The latest minor moves from around MLB…
- The Rangers released former first rounder Kasey Kiker, according to MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan (on Twitter). Kiker, the 12th overall selection in 2006, posted a 4.53 ERA with 9.2 K/9 and 5.2 BB/9 in six minor league seasons. However, the 24-year-old walked 52 batters in 44 2/3 innings at Class A this past season.
- The Rangers also released Mitch Hilligoss, according to Anthony Andro of FOXSportsSouthwest.com (on Twitter). The 26-year-old infielder hit .258/.304/.358 in 465 plate appearances for Texas' Single and Double-A affiliates this year. The Rangers acquired him from the Yankees for Greg Golson nearly two years ago, and once upon a time he was part of the Johan Santana trade talks.
One of the worst picks by Daniels staff… could have drafted local boy Kyle Drabek instead unknown smallish left hander
Agreed. This may go down as the worst draft pick during the JD era. Multiple top talent players still on the board, but for whatever reason (ownership/money problems, bad recruiting, etc) JD went with Kiker. Hopefully he can get things together with a different team though.
You can’t blame Daniels as the pick was during Hicks time when finances were short and the Rangers sometimes picked the safe signing over the bonus baby.
Kiker could still develop into a lefty middle-reliever. Cardinals should check in.
If the Rangers wouldn’t have taken Kiker, another team would have drafted him with a high pick. There’s a lot of luck involved. The Cardinals certainly didn’t have a crystal ball when they let Pujols slide 12 rounds.