Tuesday a.m. things

by Brett Perryman on Dec 16, 2008 10:51 AM CST Comment 84 comments

More dead air from the Rangers today.

The Braves have apparently won the Rafael Furcal bidding, so that might lead to a few interesting ripple effects for both Atlanta and Oakland.

UPDATE: Just to update since this is about all that is going on today, there is some question about whether this is a done deal, however the team that seems to be still negotiating is the Dodgers, not the A's.

0 recs | Comment 84 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Atlanta

Do they want Millwood back?

Would they give Escobar? Would he warrant Escobar?

Obviously they’re trying to contend, and they went hard after Burnett so we know they want another starter.

You are correct sir, the ripple effects are worth watching.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Dec 16, 2008 10:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Actually

This says they aren’t trading Escobar.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Dec 16, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

While it might be true

They can’t really say, ya we’re looking to deal Escobar.

by groundingout on Dec 16, 2008 11:27 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Escobar

Millwood does not warrant Escobar by any means.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 16, 2008 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

MLB's new network

Launching on 1/1/09. Here’s the lineup for some of their shows.
http://mlb.mlb.com/network/shows/
It almost seems like ESPN Classic but done the way it should have been done (i.e. no world of poker reruns). It could be a channel to check out when nothing else is on. And the Ken Burns’ series is really well done; I got the DVD’s for Christmas last year but haven’t watched them.

Nothing pithy here. Please move long.

by WyoRanger on Dec 16, 2008 11:02 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

anyone know what providers will carry it?

It’d be funny if MLB worked out a deal with Time Warner when the NFL Network can’t (which angers me to no end, especially since I can’t watch Rice’s bowl game this year…)

by JBImaknee on Dec 16, 2008 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

to answer my own question

from the mlb network website

MLB Network will be available on major systems including Comcast, Cox, Direct TV, Time Warner, Charter, Cablevision and Verizon FiOS

Can’t tell whether it will be on basic cable or require a package. Also, they say they’ll air 26 games during the season. Hopefully these aren’t blacked out from my mlbtv subscription

by JBImaknee on Dec 16, 2008 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Dish Network?

Pleeeeease?

by hiafex on Dec 16, 2008 12:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yah it sucks

last I heard it’s not happening….

I really like Dish, but if this channel is worth it, I may switch

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 Dec 16, 2008 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That was one of the problems with MLB ExtraInnings

When Dish negotiating MLB extra innings rights DirecTV was willing to put the baseball channel on their basic plan while Dish was not.

Nothing pithy here. Please move long.

by WyoRanger on Dec 16, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hate dish

there basic package sucks a deezy.

by cashman on Dec 16, 2008 3:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not sure if dish will carry it but apparently Timwarner and DirectTV will

link

Wait 'til the year after next

by NothinG on Dec 16, 2008 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well i'm sure a whole lot more will be going on in season

but still looks fairly interesting considering the lack of baseball content on tv.
the only mlb radio thing I ever listened to was their fantasy baseball show, i wonder if that has enough of an audience to be on tv during the season.

if you click on the about mlb network link it has a pic of their pretty cool looking “field” set.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 16, 2008 12:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Advantages of the MLB network

1> No longer have to watch ESPN
2> Baseball all the time
3> No longer have to watch ESPN

by JBImaknee on Dec 16, 2008 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

amen

Wait 'til the year after next

by NothinG on Dec 16, 2008 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'm realizing

that is a major plus of having the NFL network

Mandatory reading before suggesting a trade

by ab03 on Dec 16, 2008 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I read or heard (on XM?)

that the plans for the MLB Network are to be kind of an 8 hour version of Baseball Tonight. with live break-ins to games in prgoress.

Me likey.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

by Josey Wales on Dec 16, 2008 1:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

that's basically what nba network is

which is also pretty awesome.

the only drawback is that you are only as good as your on air talent. some people i like listening to (Chris Webber, Gary Payton) but some people are just brutal (Eric Snow). Possibly it has to do with how much I respect their game.

MLB network better bring it with the analysis. They have a really good opportunity to be the only network with really really good baseball coverage instead of the shitty BBTN schlock.

Mandatory reading before suggesting a trade

by ab03 on Dec 16, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OT: Death of the MSM

More news on the demise of printed news:

Detroit’s newspapers announced Tuesday they plan to offer only three days of home delivery and will push their online editions in a fight for their survival amid slumping revenue industrywide.

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/18288845/detail.html

by robert_d_wilfong on Dec 16, 2008 11:38 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Newspapers die.

The number of television talking-head egotists grows.

by oc on Dec 16, 2008 10:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Newberg book release partay pics

from EMC – click ‘slideshow’ to enlarge

by shroomer on Dec 16, 2008 11:47 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Deserves its own post

imo

by robert_d_wilfong on Dec 16, 2008 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by Michael Cave on Dec 16, 2008 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

newberg’ll probably do one soon which includes links to partay pics

by shroomer on Dec 16, 2008 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pic 10

Yes, that is our FOTF….

In Smoak We Trust

by Smoak Some on Dec 16, 2008 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The picture at the end

of Jamey and his kids is absolutely adorable.

by Slaw on Dec 16, 2008 2:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Zim

He’s got a wicked scar on his elbow.

by shroomer on Dec 16, 2008 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

"Having fun while waiting in line"

Are these LSB affiliates?

by oc on Dec 16, 2008 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

works well for the rangers

makes the A’s worse, decreases the chance the braves sign sheets thus increasing the chance we do and they are interested in millwood.

so.. yay.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 16, 2008 12:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I read that the A's will now shift their focus to Orlando Cabrera

The A’s are one of those teams interested in Randy Johnson so I hope they spend their money on Cabrera instead to give us a better chance of landing the Big Unit. I know Johnson is 45 years old and injury-prone, but there are some reasons why I think he is worth having on our team. They are the following:
1. He is suited for our ballpark since he is left-handed, is extremely tough on left-handed hitters with that slider (held them to a .583 OPS last year) and gets a good amount of K’s and some groundballs.
2. Last season he finished strong. After the all-star break, his pitching line looked like this (86 IP 74 H 23 ER 9 HR 16 BB 78 SO with a .232-.271-.357-.629 and a 2.41 ERA 1.05 WHIP. It is important to point out that out of those 23 ER and 9 HR, 10 of those ER and 5 of those HR came in two starts against STL (which has that powerful right-handed trio of Pujols, Ludwick, and Glaus). I don’t think the Big Unit would have to face that team if he signs with the Rangers. Those post all-star numbers should put to rest the question of whether he is healthy or not.
3. It would only be a one-year deal in the 6-8 million range so it doesn’t mess with the budget or the plan.
4. His home/away splits were favorable last year. Outside of the hitters’ park (and second most elevated playing field) Chase Field, Johnson had a 3.58 ERA and .706 OPS allowed. Also, it is worth pointing out that 16 of his 24 HR allowed came at home.
5. He would teach the youngsters a thing or two about work ethic and serve as a mentor.
6. He would help the Rangers collect some extra revenue as he nears 300 wins and 5000 strikeouts.

by coolrangersfan on Dec 16, 2008 4:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Rangers interested in Cabrera

anyone here interested?

Earlier Monday, The Baltimore Sun revealed, through agent Mike Powers, that 11 teams are interested in free agent right-hander Daniel Cabrera, who was not tendered by the Orioles on Friday.

The Tribune-Review confirmed that the Pirates are one of those teams. Other candidates to be involved include the Nationals, Brewers, Blue Jays, Padres and Rangers. The Sun pointed out that an American League team would probably be a better fit for Cabrera, considering he’s 0-for-14 with 14 strikeouts in his career at the plate.

Cabrera, 27, went 8-10 with a 5.25 ERA for Baltimore in 2008 and has never logged an ERA lower than 4.52 — in 2005. But the five-year starter is said to have great upside, with his 6-foot-9 frame and devastating fastball-slider combination.

http://hotstove.mlblogs.com/

by Goyogringo on Dec 16, 2008 12:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

no no no no

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 16, 2008 12:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone think he

could transition to the bullpen with his FB-SL combo or is his control just too bad?

by Goyogringo on Dec 16, 2008 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

'pen...

I think he could be an option there.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Dec 16, 2008 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

First Inning

Batters hit .386/.455/.630 in the first inning against Cabrera. So I’d say that’s a no on the bullpen.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 16, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

not good

but coming out of the pen might help him but with a lack of FB control it prob. wouldnt help him enough. Another curious stat with him last yr, his SO/9 dropped by half….

by Goyogringo on Dec 16, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

FB velocity

His average fastball velocity dropped almost 2 mph and his other pitches lost velocity, too. There’s no public news about it, but I wonder if there’s some suspicion of arm woes.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 16, 2008 12:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He could be a devastating reliever

but his problem has always been his control. And, I hate relievers that come in a walk people.

I would not sign him as a starter

Wait 'til the year after next

by NothinG on Dec 16, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

with his bb rate and his 2-pitch arsenal it seems that his control problems lie with his fastball which preclude him as a pen candidate.

by Goyogringo on Dec 16, 2008 12:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pen was my thought as well

Though, my first thought was a double take since I was thinking of Orlando.

by groundingout on Dec 16, 2008 3:19 PM CST up 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 16, 2008 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

makes sense

The Orioles probably need to move on from there.

"Was this really necsarry?" - cowpoke/hurler hurley

by trza on Dec 16, 2008 12:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

would he be better or worse

than any of our youngsters as a #5 starter who throws 200ip with a 9-15 record, 5.25 era and 5bb/9? Just curious…

by Goyogringo on Dec 16, 2008 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He might be a little better or about the same

the difference being he’d be gone in the near future and is unlikely to ever get better.

if you give those to hurley, he has the chance to improve and become a cheap 3rd or 4th starter type for the next 6 years.
On opening day it might not be that big of a deal, but late in the season when holland and maybe even feliz might be ready to get a look, youve still got hurley, bmac, hunter, harrison, etc…

I dont have a huge problem making those guys earn their way into just a couple of spots, but for a top of the rotation guy… not daniel cabrera.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 16, 2008 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

With the injury problems the starting staff has had

I would like them to sign a veteran 5th starter to compete with the kids in ST and to offer another option if someone from our MASH unit cannot make it out of ST due to rehab or injury. With Padilla, Millwood, McCarthy, and Gabbard on and off the DL, Hurley and Diamond coming off an injuries and Harrison’s history of arm problems, I have to say that the Rangers have to sign a #5 vet at the very least as a precaution and a luxury(if he’s not needed in the end). Throw in that we don’t know how Feldman’s arm will respond to his first year of being overworked as a starter and that Nippert is no ML starter in my book.

I really hope that Hunter, Holland, diamond and Feliz (and even Hurley) get to work on their secondary stuff until the rangers feel they are ready and vet depth would allow that. I hope they can sign the likes of Sheets but saving that…

Also, if it comes down to signing Jennings or Cabrera to provide depth/competition, I’m all over cabrera.

by Goyogringo on Dec 16, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jennings vs Cabrera

yeah you take cabrera, but like all Rangers fans that are sane, I want Sheets. The longer we wait the less likely Sheets will come here, and if Sheets doesn’t then I"m ok with Cabrera to provide depth

Wait 'til the year after next

by NothinG on Dec 16, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jennings would strictly be a minor league signing..

He wouldnt just have a job in the rotation or something unless he proved his health and ability in the mionors again. Someone will offer cabrera a rotation spot.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 16, 2008 12:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

right just AAA for jennings

with one of the kids called up first

by Goyogringo on Dec 16, 2008 1:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Since when to batting stats

matter for pitchers in deciding to go to the NL or AL? I can understand a Zambrano wanting to stay NL, because his advantage over other pitchers out of the 9 slot in the lineup is significant enough to probably add a win every season or two. But staying in the AL because you can’t hit? The vast majority of these guys can’t hit – there isn’t much marginal difference in hitting .000/.000/.000 and hitting .050/.050/.050.

by JBImaknee on Dec 16, 2008 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah I didn't get that

by Goyogringo on Dec 16, 2008 12:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Which is why we need a DH in both leagues...

Nobody wants to see pitchers bat.

by Wemedge on Dec 16, 2008 4:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The bidding would make Cabrera cost more than what the Rangers

are willing to spend on him. The good thing about him is that he gets a decent amount of groundballs and strikeouts (with the exception of 2004 and 2008) and his H/9 and HR/9 are slightly above average (except 2008) but his control is just awful. Last year, he lost velocity and was more hittable. I wouldn’t make an offer if it was up to me.

by coolrangersfan on Dec 16, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fine with Cabrera.

He has just not been able to harness it consistently. I am all for taking chances on pitchers that have some talent. Nice to see if Maddux can corral his ability.

Obviously depends on how crazy the bidding gets.

Kind of like 28 mil a year upper-sealing for Tex… that is just lunacy.

Go Cubbies and Go Rangers!

by pbpsean on Dec 16, 2008 12:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No to Cabrera

Every year throughout his 8 years combined in the minors and majors he has shown absolutely horrible control. I doubt an offseason with Maddux will suddenly magically ameliorate it. Let some other sucker entranced by his “potential” take him.

"Some mornings it just doesn't seem worth it to gnaw through the leather straps."
- Emo Phillips

by Rangerchick on Dec 16, 2008 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

Leo Mazzone failed, so I don’t see Maddux getting him to paint the corners.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 16, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

this is a guy on which you take a minor league contract flyer.

Mandatory reading before suggesting a trade

by ab03 on Dec 16, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Id like them

to at least go after Cabrera. Sign him up and then drop him down. See what that big frame can do throwing low 3/4s

by Michael Cave on Dec 16, 2008 2:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

$4 Mill going into RBIA

http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081216&content_id=3719169&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

by cmkelly29 on Dec 16, 2008 2:38 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

cool

that’s good news

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 Dec 16, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

" He throws it where he wants it, his breaking ball kept getting better and better and of course God gave him that special arm. He's great." ~ Neftali Feliz on Derek Holland.

by Kinslerhomer on Dec 16, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sweet.

"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 16, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Its about time

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 16, 2008 2:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes this will be nice...

And now we have high profile playoff seats. This should be worthy of a fanpost, but I am sure everyone is scared to post it.

by Ranger Capt on Dec 16, 2008 2:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i never thought the cost of updating the signage

would be less than Ben Blewhard’s contract. how long have we been asking for this? seems like a long time coming and at very little cost.

hey TOMMY! WTF took so long?

mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.

by Jayslick on Dec 16, 2008 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Teixeira

Does anyone see a reason he won’t wind up in Boston?

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Dec 16, 2008 2:52 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he hates the red sox for screwing him over in the draft?

but i count 200,000,000 reasons he’d ignore that

mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.

by Jayslick on Dec 16, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

it seems likely,

unless the Angels make him an offer he can’t refuse.

by Randy Richardson on Dec 16, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They could. They did to Torii.

Go Rangers!

by rooster on Dec 16, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe he'd like to stay in Anaheim?

Boston does make sense, I agree.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 16, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If he does stay in Anaheim

Hopefully it would cost Anaheim a ton of money. That’s one of the few cases where Boras is actually helpful to us.

by coolrangersfan on Dec 16, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Has anybody been reading what this aslan guy over at minorleagueball.com has been spewing out?

What a loser. He obviously doesn’t follow the minor league system in Texas, but believes he is a wiz in it cause of what he has read from BA and some other source from the beginning of the year. What a douche.

The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ

by NYTXFAN on Dec 16, 2008 3:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

he is a funny guy

by clark on Dec 16, 2008 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Other than the fact that he’s been a jerk, he knows nothing about the minors in general. He says the White Sox have a top 6 system. And Jacob McGee and Reid Brignac make the Rays’ system the best. Genius.

Mike Grouse Interview - Rangers' Midwest Cross Checker

by Andy Seiler on Dec 16, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs