miami Marlins about Stanton, even a few months prior to the trade deadline.
Of course, the Marlins may not deal him then. But why not be prepared? So let's say the Marlins make it clear at some point in July that they'll listen to offers for Stanton. What might it take to get him?
Every deal starts with Jurickson Profar, the No. 1-ranked prospect according to ESPN.com's Keith Law. Now that the Rangers have signed Elvis Andrus to a long-term deal that keeps him in Texas at least through the 2018 season, they can afford to ship Profar. But they won't do that for just anybody. It's got to be a frontline starter or a middle-of-the-lineup bat, and either of those possibilities should be under team control for a few years.
Stanton fits the bill. He's under team control through the 2016 season, so the Rangers would be trading a package fronted by Profar for someone who won't hit the free agent market right away. Yes, he's struggled so far this season (and has dealt with shoulder soreness), but he hit. 290 with 37 homers and 86 RBIs in 449 at-bats last year. It was a third straight season of solid numbers with his average and homers going up. He's got a track record, albeit a brief one, of success.
To get him, Profar won't be enough. Mike Olt makes some sense here, as well. The Marlins could use a third baseman with a glove like Olt's, and while he struggled in spring training, he's got a bat with upside. The Marlins would likely want pitching. The Rangers, staying in prospect mode, could let them choose one or two from a group including Martin Perez, Justin Grimm, Cody Buckel, and maybe Nick Tepesch. Would Leonys Martin factor in here somewhere? Maybe.
But the Marlins are likely to want a piece that's in the majors and would be under club control for a while. Derek Holland or Matt Harrison would be examples. If that happens, the prospect package has to drop or it's too high a price to pay. Perhaps the Rangers will feel any package that includes one of its starters at the big league level is too high a price to pay. They worked hard to tie up the starting staff long term and won't want to break that up. But maybe there are other possibilities -- like a Robbie Ross, for instance -- that could be factored in to some kind of deal.
But it's probably going to take a strong prospect package and some pieces at the big league level to get this done.
Your turn. Give me an offer for Stanton that you think the Marlins would take (and the Rangers would be willing to give).
| PODCAST |
|---|
| ESPN Insider Jim Bowden joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the possibility of the Rangers trading Jurickson Profar. Listen |
Every deal starts with Jurickson Profar, the No. 1-ranked prospect according to ESPN.com's Keith Law. Now that the Rangers have signed Elvis Andrus to a long-term deal that keeps him in Texas at least through the 2018 season, they can afford to ship Profar. But they won't do that for just anybody. It's got to be a frontline starter or a middle-of-the-lineup bat, and either of those possibilities should be under team control for a few years.
Stanton fits the bill. He's under team control through the 2016 season, so the Rangers would be trading a package fronted by Profar for someone who won't hit the free agent market right away. Yes, he's struggled so far this season (and has dealt with shoulder soreness), but he hit. 290 with 37 homers and 86 RBIs in 449 at-bats last year. It was a third straight season of solid numbers with his average and homers going up. He's got a track record, albeit a brief one, of success.
To get him, Profar won't be enough. Mike Olt makes some sense here, as well. The Marlins could use a third baseman with a glove like Olt's, and while he struggled in spring training, he's got a bat with upside. The Marlins would likely want pitching. The Rangers, staying in prospect mode, could let them choose one or two from a group including Martin Perez, Justin Grimm, Cody Buckel, and maybe Nick Tepesch. Would Leonys Martin factor in here somewhere? Maybe.
But the Marlins are likely to want a piece that's in the majors and would be under club control for a while. Derek Holland or Matt Harrison would be examples. If that happens, the prospect package has to drop or it's too high a price to pay. Perhaps the Rangers will feel any package that includes one of its starters at the big league level is too high a price to pay. They worked hard to tie up the starting staff long term and won't want to break that up. But maybe there are other possibilities -- like a Robbie Ross, for instance -- that could be factored in to some kind of deal.
But it's probably going to take a strong prospect package and some pieces at the big league level to get this done.
Your turn. Give me an offer for Stanton that you think the Marlins would take (and the Rangers would be willing to give).
Position battle update: No. 5 starter
March, 5, 2013
Mar 5
8:45
AM CT
By Ron Matejko | ESPNDallas.com
The battle for the fifth starting spot in the Texas Rangers rotation is a point of interest during the early part of the 2013 Cactus League season. A number of players are competing for that slot and the race just became much more difficult to handicap following the injury to Martin Perez. The 21-year old rookie was positioning himself well prior to learning he would miss approximately two months due to a forearm fracture suffered during Sunday's game.
With an off day today, this seemed like a good time to break down the candidates and where they stand in their quest for that final starting spot.
RHP Cody Buckel: Buckel has not performed well in either of his two spring appearances. In both outings, he was scheduled to throw one inning, but couldn't get three outs either time. In one inning, Buckel has allowed seven runs, on four hits, with five walks and two hit batters. The 20-year old was named the organization's minor league pitcher of the year in 2012 but it appears he still needs more seasoning before making the jump to the big leagues.
RHP Justin Grimm: Grimm may knock himself out of contention early in the competition. The right-hander has been hit hard in both starts, allowing nine earned runs on 10 hits in 4.1 innings. Grimm has struggled to keep his pitches down in the zone, which may ultimately lead to his undoing unless he quickly resolves the issue.
RHP Kyle McClellan: As one of two contenders with more than two major league starts, McClellan had an experience advantage over most of his competitors. Unfortunately for him, McClellan is yet to see action in a game, as he has been sidelined with a sore shoulder in his throwing arm. The longer spring, Perez' injury and the fact a fifth starter isn't needed until later in April may give McClellan a chance to stay in the hunt if he can return soon.
LHP Martin Perez: The unofficial leader in the competition, Perez was impressive with the improvement he displayed before getting injured during his second spring appearance. The left-hander likely won't return until May, at which time another pitcher, within or outside of the organization, may have a firm grip on the job.
LHP Robbie Ross: All Ross does is exceed expectations. He did so last season when he made the Rangers squad out of training camp as a non-roster invitee and he is doing so again in his second attempt to nail down the fifth starter spot. Ross has pitched well as a starter in the minor leagues, but his success with Texas has been as a reliever. He may become a victim of his own success though, unless the Rangers are comfortable they have enough other arms to round out the bullpen behind closer Joe Nathan.
RHP Nick Tepesch: Tepesch is the Ross of 2013. He came into camp as an unknown, non-roster invitee and all he does is pitch well. The even-keeled 6-foot-4 right hander has shown poise during the two appearances of his first major league camp. In five innings, Tepesch has allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts.
RHP Randy Wells: If experienced mattered, Wells would be a slam dunk for the role. The 30-year old has a career record of 28-32 with a 4.08 ERA in 86 MLB starts. Wells has displayed craftiness during his two starts, as he's allowed eight hits and a walk in four innings but has found a way to limit the damage by only allowing two earned runs. Smoother outings later in the spring, as well as his experience could nab Wells the starting gig. His next start is on Thursday.
Other: Recent reports state the Rangers may have interest in free-agent right-hander Kyle Lohse or the Tigers' Rick Porcello and adding one of them to the rotation. The Perez injury, along with the early struggles of No. 4 starter Alexi Ogando, who is making the transition from the pen this season, may fast track a phone call. Let's also not forget Colby Lewis who is recovering well from his midseason elbow surgery and could provide the answer if Texas decides to piece meal the starts until he returns.
| PODCAST |
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| Galloway & Company discuss Jon Daniels' latest comments on the Nolan Ryan situation and why they think Ryan could leave the Rangers. Listen |
RHP Cody Buckel: Buckel has not performed well in either of his two spring appearances. In both outings, he was scheduled to throw one inning, but couldn't get three outs either time. In one inning, Buckel has allowed seven runs, on four hits, with five walks and two hit batters. The 20-year old was named the organization's minor league pitcher of the year in 2012 but it appears he still needs more seasoning before making the jump to the big leagues.
RHP Justin Grimm: Grimm may knock himself out of contention early in the competition. The right-hander has been hit hard in both starts, allowing nine earned runs on 10 hits in 4.1 innings. Grimm has struggled to keep his pitches down in the zone, which may ultimately lead to his undoing unless he quickly resolves the issue.
RHP Kyle McClellan: As one of two contenders with more than two major league starts, McClellan had an experience advantage over most of his competitors. Unfortunately for him, McClellan is yet to see action in a game, as he has been sidelined with a sore shoulder in his throwing arm. The longer spring, Perez' injury and the fact a fifth starter isn't needed until later in April may give McClellan a chance to stay in the hunt if he can return soon.
LHP Martin Perez: The unofficial leader in the competition, Perez was impressive with the improvement he displayed before getting injured during his second spring appearance. The left-hander likely won't return until May, at which time another pitcher, within or outside of the organization, may have a firm grip on the job.
LHP Robbie Ross: All Ross does is exceed expectations. He did so last season when he made the Rangers squad out of training camp as a non-roster invitee and he is doing so again in his second attempt to nail down the fifth starter spot. Ross has pitched well as a starter in the minor leagues, but his success with Texas has been as a reliever. He may become a victim of his own success though, unless the Rangers are comfortable they have enough other arms to round out the bullpen behind closer Joe Nathan.
RHP Nick Tepesch: Tepesch is the Ross of 2013. He came into camp as an unknown, non-roster invitee and all he does is pitch well. The even-keeled 6-foot-4 right hander has shown poise during the two appearances of his first major league camp. In five innings, Tepesch has allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts.
RHP Randy Wells: If experienced mattered, Wells would be a slam dunk for the role. The 30-year old has a career record of 28-32 with a 4.08 ERA in 86 MLB starts. Wells has displayed craftiness during his two starts, as he's allowed eight hits and a walk in four innings but has found a way to limit the damage by only allowing two earned runs. Smoother outings later in the spring, as well as his experience could nab Wells the starting gig. His next start is on Thursday.
Other: Recent reports state the Rangers may have interest in free-agent right-hander Kyle Lohse or the Tigers' Rick Porcello and adding one of them to the rotation. The Perez injury, along with the early struggles of No. 4 starter Alexi Ogando, who is making the transition from the pen this season, may fast track a phone call. Let's also not forget Colby Lewis who is recovering well from his midseason elbow surgery and could provide the answer if Texas decides to piece meal the starts until he returns.
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Texas Rangers (3-7-1) continued their six-game pattern of alternating wins and losses with a 5-4, walk-off win against the San Diego Padres (6-6) on Monday at Surprise Stadium.
What this means: Texas secured its second win in the last three games after opening the spring with a six-game winless streak (0-5-1).
Clutch hit: Jeff Baker hit an RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give Texas to its walk-off victory.
Yes, Yu: Rangers ace Yu Darvish has made two spring starts and looked very good in both of them. The right-hander faced one batter over the minimum during three innings of work while allowing no runs on two walks and three strikeouts. In five spring innings, Darvish has allowed no runs or hits, struck out five and walked two.
Quick work: Much like Matt Harrison on Saturday, Darvish didn't need many pitches to record nine outs and only threw 39 pitches during his outing.
Welcome back: Adrian Beltre wasted no time answering any questions about his bat after missing the first 10 spring games with a tight right calf by doubling the other way in his first at-bat.
First and last: David Murphy accounted for both Rangers runs with a two-run single in the first inning.
Flashing leather: Engel Beltre first showed his bat was ready for the WBC during his spring debut Sunday with an RBI triple. The right fielder showed in the first inning of Monday's game that his glove is ready for the international tournament, as well. Beltre, who missed more than a week with a sore shoulder, covered serious ground toward center field before making a leaping catch on the run, up against the wall on a deep drive by Travis Buck.
Long walk: Ian Kinsler is off to a slow start, batting .188 entering Monday's game but showed his eye may be rounding into mid-season form. The Rangers second baseman had perhaps his best at-bat of the spring when he drew a walk after seeing 11 pitches, fouling off five in a row with two strikes before taking ball four.
Target practice: It's a good thing this was only a spring game, as Rangers pitchers hit four Padres batters.
Buckel down: Cody Buckel struggled in his second appearance, allowing three runs on four hits, while hitting two batters in two-thirds of an inning.
What's next?: The Rangers have their first off day of the spring Tuesday. They will resume the 2013 Cactus League on Wednesday and play their final game of a spring-high, three-game homestand by hosting the Chicago Cubs at 2:05 p.m. CT. LHP Robbie Ross (0-0, 3.60) will make his third appearance and first start of the spring. LHP Hisanori Takahashi (0-0, --) is scheduled to start for Chicago.
What this means: Texas secured its second win in the last three games after opening the spring with a six-game winless streak (0-5-1).
Clutch hit: Jeff Baker hit an RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth to give Texas to its walk-off victory.
Yes, Yu: Rangers ace Yu Darvish has made two spring starts and looked very good in both of them. The right-hander faced one batter over the minimum during three innings of work while allowing no runs on two walks and three strikeouts. In five spring innings, Darvish has allowed no runs or hits, struck out five and walked two.
| PODCAST |
|---|
| Randy Galloway joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the Rangers' front office moves and how they affect Nolan Ryan. Listen |
Welcome back: Adrian Beltre wasted no time answering any questions about his bat after missing the first 10 spring games with a tight right calf by doubling the other way in his first at-bat.
First and last: David Murphy accounted for both Rangers runs with a two-run single in the first inning.
Flashing leather: Engel Beltre first showed his bat was ready for the WBC during his spring debut Sunday with an RBI triple. The right fielder showed in the first inning of Monday's game that his glove is ready for the international tournament, as well. Beltre, who missed more than a week with a sore shoulder, covered serious ground toward center field before making a leaping catch on the run, up against the wall on a deep drive by Travis Buck.
Long walk: Ian Kinsler is off to a slow start, batting .188 entering Monday's game but showed his eye may be rounding into mid-season form. The Rangers second baseman had perhaps his best at-bat of the spring when he drew a walk after seeing 11 pitches, fouling off five in a row with two strikes before taking ball four.
Target practice: It's a good thing this was only a spring game, as Rangers pitchers hit four Padres batters.
Buckel down: Cody Buckel struggled in his second appearance, allowing three runs on four hits, while hitting two batters in two-thirds of an inning.
What's next?: The Rangers have their first off day of the spring Tuesday. They will resume the 2013 Cactus League on Wednesday and play their final game of a spring-high, three-game homestand by hosting the Chicago Cubs at 2:05 p.m. CT. LHP Robbie Ross (0-0, 3.60) will make his third appearance and first start of the spring. LHP Hisanori Takahashi (0-0, --) is scheduled to start for Chicago.
Rapid Reaction: White Sox 14, Rangers 8
February, 26, 2013
Feb 26
5:37
PM CT
By Ron Matejko | ESPNDallas.com
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Texas Rangers (0-4-1) remain winless this spring after dropping a 14-8 decision to the Chicago White Sox (2-0-2) on Tuesday at Surprise Stadium.
What its means: Texas has lost four in a row and is winless after five spring games. The Rangers are 0-8-1 in their last nine spring games dating to the end of the 2012 Cactus League season.
Ace performance: Yu Darvish was sharp in his spring debut, pitching two perfect innings while striking out two. The lone well-hit ball was a high foul ball Conor Gillaspie hit deep into the right field corner that was caught by Aaron Cunningham.
Mixed bag: Darvish mixed speeds well as evidenced during a Seth Loman at-bat where Darvish started the White Sox DH with a looping 64-mph curveball, followed by a 92-mph fastball.
Big bat: Third baseman Mike Olt hit his first home run of the spring -- a line drive over the 400-foot sign in center off a 3-2 pitch. The blast marked just the second hit by the Rangers in the last 32 at bats with a runner in scoring position.
High five: The five runs scored by the Rangers during the fifth inning not only marked their highest single-inning output this spring, it also equaled the highest total for an entire 2013 Cactus League game prior to today's offensive outburst. Of those five runs, two were unearned.
Walking around: Texas pitchers walked eight Chicago batters; none were from Darvish, who permitted a team-high 89 last season.
Hot bat: Leonys Martin continues to hit well. He came off the bench Tuesday and went 1-for-2 with an RBI triple. Martin, who is in a three-way battle for the starting center field job, is now 6-for-11 (.545) and leads the team in hits this spring.
An inning to forget: Cody Buckel won't forget his first Cactus League appearance. The 20-year old right-hander entered the game in the third inning and walked the first four batters he faced. Two more runs scored on a passed ball and an error by Olt. Buckel then walked a fifth batter, ending his day having retired just one batter. The second-round pick in 2010 performed well during his first two minor league seasons, so this may have been a case of nerves getting the best of a young player.
What's next? Texas travels to Camelback Ranch in Glendale to wrap up a two-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday at 2:05 p.m. CT. There is no radio or TV broadcast. RHP Alexi Ogando will make his second appearance of the spring, but his first start. RHP Simon Castro will take the mound for Chicago.
What its means: Texas has lost four in a row and is winless after five spring games. The Rangers are 0-8-1 in their last nine spring games dating to the end of the 2012 Cactus League season.
Ace performance: Yu Darvish was sharp in his spring debut, pitching two perfect innings while striking out two. The lone well-hit ball was a high foul ball Conor Gillaspie hit deep into the right field corner that was caught by Aaron Cunningham.
Mixed bag: Darvish mixed speeds well as evidenced during a Seth Loman at-bat where Darvish started the White Sox DH with a looping 64-mph curveball, followed by a 92-mph fastball.
| PODCAST |
|---|
| Rangers GM Jon Daniels joins Galloway & Company at spring training to discuss the club's offseason, upcoming season and Josh Hamilton's comments about Texas. Listen |
High five: The five runs scored by the Rangers during the fifth inning not only marked their highest single-inning output this spring, it also equaled the highest total for an entire 2013 Cactus League game prior to today's offensive outburst. Of those five runs, two were unearned.
Walking around: Texas pitchers walked eight Chicago batters; none were from Darvish, who permitted a team-high 89 last season.
Hot bat: Leonys Martin continues to hit well. He came off the bench Tuesday and went 1-for-2 with an RBI triple. Martin, who is in a three-way battle for the starting center field job, is now 6-for-11 (.545) and leads the team in hits this spring.
An inning to forget: Cody Buckel won't forget his first Cactus League appearance. The 20-year old right-hander entered the game in the third inning and walked the first four batters he faced. Two more runs scored on a passed ball and an error by Olt. Buckel then walked a fifth batter, ending his day having retired just one batter. The second-round pick in 2010 performed well during his first two minor league seasons, so this may have been a case of nerves getting the best of a young player.
What's next? Texas travels to Camelback Ranch in Glendale to wrap up a two-game series against the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday at 2:05 p.m. CT. There is no radio or TV broadcast. RHP Alexi Ogando will make his second appearance of the spring, but his first start. RHP Simon Castro will take the mound for Chicago.
Intrasquad: Relief candidates show off stuff
February, 20, 2013
Feb 20
5:18
PM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- After starter Matt Harrison got his work in, a slew of relief candidates strolled to the mound with a chance to impress the coaching staff and some scouts in attendance.
"I felt like all the people that need to see me were there," Nate Robertson said. "I'm sure all of us felt that way. Some of those folks may have been seeing us live for the first time. So you want to perform well."
Some of them did that in chilly conditions on Field 1 (Nolan Ryan Field) on the Rangers side of Surprise Recreation Campus. Robertson, who remade his delivery this offseason with hopes of extending his career, was pleased with how his low three-quarter arm slot reacted to hitters as he threw to them for the first time without an "L screen" in front of him. He gave up a couple of singles, but also struck out Leonys Martin with a slider and was glad that he got to pitch to some left-handed hitters.
"I've had four elbow surgeries and I knew I needed to do something to give me another chance," Robertson said. "I taught it to myself this offseason and I'm glad to see I've got movement on my pitches. I'm not a velocity guy. I can't tough 94 or 95 mph anymore. So it's third on my priority list behind command and movement. The more velocity you have, the greater your margin of error. I have to locate my pitches, and I did that today."
But there were two pitchers later in the game that impressed the scouts on hand: Josh Lindblom and Joe Ortiz.
Lindblom, who came over from Philadelphia in the Michael Young trade, struck out the side. He got Craig Gentry to chase a slider, Geovany Soto struck out on a fastball swinging and Mike Olt watched a fastball hit the corner for a third strike.
"Today the biggest thing was my fastball command," Lindblom said. "It was down on both sides of the zone. If you do it, you're going to have success."
Ortiz, a longshot coming into camp, continues to pound the strike zone. One scout compared him to Eddie Guardado as a guy that may not have high velocity but keeps the ball down and is constantly ahead of hitters. He did touch 92 mph on the radar gun and had two strikeouts, both on sliders.
Another error: There's something about Gentry that seems to bug Elvis Andrus. For the second straight game, Andrus committed an error off a ball hit by Gentry. Andrus rushed the throw, which was high, allowing Gentry to get to second base. He was stranded there as Harrison got out of the inning.
Highlight reel: Leury Garcia had one of the better defensive plays of camp, barehanding a tough chopper and throwing to first to get the speedy Andrus. ... Mitch Moreland made a nice backhand stab at first base on a hot shot, keeping the ball in front of him and getting the out.
Tepesch's tale: Nick Tepesch threw some nice breaking pitches, striking out Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz on sinkers. He hit 91 mph on the radar gun.
Buckel's line: Cody Buckel, one of the fifth starter candidates, gave up three hits (all singles), a walk and a wild pitch, but allowed just one run.
Big hits: Pierzynski had an RBI single, scoring Kinsler. ... Reserve Brett Nicholas had a three-run homer and a double in his two at-bats. ... Juan Apodaca had a two-run triple in the fourth.
| PODCAST |
|---|
| Jim Bowden joins Ben and Skin to talk about Rangers spring training and some interesting trade scenarios. Listen |
Some of them did that in chilly conditions on Field 1 (Nolan Ryan Field) on the Rangers side of Surprise Recreation Campus. Robertson, who remade his delivery this offseason with hopes of extending his career, was pleased with how his low three-quarter arm slot reacted to hitters as he threw to them for the first time without an "L screen" in front of him. He gave up a couple of singles, but also struck out Leonys Martin with a slider and was glad that he got to pitch to some left-handed hitters.
"I've had four elbow surgeries and I knew I needed to do something to give me another chance," Robertson said. "I taught it to myself this offseason and I'm glad to see I've got movement on my pitches. I'm not a velocity guy. I can't tough 94 or 95 mph anymore. So it's third on my priority list behind command and movement. The more velocity you have, the greater your margin of error. I have to locate my pitches, and I did that today."
But there were two pitchers later in the game that impressed the scouts on hand: Josh Lindblom and Joe Ortiz.
Lindblom, who came over from Philadelphia in the Michael Young trade, struck out the side. He got Craig Gentry to chase a slider, Geovany Soto struck out on a fastball swinging and Mike Olt watched a fastball hit the corner for a third strike.
"Today the biggest thing was my fastball command," Lindblom said. "It was down on both sides of the zone. If you do it, you're going to have success."
Ortiz, a longshot coming into camp, continues to pound the strike zone. One scout compared him to Eddie Guardado as a guy that may not have high velocity but keeps the ball down and is constantly ahead of hitters. He did touch 92 mph on the radar gun and had two strikeouts, both on sliders.
Another error: There's something about Gentry that seems to bug Elvis Andrus. For the second straight game, Andrus committed an error off a ball hit by Gentry. Andrus rushed the throw, which was high, allowing Gentry to get to second base. He was stranded there as Harrison got out of the inning.
Highlight reel: Leury Garcia had one of the better defensive plays of camp, barehanding a tough chopper and throwing to first to get the speedy Andrus. ... Mitch Moreland made a nice backhand stab at first base on a hot shot, keeping the ball in front of him and getting the out.
Tepesch's tale: Nick Tepesch threw some nice breaking pitches, striking out Ian Kinsler and Nelson Cruz on sinkers. He hit 91 mph on the radar gun.
Buckel's line: Cody Buckel, one of the fifth starter candidates, gave up three hits (all singles), a walk and a wild pitch, but allowed just one run.
Big hits: Pierzynski had an RBI single, scoring Kinsler. ... Reserve Brett Nicholas had a three-run homer and a double in his two at-bats. ... Juan Apodaca had a two-run triple in the fourth.
Fifth starter candidate: Cody Buckel
February, 18, 2013
Feb 18
9:30
AM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
Editor's note: This is an occasional series of blogs looking at some of the candidates for the fifth starter spot on for the Texas Rangers in 2013.
Today's candidate: Cody Buckel
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Cody Buckel isn't looking at spring training as simply a chance to get exposed to big league pitchers, though that's a benefit he plans on taking advantage of while he's here.
No, Buckel knows there's a job up for grabs. And while he may come in as a bit of a long shot, he intends to show he can handle it.
"It's definitely realistic," Buckel said. "I've been told there's a chance. I'm going to perform and do what I'm capable of doing and let my actions speak for themselves."
Buckel said he plans on spending as much of spring picking the brains of the major league players.
"I'm going to talk to people and see what their story is and how they got to the big leagues and how they stay here," Buckel said.
Buckel was 10-8 with a 2.49 ERA in 144 2/3 innings split between Class A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Frisco in 2012. He was 8-3 with a 2.61 ERA in 96 2/3 innings at Hickory in 2011.
"(Last season) was a good year following a good year in 2011, so back-to-back good years is always a good thing," Buckel said. "I was healthy. I was durable. I was pretty pleased with it."
Buckel notes that besides his fastball, curve, slider and changeup repertoire, he's added a shuuto, or a reverse slider. I'll let Buckel explain.
"It's like a left-handed version of a cutter," he said. "It has run. It's not hard enough to be a sinker and not slow enough to be a screwball. It's in between. It's a unique pitch."
And one that Buckel said he started throwing more midway through last year.
"It moves in to a right-handed hitter for me," Buckel said. "It stayed low in the zone. It was a big pitch for me. I could throw it 2-1, 1-1, 3-1, a good pitch to throw behind in the count. It would help me get back in the count."
Today's candidate: Cody Buckel
[+] Enlarge
Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images/AP ImagesCody Buckel plan to take advantage of his time around established big league pitchers.
Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images/AP ImagesCody Buckel plan to take advantage of his time around established big league pitchers.No, Buckel knows there's a job up for grabs. And while he may come in as a bit of a long shot, he intends to show he can handle it.
"It's definitely realistic," Buckel said. "I've been told there's a chance. I'm going to perform and do what I'm capable of doing and let my actions speak for themselves."
Buckel said he plans on spending as much of spring picking the brains of the major league players.
"I'm going to talk to people and see what their story is and how they got to the big leagues and how they stay here," Buckel said.
Buckel was 10-8 with a 2.49 ERA in 144 2/3 innings split between Class A Myrtle Beach and Double-A Frisco in 2012. He was 8-3 with a 2.61 ERA in 96 2/3 innings at Hickory in 2011.
"(Last season) was a good year following a good year in 2011, so back-to-back good years is always a good thing," Buckel said. "I was healthy. I was durable. I was pretty pleased with it."
Buckel notes that besides his fastball, curve, slider and changeup repertoire, he's added a shuuto, or a reverse slider. I'll let Buckel explain.
"It's like a left-handed version of a cutter," he said. "It has run. It's not hard enough to be a sinker and not slow enough to be a screwball. It's in between. It's a unique pitch."
And one that Buckel said he started throwing more midway through last year.
"It moves in to a right-handed hitter for me," Buckel said. "It stayed low in the zone. It was a big pitch for me. I could throw it 2-1, 1-1, 3-1, a good pitch to throw behind in the count. It would help me get back in the count."
10 spring issues: Who is the fifth starter?
February, 10, 2013
Feb 10
11:30
PM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
Editor's Note: We complete our spring issues series over the next couple of days as pitchers and catchers prepare to report in Surprise, Ariz., for spring training.
Today's issue: Who is the fifth starter?
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- This is clearly one of the biggest questions of the spring. The Texas Rangers come into camp with Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando in the rotation. They have one more spot to fill and, at this point, are set to allow some younger pitchers to compete for that job.
There are a handful of candidates, but we'll highlight a few of them here. Let's start with Robbie Ross, the 23-year-old who made a big impression in 2012. He came into spring training as a relative long shot to earn a spot on the club, but he just kept getting outs and pitched with a maturity well beyond his years. By the time camp had finished, Ross was the most consistent left-handed reliever and won a job and stayed in the big leagues the entire season.
Ross posted a 9-4 record and 2.26 ERA with 98 strikeouts and 28 walks in 21 games (20 starts) at Class A Myrtle Beach in 2011 and then moved up to Double-A Frisco and was 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA in six starts (36 strikeouts, five walks). He rode that momentum into the 2012 regular season, going 6-0 with a 0.95 ERA in the first half. He had more than a few teammates saying they felt he was an All-Star. He ended up with a 2.22 ERA in 65 innings (58 appearances) last year.
Now it's time to see if Ross can come in and win another competition, for the last spot in the rotation. It won't be a difficult transition for Ross, who was a starter his entire minor league career (which wasn't very long) before making the big leagues. He pitched in 69 games and started 68. So he'll be stretched out and ready to go.
But earning the fifth spot won't be easy for Ross. A few other youngsters are hoping to seize the spot, too. Martin Perez, long considered one of the club's top pitching prospects, hopes to break through in 2013. He turns 22 in April and was 1-3 with a 5.88 ERA in six starts for Texas last season. He came up to the big leagues after Colby Lewis went on the disabled list in June 26 and made his debut the following night. When Perez wasn't pitching in Texas, he was in Triple-A Round Rock. He went 7-6 with a 4.25 ERA in 22 games (21 starts) in 127 innings. He had 69 strikeouts and 56 walks. Perez was inconsistent and will need to show he can put solid innings together and stay consistent this spring.
Justin Grimm, 24, started twice for the Rangers in 2012. His debut was a good one, but he struggled in his second start and spent most of the rest of the season in Triple-A. He ended up 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings with Texas (five total appearances). He was 9-3 with a 1.72 ERA with 73 strikeouts and 14 walks in Double-A Frisco, earning him Texas League South Division All-Star honors. He was 2-3 with a 4.59 ERA in nine starts (51 innings) at Triple-A.
Kyle McClellan, 28, comes to camp healthy and focused on earning a spot on the club. He wants to start, but was quick to admit on Sunday when he arrived that he just wants to make the club and doesn't honestly care if that's as a reliever or starter. In other words: He didn't take the offer from the Rangers because he thought he might have the best shot at making the rotation. He took it because he felt like he could make the team in some capacity.
He's dealt with shoulder issues the past two seasons, but feels good after surgery last July.
There are other pitchers who will arrive stretched out to start, including Cody Buckel, Nick Tepesch and Randy Wells. Others could join the chase as well.
Pitching coach Mike Maddux and bullpen coach Andy Hawkins will have a plan to ramp all of them up and with 38 spring games, not to mention any "B" games or intrasquad games.
But the Rangers must find another starter before camp ends in late March, and all eyes will be on those candidates as they compete for that job.
[+] Enlarge
Jim Cowsert/US PresswireRobbie Ross flourished as a reliever last season but could transition into a starter.
Jim Cowsert/US PresswireRobbie Ross flourished as a reliever last season but could transition into a starter.SURPRISE, Ariz. -- This is clearly one of the biggest questions of the spring. The Texas Rangers come into camp with Yu Darvish, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Alexi Ogando in the rotation. They have one more spot to fill and, at this point, are set to allow some younger pitchers to compete for that job.
There are a handful of candidates, but we'll highlight a few of them here. Let's start with Robbie Ross, the 23-year-old who made a big impression in 2012. He came into spring training as a relative long shot to earn a spot on the club, but he just kept getting outs and pitched with a maturity well beyond his years. By the time camp had finished, Ross was the most consistent left-handed reliever and won a job and stayed in the big leagues the entire season.
Ross posted a 9-4 record and 2.26 ERA with 98 strikeouts and 28 walks in 21 games (20 starts) at Class A Myrtle Beach in 2011 and then moved up to Double-A Frisco and was 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA in six starts (36 strikeouts, five walks). He rode that momentum into the 2012 regular season, going 6-0 with a 0.95 ERA in the first half. He had more than a few teammates saying they felt he was an All-Star. He ended up with a 2.22 ERA in 65 innings (58 appearances) last year.
Now it's time to see if Ross can come in and win another competition, for the last spot in the rotation. It won't be a difficult transition for Ross, who was a starter his entire minor league career (which wasn't very long) before making the big leagues. He pitched in 69 games and started 68. So he'll be stretched out and ready to go.
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Justin Grimm, 24, started twice for the Rangers in 2012. His debut was a good one, but he struggled in his second start and spent most of the rest of the season in Triple-A. He ended up 1-1 with a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings with Texas (five total appearances). He was 9-3 with a 1.72 ERA with 73 strikeouts and 14 walks in Double-A Frisco, earning him Texas League South Division All-Star honors. He was 2-3 with a 4.59 ERA in nine starts (51 innings) at Triple-A.
Kyle McClellan, 28, comes to camp healthy and focused on earning a spot on the club. He wants to start, but was quick to admit on Sunday when he arrived that he just wants to make the club and doesn't honestly care if that's as a reliever or starter. In other words: He didn't take the offer from the Rangers because he thought he might have the best shot at making the rotation. He took it because he felt like he could make the team in some capacity.
He's dealt with shoulder issues the past two seasons, but feels good after surgery last July.
There are other pitchers who will arrive stretched out to start, including Cody Buckel, Nick Tepesch and Randy Wells. Others could join the chase as well.
Pitching coach Mike Maddux and bullpen coach Andy Hawkins will have a plan to ramp all of them up and with 38 spring games, not to mention any "B" games or intrasquad games.
But the Rangers must find another starter before camp ends in late March, and all eyes will be on those candidates as they compete for that job.
Keith Law: Jurickson Profar No. 1 prospect
February, 5, 2013
Feb 5
10:30
AM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
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Profar is the best prospect in the minors this year thanks to an incredible combination of tools, skills, and baseball instincts rarely found in players who play in the middle of the field. His feel for the game is unusual for a player of any age, much less a teenager, and should put another nail in the coffin of the old saw that American-born players have better instincts.
Other Rangers in the rankings:
No. 71, 3B Mike Olt
No. 90, RHP Cody Buckel
No. 93, LHP Martin Perez
Law has writeups on those too, but you'll need to be an insider to read it (and it's worth it).
Texas should save resources for trade later
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
8:00
AM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
We've talked about some of the holes the Texas Rangers could still fill on this 2013 squad. They still don't have a ton of depth in the lower-part of the starting rotation with the fifth spot up for grabs at this point with internal candidates. They don't yet know if they'll have to play without Nelson Cruz for 50 games this season, depending on what happens with MLB's investigation of the Miami New Times story.
Texas has some pieces that could entice teams to make a deal, if they wanted to poke around on filling some of these holes. But the reality is there aren't terrific options at this point via trade or free agency. Michael Bourn is a good player. But he doesn't hit for power and how comfortable are you giving a four- or five-year deal to a speed guy in his 30s? Kyle Lohse has pitched well and could help this rotation, but the long-term deal that agent Scott Boras requires may not be financially feasible either (or upgrade the club enough for the value, considering Texas can find out about one of its younger pitchers via the fifth-spot competition).
These needs, though, aren't likely to go away. Cruz is at the end of his contract anyway after 2013 and isn't likely to be re-signed, so the club has to look at alternatives there for the future. They are always wanting to build depth in the rotation and even with Yu Darvish and Matt Harrison at the top of that staff, another top-tier starter would be critical in keeping the contending window open longer for the Rangers.
Big names could be on the horizon. Besides an impressive free agent class heading into the 2014 season that includes some really good pitching options -- Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Felix Hernandez, Brett Anderson and James Shields. As we've seen, the Rangers have had some trouble luring key pitching names to Arlington, most recently Zack Greinke. Plus, it's likely that Verlander, Kershaw and Hernandez re-sign with their current teams.
What about the trade front? David Price becomes a free agent after the 2014 season. Tampa Bay probably can't keep him, so they'd have to try to get as much value out of him as they could on the trade market, right? To be in the Price sweepstakes, you've got to have the assets. And they need to be young with upside.
Price is the kind of player that you at least have to consider putting any of your prospects on the table to acquire. That includes Jurickson Profar, though that may depend on whether the club thinks it can re-sign Elvis Andrus and if the Rays would consider a package that didn't include the highly-ranked shortstop. Texas can still put forth a competitive package without Profar, but only if they hang on to some of those key pieces now (like Mike Olt, Cody Buckel, Martin Perez, Leury Garcia and others). It might also mean being willing to deal a starting pitcher currently under contract, like Derek Holland or Harrison.
It isn't just about assets in the form of players, either. It's the financial flexibility (a term that offends Mavericks fans and may scare some Rangers fans) that helps too. Other names could pop up from teams that either aren't contending at the deadline and want to save money by unloading a player with a high salary. That could mean the Rangers need to give up players in a trade and not be afraid to pay big money to get a piece that could be the difference in making the playoffs and winning a championship.
To even have the opportunity to make a play at Price, the 2012 Cy Young Award winner and a guy who is 61-31 with a 3.12 ERA in his career (786 1/3 innings) and turns 28 in August, Texas must stay patient and keep its top trade pieces and money in the bank. That may mean not filling some holes right now exactly like they want, but getting the opportunity in July (and perhaps even next offseason as well).
Do you agree? Would you save those pieces now for a possible move later or is that risky? Is Profar untouchable or is there a deal where you'd move him?
Texas has some pieces that could entice teams to make a deal, if they wanted to poke around on filling some of these holes. But the reality is there aren't terrific options at this point via trade or free agency. Michael Bourn is a good player. But he doesn't hit for power and how comfortable are you giving a four- or five-year deal to a speed guy in his 30s? Kyle Lohse has pitched well and could help this rotation, but the long-term deal that agent Scott Boras requires may not be financially feasible either (or upgrade the club enough for the value, considering Texas can find out about one of its younger pitchers via the fifth-spot competition).
These needs, though, aren't likely to go away. Cruz is at the end of his contract anyway after 2013 and isn't likely to be re-signed, so the club has to look at alternatives there for the future. They are always wanting to build depth in the rotation and even with Yu Darvish and Matt Harrison at the top of that staff, another top-tier starter would be critical in keeping the contending window open longer for the Rangers.
Big names could be on the horizon. Besides an impressive free agent class heading into the 2014 season that includes some really good pitching options -- Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, Felix Hernandez, Brett Anderson and James Shields. As we've seen, the Rangers have had some trouble luring key pitching names to Arlington, most recently Zack Greinke. Plus, it's likely that Verlander, Kershaw and Hernandez re-sign with their current teams.
What about the trade front? David Price becomes a free agent after the 2014 season. Tampa Bay probably can't keep him, so they'd have to try to get as much value out of him as they could on the trade market, right? To be in the Price sweepstakes, you've got to have the assets. And they need to be young with upside.
Price is the kind of player that you at least have to consider putting any of your prospects on the table to acquire. That includes Jurickson Profar, though that may depend on whether the club thinks it can re-sign Elvis Andrus and if the Rays would consider a package that didn't include the highly-ranked shortstop. Texas can still put forth a competitive package without Profar, but only if they hang on to some of those key pieces now (like Mike Olt, Cody Buckel, Martin Perez, Leury Garcia and others). It might also mean being willing to deal a starting pitcher currently under contract, like Derek Holland or Harrison.
It isn't just about assets in the form of players, either. It's the financial flexibility (a term that offends Mavericks fans and may scare some Rangers fans) that helps too. Other names could pop up from teams that either aren't contending at the deadline and want to save money by unloading a player with a high salary. That could mean the Rangers need to give up players in a trade and not be afraid to pay big money to get a piece that could be the difference in making the playoffs and winning a championship.
To even have the opportunity to make a play at Price, the 2012 Cy Young Award winner and a guy who is 61-31 with a 3.12 ERA in his career (786 1/3 innings) and turns 28 in August, Texas must stay patient and keep its top trade pieces and money in the bank. That may mean not filling some holes right now exactly like they want, but getting the opportunity in July (and perhaps even next offseason as well).
Do you agree? Would you save those pieces now for a possible move later or is that risky? Is Profar untouchable or is there a deal where you'd move him?
Cody Buckel among 4 more camp invitees
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
3:37
PM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
The Texas Rangers on Thursday invited four more internal players to camp. Right-handed pitcher Cody Buckel, outfielder Joey Butler, catcher Jose Felix and right-handed pitcher Nick Tepesch will come to Surprise, Ariz., to join the major league club for spring training.
Here's more information on the four players, according to the club's release:
Buckel, 20, went a combined 10-8 with a 2.49 ERA (40 ER/144.2 IP) in 26 games/23 starts for Myrtle Beach (High-A) and Frisco (AA) last season and was named the Rangers Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Butler, 26, spent last season at Round Rock (AAA), batting .290 (143-493) with 20 homers and 78 RBIs in 137 games. Felix, 24, will be in big league camp for a second time (also 2011) after batting .260 (76-292) with seven homers and 41 RBIs in 82 games for Frisco in 2012. Tepesch, 24, combined to go 11-6 with a 3.67 ERA (66 ER/162.0 IP) in 28 games/26 starts for Myrtle Beach and Frisco.
None of the four additions have played in the major leagues, and Felix is the only player in the group to have previously been in major league camp.
With the additions, the Rangers nowhave 63 players on the club’s spring training roster -- a full 40-man roster and 23 non-roster invitees.
Here's more information on the four players, according to the club's release:
Buckel, 20, went a combined 10-8 with a 2.49 ERA (40 ER/144.2 IP) in 26 games/23 starts for Myrtle Beach (High-A) and Frisco (AA) last season and was named the Rangers Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Butler, 26, spent last season at Round Rock (AAA), batting .290 (143-493) with 20 homers and 78 RBIs in 137 games. Felix, 24, will be in big league camp for a second time (also 2011) after batting .260 (76-292) with seven homers and 41 RBIs in 82 games for Frisco in 2012. Tepesch, 24, combined to go 11-6 with a 3.67 ERA (66 ER/162.0 IP) in 28 games/26 starts for Myrtle Beach and Frisco.
None of the four additions have played in the major leagues, and Felix is the only player in the group to have previously been in major league camp.
With the additions, the Rangers nowhave 63 players on the club’s spring training roster -- a full 40-man roster and 23 non-roster invitees.
What's your trade proposal for Justin Upton?
January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
9:36
AM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
Various reports suggest that the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks haven't revisited their talks about a possible Justin Upton trade recently. And perhaps both sides just continue to look elsewhere and not worry about it. But talks can always resume. It takes one phone call. So if you had Arizona GM Kevin Towers on speed dial, what offer would you make him that you feel would entice him enough to move Upton?
FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that earlier this offseason (before Arizona's failed trade attempt with the Mariners that Upton vetoed), the Rangers offered Mike Olt, left-handed pitcher Martin Perez or right-hander Cody Buckel, infielder Leury Garcia and another prospect. At first blush, I thought that was an awful high prospect price to pay for Upton. But it makes sense. Upton is 25 and signed through the 2015 season, so you're talking about three full years at least of an outfielder who has a career .278 batting average, has shown power and has speed. He could become part of the club's core group as they try to pick and choose the key guys to tie up long-term and build around as they try to keep this contending window open as long as possible. So he's going to cost something in a trade.
Arizona apparently wants something close to what Seattle was offering. But I'm not sure that's going to happen. If you ask me, the package the Rangers offered is fair.
The other question, and we've talked some about it on this blog before, is knowing when the deal these particular pieces. If the Rangers feel that what they offered is what Upton is worth (and I think it is), they shouldn't come off it much. If Arizona won't take that deal, some of these same players could end up in a package that nets something of great value later on, like Giancarlo Stanton or David Price, for instance. Perhaps that's at the trade deadline or even next offseason.
I don't think Upton is worth dealing Profar, unless you get a long-term deal in place with Elvis Andrus now (and with Scott Boras representing him, you've got to expect Andrus to at least see what the market has to offer). But I'd deal Profar for either Price or Stanton. It would take more than that and some of the names you'd expect to hear are the same that Rosenthal says the Rangers offered for Profar.
It's certainly interesting and you wonder if the two sides couldn't talk again before spring training. We'll see.
Now it's your turn: How do you feel about the package the Rangers offered? What would you change about it? What do you think it would take to get Upton and what are you willing to give up to get him?
FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reports that earlier this offseason (before Arizona's failed trade attempt with the Mariners that Upton vetoed), the Rangers offered Mike Olt, left-handed pitcher Martin Perez or right-hander Cody Buckel, infielder Leury Garcia and another prospect. At first blush, I thought that was an awful high prospect price to pay for Upton. But it makes sense. Upton is 25 and signed through the 2015 season, so you're talking about three full years at least of an outfielder who has a career .278 batting average, has shown power and has speed. He could become part of the club's core group as they try to pick and choose the key guys to tie up long-term and build around as they try to keep this contending window open as long as possible. So he's going to cost something in a trade.
Arizona apparently wants something close to what Seattle was offering. But I'm not sure that's going to happen. If you ask me, the package the Rangers offered is fair.
The other question, and we've talked some about it on this blog before, is knowing when the deal these particular pieces. If the Rangers feel that what they offered is what Upton is worth (and I think it is), they shouldn't come off it much. If Arizona won't take that deal, some of these same players could end up in a package that nets something of great value later on, like Giancarlo Stanton or David Price, for instance. Perhaps that's at the trade deadline or even next offseason.
I don't think Upton is worth dealing Profar, unless you get a long-term deal in place with Elvis Andrus now (and with Scott Boras representing him, you've got to expect Andrus to at least see what the market has to offer). But I'd deal Profar for either Price or Stanton. It would take more than that and some of the names you'd expect to hear are the same that Rosenthal says the Rangers offered for Profar.
It's certainly interesting and you wonder if the two sides couldn't talk again before spring training. We'll see.
Now it's your turn: How do you feel about the package the Rangers offered? What would you change about it? What do you think it would take to get Upton and what are you willing to give up to get him?
Bowden: James Shields makes sense for Rangers
July, 26, 2012
7/26/12
2:11
PM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
ESPN.com's Jim Bowden put together five blockbuster deals that he believes make sense for some contending teams. One of those includes this deal for Texas: James Shields and B.J. Upton to the Rangers for Cody Buckel, Craig Gentry, Leury Garcia and Luke Jackson. Here is part of what Bowden writes:
You can read the rest of what Bowden has to say here (Insider).
One thing it would do is keep Jurickson Profar, Mike Olt and Martin Perez in the system. But I don't think the club has to have Upton and Gentry is providing a nice boost to this offense with his speed and a good defender in the outfield too.
What do you think of this proposed deal?
The Rangers get another solid starter in Shields, who is still striking out almost a batter per inning and on pace for more than 200 innings in a "down" year. Upton solidifies center field, thus allowing Josh Hamilton to move full time to left field -- his best position -- so he can concentrate on getting his bat back to the dominating form he had in April and May. Rangers brass is convinced that Gentry is a breakout player whose success has been stunted because he’s been mixed and matched in the lineup rather than slotted in as an every-day player. In Tampa, Gentry would get that opportunity as the Rays’ every-day center fielder. The Rays also would control Gentry for the next five years, as opposed to Upton, who will be a free agent in October.
You can read the rest of what Bowden has to say here (Insider).
One thing it would do is keep Jurickson Profar, Mike Olt and Martin Perez in the system. But I don't think the club has to have Upton and Gentry is providing a nice boost to this offense with his speed and a good defender in the outfield too.
What do you think of this proposed deal?
Cody Buckel quietly moving up in system
July, 26, 2012
7/26/12
8:00
AM CT
By David Collier | ESPNDallas.com
FRISCO, Texas -- The Texas Rangers not only have one of the elite teams in the major leagues, they also have a minor league system full of talented prospects.
Everyone knows the names Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt, who are tearing it up with Double-A Frisco. Justin Grimm had a stint with the Rangers before making Triple-A Round Rock his new home. The Express have seen Martin Perez make his way up to the big league club. However, a guy that doesn’t get a lot of recognition that is quietly working his way up the system in a hurry is Frisco’s Cody Buckel.
Buckel was turning heads in Advanced-A Myrtle Beach, tallying a 5-3 record with a 1.31 ERA in 13 starts. He was pitching so well that he was called up to the RoughRiders on June 22 to see how he would handle Double-A ball.
He’s had some ups and downs since arriving in Frisco, but he certainly has upside.
“He’s throwing four pitches for strikes,” RoughRiders pitching coach Jeff Andrews said. “He’s trying to command his fastball a little better and make that more of a priority for him. We’re working on game management, base runners, leadoff walks and just little things that happen during a game that may influence it.”
The 20-year-old Buckel is in his second full year in the system after being drafted by the Rangers in the second round of the 2010 First Year’s Players Draft out of high school. Buckel spent the entire 2011 season with Single-A Hickory, compiling an 8-3 record with a 2.61 ERA. He tallied 120 strikeouts in 96 2/3 innings of work.
The success from Hickory and Myrtle Beach haven’t translated over to Frisco as Buckel had hoped, and he's still making adjustments to Double-A hitters.
“I’m going to use the rest of this year to kind of learn and get used to it,” Buckel said. “The numbers are going to do what they are. I’m not too worried about the numbers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to go out there and have good results for the team. It’s really a learning experience. Sometimes, I have to realize I’m just 20 years old and have to learn rather than face some adversity and some failure.”
Things have been a little shaky for Buckel, but he still shows a ton of promise. Frisco manager Steve Buechele has certainly been impressed with what he’s seen from Buckel.
“I see a kid that works pretty hard and has good stuff,” Buechele said. “I think he’s trying to find his way here at Double-A. It’s a big jump for any pitcher, no matter how good you are. He definitely has the stuff. For a young kid competing at this level, I think he’s done a good job. There is, obviously, some refining that needs to be done.
“I’ve seen him get better and he’s handled it well. Guys here hit mistakes. They kill mistakes. One thing about Cody is that he has a knack for not giving up runs. If he keeps that trait, it will serve him well while he’s here.”
Buckel is just 1-5 with a 4.45 ERA in Double-A, but he has had some good outings, including a masterful piece of pitching on July 4 when he gave up just one hit in six innings of work. The right-hander said he knows he’s still has plenty of adjustments to make, some more critical than others.
“Most of them are mentally -- just knowing how fast the game is now,” Buckel said. “Obviously, the hitters are better, the teams are better and the situations in the game dictate a little more than they do at the lower levels. It’s just more of a mental adjustment.”
The Simi Valley, Calif., native has a full arsenal of pitches, including a fastball, curveball, changeup, slider and cutter.
“His off-speed stuff is good,” Andrews said. “He’s got three or four different speeds and angles that he can throw. He puts a lot of emphasis on that. He can make the ball go different ways. He can make the ball have different speeds. I don’t think he’s going to have an issue of not having a soft enough pitch or a pitch that goes away from righties or one that goes down. They all have the proper action.”
So what’s been holding Buckel back?
“It comes back to his fastball and the production he gets out of his fastball,” Andrews said.
Buckel, who certainly is a guy to look after as the trade deadline approaches, understands the importance of controlling his fastball.
“You’re not going to get away with as many mistakes up here,” Buckel said. “Fastball command is the base for everything else. It makes your breaking pitches that much better. I’ve got to be able to become more consistent with that. … Right now, I think my other pitches are better than my fastball. I’m more concerned with that than my other pitches. I’ve been working on it in my past few bullpens, and so far I’m having success with it.”
Everyone knows the names Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt, who are tearing it up with Double-A Frisco. Justin Grimm had a stint with the Rangers before making Triple-A Round Rock his new home. The Express have seen Martin Perez make his way up to the big league club. However, a guy that doesn’t get a lot of recognition that is quietly working his way up the system in a hurry is Frisco’s Cody Buckel.
[+] Enlarge
Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images/AP ImagesLesser-known Rangers prospect Cody Buckel was promoted to Double-A Frisco after going 5-3 with a 1.31 ERA in 13 starts at Advanced-A Myrtle Beach.
Brian Westerholt/Four Seam Images/AP ImagesLesser-known Rangers prospect Cody Buckel was promoted to Double-A Frisco after going 5-3 with a 1.31 ERA in 13 starts at Advanced-A Myrtle Beach.He’s had some ups and downs since arriving in Frisco, but he certainly has upside.
“He’s throwing four pitches for strikes,” RoughRiders pitching coach Jeff Andrews said. “He’s trying to command his fastball a little better and make that more of a priority for him. We’re working on game management, base runners, leadoff walks and just little things that happen during a game that may influence it.”
The 20-year-old Buckel is in his second full year in the system after being drafted by the Rangers in the second round of the 2010 First Year’s Players Draft out of high school. Buckel spent the entire 2011 season with Single-A Hickory, compiling an 8-3 record with a 2.61 ERA. He tallied 120 strikeouts in 96 2/3 innings of work.
The success from Hickory and Myrtle Beach haven’t translated over to Frisco as Buckel had hoped, and he's still making adjustments to Double-A hitters.
“I’m going to use the rest of this year to kind of learn and get used to it,” Buckel said. “The numbers are going to do what they are. I’m not too worried about the numbers, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to go out there and have good results for the team. It’s really a learning experience. Sometimes, I have to realize I’m just 20 years old and have to learn rather than face some adversity and some failure.”
Things have been a little shaky for Buckel, but he still shows a ton of promise. Frisco manager Steve Buechele has certainly been impressed with what he’s seen from Buckel.
“I see a kid that works pretty hard and has good stuff,” Buechele said. “I think he’s trying to find his way here at Double-A. It’s a big jump for any pitcher, no matter how good you are. He definitely has the stuff. For a young kid competing at this level, I think he’s done a good job. There is, obviously, some refining that needs to be done.
“I’ve seen him get better and he’s handled it well. Guys here hit mistakes. They kill mistakes. One thing about Cody is that he has a knack for not giving up runs. If he keeps that trait, it will serve him well while he’s here.”
Buckel is just 1-5 with a 4.45 ERA in Double-A, but he has had some good outings, including a masterful piece of pitching on July 4 when he gave up just one hit in six innings of work. The right-hander said he knows he’s still has plenty of adjustments to make, some more critical than others.
“Most of them are mentally -- just knowing how fast the game is now,” Buckel said. “Obviously, the hitters are better, the teams are better and the situations in the game dictate a little more than they do at the lower levels. It’s just more of a mental adjustment.”
The Simi Valley, Calif., native has a full arsenal of pitches, including a fastball, curveball, changeup, slider and cutter.
“His off-speed stuff is good,” Andrews said. “He’s got three or four different speeds and angles that he can throw. He puts a lot of emphasis on that. He can make the ball go different ways. He can make the ball have different speeds. I don’t think he’s going to have an issue of not having a soft enough pitch or a pitch that goes away from righties or one that goes down. They all have the proper action.”
So what’s been holding Buckel back?
“It comes back to his fastball and the production he gets out of his fastball,” Andrews said.
Buckel, who certainly is a guy to look after as the trade deadline approaches, understands the importance of controlling his fastball.
“You’re not going to get away with as many mistakes up here,” Buckel said. “Fastball command is the base for everything else. It makes your breaking pitches that much better. I’ve got to be able to become more consistent with that. … Right now, I think my other pitches are better than my fastball. I’m more concerned with that than my other pitches. I’ve been working on it in my past few bullpens, and so far I’m having success with it.”
Deadline talk: 5 things to watch
July, 19, 2012
7/19/12
11:00
PM CT
By
Richard Durrett | ESPNDallas.com
We're less than two weeks away from the July 31 trade deadline and the Texas Rangers are in position to make some moves if they choose. But with any deadline, the club must prioritize, get prepared and decide what kind of value it places on the prospective pieces on the market. With an additional playoff team in the mix, things may go even more down to the wire than normal as certain clubs could decide very late that they are sellers or buyers. And with the changes in compensatory picks, it could alter the value of rental players.
So let's pretend that I'm general manager Jon Daniels (he's way smarter than I am, but I'm taller and better looking) and I'm trying to figure out which deals I should do and which ones I shouldn't. Here are five things to consider at the deadline:
1. If the Rangers trade for a starting pitcher, make it an impact one. You'll hear the names of Ryan Dempster and Matt Garza this time of year. Maybe even Wandy Rodriguez. But it doesn't make sense for the Rangers to deal decent prospects for pitchers who aren't going to make the rotation appreciably better.
Should Texas decide to get a starter, it needs to be someone who slots in at the top come the postseason. The two biggest names that could be out there are Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels. Personally, I like Hamels more than Greinke. And we'll see if he even becomes available now that the Phillies and Hamels' agents are intensifying talks. But this is where things get interesting. It's going to take a big package of premium prospects (and maybe even some major league players) to get it done. That would likely mean Mike Olt. I'm normally a guy who advocates dealing prospects for sure things. After all, they are called prospects for a reason. They might pan out, they might not. But with no draft picks coming back to Texas if Hamels (or Greinke) leaves, I think Olt (notice I'm not even mentioning Jurickson Profar, someone I can't imagine the Rangers even considering trading for a rental) is too high a price to pay to be included in the deal. If I'm Texas, I want Hamels. And I'm willing to fork over some solid prospects (Martin Perez, Cody Buckel or Justin Grimm, maybe even a combination) and even some big league pieces (yes, I'd consider dealing Neftali Feliz). But you don't trade the entire farm for someone who is here for a few months.
This is different from the Cliff Lee trade of 2010. With Lee, the Rangers not only knew they would get compensation picks if he left, but they knew they had to have someone at the top of that rotation to help them get over the hump of never winning a playoff series. Texas does not beat the Tampa Bay Rays without Lee, so the trade was a success (no matter what Justin Smoak does in the future). But the Rangers got something in return, too. Hamels is not the Lee of 2010, either. But he's the closest facsimile, if he's available. I'll pay a high price, just not as high as Olt. If that's not good enough to get Hamels, I'm not "settling" for Garza or someone else who doesn't have a big impact. It's just not worth it. So get a pitcher that can win Game 1 in the playoffs or don't get one at all and go with this current rotation, which I still believe is good enough, especially with the Rangers' bullpen, to win a title.
2. Get a right-hander for the bench. The AL's loss in the All-Star Game only reinforces this need. It means that if the Rangers return to the World Series, they open on the road without a DH and could play the deciding game -- should it go the distance -- in the NL park. St. Louis' bench was a big difference in last year's World Series and manager Ron Washington didn't have enough weapons at his disposal. There are some names that are intriguing, but contract situations may make it unlikely. Josh Willingham seems like a good fit, but the contract calls for him to make $7 million next year and the year after. But there are other, cheaper options that could help the bench. Carlos Quentin's asking price is likely to be too much. What about Shane Victorino? It's the final year of his deal at $12.5 million this season and he's hitting .254 overall. But the 31-year-old switch-hitter is batting .322 against lefties.
There are some bats out there and the Rangers need to try to see if they can find one to help that bench down the stretch and into the postseason.
3. Keep an eye on the catching market. Honestly, I'm not sure there are reasonable upgrades to the club's catchers on the market, but the club has to at least do some digging. Mike Napoli and Yorvit Torrealba have done a nice job with the pitching staff and that's the first priority. However, the position is giving the club nothing at the plate.
The Rangers are one of the best teams in the league at checking on everything and leaving no stone unturned. That means at least seeing if there's anything worth pursuing on that front that can increase the offensive production at that spot.
4. See if there's a left-handed specialist for the bullpen. It might seem odd to do anything with one of the best bullpens in baseball, but let's not forget what Mike Gonzalez did for this club in the postseason last year. He got two very big outs -- one in the ALDS and the other in the ALCS -- that helped the Rangers win games in those series. He struck out Johnny Damon with two runners on in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the ALDS, a pivotal game in that series. The Rangers won that game by one run. He also came in late in Game 1 of the ALCS with the bases loaded and the Rangers up by a run and got Alex Avila to end the threat. Those two outs alone made the trade worth it. Texas has a strong left-handed pitcher in Robbie Ross, but he's someone they utilize for a full inning or two and is actually better against righties than lefties (though neither can hit the rookie these days). Still, the idea of having a veteran left-handed pitcher who can get a key out is appealing. It's worth noting that the Rangers picked up Gonzalez at the August trade deadline, so it's not something they have to do right now.
5. Keep an open mind for a trade no one expects. One thing this team does so well is that it stays prepared for anything and everything. That needs to be the case this year, too. Sure, it's unlikely that the Phillies would make Lee available or that the Seattle Mariners would put Felix Hernandez on the block (or want to deal him to Texas), but you never know. Maybe there's another impact player out there that Texas could get that no one expects right now. While we talked about not giving up Profar or Olt for a rental player, if there's a big-name pitcher with some years left on his contract, that's when those names might be discussed (still can't see Profar going unless it was something really big). Be ready to pull the trigger if that special opportunity (that Cliff Lee 2010-like chance) comes up.
What am I missing? What other deals would you try to make? What deals should the Rangers make?
So let's pretend that I'm general manager Jon Daniels (he's way smarter than I am, but I'm taller and better looking) and I'm trying to figure out which deals I should do and which ones I shouldn't. Here are five things to consider at the deadline:
[+] Enlarge
Denny Medley/US PresswireIf the Rangers decide to trade for a starter, it needs to be someone like Cole Hamels who will slot in at the top of the rotation in the postseason.
Denny Medley/US PresswireIf the Rangers decide to trade for a starter, it needs to be someone like Cole Hamels who will slot in at the top of the rotation in the postseason.Should Texas decide to get a starter, it needs to be someone who slots in at the top come the postseason. The two biggest names that could be out there are Zack Greinke and Cole Hamels. Personally, I like Hamels more than Greinke. And we'll see if he even becomes available now that the Phillies and Hamels' agents are intensifying talks. But this is where things get interesting. It's going to take a big package of premium prospects (and maybe even some major league players) to get it done. That would likely mean Mike Olt. I'm normally a guy who advocates dealing prospects for sure things. After all, they are called prospects for a reason. They might pan out, they might not. But with no draft picks coming back to Texas if Hamels (or Greinke) leaves, I think Olt (notice I'm not even mentioning Jurickson Profar, someone I can't imagine the Rangers even considering trading for a rental) is too high a price to pay to be included in the deal. If I'm Texas, I want Hamels. And I'm willing to fork over some solid prospects (Martin Perez, Cody Buckel or Justin Grimm, maybe even a combination) and even some big league pieces (yes, I'd consider dealing Neftali Feliz). But you don't trade the entire farm for someone who is here for a few months.
This is different from the Cliff Lee trade of 2010. With Lee, the Rangers not only knew they would get compensation picks if he left, but they knew they had to have someone at the top of that rotation to help them get over the hump of never winning a playoff series. Texas does not beat the Tampa Bay Rays without Lee, so the trade was a success (no matter what Justin Smoak does in the future). But the Rangers got something in return, too. Hamels is not the Lee of 2010, either. But he's the closest facsimile, if he's available. I'll pay a high price, just not as high as Olt. If that's not good enough to get Hamels, I'm not "settling" for Garza or someone else who doesn't have a big impact. It's just not worth it. So get a pitcher that can win Game 1 in the playoffs or don't get one at all and go with this current rotation, which I still believe is good enough, especially with the Rangers' bullpen, to win a title.
2. Get a right-hander for the bench. The AL's loss in the All-Star Game only reinforces this need. It means that if the Rangers return to the World Series, they open on the road without a DH and could play the deciding game -- should it go the distance -- in the NL park. St. Louis' bench was a big difference in last year's World Series and manager Ron Washington didn't have enough weapons at his disposal. There are some names that are intriguing, but contract situations may make it unlikely. Josh Willingham seems like a good fit, but the contract calls for him to make $7 million next year and the year after. But there are other, cheaper options that could help the bench. Carlos Quentin's asking price is likely to be too much. What about Shane Victorino? It's the final year of his deal at $12.5 million this season and he's hitting .254 overall. But the 31-year-old switch-hitter is batting .322 against lefties.
There are some bats out there and the Rangers need to try to see if they can find one to help that bench down the stretch and into the postseason.
[+] Enlarge
Gary A. Vasquez/US PresswireCatcher Mike Napoli is doing a nice job with the pitching staff but hasn't been producing at the plate.
Gary A. Vasquez/US PresswireCatcher Mike Napoli is doing a nice job with the pitching staff but hasn't been producing at the plate.The Rangers are one of the best teams in the league at checking on everything and leaving no stone unturned. That means at least seeing if there's anything worth pursuing on that front that can increase the offensive production at that spot.
4. See if there's a left-handed specialist for the bullpen. It might seem odd to do anything with one of the best bullpens in baseball, but let's not forget what Mike Gonzalez did for this club in the postseason last year. He got two very big outs -- one in the ALDS and the other in the ALCS -- that helped the Rangers win games in those series. He struck out Johnny Damon with two runners on in the eighth inning of Game 3 of the ALDS, a pivotal game in that series. The Rangers won that game by one run. He also came in late in Game 1 of the ALCS with the bases loaded and the Rangers up by a run and got Alex Avila to end the threat. Those two outs alone made the trade worth it. Texas has a strong left-handed pitcher in Robbie Ross, but he's someone they utilize for a full inning or two and is actually better against righties than lefties (though neither can hit the rookie these days). Still, the idea of having a veteran left-handed pitcher who can get a key out is appealing. It's worth noting that the Rangers picked up Gonzalez at the August trade deadline, so it's not something they have to do right now.
5. Keep an open mind for a trade no one expects. One thing this team does so well is that it stays prepared for anything and everything. That needs to be the case this year, too. Sure, it's unlikely that the Phillies would make Lee available or that the Seattle Mariners would put Felix Hernandez on the block (or want to deal him to Texas), but you never know. Maybe there's another impact player out there that Texas could get that no one expects right now. While we talked about not giving up Profar or Olt for a rental player, if there's a big-name pitcher with some years left on his contract, that's when those names might be discussed (still can't see Profar going unless it was something really big). Be ready to pull the trigger if that special opportunity (that Cliff Lee 2010-like chance) comes up.
What am I missing? What other deals would you try to make? What deals should the Rangers make?
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.
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.
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UPCOMING GAMES
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOS | 20-8 | 11-5 | 9-3 | W2 | |
| TEX | 17-11 | 8-4 | 9-7 | L2 |
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOS | 20-8 | 11-5 | 9-3 | W2 | |
| TEX | 17-11 | 8-4 | 9-7 | L2 |
| W-L | HM | AW | STK | L10 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOS | 20-8 | 11-5 | 9-3 | W2 | |
| TEX | 17-11 | 8-4 | 9-7 | L2 |
TEAM LEADERS
| BA LEADER | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Ian Kinsler
|
|||||||||||
| OTHER LEADERS | ||||||||||||
| HR | N. Cruz | 6 | ||||||||||
| RBI | N. Cruz | 20 | ||||||||||
| R | I. Kinsler | 17 | ||||||||||
| OPS | I. Kinsler | .939 | ||||||||||
| W | Y. Darvish | 5 | ||||||||||
| ERA | Y. Darvish | 2.33 | ||||||||||
| SO | Y. Darvish | 58 | ||||||||||
