Nolan Writin' » Engel Beltre

What a Long Strange Rangers Off Season….So Far

Eric Kauffman — Fri, 04 Jan 2013 02:35:07 +0000

I know it’s not over yet, but this has been one of the strangest since the days of John Hart and Tom Hicks. It’s a weird sort of free-fall that started in August on the field and has continued. Our participation in the Winter Meetings was akin to heading to the most delicious buffet on the strip in Vegas, filling our plate and then walking out without a taste. We have managed to build a retirement home for closers in our pen with the addition of Jason Frasor today. That’s the new law firm of Soria, Frasor and Nathan if you please. Hamilton gone. Grienke out. Upton? Too much. Stanton? Forget it.

We are holding on to Elvis Andrus as if we truly believe we will sign him when he’s done season after next. The only thing I would look forward to in that scenario would be Nolan Ryan locked in a room with Scott Boras. Oh to be a fly on that wall.

Checking the winter baseball numbers for the good guys, nobody is exactly setting the Latin world on fire. In fact, two of our CF candidates are not giving us hope in taking Hamilton’s place. Leonys Martin (.253/.327/.384 with 29 K’s in 146 AB) and Engel Beltre (.250/.329/398 with 30 Ks in 128 AB) will be in Surprise this year. Granted Beltre is a longer shot than Martin, it really appears to be Craig Gentry’s position to lose. Nothing awe inspiring on the offensive side of things. Mike Olt has been a little better but Juricskson Profar was shelved with an injury. Not that we put a lot of stock in winter ball, it is disconcerting nonetheless.

Based on all of the reports I have read, everyone is asking a fortune for whoever it is we are after. The names that are most intriguing are of course Stanton (Miami) and Gonzales (Colorado). As a fan, would I be cool with losing Profar or Andrus for either of those guys? Yes on Stanton and no on Gonzales. By the time any deal is done though, it’s putting a lot of eggs in one basket. We need more like three baskets right now. A power hitting outfielder, a starting pitcher and some more bullpen help.

We’re on the clock. Pitchers and catchers report in just a little over the month.

Robbie Erlin’s Debut Successful in Frisco

Mon, 30 May 2011 08:00:24 +0000

Robbie Erlin was promoted to the Frisco RoughRiders late last week and had his first start yesterday afternoon against the Tulsa Drillers. Erlin was promoted after a simply outstanding tenure with the Advanced-Single A Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

With the Pelicans, Erlin threw 54.2 innings. He had the league leading WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched) with .549. He earned an ERA of 2.14 and averaged 10.2 strikeouts per nine innings. His strike to ball ratio was 12.40. This was just a truly impressive group of stats from a player who earned his promotion.

Robbie Erlin in his Frisco Debut (Photo: James Garner from the RoughRiders Extra Bases Blog)

This afternoon in his Double-A debut Robbie Erlin picked up the win. The lefthander went 6.2 innings allowing six hits and three runs. Erlin had three strikeouts and allowed one walk. His ERA to begin his AA tenure is 4.26, and will certainly improve from there. The ‘Riders put enough offense behind him , eventually going on to win the game 9 to 3.

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Rangers’ Prospect Engel Beltre Suspended Indefinitely

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:20:36 +0000

Rangers’ outfield prospect Engel Beltre was involved with fans in a brawl in San Antonio on Tuesday. Here is a clip from the San Antionio Express-News. Frisco RoughRiders outfielder Engel Beltre has been suspended indefinitely by the Texas League for his role in an altercation with fans after Tuesday’s game against the Missions. The suspension [...]

Rangers’ Prospect Engel Beltre Suspended Indefinitely - Nolan Writin' - Nolan Writin' - A Texas Rangers Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More