The Texas Rangers own Latin America

Ronald Guzman: Mo' money, mo' problems

July 2 started the international signing period for Major League Baseball. Meaning, those studs in Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Mexico and the Far East can be signed by clubs.

The Rangers have absolutely knocked their international signings out of the park. From Guillermo Pimentel, David Perez, Jurickson Profar to Luis Salinas, Jorge Alfaro, Rougned Odor and Martin Perez, the restructuring of the Rangers as a first-class organization stemmed from this team's ability to go into Latin America and come out with some world-class athletes.

July 2, 2011 was no different.

The Rangers threw $5 million at 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Nomar Mazara, which eclipses the $4.25 million the Oakland Athletics gave Michael Ynoa several years ago. At the time, it seemed like an astronomical amount.

The Rangers also nabbed 16-year-old left fielder Ronald Guzman. He's from the Dominican Republic too. In the last three months alone, the Rangers have completely remade their minor league outfield situation. Adding Leonys Martin in addition to taking 11 outfielders in the 2011 Draft and, now, Guzman and Mazara changes everything. Once a point of weakness is now a strength.

Scouts and pundits are raving. Although the money is high, most see little difference in drafting above-slot guys who have just as much chances of making the bigs as these Latin American kids. Instead, the Rangers make reaches in the draft, take solid guys in the middle rounds and blow their load on the international market.

These kids could potentially be stateside in the next year or two playing professional baseball, whilst high school kids could very well opt for college. Already in Low-A Spokane, Alfaro, Odor, Pimentel and D. Perez are making a difference. M. Perez is barely in his 20s in Double A and Elvis Andrus made his MLB debut at 19.

The ceilings are just as high -- as are the price tags -- but there's a possibility of a quicker rise due to the way the Rangers push their prospects.

Rangers take weekend series loss to do some scouting, apparently

Charles Beltran, Esq.

The Texas Rangers lost a series to the New York Mets.

And, yes, the umpires did screw them. Royally. I hate blaming officials for everything, but that was atrocious. You shouldn't have to make that pitch when you've already made it.

Moving on.

Some good did come out of that. Other than Lucas Duda's slugging percentage, the Rangers were eyeing outfielder Carlos Beltran and reliever Francisco Rodriguez.

Rodriguez pitched once -- Sunday -- over the weekend and was roughed up for two runs. He's got a 3.65 ERA and a .271 BAA. Still, he's converted 20 saves and struck a batter out per inning. And, he beats up his father-in-law. Cheerful!

Beltran's been the bane of the New York Mets faithful (outside of Bernie Madoff, of course) since signing that seven-year, $119 million deal in 2005. He hasn't played 100 games in two years. He's having a fine year now batting .278 with 49 RBI (five against the Rangers).

This is Beltran's final year of that contract and Mets are in semi-retreat already double-digit games out of the division lead, which is going to go to the Philadelphia Phillies, sooner or later.

Rodriguez is just 29, but he's been beaten up (so to speak) on the field and off. He's in the final year of a three-year, $37 million deal with a team option for 2012 totaling ... wait for it ... $17.5 million (!!!), which automatically vests if Rodriguez "finishes" 100 games between 2010-11 or 55 games in 2011 (there is a $3.5 million buyout). By "finished," I assume they mean saved. With 55 saves this season and the unliklihood of him getting 55 this year, that year won't vest.

Rodriguez would go into the eighth or ninth inning role, depending on Neftali Feliz' ability to get outs. He's be a big, ballsy arm in the bullpen, exactly what the Rangers need.

Beltran, I would assume, would be the everyday centerfielder with Josh Hamilton in left and Nelson Cruz in right. This leaves Dave Murphy, Julio Borbon, Craig Gentry and Endy Chavez on the bench or stuck in the minors. Beltran's also a handy switch hitter, although he's better from the left side of the plate. That's a lot of tools in the outfield if this should come down.

Love the Rangers being in the rumor mill. It's quality stuff.

Minor Threat 6.0: The Spokane Indians

Unattainable Minka Kelly

A somewhat weekly look at the Texas Rangers farm system. And an unattainable female.

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.

Rangers ink top picks

Will. i. Lamb

No waiting around until August for the Texas Rangers' top picks.

I guess it's a perk of picking so late in the first round. And also picking guys most weren't going to take in the first around.

The Rangers signed first rounder Kevin Matthews for $936K and compensatory pick Zach Cone for $873K.

The Rangers have signed 17 of their 51 picks. This comes a day after signing second rounder Will Lamb. The Rangers have, obviously, signed their top three picks and six of their top 11.

Matthews is going to Arizona. Cone is going to Spokane. I assume Lamb will go there too.

Minor Threat 5.0

I've become a huge Blake Lively fan. Huge.

A sometimes weekly look -- when I want, basically -- at the Texas Rangers' farm system. A glance, really.

Sadness. Mike Olt has a broken clavicle, which is really put a damper on my minor league boner I had going on. In addition, Leonys Martin -- the starting centerfielder for the 2012 Texas Rangers -- is out with back issues.

Also, the Rangers have signed 14 of their 51 draft picks, including eighth-rounder Kyle Hendricks.

Still we trudge on.

Round Rock Express
Joey Butler, the 25-year-old outfielder, is hitting .331 with four triples and nine doubles.

Chad Tracy is absolutely killing it. He's got 58 RBI with 13 homers and 14 doubles. Average at .281. He has a career 135 doubles in the minors. I wonder if he'll ever get a shot?

Zachary Phillips has strung together 5.2 straight scoreless innings. Having a miserable year, however.

I thought it'd be funny if Luis Cruz drugged Nelson Cruz and took the call-up. He's got 13 doubles and seven home runs.

Cody Eppley has a 1.04 ERA on his trek back to Arlington.

Julio Borbon's hitting .226 in his most recent stay in Triple A.

Speaking of ruined confidence, Pedro Strop's got a 5.51 ERA in the minors. Still has 23 strikeouts in 16 innings.

Frisco RoughRiders
Jon Greene has a .301 average and 18 doubles. By a mile, his best year in a while. Just doesn't have a position.

Whatever step forward Engel Beltre took a year ago, he's taken two steps back. His K/BB ratio is out of whack and his average is below the Mendoza line.

Soft-tossing Dick Bleier has allowed just two homers and four walks in 39 innings. Opponents are hitting .307 off of him. He also has a 2:1 groundball/flyball ratio.

Tommy Mendonca would be perfect if he didn't have 70 strikeouts. Hitting .315 and 30 extra-base hits.

If you want a name for the Rangers bullpen in 2011 or 2012: Tyler Tufts. For his career, 193 innings and 162 strikeouts.

Carlos Pimental, by the month: 6.11 ERA (April), 4.31 (May) and 1.93 (June, so far).

Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Joe Wieland has a ridiculous four (4!!) walks in 78 (seventy-eight!!) innings. Here are totals for Pelican players that are more than Wieland's walk total:

18
Errors by Leury Garcia. Five Pelicans have five or more errors.

5
Walks by Robbie Erlin, when he was a Pelican. He's now a Frisco RoughRider.

5
Wild pitches by Barret Loux.

5
Saves from converted infielder Johan Yan.

6
Triples by Ryan Strausborger.

7
Wins by Robbie Ross.

8
Doubles by Zach Zaneski.

6
Home runs allowed by Joe Wieland. Thankfully, a lot of them are solo.

Hickory Crawdads
Jake Skole over his last 10: .324/.422/.514 - 13 runs - 10 RBI - 7 walks - 6 strikeouts.

Tomas Telis is hitting .310. He's hit everywhere he's been, but never above low-A. Still doesn't walk (11) but doesn't strikeout either (15).

Nick Tepesch has a 44:13 K/BB ratio.

Watch out for Jorge Marban: .145 BAA in 18 innings of relief.

Odubel Herrera, by the month: .329 (April), .176 (May) and .410 (June). Add on 14 doubles and 17 stolen bases.

Ryan Rodebaugh has a gaudy 0.50 ERA and a .181 BAA.

As a starter, Cody Buckel has a 1.64 ERA and his BAA is 60 points lower than as a reliever.

A loss in 23 innings

Dog days

The Texas Rangers' high-A affiliate, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (owned by Chuck Greenberg) lost in fantastic fashion yesterday to the Kinston Indians, 3-2.

It was fantastic because it took 23 innings.

In games like these, you always get some cool numbers. Here are 11:

11
At-bats for Kinston second baseman Casey Frawley. He had two hits, an RBI and six strikeouts.

32
Strikeouts by Myrtle Beach pitchers. Joe Wieland struck out nine in six innings. Eight others came from Chad Bell in five innings of relief.

3
Hits for Pelican leftfielder David Paisano, in nine at-bats.

2
Hits off of Kasey Kiker, the losing pitcher. He got two outs.

14
Straight scoreless innings for the Pelicans going into today's game.

26
Total hits by both teams. In a regularly played game, that's like both teams totaling 12 hits.

387
Minutes of minor-league baseball.

0
Stolen bases by the Pelicans. They were caught once. Meanwhile, the Indians stole seven bases. In 23 innings, you'd think you'd get one stolen base, or try a lot. Press things and make the opponent make a mistake.

0.78
The Indians' team ERA for the game. Two runs allowed in two-and-half games.

15
Total pitchers used.

4
Walks issued by Wieland in 78 innings this year.

Rangers take two

Cone catch: Yeah, he doesn't look athletic at all

The Texas Rangers took two in the opening round of the MLB Amateur Draft last night.

Here are their stories:

Kevin Matthews
LHP - Richmond Hill High School
Jason Parks tweeted last night that one scout called Matthews "a more athletic Erlin," referring to Robbie Erlin currently mowing down hitters in Double A-Frisco. He is a smallish lefty (5-11) not unlike Erlin or Martin Perez. He's a high school kid and signability might be an issue. It turned out it wasn't with Luke Jackson year ago and if the Rangers hadn't lowballed Matt Purke, it would not have been different in 2009. Matthews is committed to the University of Virginia, but we all know how that goes.

Zach Cone
OF - Georgia
The Rangers went to the Bulldog well twice in the 2010 draft taking hurlers Justin Earls and Justin Grimm. Considered a pretty easy sign. A good athlete in the outfield, but his ability to hit is questioned quite a bit. Based solely on his frame and everything I've read, he reminds me of a young Marlon Byrd. Supposed good bat speed, but major issues at the plate. Considered a centerfield prospect for a team with a ton of centerfield prospects. No relation to David.

Notes from the bullpen underground

Big Game, in Round Rock

The Texas Rangers beat the Cleveland Indians last night, 7-4. A notable performance. Any time you win a Dave Bush start, it's a good thing. The Rangers have won four of five and are 2-0 in June.

The bullpen was fantastic. Bush allowed three runs and finished four innings. Mike Kirkman continued his excellence going three innings, striking out four and allowing a hit (a home run, no less). Since getting called up, Kirkman's allowed two hits and one run in 5.2 innings.

Mark Lowe followed up a sloppy Darren Oliver third-inning getting two outs with two runners on. He threw seven pitches. All strikes. He's getting better. He's allowed one run in last 10 outings.

Then Neftali Feliz put together his second straight good outing (questionable as to whether he should've been out there) finally striking someone out and working a harmless ninth.

****
Brandon Webb -- who was rehabbing at Frisco -- was shut down yesterday after reporting shoulder soreness. He'll not pitch for another week. I'd be shocked if we see him in 2011, if at all.

****
The Rangers were forced to let Yhancy Brazoban go from their Triple A club. So, they went out and signed Manny Delcarmen off waivers.

Love it. Delcarmen was once very good. In 2007, he pitched 44 innings, striking out 41 and posting a 2.05 ERA. He pitched in 74 innings the next year and posted a 3.27 ERA with a strikeout per frame. He'll be in Arlington, sooner or later.

****
Tommy Hunter is starting his rehab in Round Rock, allegedly still a month away. I will say this about Webb and Hunter: If the Rangers rotation sucked, would they be where they are at? Would the Rangers push them a bit harder and bring them along quicker if Alexi Ogando or Matt Harrison were fumbling around?

****
Mason Tobin had Tommy John surgery for the 1,000th time in his life. And Tanner Scheppers is throwing baseballs again.

Minor Threat 4.0: The MLB Draft

Bar Rafaeli

The somewhat weekly look at the Texas Rangers farm system is being bumped for a look at the Rangers' 2010 draft class, considering the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft is June 6-8. And a girl.
Before this year's draft, consider this: The Rangers wound up signing Texas A&M's Barret Loux after he was released by the Arizona Diamondbacks last September due to health issues (sounds like there was a lot more going on if you read into it). He became a free agent.

Remember, Loux was the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. Maybe he's damaged goods, but he's also a supreme talent coming out of college and a top 10 overall pick. It was as if the Rangers drafted Loux, Jake Skole, Kellin Deglan, Luke Jackson and Mike Olt in the first/compensatory rounds last year. Hell of a pick-up.

Here's a look at where some of the 2010 Ranger's class is today. The Rangers wound up inking 33 of 53 picks; however, I do not know how many are still actually with the club.

1. Jake Skole
OF - Hickory Crawdads
The 19-year-old is not hitting particularly well (.244), but he does have his days. He also has a decent walk rate, which has boosted his on-base percentage (.346). He's shown very little power and strikes out a lot (more than one per game). We'll see.

1. Kellin Deglan
C - Hickory Crawdads
I have read nothing on Deglan, so I don't know why he's played in just 30 games (injury, instruction). Oddly, he's still hit five doubles and driven in 18 runs, which seems like a lot for guy who has barely played (incidentally, both are more than Skole, who has 70 more at-bats and 16 more games).

CA. Luke Jackson
SP - Hickory Crawdads
Semi-surprised to see the kid (19) at Low-A Hickory this early in the year. He's made three starts and the stats don't look good, but he hasn't been nearly that bad for a guy making his professional debut.

CA. Mike Olt
3B - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Absolutely nothing to hate here. Already considered a guy who will be an everyday third baseman in the bigs. He hits for power (nine home runs, 12 doubles), hits for decent average (.287) and walks a shitload (.401 OBP). Quite literally, you could not have made a more decent pick here.

2. Cody Buckel
RP - Hickory Crawdads
Posts a 26:6 K/BB ratio and a 2.45 ERA mostly as a reliever and starting three games.

4. Justin Grimm
SP - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Just got a bump to High-A after posting a 3:1 K/BB ratio and a 3.40 ERA in Hickory. A possible fast riser after going to Georgia and having quite the build already (6-3, 175).

9. Zach Osborne
RP - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Also got a bump this season already. Allowed a meager .176 BAA and 18 strikeouts to two walks in Low-A. At Myrtle Beach, he's had two bad outings accounting for all eight runs allowed. In the other nine innings: 0 runs, 5 hits, 9 strikeouts. At 6-5, he's a big arm.

10. Jared Hoying
OF - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
After ripping Low-A Spokane to bits last season (.325, 28 extra-base hits, 51 RBI) he got the call to High-A this year and was an early pick to click for me. The strikeouts are still a huge issue, although he's walking more. The power is still there (five homers, eight doubles). Still a lot to like, just not at the pace I thought.

12. Josh Richmond
OF - Hickory Crawdads
I mention Richmond because he looks like Edgar Winter and he's hitting a mild .256 with 15 doubles and five home runs. He has 45 total hits, 21 are for extra bases.

15. Ryan Rodebaugh
RP - Hickory Crawdads
Guess who won't be in Low-A much longer. Rodebaugh's been brilliant out of the bullpen. The lefty has posted a .186 BAA and he's struck out 34 in 29 innings.

16. Ryan Strausborger
OF - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Leads the Pelicans in runs, hits, doubles and stolen bases. Hitting .290 to boot. On the same team as Mike Olt.

21. Joe Van Meter
RP - Hickory Crawdads
Hoping he makes it to the Majors with "heater."

41. Colby Killian
RP - Hickory Crawdads
Notable because he's giving you quality relief innings from a very late pick. Posts a strikeout per frame and also totes a 2:1 groundball/flyout ratio.

Where are all these people going to go?

Tanner Scheppers: Bullish

A couple of seasons ago, a change came over the Texas Rangers.

Suddenly, a ripe farm system bloomed. Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Julio Borbon, Matt Harrison, Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter all made their MLB debut within a year or so of each other.

There's a significant circumstance here: The Rangers had holes. Meaning, the Rangers could promote Andrus because they didn't have a third baseman and Mike Young was pushed over. There wasn't anyone in the rotation that was either A) injured; B) ineffective; or C) wholly missing.

So it worked out. It made sense.

I have a feeling, however, that within the next calendar year or so, the Rangers will need to made a number of hard decisions (some of which may backfire). It might result in some hard trades. It might result in some guys walking. Bottomline: There will be change.

This might start in the next two weeks and there might not be convenient excuses (injuries, ineffectiveness, free agency) in place to allow these changes.

Scott Feldman/Brandon Webb/Tommy Hunter
Feldman's n Triple A and not doing great. Still, he's pitched three games since missing most of last year and starting rehab in the last three weeks. No doubt he rolls into the bullpen, probably in Dave Bush's role once he's ready. Webb pitched in a game for the first time in two years yesterday. His fastball hit 84 and his control was questionable. He might never pitch for the Rangers. He might be ready in July. Who knows? Still, where does he go? You can't touch four-fifths of your rotation. The bullpen seems relatively settled. As for Hunter, see above. A starter who doesn't have a place and could be ready by July, too. Thing with Hunter is that he was a closer at Alabama in college and you wonder if he'd be switched around. Because you could use a big right arm with the absence of Alexi Ogando.

Julio Borbon/Leonys Martin
Right now, you can't send Endy Chavez back down. And you can't have your bench outfield bat be another lefty (Craig Gentry is right handed). Doesn't matter. Martin is your starting centerfielder next season. I suspect he'll be in Arlington in September anyway. He's bashing Double A pitching (.353/.438/.588) and his defense is MLB-ready.

Cody Eppley/Mark Hamburger/Tanner Scheppers
Eppley's going to be here sooner or later. No room in the bullpen ... right now. Outside of Eppley and Pedro Strop, Hamburger might be the next bullpen arm in the Majors. He's at Round Rock and can not go anywhere but up. Scheppers is the heir apparent to the closer's role. If he can get healthy. Then again, if he's your closer and Neftali Feliz is moved to the rotation where do Webb/Hunter/Feldman/Holland go?

Neil Ramirez
Made a spot start in Round Rock. And hasn't left. He hadn't pitched in nothing over Low-A ball before this season, so because he's holding his own in Triple A is promising. At worst, he should be at Frisco. September call-up? A potential 2012 bullpen arm? Trade chip?

Martin Perez
A lot to improve upon. Walks are high. But he's being stretched out and his pitch counts are higher than they have before. At 20, no need to rush. But it's foolish to not think he wouldn't be a call-up candidate in 2012 with the idea of him being in the rotation by 2013.

Robbie Erlin
Erlin is a lot like Perez: A 20-year-old starter in Double A. A smallish (6-0) lefty that is tearing up the minors. Double A will be a challenge worth watching. He's flew through the system and, like Perez, is someone to watch for next mid-season and for 2013.

Joe Wieland
A big righty sitting and dominating at High-A right now. At first opportunity, he'll be in Double A. He's gotten better year after year. He's struck out 70 and walked three. Yikes. A similar route to Erlin, both being names to watch for September 2012 and Spring Training 2013.

Notable Omissions
Miguel De Los Santos, Chris Davis, Eric Hurley, Omar Beltre, Pedro Strop, Zach Phillips, Darren O'Day, Fabio Castillo.

Minor Threat 3.0

Nothing says on-base percentage like Sarah Marshall

A semi-weekly look at the Texas Rangers' farm system. And typically a photo of some hot, unattainable woman.

Round Rock Express

Michael Kirkman's been moved to the bullpen. His ERA is 5.35 overall, but 0.00 in relief. He's struck out seven in 4.2 relief innings.

Despite some on-again, off-again control issues, Neil Ramirez is battling. He's got 48 Ks in 43 innings and a .235 BAA. He's also allowed just two home runs.

If you want a name to watch, try Hamburger. Mark Hamburger, that is. He's 24 and had in the Eddie Guardado trade with Minnesota a few years back. He's got a good fastball and is five games into his Triple A experience. His last appearance was a clean inning with two strikeouts.

Scott Feldman's allowed seven runs in 11.2 innings.

Frisco RoughRiders

Jose Ruiz, 26, is hitting .323 with eight doubles and four home runs. And he might become a pretty good linebacker for the Cowboys (6-3, 235).

There's a hundred things to love about Leonys Martin. No. 54: 11 RBI in 13 games. From the lead-off spot.

Reliever Tyler Tufts has walked two in 20 innings this year. He's walked 36 in about 185 minor-league innings.

Martin Perez has allowed two earned runs in last four starts, 26 innings.

Mike Bianucci, Jon Greene and Tommy Mendonca have struck out a combined 147 times this season.

Jacob Brigham has a 4.56 ERA despite just a .225 BAA. He's averaging a strikeout per frame.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Ryan Strausborger has quite the line: 32 runs, 27 RBI, 13 doubles, four triples, five home
runs and 15 steals. Productive.

Rob Erlin and Joe Wieland are wonders. They've allowed more home runs (10) than walks (8). They've combined for 123 strikeouts and WHIPs of 0.55 and 0.88, respectively. UPDATE: Erlin's been promoted to Frisco!

Kasey Kiker's walked 20 batters.

And if that weren't enough, Barrett Loux and Robbie Ross are 9-4 having allowed one home run 97.2 innings. They've combined for 95 strikeouts.

Jared Hoying and Mike Olt have combined for 80 strikeouts and 50 walks.

Take out Zach Osborne's one bad game, he's allowed no runs and five hits in seven games, striking out nine.

Joe Ortiz has a 1.66 ERA in relif. Trevor Hurley's at 1.93.

Hickory Crawdads

Josh Richmond is hitting .270. He also has 14 doubles and five RBI.

Luke Jackson made his debut this week. He followed a so-so first start (4 IP, 4 hits, 4 runs, 4 Ks) with a sloppy -- but scoreless -- second start.

Jurickson Profar is getting better and better. Hitting .452 in last 10 games. Average is up to .274, but this on-base percentage is a ridiculous .401 thanks to 23 walks compared to 20 strikeouts.

Jacob Skole also is gettin better. The power is not there, if it exists at all, but he's hitting .313 in last 10 and he has a very healthy walk rate. And he's extremely signable.

Jorge Marban has 17 Ks in 12 innings. Opponents are hitting .119 off him.

Colby Killian keeps the ball low. No home runs allowed and he has a 2.50 ground out/flyball ratio. Averaging more than a strikeout per frame.

Matt Thompson having a much more sane year. ERA down to 3.26 and his BAA is .228.

Tomas Telis is co-leader in hits on the team with 46.

Turning Japanese

Yoshinori or can we call you 'Yoshi'?

It's somewhat official: Josh Hamilton and Nellie Cruz are Rangers again and Taylor Teagarden is going back to Round Rock. Still, another move will need to be made.

Furthermore, Cody Eppley is going back to Round Rock to round back into form and make another run in the bullpen later this season.

Coming up: Yoshinori Tateyama.

For one, I don't like sending Eppley down. I think he was put in some high-pressure situations and he wasn't just fantastic in those spots. Then he'd sit for days at a time and come back in. Eppley will be back soon.

The Rangers signed Tateyama in November to a one-year deal along with a club option for 2012. He's 35 and a Japanese import. As much work as the Rangers' scouting department's put into the Pacific Rim, they've had minimal success in the Majors.

The initial scouting report is good. Early returns in Round Rock are excellent:

21 IP - 2.14 ERA - 1.00 WHIP - 26 Ks - 4 BBs.

The Rangers have potential bullpen help in the minors. All you really need is for one or two to work out. Maybe Tateyama is there.

One rough night

Leonys Martin: Get used to that face, you'll be seeing it soon

It was indeed a very poor night for Dallas-Fort Worth sports fans. The Rangers blew another game. The Mavericks forgot to play defense.

Naturally, I was at the Frisco RoughRiders game against the Midland RockHounds. The home team won, 7-4.

Here are some thoughts as I astutely scout the Rangers' farm system:

1. It was nice of Chris Mobley to throw batting practice for the RockHounds. Oh. Wait a sec. He was actually pitching.

2. Oakland's farm system sucks. Granted, most of their talented kids are in the Majors. Still, I took a glance at Baseball America's top 100 prospects and they had two: No. 63 Grant Green and No. 91 Chris Carter. Green's on the RockHound's roster. He did not play.

3. I was interested in seeing Fabio Castillo and Adalberto Flores in action. Luckily, Mobley sucked so badly I got that chance. Flores worked three scoreless innings. He's listed at 6-7, but I was at field level and he did not look 6-7. He also doesn't throw like a giant. With no official (or accurate) radar gun reading, I suspect his fastball was going in the low 90s. He was a tad wild at first. Failed to really locate his mid-70s curve until his final two frames. By then, he was cruising. Castillo went two scoreless. He's on the Rangers' 40-man roster, so there's a more than zero percent chance we'll see him in Arlington this year. He has not been very good this year; in fact, last night was probably one of his better outings.

4. Leonys Martin will be the Rangers' centerfielder in 2012. Book it. In the second inning as the RockHounds batted around, Martin prevented a run on a hit. Took the ball in the mid-outfield area and simple rocketed a strike to home with no bounce. It was more of a strike than anything Mobley had. Later, the RockHounds set a couple of pitches on a ride and Martin tracked them down in the outfield. In one night, he showed just how good he is in the outfield. Nothing against Julio Borbon, but Martin exceeds him in every way.

5. With Engel Beltre, the Rangers may have two of the best defensive centerfielders in baseball. You wonder if both will still be in the system at year's end.

6. Josh Hamilton looks put out by rehabbing.

7. Tommy Mendonca has seven walks all year. I saw two of them last night.

8. Sad I missed Mike Bianucci and a decent starter.

Minor Threat 2.0

This female is hot, or so I've been told

A somewhat weekly look at the Texas Rangers farm system, from afar and with obvious bias.

Round Rock Express
Thirty-year-old utility infielder Brian Barden is hitting .379 with 23 runs and runs batted in. He's an injury away from a call up.

Another 30-year-old infielder, Omar Quintanilla, has come off his 50-game drug suspension bashing. Hitting .429 with hits in all six games. Four of those were multi-hit.

Zach Phillips is having his worst year in three seasons. ERA's up to 6.53 and his control is off.

Neil Ramirez is seven starts into his Triple-A experience and despite his highs and lows, he's striking out a batter per frame. He leads Round Rock in strikeouts.

Japanese import Yoshinori Tateyama has walked three batters in 19 innings. He's struck out 23.

Frisco RoughRiders
Leonys Martin has zero problem with American baseball. In his first weekend, he had a homer, two doubles, six RBI, two stolen bases and a couple of notable outfield plays. He's hitting .316. If he continues, he'll be in Arlington in September.

Carlos Pimentel's gotten better allowing three runs in his last two starts (spanning 12.2 innings).

Twenty-one of Renny Osuna's hits are singles.

Tyler Tuft's career: 148 strikeouts, 36 walks.

Do you take Tommy Mendonca's .314 average and nine home runs if he strikes out 44 times in 34 games? Answer: Probably.

Centerfield prospect David Paisano's hitting .213. The other centerfield prospect Engel Beltre is hitting .250.

Innings-eater Richard Bleier is fighting back from a wrist injury. Went six innings the other night walking no one but allowing nine hits.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans
Ryan Strausborger will not be on the East Coast for long. Of the outfielder's 44 hits, 17 are for extra bases. He's stolen 11 bases and has a 15-21 K/BB ratio.

On the other hand, it's taken a .452 average over his past 10 games for Jared Prince to get his average to .248. Starting to hit a little bit and his on-base percentage continues to sparkle.

Zach Osbourne's allowed three baserunners since his call up to High-A. He's struck out 24 in 20 total innings. Opponents are hitting .143 off of him in relief.

Converted infielder Johan Yan has struck out 20 allowing a mere four walks. He's getting more than seven groundball outs per flyball out. Opponents are hitting .188 off of him.

Rob Erlin and Joe Wieland have 90 strikeouts and eight walks between them. They have ERAs of 2.14 and 1.66, respectively.

And Michael Olt is good.

Hickory Crawdads
Carlos Melo has a WHIP of 2.00 registering 28 walks in 22 innings.

Justin Grimm, the 2010 draftee from Georgia, has 48 Ks in 41 innings in his professional debut season. His ERA is 2.85.

First-round pick Kellin Deglan is hitting .224 with 32 Ks and four walks.

Tomas Telis is leading Hickory with 20 RBI.

Roman Mendez is 5-1 with a 2.13 ERA.

Ryan Rodebaugh's allowed a lone run in 19.2 innings in relief.

First-round pick Jake Skole is hitting .225 with 37 Ks and 14 walks.

Matt Thompson had 23 walks in 129 innings a year ago. He has 18 in 35 innings this year.

Evan Grant: Breakin' necks, cashin' checks

In a pear tree

Evan Grant has a fantastic little column clearing up some mistruths surrounding Colby Lewis' paternity leave and the subsequent brouhaha in the media, especially from Richie Whitt. Interesting is Grant's clear hatred for Whitt's column.

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Jon Mayo on Neil Ramirez' phenomenal year.

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Mark Cuban was hit in the face last night with something. That's kinda funny. You talk enough shit in an opponents' arena ... during a loss ... you're bound to get hit by something.

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John Canzano on game three.

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain

Martin!

The Texas Rangers got their asses beat last night 15-4 against the California Angels.

Nothing to see here. The Rangers couldn't throw a strike to save their lives. Between Colby Lewis (who looked AWFUL), Mike Kirkman, Mason Tobin (who left the game with the ominous "elbow soreness") and Dave Bush, they threw 200 pitches. Eighty-four were balls. That's barely above 50 percent of pitches being strikes. That's pathetic.

The other 116 strikes were pounded all over the Ballpark.

Let's discuss more important things if, in fact, there are any.

Let's think 2012.

The Frisco RoughRiders' Martin Perez -- Texas' No. 1 prospect -- pitched a rain-shortened, five-inning perfect game.

OK. Break out the astericks. Not saying it was a "perfect game." However, if he pitched five perfect innings and was pulled for relief, we'd be excited about this.

We should be excited about this. Perez has been fantastic in the early going. His ERA is at 1.38 and opponents are hitting .191 so far.

It gets even awesomer.

Neil Ramirez -- called up to Triple A Round Rock for a spot start -- pitched another gem last night in a 6-2 win.

He went five innings allowing two hits, 1 unearned run, three walks and nine strikeouts.

In Triple A, Ramirez is 2-0 allowing just five hits, one unearned run and striking out 14 in 11 innings. He's been great.

Remember, he jumped from High-A Myrtle Beach to Triple A. Does he stay in Round Rock? Send him back to Myrtle Beach? Frisco? I guess wherever the need is, but how do you hold him back any longer?

Minor Threat 1.0

Kate Upton, my new fav

A somewhat weekly look at the Texas Rangers' minor league system.

Round Rock Express
The Rangers have options at centerfield. Endy Chavez is hitting .385with six extra-base hits.

Mike Kirkman's allowed 12 runs in 6.2 innings.

Esteban German has 11 runs in 10 games.

Seth McClung's righted the ship. After a very bumpy start, he's got his ERA below 3.00 and with 12 Ks in 10 innings.

Tanner Scheppers is on the DL, again. He has a 13.50 ERA.

Frisco RoughRiders
Mike Bianucci is quickly becoming the Rangers' best outfield prospect. Hitting five homers and driving in 11 already.

Engel Beltre has more triples (2) than doubles and home runs (1). He's hitting .220.

The Latin revolution is not being televised. Fredo Boscan, Miguel De Los Santos and Carlos Pimental have 27 runs and 33 hits in 20.2 innings.

Martin Perez is dealing. A 2.25 ERA and 12 Ks in eight innings.

Beau Jones -- the lost name in the Mark Teixeira trade with Atlanta -- hasn't allowed a run in five innings of relief.

Four of Tommy Mendonca's 10 hits are home runs. The rest, singles.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans
With little argument against, Mike Olt is the Rangers' best, high-level infield prospect. He's hitting .424 with a .848 OPS.

Robbie Ross has not allowed a run in 11 innings. His WHIP is 1.00.

Ryan Strausborger is hitting .359.

Jared Hoying -- my pick to click -- is hitting .316 with two stolen bases and two dingers.

Rob Erlin's WHIP is .80 and he's struck out 13 and walked two.

Santiago Chirino is not talked about a lot, so far, as an infield prospect. He's hitting .300.

Barret Loux could have had a worse start. Pretty sharp just walking two in 10 innings.

Kasey Kiker: 4 IP - 4 hits - 6 runs - 8 BBs - 3 Ks. Plus an unknown amount of hit batsmen.

Kennil Gomez is interesting. An old farmhand, he's in the bullpen. And he's finally finding the strike zone: 10 K and three walks.

Hickory Crawdads
Jhonny Gomez might be someone we have to put up with spelling his name. Hitting .400 early on with a .500 OBP.

Carlos Melo has 15 Ks and a 2.53 ERA.

Watch for Andrew Clark. A first baseman out of Louisville, extremely patient (37 BBs, 36 Ks a year ago). If he finds some pop in the bat, he'll be set. Already with a homer and four doubles early on.

Justin Grimm has struck out 13 in 9.1 innings. His ERA's at 1.93.

Shortstop Odubel Herrera has four doubles and a .308 average.

Initial shock: Teodoro Martinez. He's a 19-year-old outfielder hitting .346 with four doubles.

Watch for Zach Osborne. He's listed at 6-5 and 205 right hander out of the University of Lousiana-Lafayette. He's struck out 12 in six innings.

Touted prospect Roman Mendez has struck out 11 while walking three in nine innings.

Neil Ramirez impresses, writers write and Jonny D goes fishing

Call me Leonys

Neil Ramirez was forced into a spot start in Triple A Round Rock last night after Eric Hurley was placed on the disabled list. He promptly set minor league fans and pundits aflitter on Twitter.

His line: 6 IP - 3 hits - 0 runs - 0 walks - 5 strikeouts.

He sat down the final seven batters and 14 of the last 15. He struck out the side in the sixth and final frame.

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As its been rumored for about a week, the Rangers are expected to ink Cuban defector Leonys Martin at some point.

He's 23, about to get $15 million (yes, $15 million) and a spot on the 40-man roster.

Martin is considered to be a better version of Julio Borbon: A speedy centerfielder with above average to good defensive skills, a good bunter, who can hit for average, run the bases and provide a little pop.

For one, you can never have too many centerfield prospects. And the Rangers have killed it in the Latin American countries the last several years. Due to his age, paycheck and 40-man spot, he should start in Double A Frisco.

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Jon Daniels had made a career out of rummaging lower-rung free agency lists and the dung piles of other teams for talent. Think Darren O'Day, Warner Madrigal, Mason Tobin, Alexi Ogando, Matt Treanor to name a few.

Daniels made a very minor splash in signing Manny Corpas and Ramon Aguero the other day.

Corpas was the closer in Colorado. He will not pitch this year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He's only 28 and the general idea is for him to compete for a bullpen spot next year.

Aguero is a bit more of a wild card. He's 26, never played above Double A and back issues. In baseball, three strikes and you're out. Not here. Aguero has had decent peripheral numbers in his four years in the minors. It is said that he can hit 96 on the radar gun. No risk moves to watch.

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A very good article on Alexi Ogando.

Jamey Newberg on Jurickson Profar.

Ten to watch

The 2011 minor league season begins either today or tomorrow (I'm simply refusing to look that up).

The Texas Rangers will see a little change.

No longer is the Triple A affiliate in Oklahom City. Instead, they took over the Houston Astros' franchise in Round Rock.

Also, the Bakersfield Blaze is no longer part of the equation as the High-A affiliate. Instead, we go east to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. They, of course, are owned (co-owned) by former Ranger doer Chuck Greenberg.

Anyway, it's an exciting time. You have the guys with the pedigree and the hype that will improve. You have the guys coming out of nowhere.

Bottom line: There are always guys that make huge jumps. Guys that turn heads.

Here are 10 prospects that I think might turn some heads:

10. Luis Sardinas -- SS
The kid was all up in the trade rumors last summer and fall. Still 17 years old. Made his debut in Arizona last summer and could stick there this year again.

9. Shawn Blackwell -- SP
His ERA didn't reflect his solid overall numbers. He's a big 20-year-old kid (6-5), who might jump a little due to his logging innings a year ago.

8. Randol Rojas -- SP
Was good with a bump to Hickory and will start there this year complementing a really good rotation there.

7. Tomas Telis -- C
Injury was supposed to eat up his 2010. He came back anyway. He'll be at Hickory. Still extremely young.

6. Christian Villanueva -- 3B
A 19-year-old third baseman played at Arizona a year ago. He's starting 2010 at Hickory

5. Carlos Melo -- SP
Made an emergency start in Low-A a year ago. Will start at Hickory this season.

4. Neil Ramirez -- SP
NeRam corralled his control and started throwing strikes a bit more. I think the Rangers have high hopes for him this season.

3. Rob Erlin -- SP
Begins year at Myrtle Beach. Struck out 125 and walked 17 last year. Jiminy.

2. Jared Hoying -- OF
Joins the fantastic outfield in Myrtle Beach with Jared Bolden and Jared Prince. Skips Low-A. Deserves it. Hit .325 with a crapload of extra-base hits. Prediction: He'll be at Frisco sooner than later.

1. Mike Olt -- 3B
A first rounder. Expections are high and he's already skipped Arizona and Low-A. Starting at High-A Myrtle Beach. I think he's a quick riser this season.

Minor moves

NeRam

As the Major League season starts, so do the minors.

Already, the Rangers have made a move. They've sent infielder Marcus Lemon -- once probably one of the better, younger infield prospects in the system -- to the Atlanta Braves for a player to be named later.

Lemon is 23. He's moved from shortstop to second base to just about any spot on the field in his career. His once stellar ability to draw walks waned in the past two seasons. His on-base percentage went from .374 to .325 in three seasons. I'm not sure if it was done to make room or maybe they get an arm in return.

The last trade with the Atlanta Braves went beautifully.

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The Rangers announced the rotations for their minor league squads:

Oklahoma City
Michael Kirkman
Eric Hurley
Tanner Scheppers
Zach Jackson
Brett Tomko

Expert Analysis: Mildly surprised that Scheppers is being groomed as a starter. Not disappointed, just shocked. Thought they liked his velocity and potential for injury coming out of the 'pen and it's been suggested more than once that he was the heir apparent to Neftali Feliz. I suspect we'll see him, Tomko and Kirkman in Arlington this season.

Frisco
Martin Perez
Wilfredo Boscan
Jacob Brigham
Carlos Pimental
Miguel De Los Santos

Expert Analysis: All newcomers except for Perez (Pimental pitched one game in Double A last season). It's what happens when you trade all your Double A pitchers for Cliff Lee, Cristian Guzman and Jorge Cantu. It's also a Latin explosion!

Myrtle Beach
Neil Ramirez
Barrett Loux
Robbie Ross
Joe Wieland
Rob Erlin/Kasey Kiker

Expert Analysis: Kiker is simply attempting to rebuild any hope for his future that he can. Here we might find some friction between High A and Double A. Should they perform to standard, Ross, Wieland, Erlin and Ramirez all might be pushing hard for a promotion. I'm sure they'll have opportunity with injury and the distinct possibility of the Double A guys getting their own due bumps. Loux is probably a slight surprise here. He hasn't pitched a professional inning yet. College kids, however, are a bit more seasoned.

Hickory
Matt Thompson
Randol Rojas
Carlos Melo
Roman Mendez
Justin Grimm

Expert Analysis: Aggressive, I like it. Only Thompson has extended experience in Low A-Hickory. The other three are young (20 years old). Hickory, Myrtle Beach and Frisco have sets of exciting young hurlers.