Spring Training Blog: Desmond Arrives, Yu Darvish Throws Off Full-Mound

Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter

By: Jared Sandler

The Surprise, Surprise

*The Rangers acquisition of Ian Desmond might be their biggest off-season move. It also appears to be a somewhat polarizing one within the Rangers fan/follower community. Here are my initial thoughts on adding Desmond to the fold.

*Desmond comes to the Rangers with the reputation of being a superb teammate and he put that on demonstration with his first session of media availability. From an intangible perspective, which obviously guarantees nothing, he gives you all the confidence that he'll bounce back and be a positive contributor to the Rangers.

*Michael Young on Desmond: "I always look for the guys who bring it at 7:05 every night. He's at the top of the list. He doesn't just show up for his ABs...he shows up at batting practice." As a fan, whenever Michael Young endorses a guy the way he endorsed Desmond, I'm in. Here's a little more from Young on Desmond.

*Here's the full board on Desmond with quotes from Desmond, himself, as well as Banister, Jon Daniels, and Michael Young.

*I had the opportunity to chat with one of the Rangers' "Big Three" prospects, Lewis Brinson, yesterday. My interactions with him were limited to a mere introduction in Arlington a few weeks ago. He came complete with a reputation of being a great kid and enjoyable and did more than deliver during our conversation. We discussed Spring Training, life as a "top prospect," training with Miguel Cabrera, and more. Here's the full interview.

*Yu Darvish threw of the full-mound today for the first time and said he felt good and that he expects to throw a few more pitches next time he throws, which is likely Wednesday...Here's the video of his FIRST PITCH off of a mound since Tommy John Surgery nearly a year ago.

*Jurickson Profar homered off of Cole Hamels to begin today's intrasquad. In reality, it means very little, but still a fun nugget.

*The Rangers announced some changes to the minor league coaching staff today. In response to yesterday's announcement that Spike Owen would serve as the team's interim 3B coach while Tony Beasley underwent chemotherapy for rectal cancer, the team will reshuffle accordingly:

Spike Owen will serve as the manager Low-A Hickory

Brian Shouse will serve as the Double-A Frisco pitching coach

Joey Seaver will serve as the Short-A Spokane pitching coach

These changes are effective for the entire season.

Until tomorrow, Peace Be the Journey

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)