Guzman is Rangers’ player of year in minors
Round Rock Express first baseman Ronald Guzman was named the Texas Rangers minor league player of the year by the organization.
Guzman, who won MVP honors for the Express this past season, led the team in batting average (.298), runs scored (78), hits (140) and multihit games (38). He added 22 doubles, three triples, 12 home runs and 62 RBI.
The 23-year-old Guzman, a 6-foot-5 line-drive hitter who figures to improve his power-hitting numbers in the future, is the Rangers’ No. 3 prospect, according to MLB.com, and he’s listed sixth in Baseball America’s ratings.
Guzman was named the Rangers’ minor league defender of the year in 2016. He is seen as the team’s future first baseman but likely will open the 2018 season in Round Rock.
Other notable Rangers system players of the year include Nomar Mazara (2015), Joey Gallo (2014), Rougned Odor (2013), Mitch Moreland (2009), Nelson Cruz (2008) and Ian Kinsler (2004).
Kyle Cody, a 6-7 closer, was named Rangers minor league pitcher of the year. Cody, 23, was 9-6 with a 2.64 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 126 innings at two levels of Single-A ball.
The Rangers’ winter caravan will stop at the Round Rock Sports Center, 2400 Chisholm Trail, from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday for a public luncheon. Texas manager Jeff Banister will be accompanied by outfielder Delino DeShields, relief pitcher Tony Barnette and broadcaster Dave Raymond.
Tickets cost $50 and are available by calling (512) 2552255 or online at RoundRockExpress.com.
The Express will open the 2018 Pacific Coast League season on April 5, with a five-game series against the Memphis Redbirds at Dell Diamond.