The Austin American-Statesman has confirmed the least surprising rumor in all of Minor League Baseball:
After 11 years as a minor-league affiliate of the Houston Astros, Round Rock will join the Texas Rangers' farm system, according to a source close to the Express. The source said Round Rock will maintain its name and its Triple-A affiliation with the Pacific Coast League in 2011. The team, however, will be the one now playing as the Oklahoma City RedHawks, which is the Texas Rangers' current Triple-A team.
And writer Avery Holton has caught the same disdain about the Express that The Oklahoman's Ryan Aber has been spreading like chlamydia:
Round Rock and Oklahoma City begin a series (Saturday) at Dell Diamond, a matchup that might appeal to beleaguered Express fans, whose team stands 20 games under .500. For the next four games, the home fans can scout the RedHawks, who have the best record in the PCL's American South Division.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
