Rangers Sign Madrigal
November 28, 2007 by Geoff Young
Filed under Minor Leagues, Transactions
I don’t always point out minor-league transactions, but in this case I’ll make an exception because, well, it fascinates me. The Texas Rangers have signed right-hander Warner Madrigal, formerly with the Angels.
Why I find this story interesting:
- Warner Madrigal is a great name. If the kid doesn’t make it in baseball, perhaps he could try his hand at international espionage?
- When I was rummaging through the list of minor-league free agents a while back, Madrigal’s 2007 stats jumped out at me. I don’t care if a guy is in the Midwest League, if he’s striking out more than 11 batters per 9 innings, that gets my attention.
- Madrigal is a converted outfielder. Unlike most of his ilk, he actually hit a little (.287/.323/.458 in over 900 PA), though probably not enough to have a significant career.
- The Angels lost him due to a “procedural gaffe” on the part of new general manager Tony Reagins. Shades of the Wes Chamberlain snafu of 1990?
Nothing may come of Madrigal. He’s 24 years old and he hasn’t pitched above Low-A ball. Still, the kid has posted some intriguing numbers and could be worth watching. Or maybe one day he will be watching you. 
