To get your finger firmly on the pulse of the future of a major league team, you need only peruse their minor league affiliations. This is particularly true at Double-A, as top prospects routinely use it as a springboard to the major leagues.
As Frisco residents, we are lucky to have the Texas Rangers minor league Double-A affiliate, the Frisco RoughRiders right here in our very own backyard. And, as the talent levels on display at Dr Pepper Ballpark tell us, the future is a bright one, not just for ‘Riders fans, but for Rangers fans as well.
Here’s a look at key Frisco contributors from a year ago, some of whom may find themselves playing an integral part on the field in Arlington, as members of the Texas Rangers.
Jake Smolinski—OF
2014 RoughRiders: .267/.349/.459, 10 HRs, 35 RBI (307 PAs)
2014 Texas Rangers: .349/.391/.512, 3 HRs, 12 RBI (92 PAs)
Any doubts that Jake Smolinski couldn’t carry over last year’s big league success into this season have been answered by his torrid Spring Training.
Thus far, he’s put up a triple-slash line of: .343/.395/.571 with three doubles, a triple, and a home run. He has been so good that he will likely break camp as a member of the Rangers outfield in a platoon role with Ryan Rua.
Ryan Rua—INF/OF
2014 RoughRiders: .300/.375/.475, 10 HRs, 38 RBI (288 PAs)
2014 Texas Rangers: .295/.321/.419, 2 HRs, 14 RBI (109 PAs)
Primarily used as an infielder in the minor leagues, Ryan Rua, similar to Smolinski, seemingly appeared from nowhere to have a solid big league debut.
He’s had a very steady Spring Training as well, posting a line of .300/.349/.550, with two triples, three doubles, and 8 RBI. Rua’s versatility makes him a very attractive piece as he adds depth, something the Rangers had in woeful supply last year.
Alex Claudio—LHRP
2014 RoughRiders: 2.17 ERA, 5.3 K/9, 0.5 BB/9 (37.1 IP)
2014 Texas Rangers: 2.92 ERA, 10.2 K/9, 2.9 BB/9 (12.1 IP)
With a funky, side-winding delivery and a fastball that tops out at 86 MPH, it’s hard to describe the lefty reliever as intimidating…that is, until you’re sitting on a fastball and he uncoils what can only be described as a “ridiculous” changeup.
Alex Claudio made it from High-A all the way to the big leagues on the strength of his plus-plus changeup, and is all but a shoo-in to break camp as a member of the Texas Rangers bullpen.
Jon Edwards—RHRP
2014 RoughRiders: 5.13 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 6.2 BB/9 (33.1 IP)
2014 Texas Rangers: 4.32 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 5.4 BB/9 (8.1 IP)
One of the best stories of last year, Jon Edwards – who was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals as an outfielder – made his major league debut last August. The Keller High School product has an inside shot at making the Texas Rangers bullpen out of Spring Training this year, as he has thus far answered the question about his walk rate, striking out 10 while walking just two, in Surprise, Arizona.
Keone Kela—RHRP
2014 RoughRiders: 1.86 ERA, 12.8 K/9, 6.3 BB/9 (38.2 IP)
2014 Texas Rangers: N/A
Kela’s plus-plus fastball that touches triple-digits, coupled with his wipeout slider, were plenty to dominate minor leaguers.
However, it has been the development of his changeup – which he has flashed with excellent success this spring – that has him close to cracking the Texas Rangers bullpen for the start of 2015.
His changeup makes his slider and fastball that much more effective, and makes him the most dangerous of bullpen weapons: a power pitcher that commands three pitches well.
Chi Chi Gonzalez—RHP
2014 RoughRiders: 2.71 ERA, 7.9 K/9, 3.1 BB/9 (73 IP)
2014 Texas Rangers: N/A
Despite having a very strong spring, Chi Chi Gonzalez was sent to minor league camp earlier this spring. He is likely to start the year at Triple-A Round Rock.
Should the injury bug rear its ugly head, Gonzalez will likely be one of the first starting pitchers to receive the call-up to the big leagues.
With poise beyond his years, and with several of his offerings producing natural sinking action, Chi Chi is very close to putting it all together, and once he does, he’s sure to be a fixture in the starting rotation for the Texas Rangers for years to come.
Joey Gallo—3B
2014 RoughRiders: .232/.334/.524, 21 HRs, 56 RBI (291 PAs)
2014 Texas Rangers: N/A
Simply put, Joey Gallo will not make the Texas Rangers out of camp. But don’t be surprised if he receives a call-up during the second-half of the season (especially if the Rangers are out of the race.)
Gallo has power for days (weeks, months and years even), and that’s an understatement. When he squares up the ball, the question isn’t if it will leave the park, but by how many feet? Warning: not even your car is safe.
Gallo has made strides with his glove work at third base too, and will likely see some time at first base this season as well. Look for Gallo to start the year at Double-A Frisco.
If he can continue to improve his pitch recognition to reduce his strikeout rate, he could be in the bigs sooner rather than later. Get your tickets now, as the Gallo Show is one that will be talked about for years to come.
