Texas Rangers: Jurickson Profar
Keith Law: Jurickson Profar No. 2 prospect
Law ranked his top-25 prospects with Profar sitting at No. 2. Here's part of what Law said about Profar:
"It's hard to rank a guy much lower than this when he has front-line tools and has failed to reach base in just two games this year, the last one on April 7."
To read the rest of what Law wrote on Profar and his complete rankings, click here (Insider).
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| Rangers corner infield prospect Mike Olt talks about his first season at the Double-A level and how he fits in the organization. Listen |
Olt was a guest on Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM). The third-year pro out of the University of Connecticut was the Rangers' first-round pick (49th overall) in the 2010 June draft. Through 29 games, he is batting .287 with seven home runs and 19 RBIs. His on-base percentage is .394, and he has a .959 OPS.
Ahead of Olt in the organization is Adrian Beltre, who is locked into a long-term contract and is a Gold Glove third baseman. Versatility is important, whether it is the majors or minors. We have seen it with Michael Young and his super-utility role as well as the Rangers outfielders playing multiple spots instead of being planted in one position. In the minors, we see it with shortstop Jurickson Profar seeing time at second base and with Olt occasionally moving across the diamond to first base.
“I was excited,” Olt recalled of when the Rangers told him he would see time at first base. “Obviously, we have Mitch Moreland up at first base right now who is also a very good first baseman. So, basically I kind of took it as they are trying to make me more versatile in case something were to happen. I’m up for the challenge, and certainly first base is coming along.”
Olt also talked about Steve Buechele, spring training fun, being a teammate with Profar, and the AFL experience. Listen to the podcast.
Bryan Dolgin is the host of Rangers Magazine and the radio pre and postgame shows of the Texas Rangers on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network. Follow him on Twitter @RangersRadioBD.
Rangers Magazine: Frisco pitching coach
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| Frisco RoughRiders pitching coach Jeff Andrews talks about the Rangers' Double-A mound prospects. Listen |
Andrews was a guest on Rangers Magazine (ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM). Not only did he talk about Grimm, but we also discussed 6-0 Barret Loux and Fabio Castillo, who has been invited to major league spring training twice, and we closed the individual conversation with Yohan Yan, who has eight saves.
One aspect of pitching that you always hear about with those at the major league level is the added confidence they have on the mound because of the fielding strength behind them. At Frisco, the pitchers have yet to consistently realize that third baseman Mike Olt and shortstop Jurickson Profar are among the strong defenders behind them.
“You know that’s one of the things that these guys come in and kind of get mad at themselves and they’re going, ‘Why don’t I trust these guys out there?'" Andrews said.
Andrews pointed out the speed in the outfield and infield strength on the right side, too.
“It is a very good defense," he said. "It really is. These guys are learning to trust that fact and not be so afraid of contact.”
Be sure to listen to the podcast.
Bryan Dolgin is the host of Rangers Magazine and the radio pre and postgame shows of the Texas Rangers on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network. Follow him on Twitter @RangersRadioBD.
Former Ranger Steve Buechele will try to lead the Class AA Riders to their third consecutive Texas League playoff berth.
Here are some notes from the release announcing the roster:
- Of the players currently listed on the Frisco roster, 12 have previously suited up in a Riders uniform. They are: Engel Beltre, Wilfredo Boscan, Jake Brigham, Fabio Castillo, Miguel De Los Santos, Jose Felix, Tim Murphy, Carlos Pimentel, Guilder Rodriguez, Tyler Tufts, Johan Yan and Corey Young.
- The 2012 RoughRiders hail from five different countries (United States, Dominican
Republic, Venezuela, Curacao and Mexico) and 11 states (California, Connecticut,
Florida, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and
Washington). - The average age of the roster is 23.5; the oldest player is OF Val Majewski (30) and the youngest is Profar (19).
Rangers Magazine: Jon Daniels softens on Josh Hamilton in CF
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| Rangers general manger Jon Daniels talks about letting Josh Hamilton play center, Yu Darvish and more. Listen |
Daniels said that Hamilton’s contract situation and the possibility of not re-signing with Texas has nothing to do with his change in mindset. Has the play of Julio Borbon and Craig Gentry this spring been disappointing to the point where it has factored into this decision process?
“We know what these guys are. I’m not big on riding the wave of spring training,” Daniels said. “We know what Julio is and what he can do. He’s a quality major league outfielder. Same with Craig. They both have strengths. They both have weaknesses. I don’t want to take anything away from Josh or David [Murphy], either. I mean, David’s had a really good spring. He’s improved his defense. He’s working on his approach against left-handers. Basically, we have some good options.”
Daniels was a guest on Rangers Magazine on Saturday morning on ESPN Dallas 103.3 FM. He also discussed Yu Darvish, Robbie Ross, the bench, trade talk, Jurickson Profar and Mike Olt. Listen to the podcast.
Bryan Dolgin, the host of Rangers Baseball Tonight and Rangers Magazine, can be followed on Twitter: @RangersRadioBD.
Musings: Impact of Alexi Ogando, Joe Nathan
Ogando is going to have a huge impact on the team without many wins or saves.
* Face it, Neftali Feliz was so inconsistent last season, you never really felt the game was over when he pitched.
Joe Nathan should bring back a return of those game-over feelings. He’s fully recovered from Tommy John surgery in 2010, which means he should return to being a dominant closer again.
“My wife says she never knows when I get home from the ballpark whether I got a save or blew the save unless she watched the game,” he said. “I’ve always been like that. I put them behind me pretty quickly whether it’s good or bad.”
* David Murphy is making progress as an outfielder, especially when it comes to reading the ball off the bat and getting a better jump. Although the Rangers will still use Josh Hamilton in center field, the better all-around player Murphy is, the more games he’ll start because the Rangers’ best lineup is with Hamilton in center and Murphy in left.
* Hitting coach Scott Coolbaugh sounds an awfully like Jason Garrett, when it comes to hitting.
“It’s all about the process,” he said. “If you go up there with a plan and execute it, then the results will take care of themselves. Most guys find trouble because they’re trying to get a hit or hit the ball hard.
“But if you go up there and look for a pitch you can drive on a part of the plate that you can handle, then you’ll hit the ball hard and you’ll drive it.”
* I don’t see a role, right now, on the Rangers for veterans Brad Hawpe or Conor Jackson. Neither has played well enough, thus far, to distinguish themselves and when the club returns from Las Vegas next week, them emphasis will switch from player development to getting ready for the season.
* Phenom Jurickson Profar has Ron Washington’s attention.
“He’s a player, and he’s not afraid,” Washington said. “He just needs time because his body is still filling out. It won’t be too long before he’s here.”
Musings: Michael Young's leadership; Game 7 sting
We believe the Cowboys struggle, in part, because we don’t respect their leadership in the locker room. We believe the Rangers fight through their adversity because of the leadership guys such as Michael Young.
“I’m not afraid to make one of my teammates uncomfortable, if I have to,” Young said.”If something needs to be said, then I’ll say it. But I’ll say it in private and I’ll say it quickly and one I say it, we’re done with it and we’re back to having fun.
“I’m not the only leader on this team. I’m not the only guy who will say something to someone. we have a lot of guys like that.”
You can see some tangible aspects of Young’s leadership.
He’s the same guy whether he went 5-for-5 the previous day or 0-for-5 with five strikeouts. And he’s the same guy whether the Rangers have won five in a row or lost five in a row.
That’s invaluable during the course of a 162-game season that’s always filled with highs and lows.
“I say stuff to guys, when it needs to be said. And if someone needs to say something to me, they’ll say it,” Ian Kinsler said. “If Mitch Moreland says something to me, I look him in the eye and take it with the same respect as if Michael said it because he’s my teammate and I respect him.”
It’s that type of relationship among players that has helped this team become one of the best in baseball.
* Talk to enough players and it’s not just Game 6 that drives them crazy. It’s having a 2-0 lead in Game 7 and not doing quite enough to get Chris Carpenter out of the game, when they had him on the ropes.
And it’s giving up two runs after having two outs in the first inning because it prevented them from putting pressure on the Cardinals.
* Ron Washington places more emphasis on run production -- runs scored + RBI -- than just about any other individual offensive statistic. He figures if you’re producing runs, then the rest of your offensive statistics will take care of themselves.
In general, producing 170 is a good year, 180-190 runs is an excellent year and 200 is an elite offensive player.
Here are the top five run-producers for the Rangers last season: Kinsler (198), Young (194), Adrian Beltre (187), Josh Hamilton (174) and Nelson Cruz (151).
Rangers Magazine: Jake Krug on Jurickson Profar
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| Rangers director of minor league operations Jake Krug discusses Jurickson Profar's future with the team. Listen |
As Profar continues his climb to Arlington, you are probably trying to figure out the major league roster when he is ready. Shortstop Elvis Andrus has three years (including 2012) left on his contract. At second base, Ian Kinsler has two years left on his deal, including a 2013 club option. Is a position change coming?
“I think there’s certainly talk of exposing him to second base in game situations,” Krug said of Profar.
This spring has seen the Rangers move a couple players around the diamond. Third baseman Mike Olt has played first base. Third baseman Tommy Mendonca is converting to catcher.
Soon the Rangers begin their quest for a third consecutive trip to the World Series, and five of the Rangers' top six minor league affiliates look to return to the playoffs. Even though the major league roster is loaded with talented players, development of minor leaguers will not slow down.
“The last thing we can do is sit back and just watch the major league team do their thing. We’ve got to get ready for the next wave,” Krug said. “Like [general manager Jon Daniels] says, you don’t want to regroup at any point, you want to reload when the time comes.”
Krug is an Arlington native who enters his 10th season working for the Rangers and his first in this role. Krug discussed the evolution of the Rangers the way he has experienced it. He talked more about Profar, the beginning of minor league camp, Mendonca as a catcher, starting pitcher depth that spills into Round Rock and Tim Purpura. Listen to the podcast.
Bryan Dolgin enters his third season as the Texas Rangers radio pre/postgame show host on the Texas Rangers ESPN Radio Network. Follow him on Twitter @RangersRadioBD.
Reaction: Colby Lewis perfect through four
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Manager Ron Washington wants to see progression from his starting pitchers their second time around in spring training.
Pitcher Colby Lewis got the group off to a perfect start Saturday in a 3-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox. In his second Cactus League start, Lewis was scheduled to pitch three innings.
He was pitching so well, Lewis went back on the mound in the fourth. And he still had zeros on his stat line when his day was over.
“I left it up to me which one I would like to do, and I chose to go back into the game,” Lewis said.
The adrenaline was pumping for Lewis, who struck out five batters in four innings. Granted, it was a split-squad day for the White Sox, but he was still dealing against many of the team’s regulars.
Leadoff second baseman Brent Lillibridge struck out to start the game. Lewis also struck out the side in the second inning on the White Sox’s No. 4, 5 and 6 hitters -- first baseman Paul Konerko, designated hitter Adam Dunn and catcher A.J. Pierzynski.
When Lewis decided to pitch the fourth, he picked another strikeout off centerfielder Kosuke Fukudome for the second out. Lewis got right fielder Alex Rios to ground out to second, completing his perfect day of work.
“You want to go out there and get outs, and that’s the main focus when you step between the lines,” Lewis said. “If you are still working on something, you still want to get that guy out, regardless.”
Lewis was pleased with his command on all of his pitches. He was able to locate his fastball inside and outside on hitters. He is also pleased with the way his changeup is coming along.
“Same grip, just trying to throw it more,” Lewis said about his changeup. “I think just to get that in the mix and keep guys off the rotational stuff with the slider and curveball, I think it’ll help my fastball a lot.”
Other observations:
Gentry exits: Outfielder Craig Gentry left the game in the fifth inning due to tightness in his left hamstring.
“He was out there grabbing his hamstring, so we just got him off the field precautionary,” manager Ron Washington said. “When he got in, he said he was fine.”
Kyle Hudson replaced Gentry in right field with one out in the bottom of the inning.
Gentry went 0-for-3 at the plate before his injury. Hudson was 0-for-2.
Feldman delivers: The perfect game was broken up on the first batter pitcher Scott Feldman faced, but it was one of just two hits he allowed. Feldman pitched three scoreless innings in relief for Lewis and struck out three.
Profar plays: Highly touted shortstop Jurickson Profar played 3 ½ innings Saturday. The seventh-best prospect on Baseball America’s Top 100 entered as a defensive substitution in the sixth inning for Alberto Gonzalez. Profar drew a walk in his first at-bat but was caught stealing second base. His final plate appearance resulted in a ground out.
Profar had a chance to keep the game tied with two outs in the ninth inning. It was a tough play, but Profar somehow came up with the ball in his glove, but his off-balance throw wasn’t on target.
“It’s a great experience,” Profar said. “It’s good for me. I’m learning.”
Moreland 0-for-4: Washington moved first baseman Mitch Moreland into the cleanup spot with the regulars out of the lineup. He went 0-for-4 with a strikeout at the plate.
De Los Santos struggles: Pitcher Miguel De Los Santos dealt with command issues on the mound again. Up 2-0 in the ninth inning, De Los Santos blew the lead. He gave up a run on two hits and a walk before recording his first out.
De Los Santos was up 0-2 on third baseman Dallas McPherson with the bases loaded and two outs. He threw a wild pitch, which brought home the tying run. De Los Santos eventually walked McPherson and was pulled by Washington for Justin Miller, who gave up the game-winning run.
Notes: Alexi Ogando will pitch in B game
Ogando will pitch three innings. Washington made the decision so Ogando could be comfortable and get in his innings of work.
“We want to stretch him out,” Washington said. “With him backing up, that means two guys are going to have to go six innings. This way we can look at some other guys and Ogando can get his work back there.”
Ogando pitched two scoreless innings March 5 against the Kansas City Royals.
He gave up a hit and struck out two in his only spring training appearance. Ogando was working on getting his 94-to97 mph fastball inside.
Other notes:
*Scott Feldman is slated to pitch three innings after starter Colby Lewis. Washington said Feldman has the sink back that he had when he won 17 games as a starter in 2009.
Feldman had right knee microfacture surgery in 2010 and spent the first half of 2011 rehabbing. Washington noted that Feldman's cutter is back and he was getting that pitch inside on left-handers.
"The legs are part of being able to maintain your power,” Washington said. “Right now he’s healthy, and we hope we can keep him like that.”
*With most of the regulars out of the lineup Saturday, Mitch Moreland is in the cleanup spot against the White Sox. He was at the bottom of the lineup when the regulars play and wasn’t getting enough at-bats, Washington said. He plans to move him up again Sunday so he can see more pitches.
*Jurickson Profar will travel with the team to Glendale, Ariz., and will play either three or four innings. The shortstop is ranked as the seventh best prospect on Baseball America’s Top 100. Washington has seen Profar before. Although he recognizes Profar is young, 19, Washington said he’s a player.
*Conor Jackson still has time to make an impression on the Rangers. The non-roster invitee will not play today because he was hit by a fly ball right above the eye Friday. As long as he doesn’t have concussion-like symptoms, Washington does not think this will set Jackson back.
Four Rangers on ESPN top-100 prospect list
No. 7: SS Jurickson Profar
The Sally League's youngest regular was one of its most impressive prospects of any age; Profar showed the selectivity of a player six or seven years his senior, outstanding instincts in the field and more power than anticipated in his full-season debut.
Profar is a plus-makeup, plus-feel, plus-instincts guy who breaks the mold of that type of player by also having tremendous tools. Born in Curacao, he was scouted more as a pitcher that a position player before he signed. His defense projects as plus, if it isn't there already, with good hands, great reactions off the bat and of course a plus arm. At the plate, his approach is very advanced, and he's stronger than I realized, showing the ability to drive the ball the other way. He needs to keep his stride shorter -- I've seen him overstride to the point where his back side collapses -- and might have more pull power if he does so. He is only an average runner down the line but gets more out of his speed through his feel for baserunning.
Profar is also a player to root for, because of the energy he brings to the game and what a potential superstar like him could do for the sport on the global stage.
No. 20: Martin Perez
Perez has been on the prospect radar so long that it's easy to forget he has yet to turn 21. His performances haven't matched his stuff -- or the hype -- just yet, but he reached Triple-A at an unusually young age and performed well given that added variable.
He will sit 92-95 mph on good days, working effectively to both sides of the plate, with a plus changeup at 83-85 that has both good arm speed and hard fading action. His curveball is more solid-average, mid-70s with inconsistent shape. Perez's command and control are still works in progress. He can take an inning or more to find his rhythm, and he has a tendency to overthrow when in trouble. He's improved his conditioning over the past two years, losing baby fat and building up muscle for durability. He could still end up at the top of a rotation but is more likely a solid No. 2 behind, say, someone such as Yu Darvish.
No. 75: Mike Olt
A potentially plus defender at third with plus raw power, Olt has seen the ball much better as a pro than he did as an amateur, resulting in better-than-expected plate discipline that gives him a chance to be at least an average regular at third. Olt can launch balls in BP, but his approach is now less pull-happy than it was in college, with very good bat speed and great extension on his follow-through for power to left and the ability to use the middle of the field.
He missed two months this summer with a broken collarbone, but was 100 percent again for fall league and led the AFL in home runs (helped by a very homer-friendly ballpark). His contact rates probably won't ever be great, but even an average hit tool with plus power and defense at third makes for a fringe star.
No. 99: Neil Ramirez
Ramirez took a huge step forward in 2011 that was short-circuited temporarily by some shoulder trouble that cropped up in mid-summer. He'll sit 93-94 mph when fully healthy and reached 97 in big league camp last spring with a plus curveball and solid-average changeup. When he had the chance to jump up to Triple-A for a spot start midyear, he threw well enough that Texas decided to leave him there the rest of the year.
He has cleaned up his delivery substantially since high school, with a slightly long but smoother arm swing that puts less stress on his shoulder and none of the former cross-body action that plagued him before he signed. He seemed fully recovered in the Arizona Fall League, and with a full, healthy season he would be a top 50-60 prospect if he's not already in the majors by then.
The top-6 ahead of Profar:
1. CF Mike Trout, LAA
2. RF Bryce Harper, Washington
3. LHP Matt Moore, Tampa Bay
4. SS Manny Machado, Baltimore
5. RHP Shelby Miller, St. Louis
6. C Travis d'Arnaud, Toronto
Minor league award winners announced
- Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year: SS Jurickson Profar
- Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year: LHP Robbie Ross
- Rangers Minor League Reliever of the Year: Justin Miller
- Defender of the Year: OF Ryan Strausborger
All four players will be honored at the 2012 Texas Rangers Dr Pepper Awards Show on Thursday at the Arlington Convention Center. You can listen to our Hot Stove Show on 103.3 FM ESPN from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. as well on Thursday as we talk to many Rangers players about the upcoming season.
Other honorees include:
- Michael Young: 2011 Rangers Player of the Year, 2011 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award
- C.J. Wilson: 2011 Rangers Pitcher of the Year
- Craig Gentry: 2011 Rangers Rookie of the Year
- David Murphy: 2011 Harold McKinney Good Guy Award
- Darren Oliver: 2011 Jim Sundberg Community Achievement Award
- Frank Howard: 2012 Mark Holtz Texas Rangers Alumni Award
- Clayton Kershaw: 2011 Texas Professional Baseball Player of the Year
- Adrian Beltre: 2011 Rawlings Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards
- Bobby Jones: 2011 Bobby Jones Player Development Man of the Year Award
- Don Welke: 2011 Don Welke Scout of the Year Award
The show is a theater-style seating event. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30. Tickets are still available for $75 (reserved) or $50 (general admission) and can be purchased at texasrangers.com or by calling 972-726-4377.
Jurickson Profar emulates Andrus
PHOENIX -- Rangers 18-year-old shortstop prospect Jurickson Profar didn't hesitate when asked which big league player he's trying to emulate.
"Elvis Andrus," said Profar, sitting in a dugout at Chase Field on Sunday prior to playing for the World Team in the All-Star Futures Game. "Definitely."
Profar, who speaks multiple languages, certainly looked a little bit like Andrus on Sunday. The youngest player in the game made a nice play at short, showing off his range and an accurate arm. He hit left-handed after the USA Team made a pitching change and stroked a low fastball from Kyle Gibson (Twins prospect at Triple-A) into the right-center gap. Profar raced around the bases, sliding safely into third with a two-out RBI that gave the World a 4-3 lead at that point.
For Profar, it was a chance to show more folks what he can do. He's learning at Class A Hickory right now, hitting .270 with eight homers and 36 RBIs in 69 games. He's 10-for-16 on stolen base chances and is still learning how to play consistent baseball every day. He admitted Sunday that he has to get used to the length of the season.
Profar took advantage of spring training to spend some time with Andrus and pick his brain.
"I took ground balls with him and I worked with him a little bit during the minicamp earlier in the year," Andrus said Sunday. "He's a great guy. He reminds me of me a couple years ago. He's a really smart kid and hopefully stays healthy and gets here too."
It gave Andrus a chance to size up the young pitcher turned switch-hitting shortstop.
"He's good," Andrus said. "He's got a pretty good arm, great hands. He's still developing and in the process. I just think he needs to continue to play like I did. He's a talented guy. He's a talented and smart kid. If he stays humble and works hard everyday, I think he's going to be here pretty soon."
Andrus said Profar was asking a lot of questions, which the Rangers shortstop took as a good sign.
"He's really smart," Andrus said. "He knows how much talent he has and he's still humble. I always tell him, 'Play hard, no matter if you're hitting good or hitting bad.' Minor leagues, it's not where you want to be. Minor leagues, it's like a preseason -- a spring training. Learn from the season and just move."
Minors: Jurickson Profar on DL (wrist)
A club official said Profar has already shown some improvement and is expected to miss just three to five days.
Profar, one of the Rangers' top prospects, has had a slow start at the plate in 2011, hitting .172 with (5-for-29) with two homers and four RBIs.
Some notes on today's intrasquad game
* Endy Chavez, Doug Deeds, Jose Feliz, Jose Ruiz and Chad Tracy were the five batters that hit against all pitchers.
* LHP Darren Oliver went three innings and gave up two runs on six hits with no walks and two strikeouts. He faced 15 batters. Zach Jackson allowed one hit and had one strikeout to the nine batters he faced in three innings.
* RHP Alexi Ogando went two innings because it was the same day as his scheduled live hitter session. He didn't allow a hit or run to seven batters he faced, getting four ground balls (one was an error) and three fly balls. He mixed up his pitches and was pretty efficient out there.
* LHP Miguel De Los Santos gave up a run (on a solo homer by Deeds) and had a walk in his lone inning of work. LHP Zach Phillips allowed a run on two hits with a walk one inning.
* Tracy was one homer shy of the cycle.
* Various minor leaguers played defense. Jurickson Profar seems to stand out whenever he's out there, and had a couple of nice plays on Friday. He showed good range and quick movement. I overheard one coach gushing about him and how good his instincts are at short.
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?
TEAM LEADERS
| BA LEADER | ||||||||||||
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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 | ||||||||||




