Friday Newsletter time: Nick Solak returns to Texas Rangers with new outlook, more confidence
The second baseman connected Thursday for his first home run since his month-long stint at Triple A Round Rock.
Nick Solak is batting .333 (6 for 18) in four games since returning from Triple A Round Rock, and on Thursday night he connected for his first post-demotion home run.
Both of his hits in the Texas Rangers’ 10-6 loss to the Cleveland Indians were to right field. All hitters are at their best when going the other way, but one of Solak’s strengths has always been hitting to the opposite field.
It’s an indication that he’s seen the ball well, that he’s confident to let the ball travel deep and not worry about getting beat, and that he’s done beating himself up.
What can a month in the minors do for a player who was seemingly anointed the second baseman to start the season? A lot, which he has come to realize.
“This game requires both, the physical and mental,” Solak said. “I think a little reset to get back to the things that I’ve done, that’s what I’ve been trying to do. “
The swing doesn’t look much different, though there have been some tweaks. After a torrid April, Solak’s vulnerability to breaking balls was exposed and he slumped for three months.
The more he struggled, the more he pressed, manager Chris Woodward said.
Solak’s solution is finding joy in playing a game that so few get to play at the highest level.
“I’m excited to show up to the park every day, see the guys, talk to the guys, hear baseball stories,” Solak said. “I’m enjoying all those things and definitely making a point to continue to enjoy everything about this great job and being able to show up every day.”
Night and day
When I went to bed Wednesday night, I was sure of one thing: The Rangers were playing a day game Thursday.
I changed from my usual 10 a.m. Orangetheory class to 8:45 so that I wouldn’t miss the pregame Zoom with Woodward. It was Orange Everest day at OTF, and I couldn’t miss that.
Only after class, after I had tweeted that the Rangers were playing a matinee and as I wondered if I’d missed the Zoom, did I discover the 6:10 p.m. start.
Whoops.
There’s also this: I could remember only one night getaway game at Cleveland. It was in 2011 during the NBA Finals, the one the Dallas Mavericks won. The Mavs beat the Miami Heat and LeBron James, who has just left Cleveland high and dry.
My cab driver bright and early the next morning was pretty pumped up about the Mavs potentially beating James. The driver talked the whole way about the way James stiffed the city, and also told a colorful story about Delonte West and James’ mother.
It was 4 a.m. and I otherwise would have forgotten the whole thing until that doozy.
Card of the Week
The potential center fielder of the future was added to the roster Tuesday. Hence, this 2017 Bowman Chrome prospect autographs green refractor of Leody Taveras is the Card of the Week.
If you’re looking for a Taveras rookie card, this is the one.
Taveras is getting another chance after faring well last season in his MLB debut. He was lost to start this season, though, and was at Triple A Round Rock for nearly four months before being recalled.
If he plays well, he stays the rest of the season and would enter spring training as the favorite to be the Opening Day center fielder. If he doesn’t play well, he will head back to Round Rock and wait for another chance.
He’s a talented player, especially defensively. If the offense comes around, center field could be his for several seasons.
Doggy video!
This dog is smarter than me. Enjoy. See you Monday.
Woody talking about Lyles spin, are you kidding me? Woody has become THE spin master. Having to explain losses and not say we just don’t have the talent to win is not only admirable, but, inspiring. Sure would like to see him operate with the lineup Wash had 9 years ago.