Around the Horn: Middle Infielders

by Adam J. Morris on Jan 16, 2008 5:06 PM CST in News Comment 53 comments

T.R. Sullivan has a new Around the Horn segment up, this time focusing on the middle infielders...

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Arias

How long can this guy be considered a defensive prodigy without actually playing prodigy like defense?

by jparks77 on Jan 16, 2008 5:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Is the only reason they're still trying to tell us Arias is a top prospect. With Andrus and German Duran fast making him into old news, they'd like to trade him if they could, but they need to re-inflate his trade value first.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" - Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 16, 2008 6:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you suggesting

that the Rangers are over-hyping Arias on the team's official website in order to convince the fan base of his value so that other teams will then express an interest in trading for him?

In order to re-inflate his trade value, Arias must perform on the field.

by jparks77 on Jan 16, 2008 7:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's true,

Arias has to perform on the field to really do anything for his value, but it also helps if the organization publicly takes the position that he is still a valuable player. Not that that alone will convince anybody of his value, but you've got to stand behind your product, so to speak.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" - Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 16, 2008 7:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Age

Yes we have been hearing about the kid for some time now but he is only 23. Hes not 26 or 27 and not made the majors yet. He turned 23 in September and was in Arlington as a 21 year old for a short time. If he can get over his injury issues I think he could be a valuable member of the team. Hes on the 40 man so if god forbid something happen to MY or Kinsler we have a young guy we can trot out there. Durna should spend the entire year in AAA and show what hes got. Unless we have an open spot on the 40 I don't want to see him up here unless it is to play everyday as a result of an injury in front of him. And I think it would take both MY and Kinsler to go down for the season to see him here. If Kinsler goes down you slide MY back to 2nd and let Arias play SS.

by Steven on Jan 16, 2008 10:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Kinlser does go down

they'd just put Arias at 2nd, and be done with it. Even though Young started out a 2nd baseman, it's been 4 years since he's played there.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" - Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 16, 2008 10:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Elvus

18 year old in Double A. Nice, Young could be gone or moved sooner than we think.

by meatbonelefty on Jan 16, 2008 5:59 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Andrus is 19

by jparks77 on Jan 16, 2008 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Young

He's got a no-trade clause through most of his contract. And, the contract itself is its own no-trade clause.

Your not acting like a child but because i'm not using proper english so what. Its the 2000's. Does any body use proper grammar? -- NYTXFAN

by Lucas on Jan 16, 2008 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

MY's no-trade clause

Runs from 2007-09, and in 2010-11 he still has a limited no trade clause, which means he submits a list of 8 teams we can trade him to.

He's gonna be pretty tough to get rid of once Elvus Andrus is ready to take over at SS - for Andrus's sake, I hope he doesn't come TOO fast, or he might wind up the one traded.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" - Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 16, 2008 6:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Overreaction

I bet he has more trade value than LSB believes.

I know the issues that are pointed at (salary, years, decline, age, defense) but think there are teams that would value him regardless.

by AZranger on Jan 16, 2008 7:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mikey could be gone sooner than we think???

wtf???

I'm getting sick and fucking tired of the MY haters.

FREE JASON BOTTS... Time for Bottsy to play FULL TIME

by bottsyblast on Jan 16, 2008 9:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Tired, tired, tired....

Piss off nut chucker... Boomer Sooner!

by boomer1 on Jan 16, 2008 9:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Damn Adam

you beat me to it, posting this that is.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 16, 2008 6:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Oh

You mean the guy who runs this website went and did something ridiculous like strip you of your divine right to start a diary on every inane topic you can think of? What a jerk.

by brettgardner on Jan 16, 2008 8:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No Wonder

You get so much shit on this site.

Jeepers...

You're hijacking the thread and being repetitive. Move forward.

by Rodney on Jan 16, 2008 9:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're hijacking the thread and being repetitive.

Move forward.

But hey, thanks for your useless comment which I suspect was made without full knowledge of the context behind my remark. Unfortunately, I don't recall you ever saying anything of importance here, so I can't give you shit, but I suspect if you ever did, I would.

by brettgardner on Jan 16, 2008 9:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OK

And your thoughts here are important?

Ahh, teen angst...

You're hijacking the thread and being repetitive. Move forward.

by Rodney on Jan 16, 2008 9:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Teen?

At least give me credit for being in my 20s. And yes, I'd wager that my thoughts are, on the whole, more important than yours. Your pitiful fallback on my age really only illustrates my point that you contribute nothing. Now, I've had no problem with you, mainly because you say very little, but your comment sure seemed to indicate that you think of yourself as some higher being than me, who deigns to throw some crumbs to the poor plebes in the gutters. Unfortunately, your previously-noted lack of relevance makes your criticism lacking in anything substantive. Now, if oc said it, then I'd have to listen.

by brettgardner on Jan 16, 2008 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok

Engaging discourse tonight, Brett.

You are correct, my opinions are of no real import.

Thanks for your contributions to the public forum. I do enjoy reading them.

You're hijacking the thread and being repetitive. Move forward.

by Rodney on Jan 16, 2008 10:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No problem.

Anytime. Let me know if you want any pointers.

by brettgardner on Jan 16, 2008 10:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fuck off Brett

We came to an agreement I thought. Stop fucking reading and commenting on my posts. I no longer want to hear what you say. And If you can't do that, then I'll take it to the next level. Because honestly, your thoughts and concerns don't matter on here troll. So stop badgering me, is that clear?

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 17, 2008 8:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No it's not actually.

Are you threatening me? You think I take my marching orders from an emotionally unstable mongoloid who can't even string together a coherent sentence in a language he has no pride in?

We had no agreement. I was being sarcastic, you dolt. I'll read and comment on any post I choose, and if you don't want to hear it, then I suppose you'll have to cry yourself to sleep or "take it to the next level", whatever that means. Of course, if it is a threat, then you've again showcased your imbecility by posting it on a public forum. Though if you're just talking about arguing, then you're only setting yourself up for disappoint because I can type faster than you can think, and you think like I take a shit--slow and messy.

by brettgardner on Jan 17, 2008 9:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Stop being an ass clown Brett,

Do me and everyone else a favor around here, stop posting your"I'm better then you. You can't see me crap." It is tiring. I think everyone is past this whole spelling grammar thing except for you. Let it go. You aren't better then anybody on here, not to mention I don't even see one person on here that agree with your babble.

Unstable, yes! Keep calling me out. You show everyone on here that your just a pussy who is probably 20 something living in your parents basement. You'll never be half the man I am.

Continue with putting me down and I'll turn you in to whoever I have to, Adam, SB Nation, whoever. What your doing isn't having an argument over an opinion, you are putting me and others down and it needs to stop. God if I could meet you in a dark alley...insert action here....

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 17, 2008 9:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Another thing Brett,

this is a baseball blog devoted to the Texas Rangers. Try keeping it that way. No need to act the way you are. You are making guys like Sharky, HurlerHurley and his five counter parts look like god from the words you speak.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 17, 2008 9:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So let me get this straight

You want me to stop calling you out and stop saying that I'm better than you, yet you do that very thing to me in your response. You're absolutely right--I'll never be half the man you are.

And who exactly is going to be turning in who? I post opinions and reactions. You post what I take to be injury/death threats. I'd be careful if I were you. Of course, if I were you, I wouldn't have used the subjunctive because I wouldn't know what it is, and then I'm sure I would end myself in short fashion.

In short, you don't scare me in the least, and if you can't take reactions to your posts, then perhaps it's best that you just stop frequenting this site. Frankly, I hope you don't. It provides me with entertainment. Too bad you can't control your emotions, though, and realize they're only words. Honestly, what do you care if I think you're a raving moron? How does it affect your life in the least? Either take the criticism constructively, which I suggest, or ignore it, but this crybaby thing you've got going here is just pathetic. Grow up.

by brettgardner on Jan 17, 2008 9:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Back and forth-is it really needed

All I ask is that you stop being rude. It's not hard. And hey, if you want to be rude to other guys on here go ahead. Stop doing it to me. I realize it gets you aroused in your pants, that's why you do it. I am not trying to scare you, just trying to get you to stop. Please Brett, STOP IT!!! Stop posting what you think is constructive criticism. It isn't calling someone a moron and mangoloid isn't criticism. Its called insults. So yes, if you don't stop insulting me I will take it up with the owner of this site. And we could very well be saying bye bye to BrettGardner.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 17, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think

You're the rudest poster on this site. Everybody has back-and-forths, and everybody gets their balls busted from time to time. The difference is, every single other person, including me, can take it for what it is-- some words posted by an unknown person. I had almost every poster on this site gang up on me at one point, and you know what I did? Laughed. Get over yourself.

The vast majority of my posts are baseball-related, but there's no disclaimer I can find which mandates that ALL my posts must be so. Absent that, I'll feel free to post my reactions just as everybody else does, and I won't take heed of your threats. Adam can read this, and if he decides to tell me something, then I'll listen, but you crying like a toddler won't serve your purpose, and, quite honestly, makes you seem like less of a man.

by brettgardner on Jan 17, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Once again you ? me as a man,

you doing this is wrong Brett. STOP IT!!! I am not rude, I actually take in what others say to try and better myself. But how can I when anytime a posta comment or diary you put me down. It isn't nice. Sure I can laugh about it, but it isn't funny. Its offensive. That's what I'm trying to tell you. You want to be the winner here go ahead. I'm done with you and your negative remarks regarding me. It's not cool. I want you to stop. I don't put anybody down the way you try to. So calling me rude is definitly a wrong assumtion.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 17, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So you can understand-edit

"anytime a posta comment"

anytime I post a comment is what it should read

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 17, 2008 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cripple Fight!!!

"We should have bombed it (Auschwitz)"-President Bush

by DJCahill on Jan 17, 2008 10:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

AH OH

we r we todd it:/

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 17, 2008 11:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

my name is Todd

Please leave me out of this.

Juevos Daniels: biggest stones in the business.

by tricer on Jan 17, 2008 12:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I sorry,

don't join the fight against me, please?

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 17, 2008 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You're only making it worse

by responding and arguing, just let it go.

hurlerhurley has to drink a 6 pack just to have one for each of his usernames.

by t ball on Jan 17, 2008 1:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well that's an encouraging read

Also, whenever I feel bummed about this team, I go to these bookmarked pages:

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?sort=ERA&split=128&group=9&season=2007& ;seasonType=2&statType=pitching&type=reg

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/aggregate?sort=thirdInnings&split=128&group=9&season =2007&seasonType=2&statType=pitching&type=reg

Obama - ??? 2008 : Real change we can all believe in.

by RangerMoto on Jan 16, 2008 6:56 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The 2nd link

doesn't make me feel better. It is not a good thing if your bullpen leads the league in innings pitched. Hopefully the rotation will be much more solid this year and make that unnecessary.

hurlerhurley has to drink a 6 pack just to have one for each of his usernames.

by t ball on Jan 16, 2008 7:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I look at them in tandem

The 5th best MLB (3rd AL) rotation by ERA while logging the most innings. Makes the 1st link's ranking/number all the more significant.

Obama - ??? 2008 : Real change we can all believe in.

by RangerMoto on Jan 16, 2008 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rotation?

You mean bullpen? I see your point, and I feel the same way, but we've got to hope that link 1 stays the same, while the ranking in link 2 drops to the middle of the pack.

hurlerhurley has to drink a 6 pack just to have one for each of his usernames.

by t ball on Jan 16, 2008 8:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh duh

yes, bullpen/relievers

Obama - ??? 2008 : Real change we can all believe in.

by RangerMoto on Jan 16, 2008 9:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Duran

I wonder if they're thinking to just bring him in to push Vazquez and if he happens to play lights out and wins a job, ok then, he's the guy.

hurlerhurley has to drink a 6 pack just to have one for each of his usernames.

by t ball on Jan 16, 2008 7:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No AAA Experience

Since Duran has no AAA experience, do you really think that he should make the 25-man roster? I am all for bringing him to ST, but I think it would be in the team's best interest to get him some time at AAA.

by Excel Hearts Choi on Jan 16, 2008 8:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm on record here

as saying he shouldn't be in Arlington unless they plan on playing him at least 4-5 days a week, yes.

hurlerhurley has to drink a 6 pack just to have one for each of his usernames.

by t ball on Jan 16, 2008 8:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jennings deal finally done

Botts at first base: "The Rangers are going to take a look at Jason Botts at first base in Spring Training with the possibility of using him in a platoon with Ben Broussard. Manager Ron Washington spoke with Botts about the possibility on Tuesday."

Also, "The Rangers have reached an agreement with outfielder Marlon Byrd on a one-year contract worth $1.8 million. The deal avoids a potential arbitration hearing."

http://tinyurl.com/28nc7v

I hope Botts is able to play first base because that improves his chances of being on the 40.

by coolaid on Jan 16, 2008 7:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hope JJ has a bounce back year

If so the Rangers could spin him at the AS break or maybe sign him through 2010 just in time for a run through the West.

Must read. "Only the Ball was White" Boomer Sooner!

by boomer1 on Jan 16, 2008 7:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

ha

i love it

+ a double drink

FREE JASON BOTTS... Time for Bottsy to play FULL TIME

by bottsyblast on Jan 16, 2008 10:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My favorite line

The Rangers have been talking trade with other teams about Shelton, but Daniels admitted there haven't been any bites.

That'd be tops to have Shelton at the ready in AAA.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jan 16, 2008 8:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Botts

That sure sounds like he's not getting dropped from the 40, at least unless he fails to make the team this spring.

"I dont care to debate with a troll." - Sharky

by RCCook on Jan 16, 2008 8:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Good news...

the guy is bad defensively, but if playing 1B 25 times in 08 against lefties and getting some time at DH gives him one last shot to see if he can hit at the major league level then that would be good...again, this is the year to do this type of thing.

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

by slc ranger on Jan 16, 2008 9:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If I may be so bold

as to beat everybody to this annoucement...

It's on the front page of the Rangers site. Jason Jennings is officially a Ranger. Oh, and the Rangers have pulled their heads out of you-know-where, and are gonna take a look at Jason Botts at 1st base. Looks like he's gonna be sticking around after all.

http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080116&content_id=2347648&vkey=news_tex& amp;fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" - Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 16, 2008 7:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Whoops, somebody beat me...

while I was typing my comment! Nice typing there, coolaid.

"The most important things in life are the things that are the least important" - Yogi Berra

by lonestarJon on Jan 16, 2008 7:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If I was Boras

my conversation with Laird would go something like this:

"Uhh, listen Gerry I know I've negotiated a few mega million dollar contracts but I gotta be straight with you, hey Gerry could you stop smacking in the phone - you're grossing me out. Anyway, look man you had a freaking OPS+ of 64 last year and it's tough for my staff to shine that up, I mean we were going to make a nice pamphlet for you but all we got in there is throwing out a few baserunners and laying down a couple of bunts and I don't think that is going to net much. So my advice is take their offer or the league minimum, whichever is higher. Don't worry about my commission and lose this number allright?"

Juevos Daniels: biggest stones in the business.

by tricer on Jan 17, 2008 1:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs