Dellucci and Dominguez Traded

Last Friday, the Rangers traded pitcher Juan Dominguez to the A’s for pitcher John Rheinecker and infielder Freddy Bynum. Then they immediately traded Freddy Bynum to the Cubs for pitcher John Koronka.

John Koronka
Koronka is pitching his first game for the Rangers tonight. He has pitched one season in the majors (for the Cubs in 2005) and had a 7.47 ERA in 15.2 innings pitched. In his 8-year minor league career, he has a 4.39 ERA in 905 innings pitched. But what’s surprising is he’s still only 26 years old. Koronka was drafted by Cincinnati when he was 18 and stayed there until he was 23 years old. He then moved to the Cubs organization. His best season was with Stockton (the Reds high-A team) in 2002 when he posted a 3.07 ERA and struck out 69 in 73.1 innings pitched. I think Koronka can do well if he can do a good job of changing speeds.

John Rheinecker
Rheinecker was off to a great start last year in triple-A with a 1.77 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 45.2 innings pitched. In late May, he tore a tendon and didn’t return for the rest of the season. If he can recover, he can be a decent major league pitcher because he has performed consistently well at triple-A over the last three years. According to cbssportsline.com, he could be the number 5 starter for the Rangers if he can do well in triple-A.

This trade could just be depressing if Juan Dominguez goes on and is a great major leaguer, which he has the potential to do. But he has a bad attitude and he’s not very dependable. Also, if Dominguez had been given the number 5 spot in the Rangers rotation, it might have made the players feel like they could get away with anything. It was good to get rid of Dominguez for two guys that have good potential.

Last Saturday, the Rangers traded outfielder David Dellucci to the Phillies for pitcher Robinson Tejeda and outfielder Jake Blalock.

Robinson Tejeda
Tejeda had a good spring, posting a 3.86 ERA. He has pitched one year in the majors and went 4-3 with a 3.57 ERA in 85.2 innings pitched. He struck out 72 and threw 51 bases on balls. He allowed 67 hits, 5 of which were homers. In the minors he has been decent throughout his 7 years, posting a career 27-46 record along with a 4.13 ERA in 597.2 IP. He has struck out 523 batters and walked 256. Overall this pitcher looks pretty decent and is a pretty good pick-up.

Jake Blalock
Jake is Hank Blalock’s brother and was drafted as the #5 pick in the 2002 draft out of high school. He has never played in the major leagues and his highest level is class-A. He has a career .268 batting average and a .420 SLG. Blalock has a .345 OBP. I think he might make it to the major leagues but if he does, it will probably be as a role player.

I hate losing a good guy like Dellucci but right now, his value is the highest it will probably ever be. Also, we need starting pitching more than another outfielder. This trade could be really good if Tejeda can become a good major league pitcher.

News Flash
R.A. Dickey was optioned and Rick Bauer was called up. The Rangers also re-signed Erubiel Durazo.

Come back next week for a summary of my interview with Jon Daniels and Buck Showalter at the Rangers Welcome Home lunch.