Texas Rangers Team Page

[BigTexas18]

​

Hello Rangers Fans! Your Texas Rangers are back and ready to roll in 2015! We now have a new owner in town, as Chris Bullard takes over the franchise. He has been a lifelong Ranger fan, and is ready to bring this team back to the World Series ways it once had! We expect a great season, and cannot wait to get things under way!

Opening Day Roster
​

Starting Pitcher:

• Yu Darvish R
• Yovani Gallardo R
• Colby Lewis R
• Derek Holland L
• Martin Perez L

Relief Pitcher:

• Anthony Bass R
• Ross Detwiler L
• Sam Freeman L
• Keone Kela R
• Shawn Tolleson R
• Stolmy Pimentel R

Closing Pitcher:

• Neftali Feliz R

Catcher:

• Robinson Chirinos
• Carlos Corporan

First Base:

• Prince Fielder
• Kyle Blanks

Second Base:

• Jurikson Profar
• Rougned Odor

Third Base:

• Adrian Beltre

Right Field:

• Shin-Soo Choo

Center Field:

• Leonys Martin
• Delino De Shields

Left Field:

• Ryan Rua
• Carlos Peguero

Keep tuning in Ranger fans as we keep you updated as to what is happening with your favorite team all year long! Josh Hamilton back in Baseball Town?? More on that to come!

 

[BigTexas18]

Josh Hamilton Returns To Baseball Town

​

If you are any kind of baseball fan, or know anybody who likes baseball, you have heard the name Josh Hamilton. Josh was originally drafted into the MLB system in 1999 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. He was rated as a top prospect, and was actually drafted number one overall in that draft. In 2001, he was in a car accident, and was injured. He then started having problems with substance abuse, while playing in the Rays farm organization. He had received several suspensions for his drug abuse. In 2005, he claimed he was turning his life around, and was reinstated into the MLB in 2006. He was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 2006 Rule 5 draft, and immediately traded to the Cincinnati Reds for cash. Hamilton ended up making his MLB debut on April 2, 2007. He had quite a good comeback with the Reds hitting .292 with 19 HR and 47 RBI in 298 AB in 2007. Lack of offensive support is cited as to why his numbers weren't greater. Still a great year for the player trying to come back to the game. When the season was over, Hamilton is traded to the Texas Rangers for Edinson Volquez, and Danny Herrera. Then the story really starts.


In 2008, josh immediately stood out on the Texas Rangers. He made the All star game in his first year with the organization and ended up batting .304, 190 Hits, 32 HR, and 130 RBI. Rangers fans at this point are getting interested. He made his first All Star appearance in this season. In 2009 Hamilton got injured once again, and was out for a portion of the season, due to a bruised rib cage that needed surgery. He still ended up batting .268, 90 Hits, 10 HR, and 54 RBI's. He was still voted to the All Star Game for the 2009 season. He also had a lapse of alcohol in a bar in Tempe, Az. He later apologized for his lapse. 2010 is when "Hambone" was born. Hambone was a nickname he had in high school, but it really caught on in the 2010 season when he won the MLB AL MVP award. He batted a league leading .359, 186 H, 32 HR, and 100 RBI. He was also on the DL for a month due to another bruised rib cage. He returned back just in time for the playoffs. If he didn't get injured, there's not telling what he could've done. He helped the Rangers make it to their first World Series appearance ever. He had ended up winning the AL ALCS MVP Award against the New York Yankees, hitting 4 HR, and 7 RBI's. The Rangers fell short in the World Series losing the Series to the San Francisco Giants. It probably goes without saying he made his third consecutive All-Star appearance this year. Josh was a savior to this team. He was doing things we haven't seen before. Fans are excited at this point, and new Ranger fans start popping up everywhere. In 2010-2011, Josh made this team. He brought excitement into Arlington, TX!

2011, while it didn't hold up to his MVP season, was another another good season for Josh. He finished the season batting .298, 145 Hits, 25 HR, and 94 RBI's. He did battle another injury that year, which he had done in every season prior. He did help the Rangers make their second World series appearance, but again the Rangers fell short on the big stage to the St. Louis Cardinals. He still made his 4th consecutive All Star game. 2012 was Josh's final season in Texas. He had a great year batting .285, 160 Hits, 43 HR, and 128 RBI's, and voted to his 5th consecutive All Star game. However, the season took a down slide when it was noted that he had been drinking in a local pub, in Dallas, TX, and was caught in the men's room with another woman, that was not his wife. All of that brought negative publicity to Hamilton. Then in the AL West championship game against the Oakland Athletics is when it happened. His performance started to slip a little, and in the 4th inning, with the game tied 5-5, Yoenis Cespedes, hit a routine pop fly to Hamilton and he misplayed the ball ,and just seemed like he didn't care anymore. He was giving very poor at bat's also. The Rangers played the Baltimore Orioles in the Wild Card game, and Josh struck out during a rally which could've won the game. This would be Josh's last AB with the Rangers. On his way out, he didn't make any friends when he was quoted saying, "Dallas is not a baseball town", when he signed with the Los Angeles Angels.

Hamilton went on to sign with Ranger rivals, the Los Angeles Angels during free agency. He signed a 5 year, $125M contract. This contract would go on to be one of the worst contracts ever in baseball. In 2013, he hit .250, 144 Hits, 21 HR, 79 RBI. Not quite the production you would expect out of a $100M contract guy. In 2014, was one of his worst seasons to date. He ended the year .268 with 10 HR and 44 RBI, and in the ALDS vs the Kansas City Royals he went 0-13. The hometown Angels at this point were fed up, and started to boo him. Josh again made a negative comment towards another organization when he said that he "didn't play for the fans in the stands but for the other players". To start this year Hamilton had shoulder surgery. It also surfaced that he had relapsed again into drug abuse. The angels organization were done dealing with Hamilton, so they looked to trade him. A trade was reached with the Rangers, in April 2015, to bring Hamilton back for his second stint.

That brings us to where we are today. Hamilton is back with the Rangers, and it's kind of a mixed reaction from the community. his press conference was comforting to say the least. He said many things that made a Ranger fan go hmmm. When asked if he was trying to apologize, he said, "Apologize, clarify. I mean I've explained it many times what I actually meant and I'm not going to do it again here, but you know, yeah, apology, that would be good". You can find his whole press conference here:

​

Josh has played an extended spring training in AAA Round Rock. His expected start date with the Rangers was going to be April 22, but due to the lack of production out of the LF position, Josh was called up on April 10. So far his performance hasn't been very good, but it's better than what was previously there. The whole Rangers organization is 6-13 this year and 3.5 games out of first place. Josh is batting a team leading .279 but only 12 hits, 6 of which are doubles. He has 0 HR and 2 RBI. Can Josh turn it around and make the Rangers the World Series contenders they were 4 years ago? Only time will tell!

​

 

[cnorys4]

Nice post man! Don't feel bad Josh, we just expect a high level of play and well you were not providing it. So long fella! until next time!

 

[BigTexas18]

​

Welcome back Ranger fans! If your still with us it has been a tough season so far to start! The Rangers currently sit at 10-18 and are in last place. They currently sit 4.5 GB so the season is not over yet. The Rangers have been making some moves to try and turn this team around. Here are the roster moves since they released the opening day roster.

Call Ups:

• Joey Gallo 3B 21 Years Old (Rangers #1 Prospect)
• Nick Tepesch SP 26 Years Old
• Josh Hamilton LF 33 Years Old

Send Downs:

• Colby Lewis SP 35 Years Old
• Anthony Bass RP 27 Years Old
• Ross Detwiler SP 29 Years Old
• Ryan Rua LF 25 Years Old (Rangers #19 Prospect)

Players Released:

• Carlos Peguero LF 28 Years Old

Players Added:

• Jhoulys Chacin SP 27 Years Old
• Aaron Poreda RP 28 Years Old

Well there you have it Ranger fans! These are your roster moves through the month of April! The new owner is obviously trying to shake things up! Will it pay off? Can he bring the Rangers back to their World Series ways?? Keep tuning In!

​

 

[BigTexas18]

​

Breaking News out of Arlington! Chris Bigtex has announced that Yu Darvish is on the block! The Rangers are in dire need of pitching, so they are going to shop one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, in hopes to get a couple decent starters in the rotation. Will Darvish play for another team? Has this news disheartened Ranger fans? Is it all a publicity stunt? Are Darvish and the new owner on bad terms? Only time will tell!​

​

Yu Darvish 28 Years Old SP
93 Overall 1 Year 6.8M Contract​

 

[BigTexas18]

​

Buster Olney is reporting that Yu is indeed on the move. A publicity stunt we thought for sure, is actually in motion pending approval.

​

Reports are coming in that Yu is headed to Cincinnati. The 4 year superstar will find a new home. This is a huge move and is going to upset alot of Ranger fans. They are indeed getting a good value, though. They are bringing in Homer Bailey, Robert Stephenson, who is one of the top prospects in the league, and JJ Hoover to work the pen. This pitching staff has been very lackluster, losing alot of games so far as they sit at 12-25. Only time will tell if this move will pay off

​

 

[BigTexas18]

Rangers Star Report
​

Hello again Ranger Nation! Your beloved Rangers are having a season to forget, as the currently sit in last in the AL West, and sport a record of 16-28 and sit 8.0 games back from first. Pitching has been the big downfall this year with a team ERA of 3.86. It hasn't been pretty, and the new owner isn't just going to sit around and let things continue. There were a few roster moves in the starting rotation since opening day. Key moves being Colby Lewis being sent down after a 0-4 start and a 5.96 ERA, also Yu is almost on his way out to Cincinnati. Darvish this year hasn't provided much more having the worst year he has ever had. Darvish is 1-5 with a 3.83 ERA and 55 strikeouts. In the Darvish trade the Rangers are bringing on Homer Bailey, who has been a little better, as he sits 3-7, with a 3.78 ERA and 70 strikeouts. With Bailey, 21 year old Robert Stephenson is coming to Texas. He has played in 2 games this year, and it was nothing spectacular, but come next year, all MLB scouts think he will be ready. We wanted to take a moment to talk about a shining star on the pitching staff, so we can get away from the negativity for a little bit.

SP Nick Tepesch
26 Years Old
​

When Lewis was sent down to AAA Round Rock, The Rangers called up Nick Tepesch. Last year Tepesch went 5-11 with a 4.36 ERA and 56 strikeouts. The Rangers gave him another chance this year and he has shined. He is the ONLY Ranger pitcher with a winning record. That winning record is actually an unbeaten record, as he sits 4-0. In his last game vs Detroit, he went 7 innings strong, and only gave up one run. He also recorded 10 strikeouts! In those 4 games he has 30 strikeouts and a 2.17 ERA, the lowest on the team. Nick throws a mid 90's fastball and a hard slider. His slider has much improved over last year, and he is killing with it. If the Rangers have any chance to turn this season around, this guy will be the reason. The Rangers are hoping this young guy stepping up will motivate the team to push forward and start winning some games!!

Player To Watch

SP Anthony Ranaudo
25 Years Old
​

Ranaudo was called up to play the first game in the Detroit series. He pitched in place of Yovani Gallardo. Ranaudo is a strong armed RHP, that the Rangers are hoping develops. In his game he pitched 5.2 gave up 3 runs, and struck out 10 (the first 7 strikeouts were in a row). He earned a ND for the game. While it wasn't a quality start, the Rangers think they have something to build on here, and hope Ranaudo can becomes a vital part of their rotation. You should see him spot pitch here and there throughout this year, and he will get a chance to get a spot in the rotation for next year!!

That's all we have for today Ranger Nation! Keep tuning in to see the games! You can catch every game live at www.twitch.tv/Bigtexas18. Until next time, remember:

​

 

[BigTexas18]

Tepesch Watch 2015

​

Nick Tepesch continues to roll this year! His next start came vs the Twins, and he lined them up and mowed them down! Tepesch goes 7.2 innings. allows 5 hits, took 1 earned run, and struckout 5. If there was anything he showed that he can work on, it was his 5 walks. He beaned two guys when the ball got away from him, and walked 3 more on balls. The control still can get a little tighter, but he is in form. He had a few innings where he got into a jam, but always made the big pitch to get out of it. It wasn't until 1 out left in the 7th inning, when he gave up the solo shot. He left the game after the allowed HR, and the pen took over from there to finish it and ice Nick's 5th win! With the Twins win, Tepesch is now 5-0 (in 5 games played) 1.96 ERA with 35 strikeouts. He is starting to become the topic of talks regarding the AL Cy Young for 2015! It would be a well deserved award for this young man!

Go Nick Go!

SP Nick Tepesch strikes out 1B Joe Mauer to end the 5th inning.
​

Keep it plugged in here for the most updated information on Tepesch Watch 2015!

 

[BigTexas18]

Hello again Ranger Nation! A few topics to go over today so were going to get right into it. We;re going to introduce you to our newest additions, and also go over our player to watch! A little while back we gave you our "Player To Watch" this year, and that player was:

SP Anthony Ranaudo
25 Years Old
​

While Ranaudo is not in the Rangers main rotation, you have been seeing him pop in here and there to spot start, and fill in holes for the pitching, as you will continue to do so as this year goes along. He has played 2 games and currently sits with a 1-0 record, a 3.00 ERA and 18 Strikeouts! Pretty strong for the youngster! If things go to plan, he should be an everyday part of the rotation in a couple of years! In his last game against the Orioles he went a strong 6.1 innings, striking out 8, walking 3, and giving up one run. The run was a letdown, because he had the shutout going, and the run came off of a routine fly ball that was misplayed in the field by Leonys Martin. Nonetheless, he still came out with the win, as his teammates JJ Hoover, and Neftali Feliz backed him up to preserve the win! He will be out of the lineup for a while after today, but we will definatley let you know when he makes his next start!

Meet The New Pitchers​

In case you missed it, the Rangers pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal sending Yu Darvish to Cincinnati! Let's meet the new guys we brought on as part of that deal!

SP Homer Bailey
28 Years Old
​

Homer Bailey was the main guy brought over to Texas, and he will immediately take over as the ace for this team. Homer Bailey is a 6'4, 230 pound, 28 year old, right handed, master of pitching. In his arsenal he carries, 4SFB, Slider, 2SFB, Knuckle-Curve, and a Splitter. His wide array of pitches makes him a huge threat to strike guys out on the mound. He throws a low 90's fastball, but mixed with a hard slider, and a huge knuckle-curve, its a dangerous trio! Bailey this year is 3-7 with a 3.78 ERA and 8th in the league with strikeouts at 70. The Rangers are really hoping his new scenery will turn his game around, and he can start winning games! You'll be able to see him in action on the Rangers next game, because he is pegged as the starter!

SP Robert Stephenson
21 Years Old
​

If you've been around baseball you know who this name is. Stephenson is one of the TOP prospects in all of Major League Baseball. He was drafted in the first round 27th overall of the 2011 draft by the Reds. He is a 6'2 200 pound righty who has a HUGE arm. He can ramp that fastball up to 100 MPH, then drop a change in to around 84. Along with the speed change he is capable of, he has a 12-6 curve that will drop for DAYS. The kid is almost ready. While you may not see him this year, or you could depending on if any injuries happen, you will most likely see him crack the rotation next year. Everyone is ready to see this kid ball! He has pitched 10 innings this year for the Reds, and gave up and gave up 7 ER while striking out 10. His record stands at 0-2. The Rangers are going to let him develop, then UNLEASH THE BEAST next year! Keep Watching!

RP JJ Hoover
27 Years Old
​

JJ Hoover is an outright stud coming out of the bullpen. While he is closer material, he will play set up and go to guy in the pen, because the Rangers are still confident in Feliz's skills as a closer. JJ comes in with an arsenal you don't see out of many relief guys. He carries a 4SFB, Curveball, Changeup, and a Slider. His curveball and changeup has some movement that will juke you out of your cleats! The Rangers definatley needed help with pitching, and Hoover was the final piece to the puzzle. This year Hoover sports an 0-2 record with a 1.42 ERA and 30 strikeouts (All done with the Reds), and those numbers are much better than the Rangers pen has been putting together this year. With the addition of Hoover, the Rangers released LHP Aaron Poreda.

There you have it Ranger fans, the new addition to the team! This move is only going to solidify the Rangers, as they look to the future. With a 19-32 record, I wouldn't hold your breath for a run this year, but come next year your favorite team is going to be stacked! That's all we have time for today, and don't forget to check out Bailey's first start with the Rangers coming at you soon!