D

Live Blog Feed

My “To Watch” List for Today

Posted on March 6th, 2009 8:10am by Evan Grant
Filed under Texas Rangers, What to watch for

1. Brandon McCarthy’s performance in the “B” game against Kansas City this morning. The starting rotation is essentially set with Kevin Millwood, Vicente Padilla, Matt Harrison, Scott Feldman and McCarthy. The only thing that could force a change is an injury and McCarthy has, to date, been the most fragile of the bunch. McCarthy said yesterday that his bit of shoulder stiffness was nothing out of the ordinary, just the typical stuff that gets worked out over the course of a spring. But given his history – he’s pitched just 121 innings for the Rangers the last two seasons – the club felt it being overly cautious was the better way to go.

2. Andruw Jones 10 or so at-bats. He’ll lead off each of the seven innings of the “B” game and then play nine innings in the “A” game. I incorrectly reported his “out” date yesterday – it’s actually March 20, not March 15 – but that’s still just two weeks away. Jones can afford to grope for his swing for another day or two, but he’s got to start showing some degree of “getting it” again quickly. If not, the Rangers will make the decision about his “out” day for him.

3. Omar Vizquel at second base. As good as Vizquel looks at short, I’m not sure the utility infielder’s job is locked up. He’s never played any other infield position, so how comfortable he looks at second or third this spring may be an important part of deciding whether to carry him. Joaquin Arias could make a push for that spot if he shows his arm is strong enough to play the left side of the infield. Still think Arias opens the season in the minors, but in a camp with not many position battles, it’s worth watching.

4. Neftali Feliz. He’s pitching in relief in the “A” game. It’s Neftali Feliz. Enough said.

5. Relievers. The meat of the bullpen – guys who will pitch the sixth, seventh and occasionally the eighth – is really the only position battle in camp. There may be as many as eight guys vying for four spots, including two (Josh Rupe and Dustin Nippert) who would have to be exposed to waivers before they could be sent to the minors if they don’t make the club. This bears a lot of watching.

6. My cousins, the clowns from Key West, who will be at the game. I am not making this up. My family includes real clowns.

17 Comments to “My “To Watch” List for Today”

mike @ March 6th, 2009 at 8:17 am

glad your back
Mike Hindman @ March 6th, 2009 at 8:48 am

Always Professional … Always Reliable … Always Highly Recommended
Scott @ March 6th, 2009 at 8:50 am

Great move D magazine Evan is solid
corbsclinton @ March 6th, 2009 at 9:01 am

Glad to see the ranger’s coverage just got better (again)
KenyB @ March 6th, 2009 at 9:05 am

Great blog, btw. Do you think there’s a possibility that Andruw Jones’ struggles could be due to vision problems?
Habib @ March 6th, 2009 at 9:24 am

Evan
I think Neftali has to make team when they break camp and pitch out of the bullpen.
We should also keep Rupe and Nippert if the alternative is keeping old guys like EG.
Even the die hard pro JD people think this is a rebuilding year,so why not do it the right way and find out if any of these so so guys are worth keeping for future.
This happens every year,we keep old guys and waive some younger players and they go out prove that they can play.
Brandon B @ March 6th, 2009 at 9:24 am

Glad to see you are back, Evan. I just added this site as a bookmark above the DMN blog.
bioaggie @ March 6th, 2009 at 9:34 am

Can we get an early prediction of which of the 8 relievers will ultimately occupy the 4 spots that you mentioned?

Also, what kept you out of the family business?
Mr. Pink @ March 6th, 2009 at 9:53 am

Evan,

Despite their ages I would be more concerned about MY at 3B than Vizquel at 2B. Are you assuming Andrus breaks camp w/ Texas? That’s another pet-peeve of mine … starting the clock on Andrus for no discernible reason. I can’t imagine Rangers not keeping Vizquel, esp. as mentor to Andrus. Same clock issues apply to Feliz. He needs to start at AA or AAA, get the innings in; not rot in the team’s bullpen.

Habib,

Aren’t you happy Manny is back home in Blue?
Gives us one Division winner to root for, no?
Habib @ March 6th, 2009 at 10:21 am

Mr. Pink
Those pictures of him hugging everyone and being Manny are priceless.
I think the Dodgers are going to be much better with Hudson on the team and Manny is going to help the young hitters see more hittable pitches.
The only concern I have about the Dodgers is their starting pitching.
It would be nice if the Dodgers could some how get Peavy.
BTW Mr. Pink I disagree with you on Feliz.
Let him get started and by mid season may be insert him in the starting rotation.
Plus he be getting the best coaching by being around Maddux and Ryan.
Cheerio
Teps @ March 6th, 2009 at 10:29 am

Evan – Glad you’re back! I have three sons and most of the time they are real clowns too. I’ve bookmarked this site and will be visiting daily while I have my lunch (at the desk or course). Heading to Spring Training at the end of March and hopefully seeya there
thedudeabides @ March 6th, 2009 at 10:37 am

Thanks D, it’s great to have EG covering the rangers again
red3biggs @ March 6th, 2009 at 10:38 am

RE: Habib

Feliz needs to be a starter, its too soon to throw him into the bullpen. Other teams do that when theres no starting role ava, or when a prospect shows he can not develop further as a starter. Niether applies to Feliz. Maybe a sept call up for him in the bullpen..

RE Bioggie

He is following the family business in his own way..
Habib @ March 6th, 2009 at 10:39 am

Mr. Pink
What do you think about this TO mess.
I think Jerry is an idiot for cutting the guy after giving him the 3 year Extension.
Right now I would rate JD and Hicks of doing a better job than the Jerry(I can out dumb Al Davis)Jones.
This is the roughest times for Dallas area pro teams.
I think the Rangers are much better off than the Cowboys.
At least with the Rangers there is hope that these kid pitchers are gonna grow up and the Calvary is coming, but the Cowboys are getting destroyed by Jerry.
Cheerio
Habib @ March 6th, 2009 at 10:48 am

Thank you D Magazine
I got the message.
I used a word that would be okay by DMN and it is not allowed here.(it starts with an I and ends with T)
It is a learning experience.
Ehren @ March 6th, 2009 at 10:56 am

Great having you back EG! You’re my Jimmy Buffett!
ab03 @ March 6th, 2009 at 11:15 am

Evan,

If Vizquel can’t handle the other infield positions, does that affect his starting status at SS?

InsideCorner is a daily blog-slash-online sports page, covering Dallas teams with original reporting, statistical analysis, obvious observations, and undeniable charm.

Subscribe via RSS (What is RSS?)

Follow InsideCorner on Twitter

InsideCorner Email Newsletter (Sign up!)

Email:

Browse the Archives

Browse the Archives

About/Contact

Meet the Bloggers