Bill White let go

by Brett Perryman on Jan 9, 2008 5:31 PM CST in News

According to Jamey Newberg, White has been released to make room for one of the two pendng 40-man additions, Eddie Guarado and Kazuo Fukumori. One more spot still as to be cleared for the other.

Just to reset, the guys who are probably considered possibilities to be removed include Nelson Cruz, Jason Botts, Chris Shelton, and Scott Feldman. With the obvious selection of White for the first spot, losing just about any of these guys could come back to bite you, but I think my choice at this point would be Cruz. Shelton should be an asset this season, and I still hold out more hope that Botts comes around offensively than I do Cruz, despite his very solid winter.

A name that probably isn't much of a consideration, but that I don't think is likely to burn you too badly is Travis Metcalf. If things get even tighter, say, in spring training, he's someone I'd consider exposing if I had to.

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Did you know?

...Shelton, Cruz and Botts were born within one month of each other?

I was going to suggest Shelton might attract less attention on the waiver wire because he's older.

And then I looked it up.

Shelton really has some handsome numbers, the best Minor League OPS of all three, something else I didn't realize.

If it's Botts on waivers, I guess we'll know the org didn't believe in that long swing.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jan 9, 2008 5:56 PM CST reply actions

Shelton, Botts, Cruz

They are basically the same player. I'm fine with cutting any one of them.

But that river of tears has dried for all of us.

by trza on Jan 9, 2008 5:59 PM CST reply actions

Shelton

I'd say hes at least performed at the MLB with some success. That puts him higher up the list in my mind.

I guess I don't get why Broussard is a lock over Shelton.

by JKolar on Jan 9, 2008 6:03 PM CST up reply actions

Broussard lock over Shelton?

I don't get it either. Shelton is younger, cheaper, under control longer, and hits/reaches base/slugs better than Broussard against right and left handed pitching. So yeah, it's a mystery.

And I wouldn't cut Cruz.

Hate to see Botts be the guy, but I think there is a decent chance he would slip through waivers.

What about Ramon Vazquez? Is he really a guy that we have to protect on the 40 right now? After ST, we would need to clear a spot for a Utility guy, but you might have better luck sneaking someone through waivers at that time compared to now.

Juevos Daniels: biggest stones in the business.

by tricer on Jan 9, 2008 6:53 PM CST up reply actions

Vazquez...

I like that idea.

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

by slc ranger on Jan 9, 2008 7:52 PM CST up reply actions

Oh

He'd be my choice. But we know that they wouldn't drop him at this point.

by Brett Perryman on Jan 9, 2008 8:08 PM CST up reply actions

Control over Shelton...

This is kind of a moot point. If the Rangers are going to be a contending team in 2-3 years, it's going to be contingent on the fact that Chris Shelton will not be a key part of the team.

by YourNameHere on Jan 9, 2008 10:28 PM CST up reply actions

Shelton

posted a 131 OPS+ at the age of 25. Last year's World Champion Boston Red Sox had a starting first baseman with a 117 last season, so I'm not sure where you get the idea that Shelton couldn't be a part of a contending team.

Juevos Daniels: biggest stones in the business.

by tricer on Jan 10, 2008 11:33 AM CST up reply actions

Shelton...

The guy played in AAA all of last season and his numbers were comparable to Nate Gold's. The Tigers didn't even call him up in September. If Chris Davis or John Mayberry doesn't reach Arlington soon, or if Texas doesn't acquire another first baseman, this is going to be an average team at best for several years.

by YourNameHere on Jan 10, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions

Metcalf

say we let him go and Blalock has more injury problems throughout the season, who tries third? Duran possibly?

by meatbonelefty on Jan 9, 2008 6:03 PM CST reply actions

Id keep shelton over botts/cruz.

Best bet to be at least somewhat productive, and we may need a 1b next year.

Botts... lets be honest. If hes only a DH, he has to be an legitimately very good hitter to be worth being all that concerned about. Right now thats the best case scenario and appears somewhat unlikely.

Cruz has the least chance of success overall, but he has a good chance to at least get SOME at bats due to his defensive value and hopefully finally take advantage. I like botts more than cruz... but man... DH only is a serious problem when you are NOT travis hafner.

Im not sure on Feldman. Is there much reason to think he would be better than the long line of pitching prospects that have fallen off? Rupe, Tejeda and such.

Basically... id keep shelton, and dont have a problem with cutting any of the 3. Honestly botts may make the most sense, but if hes one of the others ill be fine with it because i still like botts.

by DShep on Jan 9, 2008 6:04 PM CST reply actions

dump cruz

sorry, but he's the one go go of the 3.

i'd keep shelton over botts.

send me nominations for the Hall of the Very Good
http://www.buchanan4pres2008.org/
http://www.myspace.com/igotsculture

by gossamer on Jan 9, 2008 6:11 PM CST reply actions

Agree

Cruz has done absolutely nothing with the chances he has been given.

by bflood36 on Jan 9, 2008 9:36 PM CST up reply actions

I'd keep Cruz

999 times out of a thousand over Jason "I have an army of supporters but can't go to war" Botts. Cruz has athletic talent and baseball value. Botts has a portfolio of promise and a virtually unachievable project status as a hitter. Until he was called up, I had never seen Botts at the plate, and only highlight (lowlight?) clips of him in the field.

It doesn't take a thousand plate appearances or 600 innings in the field to determine that an individual is not a MLB player. See Botts a third time, that's all you really need to know.

'At Georgia Southern, we don't cheat. That costs money and we don't have any.' Erk Russell / Georgia Southern

by Ed Coffin on Jan 10, 2008 12:41 PM CST up reply actions

I'm with you Ed

If the choice is to keep one of Botts and Cruz, I don't see that as a very difficult choice. I don't have a lot of evidence to point to, but I still think there is a chance that Cruz turns out to be an above average starting OF, don't have any confidence that Botts will be able to do anything at the ML level above average. Put it this way, Cruz has trouble hitting pitches out of the zone (lay off them Nellie!), while Botts has trouble hitting pitches in the zone. Not much you can do to fix the latter weakness.

I think there is a decent chance that Botts would clear waivers. Only teams to worry about would be in the AL.

Juevos Daniels: biggest stones in the business.

by tricer on Jan 10, 2008 12:50 PM CST up reply actions

I have to agree with you

If the choice is down to Cruz/Botts, I'd go with Cruz. I think there is a good chance neither is anything but Bench depth, but, Botts swing is long, and may or may not ever adapt to the majors, and he has absolutely zero defensive value. If nothing else, Cruz can be a 4th OF on defense alone.

If Botts makes the team at all, he is going to have to do something he rarely seems to do. Step it up from the word go.

"As of now they're (The Astros) world series favorites. Period." - Sharky

by DJCahill on Jan 10, 2008 12:56 PM CST up reply actions

I agree, Ed.

I think I'd keep Cruz if for nothing else than his ability to play the outfield. I think that Botts would slip through waivers without a sniff.

I keep seeing too many comparisons of Hafner and Botts. Really, other than putting up good minor league numbers and both being big guys unable to play a defensive position, there is no comparison.

Hafner has a rather nice, compact lefty swing while Botts' swing is long, loopy and slow from both sides of the plate.

And just because he's released from the 40, doesn't mean that he's instantly gone. With his swing, I doubt that a lot of teams are going to be kicking the door down to sign him.

by Redcaps on Jan 12, 2008 9:57 AM CST up reply actions

cruz

i seem to recall hearing that he really hasn't even played baseball all that long (maybe less than 10yrs).

Can you please Look into getting a less funny signature? That's sarcasm, btw. - Sharky

by rentz on Jan 12, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions

Am I in the twilight zone?

Scott Feldman is the worst pitcher we have. That includes rookie ball all the way to the majors, and also includes the future pictures we are going to draft in the 2008 draft.

Cut him? Hell, lets kill him.

by SaltyGoesYard on Jan 9, 2008 6:34 PM CST reply actions

+ 1

He's horrible! It was painful to watch him pitch last year he was bound to f*ck things up and almost always did. I was starting to wonder if he and Wash were lovers. Not only that but he punches worse then a girl with that sissy underhand weaksister punch - he's got to go !

"I was inclined to give Clemens the benefit of the doubt until he started talking in circles" Evan Grant

by NYCMuscleFag on Jan 9, 2008 6:50 PM CST up reply actions

Botts maybe should go

I like the guy as much as anyone (probably more) but Cruz's MiLB #s are a bit better since 2004 and he can play some D. If comes down to those two guys, I hope the organization puts their damn thinking caps on and figure whose swing/approach/eye will make him the more successful player that may adapt to the majors.

"When I was a pup, we got spanked by presidents 'til the cows came home! Grover Cleveland spanked me on two non-consecutive occasions!" LBrooks

by WyoRanger on Jan 9, 2008 6:55 PM CST reply actions

i'd prefer

to lose Guardado from that list.

by SteveP on Jan 9, 2008 7:25 PM CST reply actions

x

by j d on Jan 9, 2008 8:54 PM CST up reply actions

Wait...

we've given Eddie Guardado a guaranteed contract!?

WTF!!??

I thought he was a minor league deal with an invite. What the foxtrot are we thinking!? He's old and there's a 90% chance he's completely done. We really guaranteed his deal? That sucks.

"God plays by his own rules, folks. And HGH is f***ing legal as hell up in heaven." -Andy Pettitte

by thedirkatron on Jan 9, 2008 9:00 PM CST reply actions

Guardado...

He is old, and noy likrly to be a big part of this team in the future, but he pitched well at the end of last year, has closer experience, and is at about that time in his rehab where he should be fully recovered from TJ. He could be pretty good for this team, and if he is, he;ll be flipped on July 31st.

by Topgun22 on Jan 9, 2008 9:32 PM CST up reply actions

Hmmm...

You make a compelling case, especially the Tommy John stuff. That really can make a huge difference.

But it gives me pause that the Reds weren't willing to bring him back in some capacity, given that he would presumably been willing to sign a cheap one year deal to stay.

I'm still not sure if his 7 scoreless innings in September make me believe he's worth a guaranteed contract for next year, but after a little closer look at him, I guess it's a worthwhile gamble. If he's got nothing in Spring Training, then we can cut him then and only lose cash. And if he has some gas left in the tank, we can flip him at the deadline.

"God plays by his own rules, folks. And HGH is f***ing legal as hell up in heaven." -Andy Pettitte

by thedirkatron on Jan 9, 2008 10:52 PM CST up reply actions

Reds

I think they're going for it in the weak NL Central. This makes them less able to take a risk on a player like him than the Rangers. I think he's a reasonable signing if it's not too much money. He can offer something to the younger guys in tutelage, soak up some innings on a non-contending team (and save those same young arms from too many innings), and as you say, maybe they can flip him.

the one after 909

by t ball on Jan 9, 2008 11:02 PM CST up reply actions

Wow...

I just realized how unbelievably bad the typing was in my above post. I guess that's what I get for typing in the dark. Mea culpa. Carry on.

by Topgun22 on Jan 10, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions

Metcalf.

he would be my first to go, followed closely by Vazquez. Two spares with nn future, metcalf needs to play for the Royals, he would fit right in.

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

by SanDiegoKev on Jan 9, 2008 9:37 PM CST reply actions

Metcalf/Royals?

What do you mean by that?

Funny you mention it because:

A: He's a KC native and went to KU

B: I'm a KC fan and I picked him (twice, actually) in a Sickels-style shadow draft as a late round flier.

He's always seemed to me to be a pretty decent future bench player as a 4 corners guy with some pop in his bat, but who doesn't hit quite enough to be a regular.

Still, there's not a whole lot of downside to passing him through waivers. It's a pretty common skill set, kind of a Mike Coolbaugh redux.

by JM Barten on Jan 10, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions

Can the Rangers get Bill White back?

Does anyone know whether or not the Rangers, having placed Bill White on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release, can re-sign White to a minor league contract?

I thought that when Texas moved Mike Wood from the 40-man roster they tried to re-sign him, but Wood elected to take free agency. I don't know how many teams would give White a major league deal, and he'll likley be in Triple-A for some team. If Texas could get re-sign White, he might turn out to be valuable if Eddie Guardado isn't healthy (unlikley, because Texas probably did its homework here) or if John Rheinecker struggles.

by YourNameHere on Jan 9, 2008 11:06 PM CST reply actions

BTW, I have no idea.....

and could care less, but Bailey is probably not Eminem's kid's name.....since the other 2 are misspelled!

by tklawless on Jan 9, 2008 11:15 PM CST reply actions

Botts, Cruz, Shelton

I don't know who to cut...

Botts: has shown improvement recently in the big league and is our best bet at a long-term DH solution

Cruz: has all the skills, and performs very well in the outfield - had huge success in AAA, but needs to improve discipline at the plate to achieve success

Shelton: very good numbers all around, can play 1B or the OF

I want to keep all 3...there's got to be another way, can't we go ahead and trade somebody on the 40, CAT???

"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."

by Walter Sobchak on Jan 10, 2008 2:21 AM CST reply actions

Cant see it being Metcalf

I would think it would have to be one of Botts, Cruz Shelton with our overcrowded mediocre 1B/OF/DH situation. We just have way too many guys there without options, and not enough slots on the 25.

I doubt any of the three will ever seriously hurt you in the future.

They are 27 year olds who haven't made an impact, and it is an uphill struggle for any of them to be league average.

"As of now they're (The Astros) world series favorites. Period." - Sharky

by DJCahill on Jan 10, 2008 5:37 AM CST reply actions

can't tell if you're joking

Shelton's career OPS+ is 115, which is above-average by definition.

by a bebop a rebop on Jan 10, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions

100 is Above average

for all positions combined. The 1B average is well above 100. His 2005 season was well above average, but his 2006 season was nothing to get thrilled about and didn't do much in the minors in '07.

You just have way too many players in that 1B/DH/COF mix that can't possibly be on the 25 at the same time and don't have options.

I just don't see any way you'd make Metcalf the odd man out with the crowd at 1B/DH/COF.

"As of now they're (The Astros) world series favorites. Period." - Sharky

by DJCahill on Jan 10, 2008 10:18 AM CST up reply actions

I share some skepticism

about Shelton, but a 115 OPS + is still above average for a 1B.

Hardball Times just had an article listing both the mean and median OPS+ figures for each position I found interesting. The 1B mean was 115, the median 108. The writer was trying to find a way to rate the average player as opposed to the average performance. (the average performance being weighted in favor of those with the most plate appearances)

http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-burdens-of-being-average/

Anyway, I doubt that Shelton or Broussard will hit the 115 OPS+ mark in 2008, or even 108.

the one after 909

by t ball on Jan 10, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions

Feldman

should be the one to go. Of course you dont want to see a pitcher relased but he is just a relief pitcher. We do have an arsenal of pitchers. His arm looked horrible the last couple of years. I cant think of this players name for some reason and its driving me crazy. and when Eyre comes back he becomes another good option for the pen.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 10, 2008 6:08 AM CST reply actions

Surely you jest

Feldman will be just 25 in Feb. and has a career ERA+ of 103. It is not nearly time to consider dumping him. You can't tar and feather him for 2007 and at the same time throw out his solid 2006.

the one after 909

by t ball on Jan 10, 2008 7:23 AM CST up reply actions

He had one good year,

then fell pretty hard. Then we decided to alter the way he throws. Why? because obviously batter caught on to him. Honestly, when you have guys like murray, mendoza, and gallawhatever, letting feldman go seems to be the way to go. We've added two new components to the pen and when we're done with them, there are plenty of other candidates, imo.

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 10, 2008 7:43 AM CST up reply actions

One good year

Well, he's had two years total, so I don't see how last year outweighs the good year, especially with a player who is only 25.

the one after 909

by t ball on Jan 10, 2008 1:11 PM CST up reply actions

I ment to cut that out

"I cant think of this players name for some reason and its driving me crazy. and"

""I love GOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLD" blueglovelefty

by NYTXFAN on Jan 10, 2008 6:17 AM CST reply actions

No Broussard would make this decision

unnecessary.

Rex Hudler is in demand as a motivational speaker.

by Brian Thomas on Jan 10, 2008 10:10 AM CST reply actions

The problem with

Broussard and Cat on the same team is that it means you have to carry two righthanded hitting COF/1b types to platoon with them, severely limiting your bench options.

"God plays by his own rules, folks. And HGH is f***ing legal as hell up in heaven." -Andy Pettitte

by thedirkatron on Jan 10, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions

you mean lefthanded right?

by JKolar on Jan 10, 2008 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

Don't put Guardado on the 40-man

Minor league contract after Rule 5.
There's no need to to put Guardado on the 40 man roster till he makes the 25 man roster. There's no need to place Guardado on the 25 man roster sooner than Opening Day.

by JohnMPerkins on Jan 10, 2008 10:55 AM CST reply actions

That's great from

the Rangers standpoint.

I have no idea why Guardado would do it though.

I don't think he is that desperate after pitching 7 shutout innings in 7 games last September, giving up 2 hits, 2 walks, and 6 strikeouts.

I think a lot of people are grossly undervaluing Eddie.

"As of now they're (The Astros) world series favorites. Period." - Sharky

by DJCahill on Jan 10, 2008 11:06 AM CST up reply actions

Uhh

Your sarcasm undermines what's otherwise a clear-eyed point, but whatever.

He's a lefty reliever with a nice track record and history favors his recovery from TJ.

I think he'll have a nice year. But TR's piece yesterday indicated he won't sign without getting a 40 spot.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jan 10, 2008 11:12 AM CST up reply actions

Botts...

I imagine that the Rangers are working overtime trying to find a trade partner who will take Frank Catalanotto. There is really no point in having both Cat and Jason Botts; so if no one will take Cat, I imagine the Rangers will let go of Botts.

As is, I suppose the Rangers have Marlon Byrd, Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley in the outfield. That leaves Cat and Botts fighting for the DH spot. Although Cat can play the outfield, David Murphy is also an option out there fighting for at-bats.

Furthermore, if the Rangers decide they want to bench Hamilton against certain lefties, Cat doesn't provide any help because he doesn't hit lefties. Because Cat doesn't hit lefties, it doesn't look like he will supplant Chris Shelton either, because Ben Broussard will probably only be on the bench when lefties are on the mound.

If Bradley isn't ready to start the season in the outfield, I suppose Cat moves to the outfield and Bradley becomes the DH. Unless Bradley is completely unable to play, Botts is then out of luck.

by YourNameHere on Jan 10, 2008 2:35 PM CST reply actions

If Cat "can play the outfield"

then Botts can, too.

LSB : Trolls :: Rangers : 4th OF'ers

by inactive lsb user on Jan 10, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

Either way...

One or the other is likely on the way out.

by YourNameHere on Jan 10, 2008 3:17 PM CST up reply actions

Preferably Cat

He has to have some trade value, all things considered.

If not, take what you can get. He doesn't really have much of a place on this team going forward. We already have Guardado and Laird lined up to be dealt once their values correct; I wouldn't expend Botts or Cruz so that Cat can raise his sufficiently.

LSB : Trolls :: Rangers : 4th OF'ers

by inactive lsb user on Jan 10, 2008 6:09 PM CST up reply actions

I somewhat agree...

but I also think Cat could raise his trade value (far more than Cruz/Botts) as a good left handed bat for some team after the ASB if he starts off the season well. JD would probably be selling low on him now with a below average year in '07.

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

by slc ranger on Jan 10, 2008 7:10 PM CST up reply actions

Murphy

I just would bet that Murphy is in AAA to start the year.

by JKolar on Jan 10, 2008 3:25 PM CST up reply actions

Cruz

So, if the guy we let go is Cruz it shakes out this way:

Adrian Gonzalez
Chris Young
Francisco Cordero
Kevin Mench
Laynce Nix

for

NOTHING

by LBrooks on Jan 10, 2008 2:43 PM CST reply actions

Blake Beaven

"You really do like 15 year old hispanic boys, Z." -thedirkatron

by coolaid on Jan 10, 2008 3:26 PM CST up reply actions

why couple the SD trade

in with the Milwaukee trade? Especially considering the Milwaukee trade ended up being Blake Beaven and I'm wanting to say Neil Rameriez.

by JKolar on Jan 10, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions

Yep...

Milwaukee ended up with nothing (on their 2008 team) from that trade and we have Beaven in our system now, advantage Rangers.

The Padres deal...well I miss both players but especially Gonzalez. Then we wouldn't have to use up 3 spots on the 40 for 1 position.

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

by slc ranger on Jan 10, 2008 5:36 PM CST up reply actions

Wait a minute

How did Milwaukee end up with nothing?

----------------------------

Joh Hart made 2 great trades acquiring AGon and CYoung. With one fell swoop Junior negated both those gems with his SD trade.

by LBrooks on Jan 12, 2008 9:45 AM CST up reply actions

The more I think about it...

the more I think JD is going to let Shelton go and try and get him through waivers. The guy spent all last year at AAA and I think he likes Broussard more than he should.

Would not be my move, as I like tricer's idea of getting rid of Vasquez in favor of Duran later on. That would give JD more time to try and get something for one of Cat/Botts/Cruz.

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

by slc ranger on Jan 10, 2008 5:40 PM CST reply actions

spares...

So sorry to say...Feldman is going to be the one to go...
You've got to keep Cruz and Botts around. Give Botts a legitimate shot the WHOLE year (at DH and spot LF)...and see what Cruz can do (he's too good of a RF and has massive power - though this is his LAST shot).
Put Tejeda in the pen...use that fireballing arm to get through an inning or two...maybe it takes and he likes it. His arm is too good to dump him for nothing.
Shelton...well...eehhhh...might as well give him a shot this year and see what he can do. Not a big loss to keep him around. Maybe he learns something from Rudy and can be consistent.
I say let those 4 play out in ST and see what happens. The two that have the most upside in my mind (if given the chance in the role I described) are Botts and Tejeda.

by ChrisH on Jan 10, 2008 7:17 PM CST reply actions

I'd rather keep Feldman

than either Botts or Cruz. He's had more success in the majors and doesn't turn 25 until next month. Honestly, why are so many down on Feldman?

the one after 909

by t ball on Jan 10, 2008 8:01 PM CST up reply actions

last year...

left a bad taste in the mouths of many. I really don't think much of him either but he is 25, maybe he can right the ship. I wouldn't be sad to see him go however.

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

by slc ranger on Jan 10, 2008 8:24 PM CST up reply actions

Why are so many down on Feldman?

did you watch any games last year? He was hardly the fireman of the year, arsonist of the year maybe. I cringed every time he came in, it invariably ended up real ugly. I would like to see whether he's got his form back in the spring though before they cut him. He can't be as bad as he was last year after he did so well in 2006. So there is hope for him.

"I have no idea who wrote those racist remarks about jews, gays, and blacks in my newsletter" YEH RIGHT! Ron Paul

by NYCMuscleFag on Jan 11, 2008 7:27 PM CST up reply actions

aren't utility guys like vasquez a dime a dozen??

chances are he won't get picked up by another team anywat, but why protect him and let go someone who can possibly turn into something???

And Cruz has shown something, granted it wasn't a big sample size but during that time he was consistent and he showed flashes of what he could turn into and im not willing to give up on what he can become

Even if we lose Vasquez on the waiver wire, what is so special about him that we can't replace in a second????

by slash on Jan 10, 2008 9:03 PM CST reply actions

Cruz has been consistent

Consistent suckage in MLB, consistent success in MILB.

Rex Hudler is in demand as a motivational speaker.

by Brian Thomas on Jan 11, 2008 9:57 PM CST up reply actions

They will DFA the guy....

that they feel has the best possibility of slipping through waivers. I think Botts is probably the guy. Only AL teams will be interested and his swing makes him more of a project for those AL clubs interested in him.

by Redcaps on Jan 12, 2008 10:07 AM CST reply actions