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David Murphy – David and his wife are excited this week with the birth of the couples first son, Cole Mathew Murphy. It is always exciting when you have a child, so Congratulations to David and family!
Adrian Beltre – Beltre is expected to be out at leasst 10 days because of what is being called a “bothersome right calf”. Beltre strained it earlier in camp, and is now expected to miss the first week of spring training games, which begin Sunday, and maybe more time. “Nobody wants to be hurt, especially coming into spring training. But you want to look at the positive side, it’s better to happen now than the season,” Beltre said. Beltre is right, I just hope that it does not turn into a nagging injury that bothers him all season long.
Neftali Feliz – We discussed Neftali at some length on the Ranger Report podcast for Feb. 24, 2011, so you should go listen to it. The Rangers are looking to streatch out Nefti to see if he can be a starter, and I think that he can be. I look for Nefti to have a great spring training and possibly make the rotation, especially since it looks as if Brandon Webb may not be ready when opening day rolls around, and we still do not know if Harrison, Holland, Hunter, Kirkman, Ogando or anyone else is going to step it up for the 4th and 5th spot in the rotation. Neftali showed a whole lot of poise last season, which of course earned him the rookie of the year honors in 2010. If he becomes a front line starter, it will be much more valuble to the team (and I know that closers are very important) than having the 23 year old as a closer. We will see what happens.
Ian Kinsler – Kinlser is going to get some at bats at the leadoff spot, and may win that spot at the start of the season. Why mess with a good thing you might ask? Here are 3 reasons that I think you should. For more opinion on it, once again, listen to the podcast.
1. Imagine the lineup with Borbon in the 9 hole, followed by Ian, Elvis, Josh, Beltre, Nelly and then Young. Would you want to plan for that speed followed by that power? I didn’t think so. The Rangers should be a very tough lineup to pitch too with Ian batting 1st. I am all for it. Really, I am.
2. Remember the 2009 season? Ian Kinsler was a 20/20 guy (20+ steals and 20+ HR’s). He seems to be more focused and more alert when he leads off games.
3. Walks, walks, walks. Ian has become a much more patient hitter and it will pay off to have a very patient hitter in the one hole. If Ian can work as many walks over a full season has he did in a short sample last year, watch out other teams!!
I am sure more news will break soon, and when it does, as always, we will cover it here on the Ranger Report.
