by Andrew Drennen; ESPNRISE.com

The Texas Rangers Area Code Baseball Tryouts get under way in Weatherford, Texas on Monday, June 22.  It will be the first of two tryouts in the Lone Star State, with the second tryout coming in Houston on June 30, at Baseball USA.
One of the players who will be at the tryout, in Weatherford, is Austin Kubitza.  The 6-foot-5, 185 pound righty also plays first base and said he will tryout at both positions.  The standout from Colleyville Heritage won four games in 2009 and looks to have a strong tryout this year.

"I just think it is a great way to be seen by a lot of college and pro scouts,” Kubitza remarked.  "It's an easy thing to do, just go there do your thing and there is a lot of people there watching.”

For the Colleyville Heritage standout this is the second time he was invited to tryout.  In 2008, Kubitza was invited, but fell short and with another shot at a final roster spot he feels more prepared and ready to go.

"Last year I was really nervous.  I was probably one of the few sophomores there,” he added, "I will know what it's going to be like and I will be more comfortable.” 

Last year there were over 250 players at the tryout for one spot on a final roster that included 24 players.  The 2008 team was led by Randal Grichuk, Todd Glaesmann, Colton Cain and Shelby Miller. 

Off of last year's roster there were  three Rangers taken in the first round: (Shelby Miller; No. 19; St. Louis, Randal Grichuk; No. 24; Los Angeles Angels, Slade Heathcott; No. 29; New York Yankees). 

Last year, the tryout at Weatherford was loaded in pitching talent, Heathcott and Miller both attended Weatherford.  Randal Grichuk also attended the tryout and was one of the top outfielders there. 

The Rangers look to have another strong team in Long Beach this summer and it starts on Monday.