One of the few guys fighting for a spot this spring is Kumar Rocker. The Rangers’ fifth spot in the rotation is open. By virtue of being a first-round pick, Rocker automatically goes to the front of the line, whether he deserves it or not.

The Rangers really really really want to give that spot in the rotation to Rocker and really really really want to move Jacob Latz into the bullpen. Reality, and cold hard numbers, suggest otherwise.

Spring numbers usually don’t matter. But for Rocker, they do. The should. Rocker was the other half of the Vandy Boys dynamic duo, along with teammate Jack Keiter. He was a college superstar and was destined to be a major leage superstar. Arm injuries slowed him down. A 5.45 ERA with a lack of control in parts of two major league seasons have been like pulling the emergency brake while driving.

Rocker needs to turn a corner. Or show he can. He didn’t yesterday. He gave up two runs in 2.2 innings, allowed five hits, and struck out only one. In two spring starts, his ERA sits at 5.79. That’s not how you win a race in which you’ve been given a massive head start. Jacob Latz, on the other hand, didn’t allow an earned run in his lone spring start. 

But Kumar Rocker is KUMAR ROCKER. First-rounder. Vandy Boy. Can’t miss. Destined. 

And pitching to a 5.79 ERA so far this spring.

*****

Texas versus Chicago White Sox, 2:05