Monday morning things
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 29, 2008 9:37 AM CST
175 comments
Another morning where the only Ranger related news is coming out of Boston...
The Boston Globe has some Ranger mentions in an article about the additions of Brad Penny and Josh Bard to the BoSox, saying that Boston wants to add a young catcher, but is finding the price for Jarrod Saltalamacchia and Taylor Teagarden to be very steep. The Bard deal shouldn't really have much impact on the Salty and Teagarden talks, as he's expected to be the backup. However, adding Penny could make Boston more likely to part with some of their young pitching.
The Boston Herald says Boston has "all but given up" on re-signing Jason Varitek, and continues to talk trade with the Rangers and D-Backs about catching.
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You know
What the Bard deal could do (if he’s the backup) is switch Boston’s focus from Salty to Tea.
Which would be fine with me, really, but I doubt it would be fine with the 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 29, 2008 9:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
switch focus?
my understanding is the redsox have preferred teagarden the entire time but the rangers were talking salty.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 9:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well then find me proof to the contrary and i’ll search to backup they prefer teagarden. All i’ve heard is how much they value his defense and how he’s the one that the rangers want to keep.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ive heard
the same thing that they prefer Teagarden. Sorry I dont have a link to help you out.
by Michael Cave on Dec 29, 2008 10:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats also all i’ve been seeing around here from people like adam, they prefer teagarden but salty is why the rangers are dangling out there more.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
wasnt there an item about a month ago
suggesting Tea/Buch were both “unavailable” therefore any trade would have to go down with other parts?
Never rule out Jim Bowden.
That guy is effing crazy.
by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Dec 29, 2008 11:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i think the redsox are saying bucholz isnt on the table and i think the rangers are just saying that they would rather hold onto teagarden, but i don’t see the rangers turning down an offer from boston for him if its who they want in return.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 11:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
100% agree
if the Red Sox dangled Buchholz, Tea is available.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 11:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yes absolutely
i just think thats how it was framed in the press snippet…leading some to suggest the logical solution of a Tea Bucholz deal.
Never rule out Jim Bowden.
That guy is effing crazy.
by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Dec 29, 2008 11:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What I mean is
The Sox have been scouting Salty lately, but this development could be something to make them demand Tea instead or no deal (which they haven’t done in the past apparently, even though they prefer Tea apparently.)
"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 29, 2008 10:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
scouting
i dont put much stock into the fact they’ve scouted him more lately. I think thats mostly because he has been playing winter ball and rehabbing so they just want to see how his arm is now, that and he’s likely the easier one to pry from the rangers between the two.
Right now i don’t really care which one the rangers trade.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I love that JD hasn't lowered his asking price and given in to Theo
Keep it up, JD!
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 9:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Catcher's versus Pitcher's
I agree. Plus, forget Tea and Salty, reasonably cheap B-level catcher’s are abundant. What we need to do here is capture this emotional desire the Sox may have. They need to combat the Yanks. Fine. Let’s grab an arm and or two.
by 3Bagger on Dec 29, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OTM
has a breakdowm on the Red Sox internal catching options. Saltalamacchia and TT are better options.
http://www.overthemonster.com/2008/12/27/702581/could-kottaras-and-brown-d
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 29, 2008 9:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I like what (it appears) JD is doing.
Going into 2009 with three very capable young catchers is not the worst thing in the world. The logjam has already been cleared through the Laird trade; no need to make another deal unless the price is right.
"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 29, 2008 10:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
My feelings exactly
and I think they’re shared by many here. Deal if the return is right, otherwise use 2009 (at least the first half) as eval time to see who you want to keep.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 29, 2008 10:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds as if Boston
Will have to part with Buchholz or go with what they have. Stay the course JD don’t bend.
Miami bound...
by boomer1 on Dec 29, 2008 10:09 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 29, 2008 10:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Moscoso
not sure if anyone has mentioned this yet because i haven’t been around much lately, but i saw that newly acquired Guillermo Moscoso has pitched 7 innings over the course of three outings since being acquired, over which he has scattered 4 hits, 2 walks, and 12 Ks without permitting an earned run. his ability to miss bats is certainly intriguing.
by clark on Dec 29, 2008 10:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
What league?
12 Ks in 7 IP; nice.
by FuturePants on Dec 29, 2008 10:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How much stock can we put into Venezuelan Winter Ball?
It's a crazy messed-up world... It's a doggy-dogg world...
by oc on Dec 29, 2008 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
More than you can put into General Motors.
"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 29, 2008 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
zing
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 29, 2008 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wade not fired yet?
Jerry hurry up.
by SaltyGoesYard on Dec 29, 2008 10:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I honestly believe Jason Garrett
deserves to be fired even more.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 10:44 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
It does appear
The league caught up with his offense.
Miami bound...
by boomer1 on Dec 29, 2008 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Offense
I know… the cowboys need to go to the spread offense and draft tebow!!
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can they both be fired?
Not impressed with Garrett; less impressed by Wade.
by FuturePants on Dec 29, 2008 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm less impressed with Garrett
I actually thought did a good job at the end of the season taking over the defensive play-calling. Our offensive schemes were just awful imo. I still can’t comprehend how Romo never seemed to throw the ball deep to our WR. I’ve never seen a WR core more underutilized in my life…it pisses me off just to think about it.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
*thought Wade
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 10:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm cool with Wade as defensive coordinator.
If there was a way to hire a good head coach and retain Wade at DC; that would be fine with me. All of the senseless motion, 12 men, etc. penalties that we got all season are a direct reflection of a lack of discipline by the head coach. I don’t think Wade should be in charge, but running a defense? Sounds good.
by FuturePants on Dec 29, 2008 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I think Wade had no authority
partly because he’s a players coach but also because of the way Jerry acted all year, undermining Wade’s authority. If the Cowboys brought in a coach who wouldn’t tolerate that (such as Parcells), perhaps things would be different.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
we would have won some playoff games. Just like those glorious victories with Parcells at the helm.
Gerald Laird: One Man, 5 Scoops.
by Maximilian on Dec 29, 2008 11:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Please...
His QB’s were Q-Car, Vinny, Bledsoe and not even a full year of Romo.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 11:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
his call, his call, his call, sean's call
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 29, 2008 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Parcells did one of the greatest coaching jobs in the history of the game
his first year here. So good it set his rebuilding process back a year.
"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 29, 2008 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
still doesnt mean that he doesnt run his team like a Buick and that the Cowboys must, in order to be successfull be run like a Cadillac
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Dec 29, 2008 5:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I just remember everyone being upset that
we had such a disciplinarian like Parcells, and that our team would flourish with a cool and loose players coach like Wade. But now it’s just the opposite, and people are begging for Parcells.
Gerald Laird: One Man, 5 Scoops.
by Maximilian on Dec 29, 2008 6:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Julius Jones was the leader of that pack.
"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 29, 2008 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Calling out players like Barber.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
huh?
what did he say, and how is that ‘undermining Wade’s authority’?
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 29, 2008 11:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hello?
http://nfl.fanhouse.com/2008/12/08/jerry-jones-calls-out-marion-barber-for-not-really-being-injured/
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
huh?
how is that calling him out? and how is that ‘undermining wade’?
just because a blogger says the words ‘calls out’, doesn’t actually make it the case…read Jerry’s words.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 29, 2008 12:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Are you kidding?
I don’t think you read the link.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 12:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
“He can play with that injured toe,” Jones said. “He can play with the soreness and a combination of those things. I see nothing that led us to believe he couldn’t.”
okay…so? How is that undermining Wade?
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 29, 2008 12:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The owner shouldn't be calling out
the players. It is the coaches job to discipline players.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Too true.
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 29, 2008 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
still dont think that he shoulda missed time.
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Dec 29, 2008 5:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
based on what?
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 7:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bill Cower?
apparently we’re waiting for Holmgren in 2010, so he can take a year off, which is why Wade would be coming back next year…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Dec 29, 2008 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
They were supposed to be unstoppable on offense this year. With the emergence of Austin and the Bennett project at TE and acquiring Williams etc. Yet they somehow got worse. As for the head coach, if Wade gets fired, I would be all for going the assistant route and getting Spagnuolo from the Giants. Cause right now unless you get Cowher, which is doubtful, who are you going to get?
Fire Todd Dodge. Seriously. 45 given up in the 1st quarter. Wow. But still we're better than Washington! Oh and, SUCK IT WESTERN KENTUCKY! 1-10 baby!
by sprite on Dec 29, 2008 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you get Spags
do you keep Garrett to run the offense?
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 11:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If I'm Jerry I try to do this right.
If he wants Garrett, ok. If he doesn’t, I swallow my pride and let him go. You can’t run a team with appointed assistant coaches.
Fire Todd Dodge. Seriously. 45 given up in the 1st quarter. Wow. But still we're better than Washington! Oh and, SUCK IT WESTERN KENTUCKY! 1-10 baby!
by sprite on Dec 29, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
geez
they aren’t going back to 4-3 anytime soon.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 29, 2008 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I have noted the lack of a vertical attack as well.
I’m wondering if Romo’s injury issues didn’t force JG to take most of the deep throws out of his scheme? Romo was obviously having problems getting zip on the ball and with his accuracy. The question I posed yesterday was along those lines: Was the play calling a result of Romo’s poor play, or was Romo’s poor play a result of the play calling? The more I’ve thought about it, the more I think it was a combination of the two.
I will note, in JG’s defense though, that he can only call the plays. It is up to the guys on the field to execute them properly. The o-line has been a huge pile of suck for a few weeks now, and on those rare occasions when Romo had any time, he was as likely to completely miss an open receiver as he was to hit one. Naturally, those kinds of things tend to get blamed on the OC. I think there are some valid criticisms that can be thrown at JG, but I don’t think his scheme was the root of the offensive problems so much as a general lack of performance on the field.
by Athos on Dec 29, 2008 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
O-line....
playing like dog shit and letting a blitzer free on just about every pass the last month and a half didn’t help the ability to go deep either.
The O-line has been horrible in pass protect.
by bdavison94 on Dec 29, 2008 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cut all the backups
except for Montrae Holland. Him and Kosier can battle that out.
But I still think the first pick or two should be Flozell’s replacement. I wish they could bump him to RT and move Colombo.
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 29, 2008 7:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Garrett regressed HORRIBLY this year.
but you can blame a lot of the regression on two things: injuries and the schedule.
Injuries: Felix Jones, Kyle Kosier, Tony Romo, Jason Witten, Marion Barber, Miles Austin were all injured at some point…the Felix and Romo injuries hit the team the hardest.
Schedule: name a team that closed the season with a schedule anywhere close to as difficult offensively as @ Pittsburgh, home to NYG, home to Ravens and @ Philly
I think those are all “excuses,” and I hold Garrett accountable, but I don’t think he should lose his job…he should just lose his “head coach in waiting” title for now.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Dec 29, 2008 12:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree, partially.
the Felix and Romo injuries hit the team the hardest.
No question about that. Losing Felix made this a one-dimensional and predictable running team. Throw in Barber’s inability to be is normal rampaging self, and the running game died completely. Romo’s injury changed the whole offense. JG started calling games like Big Bill used to. His schemes were designed more to keep the QB from making huge mistakes and less about being aggressive, which was his trademark. I think Romo’s continued injury status probably had a lot to do with the continuation of the Bill-type scheme when Romo came back.
As to the schedule, I can’t buy that one. If you’re a winning team, it doesn’t matter who you play. If a team is having to cry about their schedule to explain sub-par performance after sub-par performance, then they are not a championship caliber football team—which is what this team was supposed to be. The competitor in me just can’t give any credence to that factor.
by Athos on Dec 29, 2008 12:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I guess I meant combine the injuries with that schedule
Romo was hurt (pinky and then back/ribs) to close out those 4 games. Felix was gone. Barber missed one and most of the next two. Kosier was gone. Witten was banged up and looked horrible. Flip the side – defensively, PacMan, Roy Williams and Pat Watkins were gone for most of those games…
not an excuse. but certainly an explanation for why it was harder than it could’ve been. hell, we had that Pittsburgh game – win that, keep the mental fortitude you refer to champions having, and we’re in the playoffs. but we didn’t.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Dec 29, 2008 12:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Firing Wade
is the logical thing to do. So, Jerry won’t do it.
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 29, 2008 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry needs to
clear house, fire Wade and Garrett. Hire Cowher or ideally beg Jimmy Johnson to come back and be the Coach/GM…but that won’t happen so yeah.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Jerry gives his coaches 3 years atleast
other than Chan because Aikman is an idiot.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 29, 2008 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3
and three straight 5-11 seasons I believe
by Brett Perryman on Dec 29, 2008 5:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
glad we didnt nip that a year early...
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Dec 29, 2008 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's right.
I guess I was so depressed in those years that I just forgot one of them.
by Athos on Dec 29, 2008 6:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great
we really need another Cowboys thread here.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 29, 2008 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
don't look to your right
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 29, 2008 11:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude there isn't any baseball to talk about...
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 11:29 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Of sourse there's baseball to talk about
There is the daily leak that Bucholz is not available that Theo is giving us
by BEW on Dec 29, 2008 12:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Pythagorean Expectation
Since I don’t want the Fanpost bitches going all nazi on me, can someone tell me where I can find Pythagorean Expectations? I am specifically looking for AL West for 2008 and, if available 2009. Gracias, mi amigos.
by FuturePants on Dec 29, 2008 10:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
What was the Cowboys Pythagorean Record?
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 29, 2008 1:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
According to Pro football reference...
their w/l should have been 7.9/8.1. Also, their takeaway/giveaway ratio was -11 which was good for 30th in the NFL. ’Nuff said.
by Redcaps on Dec 30, 2008 7:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not enough picks on defense
too much Pacman Jones on punt returns.
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 30, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Way too much Pacman Jones.
Wade’s decisions to just stick Adam out there on Kickoff and Punt returns is what make me lose faith in him as a Head Coach.
"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 30, 2008 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pacman
if he can’t field the ball cleanly, there’s no point in putting him out there.
That’s like the bare minimum for special teams — NEVER TURN THE BALL OVER.
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 30, 2008 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Whoever coached special teams this year should be gone.
They were horrible in just about every aspect of special teams this year. Their kick and punt coverage stunk. Pacman Jones was a miserable flop and hurt them multiple times by dropping the ball, or running east and west, or doing some other stupid thing. They got the league’s best punter injured, which really ended up exposing their poor coverage issues when he was replaced by another punter with a lot less leg. Folk, while awesome on FG tries, kicked the damned kickoff out of bounds FIVE times this season. It was just a huge pile of suck all around.
by Athos on Dec 30, 2008 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
At least some consideration of special teams competence
would be a nice item to emphasize this offseason.
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 30, 2008 7:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fanpost bitch to the rescue
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/statistics/standings.php
Now quit f’n whining about fanposts all the time.
Nothing pithy here. Please move long.
by WyoRanger on Dec 29, 2008 2:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Awesome, thanks a million!
And I think it should have read “fanpost bitchers” instead of bitches.
by FuturePants on Dec 29, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"Tired of a catcher to Boston trade talk"
Nevertheless, if Boston really has written off Varitek, it seems a deal could happen soon. If Theo is posturing, well, LSB could have that banner until spring training.
So, if you’re Theo, where do you look for that extra punch in the lineup. Everything that has been reported points to catcher. But, Fielder could be had. Wouldn’t you rather spend Buchholz on Fielder than Salty or Tea?
If Theo were to go the Fielder route, the only thing that I can see that would be bothersome would be the Lowell issue. By trading for Fielder, it puts Theo at a disadvantage in trading Lowell. Maybe that’s not an issue for Theo and maybe Youk’s defense at 3B isn’t a issue either, since he was willing to go after Teixeira.
So, Bill James projections for Salty and Fielder are .773 OPS and .923. I think the Sox would get a lot more punch out of their lineup for the next few seasons. The projection for Bard is a .729 OPS. Unless the Sox really believe Salty will go ballistic over the next 2-3 years, I think they would find a better return on Clay either by moving him to the bullpen or by using him to trade for Fielder. I’m not saying those moves are likely; I’m saying they make more sense to me than a trade for Salty (or Tea).
Having said all of that, I’m going with the odd coincidence onfangraphs, which has the word “Texas” next to Daniel Bard, and predicting Masterson/Bard/Stolmy Pimentel to Texas for Salty.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Dec 29, 2008 10:52 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I didn't hear that Fielder was on the market
but yes I’d rather have him over any Rangers catcher.
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 29, 2008 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
There were some rumors that he could go to the M's for pitching.
Other thoughts on Fielder were that the Yankees had no interest (George King reported this), and it became evident why that was the case.
He’s not being shopped, as far as Melvin has said, but he is available. It sounds from the rumors that good ML pitcher(s) would have to come back to Milwaukee in a trade. The longest standing rumor is Fielder for Cain.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Dec 29, 2008 11:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The question is: do the Brewers sans Sheets and Sabathia have a chance to compete with the Cubs this year?
For my part, the answer is no.
And if I remember correctly, Fielder has one year left on his contract. So, I’m pretty sure that Arte Moreno and Theo Epstein have Melvin’s number on speed-dial these days.
It's a crazy messed-up world... It's a doggy-dogg world...
by oc on Dec 29, 2008 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm gonna
Gagree, and add that it’s even more reason they should trade us Hardy in exchange for a Hurley+ type package.
by brettgardner on Dec 29, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is Fielder's first arbitration eligible offseason.
Fielder was really pissed last offseason when they renewed his contract rather than put together a longterm deal for him, ala Ryan Howard.
Perhaps Fielder would draw a better return at the ASB, when everyone needs a powerbat, or next offseason when the FA market is barren. It might be a bit premature to trade Fielder for maximum return. If the return were Buchholz and with the trade of Fielder perhaps freeing up some cahse for a run at Sheets, the Brewers would be a reasonable bet for a wild card. I would think they would be better off in 2009 with Sheets and Buchholz in the rotation than Fielder at 1B. I haven’t heard a single mumble about the Sox and Fielder, but if Theo liked Teixeira then I think he would like Fielder.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Dec 29, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Now would seem like a good time to trade him
Both Anaheim and Boston lost out on Teixeira and would have a place for someone like Fielder. Both those teams also have in-division pressure to do something to at least look to remain competitive. That should be able to get you a pretty nice return. As far as what the team gets back… if this is his last under-contract year and he’s arb-eligible, he could be offered arb and not take it, thus getting the Brewers a first-round pick… unless it ends up a second-round or third-round pick.
by Inkara1 on Dec 29, 2008 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No
He’s still under team control for 3 more years
by Horns130 on Dec 29, 2008 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's correct.
This is the first year that the Brewers can’t simply renew his contract. His salary should jump from about $675K to $6M-10M, depending on the arbitration ruling and whether the Brewers can get a longterm deal done.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Dec 29, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yup
Rumor was that Melvin went “all in” last year on Sabathia and regardless how things went, he’d probably start rebuilding. There’s no real pressure for Melvin to deal Fielder except salary, but he should provide a nice return if/when Melvin does move him.
Nothing pithy here. Please move long.
by WyoRanger on Dec 29, 2008 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3 years?
He’s been playing with them since 2005, right?
It's a crazy messed-up world... It's a doggy-dogg world...
by oc on Dec 29, 2008 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Service time
Right now hes at 3.068 in service time. So hes under team control for 3 more years
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 29, 2008 3:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
this ignores Lars, who will be their 1b for the future
Fielder at DH? then where does Pappi play?
doesnt work….
not this year and not long term
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Dec 29, 2008 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Signing Teixeira ignores Lars, and yet they were in to the very end.
Lars becomes great trade ammunition. As does Fielder, if they decide he isn’t a long term fit, but I think he would be a good fit for the next 10 years.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Dec 29, 2008 6:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Q&A with Jason Jennings:
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/12/qa-with-jason-jennings.html
Your 2010 Texas Rangers starting shortstop....(see pic)
by Kinslerhomer on Dec 29, 2008 1:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Jennings
“Jason Jennings lives in Frisco and is working out twice a week at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington”
How does that work? Considering he’s a free agent . . .
by Randy Richardson on Dec 29, 2008 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well there you go.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Dec 29, 2008 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thanks
I would think, in this day and age, there would be liability issues.
by Randy Richardson on Dec 29, 2008 3:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I’m not sure exactly how they handle that, but there is some sort of arrangement where guys tend to be allowed to do it, I think.
by Brett Perryman on Dec 29, 2008 3:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i would put the chances
of him resigning with us at around 80%.
by clark on Dec 29, 2008 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
and the chances
of fans bitching about it, even though it will be a minor league deal, at 99%.
by clark on Dec 29, 2008 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It won't be so much bitching as it will be not caring.
It's a crazy messed-up world... It's a doggy-dogg world...
by oc on Dec 29, 2008 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
true
but you know there will be a few who act like signing him to a minor league deal will some how stunt the growth of our young players and handcuff the team financially.
by clark on Dec 29, 2008 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't want to give
Jennings one inning of s spring training B game over one of our young pitchers.
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 29, 2008 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Alexei Ogando, where art thou?
The Rangers’ unicorn.
"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 29, 2008 4:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Got to admit
I don’t see how Boston’s given up on Varitek. I’m actually seeing him re-signing with them in May.
How there could be any other market for the player boggles my mind.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Dec 29, 2008 3:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It's hard for him to hit RHP with that huge fork sticking out of his back...
The Sox are a “What are you likely to do for me over the course of your next contract” type organization. Anything you can objectively measure shows that Tek (as a 37 year old C) is barely replacement level. FOr him to have any value you need to start throwing out things like “leadership” and “game calling” that are complete intangibles.
For what he actually brings to the table, other than his name, Brown or Kottaras can probably do just as well for pennies on the dollar.
I hope the Sox let him go to entice someone else to take him and give up their draft pick; the Mets had interest before arb, and if they only have to give up a 2nd round pick because they sign Lowe they might do it (based on reports that they weren’t that happy with Schneider last year).
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
by OCD SS on Dec 31, 2008 6:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Draft pick
good point on the Mets idea, there. Possible, but Varitek is definitely in a rough spot.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 31, 2008 7:41 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Mets were supposedly interested in him before the Sox offered arb (there was even talk of a virtual trade where the Sox would trade for Schneider and the Mets would sign Tek – the Mets didn’t look interested after if would cost them a pick).
However if Tek isn’t getting any offers (and AFAICT he isn’t) and the Sox bow out (which I hope they do) then he could findhimself with no suitors and the Mets could get him for a cheap salary, which might make the loss of their 2nd round pick more palatable.
The Sox were very surprised he didn’t accept arb; I think Theo lucked into a ton of leverage as most teams have made other moves at his position. I also don’t think the Sox are all that thrilled to work with Boras after what happened with Teixeira…
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
by OCD SS on Dec 31, 2008 8:45 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ben Sheets
is anyone starting to think that all this talk about Ben Sheets signing for 2 years and 30M is going to sound funny in a few months’ time? i am starting to get the impression from the utter dearth of interest in him and these whispers we keep hearing that his lingering back injuries are much more serious than we fans realize. I think he will end up signing a one year, incentive laden deal like Penny, and honestly, because of the comp pick attached to him, I wonder if he will even exceed the Penny deal in terms of dollars.
The fact that teams are standing in line for the likes of Tim Redding and ignoring Ben Sheets either means that Sheets has outrageous contract demands (which we probably would have heard about) or he is seriously damaged goods.
by clark on Dec 29, 2008 3:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
This offseason has become so boring, I'm literally holding in my poop until Jon Garland signs.
It's a crazy messed-up world... It's a doggy-dogg world...
by oc on Dec 29, 2008 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
So you're saying
Garland ain’t worth shit?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 29, 2008 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The real punchline is that Garland would have been the best pitcher on our staff last year.
It's a crazy messed-up world... It's a doggy-dogg world...
by oc on Dec 29, 2008 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He would have been
de-shit by default.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 29, 2008 4:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Question:
If, as many here contend, the Rangers aren’t going to be competing next season, why would you want to sign Sheets?
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
by OCD SS on Dec 31, 2008 6:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Some here, me included,
think the division is competitive, the Angels weren’t that good by most run differential metrics last year and certainly haven’t gotten better this offseason. Signing Sheets is risky but could add a couple of wins and bring them even closer. Plus, if he’s here for 2 years he bridges the gap until some of the young talent starts showing up.
The fact that no other teams seem to be bidding on Sheets makes me a bit nervous, though. It’s either a sign that he’ll be a real bargain or a sign that everyone knows he’s not healthy.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 31, 2008 7:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I actually think the AL West is pretty wide open as well, for the following reasons:
1. The Angels drastically over-preformed their Pythag.
2. The Angels lost a decent amount of talent without (so far) replacing it.
3. Texas still has a very good offense filled with young players who could improve.
So what I’m trying to reconcile is this with the idea that Texas won’t be helped by getting a MLB ready pitcher who’s not an ace (ie Buchholz) for one of their catchers. and that JD should hold out to get Theo to overpay (at least in Theo’s view) because Texas won’t compete this year is a little baffling to me. It seems to me that if Texas is going to spend the money to add Sheets they should also be gearing up to get as much pitching as possible to try to compete in the narrow window that they’ll have Sheets signed. Since most of the talk is for a 2 yr deal for Sheets, that would be an optomistic time frame for Texas’s top pitchers (even if you expect them to reach MLB in that time frame, they probably won’t dominate right out of the gate).
I actually wouldn’t be surprised if Texas is more competitive than Boston this year, given the relative strength of their respective divisions.
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
by OCD SS on Dec 31, 2008 9:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Whoa. Rangers are looking everywhere for a third baseman.
by rooster on Dec 29, 2008 4:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
So, anyway, the really important parts of that article are
(1) Danny Clark (Clinton pitching coach) replaces Rick Adair
(2) Joe Slusarski is the Frisco pitching coach
(3) Terry Clark promoted from Frisco pitching coach to the AAA staff
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Dec 29, 2008 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What happened to
Scott Little? Last year’s Frisco manager.
Mitch Moreland - Rangers 2009 Minor League Player of the Year
by RangerMad on Dec 29, 2008 4:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats what i'm wondering
unless i’m living under a rock I never heard he left.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
i missed that too. he was named manager of the year, wasn’t he? did he get a promotion?
by clark on Dec 29, 2008 5:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe an internal promotion will soon be announced.
I googled for him and found no news stories announcing a move of any type.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Dec 29, 2008 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Garrett is going to interview for the Lions job.
They just broke that on Galloway’s show. Interesting development there.
by Athos on Dec 29, 2008 5:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Detroit
man, that would be an awful job to take…unless he catches lightning in a bottle like atlanta did.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 5:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well....
Mathew Stafford is a franchise changer…
I'm Ed Werner, but with real secret sources...
by miles on Dec 29, 2008 5:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradford might go pro
But I don’t see him as the #1 pick.
Miami bound...
by boomer1 on Dec 29, 2008 5:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
todd mcshay
has him rated as the #1 overall prospect FWIW
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 29, 2008 5:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Did not know that hmmm
I really hope he stays at OU but I think there is a good chance he turns pro.
Miami bound...
by boomer1 on Dec 29, 2008 6:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I really like this
website for mock draft coverage: www.drafttek.com
by Michael Cave on Dec 29, 2008 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
old article
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/columns/story?columnist=mcshay_todd&id=3764404
Maybe it’s not #1 overall, but a 98 grade was tied for the highest I saw of his other reviews.
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 29, 2008 6:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bradford
I’ve heard a lot of speculation that if he goes pro he could be #1 overall.
But you know how that stuff goes, things change between now and the combines and the draft.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Dec 29, 2008 6:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
lol
He made a real difference at Georgia. Stafford would set the franchise back another 5 years.
"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 29, 2008 7:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If I'm taking over a shitty franchise
I trade a 3rd and a 6th to New England for Kevin O’Connell. I think he’s going to be pretty special.
by brettgardner on Dec 29, 2008 8:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I haven't really seen him.
But my guess is if Cassel is going, O’Connell would be quite expensive himself. I would bring in Byron Leftwich short term, trade out of the 1st pick, draft a quarterback late 1st rd – 3rd rd.
"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 29, 2008 11:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No way
They let Cassell out, or maybe they let O’Connell start next year? Cause it doesn’t sound too certain that Brady’s coming back.
by brettgardner on Dec 29, 2008 11:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Some people think the Pat's are just gaining leverage
in trading Cassell.. You can’t ever trust the Patriots on injuries.
"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 29, 2008 11:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stafford
Im actually a Stafford fan. Awesome arm that you just cant teach. He had no help at Georgia.
I have more confidence in Stafford than Bradford
by Horns130 on Dec 29, 2008 9:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Arm
Is so incredibly overrated. It really is. There’s a baseline of minimum competency that any QB has to have in the NFL. You really don’t have to be Dan Marino to be successful. Even Peyton Manning relies far less on his rocket than his touch.
Two of the best QBs in the league this year were Drew Brees and Chad Pennington, neither of which lay claim to any kind of golden arm. It’s all about accuracy and brains, man, and Bradford’s got that in spades. Stafford throws way too many picks and makes a ton of poor decisions. No thanks.
by brettgardner on Dec 29, 2008 9:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Could not agree more
Having looked it up just last night, would you believe that Chad Pennington was the 2nd highest rated QB in the NFL? And that Philip Rivers, of all people, had the only rating over 100? You don’t even need big numbers (Pennington 19-11), just be friggin accurate and your running game / defense can handle the rest.
You don’t need the big arm. Read a defense and release the ball quickly. Done.
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 30, 2008 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He had a RB who will contend for the Heisman next year
and a freshman phenon WR in AJ Green.
"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 29, 2008 11:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He should come back then.
"A ~.650 OPS from a COF should get you deported, not traded for."
- The Huntressatron
by Chase Irwin on Dec 30, 2008 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree.
"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 30, 2008 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Would that be
addition by subtraction at this point?
by Michael Cave on Dec 29, 2008 5:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely...
There’s nothing I’d love more than to see Jason Garrett not calling plays for this offense next year…
by N41D on Dec 29, 2008 8:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Boston Fans
Seem to want to trade Buchholz to Texas reading the comments.
by SHSUHorn on Dec 29, 2008 9:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately
they don’t run the team.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Dec 29, 2008 10:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Boston after H. Ramirez?
Interesting.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/baseball/mlb/12/29/heyman.verducci.hanley.red.sox/index.html
by SHSUHorn on Dec 29, 2008 10:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
everyone is after him
doesn’t mean he’s getting traded though.
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
by Longhorn on Dec 29, 2008 11:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think every team makes calls and offers like this. They’re just very rarely reported on.
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
by OCD SS on Dec 31, 2008 7:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
great article
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Dec 30, 2008 1:12 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hah
new sig! Thanks Jeff Passan!
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 30, 2008 7:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The ANUS?!?!?!
"...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 30, 2008 11:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Another article concerning the Rangers
Texas: There is a bull market for young catchers, and the Rangers have another to deal in Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The consensus within the organization is that when this club is ready to win, Taylor Teagarden will be the catcher, so why not move Saltalamacchia now?
The Rangers have not added to a pitching staff that had a league-worst 5.37 ERA last season. If Texas does bring in help, it is likely to be a stopgap arm as the club waits for minor leaguers to arrive.
by coolrangersfan on Dec 30, 2008 1:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
f fraley
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 30, 2008 7:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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