The big news out of the minor league system Sunday was OF Nelson Cruz taking his final at-bats _ probably ever _ for Triple-A Oklahoma. Cruz is on his way to the big leagues and here's hoping he starts somewhere tonight. In his final game at Oklahoma, Cruz was 1-for-3 to keep his batting average at a steady .342. He did not homer in his four games after being activated from the DL, leaving him at 37 for the year. He had 99 RBIs at Oklahoma, but one while one rehab in the Arizona Rookie League for a nice round 100.

Now the Rangers have to determine what part - if any - of their future Cruz may be. The ideal situation: That he show enough in September for the Rangers to decide they don't need to offer Milton Bradley a multi-year deal and prepare to go with Cruz as the middle-of-the-order protection for Josh Hamilton. Cruz has done nothing in the majors to suggest he could be that guy. Even if he has a strong September and the Rangers commit to him, the club would be taking a significant leap. Other possibilities: He could end up in a left-field platoon with David Murphy or could be the club's right fielder, though I think Marlon Byrd's strong second half and strong clubhouse presence has made the Rangers reconsider whether they can afford to walk away from him.

The last five weeks offer the Rangers one last chance to evaluate Cruz. Either he really has turned a corner or he simply must be written off as a Four-A player.

As for the rest of the minors? Well, it's all about pitching isn't it? We've got some Neftali Feliz, a dash of Luis Mendoza, some Omar Poveda and a slab of Blake Beavan to throw at you. You know where it is. Just tap your fingers and jump