Tuesday Newsletter time: Arizona this time next week? That's what Texas Rangers Newsletter is expecting
The owners and players made little progress Monday toward a new CBA, but too much money is on the line for an agreement to not be reached soon.
The Texas Rangers Newsletter is now officially on the record as saying it expects to be in Arizona next week for major-league spring training.
The owners and players are committed to meet every day this week to hammer out a collective bargaining agreement. A lot of money is on the line if a deal isn’t in place by next Monday. An artificial deadline is in place, and all things in baseball get done right against a deadline.
It’s going to happen, even though the needle barely moved Monday in Jupiter, Fla., as the two sides met for some five hours.
However, part of me wonders if I’m like Bart Simpson in the Kamp Krusty episode. He’s the only one of the campers, in horrendous conditions, who is convinced Krusty will show up, clutching his Krusty doll in denial.
Bart eventually snaps, leads a camp revolt, and goes to Tijuana with Krusty and the other kids. Maybe that’s what awaits me if an agreement isn’t reached this week.
For now, I’m clutching my Rob Manfred and Tony Clark dolls and making plans to be in Rangers camp this time next week.
Prospects getting ready
Monday wasn’t the most exciting day at the Surprise Recreation Campus, unless you’re into player physicals.
Lots of turning heads. Lots of coughing.
Physical exams were on the agenda ahead of the minor-league mini-camp, which will start in earnest today. Some pitchers threw live batting practice Monday and hitters took BP, but the group will become more robust the rest of the week.
Report date for minor-league spring training is March 5, but many prospects have been in Arizona since last month. The Rangers’ “priority prospects” are participating in the mini-camp.
Meanwhile, the Rangers continue to wait for further word on the health of third baseman Josh Jung, who has been shut down with a sprained left labrum. A more thorough treatment plan is expected this week.
Frisco promotions
Double A Frisco announced its promotions schedule for the 2022 season at 10 a.m. Friday, when everyone should know by now is when I’m doing Orangetheory.
So, this one slipped past me, but, as always, the fan experience at Riders Field comes first with Chuck Greenberg, Victor Rojas and their creative staff.
New in 2022 is Texas Baseball Legend Wednesday, when, well, a Texas baseball legend will be on hand for Wednesday home games. Two appearances were announced Friday — Hall of Famer and former Rangers pitcher Ferguson Jenkins on May 25 and Rangers Hall of Famer Tom Grieve on Sept. 7.
April 23 is set for It’s Gonna Be May Night, featuring Chris Kirkpatrick from the boy band NSYNC. There are also other theme nights like Salute to Supply Chain Night on May 26 (giveaway pending delivery as it is stuck at sea); Tribute to the Suburbs Night on June 16; and Christmas in July on July 15, featuring a Teddy Leg Lamp bobblehead.
The RoughRiders previously announced plans to salute the Negro Leagues by playing as the Dallas Black Giants on June 19, Aug. 14 and Sept. 7.
Tickets are on sale at the RoughRiders’ website.
Doggy video!
I was expecting a dog, but I wasn’t expecting that. Enjoy. See you Wednesday.
It kinda looks like the infield lineup will depend on the first domino falling—can Jung play or not?