Newest DLLS pod and Jeff Wilson a with a few notes from surprise:

- EC went long yesterday off Garbarito (who hasn't?) but good to see he's swinging normal again and feels great. Wouldn't disclose his injury, said he got an ablation and that's all he would share
- Adolis shortened his swing and it's a faster swing now with a small and quicker step. He spent time with Bobby Witt Jr's hitting coach to work on it. He also went yard yesterday on a inside fastball so that's encouraging maybe it's paying off
- DeGrom looks so good. He said Evo stopped his workout to go watch DeGrom throw his bullpen and he was impressed

Evo will coach someday. He apparently watches every starting pitcher's bp sessions.

https://instagr.am/p/DGO7LAyPxfo

Cool story

fc2112 said:

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Evo will coach someday. He apparently watches every starting pitcher's bp sessions.

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This was one of the reasons I wanted to resign him. He will be a good influence on Rocker, Leiter, Bradford, and other younger pitchers.

That is awesome. Hoping Evan is healthy this year and back to playing like we know he can

.

Adolis Garcia, without prompting, says his goal is to hit 50 homers this season. He likes the changes he made to his swing and said his knees are strong. #Rangers

— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) February 19, 2025

If Garcia hits 50 homers, hell even 40, this team is winning the division and a legit title contender.

I'm growing increasingly excited about this team and this season. Partly because we all should be able to easily access games, but also because we feel healthy (knock on freaking wood) going into a season for the first time in years. I think this team still has holes, and we're putting a lot on Langford and Carter to be significant pieces again, but at least it's really interesting to me.

The first spring training game is tomorrow afternoon against the Royals. The audio will be available on the MLB app...I'll listen and pass along anything interesting.

I say put as much as you want on Langford. He is an absolute dude.

The level of success, at least in the regular season, will be dependent on Garcia's performance and Jung's health. I'm looking at those two as my keys to this season.

Interesting note from Wilson. I assumed Rocker would be on the big league team when the season starts but he says good possibility he's gonna be sent down purely due to logjam with number of SP's we have.

He also mentions Leiter could make the team because we only have 2-3 relief pitchers with minor league options and that can eat 2-3 innings so he might make the team by default.

Didn't think Leiter would make the squad and Rocker wouldn't but it makes sense I guess. Still think Rocker has TORP potential long term

gigem1223 said:

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With how Rocker closed last season I'd be very disappointed if he didn't make the rotation. You can't tell me Gray is a better option based on what we've seen out of both.

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I'd assume there's more at play than that and the ability to actually send a guy to the minors sounds like it's at least part of it.

The Athletic lists us as one of the options for Vlad Jr. next season as well:

"The Rangers are entering a new era for their television and streaming rights and probably need to get a better idea of their future revenues before bidding on Guerrero, but on the surface, he looks like a perfect fit for Texas.
Trade acquisition Jake Burger will play first base for them this season, but he could move to DH and play as a backup at both first and third base as well. Adolis Garca is eligible for free agency after the 2026 season and pitchers Tyler Mahle and Jon Gray will be free agents after this season; if all three depart, close to $40 million per year would be freed up starting in 2027, which gives the Rangers a realistic payroll pathway to make a Guerrero contract work, especially if it's backloaded and includes deferrals.

Putting Guerrero with Corey Seager, Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter and Josh Jung would give the Rangers quite a nucleus for the long term in the Lone Star State."

Man, Vlad Jr would look so great in this lineup.

As for Rocker, I think the fact that he has options is a big reason he might start in AAA, but more importantly is that if everyone comes out of ST healthy there is absolutely no room on Opening Day unless you move Gray to the bullpen. So the Rangers might decide to do that, but if not the rotation is set and I don't see the Rangers trading away any of those five at any point this season. Chris Young has stated many times that you can't have enough pitching (especially starting pitching) and it would be roster malpractice to trade away proven MLB starters to make room for a rookie. An injury somewhere along the way is inevitable, so the opportunities will present themselves.

Let the season get here, give it a few weeks and there will be a need for someone outside of these five to start a game for the Rangers. You need 8-10 starters to make it through the season and Rocker is one of them.

Well except Prince was a highly durable player until his neck issue forced his retirement. I don't think he ever spent a day on the DL before coming to the Rangers. Just bad luck since there wasn't anything prior to his signing that would indicate future injury concerns. Or at least more so than any other player.

Count me out for Vlad Jr. His next contract is a disaster waiting to happen. I'd rather spend the money to bolster the rotation with Gallen or if Doli struggles again this season go get Tucker.

Rather go out and get Alonso than Vlad. You could probably get Alonso to sign a 4 year deal. With Vlad you are looking at a 12 year contract. I don't think we make a move at either next offseason.

Langford with mild oblique strain. They say 5-7 days. I say sit him for a month.