TEXAS RANGERS

Luis Alicea (2B, 36, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TEX 101 259 71 15 3 6 51 33 37 40 274 372 425 4 3 1999 TEX 68 164 33 10 0 3 33 17 28 32 201 316 317 2 1 2000 TEX 139 540 159 25 8 6 85 63 59 75 294 365 404 1 3

Luis Alicea (2B, 36, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TEX 101 259  71 15  3  6  51  33  37  40  274 372 425   4   3
 1999     TEX  68 164  33 10  0  3  33  17  28  32  201 316 317   2   1
 2000     TEX 139 540 159 25  8  6  85  63  59  75  294 365 404   1   3

Go figure; Alicea bottomed out in 1999 with a .201 batting average, then came back last year with career highs in games, at bats, hits, runs, RBI, batting average, just about everything. The Rangers have signed Randy Velarde to play second base, so Alicea probably won't get as much playing time in 2001.

Jeff Brantley (38, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 STL 0 5 48 0 0 0 14 50 40 18 48 444 1999 PHI 1 2 10 0 0 0 5 9 5 8 11 519 2000 PHI 2 7 55 0 0 0 23 55 64 29 57 586

Brantley returned from a lost 1999 season to become the Phillies' closer. He wasn't very good, and probably won't be closing games in 2001. He might pitch better this year, but he's also 38 and has a fragile arm.

Ken Caminiti (3B, 38, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 SD 131 452 114 29 0 29 87 82 71 108 252 353 509 6 2 1999 HOU 78 273 78 11 1 13 45 56 46 58 286 386 476 6 2 2000 HOU 59 208 63 13 0 15 42 45 42 37 303 419 582 3 0

Ken Caminiti (3B, 38, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      SD 131 452 114 29  0 29  87  82  71 108  252 353 509   6   2
 1999     HOU  78 273  78 11  1 13  45  56  46  58  286 386 476   6   2
 2000     HOU  59 208  63 13  0 15  42  45  42  37  303 419 582   3   0

Another old fogie whom the Rangers signed during the winter. Caminiti is probably not going to play everyday, because the Rangers already have a good young third baseman, and Caminiti can't stay healthy, anyways. But he's a good hitter and a proven team leader, and the Rangers obviously want to win.

Frank Catalanotto (IF/OF, 27, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 DET 89 213 60 13 2 6 23 25 12 39 282 325 446 3 2 1999 DET 100 286 79 19 0 11 41 35 15 49 276 327 458 3 4 2000 TEX 103 282 82 13 2 10 55 42 33 36 291 375 457 6 2

Frank Catalanotto (IF/OF, 27, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     DET  89 213  60 13  2  6  23  25  12  39  282 325 446   3   2
 1999     DET 100 286  79 19  0 11  41  35  15  49  276 327 458   3   4
 2000     TEX 103 282  82 13  2 10  55  42  33  36  291 375 457   6   2

A valuable utility player, Catalonotto was used mostly at second last season, but he can play all around the field. He has also hit well for three straight years, and last season showed far more patience at the plate than he had previously. Right now, Catalonotto has to be considered one of the best utility players in the league.

Mark Clark (33, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 CHC 9 14 33 33 2 1 0 214 236 48 161 484 1999 TEX 3 7 15 15 0 0 0 74 103 34 44 860 2000 TEX 3 5 12 8 0 0 0 44 66 24 16 798

He began the year with Texas, but was put on waivers in June. Based on Clark's performance the past two seasons, I have to think that only the most egotistical manager in baseball would sign him to a contract with the intention of turning him back into a good pitcher.

Francisco Cordero (24, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 1 1 17 0 0 0 8 17 19 9 18 486 1999 AA 4 1 47 0 0 0 27 52 35 22 58 138 1999 DET 2 2 20 0 0 0 0 19 19 18 19 332 2000 TEX 1 2 56 0 0 0 0 77 87 48 49 535

Francisco Cordero (24, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998      AA   1   1  17  0  0  0  8  17  19   9  18 486
 1999      AA   4   1  47  0  0  0 27  52  35  22  58 138
 1999     DET   2   2  20  0  0  0  0  19  19  18  19 332
 2000     TEX   1   2  56  0  0  0  0  77  87  48  49 535

The Rangers rushed Cordero to the majors, and that turned out not to be such a good idea. He's a good young pitcher who is strong and healthy, but it will likely be a couple of more years before he starts throwing enough strikes to be effective.

Tim Crabtree (31, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TEX 6 1 64 0 0 0 0 85 86 35 60 359 1999 TEX 5 1 68 0 0 0 0 65 71 18 54 346 2000 TEX 2 7 68 0 0 0 2 80 86 31 54 515

On the heels of two outstanding years with the Rangers, Crabtree struggled in 2000. I have some doubts that he will improve this year; there's not a lot that is impressive about him, and he gets hit hard by left-handed hitters. He also has a history of arm problems.

Darwin Cubillan (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 9 2 45 1 0 0 1 65 79 36 70 471 1999 A 7 4 55 0 0 0 3 75 57 32 76 251 2000 AAA 3 1 32 0 0 0 8 49 23 17 53 073 2000 TOR-TEX 1 0 20 0 0 0 0 33 52 25 27 945

Darwin Cubillan (26, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A   9   2  45  1  0  0  1  65  79  36  70 471
 1999       A   7   4  55  0  0  0  3  75  57  32  76 251
 2000     AAA   3   1  32  0  0  0  8  49  23  17  53 073
 2000  TOR-TEX  1   0  20  0  0  0  0  33  52  25  27 945

The Rangers have the dilemma of sending him back to the minors, where he was overpowering in 2001, or keeping him in them majors, where he struggled badly. Given the injury to Wetteland and the general disarray of the Rangers' bullpen, Cubillan should be on the roster. He has some considerable ability.

Chad Curtis (OF, 32, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 NYY 151 456 111 21 1 10 79 56 75 80 243 355 360 21 5 1999 NYY 96 195 51 6 0 5 37 24 43 35 262 398 369 8 4 2000 TEX 108 335 91 25 1 8 48 48 37 71 272 343 424 3 3

Chad Curtis (OF, 32, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     NYY 151 456 111 21  1 10  79  56  75  80  243 355 360  21   5
 1999     NYY  96 195  51  6  0  5  37  24  43  35  262 398 369   8   4
 2000     TEX 108 335  91 25  1  8  48  48  37  71  272 343 424   3   3

The Rangers acquired Curtis from the Yankees for Roberto Kelly. It turned out to be an astute deal; all three Ranger outfielders got hurt, and Curtis was able to see lots of playing time. He did a good job, though he seems to be slowing down on the basepaths as he gets older. He's a good fourth outfielder.

Doug Davis (26, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 A 11 7 27 27 1 1 0 155 129 74 173 324 1999 AA-AAA 11 4 25 23 1 0 0 152 142 56 153 272 2000 AAA 8 3 12 12 2 0 0 70 62 34 53 284 2000 TEX 7 6 30 13 1 0 0 99 109 58 66 538

Doug Davis (26, L)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A  11   7  27 27  1  1  0 155 129  74 173 324
 1999  AA-AAA  11   4  25 23  1  0  0 152 142  56 153 272
 2000     AAA   8   3  12 12  2  0  0  70  62  34  53 284
 2000     TEX   7   6  30 13  1  0  0  99 109  58  66 538

Davis is probably the Rangers' best young pitcher. His rookie season was a bit of a struggle, but he still managed to survive with a winning record. The Rangers desperately need help in their starting rotation, and there is no reason why Davis can't step in and do a good job.

Kelly Dransfeldt (SS, 26, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 67 245 79 17 0 18 46 76 29 67 322 390 612 7 2 1998 AA 58 226 57 15 4 9 43 36 18 79 252 309 472 8 1 1999 AAA 102 359 85 21 2 10 55 44 24 108 237 288 390 6 3 2000 AAA 117 441 109 22 3 8 60 42 38 123 247 311 365 10 5 1999 TEX 16 53 10 1 0 1 3 5 3 12 189 232 264 0 0 2000 TEX 16 26 3 2 0 0 2 2 1 14 115 148 192 0 0

Kelly Dransfeldt (SS, 26, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A  67 245  79 17  0 18  46  76  29  67  322 390 612   7   2
 1998      AA  58 226  57 15  4  9  43  36  18  79  252 309 472   8   1
 1999     AAA 102 359  85 21  2 10  55  44  24 108  237 288 390   6   3
 2000     AAA 117 441 109 22  3  8  60  42  38 123  247 311 365  10   5
 1999     TEX  16  53  10  1  0  1   3   5   3  12  189 232 264   0   0
 2000     TEX  16  26   3  2  0  0   2   2   1  14  115 148 192   0   0

Dransfeldt has run out of time to establish himself as a prospect; now he will try to establish himself as a player who can sit at the end of someone's bench. I doubt that he has much of a future.

Tom Evans (3B, 27, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 109 400 120 32 1 15 57 55 50 74 300 388 498 11 7 1999 AAA 128 439 123 35 3 12 84 68 66 100 280 384 456 5 4 2000 TEX 23 54 15 4 0 0 10 5 10 13 278 394 352 0 3

Tom Evans (3B, 27, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA 109 400 120 32  1 15  57  55  50  74  300 388 498  11   7
 1999     AAA 128 439 123 35  3 12  84  68  66 100  280 384 456   5   4
 2000     TEX  23  54  15  4  0  0  10   5  10  13  278 394 352   0   3

Evans is a guy whom you don't expect to get much of a chance. His greatest asset is his ability to get on base, and those guys usually take a back seat to the prospects with power and speed, neither of which Evans is blessed with.
Well, last year, he got his chance with the Rangers. He started well - then tore his right rotator cuff and missed the rest of the season. I don't expect him to got another chance at a regular job, though he could still be a valuable bench player. Especially if he added some versatility to his resume; he might be advised to start taking some extra outfield practice.

Andres Galarraga (1B, 40, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 ATL 153 555 169 27 1 44 103 121 63 146 305 397 595 7 6 1999 DID NOT PLAY 2000 ATL 141 494 149 25 1 28 67 100 36 126 302 369 526 3 5

He was the Comeback Player of the Year, recovering from a battle with cancer to drive in 100 runs. Galarraga has been in the league for 15 years; he's had numerous ups and downs, and it's always been difficult to say how good he is or what his future holds. He's turning 40, but he also hasn't had an off-year since 1993. I think that Galarraga will benefit from being a DH in the American League, and will be good for 60-70 RBI this year.

Ryan Glynn (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 9 6 26 24 4 1 0 157 140 64 111 344 1999 AAA 6 2 16 16 2 1 0 90 81 36 55 339 2000 AAA 4 2 15 14 2 2 0 84 72 33 66 355 1999 TEX 2 4 13 10 0 0 0 55 71 35 39 724 2000 TEX 5 7 16 16 0 0 0 89 107 41 33 558

Ryan Glynn (26, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998      AA   9   6  26 24  4  1  0 157 140  64 111 344
 1999     AAA   6   2  16 16  2  1  0  90  81  36  55 339
 2000     AAA   4   2  15 14  2  2  0  84  72  33  66 355
 1999     TEX   2   4  13 10  0  0  0  55  71  35  39 724
 2000     TEX   5   7  16 16  0  0  0  89 107  41  33 558

Glynn is a good young pitcher with the Rangers. His second season was an improvement on the first, though he still struggled badly at times. I like Glynn as a pitcher, but I have some doubts about his future. He went on the DL in July with a blister problem; that can be cured, but he went on the DL again in August after fainting in the dugout. He was listed as having an "undisclosed illness"; whazzup with that?

Scarborough Green (OF, 27, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA-AAA 44 156 43 7 1 2 27 11 14 34 276 335 372 10 6 1999 AAA 104 359 89 16 6 3 68 29 34 86 248 315 351 26 11 2000 AAA 27 99 31 6 0 1 20 10 22 24 313 443 404 14 2 2000 TEX 79 124 29 1 1 0 21 9 10 26 234 291 258 10 6

Scarborough Green (OF, 27, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998  AA-AAA  44 156  43  7  1  2  27  11  14  34  276 335 372  10   6
 1999     AAA 104 359  89 16  6  3  68  29  34  86  248 315 351  26  11
 2000     AAA  27  99  31  6  0  1  20  10  22  24  313 443 404  14   2
 2000     TEX  79 124  29  1  1  0  21   9  10  26  234 291 258  10   6

The Rangers kept Green on their roster for most of the season, using him primarily as a pinch runner or defensive replacement. Actually, he was also used 6 times as a DH, which makes no sense to me because he is a lousy hitter, always has been and always will be. His role on a ballclub is very limited, and could probably be done at least as well by several dozen other players.

Rusty Greer (LF, 32, L/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TEX 155 598 183 31 5 16 107 108 80 93 306 386 455 2 4 1999 TEX 147 556 167 41 3 20 107 101 96 67 300 405 493 2 2 2000 TEX 105 394 117 34 3 8 65 65 51 61 297 377 459 4 1

Rusty Greer (LF, 32, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TEX 155 598 183 31  5 16 107 108  80  93  306 386 455   2   4
 1999     TEX 147 556 167 41  3 20 107 101  96  67  300 405 493   2   2
 2000     TEX 105 394 117 34  3  8  65  65  51  61  297 377 459   4   1

The old man in the Rangers' outfield, Greer was slowed down by some injury problems early in the year, and his run production was not up to his usual levels. He's a good, consistent player, a .300 hitter who provides walks and power. If everyone stays healthy in the Rangers' lineup this year, he should have no trouble scoring 100 runs again.

Chris Haney (32, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 KC-CHC 6 6 38 12 0 0 0 102 128 37 55 704 1999 CLE 0 2 13 4 0 0 0 40 43 16 22 469 2000 AAA 8 3 15 13 1 1 0 92 87 17 70 244

Haney had a terrific year at Buffalo, and may be poised for a comeback... though I can think of a few teams that wish he had never arrived in the first place. He might be a good candidate to pitch well in Colorado.

Bill Haselman (CA, 35, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 TEX 40 105 33 6 0 6 11 17 3 17 314 327 543 0 0 1999 DET 48 143 39 8 0 4 13 14 10 26 273 320 413 2 0 2000 TEX 62 193 53 18 0 6 23 26 15 36 275 329 461 0 1

Bill Haselman (CA, 35, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TEX  40 105  33  6  0  6  11  17   3  17  314 327 543   0   0
 1999     DET  48 143  39  8  0  4  13  14  10  26  273 320 413   2   0
 2000     TEX  62 193  53 18  0  6  23  26  15  36  275 329 461   0   1

Haselman has been a backup catcher for his entire career, and is recognized as one of the best in that role. Rodriguez' injury gave him more at bats last year than he probably expected, and he did a good job. He'll be back in the same role in 2001, won't play very much.

Rick Helling (30, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TEX 20 7 33 33 4 2 0 216 209 78 164 441 1999 TEX 13 11 35 35 3 0 0 219 228 85 131 484 2000 TEX 16 13 35 35 0 0 0 217 212 99 146 448

Helling had another good season, and has proven himself to be a solid, durable pitcher who wins more than he loses. I don't expect him to get better, and he'll probably be finished in two years, but for now he's okay.

Jonathan Johnson (27, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AAA 6 6 19 18 1 0 1 112 109 32 94 490 1999 AAA 8 4 21 8 0 0 2 68 91 23 38 625 2000 AAA 4 7 36 2 0 0 5 57 55 26 63 508 2000 TEX 1 1 15 0 0 0 0 29 34 19 23 621

Jonathan Johnson (27, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998     AAA   6   6  19 18  1  0  1 112 109  32  94 490
 1999     AAA   8   4  21  8  0  0  2  68  91  23  38 625
 2000     AAA   4   7  36  2  0  0  5  57  55  26  63 508
 2000     TEX   1   1  15  0  0  0  0  29  34  19  23 621

Johnson pitched poorly (again) at Oklahoma, but somehow managed to double his strikeout rate. Was he working on a new pitch or something? His record has been pretty disgraceful, but Johnson might be a dark horse to have a good year.

Gabe Kapler (OF, 26, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AA 139 547 176 47 6 28 113 146 66 93 322 393 583 6 4 1999 DET 130 416 102 22 4 18 60 49 42 74 245 315 447 11 5 2000 TEX 116 444 134 32 1 14 59 66 42 57 302 360 473 8 4

Gabe Kapler (OF, 26, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA 139 547 176 47  6 28 113 146  66  93  322 393 583   6   4
 1999     DET 130 416 102 22  4 18  60  49  42  74  245 315 447  11   5
 2000     TEX 116 444 134 32  1 14  59  66  42  57  302 360 473   8   4

The Rangers acquired Kapler last season in the Gonzalez deal with Detroit, and they were hoping that he could replace the slugger in the lineup. His season started off badly; he tore his right quadriceps muscle in May, then reinjured the same muscle in June. After that, things suddenly got better; Kapler began a 28-game hitting streak in August, the longest by any player in 2000, and finished the year with decent numbers.
Once again, Kapler will be facing great expectations in 2001. He can hit, but he is also extremely muscle-bound, and he's going to have to learn to avoid tearing those quadriceps.

Randy Knorr (CA, 32, R/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 2000 AAA 83 292 70 17 1 7 39 45 28 61 240 306 377 0 1 1998 FLO 15 49 10 4 1 2 4 11 1 10 204 216 449 0 0 1999 HOU 13 30 5 1 0 0 2 0 1 8 167 194 200 0 0 2000 TEX 15 34 10 2 0 2 5 2 0 3 294 294 529 0 0

Randy Knorr (CA, 32, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 2000     AAA  83 292  70 17  1  7  39  45  28  61  240 306 377   0   1
 1998     FLO  15  49  10  4  1  2   4  11   1  10  204 216 449   0   0
 1999     HOU  13  30   5  1  0  0   2   0   1   8  167 194 200   0   0
 2000     TEX  15  34  10  2  0  2   5   2   0   3  294 294 529   0   0

Knorr is a veteran catcher who moves around each year, and occasionally gets The Call. He'll be back in the minors in 2001... but he's had at least one major league at bat since 1991, and will probably get a few more this year.

Danny Kolb (26, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 12 11 28 28 2 0 0 162 187 76 83 482 1999 AAA 5 3 11 8 0 0 0 60 74 27 21 510 2000 AAA 4 1 13 0 0 0 4 18 11 8 18 098

After struggling badly the past three seasons, Kolb began the year pitching well with Oklahoma, and was called up by the Rangers in May. He almost immediately hurt his elbow, and missed the rest of the season. I would say that he has little chance of making a comeback.

Mike Lamb (3B, 26, L/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 A 135 536 162 35 3 9 83 93 45 63 302 356 429 18 7 1999 AA 137 544 176 51 5 21 98 100 53 65 324 386 551 4 3 2000 TEX 138 493 137 25 2 6 65 47 34 60 278 328 373 0 2

Mike Lamb (3B, 26, L/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A 135 536 162 35  3  9  83  93  45  63  302 356 429  18   7
 1999      AA 137 544 176 51  5 21  98 100  53  65  324 386 551   4   3
 2000     TEX 138 493 137 25  2  6  65  47  34  60  278 328 373   0   2

Lamb began the season fighting for the third base job with Tom Evans - and lost it. Evans went on the DL in April, Lamb got the call, and was the Rangers' regular third sacker for the remainder of the season. His rookie season was mixed; he hit for a decent average, and will almost certainly hit .300 in the future. But he didn't hit for much power, and he committed 33 errors in the field.
Though Lamb made quick progress through the Rangers' system, he is not young. I expect him to make some improvements and become a quality player, but I doubt that he will ever be an All-Star. The Rangers have also signed Ken Caminiti, which may be a sign that they want Lamb to get much better in a real hurry.

Ricky Ledee (OF, 27, L/L)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 1998 AAA 96 360 102 21 1 19 70 41 54 108 283 378 506 7 2 1998 NYY 42 79 19 5 2 1 13 12 7 29 241 299 392 3 1 1999 NYY 88 250 69 13 5 9 45 40 28 73 276 346 476 4 3 2000 3TEAMS 137 467 110 19 5 13 59 77 59 98 236 322 381 13 6

Ricky Ledee (OF, 27, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA  96 360 102 21  1 19  70  41  54 108  283 378 506   7   2
 1998     NYY  42  79  19  5  2  1  13  12   7  29  241 299 392   3   1
 1999     NYY  88 250  69 13  5  9  45  40  28  73  276 346 476   4   3
 2000  3TEAMS 137 467 110 19  5 13  59  77  59  98  236 322 381  13   6

Ledee's career is going nowhere fast. At the moment he is still with the Rangers, though I suppose he could be dealt at any moment. The Rangers already have three outfielders (Greer, Kapler, Mateo) and a fourth outfielder (Curtis) and a DH (Galaragga), so I'm not sure how Ledee is going to get any at bats.

Ruben Mateo (CF, 23, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA 107 433 134 32  3 18  79  75  30  56  309 371 522  18   8
 1999     AAA  63 253  85 12  0 18  53  62  14  36  336 385 597   6   3
 1999     TEX  32 122  29  9  1  5  16  18   4  28  238 268 451   3   0
 2000     TEX  52 206  60 11  0  7  32  19  10  34  291 339 447   6   0

A terrific young player who was coming into his own last season, before he fractured a bone in his right leg. Mateo has power and speed and he hits for average and he is still only 23 years old. The bad news is that he also broke a wrist in 1999, and you have to wonder if he is a little fragile.

Jason McDonald (OF, 29, S/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 2000     AAA  32 105  25  6  1  2  13  12  14  29  238 336 371   2   4
 1998     OAK  70 175  44  9  0  1  25  16  27  33  251 359 320  10   4
 1999     OAK 100 187  39  2  1  3  26   8  25  48  209 310 278   6   3
 2000     TEX  38  94  22  5  0  3  15  13  17  25  234 357 383   4   4

McDonald has struggled for three straight seasons, and my guess is that his career is in jeopardy. The Rangers will expect to have all of their outfielders healthy, plus they also have Chad Curtis and Ricky Ledee... and I doubt that any team is going to be in a hurry to put McDonald in their lineup.

Mike Munoz (36, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 COL 2 2 40 0 0 0 3 41 53 16 24 568 1999 TEX 2 1 56 0 0 0 1 53 52 18 27 393 2000 TEX 0 1 7 0 0 0 0 4 11 3 1 1350

Munoz went on the DL in April with "tendinitis" in his left shoulder, and never returned. And he probably never will return.

Aaron Myette (24, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998       A  13   6  23 23  1  1  0 147 116  44 157 233
 1999      AA  12   7  28 28  0  0  0 165 138  77 135 366
 2000     AAA   5   5  19 17  0  0  0 112 103  56  85 435
 1999     CHW   0   2   4  3  0  0  0  16  17  14  11 632
 2000     CHW   0   0   2  0  0  0  0   3   0   4   1 000

The Rangers acquired Myette from the White Sox during the winter. He's a very young pitcher who fractured his hand during the spring, and had just a mediocre season at Charlotte. He's still a solid bet for the future; I'd like to see him start the year in the Rangers bullpen, except that they need starting pitchers far more than they need right-handed relievers. If he's starts the year in the rotation, his season will probably be a struggle.

Darren Oliver (30, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TEX-STL 10 11 29 29 2 0 0 160 204 66 87 574 1999 STL 9 9 30 30 2 1 0 196 197 74 119 426 2000 TEX 2 9 21 21 0 0 0 108 151 42 49 742

Oliver went on the DL in June with a "weakness" in his left shoulder. I never would have guessed.

Rafael Palmeiro (1B, 37, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     BAL 162 619 183 36  1 43  98 121  79  91  296 379 565  11   7
 1999     TEX 158 565 183 30  1 47  96 148  97  69  324 420 630   2   4
 2000     TEX 158 565 163 29  3 39 102 120 103  77  288 397 558   2   1

Palmeiro quietly had another big season, and it now seems that his election to the Hall Of Fame is almost inevitable. He has 2321 lifetime hits, and is a sure bet to get over 2500. He also has exactly 400 homers, and will likely hit more than 500. Other milestones that he should reach include 500 doubles and 1500 RBI.
Palmeiro's prospects for 2001 seem good. He now has five straight seasons with at last 38 home runs; if you are worried that he might be starting to have trouble against left-handers, you'll be glad to know that he hit .326 off them last year.

Mark Petkovsek (35, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 STL 7 4 38 10 0 0 0 105 131 36 55 477 1999 ANA 10 4 64 0 0 0 1 83 85 21 43 347 2000 ANA 4 2 64 1 0 0 2 81 86 23 31 422

A capable middle reliever, Petkovsek works hard and throws strikes and doesn't give up too many hits. He has pitched well the past two seasons, but he is also 35 years old; if he has another good year, it will be his last.

Scott Podsednik (OF, 25, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A  81 302  86 12  4  4  55  39  44  32  285 369 391  26   8
 1999      AA  37 116  18  4  0  0  10   1   5  13  155 190 190   6   2
 2000      AA  49 169  42  7  2  2  20  13  30  33  249 361 349  19   4

Podsednik is a young outfielder who has never batted above the Double-AA level, but who spent a few days on the Rangers' bench during the summer. He missed most of 1999 with a hamstring pull, and lingering effects of that injury forced him to start slowly last year. He can run, but there's little evidence that he can hit, or stay healthy.

Bo Porter (OF, 29, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998      AA 125 464 134 26 11 10  91  68  82 117  289 399 457  50  17
 1999     AAA 111 414 121 24  2 27  86  64  65 121  292 396 556  15  17
 2000     AAA 129 481 131 21  3 14  94  64  88 117  272 386 416  39  10

Porter has spent most of his career in the minor leagues. He's a decent player, has some power and speed and will take a walk. So far, no one has bothered to give him much of a chance, but he has the kind of skills that win ballgames.

Ivan Rodriguez (CA, 29, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     TEX 145 579 186 40  4 21  88  91  32  88  321 358 513   9   0
 1999     TEX 144 600 199 29  1 35 116 113  24  64  332 356 558  25  12
 2000     TEX  91 363 126 27  4 27  66  83  19  48  347 375 667   5   5

He was Josh Gibson for three months, before a broken bone in his hand put him on the DL for the rest of the season. The injury may have cost fans a chance to see one of the greatest seasons ever by a catcher, but it may help Rodriguez in the long run. He has already caught 1200 games in his career, many of them in the oppressive Texas heat. Many catchers get worn down and stop hitting when they reach this point in their careers; Rodriguez, obviously, is an exception, but a few extra months rest probably won't hurt his career.

Alex Rodriguez (SS, 26, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     SEA 161 686 213 35  5 42 123 124  45 121  310 360 560  46  13
 1999     SEA 129 502 143 25  0 42 110 111  56 109  285 357 586  21   7
 2000     SEA 148 554 175 34  2 41 134 132 100 121  316 420 606  15   4

      If I had had a vote, Rodriguez would have been my choice for MVP. He was among the best hitters in the league, though not quite at the same level as Giambi, Thomas and Delgado. But he was a much better defensive player than any of those guys, and his batting stats may have been misleading. Safeco Field was a dreadful park for hitters in 2000, and Rodriguez' road numbers (.356 average, 28 homers) were as good as anyone's.
      Once again, Rodriguez will be my MVP choice for 2001. He is probably the best player in baseball; it is also likely that he will have the greatest career of any player of his generation. And, in the wake of his massive contract signing, he is now possibly the most famous player in baseball.
      He's also an attractive young man who seems fairly bright; I only mention those last two traits because I think that Rodriguez is the only active player who has a chance to be the Joe DiMaggio of his generation, a player whose celebrity status transcends the game he plays. I think of DiMaggio as a personality who was known, and even loved, by people who weren't even baseball fans. And he had a special ability to make anyone, even the most cynical fan, feel unashamedly good about the game. I don't think there has been a player like that since Joe hung up his cleats.
     Rodriguez has a long way to go. To be greater than his game, he must also be greater than his $250 million contract, and that won't be easy. There are also rumours floating about that he is a bit of a selfish jerk; whether true or not, they'll have to be dispelled. Whether we like it or not, he's going to be the game's greatest star for the next ten years; I guess we'll see what happens.

Kenny Rogers (36, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 OAK 16 8 34 34 7 1 0 238 215 67 138 317 1999 OAK-NYM 10 4 31 31 5 1 0 195 206 69 126 419 2000 TEX 13 13 34 34 2 0 0 227 257 78 127 455

The Gambler had a decent season, but he's also in decline, and at age 36 I doubt he will recover. The Rangers better score a thousand runs this year, because I think that's the only way that Rogers will have a winning season. He may eventually try to finish his career back in the bullpen, where he started.

Scott Sheldon (IF, 32, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA 131 493 126 31  4 29  74  96  62 143  256 339 511   2   2
 1999     AAA 122 453 141 35  3 28  94  97  56 112  311 385 587  12   2
 2000     TEX  58 124  35 11  0  4  21  19  10  37  282 336 468   0   0

Sheldon had a big year at Oklahoma in 1999, and the Rangers rewarded him with a full year on their bench. He was good, playing all over the field and hitting well. He even had an epic game in which he played every position, including pitcher and catcher. The Rangers have signed more infielders than they can possibly use, and I don't know if there is still room for Sheldon on their roster. He is a good player in his role.

Ruben Sierra (DH, 35, S/R)
YEAR TM GM AB HT DB TP HR RUN RBI BB SO AVG OBA SLU SB CS 2000 AAA 112 439 143 26 3 18 70 82 55 63 326 398 522 5 2 2000 TEX 20 60 14 0 0 1 5 7 4 9 233 281 283 1 0

After disappearing for a year, Sierra came back and had a good season at Oklahoma, and was rewarded with a few at bats in September with the Rangers. He's only 35 years old, but it's been a long time since you could say that Sierra actually played well; I don't think the Rangers showed much confidence in him by going out and getting Galarraga.

Brian Sikorski (27, R)

 YEAR    TEAM  WN  LS  GP GS CG SH SV  IP HIT  BB  SO ERA
 1998  AA-AAA  11  12  30 29  1  0  0 181 169  76 144 487
 1999     AAA   7  10  28 27  2  1  0 158 169  58 122 495
 2000     AAA  10   9  24 23  5  2  1 140 131  60  99 404
 2000     TEX   1   3  10  5  0  0  0  38  46  25  32 573

Sikorski is a mediocre pitcher who presumably will not be part of a championship team in Texas.

Pedro Valdes (OF, 28, L/L)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA  65 229  72 12  0 17  49  40  27  38  314 384 590   2   1
 1999  AA-AAA 121 428 141 31  1 22  75  76  60  66  329 419 561   1   2
 2000     AAA  92 352 117 30  2 16  64  78  45  41  332 407 565   2   0
 2000     TEX  30  54  15  5  0  1   4   5   6   7  278 350 426   0   0

Valdes is a hitter who earlier in his career wasn't good enough to play for the Cubs, and who now has been sold to Japan.

Randy Velarde (2B, 38, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     ANA  51 188  49 13  1  4  29  26  34  42  261 375 404   7   2
 1999 ANA-OAK 156 631 200 25  7 16 105  76  70  98  317 390 455  24   8
 2000     OAK 122 485 135 23  0 12  82  41  54  95  278 354 400   9   3

Velarde is a solid veteran infielder who has a history of getting hurt. He can still help a team to a small extent, but I wouldn't bet on him to play in more than 100 games this year.

Mike Venafro (28, L)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 3 4 46 0 0 0 14 52 42 26 45 310 1999 TEX 3 2 65 0 0 0 0 68 63 22 37 329 2000 TEX 3 1 77 0 0 0 1 56 64 21 32 383

Venafro is the Rangers' resident left-handed reliever. The good news is that he appeared in 77 games, and posted a good era. The bad news is that left-handers hit .252 against him, and that's too high (especially when right-handers hit .351). You never know what to expect from these guys from one year to the next; I doubt that Venafro has much long-term success ahead of him.

Brandon Villafuerte (25, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA-AAA 1 2 40 0 0 0 1 66 73 41 61 521 1999 AA 6 10 37 12 0 0 5 124 114 52 105 318 2000 AAA 4 9 46 6 0 0 4 88 112 49 85 667

Villafuerte is a young pitcher who was atrociously bad at Toledo last year. He looked like a prospect in 1999, sort of, but his outlook at the moment is grim.

B.J. Waszgis (CA, 31, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998     AAA  66 208  42  9  0  9  31  41  26  52  202 287 375   2   4
 1999     AAA  63 191  53 12  0  6  36  31  27  55  277 382 435   4   2
 2000     AAA  77 259  68 11  3 13  45  62  55  68  263 398 479   2   2
 2000     TEX  24  45  10  1  0  0   6   4   4  10  222 294 244   0   0

After spending five years at the AAA level, Waszgiz was given a chance to play with the Rangers after Rodriguez got hurt. He didn't play much, but at least he got a chance.

John Wetteland (35, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 TEX 3 1 63 0 0 0 42 62 47 14 72 203 1999 TEX 4 4 62 0 0 0 43 66 67 19 60 368 2000 TEX 6 5 62 0 0 0 34 60 67 24 53 420

He has declined badly the past two seasons; he is no longer one of the top closers in the game, and his health has become a problem. Wetteland is expected to miss the first 2-3 months of the season recovering from surgery on his back; it's unlikely that he will be an impact pitcher in 2001.

Mike Young (IF, 24, R/R)

 YEAR      TM  GM  AB  HT DB TP HR RUN RBI  BB  SO  AVG OBA SLU  SB  CS
 1998       A 140 522 147 33  5 16  86  87  55  96  282 354 456  16   8
 1999       A 129 495 155 36  3  5  86  83  61  78  313 389 428  16   5
 2000      AA 134 533 155 37 10  7  81  68  79 100  291 383 437  25   8

Young is a young infielder whom the Rangers acquired from the Blue Jays in the Loaiza deal. He does lots of the things you look for in a young infielder, like hitting for average and hitting doubles and getting on base and stealing bases. He has made curiously slow progress so far, and likely won't get many at bats this year. But I think he'll be a decent player someday.

Jeff Zimmerman (29, R)
YEAR TEAM WN LS GP GS CG SH SV IP HIT BB SO ERA 1998 AA 3 1 41 0 0 0 9 63 38 20 67 129 1999 TEX 9 3 65 0 0 0 3 88 50 23 67 236 2000 TEX 4 5 65 0 0 0 1 70 80 34 74 530

The Rangers were hoping from better things from Zimmerman after his spectacular rookie season in 1999. But he struggled, like most of the Rangers' bullpen. I still like Zimmerman; 1999 may have been a fluke, but he's still capable of having a good year, and probably will.