Tuesday Morning Texas Rangers Update

So that Jeff Baker signing has panned out. Let it be known that Lone Star Ball's notorious optimist DJ Cahill was on the Baker train from the moment he was signed:

Jeff "Home Run" Baker
by DJCahill on Jan 26, 2013 | 3:52 PM

I believe the 'DJ' stands for Decidedly Jolly.

Todd Wills has the Rapid Reaction to the Rangers' 6-3 win over the Cleveland Indians and Lance Berkman's first home run in nearly a month. At least he made it count.

T.R. Sullivan recaps the win with quotes from Berkman on waking up after putting his teammates to sleep with his performance of late. (His words, not mine.)

Jeff Wilson's game story focuses on the big hits by Berkman and Baker while noting that Baker is exactly the kind of right-handed bench bat that Ron Washington has coveted for years.

Behind the DMN paywall, Gerry Fraley writes about Washington's faith that a newly "peppy" Berkman would break out of his slump paid off last night.

Keith Whitmire has a piece on Josh Lindblom's evening. Lindblom looked shaky in the first few innings, which culminated in Carlos Santana hitting a 3rd inning bases clearing three-run double which skipped under the glove of right fielder Nelson Cruz. Faced with the possibility of letting things get out of hand, Lindblom settled in and retired the final ten Indians hitters he faced as he credited a talk with Greg Maddux for helping him garner a quality start.

MLB.com's Master Tesfatsion writes about the Rangers announcing the signings of their top three draft picks. Alex "Chi-Chi" Gonzalez, Travis Demeritte, and Akeem Bostick were introduced at a press conference at The Ballpark last night. The Rangers have now signed 11 of their first 13 picks and 18 of 41 draftees overall.

Star-Telegram writer Stefan Stevenson has more on the draft signings which includes this from Bostick:

"I've never been to Texas," said Bostick, whose cousin Brandon Bostick plays football for the Green Bay Packers. "Everybody I've talked to about Texas since I was little always talked about cattle and rodeo and stuff like that. I haven't seen any of that yet."

Nolan Ryan would like to have a word with you, son.

Michael Florek of the DMN has a write-up on Rangers' first pick Chi-Chi Gonzalez. Gonzalez will begin his professional career with the Spokane Indians in Short-season A ball with a goal of working on a changeup.

Sullivan's Notebook covers the Rangers turning their attention from the draft to needs at the trade deadline, progress for Ian Kinsler and Mitch Moreland, Elvis Andrus' struggles in the leadoff spot, and various other items.

Wilson's notes tackle promising news on the injury front for Kinsler and Moreland, progress for Colby Lewis and Matt Harrison, and Washington's belief that Elvis is putting too much pressure on himself.

Lastly, MLB.com's Mark Emery previews tonight's contest between local boy Corey Kluber and Ohioan Derek Holland. The Rangers have never faced Kluber while Holland has a history of besting his own local team.