Fall Instructional League Report: Part 2

by jparks77 on Oct 11, 2008 10:38 AM CDT Comment 95 comments

I had the privilege of attending the FIL and I’d like to share some of my observations on the players whom I was able to either see play in game/simulated/side action, speak with personally, or gather information about from the players/scouts in attendance.

On Martin Perez:

Exceptional player/person. I watched Perez throw a side session and I was really impressed with his stuff. His clean, repeatable mechanics in combination with excellent raw stuff point to a pitcher that far exceeds the 17 years of Martin Perez.

His fastball has excellent life and sources say he can already run it up to 94 mph. His curveball, perhaps his best pitch, is a serious hammer. He can drop it into the strike zone at will. His change-up shows promise and will end up giving Perez an arsenal of three above-average pitches to choose from.

I had the privilege of conducting a lengthy interview with Perez, and I can honestly say that it was one of my favorite ones ever. Perez is extremely confident in his ability, but, like Michael Main, doesn’t feel the need to wear it like a badge on his sleeve, or as a chip on his shoulder. He is also one of the smartest players I have ever talked to.

The cool thing is that his knowledge isn’t limited to just the baseball diamond. Perez can speak intelligently about anything you throw at him. I really can’t say enough about this kid. I have a feeling that he could end up being one of the top prospects in baseball at some point. No joke.

My interview with Perez should be ready to go later on this fall.

Updated link:

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Comments

Marcus Lemon

so in your opinion Jason, first or second ballot HOF?

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 11:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

wow, wow

lets not get ridiculous now… third ballot?

by Baseball North on Oct 11, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh come on

Hes gonna revolutionize the game. He will be the first player ever elected while still playing

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Oct 11, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

All of the above, of course.

You can’t elect a guy like Lemon just once, ya know?

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Oct 11, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good report

I cant get enough of this type of stuff

by BEW on Oct 11, 2008 12:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great read, once again.

Thanks for taking the time to observe some of the newest and least known like Ross, Telis, Garcia, etc. Your review of Lemon’s defense is different from anything we’ve heard as far as I know. Encouraging. I can see him playing a utility role on a good club in 2 or 3 years from all that we know about him.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Oct 11, 2008 12:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Most enjoyable!

I never thought of Smoak’s swing in terms of Blalock’s. I like how simple and easy Smoak swings from the left side. Classic power swing, like a 2×4 on a pivot machine, moreso than a nice swing that unwinds, which is how I would describe the swings of Blalock, Palmeiro, or Will the Thrill.

I don’t think Santana will have an A-ball ceiling. He’s got the fastest bat in the system. Maybe he needs glasses or lasik to help out with pitch recognition?

Even though the farm is relatively thin in htters compared to pitchers, it appears that could change in a year or two if some of the really young Latin guys grow quickly.

Macumba Matata. I don’t know what it means, but I like saying it for some reason.

Go Rangers!

by rooster on Oct 11, 2008 3:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It would be nice to have more hitting prospects

but with how much more of a sure thing hitting prospects are, I wouldn’t say that its thin even compared to the pitching prospects.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smoak's swing

is more compact than Blalock’s, but he does have a tendency to drop his shoulder and elevate when he is trying to find the seats. Some people think Smoak’s swing from the left-side is similar to Tex’s. Probably a better comp.

On Santana: Fast bat and enormous raw power, but 121 Ks in 328 ABs with only 19 BBs in ’08. Not good.

Coach John Bagonzi Q&A Part 3

by jparks77 on Oct 11, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smoak

I’m finding it interesting that everyones higher on him now than before, with talk of him being with the rangers in 09. I saw this mentioned in the fwst too a few days ago.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Oct 11, 2008 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don' think people were prepared for Smoak

being this good, this soon. He is really, really good.

That being said, Smoak has only played 14 professional games at the Low A level and he is (probably) going to experience some growing pains as he climbs. I still think it’s possible that he reaches Arlington at some point in ’09.

Coach John Bagonzi Q&A Part 3

by jparks77 on Oct 11, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not to be a dick...

…but you realize that is next season right? Assuming he starts in High-A and jumps to AA around mid-season, you would be jumping him another two levels and taking up a 40 man spot to see him at a position that we will have a big enough problem finding at bats for anyways. I think it will be interesting enough finding at bats for Blalock, CD, MaxRam, Salty, TT, and Cat as 1B and DH. This is not taking into account that we might still have MB and the need to DH Hamilton on occasion. Also not taking into account that Cat, MaxRam or Salty could be gone. But you get the point, with other September call ups needing at bats it just doesn’t make sense. Unless you think someone gets hurt and we rush him and call him way sooner than he would appear to be ready.

Like to hear your opinion on how he makes it up here…

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ohh Yea

Great right up also, really enjoyed this one and the last one.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not to be a dick...

but…

That phrase almost always assuredly means you are being one.

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2

by Rodney on Oct 11, 2008 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uhh

Clearly you haven’t watched enough mob movies. If you preface whatever negative comment you might have it is perfectly acceptable.

Ex. With all due respect, I think your opinion is merit less.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 6:18 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

lol

theres a good line on futurama about this

"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich

by knockoutking on Oct 12, 2008 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smoak could make July 31st interesting

Blalock isn’t going to be here August 1st, I think that’s a near lock unless Texas can’t find anyone to trade anything for him (in other words, he has no value at all). The Rangers also won’t be going into 2010 with Salty, TT, and Ramirez here unless at least one of them flames out big time. Cat isn’t an issue at all. I think the team is continuing to look for any team around that is interested in him to just clear a roster spot and give Cat an opportunity to actually play.

I don’t see a reason for Smoak to be up before 2010 simply to save room on the 40, but there really isn’t as much of an actual log jam outside of just seeing a lot of names there.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If Smoak makes it to Arlington in '09 (which I do realize is next season)

it will be because his performance forces the issue. The Rangers aren’t going to create roster chaos just to create roster chaos. Smoak will have to kick in the door.

Of course it’s entirely possible that Smoak doesn’t even sniff AA in ‘09. The point I’m making is that Smoak is just as good if not better than advertised, and that his stay in the minors might be shorter than originally thought.

Coach John Bagonzi Q&A Part 3

by jparks77 on Oct 11, 2008 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh

I think a lot of other circumstantial things would have to happen, including him kicking the door down.

Cat DFA
Cruz DFA
Blalock traded.
Laird Traded
MB signing elsewhere.

Even after that roster fodder is gone I just see CD being entrenched at 1B and you’d be forced to rotate Smoak and Davis between 1st and DH(not ideal but I wouldn’t complain). I guess they could throw CD out at third but I just don’t think that’s something you want to get into a habit of doing or any kind of long term solution.

I guess it is feasible, but just contingent on several other roster moves.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

roster

for starters i just don’t see cruz being waived at this point, at least not before the season.

but if the time comes where they have to figure out where to play davis and smoak, well…who cares because thats an awesome problem to have.

I could totally see davis being a DH and part time 1b/rf or even being used in a trade

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Oct 11, 2008 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what do Cruz and Laird have to do with Smoak?

Ramirez isn’t going to be a full time catcher next season and Davis isn’t going to be moving to RF next season.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bingo

worry about roster implications when and if they happen.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Oct 11, 2008 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ohh

This was in a way me getting to a way that smoak would be needed next year.

I also don’t see cruz being waived. I think you keep him up the majority of the year unless he fails miserably.

Cruz figures into DH at bats. Laird figures in to the catching situation. If you keep Laird you are going to need to get the backup catchers at bats somewhere. Especially if this backup is Salty or MaxRam. They would both figure into the 1B/DH equation.

If you read the entire post I’m saying these are circumstantial things that COULD happen combined with a blistering season from Smoak that might lead to us seeing him up next year.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't see Cruz ever DHing

next year. Part of his importance to this team is his great defense. You’ll also have other players like Hamilton and potentially Blalock and Bradley who could use the DH ABs. Salty needs to be catching full time next year even if its at AAA.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uhh

One of the reasons Cruz figures into DH at bats is b/c of the people he would/could push into the DH slot if he is the Rangers everyday RF. With a starting OF of Murphy, Hamilton and Cruz, Ron would play Byrd on occasion with it possibly moving the OF to DH. If we retained MB this would probably push him into a lot more DH at bats then it would OF. If you wanted to move Hamilton to RF and have Byrd in CF like they did this year this would push Cruz to DH or the bench.

I don’t pretend to have any real solution to the catching situation and I do think salty needs to be catching full time, but I don’t think it needs to be in AAA.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I also don't see that OF logjam

being there to start the season. Some moves need to be made this offseason to clear some playing room for all of the OFs and catchers.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

This all started as me arguing that I saw no room for Smoak to be called up taking into consideration the current build of the team.

If you had to put me on the spot and say name the 13 positions players it would go a little something like this
C-TT, Salty
1B-Davis & Blalock
2B-Kinsler
3B-Metcalf
Util Duran
SS-Young
OF-Byrd,Hamilton,Cruz, Murphy
The 13th guy is either going to be Boggs, Cat or some free agent flier type like MB.

Needless to say I don’t see Smoak up in 2009.

The end.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

what can I say, I like nitpicking, nikpin :D .

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smoak

to me it’s almost a given he goes to AA at some point next season.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Oct 11, 2008 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think so as well (he could even start there)

I was just pointing out that if it’s possible for Smoak to exceed expectations and reach Arlington in ‘09, it’s also possible that Smoak underperforms and fails to reach AA.

Coach John Bagonzi Q&A Part 3

by jparks77 on Oct 11, 2008 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smoak starting in Frisco

With the aggressive nature of some of the promotions for the elite talents in the system last year, it wouldn’t surprise me if Smoak starts in Frisco.

What would you ask Nolan Ryan: "... as a former pitcher, what would you think about having a useless lug standing out there behind you."

Then I'd tell him that useless lug’s name is Michael Young. -- lonestarJesus

by tricer on Oct 11, 2008 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Smoak

1-4 today for Surprise in the AFL.

by shroomer on Oct 11, 2008 6:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It wouldn't surprise me

but I hope he doesn’t. Gac needs to start in Frisco if the Rangers hope for him to have any trade value for the team.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 6:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

make that decision

on whatever the club feels is best for Smoak. Gac attack doesn’t even enter the discussion, he’s not even an afterthought.

What would you ask Nolan Ryan: "... as a former pitcher, what would you think about having a useless lug standing out there behind you."

Then I'd tell him that useless lug’s name is Michael Young. -- lonestarJesus

by tricer on Oct 11, 2008 6:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

There is no need to rush Smoak

Starting him in high A puts him right on track with where he was expected to start the season when drafted. Destroying Gac’s value to the team just so you can put Smoak a couple of months ahead of schedule, even though he still doesn’t need to see Major League time in 09. The only other way is if you start Smoak in Frisco and promote him quickly to OKC. I think the Rangers need to give Gac a chance to continue his breakout into next year and see if he can actually do something instead of just being another Nate Gold.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gac

I don’t think Gac’s value would be “destroyed” by fast-tracking Smoak. Gac is a marginal prospect at best. He has legit power, but he also has a legit hole in his swing. RHP just chewed him up in Bakersfield (78 Ks in 198 ABs vs RHP).

Coach John Bagonzi Q&A Part 3

by jparks77 on Oct 11, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gac

yep, he’s way down the pecking order. I’d put the interests of both Smoak and Moreland way ahead of anything related to Gac.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Oct 11, 2008 8:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Right now

Gac has managed to make himself a decent prospect this past season. Blocking Gac with Smoak for at least half of next season by leaving Gac in Bakersfield doesn’t do much for Smoak and doesn’t help Gac at all.

It is also my opinion in general that a team shouldn’t just give up on anyone who has shown some promise. Its not too late for a player like Gac to break out. He might never be a guy to bring back a top of the rotation pitcher, but he could be a valuable part of a package or bring back another promising player where the Rangers have more of a hole.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gac didn't hit in Bakersfield

So I don’t see the rush to get him to Frisco.

Anyway, there’s no reason Gac can’t DH.

by Adam J. Morris on Oct 11, 2008 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hehe, well I guess I'm the asshole

I forgot Frisco had a DH.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 9:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think Gac has any value

You don’t monkey with where Smoak is because of Ian Gac.

by Adam J. Morris on Oct 11, 2008 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gac?

Gac is a career A ball guy and is not a prospect. Look at his career #s; his ceiling is low A.

by Goyogringo on Oct 13, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and with the glut of outfielders that

will be in A+ I doubt that the rangers resign him. They typically use the DH to rotate position players…

by Goyogringo on Oct 13, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gac wishes

he could be Nate Gold.

"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky

by DJCahill on Oct 13, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gac

please. Why are we even thinnking Gac.

zzz snooze zzz

by seasmurf on Oct 11, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AA ball

considering he will have 14g and FI under his belt he could start in AA next year. Tex did not play at all the year he was drafted, played about 40 g in A+ and 40 g in AA his first yr before jumping to the majors his second yr. Star caliber players don’t need to play in AAA…

by Goyogringo on Oct 13, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’ think people were prepared for Smoak being this good, this soon. He is really, really good.

I don’t really get why they weren’t. He was very polished, and he wasn’t an 11th pick kind of guy. I wonder if the layoff didn’t just sort of have some people asleep on him. He was a 12-24 month type of guy to begin with, and 12 puts him in the majors in 2009.

by Brett Perryman on Oct 12, 2008 12:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No way

can you rank him before he is signed! All of that still seems pretty silly to me.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Oct 12, 2008 6:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ugh

I still remember the grief for suggesting that Ross be ranked in the top 20 or so. Not sure why folks feel the need to be so mechanical about something as uncertain and nebulus as prospect rankings.

by Brett Perryman on Oct 12, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't get it either

I think his draft slide help create some doubt. There was also some concern on the scout side about the transition to wood.

Coach John Bagonzi Q&A Part 3

by jparks77 on Oct 12, 2008 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still can't believe we got him at #11.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Oct 12, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

AND how bad beane wanted him

only to have him ripped from his hands lol

"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich

by knockoutking on Oct 12, 2008 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And his reveange was swift and it was brutal and it was horrible

And that revenge had a name.

And that name was Michael Inoa.

What do you think the odds are Beane sent JD an e-mail after stealing Inoa away that read something like, “Dear JD, You just got smoaked, mother f*****. Yours truly, BB”? I’d say there’s a 100% chance that happened.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Oct 12, 2008 9:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And when Inoa blows his arm out while Smoak is hitting Major League bombs left and right

JD can return the favor :D

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 13, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I think you’re right, and seeing him look good with a wooden bat probably helps to put those to rest.

by Brett Perryman on Oct 12, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perez

I keep getting more and more hyped about this guy.
Going into this last season I didn’t know much about him other than he was a highly regarded latam bonus guy. But the more I read the more excited i get about the guy.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Oct 11, 2008 3:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

yup

nothing is more exciting than southpaw starter prospects with plus heat, good control, and developing secondary stuff.

With the way that RBiA plays, I think a rotation of 3 southpaws and a couple righties would be ideal. With Holland, Kiker, and Perez – I guess there is some chance of that eventually happening.

What would you ask Nolan Ryan: "... as a former pitcher, what would you think about having a useless lug standing out there behind you."

Then I'd tell him that useless lug’s name is Michael Young. -- lonestarJesus

by tricer on Oct 11, 2008 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oops, forgot about Harrison

and next year Robbie Ross and Tim Murphy could also be in that discussion.

What would you ask Nolan Ryan: "... as a former pitcher, what would you think about having a useless lug standing out there behind you."

Then I'd tell him that useless lug’s name is Michael Young. -- lonestarJesus

by tricer on Oct 11, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its a longshot, but its too damn fun to dream,

what if the Rangers actually have to worry about having a rotation with no righty in it? How awesome of a problem is that for the Rangers to finally have.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uhh

That would mean Feliz, Beavan, Ramirez and Main among others all flamed out. Not good.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not necessarily,

Traded them all for more left handed pitchers and hitters :D

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 11, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LOL

I guess that is true. Might suck though if the Rangers are lucky enough to make it to the playoffs to face a team that hits lefties particularly well.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Oct 11, 2008 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

can we please forget

Max

I’m thinking we keep Laird and TT

by seasmurf on Oct 11, 2008 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Trade Max

I think this is the thing to do

by seasmurf on Oct 11, 2008 7:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

why in the fuck are you even considering keeping laird

best defense? no – TT
best bat? no – maxram
most power? no – maxram
but by god, he has the most speed out of the 4 catchers, right?

does he have value? yes, but why would you keep him/what would you do with the other 3 guys

"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich

by knockoutking on Oct 12, 2008 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

best ab? no - Salty'

by tyd3311 on Oct 12, 2008 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

best looking?

by cashman on Oct 12, 2008 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think in front offices they call that...

gate appeal.

It's filed under 'D'... for donut.

by NoNameOnCard on Oct 12, 2008 9:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's the only true known commodity

There’s something to be said for that.

Not that he’d be my choice, but I’m just saying is all.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Oct 12, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fair enough

but i would beg to say that TT is a fairly known commodity b/c of where his value lies

not laird-esque (never thought id type that) in regards to known commoditity, btu still

as a question, but who would you keep dirk?

"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich

by knockoutking on Oct 13, 2008 8:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, first let me say that I have trouble calling Tea a known commodity due to his inability to stay healthy.

You can’t be a known commodity from the trainer’s table, or so the saying I just made up goes. If he had a track record of being anywhere near healthy then I’d agree that he’d be a pretty sure bet because of his D. But if you were trying to win a title THIS year, who would you feel more comfortable with as your #1 catcher, Laird or Tea? There’s an old saying about The devil you know that seems appropriate here…

As for who I’d keep (Since you asked and I just drank a coffee):

First, I’d pick one of either Laird or Tea and start him as my #1 all year long and trade the other to the highest bidder. Let the market decide on that one. Whoever I get better value for is gone.

Second, I’d sign a veteran backup to caddy for whichever one of Laird or Tea I keep, and make sure I had another veteran backup in AAA just in case. This is important. We basically lost a year of development time (not to mention a full pre-arb year) when we had to bring up Salty to caddy for Laird this year when Melhuse went down, and all because we didn’t have anyone else we could use other than Salty once Melhuse went down.

Third, I’d pick one of either Max or Salty throw him down in AAA and let him be the full time catcher down there all season long and trade the other to the highest bidder. Again, let the market decide on that one. Whoever I get better value for is gone.

If push came to shove and I got great offers for Max and Salty, I’d be willing to amend that a bit and have Laird in the bigs and Tea in AAA. But basically I think you need one of the two more proven catchers up in the bigs and one of the younger guys in AAA ready to step up if the guy in Arlington goes down. Plus a full time starting gig in OKC might be just what Salty and/or Max needs to build up some trade value. You’re wasting a lot of value having a guy that talented caddy at the big league level like we did with Salty behind Laird this year. Good god that was stupid.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Oct 13, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Max's value

also lies in the fact that he could platoon at DH right? If he backs up salty or TT for say 40 games and gets another 80 games at DH, I would be happy with that. However, in that instance, I would keep the three young catchers, playing one at AAA, and simply trade laird. I would be ok with your take on it too so I guess one important question to answer is whether the ranger’s think Max’s bat is major league caliber ready right now.

by Goyogringo on Oct 13, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laird's value

Do you think Laird’ value has made a significant change from last offseason to this?

by tyd3311 on Oct 13, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um, yeah

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Oct 13, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't.

Do you Personally see him differently as a player?

by tyd3311 on Oct 13, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No I don't personally see him differently, but yes I think he raised his value a bit

There’s something to be said for proving on the field this year that he’s the kind of guy we thought he was.

He didn’t set the world on fire this year (.276/.329/.398/.727), but his ‘07 was absolutely putrid. He hit .224 with a .627 OPS. That’s awful. Anyone trading for him after a season like that had to be worried that the ‘07 Laird might just be the real Laird. Now he’s more of a sure thing, and there’s a lot of value in that. Sure he’s a year older and a year closer to FA, but now a team doesn’t worry whether they just traded for a guy who’s gonna do nothing but take big old stinky dumps of suck all over the field.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Oct 13, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What kind of player

would you term as good value for Laird?

I think if we could get a good young bullpen arm for him, that’d be great.

by tyd3311 on Oct 13, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds about right

A nice young bullpen arm like an Edwar Ramirez, Ramon Ramirez, Leo Nunez or Manny Delcarmen would be a great return. (Though some of those guys obviously have more value than others.) I’d be pretty freaking ecstatic if we could snag one of those guys for Laird.

Or you could look to flip him for a fellow “slightly flawed, good but not great and getting a bit expensive”-type. Think Coco Crisp or Ian Snell or Kahlil Greene types.

Or you could look at a mediocre-ceilinged young 4th/5th starter type. I wouldn’t want to speculate on who this might be on other clubs, but think Tommy Hunter or maybe Eric Hurley-types.

Or at least that’s where I think his value probably is.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Oct 13, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ian snell

Laird for snell…really? I think that might be a pipe dream.

baseBALLIN!

by kevzta on Oct 18, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

Snell has some good potential, but look at his actual results. This reminds me of the Bonderman debate. Snell has 1 decent season and 1 good season under his belt and is coming off of a terrible year. He’s not making a ton of money, but we are still talking about the Pirates and he isn’t making the ML minimum.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Oct 18, 2008 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not a Snell guy, but it’s a pipe dream.

by Brett Perryman on Oct 18, 2008 9:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally, no

but that wasn’t your question. Personally, I knew he wasn’t as bad as his 2007 stats might indicate.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Oct 13, 2008 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Im not sure he can hold a .276

Imo as an everyday player he will end up being somewhere between this year and last year.

by tyd3311 on Oct 13, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably right

I really hope some team likes him a lot for his veteranness.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Oct 13, 2008 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Martin Perez

Honestly it is not just parks that raves about this guy. This is happening all around baseball with columnists like callis, etc iirc. I hate to put this on him but has there been a lefty this well thought of recently in the rangers organization? Ive said this before but i just love the fact that by the time perez is ready we may have a rotation of feliz, holland, beavan, main and hunter/harrison. not bad…..

by booyahcaveman on Oct 11, 2008 6:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Interesting question

Wilson Alvarez, John Danks, and Derek Holland are pretty much the only ones that come to mind, not counting, like, David Clyde and Dave Righetti from the 70’s.

Mario Ramos was a top 50 prospect when he came over, but he was obviously not regarded as a complete guy or one with the upside that Perez apparently has. Bohanon was also top 50 on the first top 100 list in 1990, but he had some limitations himself. Ben Kozlowski, Dan Smith and Corey Lee are the only other lefties who have made BA top 100s since they’ve been around.

For what it’s worth, I would expect that Holland this spring will make the highest appearance that a Rangers lefty has ever made on the BA top 100. Bohanon at 45 was the highest so far, and Ramos at 49 is the only other one to make the top 50. Danks never broke the top 50.

by Brett Perryman on Oct 12, 2008 1:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Holland

how high could he realistically be ranked? Top 25?

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Oct 12, 2008 5:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think he makes it inside the top 20, but 21-25 might be a possibility. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s top 25 in other rankings besides BA, though. For BA, my guess is in the 30s somewhere.

by Brett Perryman on Oct 12, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Was Kurt Miller a lefty or a righty?

I don’t remember, but I remember he went as high as 14 one year.

Okay, looked it up. He’s a righty. 14th overall in 1992, 11th overall in 1993. Wow. I was to young to really follow things that closely back then, but it seems like he was an absolute stud. TINSTAASFPP, I suppose.

11th is the highest any Ranger pitcher has ever been ranked by BA since they started the list in ’90. Wonder if Neftali can finally unseat good old K-Mil as our highest ranked pitcher ever.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Oct 12, 2008 7:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Will be close, but my guess right at this moment is that he’ll be just outside of that.

On Miller, yeah, you probably have to consider him the greatest pitching bust since the 70s for the Rangers. A guy who ranked 11th, 14th and 24th in baseball (the consistency of his high ranking added a lot to his promise at the time, I’d think) should have a pretty good shot at being a frontline pitcher, but he has a 7.48 career ERA in 80 major league innings to show for it. As I recall, at least by the time that he and Nen were dealt away for the gutless Carpenter, he hadn’t blown out his arm like other disappointments like Lewis, Dittfurth, Cedeno, etc. did.

by Brett Perryman on Oct 12, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs