Something old and something new.
Two things worth reading this morning, something old and something new: 1. Jim Reeves of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (http://www.star-telegram.com/284/story/1576172.html) recounts the Dave Valle Moment that I wrote about 11 days ago myself (http://www.newbergreport.com/article.asp?articleid=1582), adding texture to the story. 2. Beau Vaughan is at it again (http://rangersprospect.mlblogs.com/archives/2009/09/were-talking-debuts-in-more-ways-than-one.html), and today His Blogginess breaks some news. Not as safe for children as most of his previous entries, but worth checking out as always. According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, Texas had an interest in righthanders Jon Garland and Jose Contreras, each of whom was traded elsewhere last night. No big loss. Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman speculates that the Round Rock Express, a franchise owned by a group that includes Nolan Ryan and his family, could replace Oklahoma City as the Rangers' AAA affiliate after the 2010 season, when the Express's player development contract with the Astros expires. The Dominican Summer League named 18-year-old Venezuelan righthander Randol Rojas the league's Co-Pitcher of the Year. Rojas went 8-0, 0.80 in 12 starts and a relief appearance, scattering 42 hits (.170 opponents' average, one home run) and six walks while fanning 48 in 67.1 innings and coaxing 1.85 as many groundouts as flyouts. Lefthander Miguel De Los Santos made the post-season All-Star Team (eight hits and 22 walks in 32 innings, 70 strikeouts, 1.41 ERA and 12 saves in 13 opportunities), and Jayce Tingler was named Manager of the Year after leading the DSL Rangers 2 squad to a league-best 47-15 mark. I wrote a week ago that the independent Lancaster Barnstormers released first baseman Nate Gold. It turns out that Gold requested his release because he'd decided to retire. Keith Law of ESPN ranked Vanderbilt righthander Jack Armstrong Jr. as the Cape Cod League's number three prospect this summer, suggesting he's a probable 2011 first-rounder and, "[i]f he develops even a solid-average breaking ball he'll be a top-five pick." The Rangers drafted Armstrong out of high school in 2008's 36th round. And a question: I need my Wilson A2000 XL restrung. Before I hit the Yellow Pages, I thought I'd see if any of you do that sort of thing. I'd rather give the business to one of you. =========================================================== To join the free Newberg Report mailing list so you can get e-mail deliveries of every edition of the newsletter, daily minor league game recaps, and frequent Newberg Report News Flashes, go to www.newbergreport.com and click the "Mailing List" link on the top menu bar. (c) Jamey Newberg http://www.newbergreport.com Twitter @newbergreport If you want to be removed from this list, please e-mail me at newbergreport@sbcglobal.net