Rangers Notebook: Rookies Contributing To Hot Play
By Jared Sandler | @sandlerJ
Playing Pepper (Random Rangers thoughts)
*Now seems like an appropriate time to remind fans that Ryan Rua will soon be ready and will contribute to this team. He's a right-handed bat who will prove he is a "quality" right-handed bat and a versatile utility piece. He'll be able to play third and in the outfield, most likely, and a little bit at first and maybe a very, very, very small sample at second if necessary.
*Delino DeShields won AL Rookie of the Month...well deserved and from what I know, the voting was split so many different ways. You know who else received some votes? Keone Kela. He's slowly become a very reliable member of the bullpen.
*Speaking of rookies...Between DeShields, Gallo, Chi Chi, and Kela, who has the best year? My guess is that it's Keone Kela -- but don't forget Ryan Rua. He technically has rookie status. I think he will prove to be a very useful piece in the puzzle.
*Here's Gallo's first career home run:
*A lot of people have asked about who will remain in the Rangers' rotation with Holland, Harrison, and Perez due back in the next couple of months. First of all, there is no guarantee at what level they will be capable of performing, though I'm remaining hopeful. Beyond that, I'm a big believer that these things tend to work themselves out with injuries and performance and that "too many options" or "too much talent" never lost a team games in the long run. My biggest takeaway out of this is the internal competition to "stay on the island" I believe it might create and I am a big proponent of job competition and how it pushes others.
*I'm excited for the MLB Draft. After spending four years immersed in the college baseball world, these few days have always interested me. As for who the Rangers should get? This is unlike other sports where you might consider need. With the time it takes players to rise to the majors, you just draft best player available with an emphasis on drafting up the middle (C, P, SS, CF).
Quote of the Week
"Even if he struggles, he will be better long-term for this."
-- Rangers GM, Jon Daniels, on calling up Joey Gallo.
"I promise you, I'm not the last one whose going to come up and make an impact."
--Joey Gallo on the young talent in the Rangers' system.
Stat of the Week
.667 (22-11)
Since May 4, the Rangers have had the best record in Major League Baseball
Stock Up/Stock Down
Here's a weekly look at performances of Rangers players
UP: Chi Chi Gonzalez
He's tossed 14.2 scoreless innings to begin his Major League career, including a complete game shutout in his second start. Need I type more?
DOWN: Ian Kinsler
Sorry, I just couldn't justify putting a Rangers player in this department, so I went for a former Rangers player. From May 22-June 6, Kinsler has as many hits (8) as Prince Fielder has multi-hit games (8).
Elsewhere In Baseball...
* Switch-pitcher Pat Venditte was called up by the Oakland Athletics earlier this week. He has to declare what he hand he wants to throw with before the at-bat and cannot switch in the middle of it. It will be fascinating to see how his career unfolds.
Good Listens
* Ben and Skin talked to Rangers General Manager, Jon Daniels, on Monday about the Joey Gallo promotion.
* Prince Fielder joined the Ben and Skin Show on Tuesday.
* Joey Gallo joined the GBag Nation on Wednesday, one day after his debut.
Song
"Ride it, My Pony" by Ginuwine...Joey Gallo's walkup song.
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