Rangers write up on BA

[MnSoxFan]

Texas Rangers

by Gerry Fraley

 

Chicago Pipeline

 

DALLAS—Outfielder Carl Everett had two ordinary major league seasons with the Rangers, but he could end up as a key player in club history.

 

Everett has become a lead vehicle in the move to restock the Rangers system with pitchers. Texas sent Everett to the White Sox during the 2003 season for three minor leaguers, including righthanders Frankie Francisco and Josh Rupe.

 

Francisco emerged as a stout reliever this season, his late-season chair-throwing episode notwithstanding. He jumped from Double-A Frisco to the majors and should remain there.

 

Rupe missed an extended stretch because of forearm soreness but pitched well for Frisco upon his return. He was 2-0, 2.25 in the Texas League playoffs and made a strong impression on then-manager Tim Ireland.

 

"I was impressed with the poise he showed out there," said Ireland, who has moved into a roving instructor role.

 

Lefthander Ryan Wing is the most recent addition from the White Sox. The Rangers claimed Wing on outright waivers. The White Sox thought Wing might go unclaimed after missing the entire season because of shoulder tendinitis, but the Rangers remembered what they saw while scouting the White Sox system leading up to the Everett trade and pounced.

 

In the summer of 2003, the Rangers repeatedly asked the White Sox about putting Wing into the Everett deal but were rejected.

 

At the time, the Rangers believed he was about a year behind White Sox lefthander Neal Cotts. By late 2004, the Rangers thought Wing could be ready to make the jump to the majors. They will go slower now as Wing makes up for lost time. There is no need to rush Wing, who is 22.

 

When healthy, Wing controlled lefthanded hitters through a combination of arm angle and low-90s velocity. He complements the fastball, which has sinking action, with a slider and a willingness to move hitters off the plate.

 

Wing's mechanics are erratic and probably contributed to this season's health problems. The Rangers' goals are to fix Wing's arm and delivery. If they succeed they could have another steal from the White Sox.

 

RANGER ROUNDUP

 

• The Rangers continued to reunite the old Indians band by adding Rick Adair as pitching coordinator. General manager John Hart, personnel director Dom Chiti and Adair were all with the Indians from 1986-94. Adair was the major league pitching coach in 1992-93. Adair worked as pitching coach with the Blue Jays' Double-A affiliate this season.

 

• Righthander Kameron Loe was named winner of the Nolan Ryan award, given to the organization's pitcher of the year.