The Sunday Read: An old-fashioned Sunday notebook to catch up on Rangers
June 4, 2023
(AP photo/Barry Reeger)
ARLINGTON — The Rangers struck a trade last week, sending right-handed prospect Ricky Vanasco to the Dodgers for a 19-year-old pitcher named Luis Valdez.
Vanasco had been designated for assignment, and the Rangers received significant interest in him. Rather than lose him to a waiver claim, the Rangers found the best deal.
It isn’t the deal that fans were hoping to see. They want bullpen help, specifically help at the back of the bullpen.
The Rangers are no doubt looking forward to the trade deadline, which this year is at 5 p.m. Aug. 1.
How does Aroldis Chapman fit in with the culture CY has created around the club? It seems that character is as important as work ethic & talent. Chapman has a couple of nicks on his resume with the alleged domestic dispute and missing work outs last post season, not making the roster.
John Moore and I talked about it on the podcast. I think Chapman is good when he feels wanted. I also think fellow-Cubano Adolis Garcia might be a good influence.
Just keep those Cuban pastries away from him. There was a story on yahoo about him eating 13 or so and blowing a save when he was with the Reds.