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Sherrington: My guess for who will land the Rangers' fifth starter spot


Louis DeLuca/Staff Photographer

Texas pitcher Tanner Scheppers is pictured during the Chicago White Sox vs. the Texas Rangers spring training baseball game at Surprise Stadium in Surprise, AZ on Sunday, March 2, 2014. (Louis DeLuca/Dallas Morning News)

SportsDay columnist Kevin Sherrington held a chat Wednesday. Here are some highlights.

Question: Saw Bo Jackson said Russell Wilson should stick to football. Agree?

Sherrington: Didn't see that, but if true, it's an interesting take from Bo. He hurt his hip, as you know, playing football. I believe scouts said he scored higher in their appraisal than any player since Mickey Mantle. Maybe higher. He could have been a HOF baseball player. Of course, he might have been a HOF football player, too.

Question: You worried about the rotation? Not sure about Joe Saunders or Tommy Hanson getting it done on the back end?

Sherrington: I'm not worried, but Jon Daniels should be. I'm sure Ron Washington is. They're counting on a lot of people who haven't put up anything close to a 200-inning season in a long time. Ogando looked like a fireworks show last night. He almost threw for the cycle in one inning. I think Saunders will probably be fine, but you hate to throw a hired gun in the fourth or fifth spot. That should be for your prospects. My guess is Scheppers will make the rotation, but it's anyone's guess how he'll handle the transition. The bullpen is going to get a lot of work.

Question: Is Jon Daniels' job safe if Fielder has an "off" year? (Shoulda kept No. 5?)

Sherrington: Daniels' job is safe no matter what happens. That was a good trade. Kinsler may have a good season, but he's crested in his career and starting on the downside, and with a fat contract, to boot. Fielder gives the lineup some real juice. And at least he plays every day. Better than you can say of most of the Rangers this spring.

Question: Considering how things have gone this year in Arizona, Michael Choice notwithstanding, what would you think about changing the city's name from Surprise to Snakebit?

Sherrington: You know me, I'm always looking for a silver lining. And Choice appears to be it. Going out on Saturday to see if maybe there's something Evan Grant and Gerry Fraley missed. Like a starter or a closer.

Question: what changes have you noticed in the Rangers since Nolan Ryan left?

Sherrington: I haven't been at spring training, and won't be there until Saturday. But there was always a gulf between Ryan and Daniels' group. They didn't mingle. Ryan was never in the clubhouse. He was upfront with the fans, acting as the face of the franchise. That's going to be the most noticeable difference.


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