“Big Time Timmy Jim” arrived in Surprise, Arizona, Tuesday for his first day with the Texas Rangers.
Tim Lincecum hasn’t been officially announced by the organization yet, but an agreement has been reached, pending a physical.
Here he is wearing his first Rangers jersey.
Tim Lincecum wearing Texas Rangers for the first time! #SpringRangers pic.twitter.com/p7dfoevG0q— Tobin McDuff (@KfdxTobin) March 6, 2018
His role with the club has not been clearly defined, but he is expected to be used as a reliever. The possibility of a starting role in the future has not been ruled out.
The former All-Star pitcher played for the Los Angeles Angels in 2016 and the prior nine seasons with the San Francisco Giants.
His career ERA is 3.74, but he had his worst year in 2016 with an ERA of 9.16 in nine appearances.
Some spring training seasons can make or break the future of a professional athlete, but for the legendary Adrian Beltre, it’s all about fine tuning.
The third baseman is a future Hall of Famer and his years of production with the Texas Rangers has given him a few perks.
Beltre has played more than 2,800 at the big league level and he’s entering his 21st season as a Major League. Beltre knows what his body needs to be ready for Opening Day.
“Once you’re established in the big leagues, your mindset is to get ready for the season, not to show that you can play in spring training. I don’t care if I go 0-4 in a game if I have my approach in the game. I can go to the game, if I want to work on my two-strike swing, I take two strikes,” Beltre said.
Rangers manager Jeff Banister says they still want the veteran on the field much as possible.
“Look, Adrian is going to be out there as much as we can get him out there. He’s obviously the monster in our lineup,” Banister said.
Beltre bypassed the first nine games of spring training and he’ll likely skip several more spring training games in Surprise, Arizona. The regular season is a different ballgame.
“When the season starts its different. This is spring training. this is getting your mind ready, your body ready to play maybe 180 games all the way to the postseason. It’s like a switch. I can be feeling like (grunts)….once the seasons starts its different. Whatever happens in spring training don’t count. I can feel horrible, but as soon as the season starts, I can feel great the first day.
Ultimately, a healthy and productive Beltre is what everyone wants.
“Having the best version of Adrian throughout as many games as we possibly can is the goal.” Banister said.
Last season at spring training, Adrian went 0-12 at the plate. He joked about it Monday and said he seriously doesn’t worry about any stats in Surprise.
The Texas Rangers franchise will be taking the field for their 58th season this year!
Here are some fun facts you may not know about the Texas Rangers.
- The franchise formerly played under the Monicker of the Washington Senators from 1961-1971.
- Four numbers have been retired under the Texas Rangers: 7 (Ivan Rodriguez), 26 (Johnny Oates, 34 (Nolan Ryan), 42 (league wide for Jackie Robinson).
- The franchise has never achieved a 100-win season, however, they have ended with six 100-loss seasons.
- President George W. Bush was a partial owner in the franchise from 1989-1994.
- The Washington Senators/Texas Rangers franchise has hosted three All-Star Games: 1962, 1969 & 1995.
- Only one Texas Ranger has pitched a perfect game — Kenny Rogers on July 28, 1994 against the California Angels
- Nolan Ryan pitched two no-hitters during his time with the Rangers: 1990 & 1991.
Career Top Batting Leaders
Batting Average – .319 Al Oliver
Games Played – 1,823 Michael Young
Hits – 2,230 Michael Young
Home Runs – 372 Juan Gonzalez
RBI – 1,180 Juan Gonzalez
Stolen Bases – 266 Elvis Andrus
Career Top Pitching Leaders
ERA – 3.26 Gaylord Perry
Wins – 139 Charlie Hough
Games Played – 528 Kenny Rogers
Saves – 150 John Wetteland
Strikeouts – 1,452 Charlie Hough
Complete Games – 98 Charlie Hough
Hall of Famers
2018 – Vladimir Guerrero
2017 – Ivan Rodriguez
2011 – Bert Blyleven
2010 – Whitey Herzog
2008 – Rich Gossage
1999 – Nolan Ryan
1991 – Fergie Jenkins
1991 – Gaylord Perry
1966 – Ted Williams