The Rangers announced that they’ve selected the contracts of outfielder Hunter Pence, infielder Logan Forsythe and right-hander Jeanmar Gomez. The trio of veterans will all be on the Opening Day roster. Right-hander Connor Sadzeck was designated for assignment to clear one spot on the 40-man roster, while fellow righty Luke Farrell was placed on the 60-day injured list to create another. Texas also optioned outfielder Zack Granite to Triple-A and placed lefty Yohander Mendez on the 10-day IL.
Sadzeck, 27, had been in competition for a bullpen job all spring, but the control issues that plagued him in the big leagues continued to manifest during exhibition play. While Sadzeck’s average fastball of 97 mph is undeniably tantalizing, he walked 11 batters in 9 1/3 MLB innings last season and issued another eight free passes through 8 1/3 innings of Cactus League action. In his place, the Rangers will entrust a bullpen spot to Kyle Bird — a 25-year-old lefty acquired as part of the Jurickson Profar trade.
Neither Pence nor Forsythe is expected to hold down an everyday role with the Rangers, though Pence is in the Opening Day lineup as the designated hitter with a lefty opponent on the mound. Pence should see occasional time in the corner outfield and at DH, particularly against lefties, while Forsythe can provide some platoon support for lefty-swinging Rougned Odor at second base. The veteran Forsythe has experience at all four infield positions, so he’ll give rookie manager Chris Woodward plenty of versatility off the bench.
hey, Jeanmar Blowmez is still around.
How can someone named Zack Granite not be a star? Or maybe he should try the NFL?
Didn’t Fordham University back in the 1920’s call their defense the “Wall of Granite” that starred Vince Lombardi?
he sounds like a character from the Flintstones
Doesn’t matter what the Rangers do, their roster is still AA or AAA equivalent. MLB baseball needs to chastise the organization for not putting up a “competitive” field of players.
And what about the other 10 teams in the American League who are tanking but added little or zero free agents ? The rangers aren’t going to win but they signed multiple free agents and swing trades to at least try to stay competitive.
What’s the exact breakdown of a roster need to be for an organization to field a “competitive” team? Please break it down to team BA, WAR, and whatever other made up stats you wish to justify your argument.
This such a ridiculous statement. The Rangers are right at the league average payroll, so 14ish teams should be punished by the league? I think the Rangers approach this year is fine, clearly treading water for 2020 while hoping to gain some talent on the one-year vet signings. What a silly arguement.
Exactly. I’m frustrated with the moves we’ve made that put us in this situation, but to act like we’re purposefully tanking is utterly ridiculous.
I’ve got a problem with how the Cubs did it, how the Astros did it, and how a few are trying to do it… Rangers are signing broken vets to 1-year higher than they should be getting salaries like it’s going out of style.
Completely different.
Yep, I do appreciate that the team saw an opportunity and went all-in, but they may have kept that approach one or two seasons too long. I like the Stros players, but the way they went about building that franchise is annoying. I think it is really why the state of Texas will never really buy them across the state.
Obviously the Rangers’ youth movement is in full bloom…….
Bloom may not be the proper word.
ITS BASEBALL TIME IN TEXAS!!!!!! No matter who they run out to play all season long we will have a team. Go Rangers and Astros
I like the cut of your jib!
Yes and they have 161 more
chances to win a baseball game this year.
As a Giants fan I’m so happy Pence made a roster! Wish it was still in SF (cause our OF is a mess). He’d easily make the roster in SF! But, at least my favorite player continues to play!
I agree! Stoked for Pence he’s on an opening day roster. He is such a positive dude who works so hard, he’s deserves to keep playing at least a little longer. Go Hunter!!
MLB network keeps parading out Bob Costas. Hunter Pence has done what Bob Costas can’t do.
Welcome to Baltimore Connor Sadzeck.
Hunter Pence likes burgers without condiments.
I can not adequately state how much I hope Pence hits 30 homers this year.
From your icon, you are an A’s fan. I am Giants fan. I hope Hunter Pence hits home runs that destroy the rest of your division.
The pen has looked so good so far, why not waive Conner.
Pence is one of my all time favorites. I hope he kills it this season.