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Good morning.
I watched the Cowboys game yesterday and it had a distinct Rangers 2014 flavor to it. Romo was already out and starting defenders were dropping like Profars to injury all game.
Remember when Carlos Pena was a Ranger this season? No? MLB.com does. Pena hitting a home run into a serving tray of brisket is up for a Greatness in Baseball Yearly (GIBBY) Award.
Ken Rosenthal writes that the Diamondbacks are willing to trade Miguel Montero. The Rangers are supposedly looking to acquire a veteran catcher this offseason. You interested?
Here's something that could get intriguing. MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez writes that the latest Cuban uber-prospect, 19 year old switch hitting infielder Yoan Moncada, is set to showcase his talents this month. Sanchez explains that since Moncada is under the age of 23, he would be subject to the international signing rules. If Moncada is classified as an international free agent after June 15, the Rangers, with the 4th highest budget available in international spending next year, could be a top contender to land him.
Big international spenders like the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays would be restricted in spending during the signing period next year after spending top dollars this year. If he's classified as a free agent for this year's signing period, however, it's anyone's guess where he would land.
So who and what is Yoan Moncada? Sanchez casually throws this paragraph out there:
Scouts have called Moncada the next Jorge Soler and his skills have been matched up against Yasiel Puig's at the same age. He once beat new Red Sox outfielder Rusney Castillo in a base running competition during the Serie Nacional all-star festivities in Cuba and his power has been compared to Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas.
Here's Ben Badler on Moncada back in August to whet your appetite for a delicious prospect who has long odds of becoming a Ranger. But hey, it's fun to dream.
Lastly, Derek Holland drove the pace car for the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway yesterday and he didn't injury himself or any other Rangers. Things are looking up.
