Unattainable Minka Kelly The minor league season is in full swing, post-MLB Draft. The Rangers have signed 22 of their 51 draft picks (by my count ... which is less-than-official), seven of the top 11 and 14 of the top 21 picks.
Also, Scott Feldman, Brandon Webb, Eric Hurley, Leonys Martin and Darren O'Day are all amid their respective rehab assignments. Webb and Hurley are far from close. O'Day is really close and Feldman is probably ready in a pinch.
Joe Wieland was finally bumped to Double A-Frisco.
Enough of that. The Spokane Indians started their season, so let's take a look at who's on the roster.
Guillermo Pimentel
The outfield prospect was the Rangers' major coup in Latin American signings a few years back. Spent most of 2010 in Low-A Hickory and struggled. Probably why he's back in the Northwest again to start this season. Ripping it up, so far. Posting a .387 average and seeming more patient with six walks and seven strikeouts in 31 at-bats, a ratio more in tune with progress.
Zach Cone
The compensatory round pick for the Rangers a couple of years ago. Considered a reach, although he is hitting .357 in the early goings. Currently, taking advantage of lefties at a .625 clip.
Rougned Odor
Odor is become a name of great interest. He's a 17-year-old shortstop prospect getting high praise already and his last name isn't "Sardinas," "Profar" or "Andrus." Right now, he's hitting .325 with a triple, home run and three stolen bases. As raw as a 17-year-old professional baseball player should be.
Ruben Sierra
Entering his third professional season hitting .313 as things have started up. Already posted a five-RBI game. Time will tell. Has struck out 14 times and walked none.
Jorge Alfaro
In 2018, I would bet the Rangers would love Alfaro, Sierra and Odor up the middle in Arlington. Or something like it. Alfaro's 18 and is still maturing. He's projected to be a solid catcher with a really good arm. He's tall (6-2) and considered very athletic. He's projected to have plus-power at the plate. Right now in Spokane, hitting .212 with a triple and homer.
Juan Grullon
Nothing special, just funny that he's 3-0 in four relief appearances. Posting a 0.00 ERA.
David Perez
Considered by most as the Rangers' most promising prospect in the lower levels of the system. Has 14 strikeouts and two walks in eight Spokane innings.
Will Lamb
The Rangers' second-round pick has struck out three in his first two professional innings. Three hits, too.
Matt West/Leonel de los Santos
De los Santos is a 5-10, 21-year-old Dominican righty. West is a 6-1 righty 22-year-old kid from Houston. Both are significant -- in a way -- because both are transitioning from an infield position to pitching. De los Santos was a catcher with a bazooka arm and West was a high draft pick several years ago out of high school, who was busted for steroids early on and couldn't hit (or field, so it seems). Early on, West is having a better go of it striking out six and walking no one. Both are interesting projects.
