June 25th, 2012
A Look Into Another Texas Rangers Affiliate: Spokane Indians
By the time mid to late June rolls around in Frisco, the season is in full action. The season is almost half way over and half of the playoff spots are usually decided. It’s the same way with Round Rock, Myrtle Beach, and Hickory and every other full season minor league affiliate. For those in short-season, however, the season is just beginning.
The Spokane Indians began their season on June 15 and so far have struggled to an opening 2-8 start. While Frisco has players that are far more experienced in professional baseball, with some even having major league experience, Spokane and short season ball are where a number of players make their professional debuts and begin their journey towards the dream of playing in the major leagues.
This year’s team for Spokane features one prospect in the top 30 in the Texas Ranger’s organization according to Baseball America. Right handed pitcher David Perez entered 2011 as the 11th best prospect in the organization, but fell to 26th entering 2012 after suffering through command issues (29 walks in 30 innings) in Spokane. Still just 19 years old, Perez has a big arm, as he can reach mid 90s, and has a big ceiling still.
The Indian’s roster also includes 13 players selected by the Texas Rangers in the draft earlier this month. Included in those are six of the Ranger’s first nine picks, including University of Texas-Arlington outfielder Preston Beck (5th round).
Here is a look at Spokane’s roster and how they were acquired:
| POS | Pitchers | Acquired |
| RHP | Richard Alvarez | NDFA- 2008 |
| RHP | Alec Asher | Drafted- 4th round (2012) |
| RHP | Shawn Blackwell | Drafted- 24th round (2009) |
| RHP | Eric Brooks | Drafted- 11th round (2012) |
| LHP | Joseph Burns | Drafted- 28th round (2012) |
| RHP | Coby Cowgill | Drafted- 23rd round (2012) |
| RHP | Abel De Los Santos | Unknown |
| RHP | Taylor Dennis | Drafted- 34th round (2011) |
| RHP | Ryan Harvey | Drafted- 18th round (2012) |
| RHP | Cody Kendall | Drafted- 8th round (2012) |
| RHP | John Kukuruda | Drafted- 28th round (2010) |
| RHP | Josh McElwee | Drafted- 20th round (2012) |
| RHP | Carlos Melo | Trade w/ Detroit |
| RHP | Jose Monegro | NDFA- 2009 |
| RHP | David Perez | NDFA- 2009 |
| RHP | Connor Sadzeck | Drafted- 11th round (2011) |
| RHP | Jose Valdespina | Unknown |
| POS | Catchers | Acquired |
| C | Patrick Cantwell | Drafted- 3rd round (2012) |
| C | Guy Edmonds | NDFA- 2010 |
| C | Joe Maloney | Drafted- 10th round (2011) |
| POS | Infielders | Acquired |
| SS | Smerling Lantigua | NDFA- 2010 |
| SS | Gabriel Roa | Drafted- 25th round (2012) |
| 1B | Ryan Rua | Drafted- 17th round (2011) |
| 2B | Cam Schiller | Drafted- 7th round (2012) |
| 1B | Barrett Serrato | Drafted- 30th round (2012) |
| 2B | Nick Vickerson | Drafted- 20th round (2011) |
| POS | Outfielders | Acquired |
| OF | Preston Beck | Drafted- 5th round (2012) |
| OF | Royce Bolinger | Drafted- 6th round (2012) |
| OF | Brandon Garcia | NDFA- 2012 |
| OF | Christopher Garia | NDFA- 2009 |
| OF | Saquan Johnson | Drafted- 28th round (2011) |
| OF | Hirotoshi Onaka | NDFA- 2010 |
They might not be Frisco RoughRiders yet, but it’s very likely that a number of those players will reach Frisco and possibly Texas in the coming years.
Written By: Michael Damman
