The Ranger Ressurection

by BudLight on Jul 2, 2007 8:47 AM CDT

Message to Rangers Brass: Stick to the Plan.

Rangers fans are finally feeling good about their team.
The Rangers from Arlington just completed [gasp] a winning month of June. They trounced the national league, to the dismissal of the critics, and proceeded to hold their own against such sizable opposition as the Scarlet Sox and Felines from Motown.
All without Mark Teixeira and Hank Blalock.
It's fairly mystifying. Some attribute it to the dark-cloud philosophy, the same one that was applicable for the turnaround following the A-Rod departure. However, I don't know if this is the case. I don't know the man well, neither do I know anyone who does. But he does not seem like a person who is distinctly unpleasant to be around. A bit high strung, perhaps, but not someone you can't handle having on your team. Looking back, however, isn't that what we all said about A-Rod?
But my message to the Rangers is this. I love the fact that Kam Loe has caught fire. I am giddy every time Eric Gagne comes slowly jogging out of the bullpen. And Marlon Byrd, of all people, has caused me to have confidence in a member of the Ranger outfield. But don't buy into it. The Rangers are not contenders. Fact, truth, end of story. They're going through a solid stretch of the year just as we all knew they would. It's inevitable for all teams, as is the inevitable knee jerking that occurs whenever a streak occurs. But the Rangers need to stay the course. You were planning to be sellers this season? Adhere to that. If you can get Felix Pie for Eric Gagne, pull the trigger. If you're offered James Loney and 2 mid-level young pitchers for Tex, do it. This team needs to build for the future. We all talked about how pivotal this draft will become, and if that is the case ALLOW IT TO HAVE AN IMPACT. Don't allocate all of your resources toward quick contention when you know your next big influx of talent might be three years away.

Quick Notes: As I stated earlier, I love me some Kameron Loe. The fact that he's finally pitching like many thought he could warms my heart. But the realistic cynic in me tells me that he might just be going through Ryan Drese syndrome: A sinkerballer without overwhelming stuff does great for a little while, then his production begins to decline as the league catches on to the fact that an 88 mph four-seamer with no movement Isn't difficult to bash.
Of course, I'm chided by my better half, who states the all-applicable proverb: "You could use some baseball."

Tweet Comment 46 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

too much

logic and sanity in that post for this board lately.

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 2, 2007 8:46 AM CDT reply actions

They're 16.5 games back

...so it's hard for me to call a winning June a "resurrection". They should plan to do what's best for the organization, which is to trade away players who aren't going to be here next yea, and even think about trading Teixeira and Millwood/Padilla (if they start pitching well enough to have some value).

You're just a very misguided individual, Dustin. -- Sharky

by Dustin on Jul 2, 2007 8:53 AM CDT reply actions

What

is the longest winning streak in Rangers history? And has any team ever made playoffs after being 15+ games back before the allstar break? Anyone know the answers to this? I can't find it anywhere.

If Rangers Make Playoffs, I will be a Hundredaire via Online Betting....Let's Do This!

by SMITTY on Jul 2, 2007 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions

Didn't Oakland

come back from a horrible start to the season not too long ago? But, i think they might have fallen short of the playoffs...

One picture is worth 1,000 denials.

by nirvana on Jul 2, 2007 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

How far back was HOU a couple of years ago

and how far back was MIN last year?

"I'm an aggressive guy, I'm not a guy who's going to go up there and swing like a girl." - Sammy Sosa

by cgolden on Jul 2, 2007 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Although two things those two teams

shared that this Ranger's team lacked was a great pitching staff.

It would be a magical improvement if our staff was average.

"I'm an aggressive guy, I'm not a guy who's going to go up there and swing like a girl." - Sammy Sosa

by cgolden on Jul 2, 2007 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Houston

They were 30-45 before coming back to win the wild card.

loves me some "loves me some"

by trza on Jul 2, 2007 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions

14 games

...back in May of 1991.

I don't know about the other questions you asked but, it's not like the Rangers just rolled over the competition in June. They were 14-12...barely over .500 baseball.

You're just a very misguided individual, Dustin. -- Sharky

by Dustin on Jul 2, 2007 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions

08

They probably have dug too deep of a hole to climb out of this year, but you have to be at least a little optimistic about next season. Perhaps the Rangers should stick with trading the vets, but keep Tex around for next year. With the emergence of Loe and McCarthy, the Rangers could be a contender next season. Maybe we should hang on to Gagne and sign him for next year as well. The Rangers are finally doing what we thought they would do...starters going 6 and the pen closing it out.

"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." --Tommy Lasorda

by BReed on Jul 2, 2007 9:10 AM CDT reply actions

Exactly the thinking that could sink this ship

If we keep everyone your still betting on the same questionable rotation and suspect outfield that we started this year with. One good month doesn't mean this team can contend next year.

"I'm an aggressive guy, I'm not a guy who's going to go up there and swing like a girl." - Sammy Sosa

by cgolden on Jul 2, 2007 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions

the rotation only needs to be average

for this to be a contending team in 2008, with the current bullpen and offense.

If the current rotation had a 5.00 ERA we'd still be in the mix for the division.

by LukeR on Jul 2, 2007 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Again, I say

this offense is not adequate to carry a rotation with a 5.00 ERA. Shaving about 25 runs from the ERA ledger is not going to make up 16.5 games on LAA.

And don't forget that part of shaving that ERA means upgrading the outfield defense. The team needs a new outfield, period. Byrd should be a 4th outfielder on a good outfield. Lofton is old, Diaz doesn't walk, Cruz is a disappointment, Cat may have hit the wall.

This team needs a serious upgrade in the outfield to be a contender in '08. CF needs defense and at least a middling bat. One of the corner spots needs a real big bat.

by t ball on Jul 2, 2007 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Who

are we going to get for guys like Gagne or Otsuka? It wouldn't be worth it because it would create a hole for next season. We're not going to get an impact player unless we package them together with more prospects or Mark Teixiera. All I'm saying is keep the pen together and keep Teixiera to at least give us a chance next season. 11-5 against some of the best teams in baseball should at least get your attention. It's not like they're beating up on the Royals.

"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." --Tommy Lasorda

by BReed on Jul 2, 2007 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions

true, but..

The free Agent class is much better this upcoming winter and some significant pieces could be added to make sure at least the OF isn't so watered down as it was last year. True, the rotation would still be average, but assuming we keep everyone besides Gagne, our bullpen will win and hold a lot of games for an average rotation.

It's not a World Series team, sure, but how about playing for the playoffs every year for the next two or three while the Duran's, Hurley's, Kikers, and Teagarden's of the system get ready for the big team?

by HypoLuxa on Jul 2, 2007 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

free agent class this winter sucks

but I think you have the right idea in hoping you get lucky next year while building for the long term.

Next winter's free agent class is not so great. You'd have to blow away other teams with money to make an impact. There are some good CFers to choose from, but precious little else.

by t ball on Jul 2, 2007 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions

Plus if the 'resurgence' is with out Teix

why do need to keep him? I'm starting to believe more and more in the 'Teix cloud' theory.

"I'm an aggressive guy, I'm not a guy who's going to go up there and swing like a girl." - Sammy Sosa

by cgolden on Jul 2, 2007 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree

that Teixiera isn't as crucial as once thought, but my concern there is who are we going to get to play 1st? If we can do a deal that brings in a ML ready 1st baseman then great, but Wilkerson cannot be the long term solution.

"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." --Tommy Lasorda

by BReed on Jul 2, 2007 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

if JD and Hicks

decide to "rebuild" in a manner that doesnt allow the team a reasonable chance to be competitive in '08 then they should either re-sign Wash to an extension or fire him after the season.

Seems silly to have a mgr in the last yr of his deal if the plans are to rebuild and be competitive in 2 to 3 years.

Wash not only wants to win now, he NEEDS to win now. Hicks should extend him at least 1 yr and possibly 2. This will allow him to "manage for the future."

Im sure JD may force his hand with trades and call-ups, but it just doesnt seem fair to have a mgr with year and a half on his contract being asked to manage a team that upper management has decided wont "win" for at least two years.

I stand corrected

by rkh on Jul 2, 2007 9:12 AM CDT reply actions

13.5 games back in WC

let's say they get it down to around 8 or 9 games back in the WC before the trading deadline; well, who knows what could happen then...

One picture is worth 1,000 denials.

by nirvana on Jul 2, 2007 9:29 AM CDT reply actions

um

that's still too much of a gap

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 2, 2007 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions

8 games with 2 months to go?

you call it too much of a gap, i call it a chance..

One picture is worth 1,000 denials.

by nirvana on Jul 2, 2007 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions

It's not just the 8 or 9 games

the other teams in front of the Rangers won't stop playing. There are 8 teams ahead of the Rangers in the wild card race, some of them might just win a few games, too. This team is as done as done can be.

If they manage to add Pujols, Santana, Sizemore, Miguel Cabrera and Peavy without giving up Teixiera and Gagne, then, yeah, maybe they have a chance.

by t ball on Jul 2, 2007 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

seeing as its the wild card

where there are multiple teams vying for the spot and you dont' get to play all of them a lot (like you would a divisional race), it's not a chance.

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 2, 2007 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions

This team is dead for 2007

Let's start with that. However, I have begun to second guess trading Teixiera. If, and this is a big if, JD can really get a front line prospect for Gagne, and then a couple of other decent prospects for the Otsuka/Mahay/Benoit group, then we may not need to trade Tex. Keep him around for 2008, hope Millwood and Padilla bounce back and that McCarthy continues to grow, and then see where you are at the break. If no one blows you away, collect your two draft picks or show enough life as a franchise to get him to resign. But at this point, if I can get a premium prospect for Gagne then there is no way I trade Tex unless I get a phenomenal offer.

Fire Ron Washington

by pblack on Jul 2, 2007 9:35 AM CDT reply actions

Why not keep Gagne?

The pen has been one of the best in baseball. Why not keep it together for the next couple of seasons? We're not going to get an impact player for any of them unless we package 2 or 3 of them together.

"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." --Tommy Lasorda

by BReed on Jul 2, 2007 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Gagne..

Why not trade him? You will get an impact player back for him since not only would he go to a team for their pennant drive, but he will bring back two #1's if he signs elsewhere. If you really want Gagne as your closer sign him back this offseason. Our record should be bad enough that signing Gagne this offseason will only cost us a 2nd round pick.

by Topgun22 on Jul 2, 2007 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions

The only way...

we get an impact player in a Gagne deal is if we package him with another player or prospect. No team is going to trade an impact player straight up for Gagne.

"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." --Tommy Lasorda

by BReed on Jul 2, 2007 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

impact player

not sure what your definition is, but after Gagne mowed down the heart of the order two consecutive days in Fenway, I think he becomes worth a team's top non-pitching prospect. It's a steep price, but that's what it costs for GMs who want to put their team in a position to win it all.

by Randy Richardson on Jul 2, 2007 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Everyday OF or Starter

This team needs more pop from the OF and the usual starting pitcher. An impact player for this team would be an everyday OF with some power or a guy that could push Padilla out of the rotation. Neither of which you will get for one reliever.

"My theory of hitting was just to watch the ball as it came in and hit it." --Tommy Lasorda

by BReed on Jul 2, 2007 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions

Well...

How about one stud reliever plus two first round draft picks?

by Topgun22 on Jul 2, 2007 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

you'd get prospects

that were further along than draft picks. and even if they weren't ready to contribut right away, they'd be ready to contribute eventually.

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 2, 2007 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Hello

We are one day away from having the worst record in the AL still. We have no shot this year. No shot next year with this group of guys.

We need a serious upgrade in the outfield and a 1st baseman to replace Teix or an upgrade in the rotation to be COMPETITIVE next year.

I'm not a big Parcells guy, but I agree with him when he says "You are what you are." And the Rangers are 34-47.

Chris Young/Adrian Gonzalez for Aki Otsuka, the new Sammy Sosa/Wilson Alvarez for Harold Baines

by badradiorules on Jul 2, 2007 10:08 AM CDT reply actions

No.

I think we've been through this before; bad luck is what they are.

One picture is worth 1,000 denials.

by nirvana on Jul 2, 2007 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions

Yea

35 years worth

Chris Young/Adrian Gonzalez for Aki Otsuka, the new Sammy Sosa/Wilson Alvarez for Harold Baines

by badradiorules on Jul 2, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

they were in the playoffs

8 years ago. All I care is if they get in. If you don't think they've had a lot of bad luck this year, then you're just kidding yourself...

One picture is worth 1,000 denials.

by nirvana on Jul 2, 2007 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

What?

I thought that you were mocking the common sentiment around this team. They always have bad luck. Most teams have injuries. Check out the Angels.

It would have taken a lot of good luck for this team to have competed this year.

Chris Young/Adrian Gonzalez for Aki Otsuka, the new Sammy Sosa/Wilson Alvarez for Harold Baines

by badradiorules on Jul 2, 2007 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

Nevermind.

I'm not talking about injuries. I'm done here.

One picture is worth 1,000 denials.

by nirvana on Jul 2, 2007 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Considering our offense...

is ranked 3rd in runs scored despite a .759 team OPS, we've been pretty lucky as well.

by chase1971 on Jul 2, 2007 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow

this thread is amazing the amount of baseball junkies that want to keep this team together, build for NEXT year, or hold tight. PLEASE tear this thing down. I want years of competitive baseball not once every 4-5 years we have a slim chance of slipping in the wild card!

I want legitimate good baseball here on an every year basis, and the best way to do that is turn Gagne, Teixeira, Mahay, Lofton, Sosa, et al for the best deal we can find. Combine those incoming prospects with an improving system, good drafts, and work towards competiting in 2009 at the earliest.

by Mike Simonek on Jul 2, 2007 10:34 AM CDT reply actions

i can't tell

but people do realize that the original diary was advocating rebuilding?

anyway, i'd say it's about half and half, which is still probably too much

Forget Johnny Bench, we got Gerry "the Jet" Laird

by ab03 on Jul 2, 2007 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions

the only problem is

a total rebuild doesnt exactly guarantee you good baseball in 3-4 years. Plenty of rebuilds have ended up with the team in the same position they started in, except having had even less of a chance to compete for half the time.

anyway, i do think tex and all the one year contracts need to be traded though.

by DShep on Jul 2, 2007 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Amen

I agree, Mike.

by BCanfield @ Lone Star Ball on Jul 2, 2007 10:56 AM CDT reply actions

Constant rebuilding

makes us the Royals or Devils Rays. Take your pick.

buffering....

by SteveP on Jul 2, 2007 12:16 PM CDT reply actions

When

have we ever rebuilt?

by Mike Simonek on Jul 2, 2007 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Royals and Devil Rays

Perfect examples of payroll-focused rebuilding. In other words, they trade everyone before they get too expensive, not so that they can get a productive farm system rolling.

The Rangers aren't in that situation. In a perfect rebuild, you'd have a group of solid prospects coming up together, one of whom maybe is a star, and then you complement your group with pieces that are available in free agency. The Royals and Devil Rays aren't willing to take that final step, and so their solid group of youngsters won't ever be able to move over the top.

by a bebop a rebop on Jul 2, 2007 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions