It could Happen to the Rangers

by JakeStrait on Jun 1, 2006 6:36 PM CDT Comment 48 comments

Let's Assume:

It's late July, the Astros are out of the race. The Rangers still have a nice lead.

The Astros ask Roger about a trade to the Rangers so they can get Round Rock's own John Danks and their new center-Fielder Lance Nix.

Possible??

Roger then helps his favorite team out and still gets a shot at the World Series.

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I don't want that

sorry bastard here. He has played the Rangers for fools 4 or 5 times already why help him or the Stros? Besides I think JD could get a younger pitcher that is very good at the deadline.

Hank the Bank

by boomer1 on Jun 1, 2006 6:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree exactly 0 percent.

I couldn't care less about bitterness towards Clemens. If Texas is in first or within 3-4 games, you do that trade 100 times in 100.

Of course there is no chance it happens though, because Clemens won't want that.

by PatrickWalz on Jun 1, 2006 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You do that trade

even if Clemens is pitching like dog shit? It could happen.

Hank the Bank

by boomer1 on Jun 1, 2006 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Okay...

If Clemens has his arm ripped off by farm equipment, I don't do that trade, either.

I guess the assumption was that Clemens is looking good, i.e. ERA under about 4.00.

by PatrickWalz on Jun 1, 2006 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that would be the assumption

i don't think i would have even put the scenario out there, if he was pitching like crap.

"It gets late early out there." - Yogi Berra

by JakeStrait on Jun 1, 2006 8:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand what you are saying but....

I just think Clemens would be a cancer in the clubhouse if he did give his approval for a trade which he wouldn't. I see him being like Nevin last year a malcontent.

Hank the Bank

by boomer1 on Jun 1, 2006 8:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why?

what evidence do you have that he'd be a malcontent?

by PatrickWalz on Jun 1, 2006 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He has never wanted to play here all he has done is use the Rangers to drive up his price so why would he want to come here when he really wants to play in Houston where he lives 15 min. from his house.

Even if the Astros were to fall out of it and he agreed to be traded do you really think he would want to come here? I think not he would force the Astros to trade him to NY or Boston. What makes you think he would be happy here?

Hank the Bank

by boomer1 on Jun 1, 2006 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i completely agree with the

fact that he has used the rangers, and i hate him for it and always have, but that wasn't my question. i wanted to know what people would think of the trade itself, and you bring up a great point with the forcing of the trade to new york and boston, and you are probably right.

"It gets late early out there." - Yogi Berra

by JakeStrait on Jun 1, 2006 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Clemens

I think this whole topic is kind of pointless.

But if Clemens were to be traded, he's not going to be traded somewhere he doesn't want to go.

So the idea of him being a clubhouse cancer seems like a red herring.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 1, 2006 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nolan had the same

thing with the rangers when he was here and he was nothing but revered by the players. with the exception of "the village idiot" - ruben sierra

"It gets late early out there." - Yogi Berra

by JakeStrait on Jun 1, 2006 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

dude

come on. when has Clemens ever been a cancer in the clubhouse? when has he ever been spoken of as anything other than a good influence on the young pitchers he's around? i understand if you are not a fan for whatever reason, but pulling shit out of your ass with no evidence just because you are mad he didn't sign here or because you aren't a fan is a little silly.

Jackie was a rich punk rocker -- silver spoon and a paper plate

by trza on Jun 2, 2006 2:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

concur on the silliness

The idea that Clemens would be a cancer is laughable. Maybe emotions are getting the better of some peeps.

Understandable. I wouldn't mind finding out that the Ho had all his money invested in Enron stock. THAT would be some justice...

"I could be wrong-but I'm not." Dan Jenkins

by Brian Thomas on Jun 2, 2006 2:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i actually agree

i can't stand what clemes has done to the rangers over the years. it just popped into my head today, and i wanted to see what others thought about it.

i wouldn't put it past clemens to have actually thought about screwing us again.

"It gets late early out there." - Yogi Berra

by JakeStrait on Jun 1, 2006 6:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

just because you're paranoid

don't mean they're not after you...

Jackie was a rich punk rocker -- silver spoon and a paper plate

by trza on Jun 2, 2006 2:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL not even close to paranoid

it was just a thought

"It gets late early out there." - Yogi Berra

by JakeStrait on Jun 2, 2006 7:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It cannot...

happen.

It is over.

by theMenchcanMash on Jun 1, 2006 6:52 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

please please please

Let's just stop dwelling on Clemens.

you trying to tell me jesus christ can't hit a curve ball?

by chief on Jun 1, 2006 8:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

just as soon as

the barajas/laird fiasco is no longer talked about.

"It gets late early out there." - Yogi Berra

by JakeStrait on Jun 1, 2006 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laird/Barajas

That fiasco is ongoing. The Clemens deal is over.....and probably has been for months.

by Chris Martin on Jun 1, 2006 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Hank the Bank

by boomer1 on Jun 1, 2006 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why would the Astros want Nix?

They already have Taveres.

And he's nothing great, offensively, but the Astros love him because of his defense...with their huge outfield, they want a guy out there who can cover a ton of ground.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 1, 2006 8:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

ok, your call adam

pick another prospect and throw it in that trrade and see how it looks. the way nix is playing in OKC, he may be worth a look in houston, maybe as a corner outfielder if you think tavares is locked in at CF

"It gets late early out there." - Yogi Berra

by JakeStrait on Jun 1, 2006 8:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nix

He has sucked on multiple occasions in the bigs, and he won't be worth anything until he proves something above AAA, at which point we probably wouldn't want to trade him anyway. The Astros have a better version of Arias in Everett. We don't have anything they would want.

Jackie was a rich punk rocker -- silver spoon and a paper plate

by trza on Jun 2, 2006 2:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the barajas/laird fiasco

Is over and Rod is clearly the better of the two at this time. Laird looked like a High Schooler this week.

by Nawbo on Jun 1, 2006 9:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So...

His performance in that one game means that Barajas is "clearly the better of the two"?

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 1, 2006 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laird

I think this board is so anti-Rod that Laird is over rated by many here. Wild pitchs and passed balls are one thing that happens to all catchers but throwing to third and hitting the batter is a High School mistake. Deer in a headlight is what he reminded me of. Rod will leave after this season and I wonder "Who" this board will be crying to replace Laird next year when he is the starter.

by Nawbo on Jun 1, 2006 10:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No one because

Laird can handle the position.

Hank the Bank

by boomer1 on Jun 1, 2006 10:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trust me...

I'm not going to be asking anyone to replace Laird as the starter.

I think he's a solid major league catcher.

And fwiw, he didn't hit the batter, he hit the bat...

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 1, 2006 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

sighhhh

"I could be wrong-but I'm not." Dan Jenkins

by Brian Thomas on Jun 2, 2006 2:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laird

One other thing. Did you ever think that Buck knows this and is trying not to overexpose Laird to much at any one time. All managers want to win win win so there is more than one reason for not playing Laird than "Buck loves some Rod". You may have seen this week WHY!

by Nawbo on Jun 1, 2006 10:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I doubt it

Laird has gotten very strong marks for his defense his whole career. He was named the best defensive catcher in the PCL last year.

And when they were both on equal footing, he beat Barajas out for the starting catching job...he only lost it because of his injury.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 1, 2006 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Adam

I must say...while I would like Laird to get more starts, there is no way one can argue that Laird is better than Barajas defensively. When it comes to the spot of catcher, defense is somthing that Buck obviously values more than the bat. After Laird's display the other day, must we be so shocked that Barajas gets the start?

Jackie was a rich punk rocker -- silver spoon and a paper plate

by trza on Jun 2, 2006 2:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can argue it

Laird is better than Barajas defensively. He throws out a higher percentage of runners trying to steal. He doesn't drop balls on throws to the plate (just as Ed Coffin about that one). He is quicker around the plate on things like bunts and popups. He's just better. That game earlier in the week was bad but also a one time fluke.

All of that on top of the fact that he is a MUCH better hitter. The disparity of playing time at that position is criminal and as a fan of the team it makes me upset to see the better player not playing more.

by Chris Martin on Jun 2, 2006 6:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whatever

Remember this next year if Rod leaves.

by Nawbo on Jun 1, 2006 10:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Remember what?

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 1, 2006 10:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

When Rod leaves...........

not if !!!

If the Rangers sign Barajas to a big contract (he's making $3.2 this year) it'd be worse than the Chan Ho signing.

He's an adequate catcher with some pop, but nothing special. Laird is better, cheaper, younger, faster, etc., etc.,....NO CONTEST !

by tklawless on Jun 1, 2006 10:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Remember.........

If Rod leaves, Thanks TK

by Nawbo on Jun 1, 2006 10:57 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Okay, a question...

Barajas is a free agent after the season.

If you were Jon Daniels, how much would you be willing to give him to stay? Both in terms of years, and annual salary.

And would you trade Laird, or just keep him around as the backup?

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 1, 2006 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't have a problem....

with Rod leaving and Laird getting the job. It's the right thing. I do get tired of all the Rod/Buck sniping when there is little difference IMO between the two other than age.

by bdavison94 on Jun 1, 2006 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Let him walk. But, the anyeurism that everyone here has every time Barajas is in the lineup is a little much. Barajas provides better defense, and it's a fact. Many on the staff have spoken very positively about him behind the plate. His OBP sucks, true. But, catcher is a complicated position. Do I think his value added is worth a 3 year $12 mil. contract? No, definitely not. But, the position of catcher is different than right field or first base, period. I simply am not convinced that Laird brings enough to the table outweigh the bullshit he pulled the other night.

Jackie was a rich punk rocker -- silver spoon and a paper plate

by trza on Jun 2, 2006 2:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ok

If there is little difference between them then why does one get more than twice the playing time?

by Chris Martin on Jun 2, 2006 6:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Chris.....

I could list 100 reasons why and it wouldn't matter to you...or it seems...most on this board. Barajas is the anti-Buck factions rallying point.

For the record....I'm neither pro or anti Buck. So don't try to drag me down that road. I see the man's good points and his limitations. I am not currently wish the man ill will as some on here do.

by bdavison94 on Jun 2, 2006 7:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

stupid no edit....

should read "wishing the man ill will"

I guess instead of complaining I should just get it right the first time. :)

by bdavison94 on Jun 2, 2006 7:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice answer

You are the one that said there is little difference between them. If that is indeed the case then why does one of them get so much more playing time?

I am not sure why wanting the best players to play more makes me "anti-Buck" either.

by Chris Martin on Jun 2, 2006 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I meant.....

little difference offensivly. The each have different strengths and weaknesses but overall the will provide about the same impact.

But the easy answer to your question is continuity. Maybe Buck believes that's best for the staff. Maybe the staff likes working with him more. Maybe....Maybe...Maybe. Again I could come up with a hundered of these but I don't have the first damn clue (and neither do you). I'm an educated man, but I'm afraid I can't speak intelligently to the playing time habits of William Nathaniel Showalter. Now are these the questions I was called here to answer? Please tell me you have something more Chris. These two men are on trial for their lives.

by bdavison94 on Jun 2, 2006 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Staff continuity

Since there is a different pitcher every day that doesn't seem relevant. How about assigning Barajas to 3 guys and Laird to 2 or vice versa? That way, whenever those pitchers pitch they will have the same guy catching. See, I don't even really think Laird should be the primary catcher yet. Just that he deserves more playing time than he is currently getting.

I am sure that Buck does believe that whatever he is doing is best for the team. He's just wrong in this particular instance.

by Chris Martin on Jun 2, 2006 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Back OT

Clemens going to the Rangers is an absolute complete pipe dream. I'd place the odds of Roger coming here at 10%. I think Houston gets into contention with Clemens, and even if they completely fell out of it, I don't think Houston trades him. You don't think Minute Maid sells out every Clemens start in his alleged "final" season?

That said, if Roger gets traded, I don't think he goes to the Sox or Yankees. I don't think he wants to choose one over the other. So that's where 10% comes from.

Buckrajas sucks

by WyoRanger on Jun 2, 2006 11:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs