Monday newsletter time: Big news unlikely this week from Rangers, but ball should be rolling
(AP photo/Gregory Bull)
General manager Chris Young mentioned in his Friday end-of-season news conference that he hopes the Rangers can complete their search for a new manager quickly, though it could take up to four weeks.
That timeline suggests that the Rangers will seek to interview candidates who are currently with playoff teams.
But the sense of urgency also suggests that the Rangers won’t waste any time waiting to begin interviews.
Could there be news this week?
Answer: Probably.
No, not the big news of actually hiring a manager, but some names could emerge.
The Rangers are not the only club looking to hire a manager, and the process could be competitive. Other teams aren’t going to be sitting on their hands, either.
During the past two managerial searches, the Rangers announced who they had interviewed after the initial round and also who moved on in the competition. There will be leaks to writers, national and local. But news will get out.
Of course, there’s a new guy in charge from the past two searches, so maybe Young doesn’t want anyone seeing the Rangers’ hand. He did, however, volunteer that interim manager Tony Beasley had interviewed Friday.
There should also be some roster clean-up coming this month as the Rangers create space on the 40-man roster for potential additions and for players on the 60-day injured list.
But what about the big news? It is the baseball playoffs, and there’s an unwritten rule to not break big news that potentially could overshadow the on-field product. Roster moves wouldn’t do that, but a managerial hire might.
Expect any big news to come on a playoff off day.
Airport run-ins
Some familiar faces appeared Friday afternoon outside the C terminal at DFW Airport as I headed toward the security line for a flight to the TCU-Kansas football game.
First up was right-hander Dane Dunning and his wife. Dunning was still walking with crutches, but he said earlier in the week that he is pain-free and should be able to ditch the crutches this week. His status for spring training remains uncertain as the Rangers wait to see how quickly he is able to begin his rehab.
The other familiar face had given Dunning a ride to the airport. It was outfielder Eli White, who missed the final four months of the season because of a broken right wrist and a knee injury that developed on a rehab assignment with Triple A Round Rock.
White said that all is fine. He received a plasma-rich platelet injection into the knee and is doing physical therapy. He should have a normal offseason.
He is one of five players on the 60-day IL who must be added back to the 40-man.
ICYMI …
The offseason is here, but the past four days might have been the busiest at Rangers Today (and FrogsToday.com) of the year. Maybe I can take a little time off this week, though I’m a really demanding boss. We’ll see what happens. In the meantime, remember to check out the website and subscribe for the low, low price of $5.99 a month or the even lower price of $60 a year. If you’re on the fence and need a sampling of our latest content, here are some links in case you missed it.
The Sunday Read: Corey Seager talks 2022
Friday on the Farm: The Kumar Rocker fall plan
Chris Young tackles questions about 2022, offseason
Rangers finale notes: .300 for Nate Lowe
Rangers Today Baseball Podcast: All-Star Martin Perez joins the show
Doggy video
A definite person of interest. Enjoy. See you Tuesday.
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Jeff Wilson, jeff@rangerstoday.com
