The Rangers have taken three players off the 60-day disabled list and added them to the 40-man roster. Matt Harrison, Eric Hurley and Brandon Boggs are expected to be ready for spring training. Harrison, who had surgery to correct thoracic outlet syndrome in August, is pitching in the Arizona Fall League and has impressed with a fastball that regularly has been clocked at 94 to 97 mph.
Also, three minor-league free agents have been re-signed: infielder Guilder Rodriguez and right-handers Jose Diaz and Adalberto Flores.
The Rangers must have their 40-man roster set by next Friday and will probably add a couple minor leaguers to avoid the risk of losing them to the Rule 5 draft next month. There are currently 35 players on the 40-man roster.
-- Jeff Wilson
It appears as though the Rangers have more than just a passing interest in bringing back Milton Bradley. The Rangers and Cubs talked Monday about a trade for the outfielder, who has fallen out of favor in Chicago after some late-season comments got him suspended for the rest of the year.
The Rangers like what Bradley did offensively in 2008, but they don't like the contract that will pay him $20 million over the next two years. Any chance of Bradley playing in Arlington again hinges on how much the remaining contract the Cubs will pay. Half would give Bradley to the Rangers at $5 million a year, which is the base salary he was paid in 2008.
That would be a bargain if Bradley returns to the form that saw him blossom into an All-Star in 2008 thanks to a clubhouse atmosphere that made him feel comfortable. Bradley, though, said during spring training that he didn't play as hard as he could have in 2008 as he tried to protect his stats with free agency on the horizon. That didn't sit well with some Rangers decision-makers and even some players, and Bradley might have some PR work to do if he were to land back in Arlington.
Reports say the Cubs' No. 1 off-season priority is to ship Bradley out. This might become the story the Rangers are tied to throughout the off-season.
Others notes so far from the general managers' meetings:
<>The GMs met this morning and talked about instant replay, but only about the existing system. There was no talk about expanding the system despite an outpouring of support for more replays after several calls were missed during the playoffs. Making umpires better was discussed, though improvements would be rooted in training. A restructuring of the draft to include postseason performance was also discussed, as was the possibility of altering the Arizona Fall League so that it could include younger players.
<>Daniels broke from the morning round of meetings with Boston GM Theo Epstein. They seemed deep in talk, but I have a theory: It was a fake conversation designed to avoid being approached by the media throng that was awaiting the GMs.
<>The Rangers are tentatively scheduled to meet at some point today with the agents for free agent Marlon Byrd. The outfielder is represented by Sam and Seth Levinson, who also represents Nelson Cruz and Bradley.
<>The Rangers announced that Scott Feldman has been named their Pitcher of the Year in voting by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. They also announced a series of hires in baseball operations. They are (deep breath): Scott Littlefield, special assistant, scouting; John Booher, professional scout; Greg Smith, major league scout; Matt Vinnola, director of baseball operations; Jake Krug, assistant director of player development; Phil Geisler, East Coast crosschecker; Todd Walther, professional scout; Matt Klotsche, assistant baseball, operations; Richard "Hoggy" Price, equipment and home clubhouse manager.
-- Jeff Wilson
To the surprise of no one, right-hander Scott Feldman has been named the Rangers pitcher of the year. The team also announced several changes in the baseball operations department. For those of you who like to update your media guide, here they are.
- Anthony Andro
Texas first baseman Chris Davis heard the rumors that he had a problem connecting with former hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo. That news came as a surprise to Davis, who said he will miss Jaramillo.
"Rudy and I got along great," Davis said. "I almost feel bad for what I put him through the first half. We were trying every day to figure something out and it was never a lack of effort on his part or my part. It would have taken a small miracle for me to find it at that point because I was so lost. The information he was giving me was the right information. I just wasn't able to take it and run with it."
Davis also heard that he wasn't prepared heading into the 2009 season, but he doesn't believe that was the case either. One thing he's doing differently this year is hitting more. He took a break before the 2009 season, and he thinks that contributed to his slow start. He starting swinging the bat in preparation for 2010 on Monday.
"I'm going to have to be one of those guys that has to swing the bat year round and I'm okay doing that," he said. "It's not physically demanding on my body and it's something that I think will pay off."
- Anthony Andro
Desperate to find a baseball official to speak to, the assembled media's eyes widened when Jon Daniels and Thad Levine made their way to the front desk of the O'Hare Hilton to check in for the general managers' meetings.
In all honesty, the national media has plenty to talk about with Daniels and Levine. But because they were among the first club personnel from around the majors to arrive this afternoon, each was approached by media types immediately after checking in.
Both granted more time to the local media throng of one. Daniels confirmed that, indeed, Scott Littlefield has been hired in baseball ops. The Padres' former national crosschecker, Littlefield will be a special assistant with the Rangers with a heavy concentration on scouting.
Other than that, though, there's not a lot of news on Day 1 here, and there might not be any on Day 2 or Day 2 1/2 (a half-day Wednesday). But Daniels, Levine and several members of the Rangers' front office will meet amongst themselves. That includes John Hart, who is walking around the hotel with his left foot in a boot after suffering an injury to his Achilles' tendon.
-- Jeff Wilson
The view from the hotel room last year at the general managers meetings was of the Pacific Ocean in the high-dollar community of Dana Point, Calif. The meetings there were at the same fancy hotel where AIG sent its executives for a lavish retreat while also reaching for buyout money. The media rate for a room was something like $385 a night.
A look out the window this morning produced a lovely view of a McDonalds, a Westin, about five highways and the O'Hare Airport in Chicago. This year's meetings are at the O'Hare Hilton, which is on aiport grounds. I decided to live a little and stay at a Marriott down the road. I'm also not a member of the Hilton rewards program, so that factored into the decision.
But, whether the meetings were held in Monte Carlo, at the apartment building where Good Times was filmed or on the moon, not much news will be made this week. The GM meetings are another step in the process of getting to a deal, whether a trade or a free-agent signing.
Obviously, free agents are still under an exclusive negotiating period with the club they've just left until Nov. 20, but that won't keep agents out of O'Hare this week. The GM meetings in 2007 were the site of continued conversation between the Rangers and Reds about a trade for Josh Hamilton. Last year, Hank Blalock was discussed rather seriously with an AL club before the deal fizzled.
Jon Daniels, GM of the for-sale Rangers, will try again to find a trade to improve the team rather than woo a big-name free agent. That's been the trend the past few off-seasons as the payroll has shrunk. While it's expected to be around the same as in 2009, that $68 million will have to include jumps in the salaries of arbitration-eligibles. There will still be some money to maneuver with Vicente Padilla, Blalock and a few others off the payroll, but not much.
Daniels arrives just after noon and will jump into a meeting with club officials before dining with his fellow GMs tonight. With the vacancy at hitting coach filled, it's time to concentrate on the roster and how to improve in 2010.
Just don't expect all the club's problems to be solved this week.
-- Jeff Wilson
Arlington, Texas – Texas Rangers General Manager Jon Daniels formally announced today that the club has named Clint Hurdle as the team’s new hitting coach. The hiring fills the only vacancy on the Rangers’ 2010 coaching staff.
“Clint adds another experienced, successful coach to our major league staff,” said Daniels. “He’s demonstrated an ability to communicate, motivate, and emphasize a team-first offensive mentality. We welcome him, Karla and their family, and look forward to their contributions to the organization and our community.”
Hurdle, 52, was the manager of the Colorado Rockies for over seven years from April 26, 2002 until he was relieved from the post on May 29, 2009. Prior to that, he worked as that organization’s major league hitting coach from 1997 until he was named manager. Hurdle also served as a coach and instructor in the Rockies minor league system from 1994-96. He spent over 15 years in the Colorado organization from 1994-2009, posting a 543-625 record as manager, the most wins by any skipper in team history. He was at the helm for the Rockies’ run to the National League pennant in 2007 before a World Series loss against Boston. After leaving the Rockies in May, Hurdle spent time as a guest analyst for the MLB Network.
He will be just the Rangers’ second hitting coach in the last 16 seasons (1995-2010).
Hurdle mentored the Colorado hitters for five seasons and one month before ascending to manager in April 2002. In his five-plus seasons tutoring Colorado’s hitters, the club compiled the National League’s top two averages in a span of 70 years (.294 in 2000 and .292 in 2001) and the league’s most base hits since 1930 (1,664 in 2000). The Rockies also established a major league record for total bases (2,748) and extra-base hits (598) in 2001. Colorado hitters posted the National League’s highest batting average in each of Hurdle’s five seasons as hitting coach, leading in on-base percentage three times and slugging percentage on four occasions.
A first round selection (ninth overall) by Kansas City in the 1975 June draft, Hurdle had a career .259 average in the majors with Kansas City (1977-81), Cincinnati (1982), New York-NL (1983, 1985, 1987), and St. Louis (1986). He played for the Royals in the postseason in 1978, 1980, and 1981, batting .417 (5-12) with 2 walks in the 1980 World Series against Philadelphia. A highly-touted prospect, he appeared as a 20-year-old on the March 20, 1978 cover of Sports Illustrated as a member of the Royals.
Following his playing career, Hurdle spent six seasons as a manager in the Mets minor league system from 1988-93 before joining the Rockies. In 1992, he was the manager at Triple-A Tidewater when current Rangers skipper Ron Washington was on his coaching staff.
Although he spent much of his youth and attended high school in Florida, Hurdle was born in Big Rapids, Michigan. He and his wife, Karla, reside in the Denver area with a son and daughter. Hurdle also has an adult daughter who works in the San Francisco area. He was active in several charitable endeavors in Denver and is the national spokesperson for the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association, a complex genetic disorder with which his younger daughter was born.
The Rangers just sent out a release that Clint Hurdle has been hired as their hitting coach. He and three others interviewed Monday, and sources confirmed Tuesday that he was the choice ahead of Rusty Greer, Thad Bosley and Gerald Perry. A contract offer was made Wednesday.
"Clint adds another experienced, successful coach to our major-league staff," general Jon Daniels said in the release. "He's demonstrated an ability to communicate, motivate and emphasize a team-first offensive mentality."
-- Jeff Wilson
The Rangers will have a teleconference at 3 p.m. with the team's new hitting coach.
- Anthony Andro
The first word on the Rangers' hitting coach was that no announcement was going to be made today. Then, a source said Clint Hurdle would be hired. Then, a radio station said the same thing. Then, the Rangers' general manager Jon Daniels offered a deniel. Then, Hurdle declined to comment. Then, another source said Hurdle.
So, who do you believe? Go with the sources, who say Hurdle is going to be the Rangers' hitting coach and annoucement will be made before the end of the week.
-- Jeff Wilson
The Rangers have not hired a hitting coach, according to general manager Jon Daniels and contrary to a report on 105.3 The Fan as well as a Star-Telegram source. The Rangers' flagship station and the source both said that the Rangers had hired Clint Hurdle.
"We have not yet offered the job to anyone," Daniels said. "We're finishing up our due diligence. When we've made a final decision, we'll communicate first to the four candidates, and then make an announcement."
-- Jeff Wilson
Rangers officials say they are closing in on a decison for Rudy Jaramillo's replacement for hitting coach, but it's unlikely that an announcement will be made today. As general manager Jon Daniels put it, he and the decision-makers are just doing their final bit of homework.
An announcement today made sense on a few fronts, one of which was Daniels saying there was a "decent" chance that it would happen only a day after interviewing the four finalists. Also, today is a World Series off day, and MLB prefers that any non-Series news be announced on off days.
With the possibility that two more games will have to be played, the Rangers might not have an announcement until Friday. So, why not wait until Monday and make a splash on the first day of the general manager's meetings in Chicago? Then again, if the Yankees take care of the Phillies in Game 6 tomorrow, the Rangers could let the rest of the baseball world know Thursday if Thad Bosley, Clint Hurdle, Rusty Greer or Gerald Perry is their new hitting instructor.
-- Jeff Wilson
A decision could come today on who will replace Rudy Jaramillo as the Rangers' hitting coach. Four finalists spent Monday chatting up a group of Rangers brass (Jon Daniels, Nolan Ryan, Ron Washington, Thad Levine; no Scott Servais, as was previously reported), and that brass is batting around which candidate is the best fit.
Three of the four had the priviledge of talking to me. One declined to go on the record, which is fine, and Clint Hurdle and Thad Bosley didn't seem like they were in campaign mode during the phone conversations. Each seemed ready to tackle the challenge of molding the Rangers' young hitters and tweaking the offensive philosophy.
When asked to describe what they liked about the Rangers, Hurdle and Bosley each said, "They're on the cusp." That's got them excited, too, and no doubt Rusty Greer and Gerald Perry like the Rangers' future as well.
So, how is this thing going to get sorted out, especially if the candidates are all even?
Bosley: If enthusiasm counts, Bosley's the guy. He helped shape Oakland's young hitters in the late 1990s, and they produced enough to back Tim Hudson, Mark Mulder and Barry Zito. He's been out of the game since 2003, but has been a college coach in California.
Greer: Obviously, he's well-known within the organization. If the Rangers want someone with big-league experience, Greer's out. If they want someone who understands the baseball culture in the Metroplex, Greer's in. If the lack of moving expenses comes into play, the Colleyville-based Greer has an edge.
Hurdle: The candidate who was most familiar to the guys who interviewed him. He was manager in Colorado until being dismissed in May, but he guided the Rockies to a World Series in 2007. He was their hitting coach for five seasons before taking over as manager in 2002.
Perry: He seemed to be a scapegoat for an underachieving Cubs team this season, as he was dismissed as their hitting coach in June. He also worked alongside Washington in Oakland in 2006, and the A's finished second in the league in walks. Perry is also a former Seattle hitting coach.
-- Jeff Wilson
The Texas Rangers might have a new hitting coach by the end of the business day Tuesday after spending Monday interviewing four candidates who are vying to replace Rudy Jaramillo.
Rusty Greer, Thad Bosley, Gerald Perry and Clint Hurdle each met with a group of Rangers brass. General manager Jon Daniels said each of the four is qualified and on board with the Rangers' desired emphasis on situational hitting.
The three out-of-town candidates all boarded flights and went home. Greer hopped in his car/truck/SUV and headed home to Colleyville. They will probably know in 24 hours if they will be returning to Arlington next season to be the Rangers' hitting coach.
-- Jeff Wilson
Tommy Hunter said he's going to surprise people when they see him when he reports to spring training in early February. Hunter, who is listed at 255 pounds, is spending his off-season in Arlington. He's working out five days a week with strength and conditioning coach Jose Vazquez. Hunter plans to be leaner and meaner for his second season. Hunter's attitude is great too. He's not taking his starting spot forgranted despite his nine wins and 4.10 ERA.
"You have to go there with the mentality that you have to win your job," said Hunter, who spent last off-season in Atlanta. "I'm coming to spring training ready to go. If they see fit for me to be in the starting rotation, I'll take it and run with it."
- Anthony Andro
"
Catcher Kevin Richardson has signed a minor-league deal with an invitation to spring training only a week after being outrighted to Triple A Oklahoma City to clear room on the Rangers' 40-man roster. Richardson, 29, made his major-league debut in August and is a lifetime .500 hitter in the majors (3-for-6).
-- Jeff Wilson
Thad Bosley, Gerland Perry, Clint Hurdle and Rusty Greer have been named as finalists for the Texas Rangers' hitting-coach vacancy and will be interviewed next week. Bosley and Perry worked as hitting coaches with manager Ron Washington in Oakland; Hurdle, the former Colorado manager, knows general manager Jon Daniels and is a former big-league hitting coach; and Greer is a Rangers Hall of Fame player, fan favorite, and a coach to college players at Texas Wesleyan and in the Texas Collegiate League.
-- Jeff Wilson
Former baseball agent and current Chicago White Sox executive Dennis Gilbert was at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on Wednesday to meet with club officials as he continues to pursue buying the Rangers from Hicks Sports Group.
Team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels were involved in the meetings, just as they were last week when Houston businessman Jim Crane and Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg were in town.
The timetable for the sale to be completed isn't etched in stone. Some reports have said November. Others believe the sale won't be completed until spring training. The other 29 big-league club owners must approve the winning bidder.
-- Jeff Wilson
The mid-winter awards banquet, which is normally in Dallas, will be at the Omni Hotel in downtown Fort Worth Jan. 29. Tickets are on sale at www.texasrangers.com. The only award the Rangers have announced is that Elvis Andrus is the team's rookie of the year, which is like admitting that it's been raining a lot lately.
Among other Rangers-related news the team has announced:
Matt Harrison will make his Arizona Fall League debut Tuesday. It's the first time he's pitched since surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome.
Luis Mendoza has looked good in the Mexican Winter League. He's 1-1 with a 2.45 ERA in two starts for Obregon.
Several Rangers prospects have contributed for the division-leading Surprise in the AFL. RHP Danny Gutierrez improved to 2-0 with a win in Surprise’s 10-9 road victory on Wednesday over the Peoria Saguaros. Gutierrez, who tossed 3.2 scoreless innings on Wednesday, has compiled 6.2 scoreless innings over 2 starts with the Rafters. RHP Brennan Garr worked a scoreless inning of relief in Wednesday’s victory, recording a pair of strikeouts. RHP Tanner Scheppers, the club’s supplemental first round draft selection this year, has made 2 appearances out of the bullpen for Surprise, recording 4 strikeouts over 3.0 innings of work. At the plate, OF Mitch Moreland has batted .313 (5-16) with one home run and 2 RBI over 4 games.
Kevin Millwood is one of ten finalists for the 2009 Hutch Award, which is presented annually to the major league player who best exemplifies the honor, courage, and dedication of renowned baseball player and manager Fred Hutchinson, who passed away due to cancer in 1964 while managing the Cincinnati Reds.
In what had to be the easiest press release ever written, Hicks Sports Groups announced that it played host to Pittsburgh attorney Chuck Greenberg today at the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington as he and his group do their due diligence in their pursuit of purchasing the Rangers.
Much like Houston businessman Jim Crane on Tuesday, Greenberg was given a tour and presentations from the baseball ops and business ops staffs, including team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels.
The press release was almost identical to the one issued Tuesday, with the only difference being Greenberg substituted for Crane. If the trend holds, Greenberg will be substituted for Dennis Gilbert tomorrow. Actually, it'll be next week.
-- Jeff Wilson
The Rangers have outrighted right-hander Jason Grilli and catcher Kevin Richardson from their 40-man roster and assigned them to Triple A. Both have cleared waivers, but Grilli is expected to decline the assignment and become a free agent.
- Anthony Andro
He's apparently getting the security he wasn't going to get with the Rangers. Here's a link.
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/baseball/cubs/1837579,cubs-hitting-coach-jaramillo-21.article
Houston businessman Jim Crane met Tuesday at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington with representatives from Hicks Sports Group and the Rangers as the "process of identifying potential investors" in the club continues.
The meetings included a tour of the ballpark and conferences with the baseball and business operations staffs. Team president Nolan Ryan and general manager Jon Daniels were involved in the process, said HSG in a statement that described the day's events as "routine and part of the normal due-diligence process."
-- Jeff Wilson
The Rangers are hosting the Josh Hamilton and Triple Play Ministries yout baseball camp at Rangers Ballpark in Arlingotn Nov. 14. The camp runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and is open for youngsters 10-18. Hamilton is headlining the camp, which will include instruction on baseball drills, proper practice techniques, game situations, and fulfilling potential. Instruction will also be given on hitting, fielding, throwing, base running, weight training, flexibility, and team offense and defense.
Guest speakers will include Rangers Hall of Fame catcher Jim Sundberg and Rangers outfielder David Murphy. Instructors will include former Ranger players Dave Hostetler, Mike Jeffcoat, Mike Simms, and Todd Van Poppel. Lunch will be provided. Each camper will have the opportunity to meet Josh Hamilton and receive an autographed photo and cap.
The cost is $150. Further information and registration can be found at texasrangers.com/youthballpark.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels confirmed that left-hander Derek Holland was in Japan on Monday to meet with Yusei Kikuchi, an 18-year-old left-hander who is considering whether to bypass the Nippon Professional Baseball draft to play in the United States.
Holland, who just completed his rookie season, accompanied Jim Colborn, the Rangers' director of Pacific Rim operations, in what were described by Japanese media as first-round meetings with Kikuchi. To his credit, Kikuchi understands that he will have to pitch in the minor leagues and picked Holland's brain on the subject.
No offers have been made by any club to Kikuchi, who is expected to be drafted by multiple teams in the NPB draft. His fastball has topped out at 96 mph, and he also throws a slider and a curveball. He is the second amateur from Japan who the Rangers have courted in the past year. They made a four-year, $7 million offer to Junichi Tazawa, who elected to sign for less with Boston.
-- Jeff Wilson
Rudy Jaramillo has his first suitor for 2010. It’s the Chicago Cubs, who have asked permission to speak to the Texas Rangers’ hitting coach the past 15 seasons. On Wednesday, Jaramillo declined the Rangers’ one-year, $545,000 offer for next season. Jaramillo remains under contract with the Rangers through Oct. 31.
The Cubs have been linked to Jaramillo since his decision not to return. He would be reunited with outfielder Milton Bradley, who struggled in his first year with the Cubs and was suspended for the final few weeks after becoming a distraction in the clubhouse. Bradley, though, enjoyed the best season of his career in 2008 under Jaramillo.
Meanwhile, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said the Rangers have a few names but no formal list of candidates to replace Jaramillo. Colorado hitting coach Don Baylor, former Oakland hitting coach Thad Bosley and Triple A coach Scott Coolbaugh could surface as candidates.
— Jeff Wilson
Ivan Rodriguez made it clear during the final series of the season that he planned to spend a lot of time this offseason working on his hitting with Rudy Jaramillo. He said he was going to work with Jaramillo both in Dallas and Miami. Now that Jaramillo is out of the Texas equation, does that mean Rodriguez no longer would like to return here? The guess here is yes. One of the main reasons Rodriguez wanted to come back to Arlington was to work with Jaramillo. Without Rudy and with Rodriguez free to sign wherever he wants, I don't think it will be with the Rangers.
- Anthony Andro
The Rangers have named Ron Hopkins the special assistant to Jon Daniels, promoted A.J. Preller to senior director of player personnel, Kip Fagg to director of amateur scouting and Josh Boyd to director of pro scouting. Hopkins had been the organization's scouting director.
- Anthony Andro
There are going to be some upset players, especially Michael Young and Ian Kinsler. But is it time for the Rangers and Rudy Jaramillo to part ways? Does the offense need a change of pace or philosophy? The Rangers have to find new ways to score runs, and wouldn't a new hitting coach be a better fit?
- Anthony Andro
Rudy Jaramillo, who has been the Rangers' hitting coach the past 15 seasons, turned down a one-year offer to remain with the club this morning and won't be back in 2010. An offer had been made by general manager Jon Daniels and team president Nolan Ryan late last week, and Jaramillo mulled his future over the weekend and the first two days of this week.
Jaramillo is viewed by many as the best hitting coach in the game, and he is the highest paid. The Rangers' offense didn't perform as expected in 2009, and Ryan, Daniels and manager Ron Washington all said last week that the Rangers' approach needed to be revamped to include a better understanding of situational hitting.
-- Jeff Wilson
To elaborate on a Matt Harrison note in today's editions, general manager Jon Daniels had the following to say about the left-hander's appearance in the Arizona Fall League:
"The goal of having him out there is twofold. First, so he can pick up some of the innings he missed this year, and, second and most importantly, so he goes home healthy and confident that there are no lingering issues healthwise. Right now, he's still rehabbing and getting ready to pitch. He likely won't get in a game right away."
Harrison complained of numbness in his hand after a June start at Arizona, and -- surprise, surprise -- he was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome. Harrison (4-5, 6.11 ERA) underwent surgery in August.
-- Jeff Wilson
If you're wondering who the best golfer is in the Rangers clubhouse, it's Ian Kinsler according to Golf Digest. He's tied for No. 50 on the magazine's list of top athlete golfers. Kinsler is a 4 handicap according to the magazine. Kevin Millwood tied for 73rd on the list and is a 6.7 handicap. No. 1 also plays his home games in Arlington, Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo.
- Anthony Andro
He flew back to the Metroplex to be with his wife, who is expecting a baby. Hank Blalock makes what is likely his last start for the Rangers and will play first.
RANGERS
1. Julio Borbon, CF
2. Elvis Andrus, SS
3. David Murphy, LF
4. Hank Blalock, 1B
5. Ian Kinsler, 2B
6. Chris Davis, DH
7. Taylor Teagarden, C
8. Craig Gentry, RF
9. Esteban German, 3B
MARINERS
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
3. Jose Lopez, 2B
4. Ken Griffey Jr., DH
5. Adrian Beltre, 3B
6. Bill Hall, LF
7. Jack Hannahan, 1B
8. Josh Wilson, SS
9. Rob Johnson, C
- Anthony Andro
The Rangers reliever was recruited by the Longhorns after a standout season in junior college. Guardado visisted Austin and was offered a full scholarship by the Longhorns. He opted to stay in California and 187 saves later, he has no regrets. But he said he did like his time in Austin.
- Anthony Andro
Hank Blalock could play tomorrow, but he's not in the lineup tonight. You can expect to see Kevin Richardson tonight, but Taylor Teagarden is starting.
RANGERS
1. Ian Kinsler, 2B
2. Michael Young, 3B
3. David Murphy, LF
4. Marlon Byrd, RF
5. Chris Davis, DH
6. Andruw Jones, 1B
7. Elvis Andrus, SS
8. Taylor Teagarden, C
9. Julio Borbon, LF
MARINERS
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
3. Jose Lopez, 2B
4. Ken Griffey Jr., DH
5. Adrian Beltre, 3B
6. Kenji Johjima, C
7. Mike Carp, 1B
8. Michael Saunders, LF
9. Josh Wilson, SS
- Anthony Andro
Aug. 13 at Cleveland. That streak ended with his eighth-inning double Friday. At the time of his last big hit, the Rangers were 4 1/2 games behind the Los Angeles Angels. Let's refer to them as the good old days.
- Anthony
This is fan appreciation weekend for Seattle, and the word THANKS was written in the infield dirt behind second base. But thanks to some handy footwork by Omar Vizquel and Ian Kinsler, the T and the S have been erased, leaving HANK in the dirt. Blalock, of course, may have played his last game for the Rangers.
- Anthony Andro
He's going to start all three games of this series in center. Saturday's start will be against left-hander Ryan Rowland-Smith. It will be Borbon's first start against a lefty in the majors.
- Anthony Andro
Rangers
1. Julio Borbon, CF
2. Michael Young, 3B
3. David Murphy, LF
4. Marlon Byrd, RF
5. Ian Kinsler, 2B
6. Chris Davis, DH
7. Andruw Jones, 1B
8. Taylor Teagarden, C
9. Omar Vizquel, SS
Mariners
1. Ichiro Suzuki, RF
2. Franklin Gutierrez, CF
3. Jose Lopez, 2B
4. Ken Griffey Jr., DH
5. Adrian Beltre, 3B
6. Mike Carp, 1B
7. Adam Moore, C
8. Michael Saunders, LF
9. Josh Wilson, SS
- Anthony Andro
Anthony Andro sends word from the visitor's clubhouse at Safeco Field that Julio Borbon will be making his first career start in center field tonight against the Mariners. Marlon Byrd is back in the lineup in right field, but Hank Blalock is not returning after taking a Derek Holland knee to the head a few nights ago. Mr. Andro will post the rest of the lineup later.
-- Jeff Wilson
Ron Washington's lineup today looks like something from a spring training game back in March.
Hank Blalock, Marlon Byrd, Nelson Cruz, Josh Hamilton and Jarrod Saltalamacchia are all out with injuries, of course, so today's lineup against the Angels includes four rookies, a veteran playing out the string and a 42-year-old utility infielder. Michael Young is getting a day off because it's a day game after a night game and Washington doesn't want to push his hamstring.
Here you go:
Julio Borbon, LF
Elvis Andrus, SS
David Murphy, RF
Andruw Jones, 1B
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Chris Davis, DH
Taylor Teagarden, C
Craig Gentry, CF
Kevin Millwood, SP
_ JIM REEVES
Here's a link to a story from Columbus about hometown boy Derek Holland. Thanks to reader Tim Keating for the heads up.
http://dispatch.com/live/content/sports/stories/2009/09/29/0929holland.html?sid=101
Here's a clip of what he said on a radio show this morning. Whether or not Rosenthal actually has a rookie of the year vote is anyone's guess.
- Anthony Andro
We've seen the last of Josh Hamilton this season.
The Rangers made the decision Tuesday to shut the outfielder down for the final week of the season since he is still troubled by the pinched nerve in his back."
"It just won't go away, so we decided to just let him go on and get his treatment and hopefully get it well," Washington said of the pinched nerve in Hamilton's back. "No activity, just rehab. Then he'll go into his winter program and get it stronger and be ready for spring training."
Hamilton said he knows exactly what he needs to do to stay healthy.
"I need to find a cure for running into walls," he said.
The Rangers Mailbag saw its season come to an end Monday morning in Anaheim with a bad break, literally and figuratively. Doctors say the Mailbag will be ready to go during spring training, and maybe a postseason edition can come to fruition in a few weeks.
For now, though, hold off on sending any questions over the final week of the season, which will again test the character of the team now that it has been eliminated. A big thanks to everyone who participated this season -- especially the two Joes, from Weatherford and Amarillo; Patrick from Haltom City; and Chip from Houston. It's nice to see the fan base get riled up as the Rangers show the first signs of becoming playoff contenders.
-- Jeff Wilson
Michael Young returned to the Rangers lineup Monday night, but Josh Hamilton did not.
Young was penciled in at third base, hitting in his customary third spot but manager Ron Washington said Hamilton is still having residual pain in his back from an irritated sciatic nerve.
"I didn't want to put him in there and have to pull him back out," Washington explained. He said Hamilton would be available as a pinch-hitter, however.
If you're wondering why the Rangers just don't shut Young and Hamilton down for the season, you're not alone, but that's not how baseball players or even teams look at things. You and I may figure the inevitable is coming, maybe as soon as tonight, but players play to the last breath.
"My reason is that I'm a professional baseball player and this game is on the schedule," Young said. "My role on this team goes beyond hitting and catching a groundball."
Both trainer Jamie Reed and assistant GM Thad Levine, who is on the trip, said doctors have cleared both Young and Hamilton to play if they feel like it.
"Both guys want to help this team win," Levine said.
Nelson Cruz does as well, but he was not in the lineup, despite hitting his team-leading 33rd home run Sunday in Texas. Washington opted instead to start Hank Blalock at DH, rookie Julio Borbon in left and David Murphy in right.
The starting lineup:
Julio Borbon, LF
Michael Young, 3B
David Murphy, RF
Marlon Byrd, CF
Hank Blalock, DH
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Chris Davis, 1B
Pudge Rodriguez, C
Elvis Andrus, SS
_ JIM REEVES
The north lawn at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington will be the site of the All Aggie Hullabaloo as well as yell practice Friday night. There will be a concert by Max Stallings and Roger Creager from 8 until 11. Tickets for the concert are $10 for adults and $5 for children. At 11:15, the gates will open for yell practice, which lasts from midnight until 12:30 a.m. All parking for both events is free. Gig 'Em.
- Anthony Andro
The game in Seattle was listed as TBA on the schedule. It's now at 8:10 p.m. Texas time.
- Anthony Andro
Free agent to be Marlon Byrd continued his solid season by being tabbed the American League player of the week. Byrd hit .320 with two doubes and seven runs scored. Three of his eight hits last week were homers and he had 11 RBI.
- Anthony Andro
Manager Ron Washington said he stuck with Frank Francisco after his walk to Evan Longoria in the ninth inning because he's the team's closer. Ben Zobrist followed the walk with a two-run single to tie the game. Washington then put Neftali Feliz in.
Washington also said he went with Julio Borbon against Lance Cormier with two outs in the ninth because he liked the matchup better than using Josh Hamilton. He also let Andruw Jones hit against a right-hander inteh eighth inning instead of going with Hamilton. Hamilton said after the game he felt great.
And if you're wondering how Chris Davis felt after the game, the answer is awful. It was his error with two outs in the eighth inning that started the spiral. "I missed a routine ground ball and that's the game," the classy Davis said.
- Anthony Andro