"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. " (Romans 1:16-17)
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
At least 10 candidates for position, with no clear favorite heading into Spring Training
Left-field competition wide open for Rangers
By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com | @Sullivan_Ranger | February 6, 2015
ARLINGTON -- This may be the mother of all Spring Training competitions. There may be nothing like it in Rangers history.
The Rangers have an opening in left field, they have no less than 10 candidates for the job and there is no clear favorite. Texas has a candidate who has played in an All-Star Game, one who has been in two World Series and others who played in the All-Star Futures Games. Two were first-round picks, two were 17th- round picks. One, big league veteran Nate Schierholtz, was added to the mix on Friday.
Left field is not the only position at stake. The Rangers need a designated hitter, a fourth outfielder and one more player off the bench in an undetermined role.
Breaking down 10 of the candidates:
1. Michael Choice
Acquired: From the Athletics in a four-player trade in December 2013. Assets: Choice is a former first-round Draft pick out of the University of Texas at Arlington with rare right-handed power and good on-base percentage numbers in the Minors.
Concerns: Choice hit .182 in 86 games and 280 plate appearances for the Rangers as a rookie last season as he struggled to adapt to a part-time role. Best chance: The Rangers traded for Choice because they expected him to be an everyday outfielder as early as this season. Now he has to win the job.
2. Ryan Rua
Acquired: Drafted in the 17th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Lake Erie College.
Assets: Rua has soared through the Rangers organization by being able to hit at every level and play multiple positions.
Concerns: Rua was drafted as an infielder and just doesn't have much experience in the outfield.
Best chance: Rua could be the perfect fourth player on the bench because he hits right-handed and can play multiple positions.
3. Jake Smolinski Acquired: Signed as Minor League free agent on Nov. 18, 2013.
Assets: A right-handed hitter, Smolinski batted .349 with a .512 slugging percentage in 24 games for the Rangers in 2014, although a broken left foot prevented Texas from getting a longer look.
Concerns: A second-round Draft pick by the Nationals in 2007, Smolinski had eight unremarkable Minor League seasons -- .263 career batting average, .397 slugging percentage -- before the Rangers gave him a chance last year.
Best chance: Nobody can ignore a .349 batting average, even in limited exposure.
4. Mitch Moreland
Acquired: Moreland was taken in the 17th round of the 2007 Draft out of Mississippi State.
Assets: Moreland is a proven left-handed Major League hitter when he is healthy. Concerns: Moreland just hasn't been able to stay healthy over the past three seasons as major surgery on his left ankle ended his season after 52 games last year.
Best chance: The Rangers say they are going to look at Moreland in the outfield this spring, but he is the leading candidate to be their designated hitter and backup first baseman behind Prince Fielder again.
5. Ryan Ludwick
Acquired: Ludwick was signed to a Minor League contract on Wednesday. Assets: Ludwick has had a highly productive 12-year Major League career as a right-handed power-hitting corner outfielder. He laps the field as far as big league experience.
Concerns: Ludwick is 36 and has had shoulder problems for the past two years. His last big season was in 2012.
Best chance: Ludwick could win a spot as at least as a platoon partner with Moreland and backup outfielder. But if the guy is healthy and at his best, he would be Texas' left fielder.
6. Kyle Blanks
Acquired: Blanks was signed to a Minor League contract in December.
Assets: Blanks was a 42nd-round Draft pick by the Padres in 2004 under the old draft-and-follow rules. Signed just before the 2005 Draft, he had five excellent seasons in the Minors. By 2009, the Padres were moving guys like Chase Headley and Kevin Kouzmanoff around to find a spot for Blanks in the lineup.
Concerns: An amazing run of injuries over the past five seasons kept Blanks from achieving some pretty high expectations. In 760 Major League at-bats, Blanks has hit .234 with 30 home runs, 105 RBI and a .407 slugging percentage.
Best chance: Blanks can play first base and the outfield when healthy. Since he hits right-handed, he has the assets to be a backup for both Fielder and Moreland. But Blanks has been on the disabled list six straight seasons.
7. Carlos Peguero
Acquired: Peguero agreed to a Minor League contract on Jan. 13.
Assets: Peguero hits left-handed and has some serious power. He has had some big Minor League seasons in the Mariners organization and was once considered one of their top prospects.
Concerns: Peguero has big power but also big strikeout numbers. In 214 Major League at-bats, he has nine home runs, a .196 batting average and 89 strikeouts.
Best chance: Peguero has played well in winter ball, and getting him away from pitcher-friendly Safeco Field might help. Being a left-handed hitter might be an advantage. The best case is Peguero might be a left-handed-hitting Nelson Cruz, who also broke through late in his career.
8. Delino DeShields
Acquired: Taken in the Rule 5 Draft from the Astros in December.
Assets: A former No. 1 Draft pick (eighth overall) in 2010, DeShields has tremendous speed and some power. A right-handed hitter, he can play both the infield and the outfield.
Concerns: DeShields has never played above Double-A. At Double-A Corpus Christi this past season, DeShields played in 114 games and hit .236 with 14 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 54 stolen bases, 61 walks, 112 strikeouts, a .346 on- base percentage and a .360 slugging percentage.
Best chance: As a Rule 5 Draft pick, DeShields has to be kept on the big league roster all season. That's always difficult for a contending team, but the Rangers like the talent and he might stick as a fourth outfielder if he can play center field.
9. Jared Hoying
Acquired: Hoying was drafted in the 10th round out of the University of Toledo.
Assets: A left-handed hitter, Hoying is coming off a strong season at Triple-A Round Rock, hitting .271 with 33 doubles, 26 home runs, 78 RBI and a .517 slugging percentage.
Concerns: Hoying walked 40 times and struck out 140 times in 555 plate appearances. He made progress, but there are still some holes in the swing.
Best chance: Hoying has a reputation for being one of the hardest workers in the organization, and that has been reinforced by the improvement he has shown while moving up in the system. If he can cut down the strikeouts and maintain the other numbers, somebody will find him a spot in the big leagues.
10. Antoan Richardson
Acquired: Richardson was signed as a Minor League free agent on Dec. 13.
Assets: Think Daniel Robertson with more speed. Richardson is a 5-foot-8 switch- hitter with 324 stolen bases in 10 Minor League seasons. He played briefly with the Yankees last season and the Braves in 2011, making him one of six Major League players born in the Bahamas. He does get on base. Richardson led the International League in hit by pitches last season.
Concerns: Richardson can fly but has little power. He was signed mainly to provide Triple-A depth in center field.
Best chance: If the Rangers kept Richardson, it would likely mean DeShields being offered back to the Astros. He is really the kind of guy you would like to have around in September in a pennant race.
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Thanks. Have not seen this until now. I think Rua has a great shot.
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. " (Romans 1:16-17)
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Kirkman has had a rough road. There was a time in the Rangers farm system the scouts and developers thought Kirkman was a better prospect than Holland.
Then his pitching issues, then skin cancer pushing him back from a comeback. Then in 2013 early on showed some promise. Then back to the farm. Last year he made a come back as a lefty specialist late in the season.
If there is one guy on the squad I would love to see come back strong and pitch out of the pen it's Kirkman.
"Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:6-7)
They traded Sardinas to get Gallardo so it isn't quite as deep as it was.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
If there is one guy on the squad I would love to see come back strong and pitch out of the pen it's Kirkman.
Yes we need him to be on his game, he would make 2 relievers that could pitch to Lefty's the other is Fujikawa.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
So what happens if Andrus goes down do you really think he can do the job, Sardinas is the better defensive player.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Yea I seen that a couple of days ago, hopefully his legs will hold up! If not he's gonna be one expensive DH.
I'm not gonna say what I really think cause I've said it before.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Fraley seems to be more concerned that a suspension would free up money for the Angels to get Hamels.
Which it would, but... do they have anything in the farm system that the Phillies want?
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Hamilton will probably be suspended. Seems he had a relapse:
I think his playing days is about over cause he seems like he doesn't care anymore. Maybe he thinks he has enough money stashed away and is gonna go back to being a drunk/druggie again full time. What a dumbass he is.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Yea I noticed that when I went to DMN website, this will mean another year of young pitchers learning in the majors instead of the minors. Probably means no playoffs either BTA I wasn't really counting on that anyway.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
You know now that I think about it they should just start the season with what they have since they did pick up some experienced pitching and seem to have some depth in case of injuries and ineffectiveness. If Perez and/or Harrison manage to make it back then they don't really need Hamels. He's so damn expensive anyway and they already have 3 other (potentially bad) large contracts another would just tie their hands. (They would never be able to re- sign Darvish/Holland when the time comes).
They have so many good prospects (especially pitching) in the farm system I would hate to see them trade 4+ of them away just to get one guy. (They did that before with Garza and now regret it). With what is in the farm system they have the potential in 2-3 years to be damn good for a long time.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
If nothing else happens to the pitching staff you're gonna see at least one young pitcher in the starting rotation. Tepesch did pitch fairly decent to close out the year but he still needs to master another pitch. Then you have Martinez who looked good and lost at the same time. And now some think Rodriguez might get a shot at starting because he has a better repertoire than the other 2. But if they do that then he goes to FA a year sooner. Let him start in the minors and give one of the other 2 another try. If they suck pull them and bring him up to see what he can do, he didn't do to bad in his outing yesterday throwing 56 pitches.
In the OF you have to make the decision between DeShields and Hoying/Schierholtz. I know Delino has speed but he seems to have issues judging the ball defensively. He originally was a OF then moved to 2B then back to the OF. (Might explain why Houston left him unprotected). He might make a good DH for some team since he seems to have a decent bat. (I know what you're thinking about traditionally the DH spot be a power bat but speed kills)!!
In the IF Rosales "is supposed" to be the utility IF but he seems to be doing what he did last year and that is play his way out of a spot. But... can't say that I see anybody else to fit in that slot unless they pick up someone.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
He was outrighted to Round Rock back in October and he chose to be a free agent instead. Haven't found anything about him being in training camp anywhere, but haven't seen anything about retirement either.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Yeah thanks good article. With the chicken arms around the pros these days, this is a smart move if they do it.
I remember the 2010 run for the pennant. No big names on the starting rotation until they traded for Cliff Lee. Rangers got by on scoring a bunch of runs and a few strong arms in the pen.
Don't think any starter that year went beyone 6-1/3 innings. Seemed to work out until the WS:)
"Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." (1 Peter 1:23)
With the chicken arms around the pros these days, this is a smart move if they do it.
Are they just chicken arms or is it because they're already worn out by the time they get there??
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Yeah thanks good article. With the chicken arms around the pros these days, this is a smart move if they do it.
You know it might be they are worn out or have chicken arms but it's more than likely the repertoire they have. Splitters, sliders and some curves place a lot of stress on the elbow.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Looks like Joey Gallo just launched another 3 run "moonball" against the Giants. :) The best part is he has as many walks as he does "K"s this spring, showing more patience and better judgment on pitch selection.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Nobody like a "loser" so in a lot of instances the coaches job is tied to his "winning".
And some coaches if they have a good pitcher/s will ride him/them to the bitter end instead of developing the team as a whole thru teaching the basics, teamwork and sportsmanship. Total shortsightedness by the coach and those who hired him, it's not about the overbearing parents/idiot fans it's about the kids.
I never coached kids only adults but I wouldn't tolerate "azzholes" in the stands. I once led my entire team into the stands to deal with one that the umps had told to leave but wouldn't. Needless to say I think the guy "fell down" about 5 or 6 times on the way to his car. :)
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Did you watch the game yesterday it was on ESPN? They lost 2-0 against the Padres.
Scoreless game until the error and misplayed ball (1B playing too far off the line against a lefty) in the 8th inning.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
Choice got cut again, Kirkman got released and Beimel got blasted yesterday.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
I'm not giving up yet it's so early in Spring Training you never know who might be released by another club they can pick up. Or if they are close come the trade deadline you never know who could be available for a decent price.
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
“Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rapidly promoted by mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.”
