Results tagged ‘ Ian Kinsler ’
Pat Lobb Magic Swing promotion makes ‘Riders fan a winner
With one powerful swing of the bat, Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Frisco gave away a brand new 2013 Jeep Wrangler to a lucky Frisco RoughRiders fan at Dr Pepper Ballpark on Friday night. Jana Tucker, a Frisco resident, was the lucky winner of the Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Magic Swing Promotion.
“I heard the crack of the bat and then closed my eyes-I was so freaked out,” Jana said. “My hands started shaking, my knees went out from beneath me. I couldn’t believe it.”
Mark and Jana after the winning magic swing
The promotion awards the contestant with a brand new Jeep Wrangler if the RoughRiders hit a home run on the first swing of the bat during the bottom of the fifth inning. That is exactly what ‘Riders All-Star catcher Tomas Telis did with the first offering from Jorge De Leon in the bottom of the fifth.
“I didn’t think the ball would go over the fence,” said Mark McEachern, a representative from Pat Lobb. “I didn’t see it go over. I just saw the crowd’s reaction. I turned and looked at Jana and she looked at me like, ‘That just happened!”
The Venezuelan backstop, who had clubbed just two home runs in 40 games played this season, launched the first pitch of the inning onto the grass berm over the left-center field fence. The home run gave Frisco a 2-0 lead in an eventual 3-2 extra-innings loss against the Corpus Christi Hooks.
”What a night for that to happen; [Ian] Kinsler [rehabbing] at second, the big Friday night crowd, the post-game fireworks-the atmosphere was just electric,” Mark said.
Steven Nelson, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships with the RoughRiders has been working in sports now for around ten years in the Frisco area and says this is the most exciting thing he’s ever seen.
“When the swing of the bat happened and I saw the ball go off, I thought ‘please have enough to just go over the wall,” said Steven. “I almost felt like I won the Jeep.”
This is only the third game this season that Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram has given a local fan the chance to take home a brand new Jeep Wrangler, and the Frisco RoughRiders hope for more winners to come in the future.
“Thank you to the family and thank you to Pat Lobb. We are really excited for the partnership and look forward to continuing it for years to come,” Nelson said.
Pat Lobb Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Frisco just opened their doors in May, 2013. A part of the Pat Lobb Auto Group, the nearly 60,000 square foot facility is the premier Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram dealership in North Texas.
“It’s been an exciting promotion for Pat Lobb all season long,” said Mark. “We’re excited to have this promotion and to be a part of the Frisco community. We look forward to carrying the relationship forward with Dr Pepper Ballpark and the Frisco RoughRiders.”
Jana Tucker and her family have been to a number of games, and have attended two this season. “Thank you to Pat Lobb and the RoughRiders. We will definitely be going to more ‘Riders games in the future.”
You could be next! Click here for your chance to win!
-Ryan
‘Riders on the Record: Kinsler’s ribs, “Pugde” teaching the youth and three All-Stars
‘Riders on the Record is a weekly rundown of the pre-game interviews record by broadcasters Alex Vispoli and Nathan Barnett with RoughRiders players and coaches and occasionally a special guest. You can find all previous editions by clicking here.
A star-studded week for ‘Riders on the Record brings us conversations with three ‘Riders selected to the Texas League All-Star roster, a Rangers Hall-of-Famer and an All-Star big league rehabber.
Happy Sunday (and Father’s Day!) and enjoy!
Sunday, June 9, 2013 – Manager Steve Buechele
‘Riders manager Steve Buechele breaks down the most recent start from Carlos Pimentel and discusses the keys to his success. He also talks about managing Tyler Tufts, who has been shifted into the RoughRiders rotation, and how to gauge his readiness later into games. (w/ Alex Vispoli)
Tuesday, June 11, 2013 – 1B Brett Nicholas
Brett Nicholas sits down to talk about his recent All-Star nod and the excitement he has to play on the squad. He talks about his admiration for fellow All-Star, Midland’s Anthony Aliotti. He also weighs on the best conversationalist in the league, based on his chit-chats at the first base bag. (w/ Alex Vispoli)
Wednesday, June 12, 2013 – C Tomas Telis
The ‘Riders All-Star Catcher Tomas Telis comes to share his story of finding out the news about the All-Star game. He tells us who he would like to catch in the All-Star game that he has had to face as a batter. He also explains what his “off” days are like and how being a student of the game as a catcher helps his approach at the plate. (w/ Nathan Barnett)
Thursday, June 13, 2013 - Rangers HOF Catcher Ivan “Pugde” Rodriguez
Legendary Rangers catcher, now Special Assistant to Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels, Ivan Rodriguez joined the pre-game show to talk with us about his new role with the Rangers and the development of the young catchers in the Rangers system. He also touches on how it feels to be a part of the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame. (w/ Nathan)
Friday, June 14, 2013 - Rangers 2B Ian Kinsler
Texas Rangers rehabbing All-Star second baseman Ian Kinsler talks about the state of his rehab, the importance of playing in the field while on the assignment and the history of his rib injury. He also reminisces on his time in Frisco as a member of the RoughRiders. (w/ Nathan)
Saturday, June 15, 2013 - RHP Ben Rowen
RoughRiders All-Star reliever Ben Rowen talks about how he heard about his Mid-Season All-Star honors and what it means to him in his first Double-A level. He talks about the influence of Chad Bradford. He also touches on his love for hockey and his beloved LA Kings. (w/ Nathan)
- Nathan
Baseball term of the day: diamond artist - a 1930s term for a ballplayer
(term from The Baseball Thesaurus)
Ian Kinsler: a RoughRider again
Kinsler’s second at-bat on Thursday night
Thursday’s lineup card
Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler, rehabbing from a right intercostal muscle strain, made his first rehab appearance last night, going 0-for-4 with a pair of strikeouts, serving as the designated hitter and batting leadoff.
In the first inning, he struck out looking on a borderline fastball on the outside corner from Corpus Christi starter Nick Tropeano. He flew out to shallow right field in the third. In his third trip to the plate, it was shades of the first, as he was called out again on strikes on a similar pitch near the outside corner. He made good contact against reliever Bobby Doran in the eighth, lining out to left fielder Michael Burgess to complete his night.
Originally expected to make his return to the Rangers lineup in early June, it was found that Kinsler also had a stress reaction in his ribcage as well, adding a couple weeks to his recovery time.
Now that time has come. Kinsler is expected to play in the field, at second base, tonight and tomorrow for the ‘Riders, and if all goes well, he will return to the Ranger lineup on Sunday. And they sure could use their spark plug.
The Rangers are just 4-8 in June and the offense is scoring an average of three runs per game in the 12 contests this month. Texas was 27-14 before Kinsler sat out of a start with the first pains in his rib cage. Since then, Texas is 11-14 and scoring 4.12 runs per game, and that includes three extra-innings games (one that took 18 innings). They scored 4.9 runs a game with him in the lineup.
For some perspective the #15 and #16 ranked MLB clubs in runs per game have scored 4.27 and 4.22 respectively. The Kinsler-powered Rangers would currently rank sixth in the majors, while the Kinsler-less squad would check in at 19th in runs per game.
For ‘Riders fans, Kinsler is a familiar face. This is the third season Kinsler has rehabbed with the club (first stints coming in 2009 and 2010). In 2004, the second baseman was still playing as a shortstop, and exclusively so, in the minors. He split his ’04 campaign between Low-A Clinton and Double-A Frisco (skipping Advanced-A Stockton). He led the Midwest League in batting average (.402), doubles (30), RBI (52) and on-base percentage (.465) before his promotion to the RoughRiders in June.
The 22-year-old proved ready for Double-A pitching:
| Year | Age | Tm | G | PA | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 22 | Frisco | 71 | 326 | 277 | 51 | 83 | 21 | 1 | 9 | 46 | 7 | 4 | 32 | 47 | .300 | .400 | .480 |
| 2009 | 27 | Frisco | 2 | 9 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | .000 | .222 | .000 |
| 2010 | 28 | Frisco | 6 | 23 | 19 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 3 | .263 | .348 | .368 |
| 2013 | 31 | Frisco | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | .000 | .000 | .000 |
| AA (4 seasons) | 80 | 362 | 307 | 55 | 88 | 21 | 2 | 9 | 52 | 9 | 4 | 35 | 53 | .287 | .388 | .456 | ||
In his first week in Frisco he clubbed a home run off Andy Pettitte, making a rehab start for the Astros for then Double-A Houston affiliate Round Rock (now the Rangers Triple-A club). He earned Texas League Player of the week honors that week and was the Rangers Minor League Player of the Month in June. At season’s end he was named Texas Rangers Tom Grieve Minor League Player of the Year.
At Triple-A the following season, the Rangers converted Kinsler to second base, he clubbed 23 home runs and hit .274 against Pacific Coast League pitching. In 2006, he broke camp with the big league club, and the rest, as they say, is history.
- Nathan
Baseball term of the day: ungodly shot – a hard line drive
(term from The Dickson Baseball Dictionary)
Kinsler’s 2004 season with the RoughRiders
‘Riders Rehabbers
Rangers’ pitcher and former RoughRider Martin Perez will be returning to the ‘Riders tonight in Midland as he begins his rehab assignment. The left-handed pitcher is expected to throw four innings and is likely to make another rehab start during the team’s current road trip.
Perez’s left wrist was broken after he was struck by a line drive off the bat of Seattle Mariners infielder Brad Miller in a spring training game on March 3. Prior to the injury, Perez was in contention for a spot in the Rangers’ starting rotation. He entered the season ranked by Baseball America as the organization’s third-best prospect and ranked 81st on the publication’s list of top 100 prospects in the minors.
Perez holding wrist after March 3 spring training injury
The 22-year-old Venezuelan pitched for the RoughRiders during parts of the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons and made his major league debut last year for Texas. He pitched in 12 big league games (six starts), going 1-4 with a 5.45 ERA (23 ER/38.0 IP). In his three seasons with Frisco, Perez pitched in 46 games (44 starts) and went 10-13 with a 4.74 ERA (110 ER/209.0 IP) and 198 strikeouts.
Martin Perez as a RoughRider in 2011
A few players who have rehabbed in Frisco
Nelson Cruz: Nelly has made two rehab appearances with the RoughRiders. He has played a total of six games in Frisco in 2010 and 2011, with eleven at-bats both years. He has had a total of six hits and two RBIs in the ‘Riders uniform.
Nelson Cruz rehabbing with the ‘Riders in 2011
Josh Hamilton: Hamilton rehabbed in Frisco for one game in 2009 and two more in 2011. On May 18, 2011, Josh hit a two-run homer in his second at-bat, and helped the ‘Riders to a pair of wins over the Midland RockHounds.
Former Ranger Josh Hamilton in Frisco for 2011 rehab.
Ian Kinsler: The former RoughRider returned to Frisco in 2009-’10 due to a strained left groin. While rehabbing with the ‘Riders, Ian played in eight games with four runs and six RBIs.
Ian Kinsler at bat during his 2010 ‘Riders rehab assignment
Naftali Feliz: Another former ‘Rider, Feliz returned to Frisco in 2011 and 2012 on rehab assignment with elbow soreness issues.
Neftali Feliz in Frisco during the 2012 season
Some others who have been assigned to the RoughRiders include: Hank Blalock (’08), (’11), Matt Harrison (’09-10), Mark Lowe (’12), Kevin Mench (’03-04), Darren O’Day (’11), Jarrod Saltalamacchia (’09), Mark Teixeira (’04, ’07).
Baseball Term of the Day: Dent the Plate – to score a run.
-Ryan
Rangers Spring Training Links – 2/25/2013
Martin Perez makes his first start of the spring against the Rockies today as he tries to secure a spot in the Rangers’ rotation.
The Rangers began their exhibition slate over the weekend with a tie and a pair of losses against the Royals. Today they’ll get some fresh competition when they venture over to Scottsdale for a date with the Rockies. Here’s a smattering of stories from the weekend that was in Rangers-land:
Perez fired up for chance at rotation spot – Former RoughRider Martin Perez gets the starting nod today for Texas and has as good an opportunity as anyone for the fifth spot in the rotation. T.R. Sullivan gets the thoughts of an excitable Perez.
Harrison battles command in windy conditions – Sullivan writes that Matt Harrison’s first spring outing was a little ragged in less-than-ideal weather.
Tepesch impresses in spring debut vs. hometown team – While he had a few rough days as a RoughRider, there was no doubt last season that Nick Tepesch profiles as a big league starting pitcher. He showed that yesterday with two scoreless innings against the Royals.
Tepesch impresses in debut – ESPNDallas.com’s Ron Matejko has more on Tepesch’s outing yesterday.
McClellan suffers setback – Matejko also has an update on Kyle McClellan, who re-injured his shoulder in bullpen session Sunday morning.
Nolan Ryan’s focus is pitching (of course) – Richard Durrett has Nolan Ryan talking about the club’s pitching situation, including the candidates for the number five spot in the rotation.
After subpar season, Rangers’ Kinsler vows new approach in 2013 (subscribers only) – Evan Grant writes that Ian Kinsler believes he can improve from his down 2012 season.
Texas Rangers have the Kansas City Royals blues – Grant runs down the essentials from yesterday’s 7-5 loss to KC.
Rangers conflicted by Profar’s talent, Andrus’ prime – The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Randy Galloway writes about the dilemma that figures to plague the Rangers for the next two seasons with Jurickson Profar essentially ready for a full-time role at a position where there is zero need for Texas.
Rangers have second hitting coach with ‘old and gray’ Berkman – Dave Magadan’s not the only new hitting coach for Texas, writes Jeff Wilson.
Kyle McClellan still slowed by back soreness – Drew Davison has the Star-Telegram’s notebook with Justin Grimm reminiscing about his stint with the big club last season.
- Alex
Rangers Spring Training Links – 2/20/2013
Jurickson Profar is already more accomplished than most 20-year-olds. (Alex Yocum-Beeman/RoughRiders)
Opening Day for the RoughRiders is a mere 43 days away and baseball fans in the Metroplex are itching to see the ‘Riders and Rangers in action once again. As a primer to get ready for the season, we’ll be posting semi-regular batches of links to stories by the local media about the Rangers, giving you a one-stop shop of sorts for all your Rangers news & notes. With today marking the 20th birthday of 2012 ‘Riders shortstop Jurickson Profar, today seemed as good a day as any to start filling you up with Rangers info.
Richard Durrett of ESPNDallas.com has stories about one of the youngest players in big league camp, former ‘Riders infielder Leury Garcia, and one of the oldest players in Lance Berkman. I know there’s been abundant talk about Garcia’s versatility, but there probably needs to be some pumping of the brakes regarding his ability to play outfield. While he is a premium defensive player whether he’s at second base or shortstop, he is still inexperienced in the outfield and will need a lot more time out there before he can be considered a credible option on any sort of basis at the big league level. He’s a great piece for the Rangers to have, nonetheless.
Jeff Wilson (Fort Worth Star-Telegram) notes that the Rangers hope that their success on offense will start at the top with former RoughRiders Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus setting the tone for the rest of the lineup. Drew Davison gets to know former Montreal Expos draftee Collin Balester, who hopes to make an impact in the bullpen this season. Josh Hamilton is certainly not going to win any popularity contests around these parts, and Gil Lebreton gets Biblical to start his column chastising the former Rangers slugger.
The Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant has some notes on yesterday’s first intersquad scrimmage, including some Yu Darvish observations and an injury update on 2012 ‘Riders reliever Wilmer Font.
Anthony Andro (Fox Sports Southwest) also recaps Darvish’s performance, with the Japanese right-hander getting a good crack about Andrus’ defensive miscue. Matt Mosely wonders if Hamilton is crazy like a fox for making his DFW “baseball town” comments.
Finally, T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com explores Matt Harrison’s roots on Tobacco Road in the small town of Creedmoor, North Carolina.
- Alex
Rangers vs. RoughRiders
Spring training provides the chance for players to prepare for the upcoming season. For those in the front office, it’s no different. Events go on year-round at the ballpark including the recent One Direction concert. Preparations for these events take many people working hard behind-the-scenes to make everything appear to be flawless.
The exhibition game between the Frisco RoughRiders and the Texas Rangers was no different and helped to kick off this year’s baseball season and introduced players to the North Texas community.
Fans lined up at the gates hours before first pitch anticipating seeing some of their favorite players. The teams played before a sold-out crowd of over 10,000.
RoughRiders alums Ian Kinsler and Elvis Andrus smile outside their former clubhouse. Fellow alum Scott Feldman also played during the exhibition game.
A member of the field crew puts the final touches on painting the RoughRiders logo on the field before the game.
Josh Hamilton is interviewed by members of the media before the exhibition game began. He hit an RBI double in the first inning to drive in two runs for the Rangers.
Company B Texas Ranger David Armstrong waits in front of the home dugout with Daisy. He was packing and throwing the heat delivering the ceremonial first pitch.
Ron Washington takes time out to sit in the dugout before the game began.
Mike Olt signs autographs for fans before the game. The 23-year-old Connecticut native was promoted to Frisco after splitting time last season between the Arizona Rangers and the High-A Myrtle Beach.
The Rangers played a series of exhibition games playing against the Round Rock Express, the Diablos Rojos del Mexico and the Frisco RoughRiders. They opened their season with a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox.
Dave Anderson and Steve Buechele meet at home plate to exchange rosters and wish the other luck under the gaze of the watchful umpires. This is Buechele’s third season at the helm of the RoughRiders.
The crowd cheered for Bridgette Hammers’ rendition of the national anthem.
Josh Hamilton focuses on the flag while Ron Washington bows his head as the national anthem is sung.
The grass berm provided a great vantage point for families looking to relax on a warm, sunny day.
Left-handed hurler Tim Murphy eyes the plate with his first pitch of the game. Murphy gave up two runs in the first inning after hits by Josh Hamilton and Michael Young.
Yu Darvish, the Japanese phenom, threw four scoreless innings and struck out five RoughRiders in his North Texas debut. In his first MLB start, he led the Rangers to a win over the Seattle Mariners.
One of the two hits Darvish gave up was a single from Val Majewski. Majewski advanced to third on a single by Ryan Strausborger but the rally was cut short after a ground out by Zach Zaneski.
Darvish’s debut attracted over 100 members of the media. More than 20 of them were from his native Japan.
Jake Brigham came in during the fourth inning giving up an RBI triple to Frisco alum Craig Gentry. Gentry was 2 for 3 on the day also singling and scoring during the sixth inning.
David Murphy swings and misses on a pitch to Zach Zaneski. Murphy would account for one of Texas’ six runs after moving to second on a squeeze bunt from Craig Gentry, a wild pitch and a squeeze bunt by Jose Felix.
Young Rangers fans take the time out from the action to take a quick picture.
Chris McGuiness and Mike Napoli watch intently for the possible throw to first. The RoughRiders stranded three base runners over the course of the game.
The vantage point from the Dr Pepper Patio gives fans the perfect opportunity to catch up while watching the game.
Nothing misses catcher Zach Zaneski’s eyes as he points towards second base.
An overthrow at second base allows Charlie Villanueva to slide in safely. The throw was backed up and no runs were allowed to score.
Michael Young waves to the fans with a smile on his face while walking with Elvis Andrus back to the clubhouse. The Rangers won over the Roughriders 6 to 1.
Photos By: Alex Yocum-Beeman & James Garner
Written By: Jarah Wright
Pics from the Winter Meetings’ Gala
Last night I had the great privilege of attending the Winter Meetings’ Gala at the Ballpark in Arlington. Here are some pics I took throughout the night to share with you.
View from the Nolan Ryan Suite.
View from field-level with the Rangers' dugout behind me.
Closer look at the recent construction that will dramatically change the look in center field.
Where the Rangers' workout.
Ron Washington's office.
The locker of former RoughRider Ian Kinsler.
Thanks to the Rangers for putting on a great event. The Meetings next year, in case you’re curious, will be held in Nashville.
-AG
All-’Riders Team: Second Base
2012 marks the RoughRiders’ 10th season as a franchise, all as the Rangers’ Double-A affiliate. Since 2003, there have been hundreds of talented players come through Dr Pepper Ballpark, but some have stood out more than others. With the help of Michael Damman, the RoughRiders’ Director of Statistical Research, we’ve come up with the All-’Riders Team: the best player at each position in franchise history. Today we continue with the RoughRiders’ all-time best second baseman.
Michael Damman’s Take:
One of the integral parts of Frisco’s 2007 Texas League-best 85 win team, German Duran had a superb season as the RoughRiders’ starting second baseman. Duran paced the team with a .300 average, 22 home runs, 84 runs driven in, 144 hits, 81 runs, and a .525 Slugging %. Only Brandon Boggs had a higher OPS than Duran’s .877 on the 2007 ‘Riders with at least 300 plate appearances. Duran was also one of only four qualified players in the Texas League that season to hit .300 or better. He got off to a solid start in April that season and never let up until August. From May through July, Duran had three consecutive months with a .900 or better OPS. At the Texas League all-star break, Duran was batting .328 with a .960 OPS. Furthermore, few players have been as clutch as Duran, as the second baseman hit .347 with runners on and .366 with runners in scoring position.
The ultimate run producer, he had four different streaks of games where he drove in a run in 4 consecutive games, including a season-high of six straight from June 16th to June 23rd. Left-handed pitchers beaware, Duran faced southpaws 155 times in 2007 and he had 21 extra base hits, including 11 home runs. Duran’s 144 hits in 2007 were the 5th most in a single season by a RoughRider. German reached the major leagues in 2008 with the Rangers and hit just .231 with a .275 on base percentage and a .350 slugging percentage in 158 plate appearances. Since then, Duran has played in just 144 games over the last 3 seasons, including just 16 plate appearances in the Mexican League this season for the Leones de Yucaton.
My Take:
When Duran was having his terrific 2007 season, I was broadcasting for the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League in Sauget, IL. Needless to say, I never had the pleasure of watching him here at Dr Pepper Ballpark. I’m sure lots of people probably think of Ian Kinsler as the club’s best second baseman, but in reality, he played all 71 of his games in Frisco as a shortstop.
I remember seeing Duran play in 2010 as a member of the Corpus Christi Hooks. Although he played primarily at second base for the Hooks, he also spent time as third and short. Overall he hit .284 in 64 games with four home runs and 28 RBIs. Maybe most memorable for me about Duran in Corpus was the way the Hooks’ public address announcer used to pronounce his came, “Her-maaahn Dooo-raaahn.”
-AG
You can read more from Michael Damman on his Rangers’ minor league blog, Chatter From the Pressbox. You can also follow him on twitter @pressboxchatter.
Up Next: Third Base
Magic Number 10
It may be hard for some to believe, but the 2012 season will be year number 10 for the RoughRiders franchise. 
Current Rangers like Ian Kinsler, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, and Derek Holland all came through Dr Pepper Ballpark. Heck, even Josh Hamilton has rehabbed here twice and, most recently, hit a home run.
It’s fun to reflect over the last nine years and think about all the great ballplayers ‘Riders fans have had the pleasure to watch. With that in mind, I’ve teamed up with the Michael Damman, the RoughRiders’ Director of Statistical Research, to come up with the All-’Riders Team. In the coming weeks here on the blog, we’ll be profiling the best players at their positions in franchise history. Should be a lot of fun.
Here are some news, notes, and headlines from today:
- Arkansas Travelers’ third baseman Luis Jiminez has been added to the Angels’ 40-man roster. He batted .290/.335/.486 with 18 homers in 490 at-bats for Arkansas in 2011, and he led the Texas League with 40 doubles, was second with 94 RBIs, and third with 59 extra-base hits.
- Here’s a first: according to ballparkdigest.com, the Seattle Mariners are installing four electric vehicle charging stations available for public use at Safeco Field. Each is capable of fully re-charging a vehicle battery in two-to-six hours. Anyone can plug into the charging stations 24 hours a day, even on days when the Mariners are not playing.
- As reported late last month, our neighboring Fort Worth Cats of the independent American Association have had their league membership revoked after failing to put up a required letter of credit for 2012. Team owner Carl Bell says he’s selling the team to potential new owners who would field a team next season.
- According to a tweet I saw a couple of days ago by my good friend Jason Cole, the publisher of LoneStarDugout.com, former RoughRiders’ reliever Evan Reed has been throwing in the upper 90s in the Arizona Fall League. The ‘Riders were taking batting practice in Midland in 2010 when we got the news that Evan had been traded to the Florida Marlins for Jorge Cantu. Evan is a great guy who I really enjoyed getting to know. I once ate lunch with him at a Subway in Corpus Christi and was amazed by the amount of food he could pound. Evan ate a 12″ sandwich on thick honey oat bread with four chicken breasts and almost all the veggies available. Happy to hear that he’s doing well.
-AG
