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Aaron Fitt took your Rangers questions
Baseball America's Top 10 Prospects lists are based on projections
of a player's long-term worth after discussions with scouting and player-development
personnel. All players who haven't exceeded the major league rookie standards
of 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched (without regard to service time)
are eligible. Ages are as of April 1, 2006.
The
Rangers followed up their surprising 89-win 2004 campaign with their
fifth losing season in the last six years. The exciting young infield
core of Mark Teixeira, Alfonso Soriano, Michael Young and Hank Blalock
produced excellent numbers again, as Texas' 260 homers were just four
shy of the major league record.
But as usual, pitching was the problem for the Rangers. They scored
the third-most runs in baseball but gave up the fifth-most. They jettisoned
three-fifths of their Opening Day rotation by the end of July and entered
the offseason looking for answers.
The identity of the man responsible for finding those answers changed
in the offseason. Former general manager John Hart originally was to
step down after the 2004 season, turning the reins over to assistant
general manager Grady Fuson, who also ran the farm and scouting departments.
But Hart and manager Buck Showalter persuaded owner Tom Hicks that Hart
should return for 2005, leading to Fuson's departure.
Hart stepped down as GM after the 2005 season, moving into a consultant
role after Texas went 311-337 on his watch. Hart protégé
Jon Daniels, 28, was promoted from assistant GM to become the youngest
general manager in baseball history. Daniels hired Rockies director
of baseball operations Thad Levine to be his assistant, and tabbed Rockies
pro scout Scott Servais to replace Dom Chiti as farm director, with
Chiti becoming bullpen coach. Daniels retained Ron Hopkins, who succeeded
Fuson as scouting director.
Daniels' first major move was trying to swing a deal for Josh Beckett,
which would have given the Rangers a young ace who was a Texas native
to boot. That trade fell through at the last second, as the Red Sox
swooped in and acquired Beckett. But then Daniels got busy in December.
He pulled off a blockbuster at the Winter Meetings, acquiring Brad
Wilkerson, pitching prospect Armando Galarraga and journeyman Terrmel
Sledge from the Nationals for Soriano, who becomes a free agent after
2006. He made a smaller deal to acquire lefthander Fabio Castro, the
No. 1 overall pick in the major league Rule 5 draft.
Then Daniels directly addressed the 2006 rotation with a trio of moves.
He got former all-star Vicente Padilla from the Phillies for spare part
Ricardo Rodriguez. Next, he picked up Adam Eaton and setup man Akinori
Otsuka in a six-player deal with the Padres that cost him Chris Young
and first-base prospect Adrian Gonzalez. Finally, he signed Kevin Millwood
to a five-year, $60 million contract after failing to land free agents
A.J. Burnett and Matt Morris.
In the near future, the Rangers anticipate that they won't have to
go outside the organization for mound help. Five of their top seven
prospects are pitchers, led by the DVD trio of John Danks, Edison Volquez
and Thomas Diamond. The Rangers' newfound pitching depth is largely
the result of Fuson's drafts. He used first-round picks on Danks (2003),
Diamond (2004) and Hurley, and he also found Kameron Loe in the 20th
round in 2002. With all those arms on hand, Hopkins had the freedom
to focus on position players in the 2005 draft. Texas used its first
three picks on a premium athlete (outfielder John Mayberry Jr.), a pure
hitter (third baseman Johnny Whittleman) and a Gold Glove-caliber defender
(Taylor Teagarden), and later added some promising high school pitchers
in Shane Funk, Michael Kirkman, Jacob Rasner and Matt Nevarez.
Texas also continued to expand its presence in Latin America. While
the Rangers are making progress in Venezuela with players such as catcher
Manuel Pina and righthander Omar Poveda, they're making a bigger impact
in the Dominican Republic. Second baseman Jose Vallejo already is establishing
himself as a legitimate prospect in the United States, while Texas signed
catcher Cristian Santana, shortstop Johan Yan and righthander Fabio
Castillo to six-figure bonuses in 2005.
Signed:
Dominican Republic, 2001 Signed by: Rodolfo Rosario
Background: Volquez draws Pedro Martinez
comparisons as much for his electric personality as his electric arm.
Though he's a fierce competitor, Volquez often has a big smile on his
face when he's not on the mound. He speaks English well and relates well
to American players. He's not intimidated pitching in front of 20,000
passionate fans in the Dominican League, and he wasn't intimidated speaking
to a group of high-ranking Rangers front-office personnel during an organization
banquet. Volquez is even built like Martinez, with a wiry frame and long
arms and fingers. Known as Julio Reyes and believed to be 15 1/2 months
younger until baseball's visa crackdown, he's still advanced and mature
for a 22-year-old. Part of the Rangers' DVD trio, along with John Danks
and Thomas Diamond, Volquez surged past the two first-round picks in 2005.
He was the first to reach Double-A Frisco and remains the lone member
of the group to reach the majors. He got a rude awakening in Texas, losing
his first three starts and giving up six runs over two innings in three
relief outings.
Strengths: Though he did not post overwhelming numbers in 2005,
Volquez transformed himself from sleeper to top prospect. Both his fastball
and changeup rate as the best in the system. His fastball explodes out
of his hand and tops out at 97 mph, showing good sink and run when he
throws it at 93-95. He holds his velocity late into games, throwing
as high as 95 mph in the ninth inning in one outing. His changeup sometimes
merits a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. Volquez is aggressive and comes
right after hitters. He has had little problem throwing strikes as a
pro. He has a clean, repeatable delivery and lightning-quick arm action,
though there's some effort in it. He isn't the most physical pitcher,
but he's athletic and has added 10-15 pounds to his frame since spring
training 2005.
Weaknesses: For Volquez to stick as a front-of-the-rotation
starter rather than a power reliever, he must improve his erratic breaking
ball. Sometimes it shows big downward break and looks like a curveball,
while other times it features more tilt and looks like a true slider.
Most of the time his breaking ball is harder and shows little depth,
and he uses it more as a third option to cross hitters up. After he
missed three weeks in July and August with a strained oblique, Volquez
got a callup to the big leagues as the Rangers looked for a spark. He
struggled with his fastball command in Texas, and overthrowing only
made the problem worse. He tends to buckle plenty of knees with his
changeup early in games, but doesn't command it as well in later innings.
Considering he throws in the mid-90s, he gives up more hits than he
should.
The Future: Questions remain about Volquez' ability to reach
his considerable potential, but his tantalizing package of stuff and
makeup can't be overlooked. He should open 2006 with Triple-A Oklahoma
but could be pitching in the Rangers rotation by the all-star break
if the staff needs help--which it usually does.
2005 Club (Class)
W
L
ERA
G
GS
CG
SV
IP
H
HR
BB
SO
AVG
Bakersfield (Hi A)
5
4
4.19
11
11
1
0
67
64
9
12
77
.252
Frisco (AA)
1
5
4.14
10
10
1
0
59
58
6
17
49
.258
AZL Rangers (R)
0
0
0.00
1
1
0
0
2
2
0
0
2
.222
Texas
0
4
14.21
6
3
0
0
13
25
3
10
11
.403
2.
JOHN DANKS,
lhp Born:
April 15, 1985 B-T: L-L Ht: 6-2 Wt: 190
Drafted:
HS--Round Rock, Texas, 2003 (1st round) Signed by: Randy
Taylor
Background: Danks comes from an athletic family.
His father John played basketball at Texas; younger brother Jordan, a
slugging outfielder, could have been a 2005 first-round pick if he hadn't
committed strongly to the Longhorns; and younger sister Emily is a fine
volleyball player. The No. 9 overall pick in the 2003 draft, John signed
for $2.1 million.
Strengths:
Danks' best pitch is a plus curveball that's devastating against
lefthanders. He can sneak his 87-93 mph fastball in on the hands
of righties, and should pick up velocity as he fills out. He has
good feel for his changeup, which the Rangers had him emphasize
last year to further its development. He has a free, easy delivery
and has improved his leverage from a high three-quarters arm slot.
He shows poise beyond his age.
Weaknesses:
Not only would getting stronger give Danks more fastball, it also
would help him avoid the late-season fades he has experienced.
En route to a career-high 156 innings last season, he went 2-8,
6.46 in the final two months. He needs to continue to develop
his changeup and avoid leaving his fastball up in the zone.
The Future: Danks figures to start 2006 back in Double-A,
with a Triple-A promotion likely and a September callup to Texas
possible. He looks like a safe bet to develop into a No. 3 starter,
and he has a ceiling of a No. 2.
2005 Club (Class)
W
L
ERA
G
GS
CG
SV
IP
H
HR
BB
SO
AVG
Bakersfield (Hi A)
3
3
2.50
10
10
0
0
58
50
5
16
53
.228
Frisco (AA)
4
10
5.49
18
17
0
0
98
117
12
34
85
.297
3.
THOMAS DIAMOND,
rhpBorn: April 6,
1983 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-3 Wt: 230
Drafted:
New Orleans, 2004 (1st round) Signed by: Randy Taylor
Background: Signed for $2.025 million as the
10th overall pick in 2004, Diamond had a lights-out debut and dominated
at high Class A Bakersfield last year before struggling with his command
in Double-A. Diamond was hit hard in his final start of the year after
going home to New Orleans to help his family after Hurricane Katrina.
Strengths:
Diamond is tough both physically and mentally, with a mean streak
that suits his big, physical frame. He is a classic innings-eating
power pitcher with a 92-94 mph fastball that can touch 97. He
also has an above-average changeup.
Weaknesses:
The biggest question for Diamond is whether he can get comfortable
with a third pitch. He flashes a decent curveball now and then,
but the Rangers introduced a slider to him halfway through 2005.
Scouts think his arm slot is more suited to a slider. Diamond's
arm action is smooth but long and not deceptive, and he struggles
to repeat his delivery. His fastball is too straight and often
dropped to 89-91 mph last year. His command needs to get better.
The Future: Diamond should develop into solid workhorse
if he can improve his command. He could start 2006 in Double-A
but figures to see Triple-A at some point.
Signed:
Dominican Republic, 2001 Signed by: Victor Mata/Carlos
Rios/Freddy Tiburcio (Yankees)
Background: Signed out of the Dominican for
$300,000, Arias was the player to be named in the February 2004 Alex Rodriguez
trade with the Yankees. Typically a slow starter, Arias batted .197 last
April before making adjustments and hitting .341 the rest of the way.
Strengths:
Arias is a graceful strider who doesn't look like he's burning,
but he's a plus-plus runner who can reach first base in four seconds
flat from the right side. His well-above-average arm and above-average
range at shortstop allow him to make difficult plays look easy.
He has quick, whippy hands and wrists with a good feel for the
bat head, letting him control the outer half of the plate.
Weaknesses:
Arias needs to fill out his wiry frame. He still can be spastic
in the field and butcher routine plays. He made adjustments after
struggling with inside fastballs early in 2005, but he still shows
more raw power in batting practice than in games, and he sometimes
lets pitchers expand his strike zone. He needs to improve his
baserunning instincts.
The Future:
Arias should be a plus defender in the majors and has a chance
to be a table-setter with gap power. Ticketed for Triple-A this
year, he might have to move to second base once he joins the Rangers
because they have all-star Michael Young at shortstop.
2005 Club (Class)
AVG
OBP
SLG
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
SO
SB
CS
Frisco (AA)
.315
.335
.423
499
65
157
23
8
5
56
17
46
20
10
5.
ERIC HURLEY,
rhpBorn:
September 17, 1985 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-4 Wt: 195
Drafted:
HS--Jacksonville, 2004 (1st round) Signed by: Guy DeMutis
Background: Hurley hasn't shot through the minors
as quickly as his Wolfson High (Jacksonville) teammate and fellow 2004
first-round pick Billy Butler of the Royals, but he did lead the low Class
A Midwest League in strikeouts during his first full pro season. His lean
body held up well, and he showed maturity living on his own in Iowa and
getting married as a 19-year-old.
Strengths:
Hurley was able to dominate high school hitters with only his
92-95 mph fastball, which has good life up in the zone and late
boring action down at the knees. He made a lot of progress in
2005 with his late-breaking 78-83 mph slider, which looks like
it will become an above-average pitch as well. He's confident
on the mound and has good command for his age.
Weaknesses:
Hurley's changeup is still a work in progress but could end up
an average pitch. He gets a lot of leverage from his long frame,
but needs to grow into it and learn to repeat his delivery better.
The Future:
The next step for Hurley is conquering the hitter-friendly high
Class A California League. He's not as advanced or as famous as
the DVD trio yet, but he may have a higher ceiling than all of
them.
2005 Club (Class)
W
L
ERA
G
GS
CG
SV
IP
H
HR
BB
SO
AVG
Clinton (Lo A)
12
6
3.77
28
28
0
0
155
135
11
59
152
.234
6.
IAN KINSLER,
2b Born: June 22,
1982 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-0 Wt: 175
Drafted:
Missouri, 2003 (17th round) Signed by: Mike Grouse
Background: After Kinsler's breakout 2004 season,
when he hit .345 with a minor league-high 51 doubles, the Rangers moved
him from shortstop to second base so he wouldn't be blocked by Michael
Young or Joaquin Arias. Kinsler embraced the move, worked hard in the
offseason and had a solid year in Triple-A. He turned down an invitation
to join Team USA's Olympic qualifying squad to work on refining his skills
in instructional league.
Strengths:
Kinsler may be an overachiever, but that doesn't mean he lacks
tools. He has a quick bat and is a terrific fastball hitter. He
profiles as at least an average hitter in the majors, with a bit
of power. Defensively, he has a plus arm and made a lot of progress
at second base.
Weaknesses:
Scouts criticized Kinsler for swinging for the fences too much
in Triple-A when that really isn't his game. He's a slightly below-average
runner and still needs to get better at making routine plays at
second.
The Future: After trading Alfonso Soriano, the Rangers
will give Kinsler a chance to win their second-base job. If he
fails he still could make Texas as a reserve because he has little
left to prove in Triple-A.
Signed:
Venezuela, 2000 Signed by: Fred Ferreira (Expos)
Background: Galarraga’s inclusion in the
four-player Alfonso Soriano trade in December with the Nationals gave
Texas another promising arm. Because of 2002 Tommy John surgery, he pitched
just 54 innings in his first three seasons in the United States. He stayed
healthier once he began to take baseball more seriously in 2004, and he
had his best year yet in 2005, earning a berth in the Futures Game and
a promotion to Double-A.
Strengths:
Galarraga has a lively 92-94 mph sinker and a hard, sharp slider
that he can throw for strikes and use as an out pitch. He has
a strong, athletic frame and attacks hitters from a three-quarters
arm slot. He’s competitive and shows a mean streak.
Weaknesses:
For Galarraga to stick as a starter, he needs to complement his
two plus offerings with a third pitch. He must continue to develop
his changeup, which shows some promise. He doesn’t walk
many batters but sometimes misses his spots inside the zone.
The Future: Galarraga can be a No. 3 starter if his changeup
emerges. If that doesn’t work out, he could be a powerful
bullpen arm. He figures to start 2006 back in Double-A.
2005 Club (Class)
W
L
ERA
G
GS
CG
SV
IP
H
HR
BB
SO
AVG
Potomac (Hi A)
3
4
2.48
14
14
0
0
80
69
7
23
79
.228
Harrisburg (AA)
3
4
5.19
13
13
1
0
76
80
10
21
58
.275
8.
JASON
BOTTS, ofBorn:
July 26, 1980 B-T: B-R Ht: 6-5 Wt: 250
Drafted:
Glendale (Calif.) JC, D/F 1999 (46th round) Signed by:
Tim Fortugno
Background: After bouncing between first base
and the outfield for a couple of years, Botts settled in left field in
2005 and posted good power numbers for the second straight year. He held
his own in a September callup to Arlington but struggled in the Dominican
League.
Strengths:
Botts has the body and athleticism of an NFL tight end, and he
has more raw power than anyone in the system. He hits for power
from both sides of the plate but is a better hitter righthanded.
He draws walks and isn't afraid to hit with two strikes. He runs
well for his size, particularly once he gets under way.
Weaknesses:
Despite all his athleticism, Botts is brutal defensively and never
will be better than adequate in left field. Some scouts question
how usable his raw power is. He runs into some pitches, but his
swing is long and lacks a suitable load, so he has trouble catching
up with good fastballs, especially on the inner half.
The Future: Botts doesn't really have a position, so it's
hard to see him playing regularly in the majors in 2006. He should
return to Triple-A to continue working on his defense, though
he could provide the Rangers with an offensive boost if needed.
2005 Club (Class)
AVG
OBP
SLG
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
SO
SB
CS
Oklahoma (AAA)
.286
.375
.522
510
93
146
31
7
25
102
67
152
2
4
Texas
.296
.367
.296
27
4
8
0
0
0
3
3
13
0
0
9.
TAYLOR
TEAGARDEN, cBorn:
December 21, 1983 B-T: B-R Ht: 6-1 Wt: 200
Drafted:
Texas, 2005 (3rd round) Signed by: Randy Taylor
Background: Teagarden was a leader on Texas'
College World Series championship team last spring and was the best defensive
catcher available in the draft. Because of concerns about his bat and
his signability—he's a Scott Boras client—the Rangers got
him in the third round. He signed for $725,000, which could be a bargain,
and hit well at short-season Spokane.
Strengths:
Teagarden has amazingly soft hands and good quickness and agility
behind the plate. He blocks balls in the dirt well and has a strong,
accurate throwing arm with a quick release. He put on an impressive
show in instructional league, hitting balls out of the park to
all fields, and the Rangers think he will develop at least average
power.
Weaknesses:
Long-term wear on Teagarden's elbow led him to have Tommy John
surgery after instructional league. He has holes in his swing
and stuck out in one-third of his at-bats during his debut. He's
a below-average runner but decent for a catcher.
The Future: The surgery will cost Teagarden a nonroster
invitation to big league camp, but the Rangers think he'll be
able to hit early in 2006 and throw by the end of season. It may
be easier to get him at-bats as a DH in high Class A.
2005 Club (Class)
AVG
OBP
SLG
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
SO
SB
CS
Spokane (SS)
.281
.426
.635
96
23
27
5
4
7
16
23
32
1
1
10.
JOHN
MAYBERRY JR., ofBorn:
December 21, 1983 B-T: R-R Ht: 6-6 Wt: 230
Drafted:
Stanford, 2005 (1st round) Signed by: Tim Fortugno
Background: Mayberry first joined his father
John (a two-time major league all-star) as a first-round pick when the
Mariners drafted him 28th overall out of high school in 2002. After three
years at Stanford, he went 19th in the 2005 draft and signed with the
Rangers for $1.525 million.
Strengths: The best college athlete in the 2005 draft,
Mayberry earns 70s on the 20-80 scouting scale for both his raw
power and arm strength. Though he was a slick-fielding first baseman
in college, the Rangers think he can be at least an average defender
in right field. His speed is above-average.
Weaknesses:
Mayberry never got comfortable at the plate at Stanford, tinkering
with his stance too often and trying too hard to hit to the opposite
field. His long swing lacks rhythm and balance. He shows light-tower
power in batting practice but has to cheat on fastballs to generate
power in game situations. Defensively, he needs to work on his
jumps.
The Future: Mayberry has enormous upside, but it will take
a lot of time and hard work on his swing for him to reach his
potential. He'll spend six weeks at the Rangers' Arizona complex
before spring training working on his stroke, then will open the
season at low Class A Clinton.
2005 Club (Class)
AVG
OBP
SLG
AB
R
H
2B
3B
HR
RBI
BB
SO
SB
CS
Spokane (SS)
.253
.341
.438
265
51
67
16
0
11
26
26
71
7
3
Photo Credits:
Diamond: Shawn Davis
Danks, Mayberry, Teagarden, Volquez: Bill Mitchell
Galarraga: Tom Priddy
Sorry, the page you're looking for is either like Sidd Finch and does not exist, or like Josh Hamilton and has moved. Where would you like to go instead?
Aaron Fitt took your Rangers questions
Baseball America
The
Rangers followed up their surprising 89-win 2004 campaign with their
fifth losing season in the last six years. The exciting young infield
core of Mark Teixeira, Alfonso Soriano, Michael Young and Hank Blalock
produced excellent numbers again, as Texas' 260 homers were just four
shy of the major league record.
