September 3, 2001
Velarde Dealt to Bombers; Pudge May Be Sidelined
RANDY HEADS HOME ... The Rangers traded utilityman Randy
Velarde back to his original organization, as they sent the
veteran to the Yankees in exchange for two players to be
named. Velarde will likely get plenty of playing time until 3B
Scott Brosius returns from injury, and has a good chance to
finally win a ring. The unfortunate timing of Velarde's
free-agent signing with Anaheim after the 1995 playoff loss to
Seattle meant missing out on the little matter of four titles
in five years. His departure means continued regular time for
Mike Lamb, who is still at .325 as the Ranger 3B.
Tearing it Up
FRANK'S PLACE ... Let's just re-name this entire "Tearing it
Up" section in honor of the ridiculously-hot Frank
Catalanotto, shall we? After getting four more hits on Sunday,
Little Cat vaulted into second place in the AL batting race at
.342. Though he may not catch Ichiro, who still leads by .009,
if I were Rusty Greer and still planning on playing LF and
leading off every day in 2002, I'd have to start thinking
about making other plans.
At the Plate
PENNANT RACES ... In addition to Velarde having a shot at a
title with the Yankees, numerous former Rangers are set to
play key roles in the NL divisional and wild card races.
Andres Galarraga has spurred a Giant turnaround, and teammate
Rich Aurilia would be getting MVP consideration in many other
years, while Robb Nen is arguably the NL's top closer.
Although Atlanta hasn't received the production they hoped for
from Ken Caminiti, John Burkett has settled in as their # 3
starter ... and was that Julio "Down By The Schoolyard" Franco
we saw in a Braves uni on TBS? Oh, and there's a fella named
Sosa who plays a little RF for the Cubs.
Probable Starters
Sep. 4, Bell vs. MIN (Milton)
Sep. 5, Myette vs. MIN (Mays)
Sep. 6, Helling vs. MIN (Radke)
Sep. 7, Davis vs. KC (Wilson)
Sep. 8, Oliver vs. KC (George)
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From the Rubber
PROGNOSTICATING ... If you're scuffling for position in the
Wins category, there are two good matchups this week involving
Rangers who are available in a surprising number of leagues.
Rick Helling, who grew up a Twins fan and always pitches well
against them, faces off with struggling Brad Radke Thursday at
the Ballpark. The next night, also in Arlington, young lefty
Doug Davis -- local media are finally using the well-earned
label "staff ace" in front of his name -- tussles with
struggling KC rookie Kris Wilson.
On the Mend
HERE'S THE CATCH ... As a Pudge Rodriguez owner currently in
second place in my league, it pains me to write this, but it's
clear the Rangers are considering shutting I-Rod down for the
season. The frustrating piece of this move is that Texas
probably won't make the final decision for at least another
full week, while Pudge will continue to get teaser DH/PH
at-bats in the meantime. But with Bill Haselman playing well,
Marcus Jensen up from AAA, and the Rangers out of contention,
why risk further damage? Pudge owners, start looking for
alternatives. You could do worse than Haselman (.300/1/15 in
70 AB).
Recent Call-ups
MORE PITCHING? ... The reported return on the Velarde trade
will be two minor-league pitchers the Rangers can select from
a list of 10 provided by the Yanks. Prospects like Ted Lily,
Adrian Hernandez and Randy Choate likely won't be available;
Randy Keisler and Ryan Bradley are more likely. A complete
archive of all 2000/2001 Ranger Fantasy Reports is available
at http://dellepro.dellhost.com/doherty/portfolio/ESPN/ or
contact me directly at TexasRangersFantasyBaseball@yahoo.com.
