The Rangers have released first baseman Conor Jackson and left-handers Joe Beimel and Mitch Stetter, reports Evan P. Grant of the Dallas Morning News (Twitter link). All three players were in the Texas camp on minor league contracts.
Jackson hit .244/.310/.341 in 390 plate appearances for the Athletics and Red Sox last year. Jackson's release increases Brad Hawpe's chance of making the Texas roster as both players were competing for the same bench role as a backup first baseman/outfielder. By cutting Jackson before March 30 (five days before Opening Day), the Rangers avoid paying the veteran a $100K bonus.
Beimel, who turns 35 in April, posted a 5.33 ERA in 25 1/3 innings for the Pirates last season before being released in August. Stetter, 31, has held left-handed hitters to a .645 OPS for his career and has spent his entire five-year career with the Brewers. Both pitchers stand a good chance of getting a look from another club in need of southpaw bullpen help.
So much for Connor Jackson making a “comeback”
sad, i thought joe beimel had a chance, they will be picked up by another team
connor & Joe both are major league vets with enough expierence that the new CBA calls for them to be released by certain date or cut them check for 100,000 to go play in minors than have opt out claus by certain date..
Sounds like Robbie Ross, Martin Perez and Michael Kirkman are the leading candidates for the lefty bullpen spot.
It has to be Ross at this point.
I can see the Mets offering Stetter a minor league deal.
Maybe Beimel in case they need someone to cover Byrdak.
Red Sox were looking at Mike Gonzalez earlier, anyone think they’d pick either of these 2 up for less 4 than Gonzalez would get?
Hey Atlanta Conor Jackson is available !!!
i was hoping those 3 goes to minors got cards for them to get autograph…
I actually thought Texas would do something this year. Spring numbers aren’t showing good things for their future