Results tagged ‘ round rock ’
Profar Joins Netherland’s WBC Roster
One of the big questions going into the World Baseball Classic was a classic itself: “would he or wouldn’t he?” The he in question is baseball’s top prospect Jurickson Profar.
The Rangers infield prospect and Curacao native was invited to play on the roster of his national team, the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With Rangers current shortstop Elvis Andrus committed to playing for Venezuela, it opened up a window of opportunity in the Rangers spring training camp for Profar to get some exposure in the middle infield and make a strong case for making the big league club’s Opening Day roster. If he left for the WBC, that window closed a little and so, it seemed, would his chances of making the Rangers 25-man roster with limited playing time. Profar decided against playing in the Classic and stayed in Rangers camp instead.
The Netherlands team caught fire and advanced to the semi-finals in San Francisco. Andrus’ Venezuela squad didn’t fare as well and was eliminated in the first round, sending the Rangers everyday SS back to camp and back in the lineup. Profar was offered an opportunity to join the Netherland’s squad Wednesday, replacing the injured Yurendell de Caster, an opportunity he jumped at. He’ll mainly see time at 2B since that roster already has the Braves’ Andrelton Simmons at SS. The timing on this couldn’t have been better for Profar. Not only does he get to play on a world-wide stage with “his friends,” but he’ll get expanded playing time in the Classic, time that he would most likely miss in Rangers camp with Andrus’ return.
The Rangers are still undecided on where Profar will end up to start the 2013 season, but I’m pulling to see him in an Express uniform on Opening Day. I have no doubt though that he’ll get another second chance this year, this time with the big league club.
Profar joins the WBC roster. | Photo via ESPN.com
Ortiz Keeps Rolling
One of the good surprises this spring has been Joe Ortiz. Ortiz, who ended the season with us here in Round Rock, has allowed just three hits in 7.0 innings. He’s held batters to a measly .143 average and only allowed one walk to six strikeouts. I got to see him pitch in a “B” game against the Royals during our recent trip out to Arizona and the kid has some good stuff. In that game, he threw a perfect inning, throwing six of his eight pitches for strikes. Today, he threw another scoreless inning against the Giants. In 2012, Ortiz was 1-1 with a 1.97 ERA (7er/32.0ip) in 24 games with the Express. The way he’s throwing, it’ll be hard to place him in Round Rock in April…
Pre-Season Preparations: Railyard Team Store
The Rangers have officially started spring training games, opening with a series against the Kansas City Royals over the weekend. As we inch closer to Opening Day (38 days), we continue to take a look behind-the-scenes at what it takes to get ready for that glorious day here at Dell Diamond.
This week we headed over to the Railyard Team Store to talk to Debbie Goodman and what she does to get ready for the season.
What are you working on now?
We’re in the middle of sign ups for our Spring Break Baseball Camp and just finished a push for Junior Sluggers. I’m processing all of those registration forms and making sure everything is in line with that. I just finished ordering the merchandise to start the season. Now I’m tying up any loose ends and waiting on the merchandise to be delivered so I can organize it all.
Do you have to order the on-field merchandise too?
I order the players’ on-field hats. Two of our great stadium operations guys, Brandon and Corey, just took them down to the clubhouse.
When do you start ordering merchandise for the next season?
The on-field hats were ordered back in August. Some of the apparel companies need orders placed as early as September. Usually, I’ll place most of my orders after the Baseball Winter Meetings. I’ll take a look at all of the vendors there, see what options they’re offering and get ideas for what I want to do in the store.
What’s one of your bigger projects of the off-season?
I run our Junior Sluggers program and baseball camp registrations which can be time-consuming. We decide what to include in the Junior Sluggers package and camps and take orders for them all off-season. It doesn’t seem like a big deal, but there’s a lot of organizing and decisions to make about the program.
What’s your most important job of the off-season?
Ordering the merchandise, definitely. We have such a great variety of fans and I really try to please them all. I want to make sure we have something for everyone in the team store.
When do the merchandise orders or boxes start arriving?
They arrive in the beginning of February, but I still have to process and receive them before I can put out new merchandise. The bulk of the orders stop coming in around mid-March, but in reality, they never stop coming in. We make one major order before the season, but I continue to replenish as necessary during the season.
How many boxes would you say you get those 2 months?
Well, I just took 57 boxes down to the clubhouse — and that was just player hats! I’d say we receive thousands of boxes of merchandise. Over the last three weeks, we’ve gotten over 400 boxes. Now not every box is huge, some are smaller for accessories, etc., but it adds up to a lot of boxes!
What’s something the average fan might be surprised to hear you do in your job?
I’m in charge of updating the online retail store. I take photos of the merchandise, resize them and post them online. A lot of people think there’s a big warehouse somewhere that houses all of the merchandise they order online. The reality is it all comes from right here at Dell Diamond.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love the customer service side of it, working with people. To be honest, just to be in baseball is a dream for me. I played growing up; I met my husband playing on a co-ed softball team. If you told me a few years ago that I would be working in baseball for a living, I wouldn’t have believed you. It really is a great job and I’m so thankful for it.
Debbie does a great job keeping the Railyard Team Store up-to-date with great merchandise. Next time you’re at Dell Diamond or at RoundRockExpress.com, make sure to check it out! A special thanks to her for taking some time out of getting ready for the season to talk to us!
Happy baseball thoughts,
Jill
Pre-Season Preparations: United Heritage Center/Intel Club
Pitchers and catchers have officially reported to Surprise, Arizona and every spring training site in Arizona and Florida. With just 39 days until H-E-B Big League Weekend and only 45 until Opening Day, let’s dive right into week 2 of “Pre-Season Preparations.” My to-do list isn’t getting any shorter…
This week I talked to Scott “Bones” Allen, our senior director of the United Heritage Center. Let’s see how his off-season is shaping up…
When do you start preparing for the 2013 season?
In all honesty, we’re already preparing for the 2014 season. We form wait lists for some of our party areas over a year in advance. Throughout the current season, I’m taking reservations for the next season. In October, I get out the wait list and start filling in dates for the upcoming season. Some people who didn’t make the list in 2013 have already been placed on the wait list for 2014. It’s a never-ending process and goes all season long.
What are you working on right now?
Right now I’m setting up for the Hutto Chamber of Commerce event we’re hosting tomorrow and a bridal expo we’re hosting this weekend. With so many companies booking events, conferences and expos, to name a few, at the United Heritage Center and Intel Club, there really is no off-season here. Looking forward to the baseball season, I’m working with Sodexo, our catering company, to finalize the menus for all of the party areas. As we start reserving different party areas for different groups, we have to also make sure they choose a menu that best suits their needs. I also have to make sure we have enough wristbands and parking passes ordered for the whole year.
You can’t forget about the food!
What’s one of the biggest off-season projects you’ve been working on?
Working with stadium operations to check each party area and make sure it’s clean and safe is always a big task. We have so many different party and group areas here at Dell Diamond and it’s a lengthy process to go through each area. It’s such an important job though because we want to make sure each area is not only clean and receives necessary updates and upgrades, but is also safe for our fans.
What’s one of the tougher projects you have to work on?
Keeping the calendar of dates organized is always tough. I control the calendar for not only the United Heritage Center and Intel Club, but all of our party areas around the stadium. It can be tough sometimes coordinating with the sales staff, the client, Sodexo and everyone involved. I’m always looking months in advance, trying to juggle baseball and non-baseball events. I have to make sure events that the entire staff is booking fit into the calendar. That’s where the wait-list can come into play.
The Hutto Chamber of Commerce sets the stage!
I’m sure that can get a little more than confusing! How do you make sure everyone gets the tickets they need?
I actually keep inventory for all of the tickets for all of the party areas so I have to coordinate that with the sales staff. Once an area has been booked for a night, I physically get the tickets to the sales rep who then gets them to the client.
What is something the average fan might not know that you do in your job to get ready for the season?
I physically set the room for events here in the United Heritage Center and Intel Club. I get the tables and chairs set up and coordinate everything for catering with Sodexo. I also do sales, so that’s something I’m working on right now. I’m not only renewing season tickets and groups from last year, but always trying to find ways to bring in new business.
What’s at the top of your to-do list right now?
Boring stuff, like order wristbands and file papers, just get caught up.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love dealing with people and all of our clients. It’s always something new and I really enjoy that. Just from a customer service stand point, it’s fun to interact with so many different people and have the opportunity to help them with a great event. I also like the variety of events we host here. It’s always a fun challenge executing all of the different events we host.
“Bones” works hard to transform the Intel Club to suit a wide variety of events!
A big thanks to Mr. Allen for taking time out of his extremely busy day to give us a little insight into the United Heritage Center and the various party areas at Dell Diamond!
Happy baseball thoughts,
Jill
P.S.- Want to hit your next event, group outing or party out of the park? Host it right here at Dell Diamond! Give us a call at (512) 255-2255 to reserve your spot today! Click here for more information on the United Heritage Center and Intel Club!
Pre-Season Preparation
Don’t blink because you’ll miss it — the off-season that is.
Seriously though, there are just over eight weeks left until the Express take the field at Dell Diamond to open up the 2013 season. It might seem like a lot of time, maybe even too much time, to the fans, but here in the front office of the Express, it’s going to be here before we know it.
There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes before the gates open, before the lineup is read, before that first pitch is thrown and time is running out. I wanted to take a little bit of that time that is left and pull back the curtain of the front office here in Round Rock and show you exactly what goes on in some of our departments. Over the next eight weeks, I’ll show you how people are preparing in community relations, the grounds crew, marketing, the party/group areas, promotions and entertainment, the Railyard Team Store, stadium operations, tickets and more! We’re all full-steam ahead with April 4th circled on our calendars.
Check back with us on Monday to see the first “Pre-season Preparation” and find out what goes on behind the scenes in stadium operations!
Until then, please don’t blink! We need all the time we can get…
Ain’t she a beauty?
Happy baseball thoughts,
Jill
2012 in the Books; E-Train Fall to OKC in Finale
at OKLAHOMA CITY REDHAWKS 1, ROUND ROCK EXPRESS 0
3 September 2012 | Bricktown Ballpark | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Records: Express (69-75), RedHawks (78-65)
-RHP Johan Yan activated prior to game and tosses two shutout innings
- 2012 season finale
- Oklahoma City wins series 3-1
- Express suffer first series loss since July 20-23 (Omaha)
- Oklahoma City wins season series 10-6
at OKLAHOMA CITY REDHAWKS 9, ROUND ROCK EXPRESS 6
2 September 2012 | Bricktown Ballpark | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Records: Express (69-74), RedHawks (77-65)
- Oklahoma City leads series 2-1
- Oklahoma City leads season series 9-6
- Series finale Monday at 11:05 a.m. CDT – season’s final game
- Monday’s scheduled starters: RR – LHP Chad Bell (5-4, 4.36 ERA); OKC – LHP Dallas Keuchel (6-4, 4.03 ERA)
Express Rally to Down RedHawks
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS 6, at OKLAHOMA CITY REDHAWKS 3
1 September 2012 | Bricktown Ballpark | Oklahoma City, Okla.
Records: Express (69-73), RedHawks (76-65)
- Julio Borbon game-winning, two-run single keys Express five-run ninth inning
- Series tied 1-1
- Oklahoma City leads season series 8-6
- Game 3 of series Sunday at 6:05 p.m. CDT
- Sunday’s scheduled starters: RR – RHP Greg Reynolds (11-8, 4.98 ERA); OKC – RHP Jose Cisnero (3-1, 3.28 ERA)
ROUND ROCK won 10 of last 13 games, 16 of 22 … improved to PCL-best 26-12 since July 26 … fourth victory in 65 games when trailing after eight innings.
JULIO BORBON (1-for-4) established franchise single-season hits record (158) with ninth-inning single … record previously held by Mark Saccomanno (2008) … eight-game hitting streak (10-for-36) … hit safely in 17 of 18 games (28-for-77) … reached safely in 18 straight games.
LUIS HERNANDEZ (1-for-4) hit safely in 20 of 22 games with Express (40-for-96) … 6-for-14 since accepting assignment designation (three games).
JOEY BUTLER (1-for-5) hit safely in 18 of 19 games (26-for-75).
BRAD NELSON (0-for-4) slumped to 1-for-18 over last five games.
RYAN SPILBORGHS (2-for-4) hit safely in 15 of last 19 games (24-for-69).
YANGERVIS SOLARTE (3-for-4) seven-game hitting streak (12-for-27) … multiple hits in nine of last 20 games.
Express Lose Five Players to Rangers
ROUND ROCK, Texas – Five Round Rock Express members will join the Texas Rangers when Major League active rosters expand Saturday, the Rangers announced Friday night. Left-handed pitcher Martin Perez, right-handed pitchers Tanner Scheppers and Yoshinori Tateyama, outfielder Leonys Martin and infielder/outfielder Brandon Snyder will be recalled by the Rangers, who also announced they will purchase the contract of Frisco (AA) infielder Jurickson Profar. Additionally, Texas placed left-handed pitcher Robbie Ross on the 15-day disabled list due to a left forearm strain.
Perez was 7-6 with a 4.25 ERA in 22 starts and one relief outing for the Express; he tossed two complete games and recorded 69 strikeouts. Scheppers logged 11 saves with a 1-2 record and a 3.48 ERA in 27 relief appearances; he tallied 31 strikeouts against four walks over 31.0 innings. Tateyama was 4-0 with six saves and a 1.13 ERA in 32 relief outings with 45 strikeouts against seven walks in 39.2 innings.
Martin played 55 games with the Express and hit .359 with 12 homers, 42 RBI, 18 doubles, two triples, 48 runs scored and 10 stolen bases. Snyder, who spent the vast majority of the season with the Rangers, hit .253 with two homers, nine RBI, seven doubles and 12 runs scored in 23 games with the Express.
All five players appeared on the Rangers active roster earlier this season.
Round Rock concludes its season this weekend at Oklahoma City. The RedHawks won Friday night’s series opener 11-5. The series continues Saturday at 7:05 p.m. CDT, Sunday at 6:05 p.m. and Monday at 11:05 p.m.
So, to recap:
EFFECTIVE TONIGHT
- RHP Tyler Tufts had his contract purchased from Frisco (AA) and placed on the major league 15-day disabled list for surgery to repair a perforated bowel.
EFFECTIVE TOMORROW
- LHP Robbie Ross placed on 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Thursday, with a left forearm strain.
- OF Leonys Martin (#27) will be recalled from Round Rock (AAA).
- LHP Martin Perez (#33) will be recalled from Round Rock (AAA).
- INF Jurickson Profar (#2) will have his contract purchased from Frisco (AA).
- RHP Tanner Scheppers (#52) will be recalled from Round Rock (AAA).
- INF/OF Brandon Snyder (#21) will be recalled from Round Rock (AAA).
- RHP Yoshinori Tateyama (#22) will be recalled from Round Rock (AAA).
- LHP Miguel De Los Santos will be designated for assignment.
Round Rock Gets First Sweep of Season
ROUND ROCK EXPRESS 6, NEW ORLEANS ZEPHYRS 3
30 August 2012 | The Dell Diamond | Round Rock, Texas
Records: Express (68-72), Zephyrs (73-67)
- Brandon Snyder game-winning, three-run homer in eighth inning
- Round Rock sweeps series 4-0
- Round Rock wins season series 11-5
- Express begin four-game series Friday at Oklahoma City – 7:05 p.m. CDT first pitch
- Friday’s scheduled starters: RR – LHP Zach Jackson (7-12, 4.53 ERA); OKC – LHP Rudy Owens (1-3, 4.76 ERA)
ROUND ROCK swept first series this season … won nine of last 11 games, 15 of last 20 … improved to league-best 25-11 since July 26 … won 11 of last 16 vs. New Orleans at The Dell Diamond … at least one homer in 10 of last 12 games, 16 of last 20 … 16 homers over last 10 games.
JULIO BORBON (2-for-5) six-game hitting streak (8-for-26) … one hit shy of Mark Saccomanno’s 2008 franchise record (157) … hit safely in 15 of last 16 games (26-for-67) … reached safely in 16 straight games … multiple hits in eight of last 15 games.
LUIS HERNANDEZ (3-for-5) hit safely in 18 of last 20 with Express … multiple hits in 12 of those games.
LEONYS MARTIN (1-for-3) six-game hitting streak (9-for-25) … intentionally walked twice … hit safely in 28 of last 30 games with Express … snapped streak of six straight games with at least one run scored.
BRAD NELSON (0-for-5) hitless in last 10 at bats.
JOEY BUTLER (2-for-4) clubbed 20th home run … hit safely in 16 of last 17 games (23-for-66).
YANGERVIS SOLARTE (1-for-4) six-game hitting streak (9-for-23) … hit 11th home run.
MIKE BIANUCCI (1-for-4) hit safely in six of last seven games with Express.
BRANDON SNYDER (2-for-4) clubbed second homer with Express.
ROBINZON DIAZ (0-for-3, walk) reached safely in five of six games with Express.
Hernandez Accepts Assignment, Grimm Transferred to Frisco
By Wade Hilligoss
Round Rock, Texas - Infielder Luis Hernandez (#9) has accepted an assignment to the minor leagues and will be active for tonight’s game against New Orleans, the Express announced today. Right-hander Justin Grimm was transferred to Double-A Frisco to make room on the active roster.
Hernandez was hitting .265 in 124 games for the E-Train before having his contract purchased by the Rangers Aug. 24 as IF Michael Young was on MLB’s new paternity list. Hernandez’s appeared in two games and went 0-for-2. His stay was short as he was designated for assignment Aug. 27 upon Young’s return. The 28-year-old could have refused an assignment to Round Rock and become a free agent but opted to return to the organization for the final five games.
Grimm exits Round Rock with a 2-3 record and a 4.59 ERA in nine games (eight starts). He made his major league debut this season after he jumped straight from Frisco to Arlington.
