Starting Candidates Koronka, Rupe Among 8 Sent Down By Rangers

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) _ Left-hander John Koronka and right-hander Josh Rupe came to the Texas Rangers' spring camp hoping to be in the starting rotation. Instead, they're heading to the Rangers'

Monday, March 19th 2007, 8:06 am

By: News On 6

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) _ Left-hander John Koronka and right-hander Josh Rupe came to the Texas Rangers' spring camp hoping to be in the starting rotation. Instead, they're heading to the Rangers' AAA affiliate in Oklahoma.

Koronka, Rupe and left-hander A.J. Murray were optioned to AAA Oklahoma Sunday, as the Rangers sent eight players to the minors.

Five other players were reassigned to the Rangers' minor league camp: right-handers Franklyn German and Willie Erye, catchers Salomon Manriquez and Kevin Richardson and first baseman Nate Gold.