The Ranger Future—Part 2

Most people know the Rangers have become the organization with the best catching prospects. The Rangers have acquired the best upcoming catchers with the goal of developing a strength where most teams are weak. With that being said here is part two of my Ranger future series with a focus on the catcher.

Catching has the most scenarios with Jarrod Saltalamacchia currently backing up Gerald Laird. The Rangers brought in Saltalamacchia to be the future catcher for the Rangers, but it appears as if that is not going to be.

Salty was believed by many, including myself, to been declared the starter by now. He has certainly done nothing worthy of being a starter, or even in the majors for that matter.

Salty even tried a little first base here and there, but that is definitely out of the future plans as well with Chris Davis. For now Salty is stuck between the starting role and the bench.   

Gerald Laird has made a strong case to be the starting catcher, but he can’t seem to find his consistency; something he should have been able to do by now in his fifth season.

Laird in his rookie year looked really promising only to get hit with an injury and lose any momentum he had. The same story happened this year. As with any catcher those injuries start to add question marks for the future.

I happen to like Laird, but he isn’t the future here unless he can get his consistency down in a hurry. I only hope he can play well enough to merit a trade somewhere where the Rangers can get something good in return.

The other two Ranger catchers, currently in the minors, have been called upon this year to help strengthen the position. Both showed some early potential.

Max Ramirez did very well and will be remembered by one play he had this season.

He received the ball from the outfield and took a collision head on by the incoming runner. Ramirez appeared to be in extreme pain, but somewhere managed to find it in himself to gather some strength and throw out a runner trying to capitalize on the situation by getting an extra base. A very unusual double play it was.

I can’t say with certainty Max is the future catcher, but he certainly will be in the plans and will be a starter somewhere soon. The DH sounds like his most likely position, but I would not be afraid with him behind the plate by any means.

Taylor Teagarden is the other Ranger catcher, and was selected to play for USA in the Olympics this year.

 Any player has to be pretty good to be selected to play for Team USA and Teagarden certainly fits the bill.

Although Taylor Teagarden only had 6 at bats in his stint in the majors, his one hit will definitely be remembered as well.

His hit was a solo home run against Scott Baker of the Twins, and broke up a perfect game attempt. The Rangers won that game 1-0.

Taylor Teagarden is regarded as the best catcher the Rangers have in the minors, and in particular is ability to handle pitchers—something the Rangers certainly could use.

There is a general consensus he will eventually be the Ranger catcher but personally what I saw from Max Ramirez wants me to differ. Teagarden definitely needs more at bats at the major league level before any conclusion can be drawn.

Realistically, it wouldn’t be a surprise for the Rangers to have four catchers up on the major league roster when September rolls around.

All of the Ranger catchers have proven themselves at least deserving of playing on the major league roster through previous success. Catching, next to pitchers, has the most question marks for the Rangers in the next few years.

Everyone needs to be on the lookout because all of these catchers will be playing for someone in the near future.    

Next, in my series I will take a look at the rest of the Ranger infield future. For more Ranger coverage, check out www.rangers.sportsopinionweekly.com.