Wilson to rotation? Sullivan mailbag
by t ball on Oct 13, 2008 2:14 PM CDT
Email
Print
I'm calmly reading the mailbag while eating and I almost did the spit your coffee all over thing.
What will become of C.J. Wilson? Will he bounce back, or would you package him with some hitters for a proven starter?
-- Craig M., Texarkana, Texas
Right now, Frank Francisco is the leading candidate to be the closer, while Wilson could still be an effective eighth-inning power left-hander. There is some talk about moving him back into the rotation.
The front office has long said he's staying in the bullpen, so this seems to be a change. Very interesting, and I know many of us would welcome that move if it happened.
Also of note, Sullivan says Peavy is on the market but will only waive his no-trade for NL clubs; he thinks Casey Blake or Joe Crede might make sense at 3B; and that signing Hamilton long term is a priority.
64 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
That makes so little sense to me...
He threw way too many pitches for one inning of work last year. What signs make the Rangers think he would be better in the rotation?
Sometimes I think that this team is one or two really stupid moves away from making me an Astros fan.
Well he sucked this year, so if he pitches next year anything like he did this year
then he’s f’d no matter what his role is.
The debate of whether or not Chris-John would be better suited to starting has raged time and time again. I’m not gonna rehash it for you. Do a quick search on here and you’ll hear both sides of the argument.
Oh, and if you’d ever actually consider leaving the Rangers and becoming an Astros fan or even consider considering leaving the Rangers and becoming an Astros fan… then don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. You’re either a fan or your not. I’ll assume that was a joke, but it’s still sucky to joke about such things.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Oct 13, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions
It's sucky to mention the Astros at all...
…for they are one big giant vortex of suck. Their fans, too.
Yeah, it was a joke.
I would sooner not follow baseball at all than become a fan of any other team.
I understand being protective of the Rangers, but did that seriously warrant such a reaction? Out of everything that has been and could be said on this board, joking the Astros gets a “don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out”?
"until they are good, they are not good" - seth
by inactive lsb user on Oct 13, 2008 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes it did.
There are some thing that, like or not, you’re just not allowed to joke about in polite company.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Oct 13, 2008 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Okay...
Maybe I just don’t understand the hatred for the Astros. I would flip out if one of my Rangers fan friends said they were switching to the Angels, A’s, Mariners, Yankees, Red Sox, or Cubs, but the Astros?
Please do enlighten me.
The fact that you'd even ask that question
means you suck pretty hard.
I mean probably you’re a great guy on the inside, but I’m ashamed as hell to have you rooting for my team.
Sorry.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Oct 13, 2008 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I guess I should've expected this sort of response...
But I sorta hoped that you’d be one of the few guys on the board who would understand that just because I didn’t grow up around a family of rabid baseball fans who have intimate knowledge of all Texas sports rivalries, and would take the time to explain it to me after I admitted that I don’t understand the situation and genuinely asked you to help me be a more knowledgeable fan.
I’m just going to assume you’re joking and aren’t actually someone who would be that big of a douche to someone random on the Internet who you don’t even know.
Rangers and Astros aren't rivals
…that is something dreamed up by Bud Selig to have this stupid 6 games vs. the Astros every summer. Knowledge of a nonexistant rivalry is not necessary.
+1
Now if Budford Selig ever did the right/smart thing and put us together in the same division… then you’d get a nice thick creamy rivalry with little chunks of hatred in it.
For now… Meh.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Oct 14, 2008 9:20 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what I thought.
When I wrote the first comment in this thread, I thought about the franchises I mentioned before deciding to pick an innocuous team like the Astros, because (or so I thought) who the hell cares what the Astros do?
Little did I know I was raising my fist to the heavens and damning the baseball gods themselves.
Cuz they're in Houston
That is reason enough right there.
"Over the last 15 months, we’ve traveled to every corner of the United States. I’ve now been in 57 states" - Barack Obama
by LSBUser on Oct 13, 2008 8:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Well he may not have that dominant single pitch but a few really good pitches that
may be more effective when mixed. It’s hard to use lots of different types of pitches in the closer’s role, where the situation is more of a “you know what I got, let’s see if you can hit it” scenario. frankfranKKKK has a seriously good splitter that appears to be returning to form.
Go Rangers!
Which I believe some have said was the reason for his high pitch count
Tinkering on the mound too much with too many different pitches. Not that I know anything, but I’ve always thought he was starter material.
Sometimes I think the org read too much into the whole, “CJ’s a strange bird, perfect for the bullpen” thing. To me, his stuff is middle of the rotation starter with an upside of No. 2 material in our lefty-friendly ballpark.
by robert_d_wilfong on Oct 13, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
i think...
….when it comes down to it, i don’t have faith in Ceej being dependable for a lot of innings. which really precludes him from anything but a reliever role… and with his ever developing mental and lefty/righty splits issues… i don’t want to go into a season with him in the middle of my rotation and expect to get 150+ innings outta that guy, as you’d suggest.
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
apparently he is still open to 3 AL clubs.
I doubt the Rangers are one of them.
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
i will take a guess at the teams
angels
boston
new york
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
by knockoutking on Oct 13, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmmm... I was gonna say Rangers, Royals, Blue Jays
but your guess does sound a little more likely. Let’s go with yours.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Oct 13, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Blake at 3B?
That’s the route I would expect the Rangers to go. it seems like the most straight-forward offseason moves would be to trade for a young, top-2 rotation guy and sign a 3B with at least average skills on defense. AJM brought up the problem that Blake will likely get more than a 1-yr or 2-yr deal. That would be a problem when Andrus is ready, but not if Andrus is traded for a young, top-2 rotation guy. I think 3B is the most interesting position on the field that JD will have to address. The pitching coach is the most interesting position, period.
I still think Blake makes the most sense. He’s no gold glover, but he’s not a black hole either. I don’t have Dewan’s +/- in front of me, but his RZR, OOZ, and fielding percentages are league average or better over the past few years.
It doesn’t make sense to trade for a 3B, unless Andrus is traded. It would be a crafty political move to have MY move over the 3B. I don’t really see that happening, unless the Rangers trade for an obviously better short stop in all facets of the game, which I don’t see happening because I think their trade chips will be saved for pitching. So, a veteran 3B seems like the approach that will be taken. If the contract isn’t too large, you can eat it or maybe trade it.
Go Rangers!
Blake
Even if he wants a 2 year deal thats fine. If Andrus is in fact ready by Opening Day 2010 then Blake becomes a very nice trade chip. And if Andrus sputters in AAA and needs more time, say mid season 2010 then you have someone in place already.
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.
Would you go three? And for how much?
And if that’s what you’re going to do, why not decline the option on Blalock and use that $6.5mm elsewhere?
by robert_d_wilfong on Oct 13, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions
Blalock
6.5 mil for a 28 year old with tons of potential who, when healthy, is a well above average hitter is a bargain. Ideal scenario is Blalock stays healthy, performs up to the levels he is capable of, and we can trade him away midseason for one or more top prospects.
As for Blake I would be wary of giving 3 years. A guy with 2 years left on his deal is alot harder to deal than a guy with 1 year. Not talking young stars here but just regular players.
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.
but thats a big IF
and its more likely that he is not healthy. if we pick up his option then we most likely have 6.5 mill on the DL
why not spend that 6.5 mill on a pitcher
3B
Blake on a multi-year deal doesn’t make sense over Metcalf-to-Young these next 5 years.
People are conjuring long-term fixes for what’s basically a 2009 problem. Andrus is probably here in 2009, but not later than 2010.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Oct 13, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions
CJ
I think what would help him more than anything is just to grow up a little. I’m not picking on him I just know when I was that age I could do some pretty stupid things. Fortunately, I wasnt preforming in front of tens of thousands in person or TV, so, I am pretty sure there is no video or paper record of my various stupidities. Just the normal maturation process sometimes does wonders
CJ
If they decide to move him back to the rotation he will most likely need at least until June to build up stamina in the minors. But I really don’t see the need to move him back to the rotation. As a starter he is probably only a back of the rotation guy anyway. How many of those do we have already who will be fighting for innings? Hurley, Harrison, Hunter, Feldman, Nippert, Mendoza, Mathis, BMac.
Frankly I don’t see the need to move him back. If he can be a nice bullpen arm those are very important as well. He may not be the closer anymore but a good lefty in the pen is a valuable piece to championship clubs.
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.
Too much talent to be a situational guy
Maybe I overrate him, but I think there’s too much there to put him in such a role.
by robert_d_wilfong on Oct 13, 2008 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions
yea but the question is when does he "put it all together"
if you move him back to the rotation you lose what, half a season?
i think you leave him in the pen and let him attempt to pitch his way back into the closers job
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
by knockoutking on Oct 13, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
CJ's talent
even on his best days, he has a lot of problems with RH batters (righties had a .381 obp against him in his “breakout” 2007). Can’t really make a starter or a closer out of a pitcher with such a flaw.
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
Yeah, I suspect
that CJ ends up as a LOOGY rather than a starter or a closer. It’d be nice if he could start or close, but I’m not sure he can handle the righties consistently, especially if they get a couple of looks at him.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
I think he ends up as a Ron Mahay type guy
A guy who’s used primarily as a LOOGY but who’s effective enough against righties to stick it out for an inning or two where he has to face a few righties. A LOOGY+ I’d call him.
Though it must be said I think he has the potential to be more than that.
I’d love for them to give him a shot as a starter next year and see what he does with it.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Oct 13, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Throw the gyro!
"until they are good, they are not good" - seth
by inactive lsb user on Oct 13, 2008 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions
CJ
I think he should go into ST and compete for the closer job with frankfranKKKK. CJ had bone spurs. He performed well until he felt the aggravation from the bone spurs became too much.
Go Rangers!
That's my feeling as well
I think moving to the rotation would just give him another chance to think too much. Get healthy and just throw.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
CJ
He moves as a last resort, ie just stick him in the AAA rotation because he’s unreliable in high-leverage relief situations.
There’s no way. It’s not nearly that bad a situation for him.
Go Strangers.
+1
It’s not nearly that bad a situation for him.
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
by knockoutking on Oct 13, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions
A quick point my own opinions of Sullivan’s latest mailbag:
In this winter’s absolutely miserable third base market (and believe me, it’s bad), Blake is going to snag at least two years and possibly three. Texas has no business fooling around with a three-year deal for a 35-year-old third baseman that alternates between above- and below-average offensive seasons and is, according to +/-, a bit below-average defensively.
If you’re not in favor of the internally derived Duran/Metcalf/Vazquez club, and don’t think Blalock or Davis is a smart fit at the hot corner (which I really don’t), Joe Crede makes a certain degree of sense, if only because he’ll offer some pop and give you really solid defense and quite possibly come on a one-year deal. That’s assuming his back heals up, of course, but he’s a fine stopgap solution for 2009 and patches up a tremendous hole in the defense.
by Joey Matschulat on Oct 13, 2008 4:26 PM CDT reply actions
I really don't think
Blalock at 3B is an option due to Blalock himself. I don’t think he wants to get injured in his FA year. I think Blalock will be pushing for 1B.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
Blalock
Sickels site had a comment suggesting Blalock as the DH, allowing Davis to 1B.
The one good thing, esp in a development year, is Max can step in at DH should Blalock falter.
And if Blalock doesn’t falter, Max can step in after Hank gets dealt.
Just one scenario, although even while writing this I lean harder towards leaving Max at catcher.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Oct 13, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions
I suppose it partly depends on how much validity you assign to this quote from Rosenthal a month ago
The Rangers’ Hank Blalock is another possibility [in the offseason trade market at third base]; the team could exercise his $6.2 million option for ‘09 with the intention of trading him. Blalock has played first base since returning from a shoulder injury, but is committed to an offseason throwing program with the goal of returning to third next season. He does not turn 28 until Nov. 21, and the Rangers could not ask for much more than a mid-level prospect or two in return.
by Joey Matschulat on Oct 13, 2008 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I just remember
that Blalock was actively pushing for 1B this year.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
I know
So do I. Hard to know exactly what’s going on with these conflicting accounts.
by Joey Matschulat on Oct 13, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions
I think
he might have seen that as best for the team. He did that before Davis busted onto the scene, and he probably had no idea the sort of impact he’d make. At the same time, Ramon Vazquez was playing well at 3B, so Blalock could have seen it as the best scenario for him and the team at the time, not really getting the big picture.
by Brett Perryman on Oct 13, 2008 10:05 PM CDT up reply actions
Plus...
his wing and body in general were (are) in not great shape. You can’t hide a bad arm at third. IIRC, Z is right about the timing. If Blalock can play third, I think he should so he can be shopped at both positions next year.
1/20/09 - The end of a error.
3B in 2009
What about a Metcalf/Nomar platoon?
Check the stats. They could put up a .280/.360/.470 line.
Well, the first problem is that they're both right-handed hitters
by Joey Matschulat on Oct 13, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions
true
but looking at their stats, it looks like Metcalf hits RHP better, and Nomar hits lefties. Granted, that is based solely on 2008 stats. Still, I like the idea of this sort of short term solution, rather than draining money into someone like Blake.
now that i have looked back longer
i stand by this claim. I think they could collectively put up an OPS of .820 or so.
Plus, I like the idea of adding a veteran like Garciaparra to help against LHP and mentor our younger players.
That .368/.455/.737 from Metcalf against RHP in 2008
Came in 19 AB. In 102 AB against RHP in 2007, he hit .269/.318/.451, and in OKC in 2008, he hit .262/.305/.389 in 221 AB.
That’s better across the board than what he managed to do against LHP in all three samples, but then that’s not saying a whole lot either.
Still, that probably is a better solution than Blake.
by Joey Matschulat on Oct 13, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions
I really hope they put him in the rotation
he COULD be a dominant starter and i would rather have a guy who has chance of being a #2 rather than a guy who is more reliable but a #5 in the rotation
What a tweener...
Would the player get a firm ML contract offer?
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Oct 13, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions
would the Rangers...
offer arb?
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
If they did he would take it.
A bunch of midgets with no arms could pitch better than us. -iorange555
That's the problem.
"until they are good, they are not good" - seth
by inactive lsb user on Oct 13, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions
since jamey wirght's name was tossed in here
What about willie eyre in this “role”, assuming re “returns” from his medical problems?
Eyre
Even if he is healthy I’d imagine he’d need some time in the minors to rediscover his feel first, but at some point in the future he should be an option to fill some sort of bullpen role (likely long relief). But for right now, I’d say Josh Rupe and Dustin Nippert will likely be the ones to take over Wright’s role in the ’pen for ’09.
"M’s fans are such weenies." - Zywica
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
