3/20 Line-up

by camartin44 on Mar 20, 2008 2:34 PM CDT Comment 80 comments

Vazquez, SS batting .325
Roberts, 2B batting .371
Hamilton, RF batting .556
Blalock, 3B batting .214
Byrd, LF batting .200
Murphy, D, CF batting .410
Saltalamacchia, C batting .182
Broussard, 1B batting .222
Millwood, P batting carefully

As the D-Backs are the home team, pitchers will hit today. I guess we will find out how Millwood's hamstring is especially if he happens to make good contact on a pitch and has to run bases

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Game Day

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/y2007/gd.html?2008_03_20_texmlb_arimlb_1

Looks like somebody took a black marker and drew a moustache on Ramon Vasquez.

It's baseball. You don't always get what you want, and you don't always want what you get. --Ed Coffin

by txranger7 on Mar 20, 2008 2:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Ramon

looks like Tom Hanks

World's Most Dangerous Hiking Trail

by shroomer on Mar 20, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

John Patterson

just got released. Injuries hurt him the last couple years but was a promising prospect before then. In 05 he had 198ip 185k and a 3.13 era. I'd be all over him if I were the Rangers.

LSB hates them some Mench.

by sprite on Mar 20, 2008 2:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Also, he's from Texas.

Vitamin B12. You can get it in cereal or by an injection in the buttocks. Only one of the two ways has the extra "vitamins" that ensure mutant muscle growth.

by rooster on Mar 20, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh. Reds sent Bruce to the minors and signed

Corey Patterson. From Hamilton to Patterson in one offseason. ouch.

Vitamin B12. You can get it in cereal or by an injection in the buttocks. Only one of the two ways has the extra "vitamins" that ensure mutant muscle growth.

by rooster on Mar 20, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow...

makes the justification for trading Hamilton worst.

by slimshadty12 on Mar 20, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Who's playing

center?

'cos everybody hates a tourist especially one who thinks it's all such a laugh

by Escher on Mar 20, 2008 3:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

nevermind

figured it out...Murphy.

'cos everybody hates a tourist especially one who thinks it's all such a laugh

by Escher on Mar 20, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

skipped that tid-bit of info

* "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." - Yogi Berra

by camartin44 on Mar 20, 2008 3:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Eruption

Hank doubles to lead off the second

Byrd flies out moving Hank to 3rd

Murphy Singles home hank

Johnny Douchebag Doubles home Murphy.

Ron Paul 2008 www.ronpaul2008.com

by jshcmp on Mar 20, 2008 3:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Then

BB walks (haha!)

then millwood kills the inning with a gidp.

Ron Paul 2008 www.ronpaul2008.com

by jshcmp on Mar 20, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Johnny Douchebag ?????

Is that what you refer to Salty as?

The Texas Rangers rounded the bases at a dizzying pace

by fsujon on Mar 20, 2008 3:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Adam came up with it

Ron Paul 2008 www.ronpaul2008.com

by jshcmp on Mar 20, 2008 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That doesn't

make it a good nickname.

by jparks77 on Mar 20, 2008 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no

I am pretty sure it was some one else who came up with that.

Pitchers, like poets, are born not made. -- Cy Young

by coolaid on Mar 20, 2008 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ok

after a little searching, it was tlt29 who came up with it.

http://tinyurl.com/36rroo

Pitchers, like poets, are born not made. -- Cy Young

by coolaid on Mar 20, 2008 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That was

attached to a thread that Adam started that had a poll which included "Johnny Douchebag" as one of the options. The poll is no longer there though. I forget which name won, but Johnny Douchebag was certainly a contender.

Ron Paul 2008 www.ronpaul2008.com

by jshcmp on Mar 20, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nevermind.

I'm an idiot who can't read dates today.

Ron Paul 2008 www.ronpaul2008.com

by jshcmp on Mar 20, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you

were wondering here is the poll.

http://tinyurl.com/3cctad

Pitchers, like poets, are born not made. -- Cy Young

by coolaid on Mar 20, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah they all were bitter

b/c they wanted to come up with some clever nickname that he'd forever be branded with like NMLR did with DVD, they got half way through this long drawn out process of coming up with different nicks only to find out that he had a tattoo with the words "Salty" on his arm or sumpn. that was when they found out that there was no way that any of the nicknames would stick in any way. they bitterly called him Johnny Douchebag.

to me the Johnny Dbag name ppl so proudly call him sounds like a bunch of pissy bitter old timers who were belittling a 21 year old kid b/c they couldnt put their stamp on a player not being able to get over it.

but hey.... that just how it comes off to me.

.500 or bust!

by Jayslick on Mar 20, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just

think it is funny because I am young and immature.

Ron Paul 2008 www.ronpaul2008.com

by jshcmp on Mar 20, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No bitterness in Johnny Douchebag

It's not belittling him, either. I simply threw the name out there because it is a damn cool nickname.

If it were politically correct, and I'd be at no risk of job termination, I'd aske everyone in my office to call me Johnny Douchbag, and I'd have the name emblazoned on my name plate.

by tlt29 on Mar 20, 2008 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

I called him Johnny Douchebag becasue I always thought it was funny and different.

Pitchers, like poets, are born not made. -- Cy Young

by coolaid on Mar 20, 2008 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

go look at the diary

and look at when you became clever, it was after it was made public he had the salty tattoo. guaranteed. i remember the nickname came up after the tattoo hit the scenes at LSB b/c ppl brought up that he had a nickname and it was salty. salty wasnt clever enough for the LSB crew and they wanted a personal touch new nickname. problem was his nickname was salty and every1 knew it was salty b/c he had a tattoo with 'salty' on him. then ppl said, "what kinda douchebag has his nickname tattooed on him."

shazzaaam!

johnny douchebag.

id place bets on it.

.500 or bust!

by Jayslick on Mar 20, 2008 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

tattoo

was mentioned at some point in mid-discussion on NMLR by a passing by braves fan.

will never forget it b/c he thought we were retarded for trying to come up with a new nickname.

his statement about 3+ pages into the NMLR thread was along the lines of, "you guys do realize he has a tattoo with 'salty' right?"

.500 or bust!

by Jayslick on Mar 20, 2008 7:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

New nick for JaySlick

Johnny Assrape.

What's your problem, bro?

by tlt29 on Mar 20, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

The man's nickname is Salty. Or "Salty Dog" according to an old Braves baseball card I have on him.

Johnny Douchebag should be reserved for Gerald Laird. At least he fits the moniker.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Mar 20, 2008 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cougar Bait

by jparks77 on Mar 20, 2008 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Umm...what?

yeah they all were bitter

You have no idea what you are talking about.

I started it because I hated the nickname "Salty," and wanted to come up with something different to use here. To suggest I, or others here, were trying to copy the NMLR/DVD thing, or to suggest that that was the motivation -- or to suggest that people "bitterly" gave him a derisive name because he has a tattoo of Salty -- is just bizarre, and suggests you didn't actually read the thread.

by Adam J. Morris on Mar 20, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Pitchers, like poets, are born not made. -- Cy Young

by coolaid on Mar 20, 2008 9:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeh I was going to say that doesn't sound..

like a nickname AJM would come up with.
He came up with Salts McGee.

Kataphilia = an intense fascination for those of inferior skill sometimes brought on by ingesting massive amounts of sunflower seeds.

by LAMuscleFag on Mar 20, 2008 4:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, someone else did

I have just used it from time to time, to the consternation of some folks.

by Adam J. Morris on Mar 20, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Salty

Isn't going down without a fight!!!

by Randy Richardson on Mar 20, 2008 4:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

From the boxscore

looks like Millwood is pitching well. 3 ip, 2 h, 0 er, 3 so, 0 bb .

Pitchers, like poets, are born not made. -- Cy Young

by coolaid on Mar 20, 2008 4:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Salty

Long ball (chicks are gunna dig him)

* "You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there." - Yogi Berra

by camartin44 on Mar 20, 2008 4:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

David

Murphy is batting over .400?

Wonder if he will be starting in left...

That is a pretty good defensive outfield..

"I think it's a good thing," said catcher Gerald Laird, the victim of three pranks in a week.

by miles on Mar 20, 2008 4:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

T.R. - Light Trade Winds

buncha nothin' - http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/trsullivan/2008/03/light_trade_win.html

World's Most Dangerous Hiking Trail

by shroomer on Mar 20, 2008 4:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

something nobody's mentioned

in connection with Byrd/cubs is that the cubs are trying to use gallagher and other young pitching to try to get brian roberts. Espn called the deal very likely so that deal will really decide the fate of a Byrd deal

by ab03 on Mar 20, 2008 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Milly

4 2 0 0 4---I am getting excited.

JDB with a great day so far 2fer2, 4 rbi.

YeeHaw!!!

I am Breed Grayhawk!

by Rodney on Mar 20, 2008 4:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Millwood

Very nice outing.

5ip 3h 0r 1bb 5K

by Chris Hanes on Mar 20, 2008 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Milly

loves throwing to Salty.

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So does Kason Gabbard

H know he and Salty go way back, to high school or college - can't remember which, but I know they used to be teammates in the past.

I actually think Salty can interact much better with his pitchers than Laird can. He seems to present a more steady target, at least.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Mar 20, 2008 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I* know

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Mar 20, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But I wonder

How much they will like watching runners stroll around the bases like a Merry Go Round because Salty can't throw anyone out?

by DaheelzCM on Mar 20, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

Maybe you should ask the guys in San Diego... Josh Bard was 10-131 in throwing guys out, and they won 89 games.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Mar 20, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I am sure they would have preferred that he throw out more runners regardless of how many games they won.

by DaheelzCM on Mar 20, 2008 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

true..

how many more would they have won had he thrown out 30 or 40 instead of 10 - is the question.

Kataphilia = an intense fascination for those of inferior skill sometimes brought on by ingesting massive amounts of sunflower seeds.

by LAMuscleFag on Mar 20, 2008 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The point is

It's not nesescity to have a guy with a howizter bakc there. You can with without a strong defensive catcher, if he can pull his weight offensively. Victor Martinez hasn't historically been that great at throwing out baserunners (although he improved drastically in 2007). Neither is Paul LoDuca. But both are considered assets by their teams because their offensive abilty outweighs their defensive shortcomings.

You wanna talk about a guy that was a disaster throwing out baserunners? Mike Piazza. And look how highly regarded he was.

Salty's bat is such, his offense should outweigh the defense - and his throwing will come around to where it's servicable. I don't know why people act like the guy can't catch - he obviously can, it's his position - and he's only going to get better.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Mar 20, 2008 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His position

It was Piazza's too and he sucked at it. And there is no guarantee he will get better.

You are right though, if he hits like Piazza or Martinez then it will be fine. That is some lofty company though.

by DaheelzCM on Mar 20, 2008 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, Salty has always been a lofty prospect

But that's why I think he needs to be in the Majors, to keep developing his bat. We see guys mash AAA, and then come up and suck in the bigs - I don't want to see that happen with Salty. His bat is his biggest asset, and I think it needs to be in the majors to dvelop.

His defense obviously needs polish, but what the hell, it's not like where going anywhere this year - he can polish his D in the majors with Walbeck just as well as he can in AAA, and keep his bat challenged, to boot.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Mar 20, 2008 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree with you for the most part

But I don't think him spending time in AAA will hurt his bat.

"We see guys mash AAA, and then come up and suck in the bigs"

The difference I believe with Salty is he has shown something in the majors. And he has never had a chance to mash at AAA. I don't endorse having him spend all year down there or even past the all star break but if he can go down for 6-8 weeks and play everyday and work on his defense a little all the while continue to mash the ball I don't think it will hurt.

by Steven on Mar 20, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+ 1 well done

yep that should be "the plan".

Kataphilia = an intense fascination for those of inferior skill sometimes brought on by ingesting massive amounts of sunflower seeds.

by LAMuscleFag on Mar 20, 2008 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stop wondering

With Salty focusing on catching and not 1B he will be throwing out runners just like he did with Atlanta.

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

5 out of 26?

Yippee!!!

by DaheelzCM on Mar 20, 2008 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK

Like I said, he was focusing on 1B and DH last year. The main skill needed to throw runners out is footwork. The difference with footwork between 1B and catching is like night and day. That was his problem last year while getting jerked around between positions. Not too many guys were successful during his minor league tenure when all he did was catch. If you can throw them out there you will throw them out in the majors. He will be fine this year.

Now we can argue this point all night but it wouldnt be worth it so why not just agree to disagree?

One more thing. Most success with throwing out runners has alot to do with the pitcher. One thing Salty does not do is consistantly call outside and up FB with runners on base to make it easier to throw them out. He works at getting the strike call first. You dont have to believe me, just watch the games and see if what I am saying is true. I think you will be surprised.

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're pretty close to the source

hard not to believe you.

"The back of our rotation ... One guy that couldn't break a mirror with his fastball and another that could break a mirror just by looking at it." - Tricer

by Chase Irwin on Mar 20, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

Just in case there's anyone who doesn't know, 525dp is Salty's Dad. He knows what he's talking about.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Mar 20, 2008 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or incredibly biased...

by DaheelzCM on Mar 20, 2008 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Incredibly Biased?

I admit I probably am, but with that being said, I do know him better than anyone else and know what he can do. If you want to know anything about Salty I am proud to say I am your #1 "unbiased" source.
PS Thanx Jon

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you

really Salty's dad?

"I think it's a good thing," said catcher Gerald Laird, the victim of three pranks in a week.

by miles on Mar 20, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I am indeed

Salty Sr. (the original) ;)

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

good for you "Saltys Dad"!!

It's really nice to have you aboard. Your son is awesome and I look forward to cheering him on for years to come.

Kataphilia = an intense fascination for those of inferior skill sometimes brought on by ingesting massive amounts of sunflower seeds.

by LAMuscleFag on Mar 20, 2008 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks LAMF

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

can he hit lefties?

Hambone, Hambone where you been? I been around these bases, and I'm going again.

by tricer on Mar 20, 2008 9:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Que?

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LHP

He struggled last season against left handed pitching, I was wondering if he has always hit righties better, or was it just a small sample last season in the big leagues against lefties.

To be honest, his swing looks completely different from the right side, much less smooth in my opinion.

Hambone, Hambone where you been? I been around these bases, and I'm going again.

by tricer on Mar 20, 2008 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

In 2006, in AA, he hit .267 against lefties in 105 AB's, vs. .212 against righties. That's the last significant sample size split against lefties I can find.

I have a supposition about why his stats against lefties stunk last year: he was playing first base in the majority of his at-bats against lefties once he came to Texas. And his numbers went way down at first. Because if you'll notice, he hit .290 against lefties with the Braves before the trade (69 AB's) and .130 against lefties after the trade (46 AB's).

So I think this idea that he can't hit lefties is a misnomer, brought on my the skewed stats from him playing first base last year.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Mar 20, 2008 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You are mostly right on Jon.

He is a natural righty. I turned him around when he was about 14. If you look through his minor league stats you'll see his HR were about equal from both sides and it also didnt matter if he was home or away either. When the Braves brought him up he faced rightys and lefties but when McCann came off the DL he was pretty much made to hit from the left side only as a first baseman or DH. He rarely got to hit from the right side with Atlanta and when he came over here he suffered the same deal. I dont know about here but the Braves would rarely let him hit BP from the right side because they knew he wouldnt face leftys. That works on a kids head big time. Thats what I meant about getting jerked around. If they will just let him get into his groove as a switch hitter he will really help this team.
Saying he cant hit leftys is kind of like he cant throw anybody out. I think people over here just havent seen him in his groove and just dont know much about him so they are skeptical. Understandable. He was extremely popular with the Braves fans and given a chance he will be here to.

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks for your insight...

on Salty. I hope he tears up AAA for a couple months and we see him in Arlington in June, or sooner.

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

by slc ranger on Mar 20, 2008 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Those answers are insightful. I know it must be an odd feeling to have a 22 year old son that has an incredible talent, then come on this website and see everyone here talking about what he "can't" do. I was just trying to tactfully ask about his switch-hitting. Didn't mean to imply that he can't do anything.

I'm glad to have him as a Ranger, and I hope he has a great year. I'm disappointed that it appears he will be starting out in OKC, but hopefully he will be in Arlington soon tearing the cover off the ball and showing us what he can do behind the plate. I sincerely hope that the Rangers get the very best out of him and he realizes all of his potential right before our eyes.

Hambone, Hambone where you been? I been around these bases, and I'm going again.

by tricer on Mar 20, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No problem

No offence taken Tricer. I wouldn't want people to hold back there opinions because I might be lurking(lol). I'm more than happy to help people that may not have a chance to see him or talk to him in person, get to know him through this blog.

Thanks for the kind words.

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it's high school

not man 22yr olds have time for college if they've already made it to the majors

by ab03 on Mar 20, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

525dp - some quick questions

Why were Jerrod's splits so extreme while playing C vs 1B last season? How do you think he would react to being sent to OKC? Do you feel he has recieved a fair chance to earn the C job this spring? How much work did he put in during the off season on his defense?

"This has been a team effort. No one or two guys could have done all this." - Casey Stengel, after the Mets lost 120 games in 1962

by RangerMad on Mar 20, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Why were Jerrod's splits so extreme while playing C vs 1B last season?

He's a catcher. Thats all he has ever played. He never played 1B until the Braves brought him up when there catchers got hurt. Alot of Braves fans asked over and over again why the Braves didnt have him learn 1B while he was in the minors, since McCann was signed to a 6 year contract. Instead, because they wanted to keep his bat in the lineup they made him learn on the fly as well as catch and DH. Now if there isnt enough pressure on a 21 y/o kid (made his MLB debut on his 22nd Birthday) to be playing in the show, imagine having to learn a new position and DH (against RHP only) as well, and then being replaced by a 50 yo guy (a Cox favorite) to hit from the right side. They would also tell him he was starting the next day and after getting pumped to play, find out they had changed there mind and Julio was starting. Then at other times being caught by surprise and told to grab a bat after warming up pitchers in the pen. I expect that was the reason for the splits. He was dealing with alot of stuff. I was surprised he did as well as he did. What that did teach him was never take anything for granted and always be ready to play no matter what he's told.

How do you think he would react to being sent to OKC?

I spoke with him and he told me if he is sent to AAA at least he will go knowing that he did absolutely everything they asked of him and more and he will keep working hard to get back. He's a professional and will do whatever it takes to succeed. Its a well known fact that he is always the first one to the field and the last one to leave.

How much work did he put in during the off season on his defense?

Scott Service (sp?) came down and showed him some things and before he left had perfected what he was shown. Aside from working out with his personal trainer he worked with some pro pitchers and catchers that he usually works out with during the off-season. Its funny. Nobody ever complained about his defense before he came to Texas. If they commit to leaving him behind the dish people will see the real Salty.

by 525DP on Mar 20, 2008 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

It is always nice to get inside info. Most of us just speculate about things and never give the player(s) the benefit of doubt. Please keep posting, but be careful. Just ask CJ about that :)

I don't want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it. ~Rogers Hornsby

by RangerMad on Mar 21, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good thing they got 7 runs for Millwood

B/c Littleton has a little bag of nothing.

I have never understood the fascination with him. He is just like Chad Bradford, Erasmo Ramirez and the like... gimmick ball pitchers that hitters catch up with in a big way after a time or two facing him. Good thing we have him and Scooter Feldman holding down the leads in the middle innings... oh wait...

"But the major difference is where Showalter tried to overthink everything Washington at times seems like he isn't thinking at all. " - rentz

by hillcrest on Mar 20, 2008 4:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs