10 Ranger Minor Leaguers Walk Out

Ten minor league players walked off the practice field at Port Charlotte, Fla., on Saturday in protest of the Texas Rangers’ plans to use them in exhibition games.

“I let them know I wasn’t coming down here to be a replacement player,” catcher Craig Colbert said. “It can be a bad influence on your career and the rest of your life.”

Outfielder Donald Harris; pitchers Dave Geeve, Steve Sadecki and Lance Schuermann; and infielders Marty Brown, Rich Schu, Mike Edwards, Erik Johnson, and Duff Brumley also walked out.

Infielder Trey McCoy walked out, but returned and said he will let the club know his decision today.

Pitcher John Barfield also walked out, but indicated he might return. He and Harris were the only players in camp who have major league experience with the Rangers.

The players’ association has said minor leaguers who participate in exhibition games would be considered strikebreakers.

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The Colorado Rockies are offering their minor leaguers $150 per game to play in exhibitions. The team has given players three options: sign a replacement-player contract, decline to become a replacement but agree to play in exhibition games for $150 if asked or not play in any spring training games.