Alexi Ogando achieving new heights with Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers have in the recent past produced some of the most incredibly talented and resourceful athletes of the game. From powerful hitters to the unplayable pitchers, the list is excitingly long.
One such gifted pitcher who has recently elevated the team is Alexi Ogando. The 28-year-old pitcher is endowed with the talent that the fans and followers will only dream to acquire. The real quality of this pitcher, a flair that even he is be proud of,
is his ability pitch in any capacity.
From having the role of a starting pitcher, reliever and also closer, Alexi Ogando has over time, polished his skills to an extent that the Texas Rangers can rely on him in any role they want him to play.
For example, during the past season, Ogando pitched as starter when needed and switched to reliever’s position when the situation demanded. He is a tremendous player that has the capacity to pitch at any position and is almost always very consistent in his
performance from the mound.
An amazing fact is that Alexi Ogando was initially signed as an outfielder when he made his entry in the professional league. He was to be drafted by the Oakland Athletics back in 2002.
Years later, he was to make his debut with the Texas Rangers in 2010, earning his place in the rapidly growing club with the aptitude he possessed. As a Minor League draftee in 2005, his conversion into a pitcher from the outfield was a successful experiment.
The player had 11 wins to his credit, losing only three games, to have an ERA of 1.11. That record was amazing with 114 strike-outs, as he sent a clear signal to the world that he was willing to undertake a new endeavour.
His debut then came in 2010. Having played a total of 75 games so far and started 29 games, Ogando has won a total of 17 games with an ERA of 3.08, losing nine games with 165 to his credit.
His last season was a huge success as he won 13 of the games that he played out of 31, making starts in 29 of them with a total of 126 strike-outs.
As much as he is a success story, it will be interesting to see what role he is assigned in 2012. Ogando can manage any role that the team asks of him as he said, “That is something that is out of my control. I don't think too much about it. I know I'll
be ready to be a starter and if they make a different decision, I'll be ready. Of course, I want to be a starter and that's what I'm working on.”
Among other things, Alexi Ogando wishes to represent his team in the All-Star game as well. “Of course, I'm here doing my job and I don't have control over those things, but if those things happen, I of course, would be happy to play and represent my team
in the All-Star game.”
Whatever role he is assigned, Alexi Ogando, beyond any shadow of a doubt, remains one of the superb players of the game. It will be his presence in the ballpark that will inspire admiration and awe for him. The Rangers will be hoping for some great things
from Ogando as the 2012 Major League Baseball regular season is right around the corner.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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