Friday a.m. stuff

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 13, 2007 10:06 AM CDT in News

A game today...yay! I'm ready for baseball to resume.

Dave Sessions in the S-T discusses the injuries and rotation problems that crippled the Rangers in the first half.

Sessions also has some notes up on Mark Teixeira's return taking away playing time from Brad Wilkerson, who, it is suggested, will move into a pseudo-platoon with Frank Catalanotto.

However, T.R. Sullivan says the plan is for Brad Wilkerson to split time with Catalanotto, play some first base (with Mark Teixeira DHing more often), and also play some centerfield.

Victor Diaz is being sent down to make room for Teixeira.

Also per Sullivan, Tom Hicks says that the team isn't going to have a "fire sale." Don't know that I'd put much weight on that, though...I'm not sure what else anyone would expect him to say, right now...

Saying you are having a fire sale doesn't exactly help your negotiating position...

Jean-Jacques Taylor says trade Mark Teixeira now, because he's a chronic complainer who is never going to be happy, and who wants to escape culpability for his contributions to the Rangers' struggling.

Evan Grant suggests Anaheim and Los Angeles are the two teams the Rangers would most like to deal Teixeira to, as both have lots of young players and minor leaguers the Rangers are interested in.

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Comments

Can we get a countdown clock

to the 3PM Central time July 31 trade deadline?

At this point of the season, its the only important thing left. 18 days to get as much as possible for all those guys who aren't long term members of the Rangers.

by DJCahill on Jul 13, 2007 10:04 AM CDT reply actions

I second that...

...bring on the Countdown Clock!

"Hello, win column..."

by rangersfan34 on Jul 13, 2007 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions

Thirded...

That would be awesome!

"Chip" first person on LSB to be berated by someone on the 25-man roster. - RangerMoto

by ortonius on Jul 13, 2007 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

Firesale

The term "firesale" implies that the team is going to sell off all usable parts for pennies on the dollar because they cutting payroll. The Rangers are definitely not going to do that. So, in that sense I agree with Hicks.

Are they needing to and going to rebuilt? Yes. (Sorry Michael Young) Are they going to hold a firesale? No.

by kentbenfer on Jul 13, 2007 10:22 AM CDT reply actions

do yall agree

with that article that rip tex... im honestly asking for yalls opinion because thats the total opposite of what you usually find out about tex

what are yalls thoughts on that piece?

rangers nation

by kmacsm on Jul 13, 2007 10:36 AM CDT reply actions

I don't agree with it

If I were playing for a chronic non-contender, I would comlain as well. So, what does he have to lose? He gets traded to a franchise that gives a damn about winning!

"I am in a world of shit" Full Metal Jacket

by SanDiegoKev on Jul 13, 2007 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm an idiot

I must be and idiot, because I find myself agreeing with most of what JJT wrote today... I hate being an idiot.

by Brandon Wilson on Jul 13, 2007 10:44 AM CDT reply actions

This franchise

has always seemed "snake-bit" to me. Teixeira's another example. Obviously it's time to trade the guy and damned if he doesn't get hurt for the first time in his career....just when we need to dangle him out for bids.
I just hope he doesn't come back stone-cold, like I expect him to.
This guy has got to go.

by kwood on Jul 13, 2007 10:47 AM CDT reply actions

I ask rangers fans this

a couple of weeks ago, SI, had a short column that stated what the rangers would want for Tex. The team they used as an example was Tex's hometown Orioles. The writer said that it would cost them Markakis and Bedard. I'd do that deal in a heartbeat however I doubt the Orioles would. If you had your choice most people would pick Bedard? Would anyone do Tex straight up for Bedard.

by MayurP on Jul 13, 2007 11:00 AM CDT reply actions

I do

by OKC Ranger Fan on Jul 13, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

I would take Bedard in a second...

..straight up for Tex. I don't think Baltimore would, though.

by bflood36 on Jul 13, 2007 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Bedard..

What's his contract status? He's been around for a while. He's not exactly the young, inexpensive talent the Rangers seem to be looking to add.

by Topgun22 on Jul 13, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

Not exactly sure...

Bedard is 28 in his 4th full season. He is a bit older than I though, but man, that K to BB ratio is pretty impressive this season.

by bflood36 on Jul 13, 2007 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions

I can't imagine

that Baltimore, a team that is 16 games out of the division lead and 15 games out of a wildcard is a likely trade partner.

by DJCahill on Jul 13, 2007 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Nope

Not straight up- the injury attrition rate of pitchers makes that a very chancy proposition.

Now Bedard & Markakis for Tex? That I might do.

"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 Jul 13, 2007 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions

Bedard and Markakis

that deal you would have to decide on immediately because the Baltimore GM would be fired immediately after your phone call.

by Randy Richardson on Jul 13, 2007 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

fired

honestly, he might be fired if he did Bedard for Tex straight up...

by Brandon Wilson on Jul 13, 2007 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions

Tex

I don't know much about him, really. I know he didn't like Buck, but most of the team felt the same way. He did have that altercation with Washington earlier this season. I thought his comments a few days ago were honest, but lacking class. It sure seemed that Tex has pointed fingers instead of accepting part of the responsibility for the team's poor start this season.

by bflood36 on Jul 13, 2007 11:02 AM CDT reply actions

TEX TO ATLANTA

i keep hearing reports on the radio that suggest the Braves are highly interested in Tex.

obviously, we're asking for Saltalamacchia... personally, i'd much rather bring in some major-league ready arms?

does anybody have the scoop on Atlanta pitching prospects?

by oc on Jul 13, 2007 12:15 PM CDT reply actions

Once again...

This team needs positional players more than it needs major league ready arms.

Particularly if you think Hurley will be in the rotation next year.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 13, 2007 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldn't say more

I'd probably say as much.

Its not like if we had a true front of the rotation prospect, we'd have trouble finding space in the bullpen for our array of mediocre starters.

by DJCahill on Jul 13, 2007 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

DON'T BE AN IDIOT

we need pitching.

the only guaranteed locks for the '08 rotation are Millwood, Loe and McCarthy, provided none of them get injured...

Vinny Pads?.....if this guy isn't careful, he might have to go under the knife.

and what's your plan with Robby Tejada if he doesn't show signs of improvement in the second half?

Eddy Volquez? i'll believe it when i see it. Kiker, Poveda... still a couple of years off.

you can never have enough pitching.

by oc on Jul 13, 2007 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions

I SUPPOSE...

...Hurley gets a starting spot next year. but there's no guarantees he becomes a solid 4-5 starter in '08

i'm really looking forward to seeing him in September, though.

by oc on Jul 13, 2007 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions

Tex Trade

I think there is a high probability that Anaheim gets serious about going after Tex. They have just missed out on the big bat to put behind Vlad for a couple of seasons now and Tex would certainly fit the bill. If they can get over trading within their own division they might do it. However, I have no interest in Kotchman...at all, and would rather have Willits and a pitcher and a lower level prospect.

Fire Ron Washington

by pblack on Jul 13, 2007 2:43 PM CDT reply actions

Bill Stoneman:

AKA Mr. Shrinksack.

I agree w/ your logic though...

If the Scoot stays mute, you must commute.

by Brian Thomas on Jul 13, 2007 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions

Dunn

I think Dunn is a better fit for the Angels. It would take less to get him, although he would just be a rental for the remainder of the year. And really, they need a DH more than a 1B. Garrett Anderson is their version of Sammy Sosa.

by Randy Richardson on Jul 14, 2007 12:09 AM CDT up reply actions