Change can be a good thing..Right??

Many of you already know, but a few weeks ago I got a phone call from Jake, and knew something wasn't right by his voice.. He got moved into the bullpen and is now trying to be a relief pitcher. Many of you are thinking is this a good thing OR bad thing?

To be honest, it can be either! It's not a bad thing at all because Texas bullpen is really struggling, and from rumors we hear there is going to be some movement potentially in the future. At first Jake was pretty upset because he has always been a starter. It like any of you getting moved into a new job/position. It's scary, and the unknown is frightening! I am very excited because I feel like this might be his chance to shine! He got positive feedback from some of the front office people of why they decided to move him here, and I do not want to say specifics since this blog is public, and don't know who is reading it...All I can say is please keep Jake in your prayers, along with many other players who are having a hard time with the unknown of baseball, and hoping to make a break at some point! Jake has had a rough few outings as a relief. It's like riding a bike.. The first time you try do it, your going to fall, and will take a few times until you can ride, and feel comfortable! I know Jake will get the hang of it, but it's completely different from starting!

Jake usually gets to throw around 100 pitches before going out, and getting his arm warmed up. Now he is only throwing 30 pitches or so..I believe if anyone can make the transition it is Jake! He is driven, and has what it takes! I am very encouraged about the feedback we heard, and feel like God is in control, and has a plan for Jake!

Back in spring training, a man named John Hart, if you don't know who it is google him! Anyways, he is a big deal in the baseball world. Our paths keep crossing..He is from Orlando, lives in Isleworth, my mom, and his wife sit across from each other at the salon, and so on! My dad had to meet him since he builds in Isleworth, and is such a small world! When they were talking (I was too shy to go over) John made a statement that stuck with me ever since..He told my dad "Jake has what it takes for the bullpen, and if they (Rangers) stick him in there he will be in the bigs very soon..."

Now just because one person says that does not mean it will happen by any means..At first I was thinking that is a very odd thing to say since he is a starter, and couldn't stop thinking about that statement.. So when Jake called me with the news, I was almost excited and thought I wonder if it had anything to do with what John had said..The reason they also moved him there is because of the Rule 5 draft (40-man protection.) Last year, since Jake was a draft out of high school he went into the rule 5 draft. We obviously were not protected, since he was only in low A.. Now that Jake is in AA, he is being talked about a lot, actually..Texas is trying to decide if they want to protect him or if they are willing to give him up (to another team.) I am praying whatever is the best thing for Jake, and where they will treat him the best, and most importantly being in the big leagues! We love Texas, and the organization, but the unknown is so hard right now!! We will not be finding anything out unless he is in a trade coming up until December or so! We are just praying that whatever is meant to be will happen, and to trust..

All I know is Jake belongs on that mound if it is relief, or starting he belongs out there!