Rangers' Draft success ranks among best

WASHINGTON -- According to research by Todd Zolecki of MLB.com, the Rangers have had 46 picks from the last 10 First-Year Player Drafts reach the Major Leagues. That is tied for seventh for the most players to make it from one franchise.

The Cardinals have had the most with 56, followed by the Padres with 51, the Angels and Tigers with 50 and the Red Sox and D-backs with 49. The Rangers are tied with the Athletics and Phillies. The 2014 First-Year Player Draft starts Thursday.

Also, according to the research done on www.baseball-reference.com, the Rangers' Draft picks that have reached the Major Leagues have accrued an aggregate WAR (wins above replacement) of 56.2. That ranks 23rd among 30 franchises. The Red Sox had the highest with 142.7, followed the Braves at 133.3 and Angels at 124.4.

The top four Rangers draft picks from 2004-13 by WAR are Chris Davis (8.5), Craig Gentry (8.3), Derek Holland (7.5), Tommy Hunter (5.2) and Tanner Roark (3.3). Roark is currently with the Nationals and is scheduled to pitch against the Rangers on Sunday.