2007 Spring Training News

[Molina00]

Friday, March 2nd Spring Training News

In a B game against the Royals, Sammy Sosa went 0 for 3 with a walk and struck out twice in his first appearance of the spring. Sosa is expected to be the DH on Saturday and play rightfield on Sunday.

Eric Gagne threw 50 pitches off the mound on Friday and Rangers pitching coach Mark Connor had this to say about his "He threw all his pitches and looked good," pitching coach Mark Connor said. "He just has to get over this flu bug or virus or whatever you want to call it." Gagne is expected to make his spring debut on March 10th against the Giants.

Joaquin Arias hasn't been able to play the field due to a sore shoulder, but could see some time at the plate on Saturday.

[Molina00]

After their first 4 spring training games, the 4 Rangers starters have combined to allow just 1 run on 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 7 over 8 innings of work. That comes out to be one very good regular season start.

8 IP - 6 H - 1 R - 1 ER - 2 BB - 7 K - 1.13 ERA

With John Koronka's appearance where he gave up 6 runs, the Rangers have a 1.60 ERA.
With that appearance they still have a very good 3.09 team ERA so far this spring.

[Molina00]

Tuesday, March 6th Spring Training News

"It was a huge day, the best I've had the last two years," Gagne said after unleashing nearly 40 pitches from his familiarly violent delivery. "Physically and mentally ... all last year it never felt as it does now."

Gagne will take today off, be doing long-toss on Thursday, and back on the mound Friday.

"Yeah, I think this was a breakthrough," he said. "By April, I'll be ready go three, four days in a row .... well, three for sure."

Ranger manager Ron Washington seems to be planning on keeping Gagne's pitching somewhat confidential, as it sounds like he will not be pitching any actual spring training games, just simulated games. "They know what he has. They've heard. But why show them? Let them be surprised," Washington said

[Molina00]

Monday, March 12th Spring Training News

In today's 11-7 win over the Brewers, Nelson Cruz was hit in the head with a pitch and taken to the hospital for precautionary X-Rays. Luckily tests showed only a headache and some swelling and no serious injuries.

Cruz was batting with the bases loaded in the 6th inning when a Yovani Gallardo fastball hit him in the helmet near his left ear.

[Molina00]

Tuesday, March 13th Spring Training News

In the White Sox 12-8 win over the Rangers on Tuesday, Michael Young became the 2nd Ranger to fall victim to the beanball in a 2 day span. Gavin Floyd hit Young on the batting helmet in the 2nd inning. Young was taken to the hospital for stitches on his cut ear, but was otherwise alright.

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen called Young from the dugout to make sure he was okay. Ranger manager Ron Washington had this to say about the incident: "Thank God for batting helmets."

Young is expected to miss up to a week of spring training games while his stitched up ear heals. He was batting .444 with a double, 3 runs scored, and 2 RBI in 10 spring games prior to the injury.

[Molina00]

Thursday, March 15th Spring Training News

Sammy Sosa, who came to spring training as a non-roster invitee, has been added to the 40 man roster and will be on the Rangers active roster come opening day.

He has certainly done everything he needed to do to win a roster spot, and probably surpassed what most people thought he could do. In 14 spring training games so far, Sosa has hit a team high .452 with 6 extra base hits (3 of them homeruns), 7 runs scored, and 7 RBI.

It will be interesting to see what Sosa can do during the regular season, and if he can carry over any of his spring success.

[Molina00]

Monday, March 26th Spring Training News

The Rangers have claimed Houston Astros pitcher Ezequiel Astacio off waivers. The Rangers are trying to improve their pitching depth after losing Tom Diamond for the season due to Tommy John surgery.

[Molina00]

Thursday, March 29th Spring Training News

Eric Gagne will be starting the regular season on the disabled list. No, he hasn't had a setback in his recovery from elbow surgery. The Rangers just want him to get a few more innings in rehab before having him in closing situations for the team.

He will be pitching in the minor leagues to get some more playing time before joining the big club, if all goes well, on April 13th in Seattle.

Akinori Otsuka will be closing out games for the Rangers until Gagne's return from the minor leagues.