Talkin' Baseball

      It is an understatement to say that the Texas Rangers had a disappointing 2024 season. One year removed from their first World Series title, the team showed promise for the year, with top prospects Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford expected to play a full MLB season.     Things didn't go according to plan, however, as injuries devastated the team, which finished under .500 and missed the playoffs.      The Rangers have had a busy off-season thus far, extending contracts and signing free agents in the hopes of taking back the AL West division. The most notable additions include corner infielder Jake Burger, designated hitter Joc Pederson, relief pitcher Chris Martin, and a 3-year extension of starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi.     With the strong additions also come a few losses to the organization. These include all-star closer Kirby Yates, fellow relief pitcher Jose Leclerc, 3-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, and first baseman ...

     This is my official check-in post. It's been almost three months since I've posted on this blog. I'll come back here and post occasionally, but Don Cardwell has taken over. Anyway, this is my personal scouting report on Mets pitching prospect Brandon Sproat, which is posted on this blog solely because less people read this one.      I saw a video on YouTube claiming that Sproat threw a pitch at 135 mph . While I can't say I believe this for a second, some research showed me that he consistently throws in the upper-90s, an still impressive mark.     The 24-year old Brandon Sproat was drafted in the second round of the 2023 June Amateur Draft by the New York Mets. He posted a 19-8 record and 4.27 ERA in college, striking out almost 10 batters every nine innings. Sproat pitched in the minor leagues for the first time in 2024, starting in high-A, and finishing the season in triple-A. Overall, in 24 appearances (23 starts), Sproat pitched to a 7-4...