 |
 |
|
| | Wednesday, April 19 Rangers minor-league report | |||||
| By John Sickels Special to ESPN.com System overview Normally, a team that trades away its biggest star is entering a long-term rebuilding mode. The Rangers traded Juan Gonzalez, but this team is not going to be down for long, if at all. Texas got good value for Gonzalez, picking up guys who can help immediately in Gabe Kapler, Frank Catalanotto and Francisco Cordero. Top prospect Ruben Mateo will move into the vacant outfield slot, hopefully, and there is plenty in the farm system to back him up. The Rangers system is deep in hitters, especially corner infielders. Guys like Mike Lamb, Carlos Pena, and Hank Blalock will be challenging for jobs within the next few years. Jason Romano looks like the second baseman of the future to pair with Royce Clayton, and there are more guys at the lower levels who could also help. High-ceiling pitching has been lacking, but the Rangers feel that the 1999 draft class is very promising in that regard. Texas focuses especially strongly on "hard-nosed" players with good work ethics. They also have an extensive scouting operation in the Dominican Republic. 1999 Minor League W-L Percentage: .541 (ranked 4th) 1999 amateur draft It's too early to tell for certain, but the 1999 draft could be one of the best in Rangers history. Texas drafted a nice mixture of power pitchers and polished hitters, almost all of who had successful pro debuts. First-round pick Colby Lewis, from Bakersfield (Calif.) Junior College, has a surgically repaired elbow, but he also has a 95-mph fastball, nasty curve, and aggressive attitude. Supplemental pick David Mead, a high schooler from Tennessee, buzzes the radar gun, but is less refined. Second-round pick Nick Regilio, from Jacksonville University, hits "just" 92, but has excellent command. These three give the Rangers a nice core of pitching, and there is more after that. Third-rounder Hank Blalock, a third baseman, hit .361 in rookie ball, great for a high schooler, with excellent command of the strike zone. Fourth-round pick Kevin Mench, an outfielder from Delaware, has major power potential, and hit .362 in his debut. Chris Jaile, a catcher from high school in Florida also drafted in the fourth round, has excellent defensive skills. In the fifth round, Texas picked up Andy Cavazos, an outstanding athlete who hits 93 mph. Sixth-round pick Aaron Harang, from San Diego State, is a 6-7 righthander who throws 90 mph. Ninth-round selection Brett Cadiente, an outfielder from Arizona State, hit .354 in his pro debut. Top prospects 1) Ruben Mateo, CF: Hits for average, hits for power, and has a terrific arm. Only questions are ability to stay healthy and command of the strike zone. 2) Mike Lamb, 3B: Could start the year at third base for the Rangers, which would make him a darkhorse Rookie of the Year candidate. Major League Equivalency (MLE) says he can hit .300, and I believe it. His swing is excellent. 3) Francisco Cordero, RHP: Acquired from the Tigers. Blazing stuff, will move into middle relief slot, with eventual chance to be the closer. 4) Carlos Pena, 1B: Good power from the left side and defensive skills. First baseman of the future, but no need to rush him just yet. 5) Jason Romano, 2B: Hit .312 with 13 homers and 34 steals in the Florida State League. Known for hustle and baseball intelligence. Others of note Doug Davis, LHP: Solid season in the high minors positions him for major league job. Throws strikes, knows how to pitch. Corey Lee, LHP: Established control after inconsistent 1998 season. Like Davis, Lee has a chance to be a solid major league starter, though not an ace. Jovanny Cedeno, RHP: 94-mph fastball, great changeup, led to 0.33 ERA in six rookie-ball starts. Long way from the majors, but must be watched. Alan Webb, LHP: Part of the Gonzalez deal. Finesse pitcher held his own in Double-A at very young age. Joins Davis and Lee as core lefties for future. Travis Hughes, RHP: 11-7, 2.81 in South Atlantic League, with 150 strikeouts in 157 innings. Stuff is major league-caliber, just needs experience. Other names to know: R.A. Dickey, RHP; Ryan Dittfurth, RHP; Kelly Dransfeldt, SS; Shawn Gallagher, 1B; Jason Grabowski, 3B; Cesar King, C; Dan Kolb, RHP; Kevin Mench, OF; Jose Morban, SS; Cody Nowlin, OF; Trey Poland, LHP; Andy Pratt, LHP; Tom Sergio, 2B. John Sickels is the author of the 2000 STATS Minor League Scouting Notebook. You can email your questions to him at JASickels@AOL.com. | ALSO SEE Hot Stove Heaters: Rangers ESPN.com's Hot Stove Heaters  | |||||