Matt Carpenter was told he did not make the opening day roster. Most guys in the latter stages of their career would say thank you and move on.
Carpenter did not do that. He has told the club that he wants to be here and he will take an assignment to AAA Round Rock.
“I haven’t had any conversations with anybody yet, but we’ll see.” Carpenter said according to texasrangers.com. “I just got the news today, but it works out.
“I’ve been living in Texas, and Round Rock’s schedule is in Texas pretty much most of the first month of April. So I just want to go down there and get at-bats and hopefully open some eyes with the way I’m swinging.”
While he may get offers from other teams, Carpenter makes it clear he would like to play for Texas. The three time All-Star thinks he can win a spot in the first month.
Being a Texas native makes Carpenter motivated to be a part of the Rangers organization.
“It just wasn’t enough time to really get a good idea of what was going on. But I’m not gonna shy away from an opportunity down there [at Round Rock].” texasrangers.com
If he rakes at Round Rock the Rangers will have to consider him. Especially if someone at the big league level begins the season with major struggles.
Carpenter is a career .262 hitter, averaging 19 homers and 70 RBI a season. Up till now he has only played for the Cardinals.
A return to the All-Star caliber Matt Carpenter would be nothing but a good thing for the Texas Rangers. Only time will tell if he still has that in him. He is betting on himself that he does.
