Adrian Beltre is expected to play in all three games of this weekend’s final series for the Rangers, writes Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, but beyond that there’s still no certainty about his future. Beltre did, however, indicate that he won’t make any sort of announcement on Sunday, nor will he drag the decision on for a significant chunk of the offseason. Whatever Beltre’s decision will be — retire, return to the Rangers, or sign a one-year deal with a contender — it appears that his mind is not yet made up just yet.
Here’s more out of Arlington…
- Though the season has been a disastrous one for the Rangers, the club is seeing some encouraging signs out of some young relievers late in the year, writes Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. Jose Leclerc has been one of the best relievers on the planet over the past few months, allowing just two runs in a span of 32 2/3 innings dating back to June 20. In that time, the once-erratic Leclerc has turned in a phenomenal 51-to-11 K/BB ratio and allowed a mere 10 hits. There are some encouraging signs from 26-year-old Connor Sadzeck as well, despite a dismal 10 walks in 9 1/3 innings since being recalled from Triple-A. Sadzeck is averaging 97 mph on his fastball and has shown some mechanical improvements, interim skipper Don Wakamatsu explained to Grant. Namely, Sadzeck has been able to speed up his delivery while maintaining his premium velocity after previously struggling to work quickly with men on base in the minors. Leclerc, 25 in December, has solidified himself as the Texas closer heading into 2019 and is controlled all the way through 2022. Sadzeck, meanwhile, should get every opportunity to earn a spot after whiffing 53 hitters in 42 minor league innings.
- Speaking of Wakamatsu, Wilson writes in another column that the Rangers’ interim manager is expected to remain with the team even if he is not ultimately hired as the new full-time manager. Wakamatsu is under contract through next season as the bench coach and tells Wilson he’d like to be with the team regardless of whether he’s selected as Jeff Banister’s replacement. GM Jon Daniels told reporters, including Wilson, that the organization is still “gathering information” and has yet to speak to any potential candidates about the managerial vacancy.
- One familiar face for Rangers fans who’s hoping to be considered is third base coach Tony Beasley, reports MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. “I know the heartbeat of this team,” Beasley tells Sullivan. “I would love to be considered for it.” Although the 51-year-old has never managed at the MLB level, he does come with eight seasons of minor league managerial experience which, Sullivan adds, includes six postseason appearances and a Double-A Manager of the Year Award.
Beltre will be be back.
Have to say good bye to Martin Perez. Made is final start as a Texas Ranger. Not good again tonight.. In regards to Beltre. Hope he does return
I think Perez did wonderful
mariners fan-He’ll be on your pitching staff next year.
…welcome to Cleveland Beltre!!!!!
As a huge fan of defense, it has been a joy to watch Beltre play.
He’s made a lot of plays against my Halos that might have stung at the time, but they were amazing nonetheless.
Always respected his game. Great with the glove, bat and the whole don’t touch my head thing.
Any idea what happened to him while in Seattle? Was it just the ballpark? Nagging injuries?
he had some injuries and was paid paid for a crazy out of the norm walk year, but his overall production in Seattle wasn’t any worse than when he was in LA. He had that monster walk year with the Dodgers but he didn’t turn into a steady offensive contributor until Boston
Thanks.
Reading the first paragraph, it tells me he’s already decided his intentions just doesn’t want the spotlight on him over the next few games. He just wants to play and if he goes out, he wants to go out quietly.
The Rangers appear to have some payroll room going into 2019. With their most glaring weakness being starting pitching, I wonder if they’ll try to make a run at Dallas-native Kershaw? Then maybe they could pick up one other solid starter and convince Beltre to come back for one more year in hopes the pitching upgrade makes them strong postseason contenders.
Kershaw would be a long shot, but they need to make a bold move for their rotation in order to compete.
They need a lot more than Kershaw to be competitive. Mike minor is the only competent starter on their entire team. They really need to sign 4 starting pitchers to field a competitive team.