Rangers Team Report

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INSIDE PITCH

At age 33 and with nine years of major league experience, it would seem there isn’t a lot for Michael Young(notes) to learn. But he still found a new challenge in the offseason: figuring out how to deal with an injury.

Young missed almost all of September recovering from a strained hamstring suffered on Sept. 1. He tried to return to the lineup after just two weeks, but he aggravated the injury and had to miss another two weeks. He returned only to play during the last week of the season.

Six weeks into the offseason, Young said his left hamstring was fully recovered and he’s working harder than ever to insure that he makes himself as invincible against injury as is possible.

“I feel great,” Young told mlb.com. “I’ve already begun my full offseason workouts. My leg lifts that I have been doing are fine. I’m doing a couple of things this winter that I want to do the rest of my career that will help me stay ahead of the curve and make sure I’m able to stay on the field for 155 games.

“I’m making sure I do a lot more stretching and really focusing on my core and my flexibility. So far so good. It’s early in the offseason, but I still feel good.”

The other thing different about his offseason workouts is that they are taking place without the presence of hitting instructor Rudy Jaramillo. Jaramillo signed a three-year deal with the Chicago Cubs after turning down a one-year offer with a minimal raise from the Rangers. Jaramillo, who had been the Rangers’ hitting instructor since 1995, was the only major league hitting instructor under whom Young studied.

Young, a career .302 hitter, has had a couple of quick conversations with new hitting instructor Clint Hurdle. They expect to establish a rapport this winter.

“It will be different,” Young said, “but I’ve always said that a player is his own best coach. You can’t rely on a coach to get you out of a slump or do your job for you. I loved Rudy. He was loyal, a friend, always positive and a hard worker. I still love him. The Cubs are lucky. They are getting a great hitting coach.”

On his conversations with Hurdle: “I told him what I think our team goals should be, and he has some ideas, too. I told him if he needed an extended voice in the locker room to get his message across, I’m his guy.

“We just talked about team offense a little bit and understanding game situations; understanding when to be patient and when to be aggressive, when to step on the gas and when to take your foot off the gas, understanding what the game calls for in any particular situation.”

NOTES, QUOTES

—Though they’ve said they want him to return, the Rangers have made no offer to free agent OF Marlon Byrd(notes). Byrd, 31, played in a career-high 146 games in 2009 and hit .283 with career highs in RBIs (89) and home runs (20). If the Rangers don’t re-sign Byrd, who is seeking a three-year deal, they either will have to be willing to go with Josh Hamilton(notes) in center for a third straight year, acquire a free agent or let rookie Julio Borbon(notes) take over the position. The Rangers would like to move Hamilton to a corner outfield spot and don’t believe Borbon is yet ready to take on the responsibility of center.

• LHP Matt Harrison(notes), returning from shoulder surgery, finished off strong in the Arizona Fall League. He allowed only one hit over six innings in his final two AFL starts. Harrison allowed five runs in three innings in his first three outings. He struggled with control, failing to get an out in the third start.

• The Rangers lost a pair of free agents to the Chicago White Sox. The White Sox signed INF Omar Vizquel(notes) to a one-year deal worth $1,375,000 and then added OF/DH Andruw Jones(notes) on a one-year, $500,000 deal. The Rangers had no interest in bringing Jones back, but they were interested in Vizquel. Texas will be seeking a backup middle infielder during the offseason.

• Though he wasn’t named AL Rookie of the Year, SS Elvis Andrus(notes) was named to the Topps All-Rookie Team. Andrus lost out on the AL Rookie of the Year Award to Oakland RHP Andrew Bailey(notes). Bailey, however, did not make Topps team. Atlanta’s Tommy Hanson(notes) was chosen as the right-handed pitcher.

• According to a FOXsports.com report, the Rangers have received a lot of interest in 29-year-old OF Nelson Cruz(notes), who hit 32 homers but also seemed to fall out of favor with manager Ron Washington in the final month of the season. While GM Jon Daniels declined to comment on Cruz specifically, he did say it would take a “pretty unique deal” to consider moving a player in Cruz’s category—affordable and productive.

By The Numbers:   6—AL hitters over the past decade to have at least 30 homers but fewer than 80 RBIs. Nelson Cruz, Detroit’s Curtis Granderson(notes) and Seattle’s Russell Branyan(notes) all joined that powerful but not-so-productive club in 2009.

Quote To Note:   “I’m not pessimistic until the Texas Rangers say, ‘We don’t want you.’ I’d say it’s 50-50 up in the air. I was more optimistic at the end of the season. I thought we would get something done at the end of the season like the Angels did with Bobby Abreu(notes). But I guess they are looking at other options.”—Free agent OF Marlon Byrd, on the possibility of returning to Texas, where he has spent the past three seasons.

ROSTER REPORT

Not only did the Rangers contend until the final week of the season, they did it with an extremely young roster that bodes well for a bright future. It’s conceivable the Rangers could do nothing more this winter than let their treasure trove of young talent mature. But they do lose some veteran leadership, and young players with limited track records are famously fickle when it comes to predicting performance.

Biggest Needs:   Manager Ron Washington made it very clear in the final week of the season what he believes are the club’s most important needs: a veteran starting pitcher, another productive right-handed bat and another left-handed reliever. But before the club can address any of those issues, the question of ownership must be settled. The Rangers are up for sale, and there has been no determination of when the next owner might take over.

Departures:   INF Omar Vizquel (free agent, signed with White Sox), OF Andruw Jones (free agent, signed with White Sox).

Free Agents:   RHP Joaquin Benoit(notes), 1B/DH Hank Blalock(notes), OF Marlon Byrd, LHP Eddie Guardado(notes), C Ivan Rodriguez(notes).

While the Rangers are likely to let most of their free agents walk without even casting a second glance, there are decisions to be made on Byrd and Rodriguez. Byrd took over in center field for the injured Josh Hamilton this season, led the team in RBI and further entrenched himself as one of the club’s leaders. But he is 32, the Rangers do have financial concerns and his 20-HR, 89-RBI season was the most productive of his career. The Rangers could have signed Byrd to a very affordable two-year deal earlier this year; now it might take three years and closer to $20 million. It’s uncertain if a financially strapped club has that kind of money. Rodriguez would like to finish out his career in Texas, which seemed a ludicrous thought when he was acquired, but neither C Jarrod Saltalamacchia(notes) nor C Taylor Teagarden(notes) had a strong offensive season. And with offense being a shortcoming for the entire team, the club might need to re-examine that.

Arbitration-eligible:   RHP Scott Feldman(notes), RHP Frank Francisco(notes), INF Esteban German(notes), OF Josh Hamilton, RHP Brandon McCarthy(notes), RHP Dustin Nippert(notes), LHP C.J. Wilson(notes).

The mark of a maturing young team is a large arbitration class, which describes the Rangers’ situation exactly. There isn’t a likely non-tender in the bunch. The bigger question is whether the Rangers will try to lock up any of these players past free agency. Francisco is in his last year under control, and Wilson will be going to arbitration for the second time. The Rangers talked with Hamilton about a long-term deal last winter, but given his injury-plagued, subpar season, such a deal may get put off again. And then there is Feldman, who reached 17 wins in his first full year as a starter.

In Limbo:   OF Nelson Cruz led the team with 32 home runs but found himself on the bench more than in the lineup in the final 10 days of the season. Cruz will fall just short of qualifying for arbitration this fall. His affordable salary and his home run production this season might give him more value than he has ever previously had. The Rangers could use him to potentially fill one of their needs, while using some combination of Marlon Byrd (if he is re-signed), Josh Hamilton, Julio Borbon and David Murphy(notes) in the outfield and DH spots.

Medical Watch:  

RHP Eric Hurley(notes) (rotator cuff surgery in January 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training).

LHP Matt Harrison (thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in July 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training.

C Jarrod Saltalamacchia (thoracic outlet syndrome surgery in September 2009) is expected to be ready for spring training.

Updated Nov 26, 1:49 am EST
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88 Comments

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  1. Samuel
    88. Posted by Samuel Thu Oct 29 10:37am EDT

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    Why doesn't Cuban buy the team? He wanted the Cubbies, he's already a giant in Texas sports... seems like a good idea to me. Then, he could juggle flaming chainsaws at two venues he owns (oh, "The Simpsons:" you're still hilarious.)
  2. Busman
    87. Posted by Busman Fri Oct 16 8:32pm EDT

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    But still no buyer for the team. Kinda tough to do anything for next year without that settled.
  3. Bill L
    86. Posted by Bill L Sun Oct 11 8:01pm EDT

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    All and all it was a great season. We have alot of young pitching that I think will continue to get better. Some of the the young position players will inprove. Our middle infield and double play connection is one of the best in the game. Lets hope that Nolan Ryan can continue to get this club stronger in of all things a BAT or TWO. Also hope that someone comes up with the money and buys this CLUB. The future is so bright I need sunglasses.
  4. B-Boy + Penny
    85. Posted by B-Boy + Penny Wed Sep 30 7:52am EDT

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    Reminds me of the last 2 nightmare endings to NY Mets seasons. But the Rangers definitely have a great future ahead with GM and Ownership that has a clue in addition to Nolan Ryan. I cannot say that about the Mets, who failed to bring up one legitimate prospect or trade for a quality replacement for Carlos Delgado, who went out for season in May. If they dont re-sign Delgado for one final year it will evidence the stupidity of the Mets Baseball people. Keep in mind that Lee (disabled with two painfully blown out knees) from Mall65 (my online Mall) understands and trusted many Ranger players on his fantasy team. Good luck & best wishes to all Ranger fans, your team will rise in 2010.
  5. preacherdave
    84. Posted by preacherdave Sat Sep 19 4:21pm EDT

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    Stick a fork in 'em. They're done! I hope the Rangers new ownership that will be coming, continues to let Nolan Ryan run the organization. The Rangers have had at this point a better season than was expected. I have to admit that I got spoiled this season and really was hoping that they would bring it all the way home this year. But it's end of the season Ranger ball as usual. But there is light at the end of the tunnel. We have one the youngest teams in the Majors and those boys showed a lot of promise. Maybe a good off season, a chance for reflection and just maybe we won't bow out until late October 2010. Thank God it's time for football, Go Cowboys!!!
  6. James S
    83. Posted by James S Wed Sep 16 11:02am EDT

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    Rangers are done. As much as I hate to admit it, they are finished for this year. But lets look at the bright side. They gave us meaningful baseball into September, something we haven't seen in a while. We have great pitching potential for next year, as long as we can fix the bats.

    Hats off to Nolan, Ron, and the Rangers for a good season, and real hope for next year. I am seriously thinking about season tickets again.
  7. Tony
    82. Posted by Tony Sat Sep 12 4:39pm EDT

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    They need to try starting Feliz and this weekend with a double header would be perfect!
  8. Looney Tunes
    81. Posted by Looney Tunes Sat Sep 12 8:47am EDT

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    They fixed FrankFrank... but, they're still showing that Blalockian Bust as 1B instead of Crush...
  9. B-Boy + Penny
    80. Posted by B-Boy + Penny Fri Sep 4 7:39am EDT

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    They even left Francisco off the roster. The Rangers have a great future pitching wise, especially when Feliz is in rotation
  10. <i>sceezix</i>
    79. Posted by sceezix Thu Sep 3 9:23am EDT

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    Hmm, Frank Francisco is the closer. Why'd this article put CJ in that role? Please don't even think that.
  11. Glynn
    78. Posted by Glynn Wed Sep 2 4:52pm EDT

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    Every time you bring C.J. Wilson into a game if it is close we lose he can't hold the lead we need to trade him you can't count on him ( TRADE C.J.WILSON )before its to late he will keep the Rangers from getting to the playoffs or he will blow a playoff game if we make with him on the team and it just mite be the game we need to win.
  12. Kevin
    77. Posted by Kevin Wed Sep 2 1:29pm EDT

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    Go ny crazy!!!!!
  13. Kevin
    76. Posted by Kevin Wed Sep 2 1:25pm EDT

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    Im praying for you Michael Young!!!!!! I need you in the line up!!!! GO NY CRAZY!!!!!
  14. jack
    75. Posted by jack Mon Aug 31 7:22pm EDT

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    OK let's get REAL, OK. Teagarten CANNOT hit major league pitching and is a detriment to the Ranger's playoff effort, no matter how you slice it. IT is OBVIOUS he is not filling the bill. So we need to replace him. Sorry business is business and when you are in a race to get into the playoffs, you CANNOT play a man regularly who gets a hit once every 10 times he in the batter's box. IT's a NO-GO. JUST FACE it RON W, and stop rationalizing Mr Good-guy manager may be popular with the players , but that does not HACK it. GET REAL. Mr. T needs to flee. You need to play Ivan as often as his body will permit.

    Saltalamachia is a fizz-out too. Stikeout specialist and a low batting average. He cannot compete with Pudge even given Pudge's age. No comparison.

    It does NO GOOD to hang in with and believe in players who can't cut the mustard. You stuck it out with Jason Jennings when you KNEW he was losing games (7 era since the all star break). Come on! This kind of faith in your players hurts the team. Other managers of other clubs get rid of the dead wood EARLY, before then damage the team.

    CJ Wilson has spurts of good performance, but it's NOT ENOUGH. HOW MANY TIMES HAS HE BLOWN SAVES? That's what you have to look at. A blown save is a lost game. Every time you put this man in there with a one-run lead EVERYONE in Ranger fandom puts their hands over their eyes. The man is inconsistent. You you use him when you have a big lead or when you ABSOLUTELY have to get the other pitcher out of there. NEVER because of a pitch count. Trade CJ and get someone reliable. Let him blow saves for some other team.
  15. charles m
    74. Posted by charles m Sat Aug 29 3:22pm EDT

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    Do the umpires watch pitch trac after the game. The rangers got screwed on Fri nite
    by the home plate umpire and not just on the last called strike. Why do they bring minor
    league umpires up to call games this time of the year when every pitch can have huge
    consequences??
  16. seth
    73. Posted by seth Mon Aug 24 1:45pm EDT

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    Wave Jones
    Bring Back Davis
    Bench Blalock

    Let Davis play first
    you still have 5 OF's Byrd, Josh, Borbon, Cruz, and Murphy
    on any day you can rest one and have one DH any one them would be better day to day than Blalock or Jones have been over the past few months

    then the bench has 2 IF players
    1b & 3b - Blalock
    2b & SS - Omar
    so your good for player rotation and Injuries

    It's not hard Washington
  17. Otis252
    72. Posted by Otis252 Sun Aug 23 6:11pm EDT

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    If Washington would pull the pitchers in the 6 innings after they let 2 hitters get on base then we would have won the last 5 games. If you watched the games you would see that we needed a new pitcher going in to the 6th. That is when we start to lose because the pitcher let them get the hits. BUT NO he freakin waits till the bases are loaded or after they get 3-4 runs in. I really like Holland but the other night he let him get the bases loaded and luckily we got the win....why didn't he do it in the games past.....Oh i know he is a man and it took him longer to realize it...DUH
  18. Rock Johny
    71. Posted by Rock Johny Sat Aug 22 11:46am EDT

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    the HEAT DEMON needs to be squashed, Holland was one of the first i've ever heard to admit openly that he felt wilted in the heat and had to give every thing he had to get through 6. HICKS!!, you need to MAN-UP and get some A/C in that building! On the worst nights, there is no breeze down on the field and cooler air will stay where it's needed. Just A/C the field + bullpen & dugout, get it done! I'm sure it could make enough of a difference, we could power through August for once.
  19. ktodd1969
    70. Posted by ktodd1969 Thu Aug 20 1:15am EDT

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    Well as of now thanks to 2 blown leads in 2 consecutive nights, the Rangers have lost 2 straight to the Twins. The Angels keep winning and the Rangers are now 6-1/2 games back. I'd say that unfortunately that is an all but insurmountable lead now. Looks like we will have to concede the division to the Angels now. Given the difficulty of the remainder of the schedule, it doesn't look good for the Rangers, even as a wild card. We'd probably have to win at least 95 games to get that and I don't see it happening. I hate to sound like a pessimist, but I think the boys have blown it now! The Rangers have NO BUSINESS losing to the likes of the Twins! If the Rangers can't win these next 3 series' on the road (New York, Tampa, and Minnesota) I'd say they are pretty much done. I'm not saying sweep, that is all but impossible, but going into New York they need to take 2 out of 3. I don't see it happening though.
  20. R
    69. Posted by R Thu Aug 20 1:03am EDT

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    As a Rangers (and before that Senators) fan since 1962, i am very happy with how things are going-
    Try going through 30 plus years of rooting for teams out of contention by early August or even by late June! and then finally have a team that is worth watching. Someday my dream will come true and the Rangers will beat the hated Yankees and get to the promised land of the World series. I have been hoping since I was seven years old-- GO RANGERS!
  21. Big Tex
    68. Posted by Big Tex Tue Aug 18 10:05pm EDT

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    Let's be serious who would have thought the Rangers would be in contention this year, so since we are let's root them on and see how far we can get this year. Washington is during a tremendous job, especially compared to the last dreadful decades. If he can turn a team around within two years, then nobody should be complaining. I believe this is our year because of the change of philosophy and not sending good hall of fame players away. I can finally exhale and say good job Rangers!!!

    A Ranger for life!!! Lets go whoop some Halo butt and those dirty Sox!!!
  22. Gabriel Rockman
    67. Posted by Gabriel Rockman Sat Aug 15 9:32am EDT

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    Daniel - your smack talk is rather ridiculous given how far behind the Angels you guys are. You also know very little about them if you think they have no prospects that have done well for them. Their infielders Mathis, Napoli, Morales, Kendrick, Izturis, Aybar, and Figgins have combined to play 32 games for teams other than the Angels (32 by Izturis). Their pitchers Santana, Lackey, and Weaver are homegrown, as well.

    I don't know what game you are paying attention to, because its certainly not the MLB where the Rangers are 4.5 games behind.
  23. Andrew
    66. Posted by Andrew Fri Aug 14 1:32pm EDT

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    Go yankees!
  24. BONNIE AND CLYDE
    65. Posted by BONNIE AND CLYDE Fri Aug 14 1:12pm EDT

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    To all the Angels fans, go watch your minor league team for I know the rangers are 9-3 against you this year. The angels suck and will always suck, you guys are trying to be like NY and the RSOX but we no that will never happen. Wast all your money on free agents and have very little prospects to show for your drafting ability. Holland is that his name, isn't he the guy you just got 3 measley hits off of in 9 innings. Ya'll will strugle down the stretch and those 4 games at the end of the season in your park will be meaningless because the RANGERS will already have clinched the west.
  25. Powerhouse
    64. Posted by Powerhouse Fri Aug 14 9:47am EDT

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    Should be able to grab at least 2 / 3 against the sad sox. ROCK EM RANGERS! THE NEW WILD CARD LEADERS TO BE!
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