SURPRISE, Ariz. — Brandon Snyder could have gone elsewhere when the Texas Rangers granted him free agency on Nov. 30, and he would have if a major-league opportunity had presented itself.
But none did, and Snyder signed a minor-league deal with an invitation to Rangers camp. It was a no-brainer after he spent last season with the team he grew up rooting for, because his mom is from Terrell.“I love being a Ranger, love Texas, love everything about it,” Snyder said. “And I always come to Texas once a year to hunt.”Snyder took his annual off-season hunting trip to Cotulla this past winter with teammate Robbie Ross. How was the trip to Cotulla? It was awesome, just south of San Antonio. I’ve never, in my life, seen deer as big as the ones we saw down there. I got a chance to harvest a nice buck and it was an awesome experience. How big was the buck? It was 150 inches almost on the dot. Every year, I’ve gotten a little bigger and bigger buck. Do you like deer meat? Oh yeah. We process our own game and I make my own jerky, hamburger meat. Sometimes my buddies will bring over a six-pack of beer and I’ll make as many dishes as I can. It’s a good time. Outside of deer, do you hunt any other game? “Deer is probably my No. 1 but I’m a big goose hunter. I take a lot of pride in calling. I also got into predator hunting last year with a couple of my friends, and we hunted coyotes. Is goose calling difficult? Goose calling is different than duck calling because you’re going to have to manipulate it a little more. Over the years, I’ve worked on it and tried to get better at it. I’m not great by any means, but it’s just another hobby to have. I’ve watched a lot of YouTube videos on it. Finally, is the arcade game Big Buck Hunter similar to the real thing? Well, hunting is not as easy as the game makes it look. But I love that game.Number6 Brandon Snyder’s career high game in RBIs, which he set in a start last season at Baltimore.He said it“I had opportunities as a youngster to get them, but I was afraid what the repercussions would be with my mom.” — Ron Washington on why he never got a tattooInjury report RHP Colby Lewis (flexor tendon surgery in July): Threw 25-pitch bullpen session Friday. 3B Adrian Beltre (right calf inflammation): Participated in all drills Friday. OF Nelson Cruz (muscle strain in chest region): Battery of tests came back negative and could resume baseball activities as early as today. CF Craig Gentry (left hamstring tightness): Went through all outfield drills Friday and could be ready for a game as early as today OF Engel Beltre (left shoulder strain): Feeling better but has not made final decision on the WBC. RHP Kyle McClellan (shoulder soreness): Threw off half-mound Friday and will long-toss today. RHP Joakim Soria (Tommy John elbow surgery in April): Threw 45-pitch bullpen session Friday. RHP Neftali Feliz (Tommy John elbow surgery in August.): Throwing out to 75 feet. RHP Tanner Scheppers (strained left hamstring): Threw bullpen session Friday. RHP Yoshinori Tateyama (lower back stiffness): Threw bullpen session Friday. OF Joey Butler (lower back stiffness): Could be available today or Sunday. C Eli Whiteside (mild left calf strain): Day to day.Videos of the daySee Mike Olt take batting practice and catch manager Ron Washington’s daily media briefing on our Rangers blog, Foul Territory, at star-telegram.com/rangers.Drew Davison, 817-390-7760 Twitter: @drewdavison
