Results tagged ‘ Jeff Baker ’
Metroplex abuzz with Ryan talk as Rangers walk off
Nolan Ryan played his last five big league seasons as a Ranger.
Things have pretty much blown up around here regarding the Nolan Ryan situation. There are a good number of compelling on-the-field Rangers stories to be discussed throughout this spring, from filling the fifth spot in the starting rotation to the center field position battle to rebuilding a bullpen to overcoming the loss of key free agents. Throw in some exciting, young prospects, a new hitting coach, record ticket sales and there’s a lot going on for Ron Washington’s club. But the story that risks swallowing all of that up like a Texas-sized black hole is the “will he or won’t he leave?” for Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan after his president title was removed and given to general manager Jon Daniels. The possibility was first raised yesterday in the Star-Telegram by Randy Galloway that Ryan could be gone from the organization before camp is over out in Surprise.
There’s a lot going on with this, from a possible power struggle to jealousy within the organization over credit and the looming specter of the rudderless Houston Astros swooping in and reclaiming the state’s greatest natural resource. Now, I heard the Morning News’ Evan Grant interviewed on The Ticket yesterday and he feels that it’s a long shot that Ryan leaves for the Astros. Grant insinuated that Ryan is not he biggest fan of new owner Jim Crane’s and that many people Ryan was close to in that organization have gotten whacked. This doesn’t mean that it couldn’t still happen, however, even with Ryan having three years left on his Rangers contract.
Adam Morris of Lone Star Ball made the point on Twitter last night and I can’t help but give it at least some credence. In the 80+ hours it’s been since the title announcements were made by the Rangers, we have heard nothing from Ryan and very little from Daniels. Sometimes silence says more than words, which could indicate to some that there’s something less than warm and fuzzy going on in the front office.
By the way, the Rangers walked off with a 5-4 win over the Padres yesterday with Jeff Baker plating Julio Borbon for the game winner.
Today’s links (note: with the Star-Telegram stories you can easily read around the “sign-in” bubble that appears when you open the page):
Daniels has said nothing has changed with Nolan Ryan – Jeff Wilson has Daniels offering very little in terms of reaction to the Galloway story, saying that he reports to Ryan and that this is essentially a non-story.
Rangers’ power shift could have Nolan Ryan looking for exit – Gil Lebreton writes that he thinks Ryan will leave but that ownership wants him to stay and continue the work that has made the Rangers so successful.
Rangers’ Martin Perez focused on quick recovery after breaking forearm – The other big story of the week gets some follow-up coverage from Wilson along with a quick note about Adrian Beltre’s Cactus League debut.
Darvish does good work without best stuff as Rangers rally - Wilson touches upon Yu Darvish’s scoreless three innings in the Rangers’ 5-4 victory over the Padres yesterday.
If Rangers must pick between Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan, the choice is clear… – Tim Cowlishaw checks in to give his thoughts on the Ryan-Daniels situation and says if you’re choosing between the two, he goes with Daniels.
Understanding the situation between Nolan Ryan and Rangers management – Grant has a pretty good overview of all the issues involved in this story.
Rangers in communication with Porcello, Lohse - Gerry Fraley says the Rangers have not been idle since Perez went down due to injury on Sunday. Rick Porcello is arguably a more palpable choice over Kyle Lohse because he is younger and won’t cost you a draft pick, though he would force you to give up some level of prospect(s).
Rangers betting on youth for future – Normally a headline like that would be used for the makeup of your team or farm system, but ESPNDallas.com’s Jean-Jacque Taylor is using it on the Rangers’ front office.
Does Kyle Lohse make sense now? – Richard Durrett asks the question in a blog entry from this morning.
Yu Darvish impressive again – Ron Matejko touches upon Darvish’s outing yesterday against San Diego.
Beltre back in the swing with successful debut – MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell has a full report on Beltre’s return to the lineup.
Darvish keeps spring hitless streak intact - Cassavell’s notes column touches upon Darvish, Perez and Nate Robertson’s comeback attempt.
- Alex
Rangers Spring Training Links – 2/27/2013
Things haven’t been too graceful for Geovanny Soto and the Rangers this spring. (Photo credit to Louis Deluca/Dallas Morning News)
Yesterday the White Sox jumped out to a 12-0 lead and beat up the Rangers 14-8 to drop Texas to 0-4 in Cactus League play. The good news? These games (of course) don’t count for much of anything and, by all accounts, Yu Darvish looked fantastic in his two innings of work. As for 2012 RoughRiders pitcher Cody Buckel? He had a tough afternoon, throwing just 10 of his 31 pitches for strikes and yielding six runs (four earned) with five walks while retiring just one batter. Here are today’s links:
Why veteran Jeff Baker could have edge on Mike Olt for spot on Texas Rangers’ bench – Evan Grant says the journeyman’s experience riding the pine might end up getting him a big league job.
Texas Rangers roster predictions, V2.0 – From a couple days ago, but worth a look as Grant handicaps the 25-man roster.
Same old Josh? Ex-Ranger Hamilton swings at first pitch, goes 0-for-3 in Angels debut – If you’re interested, Josh Hamilton did not set the world on fire in his first game of the spring with Los Angels.
With year under his belt, Texas Rangers’ Darvish already looking like Yu 2.0 – For subscribers only, Gerry Fraley thought highly of the Japanese right-hander’s debut outing.
Cody Buckel survives – Jeff Wilson reports that, despite yesterday’s flameout, Cody Buckel was not incinerated from planet Earth altogether. He also notes that Engel Beltre might not be playing for Spain in the WBC after all.
Rangers catcher feels nothing (yet) vs. old team – Wilson writes about A.J. Pierzynski facing the White Sox for the first time as a Ranger yesterday.
Yu Darvish impresses in spring debut – Another glowing report on Darvish, this time from Ron Matejko.
Darvish off to strong start in second spring – Matt Mosley writes that things are bit calmer this spring for the now more seasoned Darvish.
Plenty of arms to choose from for Rangers – Needing to almost completely rebuilt their bullpen, Anthony Andros says that the Rangers have a diverse group of options available to fill out the open spots.
Rangers prepared to round out rotation in house – Don’t look for Kyle Lohse to come walking through that door, writes T.R. Sullivan.
Berkman may make Rangers debut Thursday – Sullivan has injury updates on Lance Berkman, Colby Lewis and the two Beltres, Adrian and Engel.
- Alex
