Are some of you folks serious???
by Chaim Witz on Jan 11, 2006 10:45 PM CST
15 comments
On various threads, I read about the Rangers' need for a right-handed DH for various reasons, and those reasons just boggle my mind.
Some of those reasons are:
We obviously face more RHP's throughout the season, and I'm more concerned about a legitimate DH for either side.
Like it or not (and I certainly don't), Nevin is our right-handed DH going into the season. If he can do anything this season, I will be happy, but they aren't eating that $9 million contract without at least seeing if he can revert back to some semblance of his former self. They can cut him for all I care, and if they can get a decent professional hitter, I'm all for it. However, I think our focus should be on a "quality" left-handed bat, but that's just me.
As far as a platoon hitter for Dellucci, I think that takes into account a major assumption which I am not willing to count on yet.
I believe the most likely scenario for the Rangers' outfield is a 4-man rotation in the OF, with Mench, Wilkerson, GMJ (possibly Nix..bleh), and Dellucci. If that is the case, there isn't a real need for another spare DH.
If the Rangers go with what I think is there best lineup, then it would be Mench LF, GMJ CF, and Wilkerson RF, with the undesirable teaming of Dellucci and Nevin as the DH platoon.
As far as finding a spare to platoon with Blalock, I think that it won't be necessary. I believe that he will cure that which ills him against lefties. IMO, the Rangers need to leave him in there against lefties, to determine his future value and whether to keep him or not.
Anyway, I guess I just am missing the boat, but I can't believe how many times I see posts regarding this.
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Yes, I am crazy
Dellucci vs. Lefties - .242/.342/.364, and it should be noted that he had only, count them, 33 AB's against lefties last year. Obviously, the Rangers already realize the need to not hit him against lefties. He had 1 HR, 3 RBI's, and 5 BB's.
Phelps vs. Lefties - .217/.294/.326 with 1 HR, 4 RBI's, 3 BB's. Phelps had 46 AB's, and you could rightly say that Phelps was worse than Dellucci.
But this is not the end of the story. For those of you concerned with sample size, here are the stats over the last 3 years:
Dellucci vs. Lefties - .162/.261/.242. Over that period, how many AB's against lefties? 99, or just 33 a year. Over this period he had 2 HR's, 11 RBI's, and 12 BB's. Ouch, those are some really shitty numbers (and that is being nice).
Phelps vs. Lefties - .300/.364/.522 with 20 HR's, 56 RBI's, and 29 BB's. Those are great numbers, and he did this with 343 AB's (read, he did this with consistency).
Given his track record, it looks like last year was a fluke for Phelps, while it was a career year for Dellucci against lefties. Last year Phelps made only $800,000, which is $50,000 less than Dellucci. Phelps was brought on as an invitee to Spring Training, so it is not like the Rangers had to waste money and a roster spot (25 man roster) to get a look at him. If he looks bad in Spring Training, send him packing; no harm, no foul. Yes, there is a glaring, glaring need to get a right-handed compliment for Dellucci no matter where he plays. I have been saying again and again that Phelps is the right person to get because he is undervalued (i.e. hardly any other suitors and cheap price). This is why you see posts such as this time and time again; Dellucci is worthless against lefties.
Given my earlier statement about Blalock, let him play. If he needs a compliment, use DeRosa sparingly (he has shown to be useful in small doses). As far as Nevin is concerned, it may be a bit premature to give up on him before Spring Training. However, I have my doubts about him. Regardless, Botts has earned a chance to fill in for Nevin.
by pfe1223 on Jan 12, 2006 4:04 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Oops...
by pfe1223 on Jan 12, 2006 5:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
I know Nevin struggled last year, but he's in his contract year so there's a decent chance all those rumors of him really getting after it this off season are acurate. His Three year split against lefties are: .377/.547/.924
I'm more than okay with those numbers as part of my lefty/righty DH platoon.
by thedirkatron on Jan 12, 2006 5:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nevin.....
Don't know WHAT happened to him here last year (hit like .180? with alot of KO's) but for the $10M we'd have to eat, I'd at least hope the reports (of his workouts, etc.) are true and wait & see 'til ST.
What would REALLY upgrade the offense would be to move Hank (I've earned it) Blalock out of the clean-up spot.
by tklawless on Jan 12, 2006 10:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nevin as a Padre...
I think he's done. Last season, his bat speed was non-existent.
If we're counting on Phil Nevin to do anything in 2006 other than pack his bags at some point in spring training and wish the rest of the team good luck, we're in trouble.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 12, 2006 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
And his .900+ ops against lefties the past three years (even with last year's sucking factored in) is a pretty decent benchmark to bounce back too.
I think he'll surprise in the platoon this year.
by thedirkatron on Jan 12, 2006 5:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
GMJ and Dellucci
However, if they are both starting for you, you have a problem.
What the Rangers really need is a full-time DH...I think Jason Botts would fill the bill nicely.
But barring that, they need a quality righthanded bat who can split time at DH with Dellucci.
Phil Nevin is not that guy.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 12, 2006 4:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
As Serious As a Heart Attack
Granted, I don't play along with consensus opinions often, and don't trust history to tell me what I should expect to see. I've just listed eight areas of concern. I trust JD to act on any of those eight on or by the July trade deadline if they become a nagging problem. Of course the competition for resources by then won't be as broad, but is likely to be expensive.
Yes I'm happy with this offseason. Especially taking a chance on getting decent pitching. But I'm not mancrushed on some of the existing lineup talent, and disappointed in a couple of ways that the indicative clear progress hasn't been made, or worse, may not ever be made. We still have two core players. So the thing to be serious about is to consider everyone else movable assets. Well, Millwood's contract tells me he's the third piece of the core. But you get the picture.
by Ed Coffin on Jan 12, 2006 7:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ummmmm....
My point was that I couldn't believe so many comments are being made about a platoon with Dellucci and Blalock, or that the Rangers could sign one of the spare names thrown about as a possible right handed DH.
I believe that the Rangers need a "professional hitter" in the lineup for protection and an upgrade in quality hitters in the lineup. I just don't think that the answer is one of the "spares" that keep being mentioned are what we need.
I'm not sold AT ALL on Nevin, but hope he rebounds for one more season. Other than that, I don't believe we are upgrading anything worthwhile unless there is a trade or we sign someone like Palmeiro. Thomas and/or Piazza aren't the kind of hitters we need.......
Don't get some spare that hits 260 with some walks....that's not an upgrade...its just more of the same.
by Chaim Witz on Jan 13, 2006 2:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Ummm...
I'm so confused. What is a "professional hitter", and what constitutes "an upgrade in quality hitters in the lineup"?
Please explain.
by thedirkatron on Jan 13, 2006 3:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Professional Hitter
Look at the power numbers of Phelps from the left side of the plate (first post on this thread), he is not more of the same.
I interperet your "professional hitter" remark to mean somebody a little more established, with a better name and pedigree than a castoff like Phelps. Personally, I don't think the Rangers should invest the money in somebody like that. They already a made a large financial commitment to Milwood, and will have to do so for Teixeira at some point (at least, I hope they do so). Players with pedigree cost more money, something the Rangers should not waste when they still need a year or two before than can really compete for a title. Stop-gaps such as Phelps serve a purpose so internal options, like Botts, can prove themselves. If Botts proves ineffective (and I hope not), then go slurge on the market (either in money or prospects via a trade).
For the most part, the Rangers have coupled progress with prudence this offseason, which leads to longterm success. Another year or two like this (plus the hopeful additions of players like Volquez, Diamond, and Botts), and the Rangers should be one of the better teams in the Majors. I think some feel as though the Ranger's complete transformation into WS contender should have already been completed. I think some patience is in order, but, at the same time, the Rangers realistically have about a three year window to make something happen.
by pfe1223 on Jan 13, 2006 4:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK, I like this!
My definition of a "professional hitter" is actually a mystery to me also, since I expect a lot. It is somebody that serves a purpose and is a situational hitter above all.
This hitter is someone selective, but with tempered agression at the plate. Someone who can take the walk, but is a good bet to put the ball in play. That may have some pop, but can certainly drive the ball if the pitcher makes a mistake. Basically, good enough to offer protection in the lineup, but every time around the lineup, cannot just be overlooked by the opposing pitcher because he could put in the seats or in the gap.
When I think of a professional hitter, it is a smart hitter who knows what is needed in each situation. Obviously, in more recent times Edgar Martinez was my idea of a professional hitter. However, a veteran like Phelps can fill that bill, because he is dangerous with some pop and/or timely hitting. A professional hitter can hit both righties and lefties and does not have to be lifted with a pitching change.
The reason I listed Palmeiro is because despite all his recent issues, he is still a good hitter and smart at the plate. He has been swinging for the fences recently, but still knows how to go to the opposite field when necessary. More importantly, he will be cheaper now because of his issues, as not many folks are beating down the door for him right now.
The reason I was against Thomas and Piazza, is that I don't think they have it anymore. Sure they will hit some homeruns, but I just don't think they will be worth the money anymore. Additionally, if we are going to take a chance on Nevin, then I wouldn't want to add another right-handed "if they can recapture past glory" hitter.
When I speak of "an upgrade in quality hitters in the lineup", I am specifically thinking of making it difficult to pitch around someone like Tex. I just feel there is no protection behind him right now, and its even worse if he his moved to clean up. The Rangers have some good quality bats in the lineup, so don't get me wrong. However, I feel that we need a close to 300 hitter, who makes good contact with some pop, and knows "where' to hit the ball.
I've always like Phelps and he's one of those guys that seems to get some timely hits when it counts. I think Palmeiro is the kind of hitter that would make teams think twice about pitching around Tex, etc..
Franco was great in the 5 hole for the Rangers back in the day. It wasn't his power, but rather his ability to put the ball in play and man could he drive the ball. His HR's always seemed to be timely. Basically, the kind of hitter that makes the pitcher think and work for the out.
Timely, consistent hitter, who can hit to all fields. Can take the walk, but has some pop. It's harder for me to put into words than it is to see in my head.
Hell, after saying all that crap, maybe Thomas or Piazza wouldn't be as bad as what I think the Rangers may put out there. I don't want them just throwing around money, but I think we need another bat to protect the integrity of our top hitters. Something that Franco did for Juan and Ruben. Quality in the 5 hole....but the right kind of quality.
I'm rambling now, but hopefully that clears it up a bit.
by Chaim Witz on Jan 13, 2006 10:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
by pfe1223 on Jan 14, 2006 6:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I doubt you'll see it..........
I had been an advocate for signing Rondell White (career .289 w/.815 OPS) for aound $2.5-$3M, which is what he got from Minn. He was out there awhile and even Houston brought him in for an interview. I'd guess either F Thomas or M Piazza would command a lot more than White got.
I'm not impressed with Botts and am hoping Delucci can duplicate (at least, tho' he did fall off late) last year. With $10M invested in Nevin they have to get to ST to see if he has anything left.
I'd say right now, Tex HAS to hit 4th, with some combo of Delucci/GM, Jr....Wilkerson.....M Young in front of him and Mench, then Hank behind (they have to drop him down).
With the current roster, that's about all Buck can do.
by tklawless on Jan 13, 2006 1:05 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well
That was what was bugging me....I don't see the point of adding another 260 hitter when we already have a bunch of them.
I guess we'll see what happens and it will all be moot if Nevin surprises all of us and figures out how to hit again.
by Chaim Witz on Jan 14, 2006 2:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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