Posted on 25 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 12/18/89
The Rangers decided to add to their 1B depth with the selection on the Californian prep slugger in the 5th round of the '08 draft. Clark Murphy performed quite well in his first professional action with the Rangers' Arizona Rookie League affiliate, hitting .358 with a HR 21 RBI and 7 doubles in 25 games. Murphy has a rock solid frame and fluid left-handed swing that has already demonstrated good power with wooden bats. His hands move quickly through the ball and he exhibits solid plate discipline (12 BB/19 K in 25 games). Though he is now fully recovered from his quad injury, Murphy still exhibits below average foot speed which should limit his defensive abilities to 1B as a pro. He has exhibited above average footwork and agility around the bag. His arm is more than strong enough for the position as he was an outfielder as a prep player. There are still some mechanical glitches to iron out in his swing. He has a little hitch that occasionally throws off his timing and affects his ability to make consistent contact. This should be something that is completely rectified, allowing for him to more effectively stay back on balls and tap into his considerable raw power.
2009 Projection: Murphy should start at full season Low-A Hickory with future All-Star 1B Justin Smoak beginning at High-A Bakersfield. The thing to watch in Murphy is his power numbers. The odds are good that he will increase his HR output this season, but will it come at the expense of his BB/K ratio? Murphy is stuck in an offensively loaded farm system with exceptional depth at the 1B and OF positions. Expect the Rangers to bring Murphy along at a prudent pace. If he continues to produce good offensive numbers, there is a good chance that he could be a valuable commodity when the Rangers start looking to add to their pitching depth. Given Texas' rapidly improving odds as a playoff contender, this could happen sooner rather than later.
Key Clark Murphy Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra TOTC Auto #/644
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Posted on 21 March 2009
H/W: 6-2 170 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/14/88
Michael Main pitched like a 1st rounder last season, combining to go 3-3 with a 2.76 ERA and 13 BB/65 K per 58.2 IP between Texas' Arizona Rookie League affiliate and full season Low-A Clinton. A nationally renowned two way player as a high schooler, Main is a very good athlete who features a 92-94 MPH fastball and high 70's power curve to strike out hitters in bunches. His changeup is a bit raw at this time and his curveball can be inconsistent at times. Main tends to be a flyball pitcher, which is a dangerous proposition when the Ballpark in Arlington is your future home. That said, he commands his fastball very well and attacks hitters with great confidence. His frame is strong for its size and should project to build some more bulk as he matures. This should help him to add stamina and, perhaps, a couple of digits to the velocity to his already plus fastball.
2009 Projection: The Rangers are overflowing with top quality arms in their farm system with Neftali Feliz, Derek Holland, Martin Perez, Blake Beavan, Kasey Kiker, and Neil Ramirez. Main fits right in the middle of that list, but his curveball and changeup need to develop more consistency or else he could find himself being developed as a power reliever. Keep an eye on this as he pitches at High-A Bakersfield this year. The California League is a difficult one for young pitchers, especially young flyball pitchers. If he can develop some more depth to his offspeed offerings, he should be able to avoid some of the attrition that seems to be awaiting him. If not, he could struggle with this promotion and find himself back at Clinton. Long term, his highly valuable arm will play in the major leagues in some capacity.
Key Michael Main Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/794
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft AFLAC Auto
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Posted on 21 March 2009
H/W: 6-7 210 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 1/17/89
The Rangers' 2007 1st rounder pitched well in his first full season at Low-A Clinton. Blake Beavan went 10-6 with a 2.37 ERA and 20 BB/73 K in 121.2 IP. With his imposing frame and 95 MPH heat, Beavan has the ability to impose his will on hitters, yet he didn't miss as many bats as prognosticated. Part of this could be attributed to alterations to his funky pitching mechanics and, given his size and strength, it is conceivable that the velocity could return. His two plane slider has the ability to develop into a strikeout pitch that would serve him well as a starter or make him a dominant closer. He carries himself with a great deal of confidence on the mound and is regarded as being a fiery, sometimes too much so, competitor. Beavan is a durable pitcher who, with improved mechanics, could be a inning eating workhorse.
2009 Projection: The Rangers seem to have there minds set on developing Blake Beavan as a starting pitcher , at least for the time being. At this point his demeanor and potentially dominant two pitches seem better suited for the bullpen. The dip in his fastball's velocity is a concern. Keep an eye on this development as well as Beavan's starts at High-A Bakersfield. If he continues to live at 91-92 MPH, he could struggle and may need to head back to the Rangers' new Low-A affiliate Hickory.
Key Blake Beavan Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Auto
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Bowman Draft AFLAC Auto
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Posted on 18 March 2009
H/W: 6-1 200 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 12/21/83
It was a tale of two seasons for the former Texas Longhorn. Teagarden was truly terrible during his minor league stops at AA Frisco and AAA Oklahoma City, hitting just .211 with 9 HR 22 RBI and 82 K's in 73 games. This performance was good enough to earn him a shot with the Rangers and he responded by tearing the cover off of the ball, hitting .319 with 6 HR 17 RBI and 5 doubles in just 47 AB. Teagarden has widely been recognized as a top-tier defensive catcher with good pop from the right side, He has excellent leadership skills and has made good progress in calling games behind the dish. His plate discipline has waned from its 2007 levels, but he is an intelligent hitter who has the ability to work deep into counts and recognize offspeed pitches. Injuries are a nagging concern for Taylor. He had Tommy John surgery following his '06 season at Texas and missed some time in '08 with shoulder soreness. Aside from those concerns, Teagarden is a throwback catcher with the defensive skills and powerful bat that is an asset to any organization.
2009 Projection: Teagarden looks to be the backup to Jarrod Saltalamacchia this season. There were some murmurs during the offseason that either Teagarden or Salty would be sent to the Red Sox in a deal, but nothing materialized. This is something worth watching, however, as both Taylor and Jarrod are too talented to be backup backstops. Teagarden continues to drive the ball well this spring, but his ability to maintain a good batting average is a mild concern. The Rangers did not make the necessary additions to their pitching staff to become a serious postseason contender this season, but if they can stay in contention in the A.L. West, either Saltalamacchia, Teagarden or slugging savant Max Ramirez could be included in a deal at some point this season.
Key Taylor Teagarden Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Bowman Signs of the Future Auto
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/475
- 2008 Topps Red Hot Rookie Redemption #18
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Posted on 06 March 2009
H/W: 6-0 185 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 8/26/86
The young Venezuelan's skills took a significant leap forward last season at AA Frisco where he batted .295 with 4 HR 65 RBI 54 SB and 82 runs scored. Andrus is an elite SS prospect with a line drive bat and speed that could net him 40-50 SB per season at the major league level. He has not developed much XBH pop yet, but he is projected to become a 10-15 HR hitter as he matures. His plate discipline continues to be an area that needs work. Last season Andrus earned a 38 BB/91 K ratio which, while not agredious, is still a bit lopsided for a top of the order hitter. Defensively, he is a dynamic player with excellent range, a cannon arm, and a penchant for making dazzling plays. Conversely, Andrus committed 32 errors last season with many of them being on more routine plays. Those within the Rangers' organization rave about his intangibles. He is a dilligent worker who is driven to excel and his makeup is uncanny for someone of his age. He strives to be a leader on the field and in the clubhouse in the mold of his favorite player, Derek Jeter. The Rangers can only hope that their young shortstop can follow the same career path.
2009 Projection: The Rangers made big news when they informed All-Star and Gold Glove SS Michael Young that he would be moving to 3B to make room for Andrus at the start of the '09 season. This bold maneuver speaks volumes of the favor that Elvis has curried within the organization in a short amount of time. While his future is bright, don't be surprised to see Andrus struggle out ot the gate. He is just 20 years old, has not had an AB above AA and still has some raw spots in both his offensive and defensive game.
Key Elvis Andrus Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2008 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
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Posted on 05 March 2009
H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: L/R DOB: 6/3/88
The son of long time Detroit Tiger OF Chet Lemon had a fine season at High-A Bakersfield hitting .295 with 8 HR 47 RBI 12 SB and 80 runs scored. Lemon is a good all around athlete with a quick left handed swing that generates good extra base pop for a player of his stature. Last season Lemon smacked 30 doubles which may indicate that a slight uptick of power could develop, perhaps to double digits. Marcus made significant strides in improving his plate discipline, working pitchers for a respectible 46 BB/69 K's. Lemon has above average speed, but he doesn't use it as well as he should on the basepaths. Over the past two seasons, Lemon has been successful on just 24 of 46 SB attempts. Defensively, Lemon is a substandard SS, committing 43 errors last season, but those that have watched him play 2B think that he can become a solid defender there. The one area of Lemon's game that outshines the other is his remarkable makeup and maturity. Lemon is an intelligent player who works to improve upon his shortcomings.
2009 Projection: Marcus will be challenged to continue his fine progression at AA Frisco. The numbers that Lemon put up at Bakersfield could have been artificially swollen by the friendly skies of the California League. Monitor his ability to maintain his solid plate discipline and power numbers. If he can do so, his chances of evolving into a major league starter will increase. At this point in time, it appears that Lemon is best suited as a solid MLB utility players - especially given the fact that he is playing in a system that boasts some talent at the middle infield positions.
Key Marcus Lemon Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/199
- 2008 Playoff Contenders Auto
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Posted on 14 February 2009
H/W: 5-11 185 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 6/24/89
The Rangers' 2nd round pick signed just before the deadline in August and has yet to throw a single professional pitch. Ross features a 92 MPH fastball that has lively movement and sharp control. His slider and changeup show some promise as well, but they are still in their developmental stages. Though small in stature, Ross is a big time competitor who employs a bulldog mentality each time he takes the mound. Ross is quite athletic and agile on the mound, but his smallish size could affect his stamina as a starter. Going forward, he needs to establish better command and movement from his two offspeed pitches and put on 10-15 lbs. of muscle in order to remain a starter.
2009 Projection: The Rangers have the luxury of taking their time with Robbie as their system is loaded with high upside arms. With that in mind, it seems most suitable for Ross to start the season at extended spring training before heading to short season Spokane in June. Texas is bubbling with young southpaws (Derek Holland, Neil Ramirez, Martin Perez, Kasey Kiker). Ross has time to develop, but the challenge to distinguish himself from the group is a daunting one. Watch to see how deep into starts he goes and how well he controls the strike zone at the lower levels. If he struggles to command his off speed stuff, he may find himself becoming a reliever down the line.
Key Robbie Ross Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
- 2008 Razor Signature Series Auto #/1499
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Posted on 10 February 2009
H/W: 6-0 175 lb. B/T: S/R DOB: 9/11/86
The Dominican switch hitter quietly compiled a monster season over two levels in '08, hitting .292 with 11 HR 81 RBI 42 SB and 82 runs scored over two levels. Speed is far and away Jose's best tool and his efficiency on the basepaths (89 SB/7 CS over last two seasons) is amongst baseball's best. The surprising jump in Vallejo's power numbers were also a welcome addition to his game, especially given the fact that he was able to simultaneously cut his K totals from 104 to 91. Prior to the '08 season, Jose hit a combined 4 HR in over 1,200 AB's and, despite the fact that he hit in two hitter-friendly environments, his 29 doubles shows promise that he can put up double digit HR numbers at the major league level. Vallejo has the tools to be an excellent defensive player, his arm strength is quite strong and his range is excellent, but he does still get sloppy at times with the glove. The Texas Ranger farm system is far and away the best in baseball, which leaves this young 2B prospect a fine under the radar value buy.
2009 Projection: Vallejo handled his promotion to AA Frisco extremely well, but don't be surprised to see him back there for the beginning of the '09 season. Ryan Roberts and Joaquin Arias currently share the 2B duties at AAA Oklahoma City and All-Star Ian Kinsler is a long term fixture in Arlington. With that in mind, it seems that Jose Vallejo's best chances for progress are going to be either at a different position or new ballclub. The Rangers are on the cusp of being a playoff team and the need for depth in their rotation may be enough motivation for them to peddle Vallejo's high upside skills on the trade market. Jose will best help himself by regaining the power stroke that he exhibited at Bakersfield while cleaning up his glovework.
Key Jose Vallejo Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
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Posted on 22 January 2009
H/W: 6-1 190 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 2/20/86
The first full season for this Tennessee alum has been a rousing success. Borbon split time between High-A Bakersfield and AA Frisco hitting .321 with 7 HR 58 RBI 53 SB and 87 runs scored. He has continued to work dilligently on his game in both the Arizona Fall League and Dominican Winter League as well. With a game that has been likened to Johnny Damon, Borbon is a complete hitter with game changing speed and emerging power potential. His skills as a CF easily makes him the top defensive outfielder in the organization and his presence should move Josh Hamilton to RF. Julio does not strike out much but, at this stage of his career, he also does not draw many walks either. In order for him to emerge as a top of the lineup hitter, the Rangers would like to see him work more counts and increase his walk totals. Texas has a fruitful farm system chocked full of high upside offensive talents. Borbon's set of skills, though currently undervalued by collectors, will headline this emerging A.L. West giant in the very near future.
2009 Projection: Borbon has done everything right to earn a shot at a spot on the opening day roster, but the likely scenario will see the former Volunteer head to AAA Oklahoma City. The Rangers have a blockade of lesser talented but more experienced OF's like Nelson Cruz, Brandon Boggs, Greg Golson, and Marlon Byrd that could delay his ascension to the major leagues. However, the Rangers are constantly in the hunt for more pitching depth and it seems that one or a couple of these players will be included in a future transaction. Keep an eye on this development as well as Borbon's progress at AAA. If he can maintain his high average and turn some of his 32 doubles from '08 into HR's, he could find himself in Arlington at some point in '09. Once he arrives, he should be a mainstay atop this exciting young lineup for years to come.
Key Julio Borbon Baseball Cards:
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/594
- 2007 Bowman Sterling Auto
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft
- 2007 UD Team USA Auto #/595
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
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Posted on 17 January 2009
H/W: 5-11 175 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 10/11/84
Ramirez continued to blast minor league pitching last season batting .347 with 19 HR 57 RBI and 58 runs scored in just 81 games. His stellar bat earned him an opportunity with the Texas Rangers where he struggled a bit (.217 2 HR 9 RBI 6 BB/15 K in 46 AB). Ramirez can flat out hit with power that belies his slight frame and solid plate discipline. Throughout his career, Max has had a difficult time finding a position that he can play well. He was originally a third baseman in the Braves system before bouncing over to 1B, OF, and C in subsequent seasons. No matter where he plays, he is a liability in the field but his bat would make him a solid DH. Another concern is the fact that Ramirez's K rates have increased significantly in games that he has played above AA. Given the small sample size of AB's though, this shouldn't be a major concern at this point.
2009 Projection: Max-Ram blasted 15 HR and 53 RBI in the Venezuelan Winter League this off season giving optimism that he can be an effective power hitter in a Rangers jersey at some point this season. The departures of MIlton Bradley and Gerald Laird have opened up some opportunities for Arlington AB's, but the presence of Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden on the Rangers' roster mitigates the chances of Ramirez displaying his sub-par defense behind the plate. The likely destination for Ramirez is AAA Oklahoma where he can play every day. He should put up some big numbers at this level, perhaps drawing interest from other clubs looking for a young, high-upside bat into their lineup.
Key Max Ramirez Baseball Cards:
- 2006 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2006 Bowman Sterling
- 2006 Bowman Originals
- 2006 Bowman Heritage
- 2007 Bowman Chrome Draft Jsy
- 2008 Bowman Chrome
- 2008 Bowman Sterling
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/604
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Posted on 16 December 2008
H/W: 6-4 220 lb. B/T: S/L DOB: 12/6/86
The Rangers were delighted to see the former South Carolina Gamecock and 1st team All-American fall to them at the 10th slot of the '08 draft. Smoak continued his torrid hitting at Low-A Clinton (.304 3 HR 6 RBI in 14 games) and in a brief stint in the Arizona Fall League. His smooth swing and easy power from both sides of the plate evokes comparisons to current MLB sluggers Mark Teixeira and Lance Berkman and, similar to those two, many baseball scouts think Smoak will have 35-40 HR power with a high average and solid plate discipline in the major leagues. Defensively, Smoak is a highly capable first baseman with an average arm, a very good glove and above average footwork around the bag. The biggest downside to Justin's game right now is his below average speed on the basepaths. Given his profile as a run producing middle of the lineup hitter, this is a very minor detal.
2009 Projection: Smoak is on the fast track to Arlington, making it no surprise if the Rangers were to begin him at AA Frisco. If they don't, he will assuredly begin the season at High-A Bakersfield with a promotion at some point being a virtual certainty. The biggest thing to watch with Smoak is his early power production, the more he produces, the quicker his ascent to Texas will be. The Rangers have big plans to replace Hank Blalock's bat with Smoak's by the spring of 2010. Don't be surprised if the young draftee earns an audition in September.
Key Justin Smoak Baseball Cards
- 2008 Razor Auto #/699
- 2008 Razor Exclusive Auto
- 2008 Team USA Auto #/249
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Posted on 16 December 2008
H/W: 6-1 170 lb. B/T: L/L DOB: 11/1/89
Of all the pieces sent to the Rangers in the ill-fated Eric Gagne trade, the loss of this young prospect may cause the most pain to the Boston Red Sox. Beltre passed the test of his first full season of professional baseball with flying colors, hitting .283 with 8 HR 47 RBI 31 SB and 87 runs scored at Low-A Clinton. The assortment of tools that Beltre boasts are drool-worthy. His lean frame has wiry, quick twitch strength reminiscent of Chicago Cubs OF Alfsonso Soriano and his plus-plus speed makes him an impact player on the basepaths and in CF. Defensively, Beltre has elite CF range and an arm that can play well at RF. Beltre made some positive strides in boosting his batting average by 40 points and cutting back his high strikeout rate, but his 15 BB/105 K ratio shows that he is still culpable to jumping at pitches out of the strike zone which serves as a potentially detrimental factor to his development at more advanced levels. Given Beltre's youth and physical tools, there is much optimism that he can effectively address these issues in the next couple of seasons.
2009 Projection: Bakersfield is the next logical destination for the young Rangers blue-chipper and, given the hitter-friendly conditions of the California League, it would be reasonable to expect Beltre to put up an impressive stat line. The Rangers have the luxury to be patient with Beltre's development as their system and current major league roster is chocked full of talented outfielders. The BB/K ratio is the big thing to watch from Beltre this season. Also, his 35 combined doubles and triples from last season shows that double digit HR power is on the way.
Key Engel Beltre Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Prospects
- 2008 Bowman Chrome Auto
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra
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Posted on 16 December 2008
H/W: 6-4 190 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/25/89
This former AFLAC All-American had a successful first season at short-season Low-A Spokane going 1-2 with a 2.66 ERA and 29 BB/52 K's in 44 innings. Even more impressive was the fact that hitters managed to hit an anemic .166 against him. Ramirez is armed with a volitile 92-94 MPH fastball that he can pump up to 96 at times. Offsetting that is a 82-84 MPH hard curveball that has the makings of a strikeout pitch down the road. Ramirez has a lean projectible frame that should build more bulk and stamina down the road. His biggest struggle right now is his command of his offspeed pitches and repeating his delivery and release point consistently. Last year Ramirez averaged nearly six walks per nine innings pitched which, if not reduced, will eat him alive versus more advanced hitters.
2009 Projection: Ramirez will begin his 2009 season at full season Low-A Clinton and likely will remain there for the entire season. The big thing to watch with Ramirez is his control numbers. He has proven that his fastball/curveball combo are overpowering, now he needs to cut back on the walk totals. If he succeeds, he becomes a darkhorse frontline starter to be mentioned in the same breath as Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz. If he doesn't succeed, he will get bumped back a notch much like Kasey Kiker did in '08.
Key Neil Ramirez Baseball Cards:
- 2007 USA Baseball Auto #/595
- 2007 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/774
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Posted on 13 December 2008
H/W: 6-3 180 lb. B/T: R/R DOB: 5/2/88
When it's all said and done, this young righty may end up being the best piece of the prospect-loaded trade that sent Mark Tiexiera to the Atlanta Braves late in 2007. Feliz was dominant at two levels last season compiling a record of 10-6 with a 2.69 ERA and 153 K's in just 127.1 IP. What's more, Feliz dominated hitter, holding them to a stingy .201 BA and allowing just 3 HR. An explosive and seemingly effortless 94-97 MPH fastball that touches 99 on occasion is far and away Feliz's best pitch and his slurvy curve ball has shown some signs of improvement. Additionally, Neftali is a gifted athlete and has a reputation of being a dilligent worker. While his control has improved over his '07 numbers, Feliz still needs to establish better command of his off-speed pitches. His ability to do so will be the main determinant of his future as a top of the rotation starter or dominant closer. Given his improvement in '08, there are plenty of reasons to believe he will stick as a starter.
2009 Projection: Feliz finished the '08 season at AA Frisco, and it is likely that he will head back there this spring. The Texas Rangers are in the midst of creating a truly special young team in much the same manner that Tampa Bay did last season. Their pitching, while immensely talented, is still just too young. If Feliz can continue to pitch at the same level of dominance that he demonstrated last season, his stay at AA will be a short one. There is a real possibility that Feliz will crack the Rangers' rotation at some point in '09, which should prove to enhance collectors' interests in his 2008 cards.
Key Neftali Feliz Baseball Cards:
- 2008 Donruss Threads Auto #/465
- 2008 Donruss Elite Extra Auto #/999
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The Rangers decided to add to their 1B depth with the selection on the Californian prep slugger in the 5th round of the '08 draft. Clark Murphy performed quite well in his first professional action with the Rangers' Arizona Rookie League affiliate, hitting .358 with a HR 21 RBI and 7 doubles in 25 games. Murphy has a rock solid frame and fluid left-handed swing that has already demonstrated good power with wooden bats. His hands move quickly through the ball and he exhibits solid plate discipline (12 BB/19 K in 25 games). Though he is now fully recovered from his quad injury, Murphy still exhibits below average foot speed which should limit his defensive abilities to 1B as a pro. He has exhibited above average footwork and agility around the bag. His arm is more than strong enough for the position as he was an outfielder as a prep player. There are still some mechanical glitches to iron out in his swing. He has a little hitch that occasionally throws off his timing and affects his ability to make consistent contact. This should be something that is completely rectified, allowing for him to more effectively stay back on balls and tap into his considerable raw power.
