I’m out on vacation, and found 10 minutes to update this page – no commentary from me today. However, I am going to the game at the Ballpark tonight (Friday 4/2). Should be fun!
Commentary by Jim Meeks:
The Rangers beat the Red 6-4 to close out their Grapefruit portion of the exhibition season Thursday, but more importantly, they got some great news from the rehab department.
John Wetteland, who’s been shelved for most of the spring with a bum ankle, started the game for Texas and pitched one scoreless inning. I have no idea how good his velocity was or anything, since the game with AWOL as far as radio goes, but the Rangers obviously had him facing the top of the Cincy lineup for a purpose – a test. It appears as though he’s passed it. He’s pitched on consecutive days (yesterday, he pitched an inning in a minor league game). This is tremendous news for the Rangers.
The good news didn’t stop there. Rafael Palmeiro, down with 2 seperate knee injuries all spring, made his Grapefruit League debut Thursday and hit a home run, serving as the DH. While he’s not running at 100%, he says in two weeks he thinks he will be running full speed. Batting fifth, it’s his bat that the Rangers froth over, not his speed.
Aaron Sele pitched decently for Texas. All in all, he’s had an acceptable spring training – much like Rick Helling, Mark Clark and John Burkett. Nothing to write home about, but with this Texas offense, you don’t have to be Cy Young, you just have to be Mike Young.
It was good news day all around in camp and with the final two exhibitions switching to Arlington, the entire team must be pretty excited about the health of Wetteland and Palmeiro.
The final roster spots are still on the table…who will be the utilty infielder? Will Ruben Mateo make the team or will Melvin insist he be sent to AAA? Will Johnny Oates take Zimmerman over Mike Munoz or perhaps Eric Gunderson in the bullpen? We’ll soon find out. Opening Day is just 4 days away!