Inside a Dominican Academy

Evan Grant from the Dallas Morning News recently visited the Texas Rangers’ Dominican Baseball Academy. He provides an insider’s look at an aspect of baseball that the casual fan might not be privvy to.

Grant notes that times have changed in the Dominican in a short period of time.

The last time I visited the Dominican, the “academy” was split between a field literally hacked out of somebody’s backyard and the players were housed in a makeshift dorm at the stadium in La Romana. The new complex _ and by new, I mean the one that opened two years ago _ is state of the art in every way. It is all self-contained with two fields, a dorm, classroom, weight room, training room, cafeteria, meeting room and accommodations for both coaches and players in for extended tryouts. Atlanta’s complex is adjacent to the Rangers’ on the same plot of land. When the Braves are following your lead, it’s a pretty good sign you are doing something right.

Check out the fantastic slideshow of Grant’s Dominican trip. 

Also, up and coming Rangers prospect Elvis “The King” Andrus was on hand at the Dominican Academy.

Here’s what the Law (Keith Law) is on Andrus:

Atlanta pushed Andrus very aggressively while he was in its system, moving him to high Class A ball at an age when most prospects are still in short-season ball. His baseball skills are slowly catching up to his tremendous athletic ability, and if Texas manages him carefully, the Rangers have a potential star on their hands. Andrus has a very easy, almost effortless swing, and the ball flies off his bat. He has an advanced approach for such a young hitter, working the count, making the pitcher throw strikes and using the entire field. There is average power to come, and he is a plus runner who needs some work reading pitchers. He is an excellent defensive shortstop with quick reactions and good range in both directions, as well as a strong and accurate arm. He should be hitting at or near the top of the Rangers’ order by 2011.

That’s it, that’s all! Make sure to check out the slideshow!!