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EVENTS AD PARTNERS
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1999 Recap: The Rangers took over first place in the AL West in the second week of April and never looked back, winning their third division title in four years. Monster seasons by Rafael Palmeiro (.324 BA-47 HR, 128 RBI), Juan Gonzalez (.326-39-128) and Ivan Rodriguez (.332-35-113) paced the offense while Aaron Sele (1809, 4.79 ERA) and Rick Helling (13-11, 4.84) anchored the rotation. It was déjà vu all over again in the postseason as the New York Yankees limited a powerful Texas club to just one run in a three-game nightmare. 1999 Highlight: In their regular-season home finale on Sept. 30, the Rangers shut out the Mariners 7-0. It was their 95th win - a franchise record. 1999 Lowlight: Swept in postseason again by the New York Yankees in the Division Series. The Rangers managed just one run and went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position in the series. Manager: Johnny Oates (424-368 with Texas; 715-638 overall) Coaches: Rudy Jaramillo (hitting), Dick Bosman (pitching), Ed Napoleon (first base), Jerry Narron (third base), Larry Hardy (bullpen), Bucky Dent (bench) Camp Site: Charlotte County Stadium, Port Charlotte, Fla. Reporting Dates: Pitchers & catchers on Feb. 18; full squads on Feb. 25 Additions: LHP Kenny Rogers, LHP Justin Thompson, LHP Darren Oliver, RHP Francisco Cordero, OF Gabe Kapler, C Bill Hasselman, INF Frank Catalanotto, OF Chad Curtis Subtractions: OF Juan Gonzalez, 3B Todd Zeile, RHP Aaron Sele, 2B Mark McLemore, LHP Jeff Fassero, RHP John Burkett, OF Tom Goodwin, OF Roberto Kelly, RHP Mike Morgan, LHP Eric Gunderson, INF Jon Shave, RHP Danny Patterson, C Gregg Zaun Spring Cleaning: The Rangers underwent an offseason makeover, reducing payroll and injecting more youth into the roster. Gone is Juan Gonzalez, who carried this team for years, but with free agency on the horizon, management didn't think he was "signable." Second year player Gabe Kapler, who came over in the nine-player deal for Gonzo, will attempt to fill the void in right field while phenom Ruben Mateo will patrol center. Mateo is the preseason favorite for AL Rookie of the Year, but he has to be more selective at the plate and avoid injuries. Chad Curtis will also see plenty of time in the outfield. With the departure of Todd Zeile, the third base job is up for grabs with prospects Mike Lamb and Tom Evans fighting for the Opening Day spot. The Rangers' rotation will lean to the left in 2000. Three southpaws -- Justin Thompson, Darren Oliver and Kenny Rogers -- join RHPs Esteban Loaiza and Rick Helling in rotation. Both Rogers and Oliver began their professional careers in the Rangers organization. The bullpen should be a strength with RHP Francissco Cordero, Tim Crabtree and Jeff Zimmerman setting up John Wetteland. Hitting machine Rafael Palmeiro and reigning AL MVP Ivan Rodriguez return to carry the offensive load, but the key this season is youth, something the Rangers have not had since Johnny Oates took over in 1995. Oates will have to be patient with his young team and be a teacher, not just the guy who fills out the lineup card. Key Acquisition: There are few lefties in the majors with better stuff than Justin Thompson, but injuries have stalled his development. Coming off shoulder surgery, the Rangers think the 27-year-old will bounce and win 15-20 games. With good health and Texas-sized run support, Thompson could be a big winner. Pivotal Player: Royce Clayton will be the first choice to fill the leadoff spot vacated by Tom Goodwin. Clayton had a .346 on-base percentage in 1999 -- the highest of his career -- but he only managed eight stolen bases. The low steals total were a disappointing total for a man who had 111 the previous four seasons. If Clayton succeeds, it will keep Rusty Greer down in the order, where he can continue to drive in 100 runs per year. Opportunity Knocks: Frank Catalanotto, another player acquired in the Gonzalez deal, will open the season as a utility man but could force his way into the regular lineup. Catalanotto played three positions in 1999, hitting .276 with 11 homers in 286 at-bats. He will be used in a platoon with the light hitting Luis Alicea at second base and could see action at third base. The Future is Now: A former 57th-round draft pick, Gabe Kapler was rushed to the majors last year in Detroit even though he tore up the minors the previous season and looked great in spring training. Kapler hit .245 with 18 homers last season and tried to pull everything. If he can learn to hit the ball where it's pitched, he could be the real deal and help the Arlington faithful forget about Juan Gonzalez. Prospects to Watch: RHP Francisco Cordero, SS Kelly Dransfeldt, RHP Dave Elder 3B Tom Evans, 3B Mike Lamb, LHP Corey Lee, OF Ruben Mateo, 1B Carlos Pena
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