Texas Rangers’ farm system ranked #1 in baseball by Baseball America

by PegNews wire

ARLINGTON — The Texas Rangers announced today that they have the No. 1 ranked farm system in baseball, according to Baseball America. This is the first time the Rangers have been so honored since 1990. The Rangers supplant the Tampa Bay Rays, who have held the top spot over the last two years. They followed that up by going to the World Series in 2008.

The ranking is likely the result of an increasing and continuing commitment to the farm system. The Rangers opened up a new facility in the Dominican Republic in 2006 and have greatly increased their presence in Venezuela and the Far East. They have increased their number of scouts, especially in the international arena, and put more money into scouting and player development.

They have also been very aggressive in acquiring young talent through trades, the draft and international free agency.

Currently, the Rangers have five minor leaguers --Eric Hurley, Thomas Diamond, Tommy Hunter, Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz-- who will challenge for a spot in the rotation this spring. Behind them comes an even larger wave of talented arms that includes Blake Beavan, Michael Main, Kasey Kiker, Neil Ramirez, Martin Perez, Wilmer Font, Wilfredo Boscan, Omar Poveda and others. They're maybe two years away, but that's when the Rangers could be pitching-rich at the upper levels of the farm system.

First basemen Chris Davis and David Murphy had a huge impact for the Rangers last year and they are ready to find out about 20-year-old shortstop Elvis Andrus this spring. Outfielder Nelson Cruz will also likely see increased playing time.

Catching has been a particular strength, with offensive phenoms Taylor Teagarden, Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Max Ramirez competing this spring. Manuel Pina, an excellent defensive catcher, will also be in Spring Training.

At first base the Rangers have Justin Smoak, Ian Gac and Mitch Moreland. In the middle of the diamond are second basemen German Duran and Jose Vallejo, and shortstops Joaquin Arias and Marcus Lemon. Brandon Boggs, Julio Borbon, Engel Beltre and Cristian Santana -- a former catcher -- are the best of the outfield prospects. Third base has been short, but that could change if John Whittleman, the No. 2 pick in the 2005 Draft, has a breakthrough season at Double-A Frisco.

Source: Texas Rangers

• Staff
• Verified User
• Anonymous