MLB: Houston Astros at Texas Rangers

Mets Connections: Texas Rangers

The following is part of each of the series previews here at BP Mets. “Mets Connections” takes a look at the opposing teams’ rosters and highlights some of the noteworthy or interesting links that can be drawn between those players and the Mets organization. Some of these links may be obvious, such as if an opposing player has formerly played for New York, but some may be lesser known tidbits, such as if a player was previously drafted by the Mets. This version of the series analyzes the Rangers’ roster as they open up a short two game series in Texas tonight.

The Rangers have two former Mets on their active roster, and have one who has been traded for a former Met. The following is a list of some the Rangers’ most significant Mets connections:

Keone Kela: Kela played high school baseball about 15 miles from Michael Conforto in Seattle, and they both graduated in 2011. Unfortunately, though, it does not appear that their two teams faced each other during their time in high school.

Robinson Chirinos: Earlier in his career, the Rangers backstop was part of the 2011 trade that sent Chris Archer to the Rays and Matt Garza to the Cubs. Chirinos was sent along with Archer, while Fernando Perez went with Garza. Perez is a former member of the Mets organization, although he never appeared in a game after signing a contract with the club later in 2011.

Draft Connections: Infielder Pete Kozma was selected with the 18th pick in the 2007 first round by the Cardinals. Current Mets picked in the same round in 2007 are Josh Smoker (31-Nationals) and Travis d’Arnaud (37-Phillies), who were both selected in the supplemental portion.

Neil Walker (11-Pirates) and Matt Bush (1-Padres), were both chosen in the 2004 first round.

Hometown Connections: Santo Domingo has proven to be a hotspot for talent throughout this series, and there are three more players to add from the Dominican locale. Jeurys Familia is once again the Mets’ representative from Santo Domingo, while Texas has Adrian Beltre, Frank Francisco, and Nomar Mazara from the city.

Although he played high school ball in Seattle, Keone Kela was born in Los Angeles, which is also the birthplace of Mets first baseman Lucas Duda.

Former Mets: Frank Francisco and Dillon Gee

Photo credit:  Jim Cowsert – USA Today Sports

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