[外電] Gentry's callup not a hint about Byrd
Gentry's callup not a hint about Byrd
Rangers to hold off discussions with potential free agent
By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com
09/01/09 4:36 PM ET
ARLINGTON -- Double-A outfielder Craig Gentry was called up on Tuesday
because the Rangers need a pinch-runner for the stretch run. That's all.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels made it clear that Gentry was not being
called up because the club views him as an inevitable candidate for Marlon
Byrd's job next year.
"This has zero effect on that," Daniels said before the Rangers' doubleheader
against the Blue Jays.
Byrd is a free agent at the end of the season. There is mutual interest in
him coming back and there have been some discussions during the season. But
right now, Byrd still remains unsigned for 2010.
"I have no clue what will happen, but I have clearly expressed to the Rangers
that I want to be back next year," Byrd said. "I want to be here long-term.
I've expressed that to my agents and they've also expressed that to the
Rangers. That said, I don't know what my future holds."
The Rangers have a crowded outfield next season, beginning with Josh
Hamilton, David Murphy, Julio Borbon and Nelson Cruz. They are all under
Texas control for at least three more seasons, and Hamilton, with three years
of service, is the only one who is arbitration-eligible. But there is still
strong sentiment within the organization to re-sign Byrd.
Byrd and Cruz are the only right-handed hitters in the group. Byrd has also
seen the most playing time of the five, hitting .277 with 15 home runs and 66
RBIs in 117 games and 444 at-bats. He has also emerged as a strong leader in
the Rangers' clubhouse.
The economics are a different situation. Owner Tom Hicks has the club up for
sale and nobody really knows what the Rangers will be able to do with their
payroll this winter. But money will likely remain tight.
"It's the same as before -- Marlon is a very important part of this club,"
Daniels said. "But we will hold off on any discussions with any free agents
until after the season. We've made no secret that he's a big part of our
club. We both have decisions to make."
Gentry is coming off an outstanding season at Double-A Frisco that has forced
the Rangers to take notice. He hit .303 with a .378 on-base percentage, 100
runs scored, eight home runs and 53 RBIs. He is also considered an excellent
defensive player.
Texas was going to add him to the 40-man roster this winter anyway, but he is
still far down in the franchise's outfield depth chart.
"He's got a number of guys ahead of him," Daniels said. "He brings some
things to the table to make him a good fit, but it's not about next year.
It's about helping us now."
The Rangers chose Gentry over Greg Golson. Brandon Boggs was another
candidate, but he has a dislocated left shoulder and was placed on the 60-day
disabled list. Texas felt that Gentry was most deserving.
"He was impressive in Spring Training and he's had a heckuva year at Frisco,"
manager Ron Washington said. "He's opened some eyes. He can run. You think
Borbon can run -- this guy can run too."
Gentry, a 10th round pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft out of the
University of Arkansas, was caught by surprise when he was told Monday night
that he was going to the big leagues.
"I just don't know what to think," Gentry said. "It feels like a dream. It
hasn't sunk in yet. I had no idea. I thought we had a chance to make the
Double-A playoffs or I'd be going home. I've worked hard and put in a lot of
time. To have it pay off is a good feeling."
The Rangers also called up pitchers Guillermo Moscoso and Warner Madrigal and
catcher Kevin Richardson from Triple-A Oklahoma City, and activated pitchers
Brandon McCarthy and Eddie Guardado as well as infielder Esteban German from
the disabled list. Texas, with the September expansion of the rosters, has 32
players available right now. Pitcher Willie Eyre will be recalled later this
week.
The Rangers, who were at 39 players, had two create two spots on the 40-man
roster to make room for Gentry, Richardson and McCarthy, who was on the
60-day disabled list. One move was Boggs.
The other move was pitcher Thomas Diamond being designated for assignment.
Diamond, who was the 10th overall pick in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft,
is 1-3 with a 3.63 ERA in 32 games with Frisco.
The Rangers will likely try to get Diamond through outright waivers so they
can assign him to the Minor Leagues. If so, he will still pitch in the
Arizona Fall League and likely come to Spring Training next year with a
non-roster invitation.
"We had to make a roster move," Daniels said. "These decisions are never
black-and-white. This was the move we felt was most prudent."
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the
approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc)
◆ From: 114.41.167.187
Rangers 近期熱門文章
PTT體育區 即時熱門文章
