• OF Julio Borbon optioned to AAA
• P Yoshinori Tateyama placed on 15 day DL (retro to Mar 30)
• IF Luis Hernandez assigned to AAA
• P Robbie Ross purchased from AAA
• IF Alberto Gonzalez purchased from AAA
• P Cody Eppley designated for assignment
• P Neil Cotts assigned to AAA
• P Aaron Heilman signed to a 1 year minor league contract [ Link ]

Some remarks: None of these were a huge surprise, really.  We knew about pretty much all of these moves before the season started.  Given this is the 25 man roster, I’ll make a larger separate post about this separately.

• P Michael Kirkman optioned to AAA
• C Luis Martinez optioned to AAA
• C Dusty Brown assigned to minor league camp (with AAA)
• P Greg Reynolds assigned to minor league camp (with AAA)
• P Tanner Scheppers assigned to minor league camp (with AAA) [ Link ]

Remarks: First off, I was wondering when we were going to start making some roster moves, as we’re now under a week to go until opening day, and we haven’t seen a ton of movement on the roster.

The two catcher moves were no surprise.  Neither of these guys was breaking camp.   Same with Greg Reynolds.

Tanner Scheppers will probably be here at some point this year, but not the opening day 25.

I am a bit surprised that Kirkman was optioned out.  Not shocked, but a little surprised.  I think this might tip their hand regarding Robbie Ross.  Kirkman was widely expected to have a spot, because he was the only left hander in the pen possibilities that has major league experience with the Rangers.  I know that’s how I felt anyway.  But he hasn’t exactly grabbed hold of the opportunity, and Robbie Ross has for the most part.

We’re getting close – with the Japan series, and the Rangers opening a day after half the teams do, I don’t know what day we have to submit our final 25 man roster.  I asked Jamey about it.  :)

• 1B/OF Brad Hawpe released [ Link ]

Remarks: I liked Hawpe.  As I said before, he’s helped me out in fantasy leagues in the past.  However, that’s the past, and the “now” version of Brad isn’t that old one anymore.  He’s coming off surgery, has issues throwing, and hasn’t hit a ton.  Shame, as I would have liked to have had him stick around, but he’s not exactly going to make the club like that.  Read something about him possibly coming back on a minor league deal too if he doesn’t find any takers.

• P Mark Hamburger optioned to AAA
• P Sean Green assigned to minor league camp
• P Joe Beimel, P Mitch Stetter, & OF Conor Jackson released. [ Link ]

Remarks: I never figured any of these guys to make the club, except possibly Hamburger.  I suspect we’ll see him back later if there’s a need.  But there’s no surprises to me with the other guys at all.

The following players were sent to minor league camp:

• OF Leonys Martin, 3B Mike Olt, OF Engel Beltre, C Chris Robinson, IF Greg Miclat, & P Ben Synder

Remarks: Martin was probably the only one of the group with an outside shot to make the club, but everything had to fall the right way.  Olt and Beltre could be back during the year depending on what happens with injuries.  I’d say Martin is probably back after the trading deadline if we make a move.

• The following players have been returned to minor league camp: IF Tommy Mendonca, IF Ynagervis Solate, & P Kyle Hudson

Remarks: Nothing surprising here at all.  It’s March 20th, so it’s time to start paring down the guys who won’t break camp with the big club.

• The following players optioned to AAA: Justin Miller, Martin Perez, Neil Ramirez, Cody Eppley
• The following players optioned to AA: Jake Brigham, Miguel De Los Santos
• The following player optioned to A (Myrtle Beach): Roman Mendez
• IF Davis Stoneburner sent to Cleveland as PTBNL for Feb 21st of Kelvin De La Cruz [ Link ]

Remarks: No real surprises here.  None of the optioned guys were going to break camp, although Eppley has a cup of coffee in the majors.

• P Val Majewski re-signed to a minor league contract
• P Kelvin De La Cruz acquired via trade from Cleveland for cash or PTBNL [ Link ]

• SS Elvis Andrus signed to a three year contract [ Link ]

• P Joe Beimel signed to a minor league contract
• OF Conor Jackson signed to a minor league contract. [ Link ]