Texas Rangers weigh Johan Yan’s name as a pitcher – MLB News
The Texas Rangers are weighing the option of using Johan Yan as the pitcher for the team. The former infielder has been brought to the camp to assess if he can be tried on the mound if need be. The inspiration comes from Alexi Ogando who was a former outfielder
and an accomplished pitcher now.
Even though there is a strong possibility that Yan may get this favourable opportunity to hurl pitches, there are certain constraints that need to be meticulously considered prior to going for this option. The team general manager elucidates this point.
"Alexi has a very unique story," general manager Jon Daniels said. "But our guys talk about it a lot on the scouting and player-development side. There are things you look for, not just arm strength but arm action, athleticism, makeup, anything that might
factor into it.”
Jon Daniels believes that not everybody fits the bill. “Our guys keep a whole list of guys, not only in our organization but other organizations, who might do it. But not everybody fits the bill or is willing to try it."
There are a host of reasons, however, why the Texas Rangers have been weighing the option of using Yan as the pitcher even though his expertise may have always been in hitting. The former infielder, it is pertinent to mention, had failed to prove his mettle
when he was given a chance in the Minor League in Arizona Rookie League in 2008.
The player had a poor hitting average of .233 after he was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2005. The hitting average might not have remained up to the mark, as his pitching has shown signs of improvement since then.
With the variety that he has in his possession, pitching up to 90 mph, the player has had a wonderful season in 2011 with 5-3 record. Also, very importantly, he had a 1.52 ERA in the 26 games that he played, having had 10 saves to his credit at Class A Myrtle
Beach.
With the ups and downs that Yan has seen, it will be interesting to see what role he is assigned once the season kicks off.
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