The 2023 Texas Rangers Spring Training Thread

[saddles]

I thought some would enjoy this. Lol

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

Evan's top 31 prospects continues.

No. 27 RHP Josh Stephan

Age: 21

Height, weight: 6-2, 200

B-T: R-R

Who he is: Stephan, who attended South Grand Prairie High School, went undrafted in the pandemic-shortened five-round draft of 2020. But he opted to sign for $20,000, the maximum allowed to undrafted free agents, to forego a commitment to Stephen F. Austin.

Why he’s here: Though unranked at the start of last season, Stephan moved into the No. 30 spot on our end-of-season list. He averaged 10 strikeouts per nine innings over 103 innings split between the Class A clubs while also holding batters to a .216 batting average. In his three end-of-the-year starts at advanced Class A Hickory, he struck out 13 and walked seven and allowed just two runs in 11 innings. His fastballs keep creeping higher. The sinker was at 88-93 mph and the four-seamer at 90-95, but he’s already touched 96 this spring. His slider has had a 50% swing-and-miss rate as a pro. And he mixes in a change.

What’s his future: For a non-drafted U.S.-born player to reach the top 30 is somewhat unusual. To keep the momentum going as he gets to higher levels, it will be important to keep the walk rate down. He’s going to be in a legitimate prospect-laden rotation to start the year, which is going to encourage competition and will make promotions more limited to merit, not simply formality. The Rangers love his ability to compete. It will be tested.

Where he will start ‘23: In the rotation at Class A Hickory.

Rangers’ top prospects

No. 31: INF Cameron Cauley

No. 30: LHP Cody Bradford

No. 29: OF Trevor Hauver

No. 28: RHP Marc Church

 

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Still no starts for Brad Miller in LF.

 

[Kelleyman]

How did Josh Smith look today?
Know he got a hit

 

[saddles]

How did Josh Smith look today?
Know he got a hit

The only thing I saw was the boxscore.

 

[Bmurph]

Apparently left side tightness is the injury of ST this year....several years ago it was the year of the stiff back.

 

[Bmurph]

The only thing I saw was the boxscore.

Likewise....

 

[Bmurph]

Ragan's mustache is soley responsible for his sudden jump in velocity (not really)

 

[saddles]

He is the brother of Rangers prospect, Dustin Harris.

 

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[saddles]

As the Rangers minor leagues camp is about to start, Jeff Wilson says the Rangers are really feeling good about Dane Acker. He also reminded us that Brock Porter was considered a better draft prospect than Painter, who everyone was raving about a few days ago.

 

[Kelleyman]

Well we have some interesting roster moves ahead. Have to think King is about to be gone.
Sborz though is a hard thrower. We may keep but we have Frazier who they seem to favor vying for a spot too. A bit of a surprise re Mathias but guess it is a hedge until one pitcher is non rostered. Injuries do happen. And we surely do have MILB infield depth.

Carter is snowing out. Definitely not thinking he is rostered but it bodes well for next year maybe end of year if still in pen and race and his year progresses well

 

[Kelleyman]

Wonder if they have someone out there because this is the only lineup I have seen

 

[Kelleyman]

And no Bubba yet Leody is out with what I assume is continued minor injury

Guess they are seeing what they have with Jankowski

 

[Duane1952]

Well we have some interesting roster moves ahead. Have to think King is about to be gone.
Sborz though is a hard thrower. We may keep but we have Frazier who they seem to favor vying for a spot too. A bit of a surprise re Mathias but guess it is a hedge until one pitcher is non rostered. Injuries do happen. And we surely do have MILB infield depth.

Carter is snowing out. Definitely not thinking he is rostered but it bodes well for next year maybe end of year if still in pen and race and his year progresses well

To me the surprise is that Spencer Howard is still here.

 

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[Kelleyman]

To me the surprise is that Spencer Howard is still here.

Ahhh forgot. How much has pitched this spring?