Jaramillo has prostate cancer

02/18/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo met with two groups of players Saturday morning, first the pitchers in the clubhouse and then with his hitters in the batting cage.
The message delivered was that he has prostate cancer, but he is not going to let it slow him down or get in the way of what the Rangers are trying to do this season.
"I just told them that I want to get it out of the way and not be a distraction to them," Jaramillo said. "There are a lot of things we want to get accomplished as a team. I love these kids, so I told them what happened; now it's time to move on."
Jaramillo was diagnosed with cancer three weeks ago in Dallas, but he is still in camp working with his hitters as he has always done. Jaramillo will continue to do so until sometime in mid-March, when he will go back to Dallas and undergo surgery to remove the tumor.
He is hoping to be back with the Rangers by Opening Day on April 3, when they play the Boston Red Sox at Ameriquest Field in Arlington.
"I just want to get it done and move on," Jaramillo said. "I'm not concerned about it because I feel my faith is strong. That's the main thing.
"Mentally this will just make me stronger for baseball. This is my passion and I want to do as much as I can for these guys. You want to be patient, but I'm going to be even more driven."
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 234,460 men, mostly over 50 years old, will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year, and one in six die from it. But early detection usually leads to complete recovery. Jaramillo said he has had prostate problems in the past, so he made it a point of getting tested every six months. In doing so, the doctors have told him that the cancer is in the early stages and full recovery is expected.
A number of prominent sports figures have been diagnosed with prostate cancer in the past, including Yankees manager Joe Torre in 1999 and Cubs manager Dusty Baker in 2001. Both underwent surgery and have not had a problem since.
Jaramillo is hoping to miss no more than 7-10 days after the surgery.
"From talking to the doctor, I think the down time is all up to the individual," Jaramillo said. "We're all so active in baseball; I think that all works in my favor. I won't be down too long, but you've got to be smart about it. I'll let my body tell me."
Said manager Buck Showalter: "You know him ... for him, it's like going to have his tooth pulled."
The Rangers would like for Jaramillo to have surgery as soon as possible, but no date has been set. When Jaramillo does leave, Minor League hitting instructor Brook Jacoby will fill in for him.
"All of our heads are in one place right now, and that's making sure Rudy gets the care he needs," general manager Jon Daniels said. "That's our top priority."
Jaramillo has been the Texas hitting coach since 1995, and he is considered among the best in his profession. He signed a three-year contract before last season that made him one of the highest paid coaches in baseball.
Outfielder Juan Gonzalez, catcher Ivan Rodriguez and shortstop Alex Rodriguez have all won American League Most Valuable Player awards as Rangers during Jaramillo's tenure as hitting coach, and Michael Young also won a batting championship last year.
"Since I signed and started playing baseball, nobody has meant more to me than Rudy Jaramillo," Young said. "It's definitely disheartening news -- we're all concerned for Rudy and his family. But knowing Rudy, nobody is going to come back stronger and better from this than him."
Jaramillo plans it that way. Veteran Rangers scout Mel Didier had prostate cancer years ago and experienced full recovery. Jaramillo talked with him about it, but only briefly.
"I'm not analyzing it," Jaramillo said. "Get it done and go."

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Notes: Nix flexes power in workouts

02/19/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Outfielder Laynce Nix smashed a couple of balls over the fence during batting practice on Sunday, including one blast over the 30-foot batter's eye in deep center.
The performance suggests he's well on his way to coming back from two shoulder operations over the past seven months. But he's not satisfied.
"Right now, I haven't been able to put together a whole lot of quality reps," Nix said. "I'm getting used to posting up and swinging the bat. I'm feeling a lot of improvement and feeling good, but things will come together with more swings and more reps."
Nix said he is feeling more stability in his front (right) shoulder than he has since crashing into the wall on June 13, 2004. Nix finally had that shoulder surgically repaired last July. He later had a second operation on his left shoulder, which he injured last season while making a diving catch.
"Right now, it's a matter of getting stiffness out from both shoulders and really loosening up the swing," Nix said. "That will happen with more reps in the spring."
As for his throwing, Nix is throwing two out of every three days as he builds up arm strength. The Rangers are hoping he'll be ready for game action around March 10.
Scouting shakeup: The Rangers have promoted A.J. Preller to director of professional and international scouting, reaffirming their commitment to upgrading their Latin American efforts.
Preller, as manager of international scouting last year, played a major role in the Rangers presence in the Dominican Republic. They opened a new academy in San Pedro de Macoris and they signed three top-tier free agents in catcher Cristian Santana, shortstop Johan Yan and pitcher Favio Castillo.
The Rangers have also pushed hard in Venezuela and are excited about third baseman/outfielder Jose Rodriguez, who was one of the leading hitters in the Dominican Summer League last year.
"I feel we have things headed in the right direction," Preller said.
The Rangers have also promoted Jake Krug to manager of baseball operations. Krug is beginning his fourth year in the organization and has been helping scouting director Ron Hopkins in all phases of the amateur scouting. He will add duties in other areas including market preparation and draft analysis.
"Both guys bring professionalism and energy to our team," general manager Jon Daniels said.
Looking eastward: The Rangers have focused most of their international efforts toward Venezuela and Latin America. But Daniels and Preller have also talked about getting the Rangers more involved in the Asian market.
That's still probably a couple of years away.
"It's still in the exploratory stage," Preller said. "But with the World Baseball Classic, it will be interesting to see the players from Japan for the first time and see where their general level of talent is."
Teixeira leaves to be daddy: First baseman Mark Teixeira left camp on Sunday as wife Leigh checked into the hospital to deliver the couple's first baby. He is expected to miss a couple of workouts, but he has already been in camp since the pitchers and catchers showed up. The first official workout for non-pitchers and catchers isn't until Tuesday.
Workout watch: On the fourth day of workouts, manager Buck Showalter was impressed by pitcher Vicente Padilla, who was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies this winter.
"Padilla has been very fluid with his motion, free and easy," Showalter said. "He's had a pretty good face since he's been here. He knows some people in the organization and he likes the place and the weather. He has had a smile on his face, which is not always the case with him."
Shortstop Michael Young was back in the workouts even though he once again split the nail on his right middle finger.
"That's probably going to keep happening for a week or so," Young said. "But it's just sore, that's all."
Briefly: Pitcher Adam Eaton is getting treated for back spasms although it hasn't forced him to curtail his workouts. ... Showalter said of pitcher Jayson Durocher, in camp on a Minor League contract, "he does have a good arm." ... Catcher Nick Trezniak continues to be bothered by back problems and Keith McDonald has a sore knee, so Kevin Richardson was brought over from the Minor League camp. ... Bobby Crook, who had been working in the public relations office, has been added as an assistant to baseball operations. ... Clubhouse assistant David Bales left camp after his mother-in-law passed away.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Laird prepared to wait for his chance

02/19/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Catcher Rod Barajas walks into the Rangers clubhouse, sees newly-acquired starters Kevin Millwood, Adam Eaton and Vicente Padilla and gets excited about a revamped pitching staff.
Backup catcher Gerald Laird walks into the clubhouse, sees Barajas and is reminded that he'll have to remain patient for at least one more year.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and manager Buck Showalter look at both of those guys and see two catchers who have both been in an Opening Day lineup and could be a No. 1 catcher.
But only one can be No. 1, and right now that's Barajas. He gets the primary duty of working with a pitching staff that the Rangers expect to be substantially improved over the one that had the second highest ERA in the American League last year.
"It is exciting," Barajas said on Sunday. "We always thought starting pitching is what we needed to upgrade and to see J.D. get all the arms we got this winter, we're all ecstatic. There are no real question marks in our rotation anymore."
Laird comes into camp with the assignment of winning the backup job. Even that job is not going to be just given to him, according to Showalter, even though Laird was the Rangers Opening Day catcher in 2004 and batted .310 at Triple-A Oklahoma in 2005.
"I'll talk to him at some point, but he can't be going into it as, 'woe is me, I'm going to be the backup catcher,' " Showalter said. "He has options left. There is an everyday catcher's job available, it's at Oklahoma. There's a very important job to win as a backup catcher, especially in the American League. He's going to catch some if he makes the team."
The tricky part is Barajas can be a free agent after this season, which leaves open the possibility that Laird could be their once and future catcher at the same time.
"That's the reality, and you can't overlook it," Daniels said. "Rod can be a free agent, but we don't want get ahead of ourselves. Rod is the starter now and at some point we'll address that. Rod's got the job and the experience and you hope Gerald learns from him."
The Rangers talked with Barajas' agent about a multiyear contract in the offseason. But the two sides disagreed about the length of the extension so they settled on a one-year, $3.2 million deal instead.
"I would have liked to have gotten something done where I know I'll be here for three or four more years," Barajas said. "But we didn't get it done. We made sure we got a one-year deal done so we'll play the season out. We have a lot more time.
"If I take care of things on the field, positive things will happen. This is my third year here and I really feel a part of this organization. I have great confidence that if I play the way I have the last two years, I'll stay here."
Barajas was brought in on a Minor League contract in 2004 but won the backup job and then took over as the regular catcher when Laird fractured his thumb in May. He has yet to give it up.
Over the past two years, Barajas, 30, has the fourth most home runs (36) and fifth most RBIs (118) of any America League catcher. He has the sixth highest OPS (.753) and, defensively, he has thrown out just over 30 percent of attempted base stealers, the third best in the AL over the past two years.
He has also worked hard to develop a reputation of working well with pitchers and calling a game. The Rangers don't want to cast that aside but that doesn't do much for Laird, who turned 26 in November.
"Rod is a great guy," Laird said. "I learn from watch him. He's the veteran on the staff and he has had two great seasons. Instead of trying to have an ego, you try to learn from him. On the other hand, it's tough to have two No. 1's on the same staff. Only one can play and he's coming off two good seasons.
"I just want to play because I'm at the point of my career where I know I can have an impact on the game."
The Rangers could have traded Laird in the offseason. There were teams calling around looking for catching. But the Rangers like the depth and they like the idea of having two potential starters pushing each other.
"The industry is at a point where there's a premium on catching and it's tough to come by," Daniels said. "I think we're in the minority where we have two guys capable of being the No. 1 guy."
Laird has to wait, but so did Barajas. He spent five years with the Arizona Diamondbacks, either as their backup or Triple-A catcher. He didn't get a chance as a full-time guy until Laird hurt his thumb in 2004 after getting off to a good start that season.
"It's a tough position to be in," Barajas said. "I always wanted to be an every day player, but I really didn't get my chance until my fourth year in the big leagues. Gerald had the opportunity and took advantage of it; it's just too bad what happened.
"I feel for him. It's not a spot he wants to be or deserves to be in. He needs to be patient and, like me, he'll get the opportunity and he'll flourish."

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Notes: Dellucci uncertain about Classic

02/20/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- David Dellucci showed up for Spring Training on Monday and is in no hurry to leave.
Dellucci is supposed to go to Florida in March to train with Italy for the World Baseball Classic, but the Rangers outfielder is clearly having second thoughts about that.
"It's a tough time for it," Dellucci said. "It's a tough decision for me. The closer it gets, the harder it is for me to leave here. This is my team and this is my job.
"I'm going to think it over. I was with my girlfriend talking about it, putting up the pros and cons and it was kind of lopsided."
There is also a matter of competing for a job. Dellucci is going to get playing time after hitting .251 with 97 runs scored, 29 home runs and 65 RBIs in 2005.
That's easily his best year in the Major Leagues, but the Rangers outfield/designated hitter situation is crowded with Brad Wilkerson, Kevin Mench, Gary Matthews Jr. and Laynce Nix, as well as DH Phil Nevin.
"Competition is nothing new for me," Dellucci said. "I've had to prove myself every year. If it was different, something is wrong. But I've shown I can perform on a consistent basis. I batted leadoff for most of last year and did a pretty good job.
"I've shown I can bat first, bat fifth and hit for power. My job right now though is to get ready for the season."
Dellucci is also concerned that he is not the greatest player when it comes to Spring Training, although he hit .255 with two home runs and eight RBIs last year in Arizona.
"Usually I come down here and struggle, and then the last week, I turn it on and I'm ready for the season," Dellucci said. "I'm making that prediction early enough so that I'm not making excuses. But that's part of my concern."
Even if he decides not to play for Italy, which seems to be which way he is leaning, Dellucci said the process has been worthwhile.
"The best part is I've learned a lot about my family," Dellucci said. "I had to come up with so many documents to prove I was Italian. I learned so much that I never knew before.
"I dug up the boat certificate that my great-grandfather had when he came over to this country. That's a pretty neat deal."
Closer Francisco Cordero is also undecided about playing in the WBC and said Monday that he has not made a decision.
Castro impresses: The early buzz in camp is over left-handed pitcher Fabio Castro. Castro, who turned 21 last month and stands 5-foot-8, was acquired in a trade with the Kansas City Royals after being taken in the Rule 5 draft from the Chicago White Sox.
"He has a really good arm," catcher Rod Barajas said. "You can see the potential with him. He's got a great fastball and, on top of that, he threw a few changeups to me that were above average. As far as the breaking ball, it moves a ton, it's just a matter of getting it across."
Despite the trade, Castro is still a Rule 5 pick and would have to be offered back to the White Sox if he doesn't stay on the 25-man roster all season. Teams have been known to keep Rule 5 picks by trading for them, but they have to clear waivers first.
The Rangers believe he would be claimed and may clear a spot in the bullpen for him.
"You hope he pitches well enough to make us keep him," manager Buck Showalter said.
Team meeting: The Rangers were holding their annual team meeting Monday night on the eve of the first full-squad workouts.
In the past, Showalter has held the meeting at Luke Air Force Base, which is directly south of the Rangers complex. This year, it's being held across the street at the public library.
"I've got a couple of things I want to say," Showalter said. "Most of it is stating the obvious. This team has been through a lot together, they know where we fell short. I'm not going to insult their intelligence."
Owner Tom Hicks also flew in to Arizona to address the team at the meeting.
Knuckleball option: The Rangers are expected to have all right-handers in the rotation, and one concern is the similarity of style may allow opponents to get comfortable.
One option to counter that is including knuckleballer R.A. Dickey in the rotation, and club officials have made it clear he is a candidate for the fifth spot.
"It would be a different look for sure," Showalter said. "He's going to get a good chance. That would certainly break up the pattern. But at the same time, you're going to take your five best pitchers."
Loe keeps pushing: Pitching coach Mark Connor said early in camp that Kameron Loe has been throwing in the bullpen like it's Game 7 of the World Series.
Showalter said that's no longer that case.
"It's now more like the sixth game," Showalter quipped.
Loe is expected to be Texas' fourth starter, but with a long line of good young pitchers in camp, he's not taking that for granted. He's out to win that job.
"If you don't have that feeling, something's wrong," Loe said. "Every single guy in here wants that job as badly as I do. It's up to me to work hard, win that job and make the most of it."
Briefly: The Rangers are expected to know by Tuesday if designated hitter Erubiel Durazo will accept their offer of a Minor League contract. Talks with outfielder Danny Bautista seem to have ended. ... First baseman Mark Teixeira's wife, Leigh, delivered a baby boy early Monday. Jack Gordon is the couple's first child. ... Those expected to miss Tuesday's workout are pitcher Armando Galarraga and infielder Aaron Baldiris, who are trying to get their visa situations taken care of in Venezuela, and pitcher Omar Beltre, who also has visa problems in the Dominican Republic. Third baseman Travis Metcalf is being brought over from the Minor League camp, at least until Baldiris arrives. ... Rookie pitcher Thomas Diamond sought out veteran pitcher Kevin Millwood for some advice on his mechanics.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Rangers, Durazo ink Minor League deal

02/21/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers announced Tuesday that they have signed first baseman Erubiel Durazo to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training.
Durazo underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow last July 22 after hitting .237 with four home runs and 16 RBIs for the Athletics. In 2004, he hit .321 with 22 home runs and 88 RBIs.
"I was looking for a chance to play and I feel like I have it here," Durazo said. "I'm 100 percent. I have been swinging the bat since December."
In seven Major League seasons, he has a .285 career batting average with 90 home runs and 314 RBIs in 583 games.
The Rangers' interest in Durazo is mostly as a designated hitter. Phil Nevin is expected to be the Rangers designated hitter with David Dellucci as another possibility, but general manager Jon Daniels wanted depth at the position.
"Erubiel is a guy who has had a lot of success in our division and in our park," Daniels said. "He knows the league and has worked hard to come back from surgery. We want to give him the opportunity to come in here and compete for a job."

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Mailbag: Chiming in on infield

02/20/2006
With so much emphasis on bringing in ground ball pitchers, do you think Buck Showalter recognizes the "statue" type of defense delivered by Hank Blalock and Michael Young? How soon will Joaquin Arias arrive in Arlington?-- Floyd F. Dean, Brentwood, Tenn.
First of all, Showalter notices everything. Secondly, I checked the range factor on both Young and Blalock at baseballreference.com and both are right at, or just below, the league average at their respective positions. Not sure that's a completely accurate barometer, but that's where they stand.
Young does not stand for average in anything. He has made it clear that he wants to be one of the best -- if not the best -- defensive shortstops in the game. He has been there two years and has made it clear that getting better defensively is a priority for him. Because of his offense and great intangibles, he deserves that chance. Remember, he volunteered to move to shortstop to make it easier for former Ranger Alfonso Soriano.
Blalock led the league in fielding last year, so that has to count for something. Personally, I think he is quite accomplished at the 5-4-3 double play, which is also in his favor. If he produces offensively like he expects, then his defense should be more than sufficient.
The Rangers expect Arias to be a standout defender, but Young is a formidable roadblock. Arias could be Major League-ready almost immediately if something happened to Young. He could also be a great trade chip come July 31.
What are the chances of the Rangers trading for Alex Cintron or Julio Lugo to play second base this season if Ian Kinsler has a poor spring?-- Jeremy Davis, Corsicana, Texas
The Rangers like Mark DeRosa. They feel he could be more than adequate at second base because he handles himself well defensively and can hit left-handed pitching. He is the No. 1 fallback if Kinsler struggles.
The Rangers also acquired D'Angelo Jimenez to be their Triple-A second baseman. He would also get consideration.
They'll give Kinsler every opportunity. Unless everybody has a bad spring, it would probably be well into the season before the Rangers made a move like that.
If the Rangers are so worried about the outfield, then why don't they go after Bobby Higginson or Sammy Sosa? They are veterans and they have experience in right field and they can produce runs for you.-- Tim, Wylie, Texas
The key to the outfield is Brad Wilkerson and Kevin Mench having strong years. The Rangers also have great confidence in David Dellucci, and Gary Matthews has shown he can play. Laynce Nix remains the unknown factor because of his health.
The Rangers' pursuit of Danny Bautista is because they could use a right-handed bat for Dellucci in the late innings if the opposing manager brings in a tough left-handed reliever.
Sosa doesn't fit here. Higginson ... don't think he does either.
Do you have any idea why 1900 is designated as the beginning of the "modern era" in baseball? As far as I know ,there wasn't a seminal event that year, a turning point of any sort to warrant this marker other than it's just the start of the century. But beyond that, why is it even necessary to note a "modern era" in the first place?-- Marta Foster, Flower Mound, Texas
Love history questions.
The simple answer is that the American League came into being in 1901, becoming the second "Major League." That, and it being the turn of the century, is what led to the "modern era" being defined.
But there are a number of separators when defining Major League Baseball. The years 1920, 1946, 1961, 1969 and 1995 can all be used.
The "Dead Ball" era is defined as being from 1901-19. There were not many home runs hit and the game was ruled by pitchers. Most 30-game winners occurred during this time, as well as the only two 40-game winners.
Then came Babe Ruth, who hit 54 home runs in 1920. At that point, owners started seeing the value of the home run and more runs being scored, and a number of changes were made. Most important is the ball became livelier and the home run became an integral part of the game.
Baseball entered a new era after World War II, most notably with the integration of the game. The first expansion came in 1961, and in 1969, four more teams were added, leading baseball to the divisional format. All of those are often used as historical benchmarks.
The 1994-95 strike seemed to usher in a new era. Obviously some will call it the "steroid era," as home runs proliferated. It's just a matter of which parameters you choose to use.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Dellucci to pass on Classic

02/22/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Outfielder David Dellucci has decided against playing for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
Dellucci said Wednesday morning that it's more important for him to remain in camp with the Rangers.
"This year, coming into Spring Training with the additions we made in the offseason, I'm much more excited about the direction of the organization," Dellucci said. "I want to be a part of that, from the first day of spring right up until the end. It's too important to leave for any amount of time.
"I play for the Texas Rangers. I want to win a World Series with the Texas Rangers. That's my job. That's how I make my living."
Teammate Mark DeRosa had originally said he would play for Italy but has since backed out. First baseman Mark Teixeira and shortstop Michael Young are playing for the United States.
Closer Francisco Cordero is on the Dominican Republic roster, but may not play because of some soreness in his shoulder.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Notes: Cordero may miss Classic

02/22/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers owner Tom Hicks is all for the World Baseball Classic, even if it now looks like his closer won't be participating.
"Once every four years, it will be great for baseball," Hicks said on Tuesday. "In the short-term it may cause some distractions but in the long term, it's the right thing to do. This year will be good, three cycles from now it will be spectacular."
Closer Francisco Cordero is from the Dominican Republic but hasn't decided if he'll pitch in the tournament. He said he wants to make sure he's 100 percent before he goes on March 2 to Orlando, where the Dominican team will be training.
But that hasn't been the case, casting further doubt on his ability to pitch in the Classic.
Cordero felt a "twinge" in his right shoulder a few days ago and, while other pitchers have been throwing off the mound, he has been limited to flat ground.
That does not bode well if Cordero is insistent upon pitching in the Classic and the Rangers are also concerned about it.
"He hasn't made a decision yet but he's going to have to get up on the mound pretty quick," pitching coach Mark Connor said. "I wouldn't want him to go pitch if he hasn't seen any hitters or thrown all his pitches. I'm not worried yet. He said he felt better today. But I'm not sure he's ready to get on the mound."
Teixeira knocks cover off ball: Roy Hobbs did it in the movie, "The Natural," so why not Mark Teixeira in real life?
Yes, he actually knocked the cover off the baseball in batting practice on Tuesday during the first full-squad workout.
Well, not the entire cover, but one side of the baseball actually ripped completely away from the seams after Teixeira, taking his swings against dugout coach Don Wakamatsu, smashed it into right field.
When the ball was retrieved, a good couple of inches of leather had ripped off the inner core between the seams and was hanging off the baseball.
"When the ball left my hand, I could hear the cover spinning and when Tex hit it, it just exploded," Wakamatsu said.
Maybe fatherhood has given Teixeira new strength. This was his first workout after missing two days while his wife, Leigh, gave birth to their first child.
"Maybe that's it. Either that or there was a flaw or defect in the baseball," Teixeira said with a smile. "I hit it hard but ... I don't know if I could take credit for that."
Maybe that's what happens when you don't get enough sleep.
"That could be it exactly," Teixeira said. "The first day, I didn't sleep at all. The second day, yeah, a little bit."
Teixeira got the baseball back and had it sitting in his locker.
"I'm going to keep it, maybe show it to [David] Dellucci," Teixeira said.
Nevin undaunted by Durazo: Phil Nevin still expects to be the Rangers designated hitter and said he wasn't concerned about the addition of Erubiel Durazo on Tuesday.
"I know what I have done to prepare for the season and what I have done in the past," Nevin said. "If I'm right with my swing, there's not anyone in here who is going to take at-bats away from me. You can never have too many good players. Anytime you can add a player with Erubiel's capability, it makes us better."
The Rangers signed Durazo to a Minor League contract worth $500,000 with incentives that could raise it to over $1 million. Durazo could also become a free agent if he's not on the Rangers roster by March 29.
Durazo, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery on his left elbow, is planning to play for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic.
"It's always nice to have a safety valve," said manager Buck Showalter, who managed Durazo for two years while with the Arizona Diamondbacks. "We'll see where we are at the end of Spring Training. Six, seven weeks here -- a lot can happen."
Israeli pitching coach crashes meeting: The pitching coach for Israel's 2009 World Baseball Classic team was at the Rangers team meeting Monday night.
At least that's how Showalter introduced him to the players and staff.
Before long, the guy was trying to recruit catcher Rod Barajas because "you look Egyptian" and the players realized they were being taken in by Brody Stevens, a professional comedian hired by Showalter as entertainment.
Every player got zinged, from Kevin Mench's oversized head to the fact that Nevin was a punter in college.
"Yeah, we all know how tough you are," Stevens told Nevin.
Even Hicks wasn't spared.
"He didn't miss anybody," Showalter said.
Briefly: Showalter took a quick trip to the Minor League side on Tuesday to watch Eric Hurley, a first-round pick from the 2004 First-Year Player Draft, throw in the bullpen. Showalter was impressed with him and John Mayberry, last year's first-round pick who was crushing the ball on another field. ... Rangers pitchers have all thrown three times in six days and Connor is going to give them two days off before they resume throwing. ... Former general manager John Hart has been in camp, watching the workouts and serving as a consultant to Hicks and general manager Jon Daniels. Said Hicks: "We wanted John Hart to disappear from the media. We want him to be wise Uncle John and be an advisor to me and Jon Daniels. John knows his role. In no way will he overstep his bounds."

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Hicks optimistic about Rangers

02/21/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers owner Tom Hicks has confirmed that he met personally with free agent pitcher Roger Clemens earlier this month.
He admitted that it might be a longshot to sign him.
But that doesn't change the bubbling confidence that he has in his team. The owner arrived in Spring Training Monday night and immediately told his team what he expected of them in 2006.
Hicks' goal is to win the division -- and ultimately -- the World Series.
"Buck [Showalter] set the tone by saying, 'You guys are big boys, you know what you need to do,'" Hicks said. "I told them 'I want to win, I feel this team should contend and that's what I expect.'"
Hicks stopped making predictions after 2001, when he predicted the Rangers would win the division and they finished last instead.
"I'm not predicting we're going to win the division, but that's our goal," Hicks said. "Our goal is no longer to develop a good young team.
"I told the players I won a Stanley Cup in hockey and I don't want there to be any confusion. My goal is to win a world championship in baseball and this would be a good year to start."
The player's response?
"I didn't ask if there were any questions," Hicks said.
But his players have made it clear they feel the same way.
"I think everybody in here will be disappointed if we don't win the division title," designated hitter Phil Nevin said.
The Rangers' optimism and growing confidence comes from an offseason during which general manager Jon Daniels acquired starting pitchers Kevin Millwood, Adam Eaton and Vicente Padilla, reliever Akinori Otsuka and outfielder Brad Wilkerson.
"Everybody comes to Spring Training thinking they are going to win the division," third baseman Hank Blalock said. "But this was the first offseason where guys would be calling me up and saying, 'Did you see the moves we made? We've got a shot.'"
In putting together this team, Hicks authorized the payroll to increase from $55 million in 2005 to somewhere around $70 million this year.
"Payrolls don't win championships, players do," Hicks said. "The Chicago White Sox showed that last year. Nobody last year thought at this time the Chicago White Sox were going to win. Maybe that's a good sign for the Texas Rangers.
"I'm an optimist by nature, but I feel really good this year. This is the best I've felt since I've owned the team."
Hicks bought the Rangers in 1998 and they won division titles in his first two years as the owner. But they have had just one winning season over the past six years while rebuilding around of core of young players that include Blalock, shortstop Michael Young and first baseman Mark Teixeira.
Pitching has been a problem, but the feeling in the clubhouse and with the owner is that Daniels addressed that issue with his offseason moves.
"We know we are in a tough division," Hicks said. "The three teams we're competing with have the same expectation of winning the division. That's our expectation."
He still hopes Clemens will be a part of that.
Hicks confirmed he met with Clemens and his wife Debbie earlier this month at their home outside Houston. Showalter, Daniels and pitching coach Mark Connor also attended the meeting.
"We had a great visit with Roger and Debbie," Hicks said. "It was a get-to-know meeting, we said we'd talk down the road after the WBC and then he'll decide if he'll pitch again and where he'll pitch."
The Houston Astros, New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are also interested in Clemens. Hicks admitted the Astros might be tough to beat because it would allow Clemens to stay close to home.
"Roger lives 15 minutes from Minute Maid Park," Hicks said. "That will always be a factor. Roger is a true champion. What he is doing now, playing in the WBC, shows he's a true champion. He cares about baseball and he cares about his legacy."
As for the Rangers' chances, Hicks admitted, "Everybody probably realizes it's a long shot. If it happens, it would be fantastic. I don't think anybody expects it or is planning on it.
"But we made the case he could take the Texas Rangers to the World Series."
With or without Clemens, the Rangers owner has high expectations.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Arias makes a big impression

02/22/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers infielders did their fielding drills on the half-field Wednesday and scout Mel Didier quietly watched off to the side, taking in the scene with over a half-century of accumulated baseball wisdom.
There were four All-Stars out there -- Michael Young, Hank Blalock, Mark Teixeira and Phil Nevin -- but Didier kept his eye on Joaquin Arias, a 21-year-old shortstop who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs a sleek 163 pounds.
Afterward, Didier walked over and offered an unsolicited assessment of what he was watching.
"You know I've said this for a long time, going back a year ago," Didier said. "For me, the guy who has a chance to be a very good player is Arias. I think he's special.
"The guy I compare him to is Alfredo Griffin, he's a better player than Alfredo Griffin was at that age. And when I say Alfredo Griffin, I'm talking about one of the better infielders in the game, an unsung player on a lot of championship clubs."
Didier is hardly the only one who has noticed Arias, the second player acquired from the New York Yankees in the Alex Rodriguez-Alfonso Soriano trade two years ago.
"He is the highlight of many late-afternoon casual conversations in the clubhouse," general manager Jon Daniels said.
There is much to talk about when it comes to a classic slick-fielding shortstop who has impressed the Rangers with well above-average quick hands and feet and a strong throwing arm.
"I wouldn't put any limits on him," manager Buck Showalter said. "He can be a difference maker defensively, one of those guys who turns hits into outs."
Pitchers like that.
"It's a good feeling to have him behind you," said pitcher Thomas Diamond, who pitched at Double-A Frisco in 2005. "He'd make plays up the middle and you go 'Wow!' You wonder how he did it.
"There were ground balls up the middle and you're sitting there ready to back up the throw from the outfield and he'd come across, cut the ball off and make the play."
He has also significant offensive potential. Playing at Frisco last season, Arias hit .315 with 23 doubles, eight triples and five home runs in 499 at-bats. He has hit .300 or better in three of four professional seasons.
Speed is an essential part of that.
"There was one game last year where he hit a ball that looked like a single and turned it into a triple," said pitcher John Danks, another Frisco teammate. "I had family at the game and they were still talking about it two days later."
Arias also stole 20 bases last year, lending to the possibility that he could eventually be a force at the top of a lineup in an organization that has been lacking speed and looking for a prototype leadoff hitter.
"It's possible," Daniels said. "It's a little tough to project with a 20- to 21-year-old guy where he's going to hit in the lineup. Our goal is to get him here first.
"But with his speed, he doesn't strike out much and he puts the ball in play, that's a good possibility. But he's not a slap hitter, he has deceptive power for his body."
Getting him to the big leagues is a significant unknown. It's not lost on anybody that the Rangers have Young at shortstop and he's not going anywhere anytime soon. Arias knows that as well as anybody.
"Yes, it is a little difficult," Arias said. "I know they have an All-Star here but I could come up here as a utility player or whatever they want," Arias said. "The important thing is to stay positive and keeping doing my work and when they decide to give me the opportunity, be ready."
A utility role is not what the Rangers have in mind right now. They have discussed both center field and second base, but right now the plan is to let him play shortstop at Triple-A Oklahoma and watch his development.
"We'll address that when we have to," Daniels said. "He hasn't played above Double-A so we'll let him go through the natural progession. He has always had unique athletic ability and through his hard work and the hard work of the coaching staff, it has translated into baseball skills."
Arias and Robinson Cano were the two players most strongly considered when the Rangers looked at a player to be named later from the Yankees. Cano is now the Yankees' starting second baseman.
Arias has given the Rangers no regrets on who they ultimately selected.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Notes: Dominguez finds focus

02/22/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Juan Dominguez was 4-4 with a 4.03 ERA in 10 starts last year for the Rangers, numbers that are often considered strong enough to put someone in a rotation for good.
Dominguez has not earned that right. Coming into Spring Training, Dominguez finds himself in a battle for the fifth spot in the rotation. The Rangers are considering a number of others, including Josh Rupe, C.J. Wilson and R.A. Dickey.
"I don't think about other pitchers," Dominguez said Wednesday. "I need to pitch the best I can. I know they are not going to give me a job for free, but I can win a job if I earn it. I am working hard for that. They have seen what I can do on the mound."
The Rangers have liked what they have seen from the 25-year-old right-hander. The issue has never been talent.
It's been maturity, and it didn't help his cause that he came to camp overweight and had his first workout cut short by high blood pressure. That has since been brought under control, but the Rangers still watch him carefully.
"I am feeling stronger every day," Dominguez said. "Every day I am weighing myself and I am losing weight."
A native of the Dominican Republic, Dominguez has brought his wife with him and will have her with him in Texas. He said that helps him feel happier and more comfortable.
"I can be better than last year," Dominguez said. "That is my goal right now and what I am focused on."
Cordero throws off mound: Closer Francisco Cordero threw off the mound for seven minutes Wednesday and said he did not feel the "twinge" in his right shoulder that had concerned him earlier in the camp.
"It felt good," Cordero said. "I didn't feel anything at all."
Cordero still isn't ready to decide if he'll pitch in the World Baseball Classic.
"I've got to throw to hitters in batting practice, something like that," Cordero said. "Something more simulated to a game and see where I'm at."
Snake's alive: Angel made her first appearance in the Rangers clubhouse this spring.
Angel is pitcher Kameron Loe's 7-foot Columbian red-tailed boa constrictor. He has had her for about six years and she's a big hit among the Rangers, almost becoming their unofficial mascot.
"I'd like to watch her eat a Rally Monkey," Loe said.
Loe wraps up Angel in a bag and keeps her in his locker when he brings her to the ballpark. Otherwise she stays at his apartment.
"I let her run around the backyard," Loe said. "But I can't take her out for a walk on a leash."
Angel's debut immediately brought the television cameras around Loe's locker.
"Anybody want to do a story on my Yorkie dog?" Rupe asked.
Young impressed by Nevin: One of the things that has caught shortstop Michael Young's eye this spring is the power display Phil Nevin has been putting on in batting practice.
He has smashed a number shots well over the left-field wall of Nolan Ryan Field and onto the top of the indoor batting cages beyond.
"He's been very impressive," Young said. "Everybody knows Nev has been extremely productive, he just didn't get a chance to get locked in last year. But that's the kind of player we've been expecting.
"There are a lot of keys to this team with Nev being one of them. It would be great to have another bat in the lineup and he hits the bill perfectly."
Briefly: Now that pitcher Joaquin Benoit finally seems to have a secure spot on the staff, manager Buck Showalter said he has seen a change. "He comes in knowing people like him and he has something to offer," Showalter said. "I haven't seen this look in his eye before, he feels like he belongs here." ... Showalter is having one-on-one conversations with his outfielders about where they'll play. Brad Wilkerson, Kevin Mench, Laynce Nix and Gary Matthews Jr. can all play multiple positions. ... Showalter said reliever Nick Regilio is 100 percent healthy again after missing the last three months of the 2005 season with flexor tendon injury and is officially competing for a job in the bullpen.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Rangers' Cordero to miss Classic

02/23/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Closer Francisco Cordero has decided against pitching for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic because of concerns about his right shoulder.
Cordero, an All-Star with the Rangers in 2004, would have been a key member of the Dominican Republic bullpen. But he has had some soreness in his shoulder in the first week of Spring Training and that has left him concerned.
"I don't think I'll be ready to pitch," Cordero said. "I'm very disappointed. I was happy and looking forward to representing my country, but I don't think I'll be ready. I've had a little setback in my shoulder.
"In the past few years, I've been a slow starter in Spring Training and not been able to pitch the whole time. That's what's happening now and I'm not going to be ready.
Cordero had 37 saves for the Rangers last year and 49 in 2004.
"If I go, I want to do a great job," Cordero said. "But I don't think I'll be the pitcher they need. My concern is being ready when the season starts. It's my career on the line."

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Notes: No Clemens hunting at Classic

02/23/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- In another week, Mark Teixeira, Michael Young and Roger Clemens will be teammates together for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
Teixeira and Young would both love to extend that relationship with Clemens into the season as Texas Rangers but aren't planning on any recruiting pitches.
"I think Roger Clemens knows what he wants," Teixeira said. "If he's got any questions, we'll be happy to answer them. Hopefully, he's leaning this way ... but I'm not going to go over there and bend his ear for 2 1/2 weeks about coming to play for us."
Clemens is a free agent and is using the World Baseball Classic to decide if he'll pitch in 2006. Rangers officials, led by owner Tom Hicks, met with him earlier this month.
"I don't think I'll bring it up once while I'm there," Young said. "I'll give him any information he wants, but I have too much respect for the guy and what he's done for the game to put any undue pressure on him.
"Besides, when he's in the middle of something, his mind is pretty focused. I think his mind is completely focused on winning this thing."
Buck Martinez, the United States manager, said he has spoken to Clemens a couple of times.
"He said he feels great," Martinez said. "Rocket is pretty matter of fact. If he couldn't do it, he wouldn't do it. But he's ready to pitch."
Martinez wants Young at second: Martinez visited Rangers campon Thursday and said he expects Young to play mostly at second base during the tournament. Derek Jeter is expected to be the starting shortstop.
"We're only playing eight games," Martinez said. "Derek is working hard and ready to go. Michael is going to start and play second base. Everybody has the ability and the right to start, and I'm going to make sure that happens. Our goal is to win the championship and give these players back to their teams more advanced toward being ready for the season."
Rangers relieved about Cordero: Reliever Francisco Cordero seems to be over most of the shoulder soreness that bothered him early in camp, but the Rangers feel it's better that he pass on the World Baseball Classic.
"It doesn't change anything for me, the goal is still to have the guy healthy and ready for April 2," pitching coach Mark Connor said. "The biggest thing is we don't have to push him. If we can get Cordero pitching in a game by March 10 or 12, I'll be happy even if it's a 'B' game or a Triple-A game where we can monitor what he's doing."
Cordero had shoulder problems last spring and didn't get into an exhibition game until the last week but manager Buck Showalter said, "He's ahead of where he was last year at this time. Coco made a tough decision today. You can see by the look on his face he was disappointed. He did some things in the offseason that he hasn't done before to get ready for this."
Jaramillo's view on Durazo: Hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo has seen several things this spring that he likes, particularly newly acquired designated hitter candidate Erubiel Durazo.
"The power is there, the only question was his health," Jaramillo said. "But he's definitely showing the power and the bat speed that he's shown in the past."
Durazo is competing for time at DH against Phil Nevin, and that apparently is going to be tough. Nevin has been an early hit in camp.
"Nevin's swinging the bat real well," Jaramillo said. "He's on a mission. I expect to have a big year from him."
Nix drawing praise: Outfielder Laynce Nix is coming back from two shoulder surgeries and Jaramillo likes what he sees there as well.
"Nix looks healthy," Jaramillo said. "He's swinging the bat real good, this is the best I've seen him in a long time. Hopefully we can carry this through into the games. His lower half is a lot better and he's able to square up balls better."
Nix's agent, Don Mitchell, was in camp to talk about his 2006 contract with assistant general manager Thad Levine and they are close to getting something done. The Rangers have had to automatically renew Nix in each of the past two springs.
No swing zones: Rangers pitchers threw to live hitters today, but with a twist. The hitters weren't allowed to swing. Instead, Connor had them just stand there with a bat while his pitchers got the feel of throwing to a real hitter.
"I've never done that before, but I like it," Connor said. "The biggest thing is we don't have pitchers throwing from behind [protective] screens and dodging balls going back up the middle. Every year, you see guys pulling off in their mechanics ducking behind the screens."
Briefly: Pitcher R.A. Dickey ($380,000) and Kameron Loe ($348,770) have agreed to contracts as well as shortstop Joaquin Arias. The only three unsigned players are Jon Leicester, Frank Francisco and Nix. ... Jason Botts struggled with back spasms in Spring Training last year but has been free of pain so far this spring, which he said was because of a new stretching and exercise program he began working on in January. ... Showalter met with Francisco to discuss his progress coming back Tommy John surgery. Francisco had surgery on April 29 while Ryan Bukvich had his on May 5. But Bukvich is farther along. Said Connor, "He is way ahead of schedule."

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Wilkerson leading powerful lineup

02/23/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The prototype leadoff hitter, the experts opine, is a guy with a high on-base percentage who can bunt, run and steal a base. A left-handed hitter, or even a switch-hitter, is good if you can get one.
Those general characteristics are why the Rangers expressed interest in free agent center fielder Kenny Lofton this offseason and work hard trying to acquire Juan Pierre from the Florida Marlins.
Both ended up elsewhere so the Rangers traded second baseman Alfonso Soriano to the Washington Nationals for a three-player package that included outfielder Brad Wilkerson.
The trade raised a few eyebrows because the Rangers didn't get back a front-line starting pitcher who could help them this year -- something many thought imperative in any deal involving Soriano.
But general manager Jon Daniels had more than pitching on his mind this winter.
"It's what [hitting coach] Rudy Jaramillo likes to call the secondary offense," Daniels said. "We can't look for three-run home runs to beat the other team's ace. At times, we need to find other ways to score runs.
"We wanted to provide [manager Buck Showalter] with players who can get on base and score runs -- and Brad is that type of player."
Showalter has yet to anoint Wilkerson as the leadoff hitter, but he seems the likely candidate to lead off on a team that really hasn't had the book definition of one since Tom Goodwin in the 1998-99 division championship years.
"He's a guy who has done it in the past," Showalter said. "There's a lot of different ways to look at it, but it's what helps you produce runs. Obviously on-base percentage is something you look at, but there's a feel you get. What's the feel of the lineup? You see how guys complement each other and the problems you present other managers late in the game."
On-base percentage and ability to work pitchers is what attracts the Rangers to Wilkerson as a leadoff hitter.
Wilkerson had a .351 on-base percentage as a leadoff hitter last season and a .372 on-base percentage for his career in that spot. David Dellucci had a .346 on-base percentage as the Rangers leadoff hitter last year.
Over the past four years combined, Wilkerson's .372 on-base percentage in the leadoff spot is the fifth best among all Major Leaguers with a minimum of 450 plate appearances.
Derek Jeter and Jason Kendall are tied for the lead at .379. Wilkerson is just four points behind third-place Ichiro Suzuki.
He has also seen 4.29 pitches per at-bat over the past four years, the second highest ratio in the Major Leagues.
"I wouldn't say I'm the typical leadoff hitter," Wilkerson. "But I can draw a lot of walks and see a lot of pitches. If the team needs me in that role, I'll do it. I'm not going to steal 25-30-40 bases but I can steal 15-20 picking my spots. But with the guys who are hitting behind me, I may not steal a lot because I don't want to get thrown out."
Wilkerson's career high is 13 stolen bases, but he has also averaged 35 doubles over the past four years. He had a career-high 112 runs scored and 106 walks in 2004 for the Montreal Expos even though his team scored the third-fewest runs in the National League.
"If I scored 112 runs when we were on of the worst offensive teams in the big leagues, I could score 110-135 runs with the guys hitting behind me here -- if I stay healthy and play 155-160 games," Wilkerson said.
Scoring 135 runs is not far-fetched considered what happened at the leadoff spot for the Rangers last year.
Their leadoff hitters combined had a .321 on-base percentage in 2005, the second lowest in the league. But they were still third in the league with 122 runs scored from the top of the lineup.
Since Goodwin left after 1999 season, Rangers leadoff hitters have a .335 combined on-base percentage over the past six seasons, the fourth lowest in the American League. But they still scored the sixth most runs.
They have also stolen just 86 bases over those six seasons, the second lowest in the American League. That's because the emphasis has been on getting on base rather than pure speed.
Finding somebody to do both is difficult.
Since 2000, a player has stolen at least 30 bases in a season 83 times but only 32 of them had an on-base percentage of .360 or better. Bobby Abreu is the only player in the Major Leagues who has 100 walks and at least 30 stolen bases in one season since 2000.
The Rangers are aware of the lack of speed in their organization and have tried to do something about it. Ruddy Yan was claimed off waivers from the Chicago White Sox before last season and he batted .300 with 38 stolen bases playing center field for Double-A Frisco.
Adrian Brown was signed to a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training after stealing a combined 95 bases over the past three seasons at Triple-A.
But right now, with Soriano gone, Gary Matthews is the only player on the current 40-man roster who has stolen as many as 15 bases in a single season.
"That is a potential shortcoming on this club," Daniels said. "It's a focus, something we're looking at, but not at the expense of other abilities we put value on.
That includes on-base percentage and runs scored. If Wilkerson scores 135 runs, his number of stolen bases will be inconsequential.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Notes: Sorting out crowded outfield

02/24/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers outfielder Laynce Nix agreed to a contract for 2006 that includes a $10,000 bonus if he is named the Most Valuable Player of the American League Championship Series.
The Rangers would love to see him get that award. Or David Dellucci, Kevin Mench, Gary Matthews Jr. or Brad Wilkerson. Any of their outfielders would be fine with the Rangers.
They just need to figure out who is going to play where, and manager Buck Showalter has been having one-on-one conversations with each of his outfielders this week to get their feelings on the matter.
The simple fact is if Phil Nevin or Erubiel Durazo get locked in as the designated hitter then Showalter has five able bodies for three spots. A trade might be possible, but general manager Jon Daniels has made it clear he has had no discussions about trying to move an outfielder.
"It was more to get a feeling of what they're thinking and telling them what I know and how I feel about it," Showalter said of his meetings. "They'll all get an opportunity, and there are a lot of factors that can change it. It will be a tough call. It will be a tough call for J.D. to make. You hope to keep them all, but you do the math."
Dellucci, Matthews and Mench were regulars last season and Wilkerson has been a regular for the past four years with the Washington Nationals.
Wilkerson is a wild card because he can play all three positions. Nix is the second wild card because he is coming back from two shoulder surgeries after having once been the Rangers' regular center fielder. Matthews took over that spot after Nix went down and played well.
"Really, those are things I don't worry about any more," Matthews said. "People have to analyze things and how things are going to line up, but I just go out and prepare myself to play 162 games. Things have a way of working things out, and there's no reason to believe they won't again."
Dellucci is proof of that. Every year he comes to camp looking like he'll be a reserve outfielder and Showalter keeps finding him plenty of playing time.
Last year, he saved the Rangers as their leadoff hitter and had his best season, hitting .251 with 97 runs scored, 29 home runs and 65 RBIs.
"The challenge is making them think of the big picture as the season unfolds," Showalter said. "They are all capable of contributing, and you understand why they all want to be out there. You feel good that the organization has that quality depth. You create a scenario where everyone is in the flow, but that's not always good enough for everybody."
Rotation almost set: Showalter usually waits until late in the spring to announce how his rotation will unfold. Now he and pitching coach Mark Connor have already decided the order of the first four.
Kevin Millwood has already been named the Opening Day starter and he'll be followed by Adam Eaton, Vicente Padilla and Kameron Loe, in that order.
"It feels good to be looking for just one guy," Showalter said.
Connor has set up his spring pitching plans so that five guys will be built up with the potential for being the fifth starter: Juan Dominguez, Josh Rupe, C.J. Wilson, R.A. Dickey and Thomas Diamond.
Edison Volquez started three games last year, but Connor said he is not up with that group. John Wasdin has started 16 games for the Rangers the past two years, but Connor said he is being looked at in relief.
Connor said Dickey's knuckleball, with the help of Charlie Hough, has improved "immensely" since last season.
Cordero up, Regilio down: Closer Francisco Cordero got back up on the mound a day earlier than expected, but reliever Nick Regilio is hurting again.
Regilio experienced more tenderness in the flexor tendon area of his right arm after throwing Friday and is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Saturday. The results will be sent back to Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, and he will determine what course of action should be taken. Regilio had flexor tendon surgery last year that sidelined him for the final three months of the season.
Cordero, over the shoulder tenderness from earlier in camp, threw 35 pitches off the mound, including some changeups. He threw Wednesday and the Rangers were expecting him to wait until Saturday, but Cordero wanted to go again Friday.
"There was more intensity from the other day," Connor said. "Hopefully, we can build from there."
Briefly: Nix ($345,260), Jon Leicester ($332,100) and Frank Francisco ($331,500) all agreed to new contracts, meaning everybody on the 40-man roster is signed. ... Infielder Aarom Baldiris and pitcher Armando Galarraga, delayed in Venezuela by visa problems, are expected to join the workouts Saturday. ... The Rangers will take batting practice in Surprise Stadium for the first time Saturday. They will be on the field from 9:30-11 a.m. MT as part of FanFest, with free admission. ... Reliever Kevin Walker, in camp on a Minor League contract, is from Grand Prairie, Texas, and to play for the Rangers, he said, "would mean everything to me. I grew up next to the old stadium. My friends and I would go out and buy cheap outfield seats and sit in the nosebleeds and watch as many games as we could."

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Notes: A pair to watch emerges

02/25/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- A couple of "sleeper" candidates have emerged early in Spring Training for spots on the Rangers pitching staff, one for the rotation and another for the bullpen.
Both right-handed starter Rick Bauer and left-handed reliever Jesse Carlson have caught the eye of pitching coach Mark Connor.
Bauer pitched for parts of the last five seasons with the Baltimore Orioles and has both started and relieved.
In nine Major League starts, he is 1-6 with a 4.41 ERA, while he has gone 7-7 with a 4.62 ERA in 116 career relief appearances.
"Either way is fine with me as long as they give me a shot," Bauer said.
He'll get a shot. Connor is intrigued by the fact that he has allowed less than a hit per inning (239 hits/240 innings) in his Major League career.
"I saw Rick come up with Baltimore in '01 and I liked his stuff," Connor said. "I haven't seen much of him since but he's got a live arm, his ball sinks and he's got a good slider. There's more in there than he's shown and I've given him a couple mechanical things that hopefully will help him."
Carlson, also in camp on a Minor League contract, had a 4.82 ERA in 22 Triple-A appearances in the Toronto organization, but a 1.83 ERA in 39 appearances after being sent to Double-A New Hampshire.
"He's impressed everybody," Connor said. "He locates his fastball and his breaking ball is plus. He's very quiet, it's tough to get a 'Hi' out of him, but he seems like he's on a mission. He should be."
Master development: Rangers owner Tom Hicks is in town this weekend to watch his team work out, but then it's back to Texas and back to work on Monday.
Hicks' primary business venture right now is developing the real estate around Ameriquest Field in Arlington. Working with Steiner and Associates, a development firm from Columbus, Ohio, and the city of Arlington, Hicks said they are in the process of finalizing the plans for developing 1.3 million square feet of mixed-used development.
"There will be bars, restaurants, retail boutiques on the ground floor, a couple of department stores, at least one hotel and apartment homes," Hicks said. "We're doing it in two stages, and the first stage we're shooting for is 2008."
In 2009, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to move into their new stadium 700 yards to the southwest of Ameriquest Field.
This is Ameriquest Field's 13th year in existence and there have been a number of development plans before that never went anywhere.
But Hicks said, "This is for real. We've been working on this for two years." The development should help attendance but any revenue derived directly from the real estate investments will not go back into the ballclub. Hicks, who also owns the Dallas Stars, keeps his business holdings separate.
"They all have to stand on their own," Hicks said.
Eye on the ace: Hicks made a point of sitting behind a screen and watching Kevin Millwood do his side work. Millwood never had Ted Turner do that when he was the Atlanta Braves.
"No, but it doesn't bother me," Millwood said. "I just appreciate the fact that he cares so much about everything."
Dinner with dad: Gary Matthews Jr. is staying on the far west side of Phoenix and his dad is in Mesa, serving as the Cubs first base coach. But they usually meet three times a week for dinner in Scottsdale.
"This is my favorite time of the year because I can spend some time with my dad," Matthews said. "It gives us a chance to talk some trash. He talks about how good he was and players today wouldn't be able to play with him. But he knows that's not true.
"We've actually talked about how much better condition players are today. They work out in the offseason and lift weights. There's so much information out there. Used to players would use Spring Training to get in shape, now they come into camp in shape and it's just a matter of getting your timing down."
Briefly: Matthews missed Saturday's workout because of a strained rib cage muscle and David Dellucci was held out of the outfield relay drills because of some back spasms. ... Pitcher C.J. Wilson is dealing with a strained hamstring muscle and the Rangers aren't sure if he'll be able to throw batting practice today. ... Kevin Mench, Adam Hyzdu and Minor League outfielder Ian Gac are competing in a home run contest today at Surprise Stadium against three Royals. One is third baseman Alex Gordon, the second overall pick in last year's draft. The others are Chad Allen and Chris Richard, who played in the Rangers farm system last year. ... Nick Regilio underwent an MRI on his right elbow and is waiting to discuss the results with Dr. Keith Meister. He has had some discomfort and is hoping it's just scar tissue from last year's surgery. ... Public relations director Gregg Elkin has left camp for a few days because of a death in the family.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Twenty things to know about Eaton

02/26/2006
Twenty things to know about right-handed pitcher Adam Eaton, who was acquired from the San Diego Padres this winter and will be the Rangers' No. 2 starter:
1. He was born in Seattle. To be the all-time winningest pitcher from the state of Washington, Eaton (47-41) will have to beat out Todd Stottlemyre, who retired with 138 victories.
2. He lives in the Snohomish River Valley but has a cabin up in the mountains near the town of Roslyn, where the television show "Northern Exposure" was filmed.
"There is great fly fishing in Central and Eastern Washington," Eaton said. "But I'm not into hiking. You can get your exercise walking down the street."
3. As a senior at Snohomish High, Eaton was 8-0 with a 0.67 ERA and was a second-team High School All-American, selected by Baseball America.
"Is there actually a piece of paper that says that?" Eaton said. "Actually I was a third baseman and a shortstop most of my way up. My senior year, I got physically stronger and my velocity jumped up dramatically. That pretty much wrote my script for the next 11 years."
4. Listed at 6-foot-2, he can slam dunk a basketball.
"Since my sophomore year in high school, I've always been a one-footed dunker," Eaton said. "But this offseason, with all the conditioning and squats and stuff, I was able to dunk standing on two feet. I was very pleasantly surprised."
5. Drafted by the Phillies in the first round in 1996, he was the 1999 winner of the Paul Owens Award as the Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Year. The award is now where?
"I think it's in a stack of boxes," Eaton said. "I need to find it. It's one of the only awards I've won in professional baseball."
6. Eaton actually played in the ill-conceived Maryland Fall League.
"The inaugural and middle seasons," Eaton said. "I played with a lot of pretty cool guys but the weather was not conducive to working on things. The last couple of games, guys were building fires in the bullpen to keep warm."
7. The Phillies traded Eaton, starter Carlton Loewer and reliever Steve Montgomery to the San Diego Padres for pitcher Andy Ashby on Nov. 10, 1999.
Loewer eventually broke his leg falling out of a tree stand while hunting and never recovered. Ashby, a 17-game winner the year before, was 4-7 with a 5.68 ERA in 16 starts before being traded to the Braves for Bruce Chen.
8. Called up to the Majors on May 30, 2000, Eaton won first game and got his first hit in his Major League debut against the Brewers. But after eight starts, he was 1-0 with a 3.02 ERA. Trevor Hoffman had 43 saves that year but blew three games that cost Eaton a victory.
"At one point, he came over, put his arm around me and said, 'Hey, I do like you,'" Eaton said. "Obviously Trevor is one of the best in the game. As many games as he's nailed down, he's definitely entitled to a little human error."
9. He was sidelined from July 6, 2001, to Sept. 1, 2002, after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.
10. Eaton accidentally cut himself in the abdomen while opening a DVD package in 2001 and had to be scratched from his start the next day against the Astros.
"The movies were 'Backdraft' and an Adam Sandler movie, I can't remember the name," Eaton said. "I never watched 'Backdraft.' That was a nice award to get. Sports Illustrated gave me the Dumbest Injury Award. That and the Paul Owen Award are my two biggest awards. Now, anytime I have a steak knife in my hand, my family is quick to remind me to be careful."
11. He was thrown out of game for purposely throwing at Albert Pujols. So why would anybody deliberately throw at a big guy like Pujols?
"I don't know, you'd have to ask someone who hit him on purpose," Eaton said. "I hit him with a 67 mile-per-hour curveball. I'm not that good to hit somebody on purpose with a curve. The umpire threw me out of the game. It was pretty ridiculous. I couldn't have hurt him too bad because he ended up winning the Home Run Derby at the All-Star Game a few days later."
12. His two Major League home runs -- off Pittsburgh's Jeff D'Amico and Arizona's Andrew Good, came less than a month apart in 2003.
13. He is second among active pitchers with five stolen bases, two behind Greg Maddux.
"I had the first stolen base in PETCO Park," Eaton said. "How's that for 'Trivial Pursuit, San Diego edition.' It was the front end of a double steal. It's fun to be out there and have an impact on the pitcher's mind."
14. Barry Bonds has four home runs in 23 at-bats off him. Bonds also doubled off Eaton last year in his first at-bat after missing 5 1/2 months because of a knee injury.
"He has an 11-pitch at-bat and he doubles off the top of the wall," Eaton said. "I'm like 'Omigod, he's locked in already. But I enjoy the challenge. They'd tell us not to let him beat you. But he'd get up there and I'd go, 'I really want to get this guy out.' "
15. His career ERA is lower at Qualcomm Stadium (3.99) than it was at PETCO Park (4.39.) Overall, it's 4.15 at home and 4.56 on the road.
16. He is 10-3 with a 2.39 ERA in 19 career starts against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"I don't do anything, it's just a comfort level," Eaton said. "I've talked to some of their players and the mood in the clubhouse that day is just different: 'Oh no, Eaton's pitching.' Every game with them was fun, a full house and the spectators really getting into it. It's a great rivalry, very underrated."
17. He was 9-1 with a 3.18 ERA in his first 13 starts last year, then suffered a strained middle finger on his right hand that put him on the disabled list. He was 2-4 with a 6.09 ERA over his last 11 games.
18. Pitching coach Mark Connor said, "I talked to San Diego pitching coach [Darren Balsley] and he said Eaton had the best stuff on that staff."
19. His career high of six walks came on Sept. 11, 2002, against the Diamondbacks. It was the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks, ceremonies were held and he admitted, "It was a moving experience, one of those nights where you go out and give it all you got."
20. He's wearing No. 21. That was once Roger Clemens' number.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Notes: Mench mashes a few in BP

02/26/2006
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Rangers outfielder Kevin Mench put on a show during batting practice Sunday, hitting one prodigious shot that bounced over the indoor batting cage beyond the left-field wall, leaving dugout coach Don Wakamatsu staring at manager Buck Showalter in disbelief.
"He hit three that I didn't think he got all of and they still went out," owner Tom Hicks said, enjoying the display on the back field.
Mench was just getting warmed up. During FanFest, he won a Home Run Derby in the main stadium with an overtime blast that carried deep over the center-field fence to beat Rangers Minor Leaguer Ian Gac and Royals power prodigy Alex Gordon.
The Rangers need that power to carry over into the regular season, especially if he takes over the troubled right field spot.
"I think there's more there," Showalter said. "All you have to do is watch batting practice. He makes the ball go. He's strong. He's a pretty strong man."
Mench has been close the past two years to providing more. He hit .279 with 26 home runs and 71 RBIs in 2004 and .264 with 25 home runs and 73 RBIs in 2005.
He hit .291 in the first half last season but just .235 after the break. A nagging hand injury didn't help matters. A .185 batting average with runners in scoring position also kept the RBI total from being better.
"He needs to stay mentally strong," Showalter said. "Kevin has driven in some big runs but he lets some situations get away that he needs to pick up. He's had some physical challenges but he stayed on the field."
Mench played 119 games in left field last year and 41 more in right. He should get more work in right field this year so the Rangers can get David Dellucci in the lineup in left. But Gary Matthews Jr., Laynce Nix and Brad Wilkerson also vie with Mench for time in the outfield.
"He can play right field and at the level it needs to be played," Showalter said.
Right field has been a problem for the Rangers. Over the past six years, they haven't had a right fielder drive in more than 50 runs in a season.
The Rangers have long expected Mench to be a guy who hits 30 home runs and drives in 100 runs in a season. Former general manager John Hart was his biggest booster and kept turning down one trade offer after another.
"Everybody knows it's there," Showalter said. "It's something everybody has been trying to tap in on. We've all been a big supporter of Kevin. Everybody else knows about it, too. That's why we get asked about him. He knows there's competition but we've got to get a return."
Botts grabs outfield glove: Jason Botts has played both outfield and first base in the Minor Leagues. Right now the Rangers have him in the outfield as he waits for room at the Major League level to display his offensive potential.
Botts, bothered by back problems last spring, hit .286 with 25 home runs and 102 RBIs at Triple-A Oklahoma but is likely to repeat that level because the Rangers have Phil Nevin and Erubiel Durazo as their designated hitter candidates at the Major League level.
"In the short term, this is the first camp where he has been completely healthy and we have a chance to evaluate him," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He has taken good care of his back. I'm encouraged with the effort level and how much he has worked on his defense."
Botts reported to Surprise on Jan. 1 to work on his outfield play and his back conditioning. Both have been the challenges he must overcome.
"I'm healthy for the first time coming in here," Botts said. "If I play hard, whatever happens will be OK. I'm starting to get comfortable in the outfield. I've done it long enough where I just need to trust my instincts and not think about it. I can do it if they give me the opportunity to work on it."
Galarraga watch: The Rangers will go slow with right-hander Armando Galarraga, who was acquired from the Washington Nationals in the Alfonso Soriano trade and is rated a notch below Thomas Diamond, Edison Volquez and John Danks.
He may even stay in extended Spring Training once camp breaks. Galarraga, including winter ball in Venezuela, has pitched 206 innings since the start of last season and the Rangers are concerned about his work load.
"We've had good reports on him the last couple of years," Daniels said. "He's a tall (6-foot-4), athletic pitcher who throws strikes with all three pitches. He has a live arm and a chance to have an above-average breaking ball. He has an advanced feel for pitching."
Briefly: Rangers scout Tom Giordano is beginning his 59th year in baseball and is still scouring the Minor Leagues. He recommended the Rangers claim infielder Aarom Baldiris from the Mets. Said Giordano, "The Minors is where you find your gems and make your mark." ... Roger Clemens will pitch to Astros Minor Leaguers at a minicamp on Thursday, as the free agent righty prepares to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic. Clemens made the request in order to get some work in against live hitters, a group that will include his son, Koby. The Astros received permission to grant Clemens' request from Major League Baseball. ... R.A. Dickey missed Saturday's workout with a mild case of food poisoning but was back on Sunday. ... Dellucci's back spasms were better on Sunday but Matthews missed a second straight workout with a strained rib cage muscle. ... C.J. Wilson is going slow with a "yoink" in his right hamstring, which means it's not serious but being treated cautiously. ... Daniels will meet with his pro scouts to discuss potential needs that might arise and potential areas of depth. But he reiterated he's not in a mood right now to trade an outfielder. ... Frank Francisco, coming back from Tommy John surgery, threw in the bullpen for the first time after a heart-to-heart chat with the manager, and Showalter said, "That's the best he's thrown since he got here." ... Francisco Cordero had a bullpen session that went well.

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/

Rangers Minor League report: Feb. 26

02/26/2006
Hot topic: The Rangers have a new director of player development. Scott Servais was hired in December after Dom Chiti joined the Major League staff as the bullpen coach.
Servais was a scout for the Colorado Rockies last year. After retiring from a 14-year professional career, which included parts of 11 seasons in the Majors as a catcher, Servais was the Cubs' roving Minor League catching instructor.
"There's a certain structure and style put in place by Dom Chiti and [field coordinator] Mike Brumley and I've taken that and run with it," Servais said. "One of the reasons why I jumped at this opportunity is because I know those guys and their style. It's a very aggressive detailed structure of how to go about the game.
"Everything from drills, hitting approach, same with the pitchers, what's being taught with mechanics and it's the same from top to bottom."
On the move: Third baseman Travis Metcalf has been brought over from the Minor League side because Aarom Baldiris was late in arriving from Venezuela. The move has helped Metcalf get some exposure with the Major League staff and he has taken advantage of it.
Metcalf was the Rangers' Minor League Player of the Year in 2005 after batting .291 with 22 home runs and 94 RBIs at Class A Bakersfield. He is expected to start the season at Double-A Frisco.
"His defense is a lot better than maybe the level or age he is playing at," Servais said. "He's pretty good throwing and with his range, and his bat looks like it's going to play with power."
On the pine: Catcher Taylor Teagarden, the third-round pick last year out of the University of Texas, is in Major League camp but still sidelined after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his elbow during the offseason. Manager Buck Showalter met with him on Friday.
"I told him to think about what's ahead of him and not behind," Showalter said. "I told him that if we could have it over again, we'd do the same thing and draft him. We like this guy. We're willing to wait and get it done right."
Names in the game: Minor League hitting instructor Brook Jacoby was a candidate to be the Major League hitting coach if Rudy Jaramillo had been hired as the New York Mets manager.
Now Jacoby will be responsible for Major League hitters next month when Jaramillo leaves the team to undergo surgery for prostate cancer.
"I'm really happy to have a guy like Brook around, who knows me and what I teach," Jaramillo said. "He'll do great."
They're No. 1: Thomas Diamond, the Rangers' No. 1 pick in 2004, is going to get a serious look for the fifth starter spot. John Danks, the top pick in 2003, is also in camp but he looks like he'll start either at Double-A Frisco or Triple-A Oklahoma. Drew Meyer, the 2002 top pick, isn't in camp but could get time during the exhibition games while Michael Young is playing for the United States in the World Baseball Classic. Meyer has been passed by Ian Kinsler and Joaquin Arias on the club's organizational depth chart, but the Rangers think he could end up being a utility player at the Major League level.
Class of '05: Outfielder John Mayberry Jr. is one of about 60 players working out early on the Minor League side. Showalter has stopped by several times to watch him take batting practice and said, "He's impressive." A guy to watch is Steven Murphy, a 14th-round pick out of Kansas State. He was the MVP in the Northwest League last year, batting .306 with nine homers and 37 RBIs in 62 games. Said Servais, "It's fun to watch his intensity and what he brings to the mix."
What they're saying: "A left-handed catcher ... he's what they look like." -- Showalter on Billy Killian, the 19-year-old catcher acquired from the San Diego Padres

Source: http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/