Willis, Hunter, & the 08 team...

by texaschief on Nov 7, 2007 11:43 PM CST Comment 37 comments

We have a few things that could go down this offseason that could make the Rangers contenders in the AL West while we wait for our super prospects to mature.

To start, we should do what we could to sign Torri Hunter. Our payroll is small and could absorb a contract like his...and Padilla's for that matter.

Next, we try to bring in Willis. While he's not the ace that Santana would be, he's a good pitcher and may cost less than some think. I could see a package of Laird, Teagarden, Arias, and perhaps Mayberry Jr. as enough to land him. They get a catcher for now and later, a top tier SS prospect and a good OF prospect.

While we're talking to the Marlins, see if we can't trade them Padilla and offer to swallow part of his contract for a prospect of something.

Next, let's go after Shea Hillenbrand or Sean Casy. Both would provide enough pop from the first base side to warrant a 2 or 3 year deal.

The next question is whether or not we think Byrd and Murphy are the future at the corner spots for Texas. If not, we could take a look at Kosuke Fukudome who seems to be pretty adept to getting on base and perhaps Eric Hinske.

I, personally don't want to see Texas go after anymore FA starting pitching...unless Kenny Rogers would like to come on the cheap. That, not withstanding, Texas should look at only relief pitching. I'd like to see Kerry Wood and also Eric Gagne come back to Texas.

After waiting and watching some, i'd like to see:

C-Jarrod Saltalamacchia
1B-Shea Hillenbrand/ Sean Casey
2B-Ian Kinsler
SS-Michael Young
3B-Travis Metcalf
LF-Byrd/Fukudome
CF-Tori Hunter
RF-Murphy/Hinske
DH-Blalock

Bench:
German Duran
Ramon Vasquez
Frank Cattalanotto
Jason Botts
(FA backup catcher)

Rotation:
Millwood
Willis
McCarthy
Gabbard
Volquez

RP:
C.J. Wilson
Kam Loe
Aki Otsuka
Kerry Wood
Juaquin Benoit
Eric Gagne

Just my .02. I'd pay to see this team play. If our young pitching begins to realize it's potential, it could take some of the pressure off the 2 big guys at the top, and with relievers like those, it's not like our starters would HAVE to go 7 or 8 innings to give us a chance to win.

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Hillenbrand?

The guy who's played for five organizations in the past two years? Who got in a fistfight with his manager in Toronto after writing comments on a clubhouse billboard slamming his teammates, then bitched and moaned until the Angels released him last season?

The same one who hit 251/270/330 last year, and 277/313/451 the year before that?

As for Sean Casey, he hit .296 last year with four home runs and a .393 SLG in 453 at-bats, a year after hitting .272 with eight homers in just under 400 at-bats. That's bad for a middle infielder, much less a first baseman.

Not only would I not give either of them a two or three-year deal, I'm not sure I'd offer either of them an NRI contract. I'd rather re-sign Wilkerson or hand Chris Davis the job than have either of those two spares on our team.

"Then I met some friends for a beer, went to a BoDeans's concert, and son of a vondruke, if I didn't leave him at the concert hall."

by RCCook on Nov 7, 2007 11:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

there's an idea...

i wouldn't mind seeing Chris Davis at first base, but everything i've read and heard says the Rangers want to keep him at 3rd. But i'd be ALL FOR that.

by texaschief on Nov 8, 2007 12:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No

Laird, Teagarden, Arias, and JMJ isn't going to get you Willis.

by Adam J. Morris on Nov 8, 2007 12:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

re:

JMJ isn't even ours to trade right now, is he? I think he filed for free agency.

Troy I.

by tdi1985 on Nov 8, 2007 12:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, its late

and I feel incredibly stupid...
JMJ ≠ JHJ

It's late though, so I'm going to bed.

Troy I.

by tdi1985 on Nov 8, 2007 12:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Also

Why would you have Cat and Botts on the bench so that Travis Metcalf could play every day?

by Adam J. Morris on Nov 8, 2007 12:10 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

well,

Metcalf showed MUCH more than Botts did. Let Metcalf play. If you want Botts or Cat in the lineup, that could make Blalock expendable to bring in something else. But i'd rather see him as our DH that Botts.

There's no way Florida could ask Texas for Ian Kinsler in a package in return for Willis while maintaining a straight face. Willis, again, isn't Santanna.

by texaschief on Nov 8, 2007 12:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kinsler

I can't imagine Florida doing a deal without him or Saltalamacchia, or maybe Hurley, involved.

As for Metcalf, he's been mediocre in the minors throughout his career, and there's little reason to believe he'd be even an adequate major league third baseman next year (or, really, anytime).

by Adam J. Morris on Nov 8, 2007 12:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what?

you are putting WAY too much stock in Willis. Kinsler AND Salt? If that's what they're asking, and assuming they DO WANT TO move him, who would or could pay that high a price? They'd put themselves out of the trade market quickly.

If it's Salt they want, Laird and Teagarden would work as an alternative. Or offer them Max Ramirez if it's a catcher they need.

I wouldn't mind putting Hurley in a package, but if you're suggesting it's gonna take Salt, Kinsler and Hurley to land Willis, that's just crazy. His ERA has been huge the past couple seasons and isn't looked at like he used to be. the BoSox didn't even give that much up for a younger, better Beckett.

Ramirez is the only big name Florida got back and he was just a prospect at the time. You're suggesting two starters and the best pitching prospect in the system?...really?

by texaschief on Nov 8, 2007 2:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Anibal Sanchez

was the best pitching prospect the Bosox had.

by Nichols22 on Nov 8, 2007 8:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Where did I say...

...it would take Kinsler and Saltalamacchia? Or Kinsler, Saltalamacchia, and Hurley?

by Adam J. Morris on Nov 8, 2007 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Metcalf

May not have done much in the minors, but he did just fine in the Bigs. I heard the same thing about Murphy. Guess he's not worth a look either. If he wasn't ready, why did they call him up and not Davis or someone?

I'd much rather see him getting at bats than Botts. All Jason Botts does is tear up the minors, then choke in the Bigs. This guy did absolutely nothing after he took over for Sosa. Cat wasn't much better either.

by texaschief on Nov 8, 2007 2:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No

Metcalf didn't do just fine in the bigs. He had a .255/.307/.435 line, and a .248 EQA. That's not very good for a third baseman.

They called him up instead of Davis because he was the most advanced option in the minors when Blalock got hurt. Davis had been playing third base for less than a season, and was in A ball, when Blalock went down.

Botts struggled in the majors, but he also has a history of mashing in the minors, and he improved in September. He may not pan out, but it would be silly to shuffle Blalock around or move him to a new position to make room for Metcalf.

by Adam J. Morris on Nov 8, 2007 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My .02

would say that I wouldnt want to give up that much for Willis, and I dont think anyone in the league is looking to take Padilla on, in any circumstance...

And Kerry Wood is looking to continue a rehab and stength building plan to return to being a starter, not a reliever long time, as what people want him to be... I could see him come in to the Rangers as a middle reliever, long reliever and help cover the team as injuries to the staff mount...

Its time...

by PM Productions on Nov 8, 2007 12:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is this a joke?

This winter's hot stove will resemble an Easy-Bake oven.

by t ball on Nov 8, 2007 12:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I have a feeling...

...we'll see another 2 dozen or so of these "what if" diaries over the next 3 months.

Free Recommended Diaries!

"Red Sox = Evil Empire 2.0" -MR

by RangerMoto on Nov 8, 2007 12:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

best ever

http://www.lonestarball.com/story/2007/10/22/222728/50

by Brandon Wilson on Nov 8, 2007 8:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

I showed that one to everyone at work and the serious or not? /how old was that poster debate went on for a good 30 minutes.

by corbsclinton on Nov 8, 2007 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Now that was a great "what if" diary.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Nov 8, 2007 8:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

what id like

not that anyone asked, but since im not making a new diary and we are discussing what we'd like the rangers to do:

1) Seems weird to say it, but mostly leave the pitching alone for 08. Let volquez/hurley(at some point) and the rest get mlb innings in. Let BGL and Benoit be the premiere relievers.

If you see some real progress in the pitching staff next year could be the year to really spend some money on pitching, but i want a better idea of what weve already got first. Could be rough, get some veteran backups who can take some innings if things go wrong.

And although I know the rangers wont, I would considering making BGL a starter and covering the bullpen spot with Gagne on another 1 year deal. Although if you are going with mostly young guys and then throw BGL in there as well who would probably not go very deep in games, that would be trouble for the pen...

2) Dont leave the offense alone. I think the young pitchers are ready to get started now, but there just isnt enough young offensive talent ready for 08 to give them a year to develop. Cruz doesnt deserve to be given a starting job. I say sign Fukudome to help the OF and the pitchers by putting a good defensive guy out there. Dont lose any draft picks and while I know he may have 18-20 hr power, every scouting report I read just says hes a good hitter and we could use a good OBP guy. If he can go .290/.380/.440 while playing good defense thats fine with me.

Dont trade blalock, so keep 2b/ss/3b the same. 1b depends on the OF. If we do sign fukudome (or one of the CFs) then im fine with cat platooning 1b. Lamb or yeah even wilkerson would be adequate one year stop gaps, since i want the rangers to try to sign dunn in the 08 offseason, with davis moving to 1b as the backup plan if we cant get dunn.

Of course, botts get the DH spot. This is his version of cruz's 07 though, he better do a better job than cruz did.

Oh, and absolutely, 100%, give Salty the starting catcher job. If laird will suck it up and play backup, id be very happy to have him there. He would be a great backup. But if he wont accept it then yes, trade him.

ive said enough about 08, but the team Id like to see if everything works out, which could hopefully compete, would be....

lineup.

Kinsler (2b)
Young (ss)
Salty (C)
Dunn (1b)
Blalock (3b)
Fukudome (RF)
Botts (DH)
Cattalanotto (LF)
Murphy (CF) --- obvious a free agent CF would change the lineup a lot.

SP: Millwood, free agent, BMac, Hurley, Volquez/whoever
RP: CJ, Aki (re-sign), Benoit

There are a lot of prospects that could take various peoples places, but I could see a team generally resembling that competing. I think the three most important things that need to happen are 1) hurley being effective by 09 2) Salty becoming a .280 with 30 hr type guy 3) Dunn or someone like him by free agency.

by DSheppard on Nov 8, 2007 2:05 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

my offseason

Sign Torii Hunter
Trade Gerald Laird for Scott Olsen
Trade Wes Littleton for Luke Scott
Sign Eric Gagne or Kerry Wood

by clark on Nov 8, 2007 2:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Holy Freaking Cow

I stopped reading when I saw Hillenbrand.

The #1 Passive Texas Rangers Fan

by aggierangerfan00 on Nov 8, 2007 7:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

my offseason

Get a CF via free agency or trade, hopefully Beltran or Dejesus.
Sign Mike Lamb or trade for Kevin Millar.
Sign Eric Gagne, which we will.
Leave the rotation alone, although I don't trust Gabbard.
Trade Gerald Laird.

Duncan Hunter for President in '08

by dstar442005 on Nov 8, 2007 7:33 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

why the hell dont u trust Kason?

Kason was by far our best second half pitcher, IMO. If we sign Gagne, I want to see CJ in the rotation, and I'd love to get Millar here to play first. A Verteran presence like him would do good for our team.

"I'd need a picture of Jamey with a shotgun saying "This is my Boomstick!" before I could see that one." DJCahill

by NYTXFAN on Nov 8, 2007 8:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kason = 2008 Robbie Tejeda

I will not get my comeuppance!

by Brian Thomas on Nov 8, 2007 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

possibly

but I think he has both a lower ceiling and a higher floor.

This winter's hot stove will resemble an Easy-Bake oven.

by t ball on Nov 8, 2007 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I like

his cabinets, personally.

Its time...

by PM Productions on Nov 8, 2007 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yep..

How do you put trust in the guy??? Gabbard may have pitched his finest season last year but there is one glaring commonality in all his seasons:

Derailed by injury.

I say sell while you can. I also think you can can package him and let some other GM sell their fans he got a ?3B? AND "added a starter with potential that pitched for the champs last year"

Also, I read above somewhere that nobody has interest in Padilla. if you are a GM, you wouldn't make a trade for Padilla as a 5th starter for $6-7M a year? Thats a chance I think many would take in part of a larger deal.

I bet one is gone when the smoke clears.

by corbsclinton on Nov 8, 2007 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ideally

Sideshow ... onto 800. You can do it!

by Chase Irwin on Nov 8, 2007 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I don't like the ideas of signing Hunter, Hillenbrand, Casey or Hinske. Oh yeah, and I don't like the idea of trading for Willis...other than those little suggestions I'm right there with ya...I guess that means I agree on resigning Gagne.

by rangeressary on Nov 8, 2007 7:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I'm starting to cool on the Torii/Rowand

stuff already. Maybe Laird for Crisp is the way to go. As far as the above post, I can't find anything in it I agree with.

by tklawless on Nov 8, 2007 9:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

does anybody really think

this is all that it would take? is it all that it woudl take? because the rangers should have done the deal yesterday

by ab03 on Nov 8, 2007 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree & was shocked when I read it....

but if Boston will do the deal straight up, what is JD waiting for?

by tklawless on Nov 9, 2007 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't be silly

Sideshow ... onto 800. You can do it!

by Chase Irwin on Nov 9, 2007 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One more thing

Arias?

He isn't a "top tier shortstop prospect."

I will not get my comeuppance!

by Brian Thomas on Nov 8, 2007 9:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

What is the obsession with Willis????

He has sucked for the past two years!! Too many walks, K's declining, ERA through the roof!!! He SUCKS! I wouldn't trade the clap for him....hahaha

"Shut the F*** up Lloyd!!"- Superagent Mr. Gold

by kman1415 on Nov 8, 2007 12:25 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Did somebody say Hillenbrand?

Surely that was a joke....that guy is just awful. That was the only reason I responded to this post because I just cannot pass up a chance to say it out loud.

by stouty on Nov 8, 2007 4:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs