Wednesday Newsletter time: Texas Rangers have interest in Seiya Suzuki, but do they really need him?
A veteran starting pitcher is also in the plans once the lockout ends. It is going to end, right?
The lockout is going to end at some point and baseball will be played this year.
Before it is played, though, the offseason business that has been delayed must be conducted. That includes the Rule 5 draft, finding COVID-19 protocols, and, of course, allowing the unsigned free agents time to sign.
The Texas Rangers did their heavy lifting just before MLB owners imposed the lockout almost immediately after the collective bargaining agreement expired at 11 p.m. CDT on Dec. 1.
The expectation is the Rangers will attempt to sign outfielder Seiya Suzuki and a veteran starting pitcher. As time has worn out and the excitement generated by the Rangers’ spending spree has petered out, it’s worth considering if the Rangers should do those two things.
A starting pitcher? Yes. The Rangers could go without one, but that wouldn’t fit their plan for not rushing young pitchers in the minors and limiting their workloads.
Suzuki? That move the Rangers can probably do without.
The Rangers have enough outfielders and believe they have enough outfielders with upside to navigate 2022 and beyond. And if those outfielders — namely Leody Taveras and Willie Calhoun — don’t pan out, the Rangers could turn to free agency next offseason.
Joey Gallo will be a free agent, and it seems like he would be very interested in returning.
The Rangers are also about to turn some middle infielders into outfielders. It might not happen immediately this season, but don’t be surprised to see several players getting acclimated to the outfield.
There is some concern about second baseman Justin Foscue, the 2020 first-rounder, playing out there because of a foot issue he had in 2020, but he is certain he could do it. If he becomes the threat with the bat many believe he will, he will need a place to play.
First baseman Dustin Harris, the Rangers Minor League Player of the Year, is being moved to the outfield this season. Blaine Crim, the Puerto Rican Winter League batting champion, is a first baseman who can play left field.
Many believe Suzuki will break the streak of Japanese positions players who haven’t panned out in the majors, but there’s no guarantee. However, he’s also expected to be reasonably affordable, and the value might be too good for the Rangers to pass up.
They are going to try, it would appear, but Suzuki feels more of a luxury item than a necessity.
Lockout timeline
The speed with which the lockout ends is now on the players, who have yet to respond to the latest economic proposal last week from the owners. There has been no indication on when the sides might meet again after six-week span between meetings.
At this rate, a good dose of reality is needed.
Teams were expected to report for spring training in mid-February. The regular season is scheduled to start March 31. As was written above, free agents need time to sign. Teams need time to make trades.
An on-time start to spring training is possible, if a new CBA can be in place by Feb. 1 or at least enough momentum toward a new agreement is generated for both sides to make a good-faith agreement to start camps on time.
That just doesn’t seem probable.
March 1 might be an unofficial deadline to ensure the regular season starts on time. That would result in a shortened spring and moving parts throughout as free agents sign well into camp.
Maybe, then, the target is Feb. 15, to be followed by two weeks of signings and trades and giving players time to get where they need to be.
Yeah, reality bites.
Apply to Charley Pride program
This important, so kindly read this and spread the word:
The Charley Pride Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for this summer. The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will select five college juniors or seniors from diverse backgrounds and give them training and the opportunity to experience what working for a big-league team is like.
It’s a 10-week program with 20-hour work weeks. The five Fellows, who must have at least a 2.5 grade-point average, will rotate between three front-office positions. So, this isn’t just a gig in baseball operations.
The application process opened last week and runs through April 1. For more information, visit texasrangers.com/charleypridefellowship.
Pride was a country music pioneer after he retired from minor-league baseball. He was a fixture at Rangers spring training for more than 40 years and became a minority owner when the group lead by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan purchased the club in 2010.
Pride passed away Dec. 12, 2020, at age 86, and the fellowship launched March 18, 2021, on what would have been his 87th birthday.
Doggy video!
Who’s that? Oh, it’s you. Enjoy. See you Thursday.
