SB Nation Dallas - 2012 AL West Prospect Watch: Rangers Hold On To Young Talenthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48887/dallas-fave.png2012-09-28T13:53:11-05:00http://dallas.sbnation.com/rss/stream/27168892012-09-28T13:53:11-05:002012-09-28T13:53:11-05:00LA's Kaleb Cowart is headed to the AFL
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<p>When the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> traded away shortstop prospect <span>Jean Segura</span> to land <span>Zack Greinke</span>, <span>Kaleb Cowart</span> immediately became the best prospect in Los Angeles' system.</p>
<p>It comes as no surprise that Cowart is the most notable of the eight prospects the Angels are sending to the Arizona Fall League.</p>
<p>Cowart spent time in both the Midwest League and the Cal League in his age 20 season, and succeeded at both levels. Amazingly, Cowart had the same exact number of at bats at both levels (263). Cowart hit .293/.348/.479. with nine home runs and nine stolen bases in the MWL, and then went on and hit .259/.366/.426 with seven home runs in the California League.</p>
<p>While it's a bit surprising to see Cowart's power numbers dip as he went to the homer-happy A+ league, Cowart's eye improved dramatically. Cowart managed just 22 walks in the MWL, but drew 45 walks after his promotion to the California League. </p>
<p>Between the two levels, Cowart hit a combined 16 home runs, while hitting .276/.358/.452. </p>
<p>As a switch hitting third baseman, Cowart has quite a bit of value as a prospect, and he should only improve over the next few years. Though Segura was unquestionable the better prospect in July, I think there's little doubt that Cowart had the highest ceiling all along between the two. </p>
<p>Though he's <i>least</i> a year and a half away from making an impact in Los Angeles, Cowart could actually give the Angels a run producer at third base at some point in 2014, or more realistically, 2015. </p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/9/28/3424374/los-angeles-angels-kaleb-cowart-arizona-fall-leagueJP Starkey2012-09-27T14:15:15-05:002012-09-27T14:15:15-05:00Luis Sardinas is headed to the Arizona Fall League
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<p>It's no secret that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> boast a strong farm system, and that it's <i>still</i> one of the best farm systems in all of baseball. The Rangers are sending eight prospects to the Arizona Fall League this year, and perhaps no prospect is more notable among them than shortstop Luis Sardinas.</p>
<p>Sardinas spent the entire 2012 season in the South Atlantic League, and he put up very respectable numbers as a 19 year old. Sardinas hit .291/.346/.356 in 374 at bats, while walking just 29 times, but only striking out 52 times. Sardinas was an asset on the bases as well, stealing 32 bags while only being caught nine times.</p>
<p>The Rangers signed Sardinas in 2009, around the same exact time the club inked now-uber prospect Jurickson Profar. Needless to say, Profar's rise has certainly overshadowed Sardinas' play, but that's not to say Sardinas isn't an intriguing prospect -- he most certainly is. </p>
<p>How Sardinas fares this year in the Arizona Fall League isn't of <i>too</i> much consequence. Sure, the Rangers will get to evaluate him against other top prospects, but let's also remember that 2012 was Sardinas' first taste of full-season ball. Sardinas' previous career high in professional games played was 26 in 2010, in the AZL.</p>
<p>Still, Sardinas could very well put himself on the map in 2013 as one of the best shortstop prospects in baseball. He's a plus defender, and if he hits just enough, he'll be a very, very hot prospect. With <span>Elvis Andrus</span> and Profar already blocking him, it wouldn't shock me if Sardinas is used in a package this winter, if the Rangers try to go after a superstar player, such as <span>David Price</span> or <span>Justin Upton</span>.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/9/27/3418980/luis-sardinas-texas-rangers-arizona-fall-leagueJP Starkey2012-09-25T11:53:00-05:002012-09-25T11:53:00-05:00The Rangers are sending eight players to the AFL
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<p>We've repeated it over and over here at SB Nation Dallas, but it bears repeating again: it's a <i>great</i> time to be a fan of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a>.</p>
<p>Not only are the Rangers going to clinch a third straight AL West title in the coming days, but they <i>still</i> boast one of baseball's top farm systems. </p>
<p>Last month, <a href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/16/3243853/texas-rangers-top-prospects-jurickson-profar" target="_blank">we reviewed Texas' top ten prospects</a> coming into the year, and how they fared in 2012. Unsurprisingly, on the whole, they fared really well, with at least one future superstar in <span>Jurickson Profar</span> among them.</p>
<p>The good news on the farm doesn't stop there. The Rangers will be sending eight prospects to participate in the Arizona Fall League this year. Kellin Deglan, <span>Leury Garcia</span>, Chris McGuiness, Luis Sardinas, <span>Miguel De Los Santos</span>, Jimmy Reyes, Ryan Rodebaugh and Ben Rowen will represent the Rangers this fall in Arizona.</p>
<p>It's certainly worth noting that none of the prospects headed to the AFL for the Rangers were among the top 10 prospects coming into the season, as per Baseball America. </p>
<p>Teams often send lesser prospects to the AFL to get a better feel for their status as a prospect, and to try out new positions or mechanics, and to better evaluate the prospect going forward. I tend to agree with <a href="http://www.lonestarball.com/2012/8/30/3279857/rangers-arizona-fall-league-players-and-farm-system-bulletpoints" target="_blank">Adam Morris over at Lone Star Ball</a> that the most intriguing prospect on this list is Luis Sardinas, primarily for the reasons he cites. Sardinas is one of the top defensive shortstop prospects around, and if he can come around with the bat, he'll be a very, very valuable commodity.</p>
<p><i>Be sure to check back here at<a href="http://www.dallas.sbnation.com" target="_blank"> SB Nation Dallas</a> throughout the week, as we'll break down Texas' prospects headed to the AFL, as well as other notable prospects in the AL West.</i></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/9/25/3405958/texas-rangers-prospects-arizona-fall-leagueJP Starkey2012-08-16T07:00:18-05:002012-08-16T07:00:18-05:00Texas Rangers again boast deep farm system
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<p>We take a look at Texas' top ten prospects headed into the 2012 season, and where they are now.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/4/16/2952848/2012-al-west-prospects-mike-trout-los-angeles-angels">All summer long, we've been keeping you apprised of the latest</a> regarding the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> and their minor league system -- as well as the minor league systems of rival AL West competitors.</p>
<p>With minor league seasons winding down, and the trade deadline now two weeks passed, now is as good a time as any to check in on Texas' top prospects.</p>
<p>Coming into 2012, the Rangers boasted <i>the</i> top farm system in all of baseball, per Baseball America. <a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/4/20/2962917/texas-rangers-minors-top-prospects-update">Just as we did in April,</a> we'll take a look at Texas' top 10 prospects, per Baseball America.</p>
<p><b><span>Yu Darvish</span>, MLB: 12-8, 4.54 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 162 SO, 79 BB, 140 2/3 IP</b></p>
<p>Without a doubt, Darvish has been a disappointment. Though the uber-talented righty has held opponents to a .238 average against, Darvish leads the American League in walks -- the same American League that has <span>Ubaldo Jimenez</span> pitching in a rotation. At times, Darvish flashes top-of-the-rotation stuff, and it's evident that he <i>can</i> be an ace. He simply hasn't put it together in his rookie campaign, and he continues to battle with his command.</p>
<p><b><span>Jurickson Profar</span>, AA: .285/.362/.467, 55 BB, 71 SO, 14 HR, 15 SB</b></p>
<p>Profar is arguably the best prospect in baseball, and the only other prospect that can lay claim to that title is Baltimore's <span>Dylan Bundy</span>. As a 19 year old in AA, Profar has done everything you can ask from him, and displays true five tool talent from one of baseball's premium positions. There are too few superlatives for Profar, and we'll see him in Arlington, sooner rather than later.</p>
<p><b><span>Martin Perez</span>, AAA: 5-6, 4.73 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 53 SO, 47 BB, 97 IP </b></p>
<p>Perez has also seen time with the Rangers this year, but the bulk of his time has come at AAA Round Rock. Though only 21, Perez' numbers are quite underwhelming, especially his strikeout-to-walk ratio. It is quite telling that Rangers GM Jon Daniels refused to surrender Perez in a deal for <span>Zack Greinke</span>, so there is hope for Perez' future. The star on his prospect's shine has faded considerably, and I view Perez more as a 3-4 starter than the 1-2 he was projected as years ago.</p>
<p><b><span>Mike Olt</span>, AA: .288/.398/.579, 61 BB, 101 SO, 28 HR, 4 SB</b></p>
<p>Olt has been one of the biggest stories for the Rangers this year, blossoming into not only a top prospect in Texas' system, leapfrogging Perez easily, but one of the very best prospects in baseball. Expectations should be tempered for Olt a bit, though, as he probably isn't going to be <i>as </i>good a hitter as his AA numbers indicate, and I'm skeptical his bat will play at first, but he should be an occasional All-Star at third base long-term, and that's quite a good player.</p>
<p>Needless to say, it speaks volumes to what Jon Daniels and the Rangers' brass think about Olt, that they wouldn't move him even for a top of the rotation pitcher at the trade deadline.</p>
<p><b><span>Leonys Martin</span>, AAA: .352/.422/.615, 21 BB, 31 SO, 10 HR, 7 SB, 9 CS</b></p>
<p>Martin is sure answering critics who questioned his hit tool, but with only 21 walks in 182 at bats, Martin will have to improve his plate discipline if he's going to have sustainable success at the major league level. Still, Martin has showed he can <i>hit</i> AAA pitching, which is huge. I'm still not quite sure what to make of him long-term, but he's done nothing but help his stock this year.</p>
<p><b><span>Neil Ramirez</span>, AAA: 7.66 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 63 SO, 31 BB, 74 IP<br> AA: 4.21 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 32 SO, 11 BB, 36 1/3 IP</b></p>
<p>It's certainly easy to be discouraged by Ramirez' year so far. The Rangers started the 23 year old off again in AAA, but he struggled mightily, requiring a demotion down to Frisco. It's not a totally lost season for Ramirez, as he's seemed to turn his season around in AA. Still, there's been some damage done to his stock, and it's fair if you're disappointed in him -- but he's still young, and still looks like he could be a quality pitcher.</p>
<p><b>Cody Buckel, A+: 1.31 ERA, .98 WHIP, 91 SO, 25 BB, 75 2/3 IP<br> AA: 4.75 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 45 SO, 23 BB, 53 IP</b></p>
<p>Buckel has been one of the more pleasant surprises for the Rangers this year, carving up batters as a 20 year old at Myrtle Beach. Buckel's run into a bit more trouble at AA, but, he's only 20. That Buckel has walked nearly the same amount in roughly 20 fewer innings at AA than he did in A+ could very well be attributed to more advanced hitters not chasing as many pitches out of the zone -- something Buckel will learn to cope with.</p>
<p><b>Jorge Alfaro, A: .270/.331/.447, 14 BB, 64 SO, 3 HR, 7 SB</b></p>
<p>Alfaro's numbers won't blow you away, but bear in mind that he's a 19 year old catcher in his first season of full-season ball. Though the BB/SO ratio needs work, it's actually an improvement from where he was in short season ball. He'll still be 19 on Opening Day 2013, so there's lots to love about Alfaro. He's still a very raw prospect, but there still appears to be considerable ceiling there.</p>
<p><b><span>Christian Villanueva</span>, A+: .285/.359/.430, 29 BB, 96 SO, 12 HR, 10 SB</b></p>
<p>Villanueva is no longer with the Rangers, but it speaks to the depth of Texas' system that they were able to ship him off to Chicago in exchange for <span>Ryan Dempster</span>, and not really bat an eyelash. Like many prospects, Villanueva will need to improve his plate discipline in order to succeed, but he certainly looks like he'll be a nice prospect for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a>.</p>
<p>Though Dempster has struggled with the Rangers, Villanueva would be behind both Beltre and Olt on Texas' depth chart at third base, and was easily expendable.</p>
<p><b><span>Rougned Odor</span>, A: .259/.312/.403, 22 BB, 56 SO, 8 HR, 16 SB</b></p>
<p>Odor was born in 1994. Let that sink in for a minute. That's the post <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoo_TV_Tour" target="_blank">Zoo TV world. </a>Anyway, Odor is doing very well for his age, in his first season of full-season ball. Odor has hit a bit of a wall after the All-Star break, so there's reason to believe that he's tiring. Odor is certainly a good, if not great, prospect, and I believe 2013 could very well be a breakout campaign for him.</p>
<p>***</p>
<p>There are going to be new additions to Texas' top 10 next year. We may see Nomar Mazara and Ronald Guzman there. We will certainly see Joey Gallo there, and we may well see Lewis Brinson there.</p>
<p>Point is, Texas' system is again locked and loaded, and profiles as one of the best systems in baseball...again.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/16/3243853/texas-rangers-top-prospects-jurickson-profarJP Starkey2012-08-14T11:38:57-05:002012-08-14T11:38:57-05:00Jurickson Profar Call Up Wouldn't Make A Ton Of Sense
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<p>On Monday, <a target="_blank" href="http://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/8/14/3241382/texas-rangers-jurickson-profar-callup-nolan-ryan">Nolan Ryan went on ESPN Radio</a> and told Galloway & Company that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lonestarball.com/">Texas Rangers</a> are considering calling up <span>Jurickson Profar</span> from the minor leagues.</p>
<p>Profar, if you're unfamiliar, is arguably the top prospect left in baseball, after <span>Mike Trout</span> and <span>Bryce Harper's</span> call ups this year, though an argument can be made for <span>Dylan Bundy</span>. Profar is enjoying quite a bit of success as a 19 year old in AA, hitting a cool .285/.363/.470, with 14 home runs and 15 stolen bases, all the while playing a very good shortstop.</p>
<p>Certainly, the numbers are worthy of a call up, and it's fair to say that Profar has earned one. Problem is, it just doesn't make a lot of sense.</p>
<p>Let's take a look at Texas' current infield. <span>Adrian Beltre</span> is at third base. <span>Elvis Andrus</span> is at shortstop. <span>Ian Kinsler</span> is at second base. <span>Michael Young</span>, Michael Olt and <span>Mitch Moreland</span> at at first base, with Young serving as the team's back middle infielder currently.</p>
<p>Currently, there's no reason for Profar to play over Beltre, Andrus or Kinsler regularly. Sure, it might be nice to get Profar's feet wet and have <i>him</i> be the backup middle infielder for a while, but even that doesn't make a lot of sense. If Profar is going to be up, he should probably be playing everyday. Going from playing everyday to receiving sporadic at bats at best isn't the best thing for Profar's development.</p>
<p>Further, who's to say that Profar would serve as the back up middle infielder? Washington has a clear affinity for Michael Young that simply isn't going away anytime soon. Young has been one of the worst players in all of baseball, if not the worst, yet he continues to play every single day.</p>
<p>It's also quite unlikely that Profar would succeed at the big league level this year, too. <a href="https://twitter.com/lonestarball/status/235380667444240384" target="_blank">As Adam J. Morris pointed out on Twitter,</a> even the amazing Mike Trout struggled last year in his call up.</p>
<p>So, you've got nowhere to play Profar, a manager that wouldn't use him properly and a minimal chance of legitimate success.</p>
<p>Is it the end of the world if Profar is up in Arlington? Nope. Is it kind of cool if he does make it up this year? Yeah, a bit, but decisions shouldn't be made on what fans want to see, they should be made with the best intentions both for the success of the player and the success of the club in mind. I'm not sure Profar in Arlington this year serves either of those interests.</p>
<p><i>Head over to Lone Star Ball to <a href="http://www.lonestarball.com" target="_blank">discuss this with other Rangers fans.</a></i></p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/14/3242225/texas-rangers-jurickson-profar-call-upJP Starkey2012-08-09T15:42:37-05:002012-08-09T15:42:37-05:00Los Angeles Angels Farm System, Post Zack Greinke Trade
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Los Angeles Angels</a> didn't have a strong farm system coming into this year. They did, at the least, have one of the top prospects in all of baseball in the form of Mike Trout. Trout, of course, is no longer a prospect, and instead is now the American League MVP and maybe the best story in all of baseball in 2012.</p>
<p>After Trout, Los Angeles' top prospects, per Baseball America: </p>
<p> </p>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Jean Segura</span>: Traded</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Garrett Richards</span>: AAA: 5.03 ERA, .302 BAA. MLB: 4.33 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, .280 BAA -- 24 years old</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">Johnny Hellweg: Traded</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;">C.J. Cron: A+ (Cal League): .287/.323/.487, 20 HR, 15 BB, 60 SO, 450 AB -- 22 years old</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Kaleb Cowart</span>: A/A+: .285/.371/.473, 14 HR, 58 BB, 85 SO, 425 AB -- 20 years old</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Taylor Lindsey</span>: A+ (Cal League): .288/.328/.406, 8 HR, 24 BB, 56 SO, 441 AB -- 20 years old</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Daniel Tillman</span>: A+/AA: 6.99 ERA, 37.1 IP, 31 H, 26 BB, 45 SO -- 23 years old</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Ariel Pena</span>: Traded</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 9px;"><span>Nick Maronde</span>: AZL/A+/AA: 80 IP, 2.03 ERA, 55 H, 18 BB, 78 SO -- 22 years old</span></li>
</ul>
<div>As you can see, there's not a lot in the farm system in Los Angeles. The Angels basically sacrificed their 2012 draft class in free agency this past winter as well, signing <span>C.J. Wilson</span> and <span>Albert Pujols</span> to mega contracts, and giving up draft picks as a consequence. </div>
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<div>Los Angeles' best prospect is now Kaleb Cowart, who is a legitimate third base prospect. After that, though, it's really ugly. Richards doesn't look like anything special, Cron is 22 and can't draw a walk in the Cal League, and everybody else is just sort of there. Maronde has nice numbers, but he's turning 23 in September and the bulk of his innings came in A+. </div>
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<div>If the Angels are going to continue to improve their roster, it'll be via free agency and trades. There isn't a lot on the farm.</div>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/9/3231621/los-angeles-angels-farm-system-post-zack-greinke-tradeJP Starkey2012-08-09T11:58:45-05:002012-08-09T11:58:45-05:00Oakland Athletics Youth Reason For Success
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<p>One of the more surprising stories so far in 2012 has been the success of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.athleticsnation.com/">Oakland Athletics</a> -- especially after they held yet another firesale over the winter, trading away <span>Gio Gonzalez</span> and closer <span>Andrew Bailey</span> to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.federalbaseball.com/">Washington Nationals</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a>, respectively.</p>
<p>The moves by Billy Beane were supposed to signal yet another rebuilding era in Oakland. The A's, however, signed <span>Yoenis Cespedes</span> to a contract. Cespedes has been worth every penny spent by the A's, and is one of the many reasons for Oakland's success, batting .307/.367/.517 with 14 homers and 10 steals in 290 at bats so far. </p>
<p>Oakland's success isn't limited to Cespedes of course. Tommy Millone, who came over in the Gio Gonzalez trade, has pitched very well for Oakland, with a 9-9 record and 3.91 ERA. Millone also has a 1.22 WHIP to go along with 101 strikeouts against just 28 walks.</p>
<p>Of course, there's also <span>Josh Reddick</span>, who was part of the Andrew Bailey trade. Reddick is hitting .260/.333/.516, with 25 home runs and 10 steals on the season. </p>
<p>Andrew Bailey, meanwhile, hasn't thrown a pitch for the Red Sox, and <span>Ryan Sweeney</span>, who was also sent to Boston, is now out for the season. </p>
<p>Oakland also traded <span>Trevor Cahill</span> this past offseason, and netted themselves <span>Jarrod Parker</span>, <span>Ryan Cook</span> and <span>Collin Cowgill</span>. </p>
<p>Parker has been very good for Oakland, with a 7-6 record to go along with a 3.55 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and .244 BAA. </p>
<p>Ryan Cook was Oakland's representative at the All-Star Game, and he's pitched very well out of Oakland's bullpen. Despite having seven blown saves, Cook has recorded 12 saves and 11 holds, while striking out 49 in 48 and 1/3 innings and posting a 1.03 WHIP.</p>
<p>The A's also have promising young pitchers A.J. Cole and <span>Brad Peacock</span> to show for their winter trading as well, and that's in addition to Miles Head and Derek Norris -- two solid offensive prospects. </p>
<p>Billy Beane took a lot of flack for his moves in the offseason, but those moves are a large reason for Oakland's success in 2012.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/2012/8/9/3230578/oakland-athletics-youth-reason-for-successJP Starkey2012-08-07T10:20:46-05:002012-08-07T10:20:46-05:00Johnny Hellweg Struggles In Second Start In Milwaukee Brewers Organization
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<p>Johnny Hellweg made his second start in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewcrewball.com/">Milwaukee Brewers</a> organization on Monday night -- the same night that the Brewers recalled <span>Jean Segura</span> from AA to start at shortstop in Milwaukee. </p>
<p>Hellweg, who was traded to Milwaukee with Segura and <span>Ariel Pena</span> in exchange for <span>Zack Greinke</span>, struggled mightily in his second start in AA for the Brewers. Hellweg lasted five innings and only gave up three runs on five hits, but he walked seven and struck out just three. </p>
<p>In 129 and 2/3 innings in AA between two organizations, Hellweg has issued 69 free passes and has only struck out 98. To Hellweg's credit, he's only given up 111 hits in those innings. </p>
<p>Still, it's tough to consider Hellweg an excellent prospect. There's no doubting that his stuff is electric, but the soon-to-be 24 year old will have to establish better command, otherwise he'll likely end up as a reliever. </p>
<p>Though Segura, Hellweg and Pena were undoubtedly three of Los Angeles' top prospects, there's little doubting that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.halosheaven.com/">Angels</a> paid a more-than-fair price in exchange for one of the best pitchers in baseball.</p>
https://dallas.sbnation.com/texas-rangers/2012/8/7/3225608/johnny-hellweg-struggles-in-second-start-in-milwaukee-brewersJP Starkey