Top 5 Standout Players From Texas Rangers Spring Training

To say that this year’s Texas Rangers Spring Training has been eventful would be an understatement.  I feel as though there has been injury, upon injury, upon injury to report and update on.  Everyone is in panic mode over the Texas Rangers starting rotation, with good reason.  That said though, there have been some standout players that I just had to share with y’all.  Here is my list of the top five standouts from the Texas Rangers Spring Training, thus far.  I hope y’all enjoy reading and talking about it as much as I had making it!

Robinson Chirinos – Catcher

Mar 4, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Robinson Chirinos (61) scores from first base after being driven in by Texas Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin (not pictured) during the fourth inning of a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

I have to admit that I didn’t expect much from Robinson Chirinos this year based on the numbers he put up last year in the Minor League. Chirinos had only 5 hits in 28 at bats during 13 games and a batting line of .179/.233/.286. In 2012 Chirinos could have made it to the majors with the Tampa Bay Rays, but due to a concussion he missed the entire season. However, Robinson Chirinos is making a strong case to be the third catcher for the Texas Rangers, even if he spends most of the time on the bench, I think his bat could help the Texas Rangers out greatly. Chirinos is batting .467/.529/.533 with 1 Run, 7 hits, 4 RBI in only 15 at bats. Clearly, Robinson Chirinos is not only impressing Ron Washington, but fans as well.

Jim Adduci – Left Field

September 4, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Jim Adduci (35) scores on a RBI-double by center fielder Leonys Martin (2, not pictured) against Oakland Athletics catcher Stephen Vogt (21, left) during the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

I remembered Jim Adduci‘s name from the end of last season. I remember yelling to the t.v., and on Facebook to all my friends back in Texas, ADDUCI! ADDUCI FOR THE STEAL!! THIS KID IS FAST!!! The Texas Rangers brought up Jim Adduci on September 1 hoping he would make a big impact and help push the team past September. Alas, he did not. He did play well and Jim Adduci DID leave an impression on me. Adduci is fast. He can steal. He plays LF but can run clear to…wherever to the catch. He has not disappointed me in Spring Training. Having 21 at bats in 13 games Jim Adduci has 4 runs, 8 hits, 2 RBI with 2 stolen bases. His batting line of .381/.381/.429 shows me that he is working hard to stay in the big leagues, but even if he gets sent down before Opening Day, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing him again this season.

– 3B

is the only Texas Rangers Non-Roster Invitee to make my list. Kouzmanoff, or

KOUZ

as I like to shout when he has hit 7 times once for a homer, has played in all 13 games this Spring Training season. Kevin Kouzmanoff is batting .304/.407/.435 in 23 at bats with 5 runs and 4 RBI. He is listed as a third baseman; however, he has also played at first. I know, I know, we already have

at third. I know, I know, we also have

AND

at first. BUT, Kouzmanoff has 3 assists with 1 double play and 6 assists with 1 double play with 0 errors at third and first base respectively. So, the case could be made for him to stay with the Texas Rangers after Spring Training to give the other players half days or come in at the end of a game as a pinch hitter.

– 2B

I don’t think this is a SURPRISE to anyone. Last season

had a ton of pressure on him to be THE MAN. He was MLB.com’s top prospect. He did well, but not as well as everyone thought he should have. But, if you keep in mind that he did not get regular playing time, I don’t think he did as poorly as some have said. Knowing that Profar would be the Texas Rangers’ full-time second baseman, I once again had high expectations for this young man and he has not disappointed. His batting line so far is .300/.364/.525. Jurickson Profar has 8 runs, 12 hits, 3 doubles, 2 home runs, one of which was a grand slam and 11 RBI. If you are not impressed by what this 21-year old has done and excited by the potential of what he could bring to the Texas Rangers, you might want to check your pulse.

All-in-all I would say that looking at this list shows that the Texas Rangers now have what they have been missing in the past, which is run support behind the pitching. I know many are concerned about our rotation, but I wanted to stay positive and not hit the red panic button….just yet. I’d love to hear who y’all have been impressed with so far in Spring Training!

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