Monday newsletter time: The waiting (for offseason Rangers news) is the hardest part
(AP photo/Eric Christian Smith)
The hardest part of every offseason for a beat writer whose team misses the postseason is October.
Stuff is happening behind the scenes, and it’s the kind of stuff club officials aren’t particularly interested in sharing.
They will have to share some of it soon, though.
Decisions on the coaching staff are still pending, with the pitching coach the biggest hire. A Panamanian outlet reported that Roberto Kelly, the former Rangers outfielder and longtime assistant to Bruce Bochy, will be joining the Rangers staff.
A decision is also pending on the $6 million option the Rangers hold on reliever Jose Leclerc. The Rangers like the arm, and they love the leadership he brings to a young bullpen.
The Rangers must decide by the fifth day after the World Series.
One more potential decision will be whether to make left-hander Martin Perez a qualifying offer should he become a free agent. The qualifying offer is expected to be worth $19.4 million.
Things will start shaking out soon enough. So, stay tuned to Rangers Today. Subscribe here.
A’s on the move?
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred told Chris Russo, for some reason, that he doesn’t expect the A’s to remain in Oakland and that they could be on the move to Las Vegas sooner than later.
Manfred didn’t say an A’s move was guaranteed or already in the works, but his comments marked the first time he has been so outwardly down on the A’s staying put.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, on the other hand, said that he city is continuing to work with the A’s on a new project that would be just west of downtown. However, it’s a complicated deal that has economic and environmental policies attached.
The Oakland Coliseum is the worst ballpark in baseball and is not sustainable long-term for major-league baseball.
ICYMI …
A pretty good crop of stories hit Rangers Today over he past four days, and folks at taking notice. Between annual renewals and new subscriptions, Rangers fans are returning to this site for their offseason content. If you aren’t getting full access, get it here. The news cycle is only just beginning, and will shift into a higher gear once free agency opens. It’s coming, so get ready. And if you were otherwise occupied over the weekend, here’s our latest in case you missed it.
The Sunday Read: Free-agent targets?
Friday on the Farm: Tracing progress
Armchair GM gets creative … really creative
Texas Rangers Baseball Podcast: With Bruce Bochy
Doggy video!
Happy Halloween! Enjoy.
Chucky is back 🗡🩸#dogstyle #dogsofworld #dogdays #dogslovers #dogsworld #petgoodie #cutedog #dogfriendly #doggie #dog #dogs #doglove #doggo #puppylove #puppy #puppylife #puppies #pet #pets #cutepuppy #cutepuppies #chuky #dogcostume#dogclothes #dogsoftwitter #puppiesoftwitter pic.twitter.com/VZcOHN6jPD
— Pet Goodie (@petgoodie) November 16, 2020
