Rangers sending eight to Arizona Fall League

The Arizona Fall League announced their rosters for the 2007 season on Monday afternoon. Eight Rangers will play for the Surprise Rafters this season, who will be managed by catching instructor Damon Berryhill. Lone Star Dugout takes a quick look at the players who will be participating in the Arizona Fall League this offseason.

A total of eight players from the Texas Rangers organization were officially named to the Surprise Rafters roster on Monday afternoon.

The six full-time Rafters will be pitchers Matt Harrison, Danny Herrera, Kea Kometani, and Josh Rupe, infielder Joaquin Arias, and outfielder John Mayberry.

Catcher Taylor Teagarden and infielder German Duran will serve as "Taxi Squad" players. This means they are only eligible to be activated on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Due to various ailments, Harrison, Rupe, and Arias have been limited this season. Rupe and Arias appeared briefly with Triple-A Oklahoma while Harrison has been rehabbing an injured foot in Surprise. He has yet to appear in a game since joining the Rangers organization last month.

Kometani and Herrera have each had successful seasons since being moved to the bullpen in 2007. Herrera has posted a 5-2 record with a 3.80 ERA for Double-A Frisco while Kometani has a 3.50 ERA in 31 appearances as a relief pitcher this season.

The other three delegates -- Taylor Teagarden, German Duran, and John Mayberry -- have all proven to be powerful with the bat over the course of the year. The trio has combined for 76 home runs between High-A Bakersfield and Double-A Frisco.

Although each Major League organization is allowed to send one Single-A player to the Arizona Fall League, the Rangers elected not to send one this year. All eight players have spent significant time in Double-A or Triple-A this season.

The Rafters will be managed by Rangers catching instructor Damon Berryhill.

Home games will be played at Surprise Stadium, the spring training home of the Rangers. Opening day comes on October 9th against the Peoria Javelinas.