I don’t see how John Bannister is more valuable than Wes Littleton. If Littleton does clear waivers and is outrighted, there’s a much better chance he’s taken than Bannister would have been. If the concern is that too many scouts have been exposed to Bannister in the AFL, then the club should have managed the situation better.

I don’t see the rationale in adding Eyre or Bannister, unless it’s simply to add two players who are unlikely to be claimed if they’re dropped to make room for free-agent signings. Why not leave a spot or two open for a Rule 5 pick?

And agreed on Littleton- I still think he’s got a future in a major-league bullpen, even if it’s not with the Rangers.

dropping littleton could hurt, but whats stranger is adding bannister and eyre? Guess they are exposing strop to the draft and hope no one takes him because of injury

Bannister and Eyre over Littleton? I guess I’m in the minority when I think that Wes could still be a good 6th/7th inning guy.

And why no Strop?

the Rangers dumped JMJ, Kam Loe, and Littleton all in the same day.

That’s a bunch of names that were favorites of a lot of folks around here. I for one think Littleton has the makings to be a solid bullpen arm.

But, John Bannister? Whatever.

I still like littleton.

is the sort of right handed pitcher reliever who can squeak through waivers. this could very easily be an example of us overvaluing out own.

JD seemed to lean toward adding him when he spoke at the great UNT.

that CJ video is becoming a death sentence to all who were in it. Josh Rupe better watch his back

I’m not sure if I should be excited that they like Bannister that much, or disappointed that two guys I liked, Loe and Littleton, are apparently not all that.

Somebody brave watch the new Rosie O’Donnell show.
If you survive intact [God bless your soul] then tell us what it was like.

and I’m glad that they found room for Poveda.

But Willie Eyre? He sucks. What would make anyone think that he’s going to be appreciably better than he’s been? Bleh. Give me Littleton or Strop.

Re-starting my point down here.

Starters (10 between Arlington and OKC): Millwood, Padilla, McCarthy, Feldman, Harrison, Hurley, Ballard (not on 40), Diamond, Hunter, Mathis. Mendoza could take the Ballard spot possibly if you just want to include guys on the 40.

Relievers (14 between Arlington and OKC): Francisco, Wilson, Benoit, Madrigal, Rupe, Nippert (0 options), Mendoza (possibly starter), Murray (not on 40, you mentioned him), Eyre, Bannister (probably not Arlington bullpen candidate), other MLCs.

There’s plenty of space here, yet no replacement parts for the bullpen if there are injuries.

Just a hunch.

I look at each player on the 40 man and want to see one of two things

- a guy who I could see being part of a winning club
- a guy who may develop into a player who can contribute to a winning club.

Frankly, I don’t see Loe or Littleton as either category. They’re 4A pitchers. Sure a time will come next year when it’d be nice to have one of them, but really… their presence on the roster isn’t going to change the fate of this team one way or another.

Now, I don’t see Eyre as that either, but I guess someone in Texas likes him. Bannister and Poveda are definitely in the 2nd group – they probably won’t contribute in 2009, but if things work out, they can help in 2010 or later.

for making this thread a giant ass-whipping.