Minor league moves.

Getting closer to the final push before Spring Training. Rangers pitchers and catchers report on February 17th and the rest of the team on February 20th. Most of the rest of the clubs are scheduled for about the same time except for the Diamondbacks and Dodgers who are about ten days ahead of everyone else.

With the season fast approaching, the Rangers announced their minor league staffs yesterday. With the promotion of Triple A manager Bobby Jones to the position of assistant hitting coach with the big club there was a hole to fill.

Former Ranger Steve Buechele, shown here on card 558 of the 1986 Fleer set, is set to manage at Triple A Round Rock. That's a move up for Boo after the last four seasons at Double A and a season at Single A before that. So far he's had success and has a winning record. Always have liked Buechele and it's good to see him doing well.

Taking over at Double A is Jason Wood who managed at Single A last season. He'll be replaced by Joe Mikulik. Mikulik was a roving outfield instructor in the Rangers farm system last year and has about 13 years experience as a coach and manager in the Rockies system.

Wish all three of these guys the best of luck in their new positions. Hopefully they can keep the pipeline of young talent flowing into Arlington.