German Duran
German Duran, former Gator, is getting past the butterflies of being in his first big-league camp. Duran, who played for Fort Worth Paschal High School and TCU/ Weatherford Junior College, is trying to win a spot as a non-roster invitee. Now that he's had a week in camp, he's starting to find a comfort level.
"I feel like I belong now," Duran said. "Working with Wash [manager Ron Washington] has been awesome. I got to work with some of these guys in November and it has made it a little easier."
German told me that he's too the point of striking up conversation with Michael Young, picking his brain "so to speak". He's asking Young how he stays relaxed at this level. Young's response, " the only difference in any level advancement. Is the number of butts in the seats (more or less). Once you learn to focus and tune out the constant noise/chatter, the game is the same.
German is staying busy, he arrived in camp a week earlier than pitchers and catchers, reason being... He wanted to have a head start and make sure that he worked thru any early spring training soreness. What foresight!
German has been working at second base, shortstop, third base and some in the outfield. Look for this Gator alumni to be in the Ranger's line up in the very near future!
