Khalil Green - SAD

Social Anxiety Disorder is not a laughing matter. Khalil has my sympathies and best wishes. That being said, where do the Rangers turn now? If they thought that Joaquin Arias or Esteban German was the answer, they wouldn't have signed Greene and pretty much annointed him as their utility infielder. I've heard Felipe Lopez mentioned. We still have Joe Inglett. Frankly, I would like to see Arias come into camp and prove that his arm is in good enough shape to play shortstop. Give him some instruction at 3rd and 1st during camp (he is certainly athletic enough to play either position). He has always hit well enough when he has been with the Rangers and he would provide some more speed off the bench.

It was good to see Harden pitching live batting practice during his second workout. He had said that he wanted 3 bullpen sessions before facing live batters, so it is encouraging that he felt good enough in his second session to change his timetable.

Hopefully Derek Holland's MRI comes back showing only a knee strain. Derek said that he felt "way better" on Sunday. I would like to see him force his way into the starting rotation this spring. If he doesn't do that, my guess is that he will start the season at AAA. That way they can keep him stretched out and bring him up when needed (or when he forces the issue).

I also wouldn't mind seeing Feliz force the issue this spring, but I think the deck is stacked against him. It seems like the Rangers and pretty much set on using him in the bullpen this year. I really don't understand Ron Washington. That comment about preferring a super closer to an Ace just boggles my mind! Personally, I would take an Ace (or an excellent #2) over a closer. It is easier to find a 2-pitch pitcher who can shut down a team for 1 inning than it is to find a guy who can shut a team down 2-3 times through the order. There are A LOT more pitchers who can close than there are true Aces! As an example, we have 4 pitchers on our team right now who could close (3 have already been successful closers): 1) Frank Francisco, 2) Chris Ray, 3) C.J. Wilson, and 4) Neftali Feliz. We have 1 pitcher who has been an Ace when healthy (Rich Harden) and 2 who could possibly develop into Aces (Holland and Feliz). Perez and Scheppers could also develop to that level, but they haven't shown anything in the big leagues yet. Anyway, that is just my opinion!

Pitching - Future Closer?

Everyone seems to think that Neftali Feliz is the Rangers' closer-in-waiting. Not me. I would prefer to see Feliz in the starting rotation. I think an Ace is more important than a closer. Especially when you have other excellent options at closer. Tanner Scheppers comes immediately to mind. Common wisdom says that Scheppers shoulder will give out eventually, so get as many big league innings out of him as you can. I'm not sure that the shoulder will break down, but I do agree with the big league innings. He has pitched in a big time college program (and an independent league), so he's closer to the big leagues than most rookies (see Tommy Hunter). With his shoulder issues, he is probably better suited to a relief role. A relief role also requires less dependence on secondary pitches. We'll see how it goes in Spring Training, but he could be major league-ready at some point this year. Feliz in the starting rotation and Scheppers in the bullpen seems like the most efficient use of their pitching assets (at least, that is what Bernard and I think).

About Tiger

I'm already tired of hearing about Tiger. Does anyone really think that Tiger is going to answer specific questions about his indiscretions? Why should he? I know that he is a public figure, but that doesn't mean that we have a right to know every detail of his private life. If it was you or me, do you think we would be giving out the details? He has enough problems to deal with. I wish him luck and look forward to the day we see him back out on the golf course.

Pitchers and catchers report - the start of Spring Training!

This is a magical time of year! My only regret is that I am not in Arizona with the Rangers. Maybe next year!

I am more pumped for this season than I have been in years. New ownership, key additions (Vlad, Harden, Oliver, Ray, etc.), emerging youth, solid veteran leadership. This is the time of year when everyone thinks that their team will win, and that is how it should be.

There are concerns, but I am extremely optimistic. CJ strikes again. Just when I think that he may be growing up, he opens his mouth and sounds like a spoiled kid. Nolan is giving him a chance, so let's see what kind of year he has. Personally, I think this will be his last year in Texas.

And it is time for Salty to put up or shut up. Coming into camp 10 pounds overweight? A bad shoulder is no excuse for letting yourself get out of shape. That just makes me wonder where his head is.

Now, Harrison has the right idea! He knows that he has to prove himself and he started by getting into great shape. He lost 30 pounds? Wow! And he had TOS surgery, too.

Health will be (as it always is) one of the biggest issues. Especially Vlad, Harden and Josh. If they are healthy, watch out!

Bernard and I are excited and ready for the season to begin!