The final few days of spring training pointed out once again just how difficult it is to secure a spot on a major league Opening Day roster, but the American Association, despite some disappointments,  can take pride that it has more of its former players among the 750 active players than any other Independent league....Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz Four more former American Association players have had a day or more in major league uniforms recently lifting that count this spring to 10 in addition to the 18 who have trained daily at baseball’s highest level as 40-man roster players or non-roster invitees. The latest group is...Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz With only one week before the major leagues fire up the official “Play Ball” call, the attention normally falls to the tension of players awaiting final word whether they have made a major league roster or will be going back to the minors.  The American Association has had...Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz Tayler Scott‘s first major league spring training is over because the Texas Rangers have sent the non-roster pitcher who was playing in Sioux City a mere two years ago down to their minor league camp.  But the 25-year-old has made an indelible mark, and still has the very...Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz It is very difficult for a non-roster player, especially one without previous major league experience, to break through to baseball’s top level.  If the player is beyond the mid-20s and his team is one of the game’s best, well, the odds get even tougher. Not impossible, though.  Just...Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz Texas Rangers RHP Chris Martin would be a good resource for another onetime American Association reliever, who is admitting to some culture shock as he trains in Japan in preparation for his initial season in Korea. “I’ve been to many first days of school in my life, but...Read More

Independent Baseball Chatter – by Bob Wirz Big Chris Martin is the type of player every American Association team should be pulling for as he bids for a spot on the Texas Rangers’ pitching staff since it is possible the 6-foot-8 native Texan would not even be playing baseball without a Grand Prairie tryout camp...Read More