Being in third place, especially considering how bleak things were the last time the Rangers Report was posted, is very awesome. Hope it lasts.
Arizona Fall League Breakdown
The Rangers announced their candidates for the Arizona Fall League, which begins play on October 9th. Here’s the list of candidates:
Josh Rupe (RHP) – The organization still feels that Rupe an become a excellent starter with time, but Rupe hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Frankly, this is looking like it’s make or break time for Rupe, else he may risk being traded to a team as a reliever.
Kea Kometani (RHP) – Kometani is another intriguing arm in the Rangers’ system that will be playing in hopes of earning a 40 man spot, as I think he is going to be Rule V eligible this off-season. Kometani was converted to relief this past season and was excellent there. If he can be stretched out to a starter again, that would be even better.
Matt Harrison (LHP) – One of the big prizes in the Mark Teixeira deal, Harrison is regarded to be a good lefty pitcher that can eat up innings and keep his team in games…or a left handed Joe Blanton, to use a comparison. Anyhow, Harrison missed the rest of the season after the trade because of injury, so his assignment means that the Rangers will be looking to see how his recovery has come along.
Danny Ray Herrera (LHP) - A short lefty, Herrera is a quality relief pitching prospect that could be an above average setup man. He got hammered late in the season, so the Rangers are likely sending him to Arizona to work on some things.
Joaquin Arias (SS) - Arias is probably the most disappointing prospect out of all these listed. Once throught to be a superstar, Arias is now being viewed to be a utilityman prospect, not at all what the Rangers hoped he'd be when they selected him over Robinson Cano in the Alex Rodriguez trade.
John Mayberry Jr. (RF) – Mayberry has been brought about very slowly by the Rangers, and he hasn’t nearly shown the progress that many have felt he should have shown by now. While he can hit for power, Mayberry’s
Chris Davis (3B) – Davis has recently been added to the AFL roster, but don’t expect to see too much of him though. As a “taxi squad” member, he is only available to play Wednesday and Saturday.
Taylor Teagarden (C) – Teagarden is likely going to be sent to the AFL to get some work in on his defense. Don’t expect to see too much of him though. As a “taxi squad” member, he is only available to play Wednesday and Saturday.
German Duran (2B) – A prospect that most prospect heads whiffed on (But not me, as I listed Duran on my top 30 Rangers Prospects) Teagarden is likely going to be sent to the AFL to get some work in on his defense. Don’t expect to see too much of him though. As a “taxi squad” member, he is only available to play Wednesday and Saturday.
Morisato's Minor League Positiional And Pitching Players Of The Year
Pitcher - Eric Hurley (RHP).
Hurley has done nothing but perform since he began the year and after dominating the Texas League, he was promoted to Oklahoma, where he held his own. Hurley is likely entering his last year on the farm and could be in Arlington as soon as June.
Also Considered...
Omar Poveda (RHP) - The big Venezuelan was the Lumberkings Ace before he was promoted to Bakersfield. All in all, he made great strides and could be on the way up, especially since his stuff has gained velocity.
Kasey ####r (LHP) - Last year's number one pick has done nothing but domiante. While he's been wild at times, he's also been very good. It should be interesting to see what he does in Bakersfield next year.
Zach Philips (LHP) - Another Bakersfield bound lefty, Philips has quietly had an excellent season and helped provide Clinton with another solid lefty in the middle of the rotation.
Brendan Garr (RHP) - Once thought to be an intruiguing arm, Garr is looking more and more like a bonafide closer candidate in the future.
Michael Main (RHP) - Main has been very good and has vaulted himself higher in the eyes of the organization than local boy Blake Beaven.
Positional Player - Chris Davis (3B)
Davis has rapidly turned into Texas' top positional player and power hitter. While the Strikeout totals and defensive errors are a bit of a concern, the power is real and in time, he could turn into a beast at first base.
Also Considered...
Taylor Teagarden (C) - Teagarden lost a year due to Tommy John, but has since returned to show that his Gold Glove defense is still intact. Even better, his bat has come to life and he's shown legitimate power to go with his high walk totals. It could get interesting a can couple of years between Teagarden and Saltalamacchia, a nice problem to have.
John Whittleman (3B) - Another talented third baseman, Whittleman was the Rangers' American Rep in the Future's Game and has made enormous strides with the bat. The power has come in as expected, though it has resulted in a strikeout increase. Still, all in all, Whittleman is looking very different from how he finished a year ago.
German Duran (2B) - A sleeper candidate, Duran has emerged to be one of the most unheralded middle infield prospects in the minor leagues. He's shown good range and solid hands along with a lot of thunder in his bat. Potentially, he's Jeff Kent, but without the stone hands.
Brandon Boggs (CF) - Boggs has also blossomed into a potential centerfielder of the future. While his age somewhat clouds his achievements, his numbers are good and should be taken seriously.
Potential Free Agent Musings
All signs are pointing for Torii Hunter to possibly head to Texas in the future via free agency, especially since he wants a five year deal worth $70 million. While I would be up for potentially sacrificing the second rounder for a need, Hunter isn't it.
Kosuke Fukudome, on the other hand, I'd be very interested in bringing over. The bat is legitimate and he'd be able to play centerfield for a couple of years, until first rounder Julio Borbon is ready, then he'd be able to slide over into a outfield corner. Fukudome would not only allow the Rangers to potentially move into the Asian Market, but also wouldn't cost a second round pick, allowing the Rangers to be able to still splurge in the draft.
Another Option I'd consider is possibly Mike Cameron, who would also be a short term solution that wouldn't break the bank, plus could see his numbers improve leaving Petco Park.
As for current Rangers, Brad Wilkerson and Jamey Wright, I would be okay bringing them back, a different stance then I had a couple of weeks ago. However, I would bring them back only on the condition that Wilkerson plays only first base and that Wright remains in the pen, where he's been...surprisingly competent.
I was going to produce a long, drawn out effort in the pluses and minuses of the Rangers in April.
Instead, I’ll just be blunt.
We suck.
Possible Centerfielder’s For The Future
This is probably the deepest position on the free agent market, where there are a total of nine players that can legitimately play center.
Andruw Jones (Braves) – Jones is the sexy name on everyone’s list and it’s no wonder why. He’s a incredible hitter and plays a decent centerfield as well. Unfortunately, expect to see Jones priced out of the Rangers’ range, even though I would recommend that the Rangers make a strong run at him.
Ichiro Suzuki (Mariners) – Ichiro has stated that he would like to test the market for the first time in his career, as he has never had a chance to actually choose his own destiny. Should Suzuki choose to become Ronin, he would be a quality lineup presence in the Rangers, able to provide solid leadoff ability as well as provide solid defense in center. The only question is whether or not Suzuki is willing to play against his former team.
Torii Hunter (Twins) – Hunter looks more and more like a plausible option in that he lives in Arlington, has a good relationship with Rangers Manager Ron Washington and that he’s a premier defender that would benefit from moving from turf to grass. However, Hunter also is prone to injuries and of the players on this list is the largest risk to break down. Whoever acquires Hunter is going to be at a large risk of overpaying for him and I don’t think he’s going to age well after this year.
Kosuke Fukudome (Chunichi Dragns - Japan) – Fukudome is a five-tool centerfielder in Japan that plays for the Chunichi Dragons. He's going to be a free agent after 2007 and apparently has stated that he’s intends to come to the United States to finish his career. He was also a member of Team Japan in the World Baseball Classic and was the 2006 Central League MVP and batting champion, hitting .351-31-104. He's a career .306/.393/.545 hitter with 179 homers, 599 RBIs and 66 steals in 993 Japanese games. If I had to classify him as anything, he’s a more mobile Hideki Matsui lite. He’ll be 31 when he comes over and should be a lot of fun to watch. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me to see Seattle allow Ichiro to leave in order to replace him in center with Fukudome as a short term fix until top prospect Adam “I’m Not Pacman” Jones is ready. Personally, Fukudone looks to be the best bet out of the lot, but again, there is no guarantee that he’s coming.
Eric Byrnes (Diamondbacks) – A personal favorite, Byrnes is a solid guy that can hit late in the lineup and has done pretty well for himself fin Arizona. With the Diamondbacks not likely to bring him back, he’d be a solid short term option for Texas until some of the kids begin to develop.
Corey Patterson (Orioles) – Of all the centerfielders on the market, Patterson is the youngest at 28, always a good thing for such an athletic position. The Orioles made a rare deal in which they came out the biggest winners last year when they traded for Patterson, giving up Jerry Hairston Jr. and a pack of cigarettes. Patterson is a Scott Boras client, which the Orioles have had trouble dealing with in the past. Plus, people are going to wonder if Patterson is a one-year wonder, which is why they Orioles have said they’ll address his situation after the season. With Patterson entering his last season, the Orioles are in a quirky position. If the Orioles wait and Patterson against boats a decent average with some power and some flashly defensive plays (a la Gary Matthews Jr. last year.), Boras will almost certainly price him out of their range, as I firmly believe that Patterson will get a Matthews-like contract at the end of the season.
Milton Bradley (Athletics) – Bradley is an intriguing option in that he’s still pretty young, athletic and can be productive as a centerfielder. He’s also a headcase and not a sure bet to stay healthy for much of the year.
Aaron Rowand (Phillies) – Rowand’s style of play reminds many fans of former Ranger Rusty Greer. Unfortunately, that also means he may be in for a Greer style breakdown, which doesn’t do you any good long term.
Mike Cameron (Padres) – I thought that there would be a chance that Cameron would stay with the Padres, but unfortunately, it looks as if Cameron will be moving on from San Diego after this season. Cameron wants a three year deal, which the Padres were unwilling to do, and will now hit the market at the age of 35. PETCOA has Cameron being worth somewhere in the neighborhood of $21 million from 2008 too 2010. He’s likely going to want 3 years, $30 million, which isn’t too unreasonable.
Kenny Lofton (Rangers) – Lofton still looks pretty good for the most part as far as his play, but he’s really not going to be much of a factor as far as a impact player. Texas signed him in order to give them a stopgap in center until the next year. If he’s willing to accept a backup role, there’s no reason to believe he can’t be a good one.
Ranger Notes
A surprising bit of news here. Bruce Chen cleared waivers and has accepted a assignment to Triple A Oklahoma. The Rangers had thought that Chen would be claimed and talked to a number of teams about a trade, including the New York Yankees.
Edinson Volquez is not making things easier for himself. Though he was excellent in his third start, Volquez in his fourth start had just one hit in five-plus innings and eight groundouts, but permitting three runs as he issued five walks and unleashed two wild pitches before being ejected by the home plate umpire about arguing the strike zone. The Rangers had hoped that Volquez would be able to last five starts in High A Bakersfield, where he would hopefully find his command, and then gradually work his way up, but Volquez has been very wild and may dash those plans for now.
C.J. Wilson continues to draw interest from the Tigers, who want a solid lefty reliever for their bullpen. I would trade C.J. in the right deal, but it would have to involve a pitching prospect that’s got a shot at being a starter.
I'm a long time Texas Rangers fan who has come to love baseball as a whole. I recently began this blog as a way for me to showcase my opinions, provide some analysis, and hopefully entertain those who happen to stumble upon my little soapbox online. I'll toss in an NFL, College, or NBA nugget every now and then. Enjoy the posts everyone, and yes, getting a little love in a Deadspin post was probably the highlight of the year, blogwise.
Do You Have Comment You Don't Want All To See? Just Want To Talk Baseball? Email Me at morisatos_blo g AT yahoo.com. Email's edited to keep away the Spam.
