Tuesday a.m. things

by Adam J. Morris on Feb 26, 2008 11:16 AM CST in News Comment 59 comments

Sorry for the delay this morning...I'm sick, and have had a hectic morning at the office...

Anyway...Jeff Wilson talks about the importance of not putting too much emphasis on the box score lines for pitchers early in spring training. Brandon McCarthy says if his mechanics are good and he's throwing strikes, he doesn't care if he allows 10 runs in an early spring outing.

Of course, McCarthy won't be allowing any runs on Wednesday, when he was scheduled to start, since he's been scratched with a sore elbow. That's, ummm...not good news.

Particularly since Kevin Millwood has been scratched from his first start with a hamstring problem. Millwood doesn't think the hamstring problem is serious, but he's frustrated, because he feels like he's in good shape right now.

Meanwhile, Milton Bradley is going to sit out the first week of exhibition games. Given how big an impact the health of those three guys, in particular, is going to have on the Rangers' 2008 season, this is a bit discouraging.

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Sheesh

Why can't it be someone like Vazquez that goes down? Or Bill White?

A working class hero is something to be.

by t ball on Feb 26, 2008 11:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

This made me feel a bit better

General manager Billy Beane, said the A's will not receive a sandwich draft pick for losing free-agent outfielder Shannon Stewart, because Stewart signed a minor-league deal with Toronto rather than a big-league deal. Even if Stewart makes the big-league team, Oakland will not get a compensation pick.

Courtesy of Susan Slusser's column today at the SF Chronicle.

A working class hero is something to be.

by t ball on Feb 26, 2008 11:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Or Broussard

and Alfonso, and any other NRI that shouldn't be taking away ABs from our younger palyers.

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981

by RangerMad on Feb 26, 2008 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Huh?

Why should Broussard go down?

I know this board loathes him, but can we give him a half-season to regain trade value, at least?

"I didn't even pay attention to it. I'm so over all of that. I was playing golf." -- Kevin Millwood, on Roger Clemens' appearance before Congress

by Chase Irwin on Feb 26, 2008 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

So Davis

can get the ABs.

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981

by RangerMad on Feb 26, 2008 2:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I might be misreading

but you're implying that Broussard should get hurt so that Davis can get ST AB's? Or that Broussard should get hurt so that Davis can make the 25-man?

"I didn't even pay attention to it. I'm so over all of that. I was playing golf." -- Kevin Millwood, on Roger Clemens' appearance before Congress

by Chase Irwin on Feb 26, 2008 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am a little torn about

what I want this season to be. There are just too many "ifs" to realistically believe that this team can contend for the division. However, I do want them to win. I guess Broussard should get his ABs in ST. But, whenever this season appears to be lost, the Rangers need to dump all the deadweight and see what the young players can do.

I've come to the conclusion that the two most important things in life are good friends and a good bullpen. ~Bob Lemon, 1981

by RangerMad on Feb 26, 2008 3:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Back to life...

back to reality.

by kentbenfer on Feb 26, 2008 11:27 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

pitchers bulking up in offseason

= red flag.

by SteveP on Feb 26, 2008 11:33 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

what the hell

sore elbow?

just effin' great...

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 11:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Better than a sore shoulder, I guess

Baseball Time in Arlington

by jamcadbury on Feb 26, 2008 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's just Mac being Mac

good old Mr. Reliable

by mjh on Feb 26, 2008 11:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

this doesn't make sense

are you saying he's faking an injury?

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 11:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

must have been that heavy workload

last year.

oh, wait.

by SteveP on Feb 26, 2008 11:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

here we go again

with all the Danks lovers coming out even though Bmac had a better year than him last year...

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 11:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

come on now

danks isn't even mentioned and we're getting the "stop whining about that trade" posts?

let the game come to you. don't force it.

by SteveP on Feb 26, 2008 12:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

well

you replied to a guy who hates Bmac because he loves Danks...

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yes: I have a bias against McCarthy

Putting that aside for the moment: Are you saying that I should like it that he's constantly hurt (or injured or whatever)?

by mjh on Feb 26, 2008 12:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

That his constant nagging injuries are cause for concern, but don't you think it's pretty silly to hold a grudge against a player because he was traded for a player you liked better? It's not as if he asked for it.

by brettgardner on Feb 26, 2008 12:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't hold a grudge against him

I said I have a bias against him. A bias is a particular tendency or inclination that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question.

The Rangers sold him as a potential #1 starter to justify that trade. So for me, that's the standard that has to live up to. My mind is made up on that point, and I'm not going to change it. That's a bias.

Most biases are silly. All are unfair. We all have a lot of them. I'm just being honest and saying that this is one of mine.

I also had a bias against Einar Diaz because I was a big Hafner fan. Oh, and one against Adam Eaton too because I believed that Chris Young was a keeper.

by mjh on Feb 26, 2008 1:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i guess we have to wait

and see if you have a bias against Josh Hamilton because of Eddy Volquez.

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 1:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll hold him to an unfairly high standard too

maybe he'll live up to it, maybe he won't.

by mjh on Feb 26, 2008 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ouch.

You put me in my place. Where'd you get those stinging skills? I guess being proud that you're a bit of a rube has its perks.

by brettgardner on Feb 26, 2008 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mmm

Before anyone else points it out, let me rephrase that, because I see that what I said could be seen as a lot harsher than I meant it. It was only supposed to be lighthearted sarcasm, but not vicious. You're right, of course, because I indicated a few minutes ago in the Yao thread that I have a inexplicable bias against Yao.

You've always posted good stuff mjh, though I know you more from Newberg, and I didn't mean to insult you, just rib you a little. Sorry if it went too far.

by brettgardner on Feb 26, 2008 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

just a little good natured ribbin...

Mr. Gardner is always good for that :)
Hi Brett!

Warning: Consumption of large amounts of these sunflower seeds could cause dellusions and dementia.

by LAMuscleFag on Feb 26, 2008 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hey LA

One thing I've wondered: Do you live in NY AND LA and travel a lot, or are you from one and live in the other?

by brettgardner on Feb 26, 2008 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

hey Brett :)

Lately I've been spending a lot of time in L.A. since the weather is so nice it's hard not to.
I'm slowly phasing out of NYC, after a while it wears on you eventhough it is still my favorite city. At the moment I am in San Francisco and boy is it gorgeous here today. You can't beat San Fran on a beautiful day. Next I go to Surprise to watch OUR Rangers, for a week or two. You're in Dallas right? Not having to hang at La Quinta anymore I hope.

Warning: Consumption of large amounts of these sunflower seeds could cause dellusions and dementia.

by LAMuscleFag on Feb 26, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Fortunately not.

I'm glad to actually be back in my apartment.

I'd have to agree about San Fransisco, but sadly I've never been able to spend more than a day there. I got to spend one of those beautiful days you're talking about there as a one-day diversion between San Jose and Sacramento. I'd love to go back. I guess my problem with NYC wasn't the people--they leave you alone, at least--but the weather. Can't stand that cold stuff.

I'm jealous that you get to go to the best state in the union to see the Rangers. I'm stuck in the wastelands of Lubbock, TX for another 2 and a half months.

by brettgardner on Feb 26, 2008 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

awww well...

2.5 months isn't that long. Then where are you off to? Hopefully somewhere you can catch a Ranger game or two. So you are a big fan of
"best state" Arizona?

Warning: Consumption of large amounts of these sunflower seeds could cause dellusions and dementia.

by LAMuscleFag on Feb 26, 2008 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

he did?

Translated Stats for McCarthy
(born 7/7/83: 2+ years of service time)

5.08 ERA
122.3 IP
9.9 H/9
.8 HR /9 -- better than Danks
3.7 BB /9
5.1 K/9

Tranlsated Stats for Danks
(born 4/15/85: 1 year of service time)

4.95 ERA -- better than McCarthy
167.3 IP -- better than McCarthy
8.8 H /9 -- better than McCarthy
1.4 HR /9
2.9 BB /9 -- better than McCarthy
7.0 K /9 -- better than McCarthy

by mjh on Feb 26, 2008 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i like how you left out

ERA+

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

how convenient

"I didn't even pay attention to it. I'm so over all of that. I was playing golf." -- Kevin Millwood, on Roger Clemens' appearance before Congress

by Chase Irwin on Feb 26, 2008 2:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

translated stats

What are these translated stats that you are using? I was assuming that they are normalized for park effects or something, but I can't figure out how McCarthy's 105 IP can be "translated" into 122 IP.

Anyway, I agree with your thesis that Danks had the better season. If you consider that McCarthy's advantage in hr/9 was due to an unsustainable hr/fb rate, then the results look even worse for the Rangers.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Feb 26, 2008 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Translated Pitching Stats

From the Baseball Prospectus Glossary:

Translated Pitching Statistics: Converts all pitching statistics into a standard context. Pitchers are translated to a league where the top five pitchers (in innings) pitch an average of 275 innings. An average pitcher will have rates, per nine innings, of 9.00 hits, 1.00 home run, 3.00 walks, 6.00 strikeouts, and 4.50 earned runs. In the standard context, a replacement level pitcher has a 6.00; the translation is set up to conserve runs above replacement (alltime PRAR). Wins and losses are set using the pythagorean formula with average run support, with the pitcher's actual deviation from his real expected win percentage added back in.

For what it's worth, PECOTA has McCarthy heavily weighted towards attrition / collapse and Danks heavily weighted towards breakout / improve.

I hope PECOTA is wrong.

by mjh on Feb 27, 2008 5:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

sore elbow?? W T F ??

The pitchers are dropping like flies and it's only been a few days. NOT good, NOT good. Josh
Hamilton better start warming up his arm.

Warning: Consumption of large amounts of these sunflower seeds could cause dellusions and dementia.

by LAMuscleFag on Feb 26, 2008 11:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Sore elbow...

it's probably from all that typing.

"Change my pitch up, smack my bitch up."

by Escher on Feb 26, 2008 11:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ok, folks

let's not hit the panic button yet. It's discouraging but I won't assume the worst.

A working class hero is something to be.

by t ball on Feb 26, 2008 12:01 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

that's what you said last year...

just kidding, you're right..it's wayyy too early. So I guess that pretty much firms up who our starting D H is. Poor Milty is going to miss the first week of spring training.

Warning: Consumption of large amounts of these sunflower seeds could cause dellusions and dementia.

by LAMuscleFag on Feb 26, 2008 12:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He should

have tried to pitch through the pain like last year and not tell anyone that he's hurt, huh?

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

dammit ajm

delete this one too

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 12:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

you obviously didn't read..

my post.. I said just kidding, it's way too early ... to judge such injuries..I'm a BMac lover not hater

Warning: Consumption of large amounts of these sunflower seeds could cause dellusions and dementia.

by LAMuscleFag on Feb 26, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i replied to someone else

but that post was deleted, that reply wasn't meant for your post...

by Longhorn on Feb 26, 2008 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

oh ok :) have a nice day longhorn

Warning: Consumption of large amounts of these sunflower seeds could cause dellusions and dementia.

by LAMuscleFag on Feb 26, 2008 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

When I hear...

...that a Ranger has a "minor" injury, I remember last year when we were initially told that Arias would just be missing a few days and Otsuka would be back within a week.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Feb 26, 2008 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

+1

"Minor Injury" concerns me....

by JB on Feb 26, 2008 12:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Kazmir's elbow

"discomfort"

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/spring2008/news/story?id=3265581

A working class hero is something to be.

by t ball on Feb 26, 2008 12:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully ...

... they are just getting the injury bug out of the way now instead of during the season. Right? Anyone with me? Anyone? :(

by Melmart1 on Feb 26, 2008 12:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I hear crickets

by corbsclinton on Feb 26, 2008 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What a F'king Joke

This team is.

Season hasn't even started yet, and we got Rheinecker with surgery, Millwood with hamstring, McCarthy with elbow, Benoit with velocity, and Bradley sitting out.

Only good thing happening is Nolan hiring a baseball guy - Jerry Narron.

by LBrooks on Feb 26, 2008 3:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Bitch Bitch Bitch...Moan moan moan....

did you expect anything different Brooksie?

by NYTXFAN on Feb 26, 2008 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Joke

Yeah, only the Rangers ever have injuries in the spring. No other team ever has to deal with this problem, right?

Well, except maybe the Phillies, who just lost their closer for 6 to 8 weeks.

Oh, and the Rays, who just sent their ace for an MRI.

Oh, and maybe the A's, who were without their ace all last season...

Oh, and Curt Schilling won't pitch again maybe ever.

Oh, and the Dbacks are without Randy Johnson until at least early next month.

Oh yeah, the Brewers lost Yovani Gollardo through the first month of the season.

But those injuries all pale in comparison to missing the first start of spring training. Those worthless Rangers.

A working class hero is something to be.

by t ball on Feb 26, 2008 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That's a decent point t ball

Although the BoSox and D-Backs will get along just fine, and may even do better without Schilling and Randy "The big hospital Unit" Johnson.

It's true, we're not the only ones having problems. There's plenty of teams out there with big concerns themselves.

But... that still doesn't mean this bit with Millwood and McCarthy isn't concerning. Both guys had injury histories last year, and now are injured before spring training has even started? That's not good. It's flat out horrible.

All I have to say is, fortunately, we have some pretty good young pitching depth. Only problem is, we might have to wind up using that young depth a litter sooner than we had expected. If B-Mac and K-Mill aren't healthy... our rotation is going to look akin to the Baltimore Orioles: a proving ground for young pitchers, who may or may not be ML ready.

"The only thing Gerald Laird can beat me at is number of glazed donuts eaten in 10 minutes" - Miles

by lonestarJon on Feb 26, 2008 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs