Friday morning Ranger news
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 12, 2008 9:45 AM CST
132 comments
Richard Durrett says that there wasn't much action at the winter meetings for the Rangers, but that the team continues to look at possibilities for a righthanded DH and a third baseman. The fact that they are looking for a righthanded DH suggests to me that the question of moving Hank Blalock is when, not if.
Jeff Wilson suggests that the Rangers may be in a situation where they look to bolster themselves from within, rather than making additional moves.
Gil LeBreton says that Randy Johnson would pay for himself, in terms of fan interest, if the Rangers signed him, and that the team needs to add Johnson and Ben Sheets to replace Vicente Padilla and Kevin Millwood because the fans are ready for change.
T.R. Sullivan has some blog notes up, with a collection of quotes from Jon Daniels and Ron Washington, among others.
Meanwhile, in case you hadn't seen the FanPost, the Dallas Observer is saying that the FWST and DMN are going to be sharing beat writers now, with the Rangers being covered exclusively by the FWST, and the DMN just running the FWST's Ranger stories.
If true, that means half the amount of Ranger coverage we are currently getting from the newspapers. And, if true, it would seem to suggest that Evan Grant won't be covering the Rangers any more. Both of those would be significant losses for us.
It also wouldn't seem to be that surprising...the DMN's view of Rangers fans is encapsulized by this comment from Jean-Jacques Taylor:
No one obsesses over the Rangers.
So it wouldn't be shocking if they were opting to punt baseball coverage and half the amount of information that is provided to us non-obsessing, non-passionate fans out here.
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This just occured to me
As of right now, who is the Rangers’ opening day third baseman? Chris Davis? Metcalf? An infield defense with Davis at 3rd, Young, Kinsler, and Blalock at 1st gives me nightmares.
"You’re the only here who contributes schtick only." - brettgardner
by trza on Dec 12, 2008 9:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Joe Crede
I have a good feeling he ends up in TX in ’09 on a one year deal and lands safely between Broussard and Bradley in terms of ROI.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 9:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"landing safely between Broussard and Bradley in terms of ROI"
lol.
So, somewhere between one of the best players in the league and one of the worst players in the league. I’m with ya on that one.
Don't believe the hype about sloppy seconds. They ain't bad.
by tricer on Dec 12, 2008 8:28 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
That is lol.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 8:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Or Duran
Metcalf and Duran will probably battle it out in ST for the 3B job.
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 12, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A 3B platoon would be cost-effective
and useful defensively. The offense is almost irrelevant.
The question is, imo, do we have the roster spots for that? With JD’s struggles in handling the 40 man and making quick roster decisions, I’m not sure that I’m comfortable with a 3B platoon.
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 12, 2008 7:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Duran
Duran has shown himself versatile enough in the minors that I would think he could handle the utility/platoon 3B job. Really 3B is the only position he would have to play on a regular basis. MY has SS locked down and nearly never misses a game. Kinsler plays everyday when hes healthy. If he does happen to go down for an extended period we have replacements in Duran or Vallejo or Arias already on the 40 man. Hank can backup 1B if CD needs a day off although I don’t think that will be needed very much. So basically 3/4 of your infield is set on an everyday basis. And we have long term backups at those three positions so our utility man can still be our utility man.
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 Dec 12, 2008 8:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They are talking about filling both
3B and RH DH.
You only need a RH DH if Blalock or Cat is at DH. Davis’ splits aren’t bad.
So it sounds like they are talking about Davis 1B, new 3B, Blalock and/or Cat in a platoon or traded,
Nolan Ryan is the Greatest Pitcher ever, because Google says so.
"BTW I’m officially welching ab03. Yeah I planned too all along, but I figured I’d try to get off the hook with double or nothing first."- Sharky
by DJCahill on Dec 12, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely.
to us non-obsessing, non-passionate fans out here.
Yep. We definitely don’t give a crap about the Rangers here.
"Please. What the hell do you know about starting a sports-related website and then deciding to leave it to work on other things and then? How dare you, sir." -- Michael Schur, aka FireJoeMorgan's Ken Tremendous, to Will Leitch
by ghtd36 on Dec 12, 2008 9:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Rangers?
The Rangers?? Rangers!?!
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 12, 2008 9:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
a RH DH
somewhere (in Latin America) Max Ramirez just took out his frustration on an opposing pitcher.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 9:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
or atleast
Salty, ESPN showed him launching a homer in Winter ball this morning. It was pretty good to see. Hopefully he can put it all together this year.
by BHill on Dec 12, 2008 10:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
His HR made ESPN?
in winter ball?
Boston must have already acquired him.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Theo told
Gammons he wanted to see some recent video of Salty.
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 12, 2008 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Has Theo
leaked his daily " Bucholz is untouchable " line yet today?
I for one really enjoy that. It kind of breaks up the day.
Memo to Theo : Honestly, I would be thrilled to get Bucholz but I am perfectly willing to keep the three catchers we have and let our young pitchers and catchers develop. Go ahead keep Bucholz and we’ll keep Tea and Salty. Its all good
by BEW on Dec 12, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Theo's reply
“Ok. You guys keep your handful of catchers and see how that worst-in-the-league rotation holds up for ya this year. Again.”
Theo isn’t forced to deal for a catcher, and his job probably isn’t hanging in the balance this season. JD on the other hand…
Don't believe the hype about sloppy seconds. They ain't bad.
by tricer on Dec 12, 2008 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I'm sure that Buccholz would make our rotation so much better
With his amazing baseball-Jesusness.
by hiafex on Dec 12, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
JD has done a great job since
the Chris Young, AG trade. That was a disaster and has been well documented, but people need to move on and see the way this team is being built. I do hope, as a rangers fan, that our farm translates to mlb wins and we can make a run at the playoffs for a long time.
Let’s not be short-sided and fire the GM for a trade he made 4 years ago
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Dec 12, 2008 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if the GM gets fired
it won’t be for a trade he made three years ago, it will be for failing to deliver a winning major league team. i like JD and I really hope the team shows market improvement this year, but if it does not, he should be fired.
That’s how the real world works.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 1:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So JD should give Theo one of our young catchers ...
for whatever second-tier crap Theo’s willing to give us? Yeah, that would solve that whole “worst-in-the-league rotation” real fast.
by Athos on Dec 12, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
huh?
I’m just making the point that Theo isn’t forced to give Texas whatever we want. He has a championship caliber team and a championship ring. He has job security. He is the one calling the shots here, not JD.
Don't believe the hype about sloppy seconds. They ain't bad.
by tricer on Dec 12, 2008 11:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
How is Theo calling the shots? If he’s unwilling to give up a good top-tier prospect for his catcher of the future, then no trade occurs and nobody’s calling the shots. If he was the only GM in baseball with young pitchers, you might have a point. Trouble is, he ain’t.
by Athos on Dec 12, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is
He is one of the only GM’s in baseball with young pitchers that he can afford to trade. I still contend that Boston and Florida are the most realistic trade partners, all things considered.
Every possibility should be exhausted until the Rangers are forced to sign Sheets ;)
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 12, 2008 7:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
JD has catchers to trade, Theo has pitchers. Pitchers trump catchers, so Theo calls the shots.
Not sure how Athos fails to grasp this.
Don't believe the hype about sloppy seconds. They ain't bad.
by tricer on Dec 12, 2008 8:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Neither are calling the shots
Both have what the other team needs. Its a mutual shot calling. They are both just posturing right now. Im sure if it gets down to late January early February and Boston doesn’t have a long term solution at catcher they will start to bend to our demands. Until we traded Laird we would have been in the same situation. If we had all 4 catchers going into late January or early February we would have probably started to listen to lesser offers to get rid of one of them.
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 Dec 12, 2008 8:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But
Buccholz is a top pitching prospect.. we have top pitching prospects, the Red Sox do not have any top catching prospects to speak of.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 8:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, one distinction
They at least claim that they do have a young catcher that they like in Exposito. He’ll open this season in AA, so he might be a year away, best cast scenario.
So the similarity in the situation is that the pitcher that they would be trading us is both more highly regarded than any of ours and a good notch or two closer to being an effective member of a rotation, just as one of our catchers would be for them.
I know there is some judgment involved there, and I’m not sure that I quite buy their assessment of Excposito, but if you accept that, the situations really are pretty close. They need a catcher NOW, not in a year or so, just as we need that stud starter NOW, not whenever Feliz might add enough to his game (and assuming that Holland doesn’t take a step backwards and all that).
by Brett Perryman on Dec 12, 2008 11:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In one way their need is greater
That division is so competitive that they can’t afford to just accept a stopgap solution that won’t produce. They really need a catcher who can play in the majors now. That doesn’t have to be Salty, but now that Tampa is as competitive as Boston and New York they probably want to get a decent guy there.
TX on the other hand can afford to “stick to the plan” and keep their remaining catchers until midseason or later if the market isn’t there. Salty showing he’s healthy helps a bit and part of me sees them resigning Varitek to a short term deal and using him to mentor someone like Salty. The market is really working in their favor if that is their plan.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 13, 2008 6:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Theo isn’t forced to deal for a catcher
Where does he plan on getting one then? The Sox need a catcher they can commit to now that ’Tek is over the hill, and we have the most talented ones available.
Also, I don’t see that JD’s job is “hanging in the balance” of him making a major trade this offseason. And even if it was, you could also say it’s only more reason for JD not to settle for anything besides Buchholz.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 12, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
Buchholz is a talent, but his stock dropped last year with his demotion after
going 2 and 9
ERA of 6.75, Whip of 1.76
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Dec 12, 2008 11:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
speculating
I think another year with a sub .500 record and the worst pitching staff in the league would jeopardize JD’s job. You don’t?
Don't believe the hype about sloppy seconds. They ain't bad.
by tricer on Dec 12, 2008 11:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Depends
Is it done with mostly over the hill veterans or did our young guys get a year under their belts and look to be getting better?
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 Dec 12, 2008 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and if Hurley and Harrison
can adjust and grow to become solid 3, 4 guys
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Dec 12, 2008 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This year, there will be improvement
mainly on the basis that MIllwood and Padilla are in contract years. Millwood has had all his best years in his contract years.
I think when we see Feliz and Holland, we’ll start to see something special in Arlington that will compliment our good young offensive team.
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Dec 12, 2008 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No, not immediately
Because our rotation looks to be much younger this year than in the last couple of years, and that’s what JD has lent to this team, the addition and development of the young guys. They’re going to struggle at times, no doubt, but I think this organization is prepared for that this time around, and will give JD some slack at least until some determinations can be made on Holland, Feliz, ext. So no, I don’t think JD’s job is in any immediate jeapardy.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 12, 2008 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He built, arguably, the #1 farm system in baseball
I don’t think his job is in jeapordy unless most of these highly regarded prospects flop. You can’t blame him for this team not winning if Hicks is only going to spend 60-70 million on payroll this year.
by hiafex on Dec 12, 2008 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You can't blame Hicks' 60-70 million dollar payroll
for losing, because many teams do better with worse.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure they do
But they didn’t have Hart running their system in to the ground from 2001-2005.
by hiafex on Dec 12, 2008 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Touche.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Daniels on the job learning didn't help either.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 1:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It didn't help
But he’s not going to lose his job over a trade that happened 2 and a half years ago. The good that JD has done outweighs the bad exponentially.
by hiafex on Dec 12, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just like any other service industry... what have you done for me lately?
meet me at the mawwl... it's goin dowwn...
by oc on Dec 12, 2008 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
i dont mind having a low payroll, but we ruined the depth and infrastructure of the organization in the previous years. The fact that we’ve been going back and forth on what we were trying to do as an orginization is what killed us.
by blalock84 on Dec 12, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
JD is holding out for more than Buchholz
He wants Buchholz AND Masterson…
At least this is what I tell myself. Delusion is fun sometimes.
by JBImaknee on Dec 12, 2008 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lol, let's throw in Bard too
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Dec 12, 2008 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Giving the Rangers
the coverage they deserve, I suppose.
Nolan Ryan is the Greatest Pitcher ever, because Google says so.
"BTW I’m officially welching ab03. Yeah I planned too all along, but I figured I’d try to get off the hook with double or nothing first."- Sharky
by DJCahill on Dec 12, 2008 9:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Weak.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
There are two kinds of men in this world: Men who make jump throws, and men who wish that they were Derek Jeter so that they could make jump throws.
by thedirkatron on Dec 12, 2008 10:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Haven't commented on this yet.
But I’m really bummed about Evan. He is an enthusiastic writer who admits to his mistakes and learns on the job. His work will be missed. I don’t see why the Cowboys need another beat writer. I read for more Rangers content because its depth, rather than the short-sightedness of most Cowboys journalism.
I had a paper route when I was a kid. I was supposed to go to 2,000 houses. Or two dumpsters.
by TheBZA on Dec 12, 2008 9:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
And when the Rangers start winning
and the DMN wants to cover them again, EG will have moved on.
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 12, 2008 9:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
newspapers are quaint
but no one really obsesses over their coverage any more.
Web 2.0 has bypassed JJT and his ilk long ago.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 10:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
DMN
when this officially gets confirmed I fully plan to strike them down with great vengeance and furious anger and they will know I am a Rangers fan when I lay my vengeance upon them!
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 12, 2008 10:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
The DMN
has never been that good with their Rangers coverage. Traditionally the FWST was a far stronger paper when it came to the Rangers – I remember as a kid occassionally wanting a dallas paper just to see what they had to say, and it always left me disappointed.
Only recently with TR and Kat OBrian leaving the Star Telegram and Evan Grant’s ascension did the DMN become relevant and strong in Rangers coverage.
by JBImaknee on Dec 12, 2008 10:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Coverage
I dont know that the past has much to do with the present. At this given time the dmn had better coverage and they are apparently getting rid of it. The bigger issue here is that we aren’t going to be getting as many varying voices.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 12, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the past has a lot to do with the present
People generally expect their papers to emphasize certain things over others, and what they’ve seen in the past has a lot to do with those expectations. Right now the DMN has the advantage, but that is really only because of EG.
Besides, the arrangement makes sense if both papers want to consolidate their staff a bit – the Mavericks and Stars are really Dallas teams that FW people follow. But due to their location, not as many FW people actually go to games. The Rangers are in between cities, so there is really no advantage to either paper. But the cost to cover the Rangers is probably about the same as the cost to cover the Stars + Mavs, so it is a good trade. Considering that the ST generally has put resources into the Rangers as opposed to the Stars and Mavs, it made sense to go this way.
Another thing: Assume both papers had to cut staff. I’d rather them do it this way (keep one paper working full time on the Rangers), as opposed to both papers cutting their baseball staff in half and having two sources of marginal news. One source of good news is far, far better.
by JBImaknee on Dec 12, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
another thing
it eliminates competition. With only one beat writer, he knows that he can bury a story, or just mail it in and nobody will really know any difference.
Don't believe the hype about sloppy seconds. They ain't bad.
by tricer on Dec 12, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 12, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 12, 2008 7:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Rangers are the least of The News' problems
The company that owns The News is in serious, deep water financial trouble. Stock price is less than $2, it has seen revenue fall more than 11 percent this year, and some people wonder if it can remain financially viable.
Where is Mick Kelleher when we need him?
by 3744nsheffield on Dec 12, 2008 10:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Belo
yeah i saw a few days ago how much trouble they were in.
Nbc isn’t doing much better, they are closing news units and starting to discuss the stations they own, such as dfw’s ch. 5
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 12, 2008 10:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When I conduct jury voir dire, I always ask where they get their news ...
and few ever claim to read the DMN. Out of 50 panel members at my last trial, only 3 took the DMN, which I thought was pretty amazing.
by Athos on Dec 12, 2008 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If your ever conducting voir dire
and some old geezer says LSB, that will be me
by BEW on Dec 12, 2008 10:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What do they say
instead?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 12, 2008 10:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jay Leno and Bazooka Joe wrappers
"Does this effectively hide my thunder?"
by Bob Loblaw on Dec 12, 2008 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I believe that
Since 1986, I’d guess I’ve been solicited to subscribe to the DMN a dozen times or more. I haver have. Took the S-T for a few years, then evolved to mostly internet and a little TV. I can’t recall buying (or even reading) more than one or two copies of the DMN in that 20+ years.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Dec 12, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I read the DMN daily
but on the internet for free. I did subscribe to it in the 90s before I had a good internet connection at home.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 12, 2008 11:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
The internet portals can deliver localized news items, and do, based on your xip code. My zip causes Yahoo News to load my page with FWST news, local news, traffic in my zip code, and metroplex sports. Not everything is there, but clicking the item gives you a chance to link into the online S-T.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Dec 12, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I scan those
from time to time, too.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 12, 2008 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ugh.
None of the trade talks got far enough for a deal to be announced, and the first free-agent offer the Rangers make could be to right-hander Jason Jennings.
I just threw up a little.
by Athos on Dec 12, 2008 10:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
+1
Ugh.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 12, 2008 10:06 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
same 'ole song and dance it sounds like..
hype a few free agent deals, get slapped down and then bring on the used up spent re-treads.
ugh + 2
"The Gerald Laird trade is a GREAT SUCCESS! Who'd we get for him again?"
Tom Hicks
by LAMuscleFag on Dec 12, 2008 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, come on
they’re talking about a minor league deal, non-roster invite. How is that bad?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 12, 2008 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yep
JD knows what he is doing.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 12, 2008 10:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ohhh
I can live with that.
I’m just kinda hoping that Sheets is still a possiblility, and that they don’t pass on the Big Unit and wind up with a broken unit.
"The Gerald Laird trade is a GREAT SUCCESS! Who'd we get for him again?"
Tom Hicks
by LAMuscleFag on Dec 12, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if we can get a pitcher
of Jennings’ caliber on a minor league deal, that could be a very good thing. so long as we don’t actually count on him for anything in ’09. this deal has the potential to pleasantly surprise.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 10:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
learning curve
we can get a pitcher of Jennings’ caliber on a minor league deal, that could be a very good thing.
So Jennings makes the rotation and the Rangers keep pushing off Hurley’s learning curve. That is a good thing?
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 12, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i don't care who is in our rotation
i just want the five guys who come in next spring an earn it. if that five includes the likes of Hurley and Holland, that’s fine with me. If it includes the likes of Jennings and Feldman, that’s fine too, that just means our younger guys need a little more time in AAA.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 11:20 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Like Sidney Ponson only thinner.
meet me at the mawwl... it's goin dowwn...
by oc on Dec 12, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There's a name we haven't seen dropped in ahwhile
Boy did he drop off after we released him.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 12, 2008 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is he really
thinner than Ponson? Can’t really tell a noticeable difference.
by jonthefon on Dec 12, 2008 5:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
and this year Jennings _won’t _ be counted on to start the season in the rotation. That is a huge difference. I always think it a good idea to have a vet starter in AAA. It allows the kids who shouldnt be rushed to bide their time and gives you some innings if someone goes down.
by Goyogringo on Dec 12, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"How is that bad?"
It’s Jason Jennings, that how that’s bad. Why in the hell waste even a minor league contract on a re-tread like Jennings when we have plenty of young arms that can fill in when gaps in the rotation appear? If we didn’t have a whole stable of young guys, I’d be tolerant of the idea, but that is not the case.
by Athos on Dec 12, 2008 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember
all the injuries they had last year? I’d rather have a guy like Jennings around for that kind of emergency duty than hurry someone just because you need a body.
Look, folks, we are a LONG LONG LONG way from the Rangers announcing Jennings being in the opening day rotation or some such nonsense, so we can probably just relax now.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 12, 2008 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
its not, but that's all we really ever get as Rangers fans,
I mean at least one big time pitcher, Johnson or Sheets, should be made priority number one. Bottom line. Kids like Harrison, Hurley and feldman will still need time to develop and bringing in a big time pitcher would sure do this team way more good than bad.
J.J. just isn’t the type of pitcher to make a huge impact on the leagues worst staff and it will continue to be the worst staff in baseball as long as they keep signing guys like J.J.
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
by NYTXFAN on Dec 12, 2008 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When you look at the local landscape professionally
the Rangers are the one franchise that doesn’t depress me. You obviously have to bet on the come, but the Mavs and Stars clearly have windows closing down on them. The greatest stars in their franchise history are aging, and in the Mavs’ case, while he has plenty left, you can’t just build something out of nowhere when you don’t have the assets. The Cowboys have a less dire near future, but there are inherent issues there, and with Jerry running things all by himself again, history tells us that deterioration will continue.
So it would be interesting if the mid 90s repeats itself, all of those teams go in the tank, and the Rangers are the one that garners interest again, and the DMN is stuck running Jeff Wilson notes. Not sure you could call that great insight, though you have to do what you have to do to stay in business.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 12, 2008 10:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
JJT
that little fart. He needs to follow Fraley to Colorado or wherever the hell he is now…what a joker.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 12, 2008 10:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
JJT
i didn’t mind him as a cowboys beat writer, but the guys pretty awful as a columnist.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 12, 2008 10:13 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
JJT has no idea
how to build a baseball team. In the 90’s we built our team with a farm system. Last year, people got excited about a young team nucleus, and throughout the year this team and its nucleus on offense opened some eyes. We’re about to start seeing the pitching come. And, we have a deep farm system. This year will hopefully only be the first wave. Of course, our young pitchers will struggle at first and usually pitchers are hit and miss when first called up. You have to give them time.
I hate columnists who write articles with little knowledge on the subject they are talking about.
You have to have patience.
Is this what we are to expect in Evan Grant’s absence. EG will be more than sorely missed, he will be infinitely missed.
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Dec 12, 2008 10:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the past 11 years
We have tried to live by getting everything through free agency. that isn’t a recipe for success.
I’ll reiterate this that Scott Lucas had in his blog, and I know this has most likely been talked about but it backs up my point.
http://rangers.scottlucas.com/
Nov. 25th, He broke down the last 15 years of homegrown pitchers for the AL West and the Rangers have brought successfully to the majors. That has been the biggest part of our problem. Don’t get me wrong I think you need to sign FAs too, but everything starts with the farm.
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Dec 12, 2008 10:50 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
rec
for new blog title.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 12, 2008 10:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
+1
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 12, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
Aikman and Bradshaw?
Please. They are in the same league as Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon as QBs who were taken to the SB by great Defenses and great Running Games.
-DJCahill
by SarasotaRanger on Dec 12, 2008 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yankees hubris and boring winter meetings
As I looked around at various hot stove topics, most of which by the end of the winter meetings amounted to zilch, I am struck by infuriating thought that because the yanks have so much to spend this off-season, everything is on hold until they get their pieces in place. I mean, you hop onto Heyman’s blog or DMN or listen to baseball tonight and every twetny seconds they are announcing that teams are interested in blalock and milly and padz, but always they are fallback options if and when Tex, sabathia, and other front line FA get signed.
On one level, I am not surprised and even expect the Yanks enjoy the fact that the market waits on them, but damn, get it over with. Sign Tex, sign Burnett, sign Sheets, whatever just do it so the rest of us can figure out what our lineups are going to look like.
Spend your 300 million or whatever on compiling the strongest assortment of douche in the history of the world so the rest of us can ravage each other fighting for the scraps. Just do it soon. We’re hungry.
Also, sad to hear about EG. What does this mean for mjh?
by jrams33 on Dec 12, 2008 10:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait
until we get to the day (August 1?!)when we are calling up our top rotation guys from AA/AAA for 200k while the Yankees have to ink theirs for a decade at 200mill with an aggregate payroll of 1billion (and still lose)…
by Goyogringo on Dec 12, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
just as an aside
I have always found it really irritating that the Bostons and Yankees of the world have the sysem depth and monies to take flyers on injured/signability guys who fall to the end of the first/1st round supp area. With our system depth now, I hope that we are not afraid to do that.
by Goyogringo on Dec 12, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When I hear the word hubris
I now think of Wake Up Ron Burgandy and the Rip The Lid Off It gang. And what is that, a devil sandwich, made of lies and, and hubris?
by Brett Perryman on Dec 12, 2008 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
On the ticket this morning....
They did say that what AJM said about Grant but they also said that the Telegram wouldn’t have exclusive beat writers for the Mavs or Stars and that eventually the papers would basically share all stories on the three teams.
Seriously though, who reads the paper on a daily basis anymore? I haven’t had a subscription in years and there’s a paper in our break room every day but I know I’ve already seen all of news that’s in there. This is great news for bloggers, by the way. As the traditional newspapers fall by the wayside, it’ll open the door for guys like AJM to get press passes. That might still be several years down the road but it is the future.
by cgolden on Dec 12, 2008 10:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I read it daily
the newspaper business is dying off, and I like to read the paper and support my local paper by actually paying for it.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 12, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I read Grant's game stories when I don't watch the game myself.
They are good. Grant is good. This is a disaster.
by FuturePants on Dec 12, 2008 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1 for press passes to bloggers.
We are the way of the future, baby.
Aikman and Bradshaw?
Please. They are in the same league as Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon as QBs who were taken to the SB by great Defenses and great Running Games.
-DJCahill
by SarasotaRanger on Dec 12, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
-1 to me for use of the word "baby"
Aikman and Bradshaw?
Please. They are in the same league as Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon as QBs who were taken to the SB by great Defenses and great Running Games.
-DJCahill
by SarasotaRanger on Dec 12, 2008 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
'Sup Sarasota
Haven’t seen you around here in awhile.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 12, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is almost typical columnist commentary
Gil LeBreton says that Randy Johnson would pay for himself, in terms of fan interest, if the Rangers signed him, and that the team needs to add Johnson and Ben Sheets to replace Vicente Padilla and Kevin Millwood because the fans are ready for change.
But I agree with it. Millwood may be an okay pitcher, but he doesn’t add any excitement to the team. His entertainment value is next to nothing. I went to an Anaheim game last year, and sighed when I saw Milly was pitching (facing Garland, I think). That was weird, since it probably meant we had the best shot at winning. But I could care less about seeing him. Padilla is more exciting to me, just for the potential of a chaotic fight or something, but he’s honestly probably not as good.
If Randy Johnson or Ben Sheets were pitching for the Rangers, I’d drive to Anaheim to see them. If I’ll do that, they’ll get more fans in Arlington.
by JBImaknee on Dec 12, 2008 11:26 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
+1
I’ll do whatever it takes if Ben Sheets comes to town in his prime. That’s just an exciting draw, no matter what.
This is an exciting time in my life.
The LSB CPP's are in full bloom.
by Chase Irwin on Dec 12, 2008 8:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would think so
I just wonder if a lot of fans recognize that there is a pretty big difference between Millwood and Sheets?
I know I’d be out there for as many of Sheets’ starts as possible, especially since I’d know that he may not make all 16 or so home starts.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 12, 2008 8:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
KLaw Winter Meetings Recap:
16. Guillermo Moscoso (traded to Texas): Fastball-command specialist who misses a lot of bats and has plus deception. He’s a year or so away, and has had trouble staying healthy in the past
24. Carlos Melo (traded to Texas): Unlikely to see the majors in the next four years, but he is a very high-upside arm, and would rank high if we were talking about impact from 2014 on.
by BHill on Dec 12, 2008 11:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Bad move for DMN
Made this point in the other Grant-related post, but IMO it’s bad business for the DMN to diminish any sort of good local interest coverage, and Grant’s coverage of the Rangers qualifies. What does the DMN got that Associated press and the new york times don’t got? Coverage of the metroplex. That’s their brand strength and they diminish it if they pull Ranger coverage.
"Never go with a hippie to a second location."
by jcAustin on Dec 12, 2008 11:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
but i think the point is
if you are choosing between the Times or USA Today, you are still going to pick DMN/FWST because they have Metroplex coverage/Sports coverage.
However, the DMN and FWST have just basically called a truce in the feud between themselves, divied up the metroplex and are saying that they don’t want to compete with each other anymore. It’s pretty much a merger with respect to everything but the actual names. I think they are even doing it such that FWST is actually going to be delivering DMN newspapers in the FW metroplex and vice versa.
I think each paper is looking at the other, conceding that they are about equal quality (or acknowledging which one is better at certain things), and just sharing the strength.
I guess by doing this and not actually merging, you can still keep the guys who say I’ll only read the DMN, the FWST sucks. At least, you keep them until they figure out that their favorite beat writer is gone. Still, I’m sure you manage to hold on to enough people like this
Mandatory reading before suggesting a trade
by ab03 on Dec 12, 2008 12:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Im obessed with the Rangers : (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXWLfIgc0nA
by mchang4 on Dec 12, 2008 11:54 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
John Perrotto says the Marlins like Saltalamacchia so much that they are willing to possibly give up Ryan Tucker for him. Ha.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 3:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I thought he was a Cowboy O-lineman
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 12, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And I thought you played basketball at Gonzaga.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 5:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You mean MaxRam.
Here is the original BA pay link.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Dec 12, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For Max
I’m a little more interested.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Dec 12, 2008 5:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
perhaps for Tucker and Pinto
but Tucker alone isn’t enough. He has a hell of a fastball, but his change up is only decent and he lacks a third pitch. I think he is destined for the bullpen. I would probably do Tucker and Pinto, because we still need another lefty in the pen.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
also, I really like Rick VandenHurk
Tucker and VandenHurk is probably too much to ask, but I would jump at it. Can never have too many power arms.
by clark on Dec 12, 2008 3:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
underwhelming
I wouldn’t trade Max for a couple of guys that project in the bullpen.
Don't believe the hype about sloppy seconds. They ain't bad.
by tricer on Dec 12, 2008 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Tucker...
…projects as a reliever.
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 12, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I know you love MaxRam...
but Tucker and VandenHurk would be a pretty nice deal for him imo.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Dec 12, 2008 4:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
FWIW
I don’t put a lot of stock into any of these really, but ZiPS isn’t too impressed with most of these Marlins arms, at least for this coming year:
Name Age ERA W L G GS INN H ER HR BB K ERA+
MIDDLE THIRD
Josh Johnson 25 4.04 6 5 20 18 107.0 110 48 9 40 87 106
Ricky Nolasco 26 4.57 10 11 31 30 189.0 201 96 28 40 151 94
Anibal Sanchez 25 4.59 5 5 17 17 96.0 98 49 11 43 76 93
Andrew Miller* 24 4.60 8 10 32 25 141.0 147 72 11 63 113 93
BOTTOM THIRD
Christopher Volstad 22 5.03 6 9 21 21 127.0 147 71 14 43 62 85
Ryan Tucker 22 5.11 5 8 34 22 132.0 144 75 15 66 79 84
Aaron Thompson* 22 5.61 3 6 19 19 101.0 122 63 13 43 43 78
Henricus van den Hurk 24 5.66 1 3 7 7 35.0 38 22 6 19 36 76
He’s also got some A’s starters coming way back to earth.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 12, 2008 5:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Henricus van der Hurk
That’s an epic name.
by hiafex on Dec 12, 2008 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
We should demand he be included in any return for Jarrod Saltalamacchia or Maximiliano Ramirez simply as “epic name comphensation”.
"I´d like to apologize in advance for anything that I may say or do that could be construed as offensive as I slowly go NUTS."
by lonestarJon on Dec 12, 2008 6:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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