All about the RedHawks: a Minor League Blog

--Sorry for the delay in putting up my action photos.  I have had one huge closing after another so I haven't really had any time to mess with my photographs over the past month or so.  Hopefully in the next few weeks they'll be up so bear with me!

--As you have probably heard, the Rangers have hired former A's coach Ron Washington as their new manager, replacing Buck Showalter.  This could have a huge impact on the Rangers.  Washington is a noted players manager who seems to have the attitude of “Let the kids play.”  That could quite possibly lead to Jason Botts starting the season as the Rangers DH.  It also bodes well for Gerald Laird.  The Rangers have a lot of kids in their bullpen already, so I don’t think there will be any additions to start the year.  However, at least John Danks has a good shot of seeing some time with the Rangers next year.  The other way the RedHawks may be affected is our manager.  Washington has already hired Art Howe as his bench coach and will probably replace ex-RedHawks manager Bobby Jones as well.  Whether Bobby returns to the Hawks remains to be seen.

--Three of my favorite ex-RedHawks have signed with the Nationals.  Unfortunately the Nats are no longer affiliated with New Orleans so we won’t get to see them.  Anyway, the players are Colby Lewis, Mike Bascik and Danny Ardoin.  Ex-RedHawk Ruddy Yan has signed with the Orioles.

--The Rangers have signed a couple free agents themselves, including IF Matt Kata and pitcher Alfredo Simon.  They also picked up Ron Mahay’s option for 2007.

--The Astros re-signed personal favorite Danny Featheree.  The Padres re-signed personal favorite and ex-RedHawk Erick Burke but personal favorite Brian Sweeney chose free agency.