I love Spring Training and all that it brings with it. It does, however seem like it is moving really slowly this year, probably due to the World Baseball Classic. I am ready for April to be here and it is not even March yet. None the less, here are some things you should know about Spring Training.
1. Cory Burns is making a push to be in the bull pen. He has yet to allow a run in Cactus league play in three appearences and he is catching the attention of the Rangers coaching staff.
“He’s an interesting guy,” bullpen coach Andy Hawkins said. “He throws a lot of strikes, he’s got an ‘out’ pitch with the changeup, a Major League average breaking ball and his fastball command is pretty good. He’s got a method, and he’s got ability to get Major League hitters out.” (texasrangers.com)
If he continues to pitch the way he has, he has a good shot of making the bull pen when camp breaks.
2. Craig Gentry has a tight hamstring and is listed as day to day. Beltre (Engel and Adrian) and Berkman were also banged up a little but Berkman appears ready to go now. Gentry describes it as just a little tightness and nothing to worry about, but he is fighting for a chance to be the Rangers center fielder. Craig may injure himself more because of the competition. We will just have to wait and see.
3. Yu Darvish looked great in his first start. There is nothing to worry about with him right now, and it will be interesting to see if Ron pickes Darvish or Harrison to be the opening day starter.
So far the Rangers have not been very good during spring training as far as winning games, but winning games has never been what spring training is about. The Rangers are starting to narrow the field on who will make the bull pen out of camp and on who the fifth starter is going to be. It is going to be a long, but good spring.
