Sport DFW
FanSided

Texas Rangers five key questions out of spring training

By Stephen Francis

Sep 23, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; The Texas Rangers celebrate after the end of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum the Texas Rangers defeated the Oakland Athletics 3 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 23, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; The Texas Rangers celebrate after the end of the game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum the Texas Rangers defeated the Oakland Athletics 3 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Texas Rangers infielder Joey Gallo
Jun 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Gallo (13) hits a home run during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

2 — What should we expect from Joey Gallo?

Every now and then, the Texas Rangers get a young guy that shows equal parts “promise” and “frustration.” Infielder Joey Gallo is that guy right now.

After bursting onto the scene with some mammoth home runs, he looked like Superman. The problem was, plenty of pitchers knew about his kryptonite — strikeouts. That problem was further exacerbated by its ample supply.

In his first two seasons of big league ball, Gallo has struck out in nearly half of his plate appearances. Considering the league average sits around 20%, he has a colossal problem on his hands. He gets rather swing-happy in his at bats and lefties give him absolute fits.

However, this spring has looked a little promising. He lowered that strikeout rate to 39.29%. Granted that’s still a high percentage, but it’s at least a start. With a player as young as Gallo, even small changes can yield huge dividends.

Gallo also has a solid batting average on balls in play at .304 and he has four home runs with nine runs batted in. If he could continue to show a little discipline, even at the expense of some of his power, he could still remain a deep ball threat every time he steps up to the dish.

Home/Dallas Sports