The Rangers Report

Team Record as of April 24, 2006

(10-9), Second in the American League West

State of the Rangers

The state of the Texas Rangers is strong at this point, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  We beat up on the Mariners and the Devil Rays.  Seeing how the Rangers fare against the Athletics will be far more telling.

Rudy Jaramillo Pays A Visit

Hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo visited the Rangers for the first time since his March surgery for prostate cancer, and declared himself about three weeks away from rejoining the club on at least a part-time basis.  Jaramillo is regarded as one of the best instructors in the big leagues, one praised by current and former players for his dedication, work ethic, communication skills and talent.  Jaramillo is said to want a chance to manage in the future and is largely though of to be the successor to Buck Showalter in the future.  With Jaramillo guiding their hitters, the Rangers have scored at least 800 runs for 10 consecutive seasons.  Raised in the rough Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas, Jaramillo also has a steely toughness that elicits instant respect.  The Feb. 15 diagnosis of prostate cancer barely fazed Jaramillo, who simply made some calls, determined which surgeon would best handle his case, and scheduled the four-hour operation that went smoothly in New York in late March.  Jaramillo said his goal is to be "in uniform" on May 12, when the Rangers begin a 10-game road trip in Boston. He'll let his health and energy level dictate how soon he can return to the full-time grind of the job.

Until We Meet Again, Laynce Nix

Laynce Nix was optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma on Friday, and the contract of journeyman outfielder Adam Hyzdu was purchased to fill the vacancy.  Nix started the season by going hitless in his first 20 at-bats, and was 3-for-32 (.094) with four RBIs and 17 strikeouts at the time of his demotion.  With Gary Matthews Jr. healthy enough to play center field, Nix started only two of the last six games on the Rangers' West Coast road trip. He was 1-for-7 with six strikeouts in those two games.  This was expected, as Nix is still struggling to get back to full strength on his surgically reconstructed shoulders.  This is for the best, as Nix will be able to improve himself in Triple A while not hurting the Rangers in the long term.  As for Hyzdu, a non-roster invitee who was one of the last cuts out of spring camp, he’s with his seventh big league organization.  The 34-year-old was batting .304 with four homers and 10 RBIs in 14 games for the RedHawks, but said he did not necessarily expect his early recall. 

Mark DeRosa Has Terrible Timing

Mark DeRosa has some terrible timing.  He was placed on the Disabled List Wednesday, something he wanted to avoid, thanks to a hurt peroneal tendon.  Mark DeRosa had to go on the disabled list at some point this season, this is probably the last time either he or the Rangers would have chosen.  So far, it’s unknown when he will be back, pending an MRI back in Arlington.  To take his spot on the roster, Drew Meyer will be called up from AAA-Oklahoma.  Terrible timing for DeRosa, because he wanted the starting second base job when Soriano was traded to the Nationals.  However, Kinsler tore up Spring Training, leaving DeRosa as the utilityman.  DeRosa would have been the regular in Kinsler's absence over D'Angelo Jimenez.  It’s sucks to see that happen, because DeRosa was a great guy to shift around the field and is much better defensively than Jimenez.  Damn it, what a shame.

Now, about the Guy that’s came up…

Drew Meyer, who was the Rangers' first-round draft pick out of the University of South Carolina in 2002, made his major league debut.  He was batting .360 with six extra-base hits and seven RBI in seven games at Oklahoma and is seen as the Rangers’ utility man of the future, since he’s able to play the outfield, second base, third base and shortstop.  Who knows?  It’s possible that Meyer may impress enough that he could remain with the team and allow the Rangers to shop Jimenez to a team that needs bench depth, bringing in another young pitching or outfield prospect.

Fabio Castro Needs More Playing Time

This extremely small lefty from the Dominican Republic, Castro has good stuff despite being just 5'8, 150 (soaking wet).  Castro’s fastball ranges from 91-94 mph with good movement, a good changeup, and a curveball that some say is his best pitch.  His control, while not being pinpoint, is not bad for his age and level and should improve over time.  Unfortunately, he’s a Rule 5 Draft candidate and because he impressed in Spring Training, he’s not going to last long if he’s put through on waivers.  He’s done fine in the THREE games he’s pitched in.  THREE!  The kid needs some playing time, like during a blowout loss or even to come out of the pen as a specialist.  The kid can contribute.  He just needs the opportunity.  The Rangers should give it to him, and let the inconsistent as hell lefty Brian Shouse sit on the bench a bit more and let Castro get the call next time around.  As for the future?  If Castro stays in Texas, I can see him being groomed to be a closer.  Due to the rising cost of closers in the game, I really don’t see Cordero sticking around.  If Castro does well in that role, Texas could let him go without much of a problem.

Our Tommy John’s!!!

As for the Tommy John Boys, Frank Francisco (last seen chucking a bottle in Oakland), threw a bullpen session last Monday and also threw a 25 pitch live batting practice.  Showalter didn’t set a specific date on when the Rangers will bring back Cordero’s old setup man, but he hinted that he could get a look at the bullpen in June or July.  More likely is that the Rangers will keep him in Triple A – Oklahoma to allow Castro to remain on the team.   The thing about Tommy John surgery is that you’re never really back from it for at least 18 months or so.  As for pitching prospect Ryan Bukvich, he was recently activated at High A – Bakersfield.

Decision on Dickey