Texas Rangers starting pitcher and supposed ace Yu Darvish spoke to the media yesterday after pitching in the Rangers first inter-squad game yesterday. That’s right, he spoke to the media himself, not through a translator. He was asked a question about whether or not he quit on the 2014 Texas Rangers and he answered it very emphatically.
“Some people talked about that, that I, Yu Darvish, quit the team. I never quit the team,” Darvish said according to texasrangers.com. “I love my teammates, this ballclub. I never did that. I never did that in my life. That’s not true.”
The fact that Yu Darvish decided to learn English during this off-season is a good thing in my opinion. I think it will be better for his relationship with his teammates and also better for his relationship with the media. He is a very talented pitcher, and now he seems like he really wants to stay here in Texas, and I hope that he does.
Derek Holland was scratched from the inter-squad games yesterday, according to Anthony Andro.
Rangers Derek Holland won’t start today with what GM Jon Daniels tabbed “normal” spring shoulder soreness.
— Anthony Andro (@aandro) March 1, 2015
Holland went on to say that it is no big deal and nothing to freak out about. I believe him, since soreness and aches and pains seems to come with the beginning of spring training for just about everyone. It is not like he missed a start in the regular season or even a real spring training game. We all need to just sit back and relax on this one, nothing to worry about here.
Matt Harrison is still trying to make a comeback and is working very hard at it. He still believes that he can pitch in the major leagues again, but I don’t believe he will ever be that 18 game winner again. I am hoping that he can get back, but it is going to be a long and tough road for the young man. I wish him all the best and I will be interested to keep up with his progress during spring training.
This is now old news, but the Texas Rangers picked up the option on Adrian Beltre for the 2016 season. Beltre has made it clear that he wants to finish his career in Texas unless they go into a rebuilding mode, which as of right now, they are not. If they are totally dead at the trade deadline, I could see Beltre being dealt, but I don’t foresee that happening. I really hope that Adrian finishes his career here in Texas.
The Rangers are in full camp mode now, and it is time for the rubber to meet the road on some players. The battles I will be watching most will be left field and the bull pen. Should be an interesting spring, I can’t wait until opening day, now just 39 days away!