The Surprise, Surprise: Just Hangin With DeShields, Yu Throws Off Full Mound Again
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By: Jared Sandler
*Check out our first installment of "Just Hanging" as I'm joined by Rangers outfielder and leadoff man, Delino DeShields.
*Matt Hicks and I discussed the new pace of play rules in Major League Baseball.
*Also, in case you missed it earlier today on 105.3 The Fan, Ian Desmond joined Shan and R.J.
*Yu Darvish threw 25 pitches off the full mound today and everything went well. He's expected to throw next on Monday. Here's more from Stefan Stevenson (Fort Worth Star-Telegram), with a funny line from Chris Gimenez.
Game Notes RANGERS 3 Dodgers 0
Pitchers
*Chi-Chi looked great. Ground ball pitcher got 4 ground outs and plenty of foul ground balls. One thing he's working on this Spring is getting better velocity separation on his pitches, but I don't think we saw anything other than a 2-seam or 4-seam fastball.
*Odd note that probably means nothing: Sam Dyson faced three batters. He struck out one and induced two fly outs, but zero ground outs for the groundball artists.
Position Players
*In Adrian Beltre fashion, he singled on the very first pitch he saw. Beltre finished his Cactus League debut going 2-for-2 with a couple of singles.
*Ian Desmond got a grand total of ZERO chances in left field. He did laser a ball to the left-centerfield wall, narrowly missing a home run.
Quote of the Day
"I would hope that entire series motivates all of us." -Rangers manager, Jeff Banister, on whether the 7th inning in Game 5 vs. Toronto is a tool of motivation for his players.
Housekeeping
*A.J. Griffin said he got through his simulated game on Thursday without trouble and hopes that he'll be cleared to participate in game action next.
*Shawn Tolleson experienced back spasms yesterday and is day-to-day. He's feeling much better but won't participate in on-field activities today.
*Jeremy Guthrie, who was scratched from a scheduled pitching appearance yesterday due to back tightness, is feeling better but still feels a little tight.
*The Rangers promoted Manager of Minor League Operations, Paul Kruger, to Assistant Director of Player Development. Paul is an awesome dude who does a damn good job. Good for him!
The Walkoff
A little shorter for you today. Jeff Banister said that he really likes the combo of DeShields and Choo at the top of the order. While I imagine there a questions on how things will look day-to-day rom spot number three on down to begin the season, my guess is that the top two spots are set. No reason to mess up a great thing.
Rangers' Bracketology
Today's results
Joey Gallo over Prince Fielder (in a playoff)
Jake Diekman over Steve Johnson (in a playoff)
Drew Robinson over Colby Lewis
Ryan Cordell over Robinson Chirinos
Yesterday's results
Myles Jaye over Sam Dyson, who shot it granny-style
Josh Hamilton over Lewis Brinson
Patrick Kivlehan over Mitch Moreland (Banny: "Mitch is more of a rebounder than a shooter.")
Jeremy Guthrie over Rougned Odor
Until tomorrow, Peace Be the Journey
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