The Surprise, Surprise: Predictions To Round Out The Roster
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The Leadoff
Here's a good story from Gerry Fraley (Dallas Morning News) about new Rangers hitting coach, Anthony Iapoce, and the impact he's potentially already had on this team.
Covering the Bases
*Derek Holland, Delino DeShields, Robinson Chirinos and Rougned Odor (if healthy) are some of the Rangers scheduled to travel to San Antonio for Big League Weekend, per Jeff Banister.
*Rougned Odor (right oblique tightness) is on track to take live BP tomorrow.
Game Notes RANGERS 3 Angels 7
On the Bump
*Derek Holland went 4 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 walks and zero strikeouts. He looked fine, but seemed to fall behind more than he'd like. He threw 57 pitches (not bad for four innings), but only 32 strikes. Here's Derek on his performance:
*Sam Dyson pitched a perfect inning, but he did so by getting two fly outs and just one ground out. Not sure that it means much more than a mention, but in three innings he now has recorded more fly outs than ground outs. Remember, this is the same guy who had an incredible rate with 76% of balls put in play on the ground as a Ranger in 2015.
At the Dish
*Joey Gallo hit another bomb today and continues to demonstrate way better plate discipline resulting in high-quality at bats. It's Spring, but this is all we have to go off of right now and that information suggests he's at least making an effort to adjust to his 2015 approach. Here's the home run.
*Mazara had two hits because, well, why wouldn't he have two hits? He's now batting .550 in Cactus League play.
*Ryan Rua added a ninth inning 3B. He continues to impress at the dish. Here's Banny on him:
In the Field
*Jurickson Profar committed his third error — all throwing — of Cactus League play but followed it later making a very strong throw from the hole in short. Arm strength isn't an issue, but consistency with accuracy and making better decisions (which was the case for today's error) can improve.
*Speaking of Profar, in the bottom of the 7th, both he and his brother, Juremi (3B), made up the left side of the team's infield.
*Drew Stubbs recorded an outfield assist. It was a great throw from left field to cut down a potential double off the bat of Andrelton Simmons.
The Walkoff
By my estimation, there are four roster spots up for grabs with the Rangers. Here they are and the guys I think who are in line to win them up to this point.
5th starting pitcher: RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez
No one has taken reigns of the job, but Chi Chi has been solid enough to not surrender the job for which he was likely the favorite entering camp.
Final bullpen spot: LHP Andrew Faulkner
The competition could include a few different folks, but between he and Sam Freeman, both lefties, Faulkner is way better and getting lefties out. Watch out for Cesar Ramos in this discussion.
Bench spots (2): 1B/3B/OF Ryan Rua and OF Drew Stubbs
Rua's versatility helps him tremendously, as does his torrid start to Spring Training play. He still has upsides — let's not forget the "prospect" status he had last year when the Rangers handed him LF to begin the season. Justin Ruggiano is his biggest threat, but Ruggiano is still learning first base and isn't a serious threat until he shows he can play there in a regular season game. Besides that, Rua's younger with more upsides.
Drew Stubbs is probably competing with James Jones as a backup outfielder and someone who can add speed and defense off the bench. Stubbs simply has more MLB experience and might equal Jones' outstanding athleticism. While Stubbs isn't an tremendous hitter, he is noticeably better than Jones.
Until tomorrow, Peace Be the Journey
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