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Griever20 · 12-12-2018, 06:17 AM

Injury Free Rangers Announce Opening Day Roster
stadiumreport.bbn

April 1st, 2020

"Trimming down the roster to 25 was a hard task this year, especially with all the good, young pitching at our disposal," Max Gerlach told us on the press conference where they announced the Opening Day roster.

One victim could be a veteran here as LHRP Aaron Loup was waived and designated for assignment, however, this may not be permanent. "Likely scenario, if Loup does not get claimed, Jake Brentz may just eat the bullet and will get optioned down to AAA," an insider told us yesterday.

Without further chatter:

Your 2020 Texas Rangers:

Starting Pitching:

RHSP Albert Abreu(24, 1.5/3*, $545k) 5-6 4.92 16GS 82.1IP 69K 1.0WAR // 5-6 4.92 16GS 82.1IP 69K 1.0WAR (career)
Had some strong opposition in Alexy and Jurado in spring, but impressed with a 1.80ERA and therefore will get a shot on the opening day roster. Control is his biggest issue as he had a 4.5BB/9 last year, and little is going to change about that according to most scouts, just the stuff may get a bit better over time. Acquired from NYY in 2018/19 offseason.

RHSP Adbert Alzolay(25, 1.5/2.5*, $545k) 4-4 3.99 50K 11G/10GS 56.1IP 0.9WAR // 4-4 3.99 50K 11G/10GS 56.1IP 0.9WAR (career)
The next relatively unproven starter that got his first cup of coffee last year. Featuring a mid 90's heater with a good curveball, a decent cutter, and a work-in-progress changeup, he will also struggle with walks and extra-base hits a bit but there is some untapped potential here. Acquired from CHC at the 2019 trade deadline.

LHSP Justus Sheffield(23, 2/2.5*, $545K) 1-0 3.00 20K 6G/2GS 21IP 0.4WAR // 1-0 3.00 20K 6G/2GS 21IP 0.4WAR (career)
Above average stuff, low 90's heater, slider, and changeup, he needs to get some more control of his pitches, and some movement won't hurt... the story of this pitching staff. Another pretty unproven arm, Sheffield is the only lefty starter in this rotation. Acquired from NYY last offseason.

RHSP Jake J. Thompson(25, 2/3*, $545k) 7-10 5.71 112K 31GS 162.1IP 0.6WAR // 7-10 5.71 112K 31GS 162.1IP 0.6WAR (career)
The only starter that also was on the 2019 Opening Day roster, Thompson was a mixed bag... of **** last year and has not really developed a lot at the MLB level. Could still become a solid pitcher if he takes the step this season, and hopefully, our defensively more sound infield will help the groundball pitcher. Acquired from TBR in the 2018/19 offseason.

RHSP Cody Taylor(26, 2.5/3.5*, $545k) 5-1 2.65 54K 11G/9GS 51IP 1.7WAR // 5-1 2.65 54K 11G/9GS 51IP 1.7WAR (career)
Opening day starter and the big ticket this offseason. A groundball pitcher with a hard sinker and good breaking stuff, he needs to refine his curveball, movement, and control a little bit, but already is a solid arm that dominated in limited time with the Giants last year. Definitely an upgrade over last year's opening day starter Tyler Wagner. Acquired from SFG the last offseason.

Bullpen:

LHRP Jake Brentz(25, 2/2.5*, $545k) 1-3 4SV 5.56 9K 11.1IP (AA) // DNP (career)
This roster spot one is purely on scouting and coaching opinions, and Brentz may be down in AAA by the time the first series of 2020 is over. Loup is on waivers, and if he is not claimed, will refuse a demotion to AAA, and would be back up so... Anyways, Brentz should be able to hold his own with a strong fastball and a good curveball, but like most fireball relievers, lacks control. Claimed off waivers from STL in late 2019.

LHRP Kevin Chapman(32, 2.5*, $820k) 3-8 2SV 4.76 76K 72G 58.2IP 0.8WAR // 12-12 5SV 4.56 212K 207G 185.1IP 1.9WAR (career)
Uninspiring lefty that mostly relies on his very good slider, but lacks control and movement to become an elite reliever. Had a solid year in 2019 and picked up some slack late like the rest of the team. Relatively cheap with $820k. Claimed off waivers from MIL in early 2019.

RHRP Victor R. Diaz(25, 2.5/3*, $545k) 2-3 0SV 6.68 34K 32G 32.1IP 0.1WAR // 2-3 0SV 6.68 34K 32G 32.1IP 0.1WAR (career)
Diaz is another waiver claim that gets a shot with us here. Drafted as a starter, he still has three strong pitches at his disposal, a fastball(97-99 mph), a slider and a rare splitter, and he generates an above average amount of groundballs... good for him. There is some room for growth, even though he is a bit late for the party at almost 26-years of age. Claimed off waivers from CWS in late 2019.

RHRP Riley Ferrell(26, 3.5/4*, $545k) 6-1 1SV 3.83 99K 92G 91.2IP 1.5WAR // 8-1 2SV 3.71 156K 125G 135.2IP 2.3WAR (career)
Ferrell did a good job for us last year, but we overworked him quite a bit due to the fact that our rotation was horse****. Still, he held his own and posted a respectable ERA for a reliever pitching a lot at Globe Life Park. We are working to get the last bits of deception out of his slider, but he is already a top pitcher. Acquired from HOU in the 2018/19 offseason.

RHRP Frankie Montas(27, 4*, $545k) 4-7 0SV 5.22 139K 43G/23GS 112IP 0.2WAR // 5-10 0SV 5.55 195K 73G/22GS 159IP -0.4WAR (career)
An interesting arm for sure, Montas had a difficult time at his last three clubs and this may just be his last chance to start a career... and his chances are... well... he is an extreme flyball pitcher according to most scouts. The stuff is amazing, and we hope using him exclusively as a reliever instead of trying him out a 4IP starter like the other tetriple-digitp his mind. His triple digit fastball and his dirty slider could work out fine tho... Acquired from ARI in the last offseason.

RHRP Trevor Rosenthal(29, 4*, $2.6M) 4-1 0SV 3.65 62K 57G 49.1IP 0.2WAR // 15-25 121SV 3.08 497K 385G 374.1IP 6.9WAR (career)
Given the salary, this may just be a low risk, high reward signing in my opinion. A proven closer and 2015 NL All-Star, Rosenthal actually pushed for the closer's job with a 2.61ERA in spring. An extreme groundballer with 98-100 on the gun, only the control keeps him from being an absolute elite closer. Signed as a free agent last offseason.

LHRP Alex Claudio(28, 4*, $9.5M) 5-8 37SV 2.61 60K 72G 79.1IP 2.3WAR // 15-22 82SV 2.65 232K 283G/1GS 309.1IP 6.8WAR (career)
Texas want to rely on Claudio to give us another season of groundball magic to close out games. He does not throw hard at all, but the movement on his sinker and on his changeup is absolutely filthy.. and the ball also always lands where we want it to land. Got the benefit of the doubt over Rosenthal this spring. 2018 AL All-Star.

Catcher:

C Danny Jansen(24, 2/2.5*, $545k) .349/.414/.524 3HR 13RBI 20G 0.9WAR // .349/.414/.524 3HR 13RBI 22H 20G 0.9WAR (career)
A nice little pickup at the trade deadline in 2019, Jansen promptly injured himself, but still swung a hot bat when he was healthy. A decent defensive option that hit .320 at every minor league level, the Rangers just hope he will bat .270 to keep them in the plus column. Acquired from KCR at the 2019 trade deadline.

C Matt Whatley(24, 0.5/2*, $545k) .205/.269/.313 2HR 12RBI 25G -0.2WAR // .205/.269/.313 2HR 12RBI 17H 25G -0.2WAR (career)
Horrible hitter, decent defender. Enough said...

Infield:

1B Bobby Bradley(22,3*, $545k) .221/.286/.452 13HR 38RBI 56G/56GS -0.3WAR // .213/.271/.415 16HR 47RBI 64H 79G/77GS -0.9WAR (career)
Borrowed time. Bradley needs to perform this season as Willie Calhoun is waiting on the bench to get back out there and rake. 2019 was a lost season for Bradley due to injury, and while he showed some big power in September, he at least needs to get his OBP up to .330 to be a remotely valuable player in this day and age. Acquired from CLE in the 2018/19 offseason.

1B/LF Willie Calhoun(25, 1.5*, $545k) .306/.350/.486 17HR 77RBI 115G/104GS 1WAR // .306/.355/.476 2HR 92RBI 176H 167G 1.6WAR (career)
Calhoun had a great season after he was moved to first base, but the scouts keep on whispering... career year... career year... don't trust him. Truth is, Calhoun has a track record in majors and minors to hit .290 or above, and while his power and patience at the plate were at an all-time high last year, he is still a very useful first base/corner outfield utility guy at least.

2B Jorge Castellanos(23, 1/3*, $1M) DNP // DNP (career)
If Castellanos does not perform, Max Gerlach is going to be under pressure for sure. The Cuban defector hit .271/.390/.396 in spring but only stole 2 bases in the process. When fully developed, he should be a .280 hitter with a good amount of stolen bases, and could be a great double play partner for Lewis... but this is an IF.

3B Joey Gallo(26, 4*, $3.66M) .248/.346/.549 49HR 105RBI 16/19SB 158G/157GS 5.4WAR // .225/.340/.521 139HR 292RBI 390H 513G 11.2WAR (career)
Gallo set new career highs in batting average, slugging, home runs, RBI's, runs scored, and of course WAR last season, and signed an extension that will keep him around until the end of 2026 with 2027 being a team option. A popular dude in the clubhouse and with the fans, Gallo should be the main slugger for this team once again.

IF Thairo Estrada(24, 1/1.5*, $545k) .273/.327/.360 2HR 24RBI 74G/61GS -0.4WAR // .273/.327/.360 2HR 24RBI 74G/61GS -0.4WAR (career)
The 23-year old is a well-rounded defender, but the dream of him hitting for a decent average for his career may be exaggerated as most scouts slashed his contact ratings over the last season. Joe Girardi already announced that he won't return as the DH against LHP, so his playing time will be slashed down once more. Acquired from NYY in the 2018/19 offseason.

SS Royce Lewis(20, 2.5/4.5*, $8.81M) .242/.317/.347 8HR 47RBI 48/67SB 152G/150GS 1.7WAR // .242/.317/.347 8HR 47RBI 48/67SB 147H 152G/150GS 1.7WAR (career)
Royce Lewis is going into his second year at the MLB level, and already led the AL in stolen bases in 2019 with 48. He started hot but cooled down in the later stages of 2019, but still, his hitting has room for growth and many experts still think that he has the ceiling of being one of the best shortstops in the league. Acquired from MIN in the 2018/19 offseason.

Outfield:

LF Billy McKinney(25, 2.5/2.5*, $545k) .244/.318/.437 25HR 82RBI 157G/152GS 1.6WAR // .244/.318/.437 25HR 82RBI 142H 157G/152GS 1.6WAR (career)
McKinney certainly did not dominate, but still, 25 home runs, 1.6WAR and a Gold Glove in left mean that he got that job nailed down for 2020. His batting won't improve to a level where he also will compete for a Silver Slugger, but a .260 season with an OPS around .800 is in the cards for him in the future. Rule V draftee from NYY in 2018.

CF Julio Pablo Martinez(24, 2*, $545k) .260/.316/.394 11HR 64RBI 5/7SB 156G/156GS 0.9WAR // .256/.315/.402 18HR 89RBI 8/12SB 215H 236G/236GS 1.8WAR (career)
Playing his first full season, Martinez hit for a decent batting average, was first by a country mile in the triples leaderboard, and defended center field very fine. He will get some competition this year tho with Ricky Eusebio as the two will platoon this year, and while Martinez will get most of it, this may be a position where the Rangers could add a big player someday in the future.

OF Ricky Eusebio(26, 2/2.5*, $545k) .182/.270/.232 0HR 2RBI 9G/8GS -0.3WAR // .182/.270/.232 0HR 2RBI 6H 9G/8GS -0.3WAR (career)
Eusebio technically has won a World Series ring last year, but he still is hungry to become a more influential player on our roster. A great defender for all three outfield positions and a right-handed hitter that will platoon with Martinez, Martinez looks like a good pickup that helps with depth and production. Acquired from MIN in the last offseason

RF Nomar Mazara(24, 4/4.5*, $12M) .296/.373/.510 33HR 93RBI 161G/160GS 2.7WAR // .266/.335/.441 76HR 265RBI 484H 488G 4.4WAR (career)
Mazara repaid a lot of trust last year, batting just below .300 with 33 home runs, and with his permanent move to the DH slot, all his eyes will be on his hitting. Many scouts see a .300+ batting average for years to come in the future, as it is easy to forget that Mazara is only 24. Signed till the end of 2029, he is a cornerstone for Texas.

RF/DH Justin Williams(24, 3*, $545k) .301/.352/.523 20HR 69RBI 123G/117GS 1.8WAR // .301/.352/.523 20HR 69RBI 137H 123G/117GS 1.8WAR (career)
The big question last year was if Williams could turn his minor league performance into major league hitting, and the answer, for now, is yes. He will get a lot more exposure to left-handed pitching this year as the platoon at DH is off, and he is now the main right fielder, but if he is anywhere close to his 2019 numbers through 150 games, Williams will be a major contributor in 2020. Acquired from TBR in the 2018/19 offseason.

Preseason Prediction: 91-69, 2nd in AL West, first AL Wild Card team
With Nomar Mazara hitting .291-37-108 with an OPS of .910,
Justin Williams hitting -315/-352/-568 39HR and 124RBI's(how???).
I take this one with a grain of salt... with a whole salt mine, and aim for my owner's expectation, .500 ball.

We got some good talent into the rotation, improved our defense, added some small pieces to the lineup, and improved our challenged bullpen. But is that a 14 win swing?

12-12-2018, 06:17 AM	#30
Griever20 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Dortmund, Germany Posts: 3,727	2020 Opening Day Roster! Injury Free Rangers Announce Opening Day Roster stadiumreport.bbn April 1st, 2020 "Trimming down the roster to 25 was a hard task this year, especially with all the good, young pitching at our disposal," Max Gerlach told us on the press conference where they announced the Opening Day roster. One victim could be a veteran here as LHRP Aaron Loup was waived and designated for assignment, however, this may not be permanent. "Likely scenario, if Loup does not get claimed, Jake Brentz may just eat the bullet and will get optioned down to AAA," an insider told us yesterday. Without further chatter: Your 2020 Texas Rangers: Starting Pitching: RHSP Albert Abreu(24, 1.5/3, $545k) 5-6 4.92 16GS 82.1IP 69K 1.0WAR // 5-6 4.92 16GS 82.1IP 69K 1.0WAR (career) Had some strong opposition in Alexy* and Jurado in spring, but impressed with a 1.80ERA and therefore will get a shot on the opening day roster. Control is his biggest issue as he had a 4.5BB/9 last year, and little is going to change about that according to most scouts, just the stuff may get a bit better over time. Acquired from NYY in 2018/19 offseason. RHSP Adbert Alzolay(25, 1.5/2.5, $545k) 4-4 3.99 50K 11G/10GS 56.1IP 0.9WAR // 4-4 3.99 50K 11G/10GS 56.1IP 0.9WAR (career) The next relatively unproven starter that got his first cup of coffee last year. Featuring a mid 90's heater with a good curveball, a decent cutter, and a work-in-progress changeup, he will also struggle with walks and extra-base hits a bit but there is some untapped potential here. Acquired from CHC at the 2019 trade deadline. LHSP Justus Sheffield(23, 2/2.5, $545K) 1-0 3.00 20K 6G/2GS 21IP 0.4WAR // 1-0 3.00 20K 6G/2GS 21IP 0.4WAR (career) Above average stuff, low 90's heater, slider, and changeup, he needs to get some more control of his pitches, and some movement won't hurt... the story of this pitching staff. Another pretty unproven arm, Sheffield is the only lefty starter in this rotation. Acquired from NYY last offseason. RHSP Jake J. Thompson(25, 2/3, $545k) 7-10 5.71 112K 31GS 162.1IP 0.6WAR // 7-10 5.71 112K 31GS 162.1IP 0.6WAR (career) The only starter that also was on the 2019 Opening Day roster, Thompson* was a mixed bag... of ** last year and has not really developed a lot at the MLB level. Could still become a solid pitcher if he takes the step this season, and hopefully, our defensively more sound infield will help the groundball pitcher. Acquired from TBR in the 2018/19 offseason. RHSP Cody Taylor*(26, 2.5/3.5, $545k) 5-1 2.65 54K 11G/9GS 51IP 1.7WAR // 5-1 2.65 54K 11G/9GS 51IP 1.7WAR (career) Opening day starter and the big ticket this offseason. A groundball pitcher with a hard sinker and good breaking stuff, he needs to refine his curveball, movement, and control a little bit, but already is a solid arm that dominated in limited time with the Giants last year. Definitely an upgrade over last year's opening day starter Tyler Wagner. Acquired from SFG the last offseason. Bullpen: LHRP Jake Brentz(25, 2/2.5, $545k) 1-3 4SV 5.56 9K 11.1IP (AA) // DNP (career) This roster spot one is purely on scouting and coaching opinions, and Brentz* may be down in AAA by the time the first series of 2020 is over. Loup is on waivers, and if he is not claimed, will refuse a demotion to AAA, and would be back up so... Anyways, Brentz should be able to hold his own with a strong fastball and a good curveball, but like most fireball relievers, lacks control. Claimed off waivers from STL in late 2019. LHRP Kevin Chapman(32, 2.5, $820k) 3-8 2SV 4.76 76K 72G 58.2IP 0.8WAR // 12-12 5SV 4.56 212K 207G 185.1IP 1.9WAR (career) Uninspiring lefty that mostly relies on his very good slider, but lacks control and movement to become an elite reliever. Had a solid year in 2019 and picked up some slack late like the rest of the team. Relatively cheap with $820k. Claimed off waivers from MIL in early 2019. RHRP Victor R. Diaz(25, 2.5/3, $545k) 2-3 0SV 6.68 34K 32G 32.1IP 0.1WAR // 2-3 0SV 6.68 34K 32G 32.1IP 0.1WAR (career) Diaz is another waiver claim that gets a shot with us here. Drafted as a starter, he still has three strong pitches at his disposal, a fastball(97-99 mph), a slider and a rare splitter, and he generates an above average amount of groundballs... good for him. There is some room for growth, even though he is a bit late for the party at almost 26-years of age. Claimed off waivers from CWS in late 2019. RHRP Riley Ferrell(26, 3.5/4, $545k) 6-1 1SV 3.83 99K 92G 91.2IP 1.5WAR // 8-1 2SV 3.71 156K 125G 135.2IP 2.3WAR (career) Ferrell* did a good job for us last year, but we overworked him quite a bit due to the fact that our rotation was horse**. Still, he held his own and posted a respectable ERA for a reliever pitching a lot at Globe Life Park. We are working to get the last bits of deception out of his slider, but he is already a top pitcher. Acquired from HOU in the 2018/19 offseason. RHRP Frankie Montas*(27, 4, $545k) 4-7 0SV 5.22 139K 43G/23GS 112IP 0.2WAR // 5-10 0SV 5.55 195K 73G/22GS 159IP -0.4WAR (career) An interesting arm for sure, Montas had a difficult time at his last three clubs and this may just be his last chance to start a career... and his chances are... well... he is an extreme flyball pitcher according to most scouts. The stuff is amazing, and we hope using him exclusively as a reliever instead of trying him out a 4IP starter like the other tetriple-digitp his mind. His triple digit fastball and his dirty slider could work out fine tho... Acquired from ARI in the last offseason. RHRP Trevor Rosenthal(29, 4, $2.6M) 4-1 0SV 3.65 62K 57G 49.1IP 0.2WAR // 15-25 121SV 3.08 497K 385G 374.1IP 6.9WAR (career) Given the salary, this may just be a low risk, high reward signing in my opinion. A proven closer and 2015 NL All-Star, Rosenthal* actually pushed for the closer's job with a 2.61ERA in spring. An extreme groundballer with 98-100 on the gun, only the control keeps him from being an absolute elite closer. Signed as a free agent last offseason. LHRP Alex Claudio(28, 4, $9.5M) 5-8 37SV 2.61 60K 72G 79.1IP 2.3WAR // 15-22 82SV 2.65 232K 283G/1GS 309.1IP 6.8WAR (career) Texas* want to rely on Claudio to give us another season of groundball magic to close out games. He does not throw hard at all, but the movement on his sinker and on his changeup is absolutely filthy.. and the ball also always lands where we want it to land. Got the benefit of the doubt over Rosenthal this spring. 2018 AL All-Star. Catcher: C Danny Jansen(24, 2/2.5, $545k) .349/.414/.524 3HR 13RBI 20G 0.9WAR // .349/.414/.524 3HR 13RBI 22H 20G 0.9WAR (career) A nice little pickup at the trade deadline in 2019, Jansen* promptly injured himself, but still swung a hot bat when he was healthy. A decent defensive option that hit .320 at every minor league level, the Rangers just hope he will bat .270 to keep them in the plus column. Acquired from KCR at the 2019 trade deadline. C Matt Whatley(24, 0.5/2, $545k) .205/.269/.313 2HR 12RBI 25G -0.2WAR // .205/.269/.313 2HR 12RBI 17H 25G -0.2WAR (career) Horrible hitter, decent defender. Enough said... Infield:* 1B Bobby Bradley(22,3, $545k) .221/.286/.452 13HR 38RBI 56G/56GS -0.3WAR // .213/.271/.415 16HR 47RBI 64H 79G/77GS -0.9WAR (career) Borrowed time. Bradley* needs to perform this season as Willie Calhoun is waiting on the bench to get back out there and rake. 2019 was a lost season for Bradley due to injury, and while he showed some big power in September, he at least needs to get his OBP up to .330 to be a remotely valuable player in this day and age. Acquired from CLE in the 2018/19 offseason. 1B/LF Willie Calhoun(25, 1.5, $545k) .306/.350/.486 17HR 77RBI 115G/104GS 1WAR // .306/.355/.476 2HR 92RBI 176H 167G 1.6WAR (career) Calhoun* had a great season after he was moved to first base, but the scouts keep on whispering... career year... career year... don't trust him. Truth is, Calhoun has a track record in majors and minors to hit .290 or above, and while his power and patience at the plate were at an all-time high last year, he is still a very useful first base/corner outfield utility guy at least. 2B Jorge Castellanos(23, 1/3, $1M) DNP // DNP (career) If Castellanos* does not perform, Max Gerlach is going to be under pressure for sure. The Cuban defector hit .271/.390/.396 in spring but only stole 2 bases in the process. When fully developed, he should be a .280 hitter with a good amount of stolen bases, and could be a great double play partner for Lewis... but this is an IF. 3B Joey Gallo(26, 4, $3.66M) .248/.346/.549 49HR 105RBI 16/19SB 158G/157GS 5.4WAR // .225/.340/.521 139HR 292RBI 390H 513G 11.2WAR (career) Gallo* set new career highs in batting average, slugging, home runs, RBI's, runs scored, and of course WAR last season, and signed an extension that will keep him around until the end of 2026 with 2027 being a team option. A popular dude in the clubhouse and with the fans, Gallo should be the main slugger for this team once again. IF Thairo Estrada(24, 1/1.5, $545k) .273/.327/.360 2HR 24RBI 74G/61GS -0.4WAR // .273/.327/.360 2HR 24RBI 74G/61GS -0.4WAR (career) The 23-year old is a well-rounded defender, but the dream of him hitting for a decent average for his career may be exaggerated as most scouts slashed his contact ratings over the last season. Joe Girardi already announced that he won't return as the DH against LHP, so his playing time will be slashed down once more. Acquired from NYY in the 2018/19 offseason. SS Royce Lewis(20, 2.5/4.5, $8.81M) .242/.317/.347 8HR 47RBI 48/67SB 152G/150GS 1.7WAR // .242/.317/.347 8HR 47RBI 48/67SB 147H 152G/150GS 1.7WAR (career) Royce Lewis is going into his second year at the MLB level, and already led the AL in stolen bases in 2019 with 48. He started hot but cooled down in the later stages of 2019, but still, his hitting has room for growth and many experts still think that he has the ceiling of being one of the best shortstops in the league. Acquired from MIN in the 2018/19 offseason. Outfield: LF Billy McKinney(25, 2.5/2.5, $545k) .244/.318/.437 25HR 82RBI 157G/152GS 1.6WAR // .244/.318/.437 25HR 82RBI 142H 157G/152GS 1.6WAR (career) McKinney* certainly did not dominate, but still, 25 home runs, 1.6WAR and a Gold Glove in left mean that he got that job nailed down for 2020. His batting won't improve to a level where he also will compete for a Silver Slugger, but a .260 season with an OPS around .800 is in the cards for him in the future. Rule V draftee from NYY in 2018. CF Julio Pablo Martinez(24, 2, $545k) .260/.316/.394 11HR 64RBI 5/7SB 156G/156GS 0.9WAR // .256/.315/.402 18HR 89RBI 8/12SB 215H 236G/236GS 1.8WAR (career) Playing his first full season, Martinez* hit for a decent batting average, was first by a country mile in the triples leaderboard, and defended center field very fine. He will get some competition this year tho with Ricky Eusebio as the two will platoon this year, and while Martinez will get most of it, this may be a position where the Rangers could add a big player someday in the future. OF Ricky Eusebio(26, 2/2.5, $545k) .182/.270/.232 0HR 2RBI 9G/8GS -0.3WAR // .182/.270/.232 0HR 2RBI 6H 9G/8GS -0.3WAR (career) Eusebio* technically has won a World Series ring last year, but he still is hungry to become a more influential player on our roster. A great defender for all three outfield positions and a right-handed hitter that will platoon with Martinez, Martinez looks like a good pickup that helps with depth and production. Acquired from MIN in the last offseason RF Nomar Mazara(24, 4/4.5, $12M) .296/.373/.510 33HR 93RBI 161G/160GS 2.7WAR // .266/.335/.441 76HR 265RBI 484H 488G 4.4WAR (career) Mazara* repaid a lot of trust last year, batting just below .300 with 33 home runs, and with his permanent move to the DH slot, all his eyes will be on his hitting. Many scouts see a .300+ batting average for years to come in the future, as it is easy to forget that Mazara is only 24. Signed till the end of 2029, he is a cornerstone for Texas. RF/DH Justin Williams(24, 3, $545k) .301/.352/.523 20HR 69RBI 123G/117GS 1.8WAR // .301/.352/.523 20HR 69RBI 137H 123G/117GS 1.8WAR (career) The big question last year was if Williams* could turn his minor league performance into major league hitting, and the answer, for now, is yes. He will get a lot more exposure to left-handed pitching this year as the platoon at DH is off, and he is now the main right fielder, but if he is anywhere close to his 2019 numbers through 150 games, Williams will be a major contributor in 2020. Acquired from TBR in the 2018/19 offseason. Preseason Prediction: 91-69, 2nd in AL West, first AL Wild Card team With Nomar Mazara hitting .291-37-108 with an OPS of .910, Justin Williams hitting -315/-352/-568 39HR and 124RBI's(how???). I take this one with a grain of salt... with a whole salt mine, and aim for my owner's expectation, .500 ball. We got some good talent into the rotation, improved our defense, added some small pieces to the lineup, and improved our challenged bullpen. But is that a 14 win swing? __________________ The Montreal Expos... Exposing the New MLB? MLB 2015 - Being the Brewmaster(ended) MLB 2013: The Blue Jays That Never Were(concluded)