Monday morning stuff
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 3, 2008 9:00 AM CST
199 comments
Well, we had thought that the Rangers really wanted Mike Maddux, and it appears they are putting their money where their mouth is.
Mike Maddux is expected to be named the Rangers pitching coach, after being moneywhipped to come to the team:
General manager Jon Daniels did not confirm or deny the report [that the Rangers would name Mike Maddux pitching coach], saying only that the Rangers had made contact with Maddux this weekend. Daniels' counterpart in Milwaukee, Doug Melvin, told the Milwaukee-Journal Sentinel that Maddux was leaving after being "overwhelmed" by the Rangers."He's moving on to a much better deal that he couldn't turn down," Melvin told the newspaper. "They overwhelmed him with a huge deal. He's going to be one of the top paid pitching coaches in the game. I knew he and [Rangers president Nolan Ryan] were pretty close."
Now, it is worth noting this "overwhelming" contract is, in terms of total value, somewhere between what the Rangers spent on Ben Broussard last year and what they spent on Frank Catalanotto last year. And if you really think that Maddux, or someone of his ilk, is a difference maker -- particularly in regards to the pitching staff -- then it seems like it would make a lot of sense to devote significant resources to that position, and shave a million or so off the major league payroll.
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Dont know much about him
or Peterson for that matter but if we could get the pitching coach equivalent of Rudy and claim a scrap heap pitcher or so every year, that would be a good thing
by BEW on Nov 3, 2008 9:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Maddux
I am totally stoked about this. I think he will be a difference maker in the Ranger pitchers.
Glad to Be Richie's Dad
by imrichiesdad on Nov 3, 2008 9:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
How do you know what the range is for his contract?
Wasn’t Broussard something like $3.85M and Cat $4M?
That seems like an awful lot to spend on a pitching coach, no? Are you just making assumptions here?
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 Nov 3, 2008 9:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'm just guessing...
…it is something like a 3 year, $4 million deal.
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 3, 2008 9:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OK
That’s what I thought.
I see what you mean by “total value” now.
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 Nov 3, 2008 9:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Rangers would take a ton
of heat for that. Isn’t half a million a year top pay for an assistant coach? I’d be surprised if it was that high, although it would be worth it if he turned the staff around.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
by DJCahill on Nov 3, 2008 9:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It would be a little weird
if the pitching coach is outearning the manager.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
Isn’t Rudy already making more than Ron?
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it's at least close
Wouldn’t this be close to twice as much as Washington makes?
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jason Garrett & Wade Phillips
Everyone said that contract was weird last winter.
by FuturePants on Nov 3, 2008 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and we see how well that's turning out
by texnykazrus on Nov 3, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if anything
I’d say it’s paying Tony Romo all that money to be our starter, but buying absolute CRAP to back him up that isn’t working out so well…forget the coaching, this team is built very well, sure, but when you lose your starting QB, a starter at RB, pick up a brand new WR (no matter how good he is), lose your starter at LG, your starting TE is broken, all on offense, you’re going to have a tough time playing against good defenses like we have vs. the past two teams. And on defense, losing Newman is probably the biggest loss this team could imagine…and it’s happened. Throw in Spencer’s injuries, Bradie James, and the PacMan fiasco…
can’t expect the coaches to get that team to produce how the original product would have
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 2:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Its amazing how little press
the non Romo injuries are getting. Losing Romo hurts, but if that was the only issue this offense had to deal with, you could survive even with Johnson back there.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Nov 3, 2008 5:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I really think we'd survive...
but lose a game like the Giants. With Tony, that’d put us over the top I think in a big time game on the road.
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 7:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
According to Cot's
Wash makes about $600k.
Rudy was making about $400k before his most recent contract which was said to be a raise.
$1M for a pitching coach would seem kinda crazy after looking at those numbers….
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 Nov 3, 2008 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, pitching has long been the organizational weakness
Paying him $1 million a year to shore up what has been the Achilles’ Heel for years seems like something easy to justify if it’s believed he could actually fix it.
by Inkara1 on Nov 3, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, I agree with that
It just looks odd when compared to the other coaches’ salaries, especially the manager’s.
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 Nov 3, 2008 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tell them that if pitching gets better, the team will win more games
which will make the other coaches/manager and their wallets look a lot better as well
by Telegraph on Nov 3, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wanna know what
Maddux is gonna implement to get around the defense that allowed a dead last in the league .322 BABIP.
Our defense is an abject disaster.
Unless we improve that an pitching changes we make are gonna be cosmetic.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the only way I see for the defense to improve
is for JD to bring in some more talented defenders. I don’t see how he could expect to run the same players out there at the same positions and see a marked improvement in defensive efficiency.
Specifically, if MY is at SS again next season, I think a lot of the defensive problems go right at the feet of Daniels.
I don't hate everything. In fact, I think LSB is just groovy.
by tricer on Nov 3, 2008 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Indeed.
SS isn’t good and won’t be as long as FFace is there.
Though I do think we could see pretty significant improvement out of Kinsler next year. He was pretty good for two years and then dove feet first into a big vat of suck last season. I could see him rebounding a bit with his plus defensive tools.
And almost nothing could be as bad as the 3b defense we ran out there this year.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
do you really believe Kinsler
is that bad at defense? or do you think he has range and shows promise, but hasn’t put it all together?
Young, we’ve seen his defense well documented. So that’s a big “gap” that would have to be addressed. And likewise, if Hank’s gone from 3rd, we don’t have to hear about that anymore. That leaves 1B, which I think we are covered at if Davis is there, catcher, where Teagarden will help out tremendously and Laird wasn’t horrid, and CF to change. With Borbon coming up, and a combination of Murphy, Boggs, Byrd and Cruz to match up with Hamilton, the defense looks above average if anything to me in the outfield.
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not just a disaster
but an anject one?!?!
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
I spelled it right, I think.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yah, that's what I wrote.
Link.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The only response to this whole wacky tangent here is to cordially invite you all to
talk to the hand.
Why, you ask?
Why, because the face doesn’t want to hear it, of course!
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"the face doesn't want to hear it"
what does he have to do with any of this?
I don't hate everything. In fact, I think LSB is just groovy.
by tricer on Nov 3, 2008 9:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's an expression.
“Talk to the hand, cause the face doesn’t want to hear it.”
It’s often followed closely by an “Oh no you dih-unt!”
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 10:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And both
are so, so tired.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 3, 2008 11:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So is your face.
Sorry.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 11:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
failed joke on my part
referring to MY as “the face”
I don't hate everything. In fact, I think LSB is just groovy.
by tricer on Nov 4, 2008 5:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Face trumps all!!
"He’s basically told himself unconsciously that he can’t be any good unless he catches 130 games a year. If he played with the baseball smarts of a guy like a David Eckstein, he’d maximize his talent and be an incredible player." - Andy Seiler, Texas Rangers Analyst
by Chase Irwin on Nov 4, 2008 8:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the link.
I almost got lost!
Meaning of life? The aggregate collection of moments that you allow to enter into your consciousness, imo, fwiw, etc. (etc.)
by Chase Irwin on Nov 3, 2008 6:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
I thought you’d like that ;)
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 7:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lul
Meaning of life? The aggregate collection of moments that you allow to enter into your consciousness, imo, fwiw, etc. (etc.)
by Chase Irwin on Nov 3, 2008 6:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Considering
The Rangers had the 4th worst AL staff in walks and the 2nd worst in Ks and 3rd worst in HRs, I’d say he can make a lot of improvement even if the Defense still sucks ass.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
by DJCahill on Nov 3, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure, but they'll still allow a lot of runs and have shitty ERA's
if we can’t field the baseball.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Last time I looked at the numbers
defense was worth around half a run of ERA across the staff. While the final numbers may have changed, I still think we can get more than that by cutting down on walks and getting strikeouts up.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
by DJCahill on Nov 3, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True.
I’m not disagreeing with you. I think we can definitely improve the pitching.
I just don’t think anything a pitching coach is gonna be able to do is going to make a huge difference next year in terms of runs allowed if we run out the same defense.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the thing I like
is that if Millwood comes in out of shape again, or Padilla or McCarthy get injured, or we start walking hitters like we have recently, we can put fire under these guys’ tails now that we have some fresh arms coming up. Bring Tommy Hunter up, he won’t walk guys. Bring Feliz up, he will strike out a few more, limiting the amount of balls in play. Bring Holland up…maybe a hard-throwing lefty can do more damage than these softy lefties have been as far as keeping the ball in the park and attacking hitters. And if we can get those WHIPs down on the farm, like Harrison had prior to this year, and have them come up to the bigs expecting to not walk a lot of hitters, we can cut down on a huge amount of opportunities we give the defense to screw up and actually have less runners come back to bite us in the ass. If we start putting up at least 3 to 1 K to BB ratios, I think this team will start looking a lot better defensively…I truly do.
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 2:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If the offense remains as amazing
and the SP improves, you can win even with that bad defense. Its not as solid of a team, but an improved rotation helps the bullpen and the offense alone was nearly able to carry this team to being above .500 last year. The Rangers last year were well below league average when winning through 5-7 innings. So if you can get the SP to not be worn out so early and allow the bullpen an extra inning or two of rest in a game, you are likely to be much better. If the Rangers were league average, they would have been an 89 win team instead of a 79 team.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Nov 3, 2008 5:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be real surprised
if he got $1 million even. Maybe he did, but I’d be surprised if he is getting more than the manager.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
by DJCahill on Nov 3, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Melvin
also had to explain why he totally misread the situation. Moneywhipping is a good explanation that the local media probably won’t question.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 9:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
good point
I don't hate everything. In fact, I think LSB is just groovy.
by tricer on Nov 3, 2008 9:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That was my thought as well
He sounds like he’s covering his ass, or trying to make it sound like Maddux’s first choice was to stay, but he just couldn’t turn down that offer. Poor, small market Melvin.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 3, 2008 9:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Capuano
I hear he will either be non-tendered or traded for a song. anyone think the rangers will try to reunite him with a pitching coach he apparently thinks highly of? His pre-injury numbers were pretty solid.
by clark on Nov 3, 2008 9:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I love snagging non-tenders
Very much depends what our new resident expert (Maddux) thinks of him…
by JBImaknee on Nov 3, 2008 9:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
SI.com’s Jon Heyman ranks his top 44 free agents, with predictions for the first ten or so. The boldest: Francisco Rodriguez to the Rangers.
by tyd3311 on Nov 3, 2008 9:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
link?
Please and thank you :-)
2010 Rangers = 2008 Rays?
by booyahcaveman on Nov 3, 2008 9:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's not bold,
it’s stupid.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 3, 2008 9:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we've seen just how in touch Heyman is with the Rangers
by robert_d_wilfong on Nov 3, 2008 10:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ha
I doubt there are any national writers (aside from the guys who cover the minor leagues) who really know what the Rangers offseason plan is, or who the hell the Texas Rangers even are. We might be one of the most nationally overlooked teams in baseball when it comes to mainstream media coverage.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Heyman is like a printer
He’s very good at relaying and reproducing information, but once you pull out the input cable, he starts to spew out junk.
by Telegraph on Nov 3, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No Milton?
I would think he is a top 44 FA
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 Nov 3, 2008 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes?
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just posted this on the MLB TradeRumors site...
…but do you think that this signing could make the Rangers a player for Ben Sheets?
by CSquyres on Nov 3, 2008 9:43 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Im sure
it doesnt hurt assuming Maddux has a good working relationship with Sheets which I have no reason to believe he doesnt…
2010 Rangers = 2008 Rays?
by booyahcaveman on Nov 3, 2008 9:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Better question within that question
Would that be a good thing if it does makes us a player for Sheets?
I lean towards no myself, especially if we’re going to be adding a pitcher via trade this offseason.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For me, it depends on the length of the deal
2 year deal with incentives that guarantee the 3rd and 4th years? I’m completely down with the idea.
I think it’s the type of risk/reward deal the Rangers need to make.
However, I’m not sure Sheets would go for that.
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 Nov 3, 2008 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This team is more than one pitcher away
My ideal set of moves for this team to be competitive in 2009 are
- Two starting pitchers – can trade one or two catchers, or sign via FA
- One solid reliever arm (via trade, non-tender, etc)
- Re-sign Bradley or solid another veteran bat who can play OF
by JBImaknee on Nov 3, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree the Rangers are two pitchers away from being really good.
Basically, they need to upgrade the top 2 in their rotation. I’m hoping they can pick up one this offseason and then another one either during the season next year or next offseason. Or, heck, maybe McCarthy will emerge as the other upgrade in the top 2 slots.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Nov 3, 2008 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I should have amended that last sentance
And said not if we’re going to be adding a pitcher like Scott Olsen via trade this offseason. If the Rangers think they have an outside chance of going for it in 2009 then Sheets on a short term deal (like Dirk mentioned above) makes sense. But if we’re going to bring in some young pitchers/reclamation projects in via trade (such as Olsen or Bailey) this offseason then ponying up for Sheets doesn’t make quite as much sense.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The point to me is
this guy should know better than anyone in baseball how healthy Sheets is and how likely he is to be effective over, like, a four year stretch.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Very true
One thing about Sheets that really interests me is when he does come back from injury he’s always lights out. This is a guy who has been consistently missing starts here and there since his killer ‘04 campaign, making somewhere between 17 and 31 starts in each year since. However, when he gets on the mound, he’s always dominant. Most guys have a tough time missing as much time as he does and going back out to be an “ace”, but not him
AJ Burnett is usually pretty studly when he isn’t hurt, too… another name I’d be interested in a deal like Dirk mentioned
At this rate, he’ll be throwing 107-110 by 2012
by trident on Nov 3, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
sheets is the kind of FA id want
Its risky, but if he does get hurt at least it will be young guys taking. If he doesnt, he has the kind of upside we need. And while the injuries are what makes it a huge risk, they are also probably the only reason we have a shot at him since it will drive off a lot of teams.
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Nov 3, 2008 10:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Plus
I think that even though they don’t like to talk about it, insurance is a pretty big factor when it comes to the risk of major injury on high dollar contracts. On the other hand, Sheets probably costs more to insure than some others.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It all depends, though..
I wouldn’t be against it at all if it is as short term as everyone seems to think that he will command, given his possible health issues. While he did finish the season injured, he still also threw almost 200 innings (easily his best total since ’04), which could very well speak to his relationship with Maddux.
by CSquyres on Nov 3, 2008 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats what I came in to post
heh.
yeah, certainly couldnt hurt.
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Nov 3, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think
the Rangers have to, atleast, try to sign Sheets. 2-3 year deal would be ideal but I doubt he would be too pleased with that.
by coolaid on Nov 3, 2008 10:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He may not like it but that's what he's going to get regardless of where he goes
That elbow injury really crippled his chances of getting anything long term.
by LiamP on Nov 3, 2008 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Signing him is a risk I would take because of the upside.
by coolaid on Nov 3, 2008 10:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and that's the kind of risk we have to take
because we will not get a free agent like Ben Sheets without an injury history to sign here. no way.
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hurt trade relationship with Brewers?
Mevlin gonna be upset that we snipped Maddox?
by mattrpav on Nov 3, 2008 9:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nah
GM’s don’t make trades unless they think they’re improving their team.
Melvin isn’t going to give up a chance to improve his team because a pitching coach left him….
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 Nov 3, 2008 9:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He's not petty
he’ll get over it if there is business to be done and he likes one of the catchers.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 3, 2008 9:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
It’s still a business, and they didn’t do anything underhanded or anything. The guy’s contract was up, and Texas offered the best deal, just like you see with most FAs.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not like Billy Beane violating league rules with Inoa or anything...
by JBImaknee on Nov 3, 2008 9:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That still pisses me off
Just think if the Rangers had signed him.
A bunch of midgets with no arms could pitch better than us. -iorange555
by boomer1 on Nov 3, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I’m not too upset now….. I’ll wait until he proves he is a legit major league ballplayer. Too many things can happen before then.
by RangersOCD on Nov 3, 2008 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying this isn't a good hire...I have no idea either way
But it’s a little strange to me that Washington apparently doesn’t get to choose his own coaching staff. Maybe he’s totally on board, but you certainly get the feeling this was initiated and executed totally by upper management.
The Rangers have a weird power structure. I wish they’d just choose a manager who they are confident enough in to assemble his own staff.
by Black Francis on Nov 3, 2008 9:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think this acknowledges
that a pitching coach and hitting coach may well have more influence over the success of a team than the manager. As everyone said in defending Wash last April – he just fills out lineup cards and moves pitchers around. Its possible that a good pitching coach in Texas will be far more valuable than any manager you could stick out there.
But you are right in that it’d be nice to have a manager who was part of the process rather than completely separate. Presumably a manager knows more about the interactions of players with particular coaches than a GM or team President would.
by JBImaknee on Nov 3, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think this also makes it clear
That Wash probably isn’t going to last much longer barring a Rays/Rockies turnaround.
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 Nov 3, 2008 10:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Let’s hope so.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think he'll last
so long as the team is improving. Joe Madden was manager of the Rays for how long – 3 years before he made the world series? The first two saw improvements, even if not in record but at least in quality of play, development of young players.
I think if Wash keeps showing that the young players are developing, there is a place for him on this team. Its when the young players start stalling and the team can’t get above 85 wins that you make a change.
by JBImaknee on Nov 3, 2008 10:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: In-game mgmt
Who is worse? Wash or Maddon?
2010 Rangers = 2008 Rays?
by booyahcaveman on Nov 3, 2008 10:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maddon is probably worse from what I’ve seen. It wasn’t like he worked magic when their pitching staff was crappy. I think they offer similar positives and negatives.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
I mean seriously, really? Wash has made so many bad decisions in-game during his tenure here I can’t even remember all of them. Seems to me that if Maddon is worse than Wash as far as in-game goes, that would have to put him in Ozzie/Dusty territory.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You also watch every game that Wash manages
Maddon was a disaster in the playoffs in terms of in-game calls. You could just put up his playoff moves against the all-star list of Washington screw-ups and come out pretty even.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True
I just find it hard to believe he was really that bad all season long, seeing as how the Rays managed to actually win the AL East and all that. If he was you have to wonder how many games the Rays would have won without him.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pitching
Same reason that the Angels were really good this season.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
defense too. But not in-game managerial genius.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fully agree.
I wonder how much of the repositioning of Ray’s players came from the mind of Maddon?
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Nov 3, 2008 10:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Also
I’m not convinced that a reasonable amount of in-game decisions/mistakes actually cost teams many games. It’s part of the reason that a lot of people hold the theory that the bigger job for a baseball manager’s main job is managing his clubhouse. “Mistakes” are decisions that we think are below 50% calls. The margin for how often going the wrong way on a 55/45 or even 60/40 – or even a few of them collectively – costs you actual games can’t be that high.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
bullpen
I would argue that how a manager uses the bullpen can have a tangible effect that costs the team games.
Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!
by DerekSTheRed on Nov 3, 2008 10:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think
that’s definitely the biggest aspect of their personal in-game job (the manager himself, not the staff as a whole, which is involved in game planning the entire series). What I would wonder is how many if any managers are so bad in terms of the staff management that you can actually claim that this had a real impact on their record based on results. They can obviously have a cumulative affect when usage leads to someone getting hurt or something, but does anyone consistently make bad enough pen decisions to cost his team a high number of games? I wouldn’t think so.
The playoffs are a different matter. You can’t be screwing up in the playoffs.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wash is not good, but realized that he is not good
Maddon is not good, but thinks that he is a genius
by Telegraph on Nov 3, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I could agree with that...
Im wondering how much of a change will happen with Moore and Maddux on board now. For example, could situational pitching changes be impacted. Now that Maddux is a hired im sure some promises were made that he could implement a good deal of his programs and in game theories.
2010 Rangers = 2008 Rays?
by booyahcaveman on Nov 3, 2008 10:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would say Wash
At least Maddon knows what statistics are and at least tries to apply them in-game, where as Wash just throws people out there based on how his lunch is digesting.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is there some evidence that Washington
doesn’t do his homework and doesn’t know numbers?
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Running Murphy out there against lefties is the main thing that comes to mind
Batting Davis 9th, and Arias at leadoff would be some others.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well I’m not looking to defend Washington in his regard. I’m no fan of his overall performance on the field. But it’s apples and oranges. He was leading off Arias when the season was completely over. If Arias is leading off and Davis is hitting 9th next August while they’re in the race, okay. I personally think he was doing schtick. With Murphy you could argue that he’s a prominent enough player and that they were bad enough that they made the decision to try to develop him against LHP.
At any rate, the fact that he made those decisions means that he exercised poor judgment, not that he wasn’t aware of the numbers.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, those are good points
I just kinda got the sense that Ron doesn’t know, or at least doesn’t put all that much stock in stats thanks to his all his “I just went with my gut” statements after games this year.
The bottom line I guess is that neither one of those two are very good in-game managers, and after all, Maddon’s knowledge of the stats didn’t seem to help him any this postseason. I do agree with what you said above about them being similar in the advantages and disadvantages – I probably do just tend to think Wash is worse since I actually got to watch him screw up all season long.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I really don't think the young players developing has much to do with Wash
The young guys should develop whether he’s here or not. What he needs to do is stop costing us wins with assinine bullpen and lineup management, then he can keep his job long-term.
"[Tim McCarver and Joe Buck] are the Gabe Gross and Ben Broussard of the broadcasting booth." - dirkatron
by lonestarJon on Nov 3, 2008 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, to the extent that players don't just stop playing.
Managers are largely given the responsibility of motivating players to play hard and to keep clubhouse turmoils from affecting on field performance.
It seems there should also be at least philosophical coherence between the manager’s way-to-play and that of his coaches. Only time will tell if the new hires fit within Wash’s baseball world view.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Nov 3, 2008 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pitching coach
It’s Nolan’s call.
His title gives him oversight on everyone, but the guy’s here to fix the pitching.
Until pitchers’ arms break in mid-throw it makes sense to assume this is a coherent, unified system under one leader. Go with it: let Nolan have his coach, and make it a distant second whether the manager agrees. Texas Rangers pitching is that much of a train wrecked clusterfock.
Rangers pitching needs overhauling like my mother’s profoundly retarded special ed students need hand-over-hand training.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Nov 3, 2008 10:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: wow
The Pistons have reached a tentative agreement with the Nuggets to trade Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess in exchange for Allen Iverson.
by tyd3311 on Nov 3, 2008 10:31 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Iverson is up after this year, and Billups has three years left. Did Dumars decide he isn’t so high on the new contract he gave Billups?
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 10:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know what that comment got cut off but oh well. I can only say one word about that move: WOW.
by coolaid on Nov 3, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would say that is the case.
I really like this trade from the Nuggets perspective though.
by tyd3311 on Nov 3, 2008 10:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
Not quite sure what Dumars is doing. He said last season “no one is safe,” but I would feel a lot more comfortable with a team that consistently makes Conference finals. It’s not like they haven’t won anything with the exact same team. He’ll be shipping off two key pieces for an aging vet. Wrong team to be shaking it up.
I am the motherfucking shore patrol, motherfucker! I am the motherfucking shore patrol! Give this man a beer.
by TheBZA on Nov 3, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Man..
I completely disagree on Denver. What on earth are they doing? They gave away Camby for luxury tax reasons, and now they’re going to pay Billups 14 mil whenhe’s 35? Not only that, but reports are out that they’re going to buy out McDyess, so they’re going to pay him a full 7 mil next season to go away?
What the heck?
by jthig32 on Nov 3, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Chauncey's not the type of player
to be completely broken down by 35 though. And the defensive tone he’ll set with that team, along with JR Smith’s shooting in that lineup now more often, is a good thing. Having Carmelo and AI on the same team is intriguing, but not championship basketball. If Kenyon and Nene stay healthy this year, I think they make the playoffs and could make noise.
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 7:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tennessee
ESPN is reporting that Fullmer won’t be back next year… Wonder if they will make a play for Leach…?
by tyd3311 on Nov 3, 2008 10:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Patterson?
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 Nov 3, 2008 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Leach/Patterson
How about them as co-head coaches? Leach could go sit on the bench a la Mike Gundy when they’re on defense, and Patterson wouldn’t have to go to press conferences.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 11:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
People are speculating that he’d be a hot coaching candidate if he takes TCU to a BCS game.
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 Nov 3, 2008 11:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if Dennis' failure
will have any effect on him..
by tyd3311 on Nov 3, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Coach Fran sucked...
Even when he was at TCU… It’s no coincidence he left and they didn’t skip a beat…
by N41D on Nov 3, 2008 11:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he was pretty good
at Bama though…
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
2 seasons
Is hardly a measure of a coach. He had a great record at TCU…..I think we can attribute a lot of that to having LaDanian Tomlinson at RB, though.
by FuturePants on Nov 4, 2008 8:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wanted the Aggies to hire him
last offseason. That man knows how to put together a defense.
I don't hate everything. In fact, I think LSB is just groovy.
by tricer on Nov 3, 2008 11:16 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What kind of offense is A&M running
under Sherman?
by tyd3311 on Nov 3, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It varies...
…we run anything from a classic fullback-tailback-2 wide outs-1 TE to no backs, tight end in the slot (who is fast) to create a mismatch for a linebacker and 4 wide outs. Sherman started off very simple with some antequated NFL type formations and has varied it up with the (basically) 5 wide out sets.
I’m just happy we aren’t running a zone read play after play after play after play like under Franchione.
by FuturePants on Nov 3, 2008 11:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That offense is gonna be fine...
I have no doubt Sherman knows what he wants to do on that side of the ball… It’s a matter of building up that sorry offensive line and getting the right personnel to run the pro-style offense he wants to run…
The defense is where I’d be concerned… That unit is looking like a two or three year project. No play makers at all on that side of the ball… They really could use a guy like Loston to come in and make an immediate impact… And they better hope Jonathan Stewart doesn’t jump ship and go somewhere else. He’d probably step in and start almost immediately at LB next year.
by N41D on Nov 3, 2008 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree
OL and speed on D are the two areas which are most horrific on that team. Fix those and they can start to actually put some wins on the table.
SBN Blog www.iamthe12thman.com has an interesting post on increasing the speed onthe defense today by shifting corners to safety, safeties to linebackers, linebackers to DE, etc. etc.
The way I have seen, I definitely am willing to sacrifice some strength and bulk for speed on the defense…they are slow. Like, embarrassingly slow.
by FuturePants on Nov 3, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A&M Recruiting
I’d say there is about a 25% chance Loston ends up at A&M. Chris Henderson ends up at OU. I don’t have a good read on Stewart but I’d say he doesn’t end up at A&M. I’ve got a decent read on some other commits bailing but don’t wanna throw many names out there. The season has really put a damper on the kids with other options.
This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC
by nikpin on Nov 3, 2008 4:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
all it takes is one big class
and I disagree…Mike Bennett is a huge playmaker, but he’s gone next year. Von Miller and Trent Hunter are pretty freakin’ good. Overall, we need to get faster. The funny thing is our pass defense has improved drastically, and our run defense which was always pretty good has disappeared.
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 7:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Big Class
Last I checked, both Rivals and Scout had Sherman’s class in the top 10, and he already has 25 commitments.
by FuturePants on Nov 4, 2008 8:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Patterson
I have never understood why some school doesnt grab him. He just seems like he could win anywhere. Maybe he just likes living in FW. If so, nothing wrong with that
by BEW on Nov 3, 2008 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if
he has the personality and demeanor to handle the big time. He can recruit and coach defense for sure, but so could Bob Davie and RC Slocum.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 3, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Patterson's demeanor
I think he has probably missed out on some opportunities because he isn’t a Nick Saban type with the demeanor of a snake oil salesman. I think a lot of the big time programs like to see a youngish, slick looking, slick talking, go-getter, and a slow, drawling country boy like Patterson just doesn’t appeal to them.
I don't hate everything. In fact, I think LSB is just groovy.
by tricer on Nov 3, 2008 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
pretty unfair comp.
Slocum never got a chance to coach a program like Notre Dame with such national recruiting prowess…
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 7:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Slocum...
…are we forgetting that he was pretty dominant in the 90s? Slocum had his day, for sure, but when he was fired from A&M, I do believe that the college game had passed him by – specifically by Brown and Stoops.
by FuturePants on Nov 4, 2008 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I always thought
that Slocum took over a program that Sherrill had brought back from the dead, and he slowly returned it to the dead.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
by DJCahill on Nov 4, 2008 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Zombie Series at A&M
starring DJCahill as narrator …
"He’s basically told himself unconsciously that he can’t be any good unless he catches 130 games a year. If he played with the baseball smarts of a guy like a David Eckstein, he’d maximize his talent and be an incredible player." - Andy Seiler, Texas Rangers Analyst
by Chase Irwin on Nov 4, 2008 11:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Me too, but I don’t want to be “unfair”.
by Brett Perryman on Nov 4, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Rangers organization....
spends millions each year in marketing this team and it is still thought of as a joke franchise when it comes to its pitching.
Paying a lot for a pitching coach who could make the Rangers a team considered having “good pitching” would be worth millions to this organization in other ways. It would bring fans to the ballpark, more advertising possibilities, more credibility to the media, etc….
If he turns us into a team with good pitching, he was a steal salary wise and made up for his salary many times over to the organization. If he doesn’t change anything, then we can consider him overpaid.
I’ll hold my judgement until then.
i like baseball too
by bspate on Nov 3, 2008 12:16 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No exact formulation
But it’s sure going to be a test of judgment calls. If there is a pitching formula, it might be “take 8 good pitchers, blend with one excellent pitching coach, and stir lightly until done”. Even a great coach who optimizes the material he has to work with can only affect how well the utilization of pitchers goes. He can’t remake less than good pitchers in hos own image, etc.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Nov 3, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Another odd idea
with SD eluding that a 3 team deal might be needed to get a Peavy deal done, would it be worthwhile helping facilitate a trade with the Cubs or Atl or even the Phils or Mil.
SD wants MINF guys and OF that is MLB ready or close to MLB ready. Why not take a guy like Vitters who is farther off and turn him for a guy like Hurley or Murphy? Sometimes its worth it to be the 3rd wheel in these deals to free up some 40 man room and get some talent at positions we are weak at.
by laxtonto on Nov 3, 2008 1:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It would take a ton to get Vitters
but I agree with your overall point.
I’d have no problem with us wading into a trade as a third team if it nets us better talent.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Often the team that greases the wheels
gets the best end of the deal.
I can see how a 3 way deal with SD and Texas would work, even if Peavy doesn’t want to come here. We have the type of farm depth to build a package for him. The problem is any team trying to acquire Peavy won’t be looking to trade major league ready pitching. So it really would take a stud player to make us give SD the types of prospects that they want for Peavy.
by JBImaknee on Nov 3, 2008 1:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Something like Murphy Vallejo and Poveda
… Or even Hurley or guys that the team has determined might not be a best ft for the system.
It doesn’t matter, prospect wise, as long as it help clear some of the clogs on the 40 man
by laxtonto on Nov 3, 2008 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i think our only FA signing should be Adam Dunn
and build everything else through trades if needed…
"He wants to double the capital gains tax, or almost double it," Huizenga said. "I'd rather give it to charity than to him."
by Longhorn on Nov 3, 2008 1:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
What the hell
would they sign Dunn for?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 3, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He would help us intimidate J.P. Ricciardi into trading Travis Snider for Junior Mayberry
by Joey Matschulat on Nov 3, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ohh, i dunno
maybe because he’s good, still fairly young, and they need someone to take over for Bradley…
"He wants to double the capital gains tax, or almost double it," Huizenga said. "I'd rather give it to charity than to him."
by Longhorn on Nov 3, 2008 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yay!!
Another left handed bat in the middle of the lineup. Just what we need
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 Nov 3, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
oh yeah
now i remember, he doesn’t like Josh. Nevermind.
"He wants to double the capital gains tax, or almost double it," Huizenga said. "I'd rather give it to charity than to him."
by Longhorn on Nov 3, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Rangers do not need
another lefty bat that costs 8 figures a yea and whose best days are probably behind him.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 3, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
he has some pretty good numbers against lefties
and I’m not sure how you can his best days are behind him when he’s only 28…
"He wants to double the capital gains tax, or almost double it," Huizenga said. "I'd rather give it to charity than to him."
by Longhorn on Nov 3, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
29 next season
old people skills, slow, no defense. The Rangers need more versatile players, they have enough guys who can’t play defense. Mainly, though, I just think he’s too expensive and unnecessary for the long term future of the club. If they’re going to spend that kind of money I’d rather it be on a pitcher.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 3, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
not sure FA pitchers have that good of a track record
not just here, but anywhere when getting huge contracts.
But, if the price was reasonable, I’d be for it. But yeah, if he’s wanting an exorbitant amount of money, then pass….
"He wants to double the capital gains tax, or almost double it," Huizenga said. "I'd rather give it to charity than to him."
by Longhorn on Nov 3, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if they lose Bradley
they need a lot of help…I’m sorry
but he was easily our 3rd best hitter, and in my opinion, the most important in terms of allowing Josh Hamilton to completely realize his potential
"Calmer than you are... "
by Walter Sobchak on Nov 3, 2008 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He was pretty easily our best hitter every single day he was in the lineup.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 7:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
More than Kinsler
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 Nov 4, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As long as they are really good lefties I wouldn't mind.
Philly did all right with Utley and Howard back-to-back.
I’m not a big fan of Dunn at the sort of price he’ll command, but if we end up moving either Davis or Blalock to 3b full time and looking for a DH on a short term deal this off season someone like Giambi would make a lot of sense to me.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hammy, Blalock, Davis, Dunn back to back to back
Then add in Murphy somewhere in there. Thats not good
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 Nov 3, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well take out Murphy cause he's not very good and add in Byrd and Cruz and it looks a bit better, no?
Plus a righty catcher.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is this sarcasm?
My meter is a little off after this weekend
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 Nov 3, 2008 2:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No.
Byrd and Cruz were both very good last year. Much better than Murphy.
Why wouldn’t you want them in the lineup next year?
And aren’t they both righties?
You could go Kinsler-Young-Hambone-Cruz-Giambi-Byrd-Davis-Catcher-Blalock and have a superlative lineup with no back2back lefties in there.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would enjoy that, too.
But what to do with Face?
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
So you are batting Blalock 9th?
Before we break out the annointing oil on Cruz lets see him put it together in April and May rather than late August and September. I agree he has shown improvement but to plug him in the middle of the lineup is a bit premature.
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 Nov 3, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
True.
I was just listing righty-lefty and Blalock ended up being the last guy I thought of.
And you’re right Cruz ain’t the fully documented shiznit yet. But I really liked what I saw from him this year and I feel confident going into next season with him penciled in as our starting RF and a middle of the order bat. Maybe I’m drinking the koolaid a little too quickly on Cruz, but I just got mad faith in the guy.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Trust me I hope you are right
But Murphy has shown to be a quality, albeit not superstar, over a full season. He may not be a masher against lefties but he is a career .279 batter against them. Thats not terrible. he plays good defense. I don’t see relegating him to a pure backup role. Maybe a platoon against only righties but even that means he plays the majority of the time.
I think Cruz is going to be on a very short leash next year. If he starts out in April slow he may not be around to get a chance to turn it around. Especially with the amount of OF options we have not including bradley if we resign him.
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 Nov 3, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, yah.
We’ve had this discussion before.
I think David Murphy is nothing more than a replacement player and you think that’s silly.
Oh well.
I still think a COF with a .320 obp is gonna struggle to be good long term. I just do. If he can be dealt for anything of value I say we do it.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 3, 2008 3:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a little higher on Murphy than you and way lower on Cruz. He has a long way to go before I will even say that I care if we protect him on the 40 man, because as of right now, I don’t care if another team plucks him.
In my mind he is Tejada ver. 2.0.
by FuturePants on Nov 3, 2008 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
x
Dangit, Robinson Tejeda, not Miguel Tejada.
by FuturePants on Nov 3, 2008 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Again
Its not that i think Murphy is some All pro or HOF in waiting. But he has done it at the ML level on a fairly consistant basis. And I don’t think it would be smart to relegate him to absoluet 4OF status just yet in favor of Nelson Cruz. We all know Hamilton and Byrd are everyday players for us next year. Hammy is undeniable and byrd has had two really good years and Wash loves him. That leaves one spot for the trio of Murphy/Boggs/Cruz. Boggs can go down to AAA for all I care I think it would benefit him. Cruz can only play one position (RF) and has only shown flashes during inconsequential times of the year. I just don’t see how you can justify in effect benching Murphy for him. Murphy has done enough to warrant 4+ times a week playing. Cruz probably needs 4+ times a week. Byrd and Hammy are guaranteed well over 4 times a week. Its simply too many players for too few positions. If we resign MB or decide Hank is our full time DH that eliminates a potential spot for one of them. Its a good problem to have really but one that will divide alot of the fans. Some will want to see Cruz because he has the potential, some will want to see Murphy because he has actually done something, albeit not much.
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 Nov 3, 2008 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
this is why
the potential development of Cruz and MaxRam are vital to the future of this lineup (at least with their current resources). we need their bats to break up all of our lefties.
by clark on Nov 3, 2008 2:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A perfect fit.
Another lefty, with old players skills, who can’t play any defense.
Yeah, that’s exactly what the Rangers need.
You can never have enough softball players who can’t play defense who are likely to be worthless by the end of their contract.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
by DJCahill on Nov 3, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
why do you even care
it’s not like you’re fan anyways…
"He wants to double the capital gains tax, or almost double it," Huizenga said. "I'd rather give it to charity than to him."
by Longhorn on Nov 3, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Always good
to have these insightful conversations with you.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
by DJCahill on Nov 3, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No shit...
the one who is not a fan is the one who suggests the Rangers need to spend a bunch of $ on another LH bat with no defensive skill for the middle of this lineup.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Nov 3, 2008 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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