Tuesday morning things
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 4, 2008 8:42 AM CST
60 comments
Tuesday morning, and it is all about the Mike Maddux hiring.
Evan Grant says Maddux may be the Rangers' biggest free agent pitching acquisition of the offseason, and his article includes numerous Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan quotes about the hiring.
I do find it interesting that there was no face-to-face meeting between Maddux and the Rangers prior to his being hired, although that suggests that he was their top target all along.
Jeff Wilson talks about how Maddux knows he's got a big job ahead of him in Texas.
Wilson also writes about the Rangers desire to move some of their surplus catching to get pitching help. He also notes that John Hart is part of the Ranger contingent at the GM meetings. Yay.
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on one hand
Newberg is an eternal optimist, and I think even he would admit that. But it is not hard to get excited about the idea of someone like Maddux working with our pitchers. A pitching coach should never be marketed as some sort of elixir, but I like his chances of getting the most out of our young pitchers as much as anyone elses.
by clark on Nov 4, 2008 8:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Plus as mixed as the response was for the promotions after Connor was canned, I’m glad we got someone new. People who know a lot more about me about Maddox seem to be pleased, so I suppose I am pleased too. Now let’s get back to scap loading.
by FuturePants on Nov 4, 2008 8:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like Hawkins as well
and I think he has a very good relationship with our pitching staff. I think having Maddux in the PC role, Hawkins in the bullpen and keeping Chiti in his current spot is sort of a best case scenario.
by clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm also happy
with Hawkins sticking around with the Major League team. He might not be ready to take charge of a Major League pitching staff, but he knows these guys from the minors and is definitely a big plus to have around when you have a new pitching coach coming in.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Nov 4, 2008 9:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So long as John Hart is there
JD won’t have a chance to screw it up. Do we have a ratio available of stat boys to baseball men?
"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 8:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
talk about a face to face interview gone wrong.
"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 4, 2008 8:58 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
A little off topic
but what’s up with John Bannister? He has 16 Ks in his last 9.2 innings in the AFL, and he is sporting a nice little 1.63 G:F ratio on top of that. Perhaps he is one of those guys who is truly able to utilize his best stuff in a bullpen role? Is anyone concerned he gets taken in the Rule V draft after this strong showing?
by clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Put a fork in him.
"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 9:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops
thought you were referring to Brian Bannister.
"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 9:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not too concerned
If it happens and he becomes our annual pitcher that JD let go, I’ll be pissed. But I just don’t see how a strong AFL showing makes him worthy enough of a 40 man roster spot and I definitely can’t see how he would stick with a Major League team’s 25 man roster.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Nov 4, 2008 9:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
does anyone know
if there is any change in what he is throwing that could potentially alter his career projectory? Or is this just a hot streak from pretty much the same old John Bannister?
by clark on Nov 4, 2008 9:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I've heard of no changes...
to his repertoire. But there may be something to your earlier remark that he’s just better suited for a bullpen role. I don’t think he’ll get scooped up, but I’d be disappointed if he did.
"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 Nov 4, 2008 9:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So....
. Maddux , 47, will receive more than $500,000 per season for 2009 and 2010 and the club holds an option on him for 2011. Maddux was making $450,000 in Milwaukee and turned down a two-year offer
Unless he’s receiving much more than $500,000 per season, doesn’t this fly in the face of Melvin saying we moneywhipped him? Seems like Melvin really was just saving face after completely misreading the situation.
by jthig32 on Nov 4, 2008 9:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Saving up for Sabathia
"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 9:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Saving Face
I do think that’s what Melvin was doing. A pitching coach is something that the average fan won’t really investigate in to….they will just take Melvin’s word of moneywhipping. Spinning the media is my guess.
Then again, $50k is a lot of money. That is almost my entire salary.
I need a new job.
by FuturePants on Nov 4, 2008 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Curious
What area of law are you in?
by brettgardner on Nov 4, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought that's where the money was at.
Not that 50k isn’t fantastic. I’ve made a combined 15k since I was 16.
by brettgardner on Nov 4, 2008 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
no worries T B ..
your’re going to make bushels of $$$ some day… trust me on that one!.
The only problem with that is that your wife is going to shop til she drops.
Steal Home R.I.P. 9/10/08
by LAMuscleFag on Nov 4, 2008 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That right now is my worry
It isn’t the job offers, It is how do I keep my better half in check after we aren’t poor anymore
by laxtonto on Nov 4, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have to keep my going out for beers habit in check.
No clue how I would also be able to pay for a wife’s shopping habit. Here’s to being single!
by FuturePants on Nov 4, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Huh... Imagine that
Seems I can usually tell when someone’s take on economics, taxes, etc is theoretical and when it’s based on experience.
by bking on Nov 4, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm?
What’s my take on taxes or economics?
by brettgardner on Nov 4, 2008 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm confused.
What take on economics, taxes, etc?
by FuturePants on Nov 4, 2008 2:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's Texas. It's the Rangers.
Anybody we sign away from another suitor is “moneywhipped”.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Nov 4, 2008 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yikes
I didnt know John Hart was there. Hopefully, they will send him on a snipe hunt or something so he doesnt mess anything up.
by BEW on Nov 4, 2008 9:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
he is there because we are trading him? ha
2010 Rangers = 2008 Rays?
by booyahcaveman on Nov 4, 2008 10:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hart
Maybe there are some good golf courses out there that JD can send him off to…
"I dont care to debate with a troll." - Sharky
by RCCook on Nov 4, 2008 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe a barn...
He can give him the Ole Yeller treatment.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
by Rodney on Nov 4, 2008 1:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: FFace can scoreboard Jeter now.
Derek Jeter is the worst fielder in baseball.
A group that tracks every ball hit in the majors says Derek Jeter is the worst fielder in baseball. Stats guru Bill James, author of the “Baseball Abstract,” and a panel of nine other voters, ranked Jeter 22nd among all major-league shortstops, with one calling Jeter “the least effective defensive player in the major leagues, at any position.”
Fire Todd Dodge. Seriously. But in the mean time, SUCK IT WESTERN KENTUCKY! 1-8 baby!
by sprite on Nov 4, 2008 10:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Let's go after Sheets, now
It would only cost us a 2nd round pick and Hick’s money.
by BuckyB on Nov 4, 2008 10:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I have a feeling that's going to happen.
Big Daddy may raise tickets and parking again though. “One for you and two for me” he says.
Steal Home R.I.P. 9/10/08
by LAMuscleFag on Nov 4, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Could actually work
I think many teams will be hot and heavy after Sabathia and Lowe, allowing the Rangers to focus on Sheets from the start. He obviously has a relationship and comfort level with Maddux and pitching in TX is as close to home as it gets for him. I think our biggest competition would probably be Houston, but I have a feeling their budget will only allow them to get a guy like Wolf. I see a lot of predictions that he will get a deal like the one Schmidt got in LA (3 yrs, 47M). Would you be willing to go 4 yr/60M for him?
He turned 30 this summer so his age throughout a four year deal would be 30/31, 31/32, 32/33, 33/34. That is not unreasonable if he stays healthy.
by clark on Nov 4, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd have to listen long and hard ..
to what Mr. Maddux has to say about that first. Who knows better? But yeh if he thinks it’s a good idea that would certainly carry a lot of weight. Beggars can’t be choosers!! What’s the alternative parading Luis effin Mendoza out there every 5th day?? That seems kind of high for a pitcher who’s wheels could come off at any time but I may be wrong.
Steal Home R.I.P. 9/10/08
by LAMuscleFag on Nov 4, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
IF IF IF
he stays healthy but honestly I would rather gamble on Sheets health than his effectiveness. Obviously, a lot of people are gun shy because of the Chan Ho fiasco however there were some big time red flags to his performance like his home/road splits in a pitcher’s park. Well with Sheets I guess we could say that he would be going from the NL to the AL, maybe? I have no doubt he will be effective just that damned health issue which Maddux could help shed some light on.
Id do 4 yrs with a range of 55 to 65 mil based on performance incentives. Itll get it done. I think we will get him this year.
2010 Rangers = 2008 Rays?
by booyahcaveman on Nov 4, 2008 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sigh...
I hate the whole “It’s only Tom Hicks’ money” line of thinking.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 4, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Someone might want to fanpost this.........
Bill James loves him some Chris Davis
by tyd3311 on Nov 4, 2008 4:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No more board games.
According to Heyman
Controversial outfielder Milton Bradley will be headed for the free-agent market after he and the Rangers failed to work out a deal for him to stay.
by tyd3311 on Nov 4, 2008 8:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Damn it
A bunch of midgets with no arms could pitch better than us. -iorange555
by boomer1 on Nov 4, 2008 9:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The rumor is 4/40
Would you have paid that?
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Rule 5? No…talk to the hand.
by thedirkatron on Nov 5, 2008 2:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not at that
I would do a 2 year deal with 2 club option years if he stays healthy.
A bunch of midgets with no arms could pitch better than us. -iorange555
by boomer1 on Nov 5, 2008 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
EG
Little bit…
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/11/polls-about-to-close-but-were-just-start.html
1. I don’t think the Rangers could substitute Gerald Laird’s name for Jarrod Saltalamacchia in any deal for pitching with Florida. The Marlins want to move some of their salary and exhanging Scott Olsen for Laird would basically be a wash. And asking the Marlins to move somebody like Ricky Nolasco isn’t going to happen before Florida has exhausted the Olsen situation. There is enough common ground between the clubs to talk more, but I think Florida may have other Olsen options to consider.
2. At one point, I thought both Milwaukee and Kansas City would be potentially interested in Rangers catching depth. But I stand corrected.
3. Rangers farm director Scott Servais will go see Joaquin Arias at the club’s academy in the Dominican Republic next week. Indications right now are that Arias is ready to start making throws from shortstop in games and could begin playing in the Dominican Winter League as soon as Servais watches his workout.
4. Lot of shortstop news bubbling out of the Dominican: The Rangers are planning on having INF Jose Vallejo, previously juist a second baseman, work at shortstop. Right now, it doesn’t sound as if it will be a full-time move, but could eventually become one.
5. The Rangers are waiting on Hank Blalock to return to Southern California this week from a vacation before officially exercising his $6.2 million option for 2009. As a courtesy, the Rangers would like to speak with him first before officially taking action. They may also lay out to him the possibility that he could be traded this winter. That last sentence is merely supposition on my part.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Nov 4, 2008 9:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No. 4...
…Could Elvis be on the market?
GREINKE HO!!!!!
by oc on Nov 4, 2008 10:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thought the same thing
Premature, but yeah.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Nov 4, 2008 10:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Vallejo
I remember hearing before that he will likely see some time at SS. I think its mostly to improve his value to the Rangers as a utility player and if nothing else it could also improve his value to other teams.
by groundingout on Nov 5, 2008 1:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Heyman backtracks on KRod
• Someone familiar with the Rangers’ plans panned my prediction that K-Rod would sign there for $75 million over five years, and I have to believe that was just a bad tout by me. One other possibility I shouldn’t rule out is K-Rod winding up with the Mets. But it would take him accepting a four-year deal instead of five. Right now the Mets seem focused on Brian Fuentes, who’ll draw interest from Cleveland, Texas and St. Louis.
So, basically someone told him that he had no idea what he was talking about….
He also mentions Olsen:
The Rangers are looking for pitching. One player they’ve looked at is Marlins pitcher Scott Olsen. Texas has a lot of young catching to trade, and the Marlins would be interested.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/jon_heyman/11/04/heyman.scoop/index.html?eref=T1
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 5, 2008 7:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Here's a pretty boring "winter forecast" from ESPN
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3673260
here’s pretty much what you can expect:
But considering the Rangers’ desperate need for pitching, they had to have been a little wistful watching Edinson Volquez, who was traded for Hamilton, become an ace in Cincinnati. Not to mention watching ex-Ranger John Danks go 12-9 for the White Sox. The Rangers need to cultivate some pitching — and keep it for themselves — to reverse a stretch of eight losing seasons in the past nine years.
I don’t think the Rangers were even a little bit wistful about Volquez.
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 5, 2008 7:48 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think Volquez
would’ve been a 5+ ERA pitcher under Connors.
"Oh well, McCain is pretty communist anyway,... we can be 70% communist with McCain,"-Sharky
by DJCahill on Nov 5, 2008 7:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Boy, that was a lazy
article.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
by Rodney on Nov 5, 2008 9:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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