The Sunday Read: With prospects delayed and vets still playing, just what are Rangers doing?
September 4, 2022
(AP photo/Tony Gutierrez)
No one should have any qualms with Kole Calhoun, Charlie Culberson, Meibrys Viloria or any other Rangers player who could be viewed as standing in the way of progress.
It’s not their fault the Rangers are playing them and giving them at-bats and reps that could otherwise go to players who will be in the major leagues next season.
Last year, who would have thought that the Orioles would have progressed so much more than the Rangers this season Orioles fans are excited to see Rutschman and now Gunnar Henderson. Their enthusiasm is contagious and the fans are excited. Of course, they are fighting for a wildcard spot, but even if they were just a .500 team it wouldn’t matter. Give these young guys a few weeks in the Big Leagues!
In my view there are three reasons the Rangers keep playing the vets.
1. Keep 2023 rookies from getting MLB exposure and thereby giving other teams a head start on how to deal with them next year. Why: The new draft spot award for Rookie of the year.
2. A Vet would have to be cut to bring up some of the AAA guys (or alternatively sending new guys back down). If a vet is cut now, it might make it harder to sign one year vets in the future.
3. Keep 2023 rookies in a more positive (winning) environment down in AAA.