Alberto Hanser: Age 22, Nicknamed “Radio” by his teammates for his tendency to pretend to call play-by-play around the batting cage and dugout; He was chosen as the Rangers Defensive Player of the Month for July 2014, and entered 2013 ranked by MLB.com as the No. 15 prospect in the Texas system. Alberto won the Dominican Summer League batting title in 2010, and was signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent on Nov. 23, 2009. Since 2010 as he has progressed through the minor league system from Spokane, Hickory, Myrtle Beach, Surprise, Frisco, and finally Round Rock his career minor league numbers look like this:
522 Games
2080 At bats
.278 BA
.310 OBP
241 Run
21 HR
230 RBI
This year at AAA Round Rock in 42 games his line is .303/.321/.742 with 13 RBI, 3 BB, 15 SO, and 2 HR. Over his last 23 games, according to the Rangers Press Release, beginning May 2, Alberto has .375 (30-80) averages with 10 extra-base hits, and 12 runs, including a 16-game hitting streak. He has the highest fielding percentage at shortstop in the Pacific Coast League this season.
His progression through the system has been systematic, and given the rash of errors by the middle infield it seems clear that the Rangers are looking for defensive help. I think it is important we get to know these young guys as they move up through the system and speculate as to what the big club is thinking. The big club is thinking that Odor at 2B did not pan out this year, the jury is still out on Thomas Field, and Adam Rosales, Elvis Andrus’s play has been inconsistent with the big money he is being paid, so it is time to see what this young man can do. His play will determine how long he gets to stay, but using options on young players is a big deal, they only have three of those. Considering his age, the organization also has only 40 spots on the roster to protect players too, so it is time to determine if they continue to do that or if he will be Rule 5 draft eligible next season.
The team needs some help; they need base runners, and consistent infield defense. Maybe Alberto is the guy, if not at least the organization will know what they may or may not have down on the farm. His numbers indicate he could be a player, he has been playing shortstop and the team really does not have anyone behind Elvis except Rosales. Another option might be to start working in DeSheilds at 2B, but I think the team likes his speed in the outfield. It is pure enjoyment to see these young guys come through; play their hearts out, and see if they have what it takes to play Major League baseball!
