It is no secret that the former World Series Champions have been riding the struggle bus for the last two seasons. However, hope remains. The Texas Rangers‘ pitching staff has been stellar. Yet, the offense hasn’t found its stride, and something has to change. Chris Young, President of Baseball Operations for the Texas Rangers, has been cleaning house this week.
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Bold Moves for a Better Future
The flurry of announcements came on May 1st when the Texas Rangers made several significant roster changes, including announcing that first baseman Jake Burger was being demoted to the Round Rock Express. Meanwhile, Blaine Crim received the call to the Big Show. Infielder Nick Ahmed was designated for assignment to free up a spot on the 40-man roster. Rather than accept being outrighted to Round Rock, he elected free agency. Crim made his Major League Debut the following day. Crim earned his first Major League run on May 4th. However, he is still looking for his first big league hit.
On Sunday, May 4th, the Texas Rangers announced that they had relieved Offensive Coordinator Donnie Ecker of his duties. The team followed this announcement by stating that center fielder Leody Taveras was being placed on outright waivers. Any team may claim Taveras and the $3.25 million that remains on his contract. If he remains unclaimed as of Wednesday morning, he may be removed from the 40-man roster and outrighted to Round Rock. Alternatively, as Ahmed did, Taveras could choose free agency. However, he would lose the remainder of his contract.
You would be wrong if you thought the Rangers were done after this flurry of events. On May 5th, the club announced they had hired three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Bret Boone. He is the older brother of current Yankees manager Aaron Boone. Coach Boone comes from a pedigree of major league success. One can only hope he brings back some of that success to the Texas Rangers in Arlington.
More News To Come…
But wait! There’s more! The Texas Rangers are expected to announce the recall of Evan Carter from the Round Rock Express later today. Carter, dubbed the “Little Savior” by the team during its World Series run, has been plagued with injuries over the past year but has been steadily working his way back to health and the Major Leagues. Young said that he had seen what he wanted to see from Carter in Round Rock and that he plans to return him to the Rangers for the game in Boston later today.
