A Shot at Texas in 2009
by bbdbrandon on Oct 17, 2008 9:20 AM CDT
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PrintOver at The Outsiders Look I am in the midst of a series of what I would do if I were in the shoes of a Major League General Manager. This installment has me breaking down the Rangers and giving an in depth analysis of the best plan of attack for the Rangers in 2009 and looking forward.
Over at Minor League Ball, John Sickels has opened the door for discussion as to what you would do, I'd like to continue that discussioin here.
That is, with all the tools in the minor league system, the glimpse of hope, specifically from Hamilton, Kinsler, Davis, and the boatload of impressive catchers, should the Rangers give it a go in 2009, or let the high ceiling pieces fall into place for 2010 and beyond?
I asserted in WWOD that the Rangers should make two major moves:
- Trade M. Ramirez to the Kansas City Royals for L. Hochevar, and
- Trade J. Saltalamacchia to the Boston Red Sox for C. Buccholz
The club, in my opinion should also attempt to be aggressive with some of their high ceiling pitchers, specifically Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz. It would also be interesting to see the Rangers be slightly more patient with their prospects once they finally do make the show.
Keep in mind, this article is written from the perspective of what would I do. The moves I suggested may not be moves that the Rangers would make, rather, they are moves that I would make if I were sitting in the front office in Arlington.
So what would you do?
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Ugh
Is it Spring Training yet? Wait. Is it even the World Series yet?
by aggierangerfan00 on Oct 17, 2008 9:21 AM CDT reply actions
If the Rays had a bullpen it would be.
"Either we need to re-calibrate our rectangle, or Alfonzo Marquez is not having a good night." - Josh Lewin
by utlonghorn24 on Oct 17, 2008 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Confused...
Are the Rangers in the World Series?
Are the Rangers only making moves during Spring Training?
We are beginning to hear rumors of GM’s negotiating trades, with the winter meetings just around the corner, and free agency about to start up, it certainly is not too early for any team to begin thinking about the off-season.
In fact, I would argue that even the teams that are in the playoffs have not entirely closed their books on the future.
The Scouting Reports
make is sound favorable.
Keep in mind, this is an uber aggressive plan and one that would require a continued high performance for it to occur. The make issue would be a spike to his innings in my opinion.
Neil Ramirez, who pitched for short season Spokane?
The Rangers use AAA as an extended rotation. It will be stacked with guys like Hurley, Hunter, Mendoza, Nippert, Mathis, who all could be called up for a spot start or short fill-in should a ML SP get injured.
Go Rangers!
that would be a HUGEEEEEEEEEEEEEE jump
more than tommy hunter this yr? or the same as hunter?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
on a related note
i am starting to think Main could spend more time in the upper levels of the minors next year than anyone currently thinks.
If Ramirez makes it to AA next season
I’ll find a horse’s head and take a picture of myself drinking in a bar.
and i'll buy you and hurlhurl both a drink
end of the year, he might see AA, but AAA, seriously?!
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
by ivysafety39 on Oct 17, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
isnt that the same jump that holland made this year?
from low a to AA?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
if we have a second pitcher turn into what holland did this year we're gonna get sued by the league for illegal hording of talent.
neil ain’t dutch. though i’ll be happy if he is.
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
lmao +1
That’s sig-worthy right there.
"Either we need to re-calibrate our rectangle, or Alfonzo Marquez is not having a good night." - Josh Lewin
by utlonghorn24 on Oct 17, 2008 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions
How many days does he have to be at AA?
Poveda got a spot start a couple of years ago at the end of a nice year in Clinton.
Go Rangers!
Spot starts
like Poveda and Reed don’t count. Needs to be a promotion.
I’m almost willing to bet Ramirez doesn’t see high A next season. The kid’s innings were low enough in 2008 that no matter how well he pitches in 2009 his innings limit isn’t going to allow him to climb very far. Not to mention he’s coming off a broken pitching hand. All that Kid will get in 2009 is safe reps and stamina.
and if anyone knows about this stuff its shroom
how long have you been doing the calendar?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
btw, fwiw
Poveda’s only AA start – July 22nd of the 2006 season.
IIRC, Frisco just needed a fresh arm to rest their staff.
obviously, extensive prep work done.
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
dude, he's one of the top ten pitching prospects in all of baseball.
and i read the article. don’t cunfuse a sarcastic poke at your facts for a judgement on the article as a whole.
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
by ivysafety39 on Oct 17, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't mean to be rude
but much of what you are discussing on this thread has recently been discussed at length in other recent threads.
for this debate, scroll through this thread.
holland is a lefty...
…being a lefty with possibly 3 plus pitches… he gets the nod in my opinion… though its only by a hair.
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
by ivysafety39 on Oct 17, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
Like I said in the thrad Clark linked above, the difference between Neftali and Dutch is like the difference between a red corvette and a yellow one.
"M’s fans are such weenies." - Zywica
I’m personally in the Laird for Bailey bandwagon myself. If Nolan can exploit his iconic status in the mind of Bailey and get him coached up good, it’d be a steal for us.
Hey, you never know
If they’re really down on Homer, they just might. Last I saw, their top two MLB catchers where Paul Bako and Javier Valentin.
"M’s fans are such weenies." - Zywica
Oh, if only it where as easy as you make it sound
Some thoughts/opinions:
- The Rangers apparently made a hard run at the Royals Zack Greinke back at the trade deadline, and they where rebuffed. If KC isn’t willing to discuss Greinke, who only has two years of service time left, I kinda doubt they’d consider moving Hochevar. The last thing the Royals need to do is start trading their young, controllable SP’s and I think they know that, too.
- I keep trying to invent ways to get rid of Michael Young myself, but the reality is, the man is locked into a massive contract with a no-trade clause. About the only thing the Rangers will be able to do with that soon-to-be albatross is stick him at third base once Andrus arrives and watch him continue to decline offensively.
- It seems the catcher the Rangers will most likely be trying to move this winter is Gerald Laird. He’s complained repeatedly about not getting his due in playing time – despite the fact that whenever we give him the playing time he wants, he starts hitting like Jason Varitek. He’s never going to accept a backup role here in Texas, and that, along with the fact that both Saltalamacchia and Teagarden are about ready for the show, should make him very expendable this winter.
- Personally, I want the Rangers to keep one of Salty/Ramirez, not trade them both. Taylor Teagarden still has plenty of question marks surrounding his offense despite being a September Superstar this year – so from the standpoint of balance, I think it would be a good idea to keep at least one of the potential offensive stud catchers around.
- I look at the Florida Marlins as more of a viable trade partner for Texas’ catching depth than KC or even Boston. They’ve got a ton of young SP depth (including Ricky Nolasco, who is apparently up for arb and makes me salivate) and are undoubtably looking for a catcher, possibly especially a young, cost controlled one. From the standpoint of needs matching up and possible willingness to deal they seem like the most likely team for Texas to deal with this winter.
Boston does need a catcher badly, but from what I’ve heard, Buchholz probably isn’t on the table unless they’re somehow overwhelmed with a can’t-refuse package. And I’m not really all that hot to trot over Masterson or Bowden, so if I can’t get Buchholz without expending too much in return I personally am not all that interested in dealing with them – just my opinion.
"M’s fans are such weenies." - Zywica
catching
it could difficult for JD to navigate the catching market this winter. The Marlins had their own late season superstar in John Baker. I think the Red Sox and Yankees will both be actively seeking a young catcher, but as you said, neither Masterson or Bowden are sure things. At this point last year I would have argued for the Reds or Brewers, but both of those teams have young catchers now who they view as long term options.
In my estimation, the most likely move is a trade with the Red Sox. JD and Theo have worked together before and the Red Sox are known to have interest in Salty. I could see a Salty for Masterson AND one of their young OFs, and while that trade is not sexy (Masterson is probably a mid rotation guy at best), it would only make the Teixeira haul look even better down the road.
Thanks...
RE: Grienke
I’d say his status, due to performance, is significantly higher then Hochevar’s. While you are correct that the Royals need to build around their pitching, they also are DESPERATE for help behind the plate. Max is as good of an option as the Royals will be able to find.
RE: Young
Who signed him to that contract? Not once in his career has he been worth $16M. Was this demanded by the fan base?
RE: Laird
That is a great point, I simply cannot see what any team would give for him. If I’m Rangers, I tell him to WIN the job and perform at a high level for 2009 and we’ll shop him after that point. But right now, their hands are tied.
RE: Salty/Max/Teag
You bring up a great point. With the pitching depth the Rangers have in the minors, it wouldn’t be a terrible decision to keep two and simply wait. I just see both acquisitions as important to building an ‘experienced’ top core for when the rest are ready.
RE: Florida
That could be a great location for a starter. My issue with Florida is with how they traditionally treat their arms. If I’m a club, I don’t go after a Florida arm unless they are coming on the cheap.
RE: Buchholz
It’s a tough call. If I’m the Sox, this is a trade I make. They don’t have anyone in the system, and there is hardly a reasonable replacement on FA. Furthermore, while Buchholz is an outstanding arm, the club is relatively deep in the rotation between DiceK, Beckett, and Lester. Add Masterson and Bowden and the obvious drive for a free agent, it simply makes sense.
The Rangers may have to kick in another chip though, so you are right.
On Young and Laird
Young’s extension was indeed pretty much move to pander to the fanbase – MY is basically the Derek Jeter of Texas. No matter how much he stinks, the media and the fans will always be completely oblivious to it. It’s probably the most unfortunate situation about this team right now.
As for Laird, that’s basically the approach we took with him in 2008: we told him to win the job at the start of the year, and he did, performing beyond expectations in the first half while platooning with Saltalamacchia. But we handed him the full-time job for the second half, and all he did was reward us with a .242/.294/.354 line for the remainder of the season. And this really isn’t anything new for him – he had his career high .806 OPS in 2006 while platooning with good ‘ol Rod Barajas, but dropped to an atrocious .627 OPS when we gave him the full-time job for ’07. There honestly seems to be some sort of a block with him when it comes to performing when his job isn’t on the line – and at some point we’ve got to cut the cycle if for no other reason than being able to focus on our young catchers.
"M’s fans are such weenies." - Zywica
Brandon,
I like your ideas, as I would assume most on here would, but I think neither trade has any likelihood of actually happening.
I am stealing this
from my reply on another thread:
…some players just don’t get traded. think about holland, and how few players in baseball you would trade him for, and then consider that Buccholz has already pitched a major league no hitter and was widely considered the best pitching prospect in baseball at this time last year. he has dominated his first two starts in the AFL in a hitter friendly league. i don’t think his struggles this year are enough to make Boston give any realistic thought to including him in a deal.
For Hochever, as was stated above, the Royals are in a very similar situation to the Rangers, and they have a Braves-esque philosophy of building a team around pitching, so I doubt they will trade one of their young (potential) studs for a bat who really doesn’t have a clear position yet.
RE: Catchers
I truly hate when this tab is placed on young catchers. The same has been said about Victor Martinez for the last 4 years, but the guy has worked hard at his craft and is certainly not the dud behind the plate most make him out to be.
I do somewhat agree with your claim regarding Buchholz and Hochevar, that they are players that don’t traditionally get traded. Do you think the same claim would have been said about Matt Garza, Delmon Young, Josh Hamilton, and Edinson Volquez last year?
ummmmmmm
garza for delmon and hamilton for volquez were both fairly high risk/reward deals
garza for delmon was 2 teams trading from a surplus
voleuqz for hamilton was two teams tradeing guys who COULD be good or COULD be flameouts
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Suplus...
In my Royals edition I moved Soria to the rotation, something that SHOULD occur in my opinion. That would give the Royals a rotation of Grienke, Meche, Soria, Davies, and Bannister with Rosa waiting in the wings. While this certainly does not equal a ‘surplus’ it puts the club in a much better position then they sit with their catchers.
The Red Sox have Dice K, Beckett, and Lester for what, the next 4-6 years? They have Bowden and Masterson as excellent options for 2009 and beyond. The club will certainly be a player for a big name free agent in the next year or two, not to mention other, fairly highly regarded pitching prospects within the system.
In other words, I’d say the Red Sox have as close to a pitching surplus as there is. Probably more so then what the Twins had entering 2008 (see signing Livan Hernandez).
ok first of all
bowden is overrated. rangers could have already gotten him (gagne trade) and didnt want him to. im not sold on bowden at all
masterson is good
but the point is that no one is dumb enough to think they will have the same 5 starters all year long. this year the rangers had 15 starters. hell, the red sox had 11
and yes, i think they should move soria into the rotation, but who do they have at the upper levels of the minors? not really anyone
and yes, they could use a catcher but i dont see the ragners going after hochevar. why go after another back of the rotation guy when they have: hurley, harrison, etc etc etc?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
fair enough...
my point is, the red sox are not going to go into 2009 with a back end of 2 of masterson, bowden, and buchholz. they will more then likely add a free agent.
so that leaves 3 prospects for one slot. not a terrible issue, but that still leaves a major hole at the catchers.
the royals have rosa who, if healthy, looks to be a solid major league starter.
i see hochevar as a vastly superior hurley, harrison, etc.
1) why wouldnt they go with a back of the rotation of say buchholtz/bowden and have masterson in the bullpen
thats what: beckett, dice-k, lester, buchholtz, bowden + where does wakefield fit in?
what FA do you think they sign? why would they spend a ton of money on a starting SP…ie one of the “top guys” when they already have a bunch of candidates for the back of the rotation with the top 3 spots locked up?
they arent the yankess here…
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
they aren't?
well, maybe they aren’t, but they are pretty darn close!
i mean, are we forgetting the matt clement debacle?
the club essentially PAID to take byrd for the rest of the season.
i wouldn’t be surprised to see the sox going after dempster. isn’t one of the japanese league (name just slipped my mind) fighting to come over? dakur?
you mean..
Yu Darvish?
"They shouldn't throw at me. I'm the father of five or six kids."
-Tito Fuentes, after getting hit by a pitch.
by Haeger Champ on Oct 17, 2008 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
clement
wasnt bad as a red sox pitcher, well he was but he historically had looked ok and made the allstar team in 05
byrd also didnt do bad with the red sox
and darvish is a guy that any team should go after. hes not a random FA. hes at the same level (or better) than yu darvish.
you may also be thinking of a younger pitcher (he pitched in the indy leagues there- well “indy” = non NPB)
but i bet your thinking of darvish
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions
as i stated above
i really think a masterson for salty trade, hopefully with another piece coming to the Rangers, is very possible this offseason. it almost makes too much sense.
i agree here
maybe one of the younger asian guys they have (theres a 2b and CF that are pretty good)…
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
masterson
i’d be fine with that. guess i was shooting for the stars…
doesn’t masterson remind you of mccarthy?
no
mccarthy was very highly thought of when he was in the minors (BAs 49th ranked prospect in 05)
mccarthy had a 9.97 k/9 and 1.72 bb/9 in 386 minor league innings
masterson was 64th going into this year
minor league k/9 of 7.45 and 2.28
also there were questions about masterson being a major league starter going into this year
vs mccarthy there never were the same quetsions…
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
sorry...
should have specified…
i meant by the way they ‘look’…pitching style, etc….
both are tall, lanky pitchers who throw in the high 80s.
masterson has a slider
mccarthy has a curve
not really
GB to FB ratio:
masterson: 1.83
mccarthy: .78
granted its just the majors but he had a huge GB ratio the last few yrs in the minors
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
comps
are those the major league figures from this season?
looks like invalid sample sizes…
that aside, mccarthy is a flyball pitcher, masterson is a groundball pitcher…
does that change the way they ‘look’?
those are the major league stats for this yr for masterson + career for mcarthy
if your going off “how they look” thats one thing if its two guys who are the same kind of pitchers
…but they arent
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
i'm going off...
physical features…
appearance
pitch type
pitch velocity
VERY similar.
the problem with the masterson numbers are that the sample size is FAR too small to compare.
they are COMPLETELY different kinds of pitchers
that may be alike
but thats not nearly enough of a reason to say you like one over the other
for example
randy johnson:
fb: 91.4
sl: 84.4
ch: 85.6
sf: 89.4
6’10" LHP
andy sisco:
fb: 92.6
sl: 83.0
ch: 84.7
sf: 85.6
6’10" LHP
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Question
When did I say I liked one over the other?
I simply said that Masterson REMINDS me of McCarthy.
and im just saying
that andy sisco reminds me of randy johnson
except that randy johnson is much better
and except that mccarthy was much more highly thought of as a prospect that masterson
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Masterson
can ramp it up to the mid 90s while in the bullpen and the low 90s in the rotation. a healthy mccarthy should be able to hit the low 90s as well.
a healthy McCarthy
I’m not sure such a thing exists. In fact, the dude is probably on a hospital gurney sucking on an oxygen mask right now, building up his strength for spring training.
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 17, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
LMAO
You know I think B-Mac takes more than his share of crap on the internets for things that he has no control whatsoever over (see: Aneel) but stuff like this is just brilliant. There’s a rec headed your way Tricer.
"M’s fans are such weenies." - Zywica
masterson - mccarthy
Yes they do have similarities, and that is a large part of the reason that I don’t like Masterson much at all. At least McCarthy has the ability to change speeds some. Masterson has 2 pitches, both in the 80’s, which I don’t think gives him much chance for long term success as a starter.
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
This sentence
to open the article confused me:
With one of baseball’s best young players to build around, the Rangers simply need to put together a supporting cast similar to what the Cardinals have put around Albert Pujols.
I assume you are talking about Hamilton, correct? Still, I would like to think that you could include him in a group with Kinsler and Davis as three truly impact bats in our lineup for the foreseeable future.
Also, I noticed you are very bullish on Garr. I thought that was interesting, as I would consider him as a member of a group of guys, including Wilson, Frankie, and Madrigal, who could be closers for this team in the next few years.
You are Correct
Kinsler is phenomenal, no doubt, but clearly Hamilton is the guy to build around. Kinsler doesn’t have a Card equivalent.
Davis is solid, but let’s equate him to Jim Edmonds or Scott Rolen when Pujols first arrived in St Louis. Power, ‘protection’ type hitter.
Nomar
I actually advocated signing Nomar to a one year deal in another thread a few days ago, although I would rather use him as a specialist against lefties, as that is where I think he really still has value.
Nomar
Not a terrible idea, especially with all the lefties in the West. However, his cost (probably $4-5M), would make as a VERY expensive platoon.
That said, he could also hold some nice trade value as that would certainly keep the CHANCES of him being healthy the highest.
Do you give both Hank and Mr. Hamm
money in 2009? One or the other it seems to me, and it sounds like The Bank will be back.
I don't think Hank sees 3B ever again.
But I still wouldn’t add Mr. Hamm with Blalock at 1B, unless I already whiffed on Blake and Creded.
Go Rangers!
i really don't see either of those guys
signing a one year deal, and i really believe the Rangers only need a one year stop gap at 3B.
things that aren't going to happen/aren't so.
1) michael young hitting 8th on opening day.
2) get clay bucholtz for salty without us throwing in something.
3) getting luke hochevar for maxram.
4) 2010 = pushing it for an arrival date for julio borbon.
5) david murphy batting second.
6) i don’t think i’ve ever heard anyone on this, what i consider an educated board, say they considered Garr to be the rangers “closer of the future”
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
Truths
1. You are right. But that doesn’t mean he deserve to be hitting higher. As I mentioned, this is what I would do with the Rangers.
2. Again, probably right. I can’t see it being a top piece though, so if I failed to mention the #56 prospect on the Rangers list, I’m certain we can all sleep at night.
3. I think you are incorrect here, but again, if it is a prospect outside of the top 30, not a big deal.
4. ‘Truly pushing it’. I’m thinking at September call-up at best.
5. I’m slightly higher on Murphy then most. I think the #2 slot is a ‘no pressure’ place he could excel in.
6. I’m sure an educated person would have said the 290 pound Sabathia couldn’t pitch as much as he has. That aside, who is the COF for the Rangers?
Young
you are as bearish on Young as you are bullish on Garr. Young’s contract sucks, but you and I aren’t the ones paying it, and until it obviously impedes us from signing someone, I am not against it. But don’t let the contract cloud your analysis of Young, especially as a batter. People who said he could be a Paul Molitor type of hitter into his late 30s were probably optimistic, but I could still see him hitting over .300 for the next 3-5 years, making him an ideal #2 hitter.
The Rangers
Are sitting around $70M in current contracts after starting 08 at $67M. While the club can ‘afford it’ Young at $16M for the next 5 years truly handcuff’s this club in a non-monetary manner. Do you bench a $16M player for the last 2 or 3 years of his contract?
While Young certainly can hit .300, no one is doubting that, if his OBP sits around .330, with minimal power and eroding fielding, he will be one of the worst short stops in the league for the last 2 or 3 years of his contract (if he isn’t already close to that today). Add in the fact that he is being paid like a top 10-20 player, i’d say this is a very sour situation.
he will not be a SS at the end of his contract
bank on it.
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
So where does he play?
As a weak fielding, weak hitting, weak on base corner infielder?
A weakER hitting/on base left fielder?
FOTF
m.y. moves to 3b – POSSIBLY 2b if you move garr
he wouldnt be a bad defensive 3b from most of what ive read (his tools would translate well)
no way to OF
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
could you imagine
a .790 ops from your 3b?
that’s the bottom half of the league, and IF his bat doesn’t take a further step back.
you do realize that a .790 OPS would have ranked him 12th in all of baseball, right?
ahead of ryan zimmerman, kouzmanoff, casey blake, alex gordon and just behind ty wigginton, edwin encarnacion and adrian beltre?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
i'll answer for him: no, he didn't realize that.
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
by ivysafety39 on Oct 17, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
11th Among Qualified
That was also a generous estimation. His career average is .790 and has been trending negatively since 2005. Among qualified’s, he would sit at 11 out of 19. IE. The bottom half.
Furthermore, of the 4 you mentioned, how many of them play in one of the leagues BEST hitters parks? You don’t think that Kouzmanoff, who add nearly 200 points to his road OPS wouldn’t be better in Texas? What about Zimm?
Also, if you had to pick one player out of Zimm, Kouz, Gordon, and Young to regress, who would it be?
Lastly, I think everyone would agree that Zimm, Kouz, and Gordon had disappointing seasons. But I’d wager they are more likely to improve then Young is.
though MY has descending range..
…it won’t be such an issue when he moves to third after this season when elvis adrus is ready to take over… MY won’t clog the lineup and though he will eventual be an eyesore at the plate, the defense we have had over the last couple seasons at third has cost us more runs than MYs bat will lower int he lineup in a couple years as long as he’s at third.
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
by ivysafety39 on Oct 17, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
garr as the closer of the future
already have:
madrigal
Fx2
blueglovelefty
all should be above garr in the future
add in some of the latin guys at thelower levels who could end up in the pen + maybe feliz and i dont see how in the hell you can say garr is the closer of the future
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
Stuff + K Rate + Improvement
One of the big things I look at with relievers is how their ‘stuff’ will translate to the show. In the lower levels of the minors, a lot of pitchers, relievers specifically, can get by on having electric stuff. Garr, while possessing some excellent stuff, does not seem to be getting by SOLELY on that.
Another thing I look at is an improvement a pitcher makes while moving up the ladder.
The one thing, as I mentioned, I would need to see is an improved (/return) control. I’m not arguing that he is the uncontested closer of the future, he’s simply the guy I see capable of being such.
does garr have a plus plus pitch?
he doesnt (that i know of) and i think to be a GOOD closer you have got to have at least one plus plus pitch (this is one of the probs w/ BGL and reasons that ppl want him to move to the rotation – multiple good pitches, no great pitches)
garr may be a closer but i dont see him jumping to being a closer at the major league level in the next year
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
sounds like
the slider is ‘getting’ to be plus plus.
the fastball also sounds as if it is a plus.
as for the timetable. i’d say he won’t be the closer until 2011.
so heres my question
WHY do you think he will be a better closer than guys who have already shown stuff at the major league level
your not at all worried about his 4.91 bb/9 rate? (including 5.3 bb/9 this year?)
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
the walk rate
was terrible this year, but i do see some promise. look at what he did in may and july of this year.
what pitchers are you talking about? madrigal? i like him, but i favor garr. wilson? francisco? benoit? i see each of those gone by the time garr is ready to take the reigns.
don’t get me wrong, a lot can happen…
so your going to cherry pick 2 months where he looked good?
what seperates garr from beau jones, laughter, falcon, hamburger, fabio castillo, hell even throw font in there?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
what sets him away from jones/laughter/falcon/hamburger/castillo/font?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
throw diamond into that as well plz
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
also why do you see wilson (27), francisco (28), madrigal (24) gone?
i understand why benoit is gone but not at all the rest
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
arbitration+never said that
wilson is arb eligible after this season. i don’t see him being worth what it will take to sign him. although francisco will be a nice barometer this season.
i never said madrigal would be gone. i actually like him.
wilson? francisco? benoit? i see each of those gone by the time garr is ready to take the reigns.
FWIW CJ was damn good 2 yrs ago (149 era+) and ti seems to be the consensus that at worst hes a bullpen guy…
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
wilson
seemed to take some major steps backwards this season. his era against lefties was over 2 points lower then it was against righties. his k rate was substantially higher against lefties.
the issue, however, is with his walk, hit, and homer rates. they appear to be inversely skewed.
Max Ramirez
I think you have to keep Max Ramirez. He’s your only RH power hitter that is near-ready, especially if Cruz doesn’t pan out in ‘09 and you don’t re-sign Bradley. You need a RH hitter to breakup Hamilton, Davis, and Murphy.
I think ’09 needs to answer a few questions—
1. Can Cruz play a whole year at MLB and hit for power?
2. Can Davis play 3b?
3. Who is your catcher?
If #1, than you can trade Max, otherwise you gotta keep him as your RH power hitter C/DH.
If #2, than you keep Davis, and slide Smoak into 1B. If not, than you can trade Davis.
#3.. anyone’s guess at this point.
trying to answer
1. I’m not sure, that’s why i advocate for the addition of a minor leaguer in Wilkin Ramirez.
2. I’d only try him out there a marginal amount of time.
3. Teag
wilkin ramirez
he of the 45bb to 149k ratio as a 22 y/o OF?
http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=11847
why teagarden over the rest? what do you do with the rest?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
ramirez+the rest
ramirez took some major steps in 2008, his tools finally began to develop and he looks like he is ready to take the next step. he would more or less be competition for 2010, something the rangers don’t really have.
the rest are traded, as i mentioned.
why do yyou keep laird even though he has bitched and moaned about being a backup?
and again why ramirez specifically?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Laird
Would, despite my depth chart, be the starter for 2009 with Teag ‘getting his feet wet’. I’m not a big proponent for the theory of a ‘winning clubhouse’ and Laird’s bitching and moaning wouldn’t be a factor for me.
Ramirez was just a player that stuck out to me. The Tigers could also go without him while certainly being in need of pitching in the minors.
ramirez
is just not enough there for me. not for kiker for damn sure. bleir idk
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
lets see
he didnt make the top 20 list for the eastern league this year (played 110 games)
he didnt make BA’s det top 10 this last year (and recall that francisco cruceta was their #9 prospect)
he didnt make BP’s det top 11 for last year (nor was in their 3 “just missed” players)
hes been in the tigers farm system for five years and finally made it to AAA this year, only to go 3-36 with 11 k’s, 0 bb – before he was demoted
sickels gave him a C last year (only place h was ranked taht i can find)
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Hows This...
“Always among the toolsiest players in the system, outfielder Wilkin Ramirez finally began to blossom at Double-A with a .303/.371/.522 campaign at Erie while showing power, speed, and an outstanding arm. Many scouts see big-league 20/20 potential,” -K. Goldstein
AND
“he Tigers have always seen Ramirez as one of the better high-ceiling players in their system. On paper he has above-average power, speed, and arm strength, but an inability to stay healthy or control the strike zone has prevented him from developing as expected. This year, the 22-year-old Dominican has stayed in the lineup and seems to be breaking out, currently batting .309/.374/.555 in the Eastern League and placing himself among the league leaders in batting, slugging, home runs, and stolen bases (23) after a monster weekend in which he went 8-for-13 with four home runs and eight driven in. Plate discipline is still an issue—in 93 games he’s struck out 113 times while drawing 36 walks—but everything else about his game has him back on the prospect radar.” -K. Goldstein
AND
Via K. Goldstein
“I like the way he goes about everything,” said the scout. “He has power, on-base skills, and don’t forget that he’s a 60 [on the 20-to-80 scouting scale] runner as well. His defense is adequate, but I think he’s the kind of guy who is an everyday corner outfielder on a first-division team—he could be pretty special.”
AND
“On the other hand, while the system has produced a lot of league-average talent, it is short on high-upside guys, and the Tigers must absolutely resist the temptation to deal someone like Wilkin Ramirez.” – N. Silver
A lot can change over the course of a year, and it sounds as if Wilkin has turned the corner from being a toolsy, upside, prospect, to one that is putting things together.
he has been playing for FIVE years
and still cant take a walk
and id rather have wladimir balentine.
the guy was so bad in THIRTY SIX ab’s at AAA they had to demote him.
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 18, 2008 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions
RE: Balentine
That’s actually not a bad idea. The major problem, if I’m not mistaken, Balentine’s service clock has begun. I also believe he probably is getting pretty low on options, if he has any left at all.
Conversely, Wilkin’s service clock hasn’t begun and he has all of his options remaining.
Balentine may put up the better fight, but Wilkin is the better value.
+1
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
from another baseball message board
Rangers: RHP Tae-Kyeong Ahn, South Korea – $800,000 bonus
Rangers: OF Esdras Abreu, Dominican Republic (a.k.a. Ezdra Abreu) – $550,000 bonus
Rangers: LHP Vicente Escobar, Venezuela (a.k.a. Edwin Escobar) – $350,000 bonus
Rangers: SS Oduble Herrera, Venezuela – 160,000 bonus
Rangers: LHP Wilmer Batista, Dominican Republic
Rangers: OF Hector Martinez, Dominican Republic
Rangers: OF Francisco Lugo, Mexico
Rangers: OF Teodoro Martinez, Venezuela
Rangers: SS Santiago Chirino, Venezuela
Rangers: 3B Carlos Torres, Venezuela – Miguel Cabrera’s cousin
Rangers: 2B Luis Villegas, Venezuela
Rangers: 3B Carlos Oropesa, Venezuela
Rangers: C Oswaldo Pirela
may help a little?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
thx
Is it okay if we just make it an LSB convention that Vicente [aka Edwin] Escobar is just “Pablo” from now on?
BTW, here’a an easy bookmark link for the future.
Well, you're very imaginative. You need to reign some of that imagination in with real-world evidence.
First, the #1 thing wrong with the Rangers is not Michael Young.
Rangers Problem #1: The top 2 in the rotation are much below a top 2 on a contender.
Rangers Problem #2: The hole at 3B, which is somewhat related to how well Young plays SS.
Getting Hochevar and Buchholz addresses #1, but it will take al ot more than you’ve suggested. Think about what Dan Haren brought back last year, and then think about the team that has Buchholz has him for cheap for 3 more years than the D-Backs have Haren. Similarly, Hochevar will take more than Max Ramirez to obtain.
With Wash around, Byrd is gonna start in LF and spell Hamilton in CF. He will not be a bench player. And, Mike Young is not gonna hit 9th.
Nomar Garciaparra is not a better shortstop in the field than Young. I don’t really see any reason to think about getting Nomar in terms of spelling Young.
No one, stats geeks or scouts, think Feliz is ready for ML action. Most think Holland is closer, but still in need of refining a 3rd pitch, though his fastball would probably make him a decent reliever right now.
Assuming you ignore all of this in order to start a discussion about what might be optimal rather than realistic for the Rangers. Here is what I would say about your ideas.
Rangers Problem #1: The ultimate answer to this problem is Tim Linececum. Clay Buchholz is an interesting additional name, but Timmy is the man we all wished the Rangers had. SF has interest in Blalock whom they almost traded for last trading deadline, and I’m sure a couple of other bats would be of interest to them How about running with the idea of a trade between the Rangers and SF rather than Boston or KC?
Could the Rangers live without Hamilton if they had Timmy?
Go Rangers!
yes in a heartbeat.
i would trade hamilton for lincecum in a heartbeat.
without a doubt.
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Replies
RE: Young
You are right, he isn’t the #1 problem. I don’t recall ever making that claim. In fact, correct me if I’m wrong, but I stated that the issue was with the rotation. I feel as though I furthered that by making the rotation the focus of my ‘moves’.
However, Young is going to become a MAJOR handicap for the future. He truly will have no place on this team, yet will be eating salary like a franchise player. He is a player the club truly needs to figure out WHAT to do with. In fact, I would argue his status is as much of an issue as locking up Kinsler and Hamilton.
RE: Haren
He was an established ‘ace’. Buchholz is not that. I equate this to the Young for Garza trade. Need/Surplus for Need/Surplus. I’d say you need to equate the trades in that manner, rather then with a player that went to the DBacks as a Cy Young candidate.
RE: Nomar v. Young
I’d say they are probably on par. However, I suggested bringing in Nomar for a year as the third basemen, while giving him time at first, DH, and short.
RE: Lincecum-Hamilton
Very tough call. I wonder if Hamilton is more a product of his environment? That is, is he easily replaced?
Lincecum isn’t going anywhere soon. He’s like Haren, only on a team with money. It would be like thinking Lester was available.
I guess I misinterpreted this????
First and foremost, this club needs to get rid of Michael Young.
Go Rangers!
No...
But that was on the ‘what the Rangers NEED’ list. With the prospects the Rangers have, they don’t REALLY NEED starting pitching. I guess that’s what I was saying.
Performance
If you were to pick one pitching for 2009 between Lester and Buchholz, who would it be? Buchholz has a lot of potential, but he’s going to need to put up a Lester 2008 season in order to achieve that. While Lester is no sure thing, his potential has been similarly as high. Another sound 2009 and there’s no reason he’s not a cornerstone of the Sox.
going into this year you realize that MOST baseball insiders would have said buchholtz, right?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Looks Like it...
BP has Buchholz rated #1 in their top 10 under 25 with Lester at #2.
PECOTA loves Buchholz and went into 2008 not really ‘feeling it’ for Lester.
It will be interesting to see how that flip flops this year.
another top XX under 25
http://www.projectprospect.com/article/2008/08/29/top-15-under-25
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
howdo you think...
that list looks this year…
not that its a terrible thing, but buchholz is sort of reminding me of homer bailey.
ahh
because buchholtz is known to have a work ethics problem, see baseball as a job (not something he loves/enjoys) and has problems with coachability
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
interesting
you pick and choose character traits…
i was referring to a pitcher who was great in the minors only to struggle in the bigs.
i didnt pick and choose
you may or may not know this but do a quick search on homer bailey on this board or on google and those are all things that have come up about him. hell being from texas most of us know there were whispers about him before he was drafted
look it up, the info is out there.
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions
also know that BP writers have said he has little to no value
maybe less than anthony reyes.
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
Bradley
a Type A free agent
because he hasn't even reached his peak yet, up until this point, he just did it on talent. - Ron Washington on Josh Hamilton
w00t
this is for sure or is this that guys reverse engineered rankings?
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
does anyone know
how accurate that guy has been in the past?
if this is true, it is a great thing for the team…
Type
Sounds like a toss up between A and B. Either way, that draft pick is too high to ‘give up’ by retaining Bradley.
Either way, that draft pick is too high to ‘give up’ by retaining Bradley.
what?
AL Adjusted OPS+
Bradley-TEX 163
Rodriguez-NYY 153
Quentin-CHW 149
Youkilis-BOS 145
Huff-BAL 137
Markakis-BAL 136
Hamilton-TEX 136
Kinsler-TEX 134
Mauer-MIN 134
Morneau-MIN 134
MLB Adjusted OPS+
Pujols-STL 190
Jones-ATL 177
Ramirez-TOT 164
Bradley-TEX 163
Berkman-HOU 158
Teixeira-TOT 153
Rodriguez-NYY 153
Ludwick-STL 150
Quentin-CHW 149
Ramirez-FLA 148
oo you mean the guy who had the sixth highest BA, third highest OBP, was in the top 10 in slg%, 4th highest OPS, 4th highest OPS+, 4th highest offensive win %
that guy?
http://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/ML_2008_t.shtml
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
I found it odd
that the team actually had a better winning % without him in the line-up
because he hasn't even reached his peak yet, up until this point, he just did it on talent. - Ron Washington on Josh Hamilton
by Lonerangers on Oct 17, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, but there were far less..
games that he didn’t play vs played. I see it as an oddity and not an indication of his impact.
Yes, That Guy
The 31 year old who wants a multi-year, big money contract….Oh, the same 31 year old with a substantial injury history.
I love Bradley as much as the next guy, but for 3-5 years at over $10M a year…I take the two POTENTIAL first round picks and put the money in the bank.
o well yea
but to say that they picks are TOO MUCH to overlook is a little much id say
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions
if hes a type A it doesnt make him a slam dunk to leave
or doesnt make it a slam dunk to let him go
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Again...
I disagree…
He won’t come cheaply. And at his age, with his history, not only is he not a lock to repeat this success in 2009, but what are the odds that he is worth his price tag in 2010, 2011, and beyond?
Conversely, that money can be saved, invested in the system or Hamilton/Kinsler, and the picks can add to an already outstanding farm system.
While I like Bradley, he is simply going to cost too much. If, the Rangers could have him for another 1yr, $5.25M contract, then obviously you do that. But that won’t be the case, and it is too much of a gamble to keep him around. Especially when the ‘reward’ is two top draft picks.
Aubrey Huff A 80.000
Alexis Rios A 79.595
B.J. Upton A 78.649
Jim Thome A 77.500
Milton Bradley A 77.500
Hideki Matsui A 77.432
Jason Bay A 75.946
Torii Hunter A 75.676
Xavier Nady B 74.595
http://tigers-thoughts.blogspot.com/2008/10/final-elias-projections-al-1bofdh.html
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Jamey Wright a type B!!
Let ’em walk!
Jamey Wright B 65.150
btw bbd brandon
great site for rangers info
http://www.rangers.scottlucas.com/
+ org depth chart
http://rangers.scottlucas.com/site/org.htm
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
Also, lots of eyeball evaluation from Rangers folks in interviews at
rangers.scout.com. But, you have to dig around for it.
Go Rangers!
Phillip Hughes, Ian Kennedy, and Austin Jackson
for Peavy?
I think the Yanks will really make a push.. from MLBTR
Yanks Talk Peavy Trade
By Tim Dierkes [October 17 at 10:03am CST]According to Dan Graziano of the Newark Star-Ledger, the Yankees have had preliminary discussions with the Padres about Jake Peavy (hat tip to River Ave. Blues). Peavy was apparently a hot topic at the Yankees’ organizational meetings. Peavy’s agent hinted he might accept a trade to the Yankees, but he does prefer the NL.
Peavy’s preferred cities are Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and St. Louis. Despite that, Graziano says the Mets have interest. The Padres are aggressively shopping Peavy, seeking two young pitchers and a near MLB-ready center fielder.
thats actually funny as hell
because they could have gotten santana by adding hhughes lol
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
"quality pitchers whom they could build around"
Robinson freakin’ Tejeda? [BTW, it’s Tejeda, not Tejada – and it’s Galarraga not Gallaraga]
And most of the Matricians around here think Galarraga’s numbers indicate his ERA record will Sabre back down to Earth.
if anyone thought he would be this good this year
they are liars.
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Thanks for the Editing
I’ll fix those typ-o’s…
RE: Tejeda
The Rangers definitely gave up on him too soon. I think he is going to be a bullpen ace for years to come.
RE: Galarraga
Obviously he exceeding expectations, but I have a feeling he will maintain a low 4.00 ERA. Look at his line drive rate. I’m thinking he’s a Jeremy Guthrie type. Although many figured Guthrie to fall apart in 2008.
your player projections
are both too breathless and impatient for my taste. Ambiguity is king.
How do folks feel
about moving kins to 3b and Young back to 2b as an alternative move for 2010? Lateral move?
bad idea.
young’s range is gone. he has an arm, third is where he belongs.
"Anyone that isn't pro-choice never met you" ~Brian Thomas on Seth...
i agree with those 2 moves
and i would…
put Hurley in the rotation
trade Hamilton for ML pitching
trade jorge de la rosa for nelson cruz
Save us = Steal Home = Seth. ????
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
yes
I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles
by Dirk Diggler on Oct 17, 2008 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I'd bet a fair peice the first two are connected
But sadly, Seth seems to be a troll all his own.
"M’s fans are such weenies." - Zywica
lol
steal home just cant quit this board.
too bad for us
"I don’t know of a single thing Obama’s done except talk and write." - Newt Gingrich
"I'm more happy to be a Dallas Cowboy than when I got my first bike" - Roy Williams (WR)
by knockoutking on Oct 17, 2008 5:42 PM CDT up reply actions
me personally
I would try to:
1. sign Ben Sheets or trade for a Peavy/Halladay/Greinke if we don’t have to give up Feliz/Holland/Davis.
2. sign a bunch of decent relievers for a good price.
3. either sign Milton and trade Max or let Milton go and keep Max.
4. hire Rick with a P.
"You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns." - from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, by Mark Twain
my problem
with your first option…that’s not going to fix how bad the rotation was. the team is going to need 2 or 3 upgrades in order to make a legitimate run.
in other words, the money is better saved.
The pitchers
should be better next season and they need to develop.
"God doesn’t step in and give us immunity from bad things. Otherwise, there would be no reason to cultivate faith." -TedFord
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