Rangers, Indians set for weekend

H-E-B Big League Weekend, now in its fifth season, continues to expand as a spring-break destination for Central and South Central Texans.

The American League champion Cleveland Indians will play the two-time defending AL West-winning Texas Rangers on Friday night and Saturday afternoon at the Alamodome.

The weekend, co-sponsored by Ryan Sanders Baseball, owners of the Round Rock Express, has turned into much more than just a couple exhibition games.

The Alamodome also holds a large sports collectible show — this year featuring former Houston Astros outfielder Jose Cruz — baseball card giveaways, autograph sessions, a hot dog eating contest and postgame concerts by Smash Mouth on Friday night and Los Lonely Boys on Saturday afternoon.

The first four Big League Weekends have averaged about 60,000 fans.

“There’s a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar during spring break, but we like how we’ve positioned ourselves, with so many things in proximity of the Alamodome,” said J.J. Gottsch, COO of Ryan Sanders Baseball.

Rangers contingent: Texas is bringing first baseman Mike Napoli, third baseman Will Middlebrooks and outfielders Nomar Mazara, Delino DeShields and Jared Hoying to San Antonio, along with several middle-tier prospects.

Spring update: The Rangers have had a rough time in Surprise, Ariz. Their 6-12 record through Wednesday was the worst in the Cactus League.