Results tagged ‘ Martin Perez ’
‘Riders on the Record: The Greatest of All-Time and the Coldest Game
‘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.
This week provides our first all road edition of ‘Riders on the Record. Highlights include the first Rangers rehabber in LHP Martin Perez, the Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson and the ‘Riders top position player prospect Hanser Alberto. Enjoy!
May 5, 2013 – Manager Steve Buechele
Steve Buechele talks to Alex about the great defense the ‘Riders have played to this point and the frigid conditions from Thursday night. (all entries this week w/ Alex Vispoli)
May 6, 2013 – Rangers rehabbing lefty Martin Perez
Before making his first regular season start of 2013, Martin Perez talks about his rehab after taking a line drive off of forearm in Spring Training and how is feeling as he prepares for a start with the ‘Riders.
May 7, 2013 – HOFer Rickey Henderson
Alex talked to Rickey Henderson. Come on. It’s Rickey Henderson — just click play.
May 9, 2013 – Shortstop Hanser Alberto
Hanser Alberto joins the pre-game show for the first time, talking about his first season of Double-A ball. The youngest player in the Texas League talks about playing with a bunch of older players and the origins of his leadership qualities.
May 10, 2013 – RHP Neil Ramirez
Neil Ramirez comes on to discuss his solid last outing when he struck out nine batters. He talks about the use of his curveball and how nice it is to have such an excellent bullpen behind him.
May 11, 2013 – Hooks Broadcaster Michael Coffin
The Voice of the Hooks chats with our Alex Vispoli on the state of the Texas League at the quarter-mark of the season. They talk about the down year offensively they have seen and what the piggybacking has done for the Hooks.
- Nathan
Baseball term of the day: cow’s horn - a curveball
The 2013 (Nearly) Complete Twitter Guide…: Part Two – The Players
This post is a continuation of an earlier post compiling the essential Twitter handles to keep up with the Texas Rangers farm system and Texas League. You can find all entries here.
A little over a week ago, I posted twitter handles for the teams in the Texas Rangers system and the Texas league, along with broadcasters and other key employees in the league and the Rangers’ farm. Today, I submit Part Two of “The 2013 (Nearly) Complete Twitter Guide to the Frisco RoughRiders, the Texas League and the Rangers Farm System,” or TNCTG. If you want to check Part One – go here.
Today: a list of the players. This is, to my knowledge, an exhaustive list of the Frisco RoughRiders in addition to as many twitter handles I could find of Texas Rangers at the MLB and MiLB levels. As always, comment below or tweet me (@NathanSBarnett) with additional follows. I will update this as I can as the season moves along. If you want to use a list to keep track of these players, the RoughRiders Twitter handle has a 2013 RoughRiders list and I have one compiling as many current Rangers MLB and MiLB players that I can find.
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TNCTG PART TWO – The Players
(as of 05/17/13)
2013 Frisco RoughRiders
Current RoughRiders:
Hanser Alberto @elpotroalberto (#15 ranked prospect in Texas system by Baseball America)
Cody Buckel @Cheatcode07 (#8)
Randy Henry @RandyHenry51 (#29)
Odubel Herrera @odubelherrera1
Teodoro Martinez @martinezteo
Ryan Strausborger @Ryan_Straus
RoughRiders to play in 2013, now off roster:
Jake Brigham @jbrigham49 (Triple-A)
Ross Wolf @18RGW (Triple-A)
Other players in the Texas Rangers System:
MLB:
Elvis Andrus @ElvisandrusSS1
ダルビッシュ有(Yu Darvish) @faridyu
Josh Frasier @Frasier66 (bullpen catcher)
Leury Garcia @leurygarcia1 (#20)
Justin Grimm @GrimmReaper51 (#5)
Michael Kirkman @MikeKirkman50
Leonys Martin @leonys27martin (#4)
Martin Perez @MartinPerez33D (#3)
Jurickson Profar @JURICKSONPROFAR (#1 ranked prospect overall by Baseball America)
Triple-A Round Rock:
Chad Bell @ChadBell19 (Injured just before beginning of the season, finished 2012 with Express)
Lisalverto Bonilla @propecto1
Robinson Chirinos @robinson28ch
Michael Olt @molt2222 (#2)
Yangervis Solarte @yanyi26_12
Yoshinori Tateyama @tatetatetateyan
Advanced-A Myrtle Beach:
Royce Bolinger @roycebolinger
Zach Cone @ZachCone (#24)
Ryan Harvey @Hammer32jetlife
Nick Martinez @nickmartinez10 (#27)
Rougned Odor @RougnedOdor (#11)
Drew Robinson @drewrobinsonnn
Class-A Hickory Crawdads:
Jorge Alfaro @_JorgeAlfaro11 (#9)
Lewis Brinson @LewisBrinson (#12)
Coby Cowgill @CobyCowgill_RHP
C.J. Edwards @CEdwardsSBS (#14)
Joey Gallo @JoeyGallo24 (#10)
Nomar Mazara @NomarMzra26 (#16)
Connor Sadzeck @connorsadzeck
Nick Vickerson @Nick_Vickerson
Nick Williams @NW1superstar (#25)
Players yet to be assigned (either hurt or will be in either Rookie or Short-Season A)
Jairo Beras @jairoberas (#18)
Brandon Garcia @BrandonGarcia_
Ronald Guzman @_ronaldguzman (#17)
Brett Weibley @wild_stallion5
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- Nathan
Baseball term of the day: fuzzy concrete – artificial turf
‘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
A new Lowe for the Rangers
Maybe the weirdest baseball card a player has ever had?
We interrupt today’s edition of “Nolan Ryan Talk” to bring you the latest development involving the guys who are actually on the field: last night the Rangers announced the signing of veteran pitcher Derek Lowe to a minor league deal. Lowe split last year between the rotation and bullpen for the Indians and Yankees, going 9-11 with a 5.11 ERA and one save in 38 games, 21 starts. The big sinkerballer has bounced around the last few seasons, but is best known for being one of the chief “idiots” on the 2004 World Series-winning Boston Red Sox, earning the clinching win in all three series that post-season.
While he’s not on the Rangers’ 40-man roster at the moment, you would have to think he’s a at least a decent bet to make the club out of spring training given his versatility, the team’s lack of experienced middle relievers, and the fact that the Rangers were facing the prospects of going into a season without a pitcher named “Lowe” for the first time in four years (Mark signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers last month).
As someone who grew up in the Boston area and remembers when Dan Duquette pulled off one of the greatest heists in big league history – trading Heathcliff Slocumb for Lowe and some guy named Jason Varitek – I have a special place in my heart for the Michigan native. I watched him go back-and-forth from the starting rotation to the closer spot and have success in both positions, pitch a no-hitter in 2002 against the Devil Rays, and put a lot of Boston nightclub owners’ kids through college.
It’s a smart, low-risk move for the Rangers, who could benefit tremendously if Lowe can locate his sinker and be effective for a couple innings at a time when called upon (or even fill in as a starter). If he doesn’t work out, he didn’t cost you much to begin with so there’s no obligation to keep him. He should be a strong clubhouse presence as a player who has succeeded on the biggest stages and is known to be a good teammate. And, at the very least, his acquisition has slowed down some of the Ryan talk that has become a distraction for the organization.
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The Rangers won a 3-2 decision over the Cubs in Surprise yesterday and got some strong pitching from Robbie Ross (4 IP, 4 H, 1 R) and Alexi Ogando (3 IP, 6 K, 1 R). Lance Berkman also homered as the team won its second straight Cactus League contest.
Jon Daniels has the power; Nolan Ryan has the love – (Note: read around the “sign in” bubble to take in the article) Before we get to the on-the-field items, this Randy Galloway column is a must-read for fans interested in the Nolan Ryan story (i.e., pretty much all Rangers fans). Galloway has been all over this story from the start and says that Daniels was actually offered the full CEO job that belonged to Ryan, in addition to the president title, back in November but turned it down. More interesting stuff to chew on.
Berkman confident about health as Opening Day approaches - Jeff Wilson has the Big Puma feeling good about his ability to be ready to go come March 31.
Rapid Reaction from Texas win – Ron Matejko’s fast facts on yesterday’s victory.
Robbie Ross continues to impress – With Perez out until May, the former RoughRiders lefty may have cast himself as the new favorite to take the fifth starter spot after yesterday’s outing.
Alexi Ogando rewards Ron Washington’s faith – Given the way his first two spring outings went, Ogando’s strong performance was maybe the most encouraging thing about yesterday’s game.
Derek Lowe gives club versatility – Richard Durrett gives his thoughts on the Lowe acquisition.
Astros should woo Nolan Ryan – ESPN.com’s Johnette Howard argues that Jim Crane should be pulling out all the stops to swipe away the Rangers’ CEO.
Angels’ Hamilton primed for monster year — but holds no grudges – Some interesting nuggets on CBS.com’s Jon Heyman’s interview with former Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton, including Hamilton saying that Nolan Ryan wished that Texas hadn’t dragged its feet in the negotiations.
Rangers don’t plan to return Alexi Ogando – and maybe Robbie Ross – to bullpen (subscription only) – Gerry Fraley thinks that the starting rotation is the final destination for both Ogando and Ross.
Ogando, Ross giving Rangers confidence in rotation – T.R. Sullivan’s report on the two pitchers impressing Ron Washington yesterday.
Rangers press on despite Ryan’s uncertainty – Sullivan has plenty of quotes from Daniels on the Ryan story.
Olt, Martin pulled out of Rangers’ lineup – Sullivan’s notes column has injury updates on Mike Olt (tooth pain, not the Rory McIlroy type), Leonys Martin (hamstring), Kyle McClellan (shoulder), Tanner Scheppers (hamstring) and Yoshinori Tateyama (back).
- Alex
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
Costly comebacker could have Rangers scrambling
Martin Perez gets checked out by a trainer after being hit by a line drive in Sunday’s game vs. Seattle. (photo credit to Jake Roth/USA TODAY Sports)
First there was “The Case of the Poorly Timed Tattoo” and now there’s a much more serious Rangers injury to be concerned about. In the sixth inning of yesterday’s 7-6 loss to the Mariners, former RoughRiders pitcher Martin Perez was struck just above the left wrist by a Brad Miller line drive and after the game it was revealed that he suffered a fracture of the left ulna bone. It will be at least four weeks until he can begin a throwing program and most indications are that he will be on the shelf until May at the earliest.
What makes this so unfortunate is that Perez was the clear leader in the clubhouse for the fifth spot in Texas’ rotation, a position that failed to produce any wins down the home stretch of the 2012 season. The former RoughRider was having a strong spring training while the other competitors were either: a) struggling; b) injured; or c) inexperienced. Perez, the Rangers’ top minor league pitcher who has been on prospect radars everywhere for the last few years, was looking to make that next step to become a reliable major league starter. That still may end up happening, but this is a big blow in the short term for the club.
The calls for veteran free agent pitcher Kyle Lohse were already out there to some degree and they’ve only gotten even louder since Sunday afternoon. The Rangers will have to decide how big of a setback this is and if they want to put themselves into a position they were in last year with Roy Oswalt. Texas was practically forced to sign Oswalt after some injuries to their pitching staff, but had to stash the former all-star in the bullpen because of ineffectiveness which didn’t sit well with ol’ Roy.
It’s not completely an apples-to-apples comparison, as there would be some differences and some similarities if they were to sign Lohse. The former Cardinals righty is 34, the same age as Oswalt when he signed with Texas a few months into the 2012 season. He has been better than Oswalt in recent years (including a stellar season last year) but has a career track record of mediocrity; he’s almost the opposite of Oswalt’s in that sense. The primary reason Lohse has not signed yet is because he and agent Scott Boras likely want more money and more years than the market has been interested in giving him (as well as the forfeiture of a first round draft pick and the signing bonus pool money that goes along with it), whereas Oswalt simply wasn’t interested in pitching a full season, Roger Clemens-style.
What makes this a tricky situation is the expected return of Colby Lewis as soon as May, when Perez would likely be back. The question the Rangers need to answer is whether they feel they can last the first six weeks of the season with a big question mark in that fifth rotation spot (whether it is Robbie Ross, Justin Grimm, Kyle McClellan, Nick Tepesch, etc.) or if they need to feel a little more certain with a veteran who finished seventh in the Cy Young voting last year. In a very competitive A.L. West, it’s a decision that will likely have big consequences.
Now, on to today’s links, with the two most important off-the-field stories leading off:
In trying to keep Jon Daniels in town, Rangers must be careful not to squeeze out Nolan Ryan - If you missed it, the Rangers announced the promotion of Jon Daniels to president/GM on late Friday afternoon, normally a release time for when businesses want to sweep under the rug to avoid maximum attention. (I’m not trying to say that that’s what the Rangers were trying to do in this case, just pointing out a common practice.) Nolan Ryan, now no longer team president, will continue as CEO and Daniels will report to him. Kevin Sherrington explains the tight-rope walk that Rangers ownership must embark upon to satisfy all wings of their baseball operation and maintain success both on and off the field. A good read.
Nolan Ryan could leave Rangers by the end of spring training, sources say – Randy Galloway has sources who say that Nolan Ryan’s departure from the Rangers is imminent, based on changing roles over who gets final say baseball-wise. Another interesting read on a subject that threatens to take over the narrative of the next month. (note: for this story you need a subscription, but you can easily read the text around the “sign in” pop-up.
Perez injury leaves Texas Rangers’ rotation with questions that Kyle Lohse could answer (subscription required) – Gerry Fraley gives us his thoughts on the rotation quandary created by Perez’ injury.
Justin Grimm all but eliminates himself from Texas Rangers rotation after another ugly outing - Fraley reports on Grimm’s latest rough big league appearance.
Fraley on Joe Nathan’s new pitch and Julio Borbon getting to the end of the line
Tough day for 5th-spot contenders – Ron Matejko of ESPNDallas.com notes that it was a rough Sunday for two of the Rangers’ top rotation candidates.
Martin Perez out at least two months with broken forearm – Jeff Wilson’s report on the injury of the day.
Tepesch making early impression – Drew Davison’s notes column brings up Tepesch as a possibility for the fifth spot as well as David Murphy’s thoughts on PED penalties.
Murphy eager to step into everyday role – Anthony Andro writes that Murphy expects big things now that he knows his role as an everyday player going into a season. A big year would certainly help his bottom line come the hot stove season, as he is a free agent after 2013.
Nathan makes scoreless debut in Rangers’ loss – Lost in all of the Martin Perez/Nolan Ryan news was that Joe Nathan looked pretty good in his first spring outing.
Grimm remains determined for Opening Day role – Despite poor results this spring, William Boor of MLB.com writes that Justin Grimm is confident he can turn things around and be a contributor to the big league club.
Nathan, E. Beltre primed for spring action – Boor’s notebook has more on the return of Nathan and Engel Beltre, who is back from a left shoulder injury.
- Alex
Rangers Spring Training Links – 2/26/2013
Me and my brother, young Kevin Vispoli, at a Mets game in 2010.
Before we get to today’s links, a quick happy birthday shout-out to my brother, Kevin, who’s now only one year away from being eligible to sign an international free agent baseball contract. He’s not the next Jairo Beras, but he is much more talented ninth grade baseball player than I was back in the day. (Also, despite the photo, neither he nor I are Mets fans. Maybe he is a little, but I’m smart enough not to subject myself to that level of misery.) Happy birthday bro!
The Rangers got walloped by the Rockies 9-1 yesterday. Here are today’s links:
Martin Perez impressive in start - As the headline indicates, Ron Matejko was one of many who came away with positive things to say about the former RoughRiders’ official Cactus League debut.
Perez, Grimm motivated to make impression for Texas – Lyle Spencer of MLB.com talks to the two candidates who pitched in yesterday’s Rockies game. Grimm will have an uphill climb after a difficult outing, especially in the face of Perez’s brilliance.
Loquacious Andrus has audience in Texas prospects – T.R. Sullivan has Elvis Andrus taking on a greater leadership/mentor role this spring out in Surprise.
Rangers optimistic Lewis could return in May – Sullivan’s notebook has an update on Colby Lewis’ improved outlook as well as the forecast for Lance Berkman, Jason Frasor and Joe Nathan.
Texas Rangers have reason to keep sidearming Coty Woods on roster, but will he be ready? – Gerry Fraley talks to Rule 5 pickup (and former Tulsa Driller) Coty Woods about his spring and his prospects of sticking with the big club.
Texas Rangers fans start campaign to bring silence to ballpark when Josh Hamilton hits – It will never happen, given the difficulty of getting 50,000 people all on the same page, but it’s an interesting idea.
Young will be in DFW fans’ hearts – Former Ranger Michael Young reflects on his time in Texas and gives his thoughts on how DFW fans should view Hamilton.
Enjoy Andrus while he’s still in Texas – Matt Mosley says appreciate Andrus because it’s not likely to last after 2014.
Martin Perez makes strong spring debut – Drew Davison gives his take on Perez’s outing yesterday (subscription required for most Star-Telegram stories).
Lance Berkman isn’t the retiring kind – Randy Galloway has a story on the Big Puma.
- Alex
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 – 2/21/2013
Is that Rickie Fowler or Cody Buckel ready to unleash a heater?
The Rangers avoided the snow that did this to the Match Play Championship out in Arizona yesterday as “Team Jackie Moore,” comprised of mostly Rangers regulars, defeated “Team Bobby Jones” 10-4 in the second intrasquad scrimmage of spring training. The Rangers media relations folks distributed a box score indicating that 2012 RoughRider Cody Buckel pitched an inning for the winning side, but I swear that’s him in the photo above instigating a snowball fight. Anyway, here are today’s spring links (or “splinks,” if you will):
Martin Perez determined to win fifth spot – Richard Durrett has a feature on former ‘Riders pitcher Martin Perez, who’s been the Rangers’ young stud pitching prospect for about 15 years now. Perez thinks that this will be the year he arrives for good after foundering with the big club in 2012. He got off to a good start in Tuesday’s intrasquad game, throwing all nine of his pitches for strikes.
Relief candidates show off stuff - Durrett also cleans out the notebook with a closer look at pitchers trying to make Texas’ bullpen, including 2012 ‘Rider Joseph Ortiz, who earned an Eddie Guardado comparison.
Rangers’ Berkman says calf strain is no issue – Fox Sports Southwest (via the AP) has Lance Berkman essentially saying, “nothing to see here,” regarding his right calf strain. It has to be at least a little concerning for the Rangers considering they are paying him $11 million this season and he played just 32 games last year because of two knee surgeries and a left calf strain.
Lance Berkman lands on injury report – Drew Davison talks to Berkman about his injury but also notes that Leury Garcia may be a WBC candidate for the Dominican Republic because of his versatility.
Five candidates vying for last spot in Rangers rotation – Jeff Wilson breaks down the competition for the number five starting spot between Perez, Randy Wells, Kyle McClellan, Justin Grimm and Robbie Ross.
And, just for the sake of comparison:
Rickie Fowler doppelgänger Cody Buckel.
- Alex
Season in Review: September
For Rangers fans, this shot might elicit bad memories as the Springfield Cardinals celebrate a Texas League championship at Frisco’s expense. (Alex Yocum-Beeman/RoughRiders)
The 2012 Frisco RoughRiders season was an unquestioned success. The ’Riders won the first half South Division title, finished with an 80-60 record (good for the second-best overall mark in the Texas League) and advanced to the Texas League Championship Series before losing to the Springfield Cardinals. Along the way, there were standout performances from big-time prospects, thrilling games and terrific storylines. Before looking ahead to the 2013 season, we look back at a special 2012 campaign that proved to be a memorable one for the ’Riders.
SEPTEMBER
Record: 6-4 (2-1 in RS, 4-3 in playoffs)
Average: .263 (.265 in RS, .263 in playoffs)
Home Runs: 5 (1 in RS, 4 in playoffs)
ERA: 3.13 (3.54 in RS, 2.95 in playoffs)
Top Offensive Players: Jose Felix (.400-0-4, 2 2B, 3 R), Leury Garcia (.275-1-5, 2 2B, 5 R), Chris McGuiness (.278-1-8, 3 2B, 5 R, 6 BB), Tommy Mendonca (.278-1-6, 2B, 2 R)
Top Pitchers: Wilfredo Boscan (2 GS, 0-1, 2.61 ERA, 10.1 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 6 BB, 8 K), Cody Buckel (2 GS, 0-1, 1.64 ERA, 11 IP, 11 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 14 K), Barret Loux (3 GS, 1-0, 2.77 ERA, 13 IP, 9 H, 4 ER, 5 BB, 13 K), Nick Tepesch (3 GS, 1-0, 2.45 ERA, 18.1 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 6 BB, 15 K)
Nick Tepesch was the ‘Riders’ most impressive pitcher in the postseason, tossing 13.1 scoreless innings, giving up 4 hits with 9 strikeouts. (Alex Yocum-Beeman/RoughRiders)
After five months, 140 games, 12 off-days and approximately 201.5 hours on a bus, the regular season was in the record books and the playoffs were set to begin. The RoughRiders clinched a spot back in June after finishing the first half of the season with the best record in the Texas League. Their opponent in the South Division Championship Series was Corpus Christi, which clinched the second half division title and finished with the best overall mark in the TL (81-59, one game better than Frisco).
As was expected, given their tightly-contested regular season series in late August, the SDCS games were all competitive and full of drama. But in each contest, the RoughRiders were the team that made the plays they needed to and caught most of the breaks. The result was an unexpected three-game sweep by Frisco of a team that many anticipated would win the league championship.
The ’Riders were high on momentum from the sweep, but inactivity may have stunted their chances of getting off to a quick start in the Texas League Championship Series. While Frisco wrapped up its business in short order, the team had to wait to find out their final opponent as Springfield and Tulsa went to a decisive Game 5 of their series in the North Division. After the Cardinals vanquished the Drillers at home, the ’Riders made the seven-hour bus ride to southwest Missouri.
What followed was (for the most part) a pitching-dominated series that turned in the eighth inning of Game 2 when Frisco failed to hold a big lead and Springfield headed to Texas up in the series 2-0. Not even a pair of impressive Frisco pitching performances could inspire the RoughRiders’ quiet bats and the Cardinals won the series in four games.
TIMELINE:
September 1: Barret Loux works out of a first inning jam against Midland in his final start of the season, an intentionally abbreviated one-inning outing designed to get him some work before the playoffs. Jose Felix’ three-run double sparks a six-run second inning and Frisco blows away the RockHounds 10-3.
September 3: On the final day of the regular season, the ’Riders and ’Hounds play extra innings with Midland winning 2-1 in ten frames. Frisco leaves 13 men on base and wave the white flag in the top of the tenth, putting outfielder Val Majewski on the mound to pitch. He gives up a run on two hits in his second pitching appearance of the season. The RoughRiders finish the regular season with an 80-60 record.
September 4: Cody Buckel is named the “Pitcher of the Week” for the Texas League in the final week of the regular season after a pair of terrific performances down the stretch: 2 GS, 10 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 16 K.
September 5 (SDCS Game 1): A matchup of Loux, the TL’s “Pitcher of the Year,” and Corpus Christi’s Paul Clemens (no relation to “The Rocket”) has little flow early, with both teams scoring single runs in the first and second innings. [Side note: As a present to hitting coach Jason Hart on his 35th birthday, Engel Beltre promises a triple and a run scored to lead off the game; he would settle for a double and run in the first inning.] The ’Riders gain the upper hand with three runs in the third with Jared Hoying and Guilder Rodriguez – starting at shortstop in the place of recently promoted Jurickson Profar – generating RBI hits. In the middle innings, the Hooks creep back into the game with runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings. Tied at five in the ninth, Leury Garcia singles and barely scores from first base on a double by Chris McGuiness to send Frisco to a 6-5 walk-off win.
Leury Garcia’s legs and bat were major factors in Frisco’s SDCS win over Corpus Christi. (Alex Yocum-Beeman/RoughRiders)
September 6 (SDCS Game 2): Corpus Christi’s Rob Rasmussen outduels Wilfredo Boscan over the first two-thirds of the ballgame and delivers a 2-0 lead to his bullpen in the eighth inning. The Hooks’ terrific relief duo of Kevin Chapman and Jason Stoffel, however, fails to protect the precious advantage. In a replay of the previous night, Garcia reaches on an error and scores on a McGuiness double. After a strikeout and a walk, Stoffel enters the game with Majewski pinch running at second base and Ryan Strausborger batting. Strausborger follows with a base hit to right field to bring home Majewski and the tying run, sending Stoffel to just his third blown save of the year. In the ninth inning, Rodriguez walks and gets to second on a sacrifice, but makes an ill-advised steal attempt of third base and is thrown out, seemingly ending the Frisco rally. But two pitches later, Garcia stuns everyone in attendance by yanking a solo home run out to right to give the RoughRiders a 3-2 walk-off win. It’s on to Corpus with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five game series for the ’Riders.
September 7 (SDCS Game 3): With a raucous crowd of over five-thousand fans on hand at Whataburger Field, starters Nick Tepesch and Ross Seaton proceed to carve through the other team’s lineup. Tepesch (7 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 4 K on 83 pitches) is particularly dominant, retiring the first 14 men he faces and not allowing a ball to even leave the infield until a fly out in the fifth. Frisco gets to Seaton in the sixth with McGuiness and Strausborger driving in Beltre and Garcia to put the ’Riders on top 2-0. The Hooks’ chances with men on base in the sixth, seventh and eighth innings do not materialize into runs and Frisco salts it away with three more tallies in the ninth inning. Ross Wolf records the final four outs for the save as the RoughRiders win the contest 5-0 and sweep the series in three games. It’s on to the Texas League Championship Series with the opponent still not determined.
September 9: Springfield beats Tulsa 3-1 in Game 5 of the North Division Championship Series to earn the right to face Frisco for the Texas League’s top prize. The Cardinals will host the first two games of the TLCS at Hammons Field in Missouri with Games 3 – 5 (if necessary) being played at Dr Pepper Ballpark.
September 11 (TLCS Game 1): Facing live pitching for the first time in four days, the RoughRiders’ bats look a little sluggish. This problem is exacerbated by having to face hard-throwing Cardinals prospect Carlos Martinez for the first time in 2012. Martinez (7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K) unleashes a dizzying supply of 100 mph fastballs – some as late as the seventh inning – and silences Frisco’s offense. Meanwhile, Springfield scratches across a pair of runs against Buckel and then three more against the ’Riders bullpen to win 5-0. Rangers catcher Mike Napoli (quad) joins Frisco on a rehab assignment and goes 0-for-2 with a strikeout and a hit-by-pitch.
September 12 (TLCS Game 2):Needing a win to avoid an 0-2 hole, the RoughRiders strike for two unearned runs against control artist Seth Maness and then double their lead on a two-run Napoli homer in the eighth. After Tepesch (6.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 5 K) gives Frisco another impressive performance, the bullpen suffers a meltdown of epic proportions, changing the entire outlook of the series. Pitching with a 4-0 lead in the eighth, Justin Grimm walks the leadoff man but sets down the next two batters to get the ’Riders to within four outs of a win. But Grimm gives up a double and a walk to load the bases before the Wolf is summoned. The normally rock steady closer also falters, giving up four consecutive base hits. Adam Melker’s RBI single ties it and then Audry Perez’s two-run double gives the Cardinals a 6-4 lead. Frisco goes on to lose by that score after Keith Butler strikes out the side in order in the ninth inning. Springfield will head down to Frisco just one win away from a championship.
Barret Loux pitched a gem in Game 3 of the Texas League Championship Series to keep Frisco alive. (Alex Yocum-Beeman/RoughRiders)
September 14 (TLCS Game 3): During in the day, the RoughRiders and Rangers jointly announce that they have extended their Player Development Contract by four more years until 2018, meaning that the teams will remain affiliated for at least six more seasons. Looking for an extension of the championship series, Frisco trots out Loux to the mound, needing a win to stave off elimination. The former Texas A&M Aggie delivers a thunderous performance, yielding just one run on two hits with eight strikeouts over 6.1 innings. The ’Riders efficiently put forth a run in the third inning, two in the fifth, one in the sixth and another in the seventh and win 5-1 to force a Game 4. After starting the series 0-for-10, McGuiness drives home a run in the seventh inning with a double that is misplayed in the outfield and nearly scores; he is thrown out at home on the play.
September 15 (TLCS Game 4): The RoughRiders and Cardinals play a Saturday night thriller with situational pitching playing a major role. Springfield blows a base loaded opportunity in the first inning against Boscan, but Frisco can’t take advantage of men in scoring position with no outs in the third or fifth with Scott Gorgen on the mound. Gorgen, who lost a 1-0 decision to Grimm and the ’Riders on Opening Day of the regular season, strikes out seven batters over six scoreless innings before departing. Meanwhile, the Cardinals score on a Greg Garcia RBI single after Boscan is chased in the fifth to take a 1-0 lead. They tack on an important unearned run in the eighth inning after a steal and errors by McGuiness and Garcia get Mike O’Neill home from first base with two outs. In the bottom of the frame, Garcia hits a slow grounder to third baseman Jermaine Curtis and appears to beat out the throw to first base but is called out by umpire Adam Schwarz. After the ’Riders argue the botched call, McGuiness hits the very next pitch from Eric Fornataro over the wall in left field for a solo home run to cut the deficit to one. Tommy Mendonca follows with a single and gets to second base on a fielder’s choice. Hoying then singles to left and Mendonca, representing the tying run, is waved homeward but gets thrown out by Melker to keep Springfield in the lead. Mendonca strains his hamstring while sprinting for the plate, ending his season. In the ninth, Butler allows a two-out single but Beltre grounds out to end the game and the season. The Cardinals take the game 2-1 and win their first-ever Texas League championship. In an epilogue to the final chapter of a memorable season, Grimm and reliever Wilmer Font are promoted to the Rangers immediately following the game. Four 2012 RoughRiders (Font, Grimm, Mike Olt & Profar) end up going to straight to the big leagues during the season, joining three other former Frisco players (Martin Perez, Robbie Ross and Joe Wieland) who made their Major League debuts this year. In total, 108 players have donned RoughRiders uniforms and reached the highest level of professional baseball.
For everyone associated with the ’Riders, it was a memorable season filled with big-time prospects, tremendous performances and, above all, an excellent team. To the players, coaches and fans, thanks for being part of a great ride.
- Alex V.
