Texas Rangers in Double-A: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not For Frisco?

Aug 7, 2014; Frisco, TX, USA; Frisco Rough Riders right fielder

(9), third baseman

(24) and designated hitter

(8) on the field before the game against the Springfield Cardinals at Dr Pepper Ballpark. Springfield beat Frisco 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers Double-A affiliate Frisco RoughRiders had an impressive last week, taking three of four from San Antonio (Padres), and following that up by taking three of four against an impressive Corpus Christi (Astros) team, with the Hooks scoring four in the ninth to salvage one game in the series. Starter Jake Thompson was masterful for Frisco, going seven innings of scoreless five hit ball, allowing one walk and striking out twelve. The Astros best pitching prospect, Mark Appel started for Corpus, and he lasted just 3 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and four walks while striking out seven. The RoughRiders are currently in third place in the Texas League South division, three games behind Corpus Christi and holding an 11-13 record.

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Currently, Frisco ranks 6th out of eight teams in ERA, holding a 4.29 mark, while they’re tied for last in runs scored with 89 pushed across the plate. In fact, none of the overall rankings do much to paint the team well, except for their pitching staff’s first place ranking in strikeouts with 231. We’ll have to keep an eye out to see if the team begins to rise after a rough start, or if this who they are.

Instead of talking about team rankings and all of that babble, let’s instead focus on the players themselves. Since the month of April just ended and we’re in the beginning stages of May, let’s see who started the season off hot, and who…didn’t. We’ll give away honors to four players in total–two pitchers and two batters.

Unfortunately, Joey Gallo has only played in ten games thus far (just about when the team turned around I might add) and his stats don’t quite qualify just yet. In case you’re curious, Gallo is currently batting .371 with a .436 on-base percentage and has driven in five. The powerful 21-year old has yet to drive one over the fence, but it’s only a matter of time until he starts connecting. The one downside for Gallo at the moment is that he has struck out 12 times in 35 at-bats, while only drawing a free pass four times.

Without further ado, it’s on to the awards!

Next: Offensive Player of the Month