Texas Rangers 2021 - 2022 Offseason Thread

[saddles]

Twenty-eight of the 30 clubs are prohibiting scouts from entering their camps during minor-league spring training, at least in part because they do not want rival teams gathering information that could help produce a steal in the draft.

Well, if scouts can’t enter facilities, then how can teams allow fans? A scout, in theory, could walk in as a fan. By canceling the draft, teams then could permit scouts to work as they normally do, assessing potential targets for future trades. And just as importantly, by not shutting out spectators, clubs could potentially avoid incurring greater wrath from an already agitated fan base by at least allowing fans to watch their minor leaguers at a time when there is nothing else to see.

• Oh, and don’t forget the approximately 200 major-league free agents who remain unsigned. Every Rule 5 pick who sticks would take up a major-league roster spot that otherwise could be grabbed by one of those free agents. So if those picks are no longer a factor, it should create more opportunities for the unemployed players.

 

[Kelleyman]

That Texas Star Saddles guy is very hard to please.

I heard he was. JD Hater too!

 

[Kelleyman]

Yea let’s skip rule 5. But so hope we get a season in

 

[True Rangers Fan]

So we've got 3 division winners, and then 2 teams that play for a chance to be the WC team.

And they want to ADD 2 more teams into the mix?

 

[saddles]

Yea let’s skip rule 5. But so hope we get a season in

Some think the players will balk at canceling Rule 5.

 

[saddles]

If we are going to have so many wildcards, we have to go to a balanced schedule don't we. Why should teams in a great division have to compete with teams in weak divisions.

 

[scotsman1948]

i agree

Some think the players will balk at canceling Rule 5.

why?

 

[Kelleyman]

Some think the players will balk at canceling Rule 5.

Opens up a contract for a vet. Rule 6 is about fitting guys in for your future IMO

 

[Kelleyman]

If we are going to have so many wildcards, we have to go to a balanced schedule don't we. Why should teams in a great division have to compete with teams in weak divisions.

Even in the NFL there is strength of schedule

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

If either Latz, Ragans, or Bubba Thompson becomes a contributor for us eventually, we might look back and be very happy this lockout lasted long enough to cancel the Rule 5 draft.

 

[Kelleyman]

For MILB players yes, for vets who are good but they are squeezed out by MILB players with potential upside No and for overall play and strength of teams made up of best currently t players No.

Selfishly I especially don’t want to lose Ragans and if for some reason we don’t sign and OF then Bubba may make a 4th OF this year in case of injury while he further develops

MILB players have lost developmental time with all this Covid too

 

[scotsman1948]

and every series that is lost makes it easier for a team to grab a stud and hold onto him for the season. cancel it for this season

 

[scotsman1948]

probably not on the front burner right now but what's the status of Jose Leclerc and Jonathan Hernandez? both were expected to be placed on the 60-day IL at the start of ST on Feb 17th and not be fully ready until probably early to mid-June. does this slow down their preparation and availability?

 

[saddles]

 

[Kelleyman]

I was going to post this. Definitely some more order to all this could be good

 

[saddles]

Evan Grant's report on Cam Cauley as he continues his top 30 countdown.

If anybody jetted onto this list from the minor league camp that started in late February, it’s Cauley. He’s wowed club officials with his hands and his footwork. He’s also got above average speed and an advanced “internal clock,” when it comes to approaching plays. He doesn’t get rushed.

What’s his future: He was drafted as a shortstop, but also made seven of his 23 starts in his first season at other infield positions. The Rangers love optimizing versatility with their infielders, so it wouldn’t be surprising if, at some point, he gets some outfield work like other high-profile infielders. But every infielder’s real future is driven by offensive contribution. His skinny frame suggests he won’t be a big-time power hitter. Last year, in 24 games in the Arizona Complex league, he had eight extra-base hits, but no homers on the way to a .255/.311/.383/.694 slash line.

Where he’ll start ‘22: He will likely go to Class A Down East.

Rangers’ top prospects

31. Chris Seise, SS

30. Trevor Hauver, OF-2B

29. Justin Slaten, RHP

28. Cody Bradford, LHP

27. Cameron Cauley, SS

26-1. Coming soon...

 

[saddles]

I was going to post this. Definitely some more order to all this could be good

I miss the days when the Rangers outworked everyone and came away with the best. Juan, Reuben and Pudge were great finds by an organization that outworked others.

 

[saddles]

More from Jeff Wilson's Farm Report yesterday.

Finishing rehab

Chris Seise: The tough-luck shortstop lasted about a week last season before tearing his ACL and undergoing season-ending knee surgery. He hasn’t cried uncle yet, and should be ready to DH in games early in the minor-league season. Shortstop should happen at some point later.

Ryan Garcia: Another high draft choice (second round, 2019) who has yet to pitch as a professional, Garcia has been sacked by injuries the past two seasons. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020 and dealt with repeated oblique injuries in 2021. He’s healthy, has been more proactive in the gym, and could be ready by late April.

Dane Acker: This right-hander isn’t as far along as Garcia following Tommy John surgery last spring, but he is in the midst of a throwing program and isn’t far from throwing off a mound. The hard-throwing native Texan could be ready to pitch in games by midseason.

 

[Kelleyman]

More from Jeff Wilson's Farm Report yesterday.

Finishing rehab

Chris Seise: The tough-luck shortstop lasted about a week last season before tearing his ACL and undergoing season-ending knee surgery. He hasn’t cried uncle yet, and should be ready to DH in games early in the minor-league season. Shortstop should happen at some point later.

Ryan Garcia: Another high draft choice (second round, 2019) who has yet to pitch as a professional, Garcia has been sacked by injuries the past two seasons. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2020 and dealt with repeated oblique injuries in 2021. He’s healthy, has been more proactive in the gym, and could be ready by late April.

Dane Acker: This right-hander isn’t as far along as Garcia following Tommy John surgery last spring, but he is in the midst of a throwing program and isn’t far from throwing off a mound. The hard-throwing native Texan could be ready to pitch in games by midseason.

A lot of hard luck here, this the need for multiple spots in the wings.
Maybe Seise can make a comeback