Sigh
That's the most frustrating game I've watched in a long, long time.
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157 comments
Comments
if it's not defense... it's situational hitting...
...if it's not that... it's our bullpen.
when it's not our bullpen, it's our starters.
by oc on Apr 13, 2008 6:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well said.
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 13, 2008 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
It's nearly impossible for this team to put it all together. Thus, one playoff win in 36 years
There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.
by SarasotaRanger on Apr 13, 2008 8:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not let Benoit go
2 innings?
"Why do you think you're baseball jesus?" AirJordan to LonestarJon
by coolaid on Apr 13, 2008 6:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Did you watch yesterday?
Gerald Laird is my hero.
by DSheppard on Apr 13, 2008 6:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Because
We're Ranger fans. If you have to ask...
Really, dude - I'm just as distgusted as you, but we shouldn't start questiong our fandom over this. Maybe question Ron, the hitters, the bullpen, Nippert, the ump, but not our fandom.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im not upset at all about 5-7
cant say i expected much more. but the defense and anti-clutchness is just irritating.
really ruining what should be good times with the pitching we are getting.
Gerald Laird is my hero.
by DSheppard on Apr 13, 2008 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sign me up under
the home plate umpire. That was the most bush-league strike zone I've seen in a long time. I didn't watch the game closely enough to see how often we benefited from it compared to the Blue Jays, but it seriously pissed me off, especially towards the end of the game.
This game was frustrating (largely due to the way it ended in extras), but I'm not really that torn up about it, nor will I point to this game as some sort of watershed "be prepared for new levels of losing" sign. We brought up Feldman to spot start when he's made what, three previous professional starts over the course of his career as a starter, which began sometime this pre-season? He pitched pretty well, too. Certainly well enough for us to keep it close all game long.
I will, however, also sign my name under "starting to question Ron". I really wish we could trade Cat, even though did well today and I truly believe that small sample sizes don't change players' identities (that being: Cat is a fairly decent lefty platoon guy who can spot start in left). When BB came up in the sixth, I honestly thought Wash should've replaced him with Botts. Why do we have a switch-hitting first baseman if we aren't going to bring him in to face tough lefty pitching? Regarding the bullpen: I understand that we need to get German his work, but could it come in a game when we aren't trying to avoid a sweep at home, late in a tie ballgame?
by jwiscarson on Apr 13, 2008 9:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree with all of it
except the questioning of bullpen...not sure he could have used the parts available in a better way than he did. also, won't fault him too much for not bringing botts in an AB too late
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Rupe was available when German came into the game.
by jwiscarson on Apr 13, 2008 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rupe was unavailable
he threw 53 pitches Saturday night.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everybody deep down
Knew we were going to suck, this is just having to deal with it rise to the surface.
We were all prepared for this guys, hunker down for a long season.
by SaltyGoesYard on Apr 13, 2008 6:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i will once the trifecta is completed.
Gerald Laird is my hero.
by DSheppard on Apr 13, 2008 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
That whole "hope springs eternal" eternal thing... really sucks when it leaves town and reality rears its ugly head and takes over.
There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.
by SarasotaRanger on Apr 13, 2008 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I figured we'd be around a .500 club
with a big winning or losing streak determining how things would end up.
So far, this team isn't real surprising, although the infield defense is really worse than I expected. Hopefully it comes together.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
by DJCahill on Apr 14, 2008 8:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nothing like the Yanks and Sox in prime-time to get your mind of this mess...
by oc on Apr 13, 2008 6:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I have no desire
to watch baseball right now
There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.
by SarasotaRanger on Apr 13, 2008 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And OT
but I dont think a 2nd place finish in the masters has ever been more disappointing.
Gerald Laird is my hero.
by DSheppard on Apr 13, 2008 6:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's over yet
:)
Better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6.
by DaheelzCM on Apr 13, 2008 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think we should have
gotten Xavier Nady.
"Why do you think you're baseball jesus?" AirJordan to LonestarJon
by coolaid on Apr 13, 2008 6:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
for oliver perez?
no thanx.
.500 or bust!
Bad Vibes Kill Rallies!
"Well, we are one of the cheapest teams in Major League Baseball"
-Tom Hicks 4/8/2008
by Jayslick on Apr 14, 2008 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of missed opportunities
but, in reality, Toronto had just as many. Feldman did what was needed. The Rangers have only had one complete bomb of a start - Jennings in the home opener - I think that's something to build on.
I think if Benoit had been available for two innings, this would have been a win.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 6:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's the thing though
you can't point to Benoit's availability, multiple leads were squandered.
At least it's clear that this team is far from contending. Hopefully this'll improve the perspective of rebuilding, and we'll see Boggs, the Lizard, Wes and Fx2 soon enough. BGL or Rupe in the rotation would be worthwhile, as well.
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 13, 2008 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well,
that was the only time the bullpen blew a lead. It was (the 7th), in my mind, the crucial inning of the game.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 6:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
I think Feldman should have been out earlier, which might have changed the complexion of the bullpen situation.
But yeah, I guess that's just one more mistake that can be reasonably questioned.
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 13, 2008 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uncomfortable
With relievers walking opposing batters. Lead or from behind, it's a bad formula.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Apr 13, 2008 6:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes.
This is why the Rangers lost today.
Walks.
by ghostofErikThompson on Apr 13, 2008 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very Frustrating
I was at the game today, in the upper deck behind home plate. The wind was as cold as I ever remember it being in Arlington, and I sat there for all 10 innings bemoaning every failed opportunity. Given the rhythm of the game from the start, I guess I should have expected a lead-off triple to come for naught, but for some reason I hoped to have a walk-off win.
Oh well... the season is still young!
by manderskat on Apr 13, 2008 7:24 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was at the game too
Upper deck, third base side.
The game was fun, and my love for Kinsler and Hobbs has increased tenfold. The frustration factor, however, was extremely prevalent. The Rangers are going to drive me crazy before trigonometry does.
By the way, what the hell is up with that creepy bobblehead they use on the jumbotron? Does anyone actually want him to 'do a rally dance'?
Jarrod Saltalamacchia: The Man, the Myth; The Alphabet.
by BudLight on Apr 13, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Anaheim has the monkey
I personally would prefer a rally three-toed sloth to the stupid bobblehead. I think my daughter may have nightmares about that.
by manderskat on Apr 13, 2008 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Little Things
The difference between winners and losers is the little things...having a shortstop with range, scoring lead-off triples without benefit of a hit, not walking hitters, etc.
This team, this franchise, has never been able to do the little things to be winners. That is the most frustrating part of being a Ranger fan.
by T Coleman on Apr 13, 2008 7:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
the season
and losing is a foregone conclusion. we aren't a contender. we need to see players to see if they have anything...i.e. Botts.
Washington's job is to win with what he has. He doesn't have much. Another thing that irks me is Rudy Jaramillo being the most overrated hitting coach in baseball. I'm sorry, but I think that is a source of the problem. The rangers have never hit situationally. It's always been all or nothing since Jaramillo has been here. Argh!
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Apr 13, 2008 7:33 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
botts has nothing.
it's time you start accepting that.
by oc on Apr 13, 2008 7:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Our biggest mistake
Was not trading Botts when his value was ridiculously high last year.
by chief on Apr 13, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
Botts' value was ridiculously high last year?
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 13, 2008 7:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
.320 .436 .545 at AAA
Yeah, someone would have been interested.
by chief on Apr 13, 2008 9:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whatever dude.
LSJ can do better than that.
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 13, 2008 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." Excel Hearts Choi
by thedirkatron on Apr 13, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How could you know that
With Botts and Cruz in this lineup we were 10 games + or - over 500 the second half of last year. You have evidence or facts to support your claim about Botts (maybe Cruz).
Maybe you think BB is much better. ???
I am not particularly enamored with Botts, but you do not know.
by RingoRanger on Apr 13, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Losers
lack leaders and Ron Washington is smothering this team with his inability to lead, motivate, and competently make a lineup or manage a game.
Cat in left with Padilla pitching, Cat at DH instead of Bradley, Hamilton playing right, Nippert instead of Beniot, Botts getting totally screwed so the manager can show Jon who is running the team.
He stated on the radio he can only play with whom he has to play. Hmmmmm.
All of our players are good players or they would not be in the majors, it is Washington"s job to get the best out of them. He is getting the worst because he is WAY over his head.
by RingoRanger on Apr 13, 2008 7:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well,
I'll hand it to you. If you were managing, and could have suspended the rules of mlb by bringing Benoit back in to pitch the tenth, then you, my friend, are a better manager than Wash.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 7:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you said he
used Nippert instead of Benoit. Benoit had already been used.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Benoit
could have come back the next inning, he had only thrown 10 pitches and was still able to come back the next inning, unless I am totally losing it (which is possible).
by RingoRanger on Apr 13, 2008 8:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wash was trying to be conservative with his bullpen
But he wound up being so conservative, he effed up the game, and our chance to win. A classic mistake by a guy who just has no clue how to manage his pitchers.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lonestarjon
I agree with you ......... thought I would never say that.
by RingoRanger on Apr 14, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
cat at DH
bradley was injured apparently.
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and i don't see how using botts in a crucial situation
is showing Jon who is running the team
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My one major beef
with Wash yesterday was that he didn't come out to try and light a fire by getting in to it with the umpire. I was at the game 3rd base side of the plat and had a decent view of the strike zone, fan's interpretation. 8th or 9th inning I turned to my friend and said "You've got to think that Wash will come out and at least make it look like he cares by arguing balls and strikes."
Nope, no peep out of George Jefferson, no storming out of the dugout with arms a flaling. As good an instructor as he supposedly is, a motivator he is not.
"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 Apr 14, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
arguing balls and strikes
automatic ejection and nothing will ever get reversed and potentially you are doing more harm than good. he did come out and argue the david murphy call and actually got the umpires to confer about it (I think this was Saturday). not bad.
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 14, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you should be immune to it
by now, especially this season.
the truth.
by Longhorn on Apr 13, 2008 7:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Washington
is the reason we lost this game. I was at the game today and I've never been more frustrated at the ballpark than I was today. Is there a rule that says that our setup man can not pitch 2 consecutive innings? Benoit should have started the 7th inning on the mound and he definitely should have been put in as soon as German got into trouble. But instead, Wash goes with the historically wild journeyman. Not only did he screw up by having German in their in a crucial situation, he also told the infield to play at their normal depth with the tying run at third base and less than two outs in the 7TH INNING! It almost seemed like he was trying to lose this game. I wish we'd just switch the roles of Howe and Wash because Ron just doesn't have what it takes to be the head man.
by Butters on Apr 13, 2008 9:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
IF depth
this didn't actually have an effect on the game, right? you're just pointing it out?
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yep
I felt that it needed to be brought up. What happens if the next Jays hitter hits a routine grounder to SS? Wash was willing to just sit back and gift wrap a tie ball game for them...I don't know about you but that really pisses me off.
by Butters on Apr 13, 2008 9:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's wavered on this
with runners on second and third, I'm not sure what I've done. I think the book says to play in but I also don't like giving up a single that scores one instead of two. but the right call was probably playing in - i can see the other side of it. alexis rios is a dangerous hitter
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Infield in
It's my understanding that strategically you'll more often play for the tie when at home, because the home team has the last offensive at-bats. For example, in the 7th, with runners on 2nd and 3rd and 1 out, the Rangers didnot play the infield in because they were conceding the run and not wanting to give up the go ahead run on a ball through the infield. Even after Toronto tied the game in the 7th, the Rangers still had the strategic advantage because they had 3 at bats left as opposed to Toronto's 2.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i forgot the score
this is correct
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perspective
Yes, a very frustrating game. But considering the matchup was:
Mendoza vs. Halliday
Feldman vs. Burnett
I'm not sure what we could have expected. Maybe the DH sweep got everyone a little overly geared up.
If there was a frustrating game it was Friday's (Padilla vs. Litsch).
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 9:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
if you would have told me on Friday
that those two starting pitchers would give us 11 innings and only give up 4 earned runs I would have felt pretty good about our chances.
by Butters on Apr 13, 2008 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the bright side
This coming from someone that has ridiculed Feldman loudly and often...
The guy actually has something with this new arm slot. When he's running that sinker up there at 92-93 with that crazy, late arm side run and sink - that looks like the makings of a plus-plus pitch. He's not all the way there yet, but damn he made some very good hitters look like chumps with that thing. The curve ball has a chance to be a quality set-up type pitch from what little I saw of it.
I wasn't able to watch the whole game closely, but what I saw of those 2 pitches is actually pretty exciting. Question to those that were able to watch the whole thing: does he still throw a slider? Did he drop down and throw anything with the old arm slot?
From one of his most vocal critics, I must say that Feldman really looked to me like a guy that could possibly develop into an above average ML starter. That sinker looked really super dirty nasty at times.
Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."
by tricer on Apr 13, 2008 9:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I will admit, I missed most of the game
But Feldman was a lot better than I thought he would be, so I'll happily eat my words about him not being an effective pitcher.
But... I still say he won't make it in the rotation. I predict a strong return to the bullpen for Feldman later this season, however.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How do you go from
wanting to DFA the guy to believing he'll make a strong return to the bullpen by seeing him pitch one time?
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
By "strong return" I mean he'll just come back and be decent. For him, that will be a strong return.
Everyone was trying to drill into my head yesterday that he's made progress with the new arm slot, and I guess he showed me that today - you can't deny he did a lot better than most expected.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 9:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not denying
anything, I've always thought he was a good pitcher.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
from what I saw
The guy doesn't even look like the same pitcher.
Last I saw him he was using some tricked up delivery that wasn't fooling anyone and serving up high eighties stuff with no command and inconsistent movement. I could see how anyone would want to DFA a guy like that, especially looking at his 32 bb, 44 hits, and 19 k in 39 ip last season.
But damn, today he was running that sinker up there at 92-93 consistently, and several times was getting swings on pitches that were being caught right behind the batters back foot. I seriously think that if he can bring that pitch to the mound with him every game, he can have quite a bit of ML success - and I certainly would have never said that before today - because I've never seen him have this kind of stuff before, not even close.
Did you watch him today, if so, what did you think about his stuff?
Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."
by tricer on Apr 13, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He looked like a different pitcher...
still allowed a lot of hits but has 3 pretty solid pitches now and the velocity on his fastball is up to 92-94 mph. I, like you, have been very critical of him in the past but he impressed me today. He needs to go down and work some more (AAA would be better) and who knows what will happen.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 13, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.
by SarasotaRanger on Apr 14, 2008 9:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i can't believe
the manager is getting so much blame for this game when the players were repeatedly in a position to win the game and failed. murphy, bradley not being able to sacrifice byrd? botts striking out with the bases loaded?
the offense licked and washington did as much as he could in terms of pinch hitting. bullpen management is pretty easy to criticize after the fact but even if you think that benoit should have been pitching two innings, that certainly wasn't the biggest mistake made in the game.
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not meant to be a reply
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was criticizing the decision as soon as I saw German take the mound.
you don't put a pitcher with control issues into a one run game in the 7th inning. You just don't.
by Butters on Apr 13, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe wash is too blindly following a rubric
but lets say wash puts benoit in and benoit gets out unscathed but has to use 20+ pitches. What do you do for the 8th?
again, I think a fairer criticism is that benoit coudl have come out for the 9th so you'd have wilson for the 10th so you'd at least get that extra inning from one of your good relievers.
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm guessing
that because of Benoit's ST arm issues and limited ST innings, they are being cautious with him. Otherwise, with the bullpen and game situation as it was, I think using him for 2 innings was what the team needed.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The way I see it
Benoit is a former starter. Would it really kill him to have a pitch count in the 30's or 40's? Hell, wasn't he our long man like 2 years ago? And if worst comes to worst we have another former starter as our closer. So if Benoit does have a high pitch count we can always turn to BGL and let him get an extra out or two....seems reasonable to me.
by Butters on Apr 13, 2008 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Flawed
It matters not what they used to be -- it's what they are now.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 9:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think their arms will fall off if asked to exceed the 25 pitch mark.
but that's just me.
by Butters on Apr 13, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Benoit's pitch counts in his previous appearances this season
April 1st, SEA: 28
April 6th, LAA: 16
April 10th, BAL: 21
I think he could have quite easily gone that second inning as well.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meh
If you have to rely on just three guys in your bullpen, then why not go with an 8-man staff and carry more bench players. If you're not going to trust guys that you have out there, then they shouldn't be there.
That's the bigger issue, IMO.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's true
But those guys are also not your best releivers for a reason. When it's a close ballgame like that, you always want your best guy in there - based on the previous numbers, and the time since he had pitched last, I think he could have easilty made it through at least another 2/3 of an inning.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's one game
Why jeopardize the next week or possibly the last 6 weeks of the season just for one game? Teams that have a defined Set Up/Closer situation generally don't pitch either of those players more than one inning. I don't have a problem with that.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He'd only thrown 10 pitches
They felt plenty comfortable having CJ close out both ends of that doubleheader last week - why couldn't Benoit have at least started the inning, and gone another 10-15 pitches, forgetting about the IP?
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not saying it couldn't happen
I just don't have a problem if they want those two to have very defined roles. There are plenty of things that you can criticize a manager for, but having defined roles for his bullpen shouldn't be one of them.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, in this instance
"Defined roles" to me, doesn't limit a guy to one 10-pitch inning. Most managers, if the game is tied, and their set-up guy is pitching efficiently, will leave him in for an extra frame, or at least to start an extra frame.
It just seems to me that Wash got so caught up in being overcareful here, he lost the game - which of course is why we're questioning his reasoning.
I can see Ron's motives, but the objective of the game is to win - leaving Benoit in there to start the next inning wouldn't have meant anything worse than Benoit being unavailable tomorrow.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Eh
I'm not going to say that the logic is wrong. I just don't think it's as big of a deal as you're making it out to be. Sending Jack out for an extra inning wouldn't have guaranteed a win and there were certainly other opportunities the win the game anyhow. Seems like a knee-jerk reaction.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Likewise with yours, though
All games count the same. The last 6 weeks mean nothing if we're 15+ GB by the beginning of June, pawning off the trade chips for whatever they're worth.
The Rangers have a track record of awful starting pitching and I'd be surprised if this group significantly differed over an extended period of time. We need to win these games just as much as we need to win those at the end. I'm pretty sure an extra inning would have jeopardized nothing now or in the future.
Would be nice if MY wouldn't repeat April '07, but he's on the wrong side of a .400 SLG% (just 50 PA's, but damn). Shouldn't single him out though, several other important hitters need to start slugging (MOB deserves a little more leeway, perhaps, considering his injury). I realize that MY is relatively unlucky right now, but his LD% is also down almost 10% from 2007 -- when he had a very lucky BABIP.
Just from watching, I think his "shots" to RF are flares way more often than smashes, hopefully this will correct.
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 14, 2008 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
robert_d_wilfong
You could not be more wrong with your logic, the point is to win the game.
I'm sick of hearing a pitcher can't throw more than 10 pitches, what is that all about?
Washington's game management completely sucks, when the game is close you use the best available, PERIOD. Everyone knows that Nippert has control issues that have to be reconciled, bring him in when we are up by 6.
Better yet, why is Nippert on this team we already have a Tejada.
by RingoRanger on Apr 14, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't need more than 3 relievers in a game where your starter goes 6.
Let the other guys prove themselves in a less crucial situation.
by Butters on Apr 13, 2008 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Botts
I honestly thought that strikeout was bullshit on the part of the umpire's ability to call balls and strikes. I may be remembering a different at-bat, but it seems like the ump called a strike on a pitch that was about 3-4 inches above the belt.
by jwiscarson on Apr 13, 2008 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3rd strike...
looked low and inside to me. But he should have been swinging to protect the plate in that situation.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 13, 2008 10:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish people would just admit.....
that he ain't really worth a shit! Bad call, not enough playing time, BULLSHIT!
I've been hearing for 3-4 years now how Botts is the second coming of Roy Hobbs....I just have never seen it.....maybe his AAA #'s are great (so are Cruz's), but he looks below-average, at best, to me in all facets of the game....he can't really field at (any position), he has hit for no power, etc., etc.....
He got a chance to WIN the game and he TOOK a called third strike!!!
BTW, why was our closer in, in a TIE game, in the ninth?
by tklawless on Apr 14, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Don't be a moron
protecting the strike zone is one thing, but I don't think you can criticize someone for laying off a pitch that wasn't very close to the zone, vertically or horizontally.
Why did you put "any position" in parentheses? I guess that's just rant byproduct.
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 14, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously?
Botts has, over the course of four separate seasons, a sum total of 248 at-bats in 81 games. That isn't even enough data for baseball-reference to list similar players by age.
I know everyone's frustrated with the season thus far, but give me a break. That strike was a bad call. I also don't get this "protect the strike zone" argument. Do people think he should've swung at a bad pitch because the home plate umpire randomly decided to use a college baseball strike zone?
by jwiscarson on Apr 14, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Closer in a tie game
It is common practice for the home team to use their closer in the 9th inning of a tie game, because at that point, it is impossible for the home team to have a save situation in the game even if it were to go into extra innings.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 14, 2008 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Concur...
nothing in todays game was Wash's fault. The pen was limited, he actually hit for Broussard against a lefty late in the game. There are no off days so pitching Jack 2 innings would have been a bad move imo, he needs to be available for that series.
People are just upset about losing (justly so) and looking for someone to pin it on. The answer again is situational hitting. Murphy had a tough day at the plate. Not getting that runner in from 3rd with 0/1 out is not acceptable. It had nothing to do with Wash and te defense today was fine. This is on the players not coming through at the plate when they need to, which has happened often this year so far.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 13, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right On
The voice of reason.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i place fault
in large part to Rudy Jaramillo. Most overrated hitting coach
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Apr 13, 2008 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
-1
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 14, 2008 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
question
as someone who didnt see the game, did we bunt when bradley was on 3b?
by knockoutking on Apr 13, 2008 9:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
byrd on third base?
no. murphy grounded out to SS and bradley popped up. nobody was looking to bunt.
scap load or die
by ab03 on Apr 13, 2008 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If you mean Byrd on 3b in the 10th
No we did not try a suicide squeeze.
White Women!
by nikpin on Apr 13, 2008 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly
I was thinking about a Sx2 just as soon as Murphy grounded out and shit got all tense.
MOB doesn't seem like someone who you would have execute that, however.
What does the book say about the appropriate time for that?
"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus
by Chase Irwin on Apr 14, 2008 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to be all Pollyanna...
...but the one thing that gives me some hope is the knowledge that, over the course of the season, the crappy hitting with RISP will end up evening out.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 13, 2008 9:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
But history tells us
that the starters' ERA will probably even out as well.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+1
There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.
by SarasotaRanger on Apr 14, 2008 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For me, the question is
which year will it even out to? 2007, or 2006? Milly has been pretty sharp thus far (though he had way too many walks his last outing for my tastes) and Padilla looked okay (though far from great) in that previous start. Jennings has not impressed me at all thus far, however.
To me, starting pitching has been a plus thus far this year, with defense, and batting with RISP have both been minuses. When those latter two even out, our starting pitching will still look pretty good (considering how many extra pitches we've had to throw due to errors or defensive miscues).
by jwiscarson on Apr 14, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defense
I think the root problem with this team, as it was last season, was lousy defense. I was a big advocate of bringing back Hank next year, but if his and MY's defense stays the same, I just see no way you can bring him back. MY has GOT to get out of SS. So, even if the hitting gets better, the defense creates a pretty low glass ceiling IMO. Add in that the entire team's D has been atrocious since Wash showed up and I see little hope.
Fire Ron Washington
by pblack on Apr 13, 2008 9:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Young needs to move
But where? Do you move Hank and put Young on 3rd? I honestly don't believe it would help. He's a defensive liability, period. I really wish we hadn't signed him long term.
by chief on Apr 13, 2008 10:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LF
I know I've previously argued against this very comparison in the past, but MY is the new Frank Catalanotto. He can't play INF anymore, and we have Hank at third right now - once German Duran is ready for a callup later this year, we need to get rid of Cat, and move MY to LF, and have Duran play SS until Elvis Andrus is ready. Once Elvis is ready, and Blalock is gone, we can move Duran to third.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you can't be serious
about Duran at SS?
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Got a better idea?
If you move him there now down in AAA, he could learn the position well enough to be better than MY.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MY > Duran at SS
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 13, 2008 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well,
I don't see how he'd be anything but marginal better or worse at SS defensively.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, then you sign a 1-year patch in the offseason
But the bottom line is, MY is costing us at SS, ruining games for pitchers. And he ain't getting any better.
We certainly don't need his shoddy D out there ruining the starts of Hurley or Matt Harrison - Duran might be able to learn the position, you never know.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duran
you don't know that he'll ever be able to hit at the ML level.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, how do you suppose we should go about finding that out?
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
letting him prove
that he can hit at AAA
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he proved to all
30 teams that he can't hit
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what's your point?
your suggesting that Duran, a 2B, is the Rangers defensive answer at SS and you're comparing him to a guy (Botts) who is a minus on defense.
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was talking about offense
Not defense. You're the one who got off track, not me.
I admit, a better option would be to sign a short-term patch in the offseason, or trade for some super-UT guy that can play short, but for an in-house, temporary solution, Duran is the best bet.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point was
that not only is it questionable that Duran would be an upgrade defensively, it's not certain that he can hit at the ML level. You could very well be getting subpar production from him offensively and defensively. So what have you gained?
by Randy Richardson on Apr 13, 2008 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, he'll have some experience
And we'll have learned what he can can and cannot do.
My point is, MY sucks, and needs to be removed from SS ASAP. I'm really just throwing ideas at the wall, trying to figure out how we might accomplish getting him off SS with some livley discussion.
But you're right, Duran is probably not a good long term solution. However, if you tried converting Duran to SS in AAA first, we might learn something about him. Then, if that works, we can call him up in september, move Young to LF, and try Duran at SS. It might make an interesting experiment.
But you are correct, it is not something you would want to do in midseason, as I origionally seemed to suggest.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets just DFA his sorry ass
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And move Laird to SS
so that Salty can catch.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And put Byrd at 3B for Blalock
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 13, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why not just put Ron Washington out at third?
He likes playing defense.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duran
He is, reportedly, not a real good defensive 2B. Given that, I'm not sure why you'd think he'd be an acceptable SS.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 13, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If I'm not mistaken
He got some sort of award in the offseason for being the best defensive 2B in the Texas League or something. Don't remember the specifics, but I know he got some wort of accolade for it. So either all his rivals are really crappy defenders, or he's a little better than we think.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 11:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't remember that
However, if he were good enough defensively to be playing shortstop regularly, he'd probably already be playing there. Guys get moved from shortstop to second base, not the other way around, generally.
If you want a slick-fielding stop-gap at shortstop, just put Arias there once he's healthy. Duran isn't likely to be any significant improvement over Young at shortstop. Realistically, from what I understand, he's not as good defensively at 2B as Kinsler is.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 13, 2008 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BA
named Duran the top defensive 2b in the Texas League last year.
But, yeah, I'm firmly on your side in this debate - Duran is no SS and would never move MY off the position - for good reason.
Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."
by tricer on Apr 13, 2008 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MY goes to 3B
Elvis at SS
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Apr 13, 2008 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's fine...
in 2010.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 13, 2008 11:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grady Fuson
had to have been good for something.
the truth.
by Longhorn on Apr 13, 2008 11:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lonestar wins .... Randy loses
finally got this in the right spot
by RingoRanger on Apr 14, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you know...
that 1 in every 5 adults has genital herpes.
How many people post on LSB?
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 13, 2008 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't know why I'm gracing this with a response
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just saw a comercial...
that said that, just made me laugh thinking about how many people post on LSB.
Plus, I think you need to calm down a little on the baseball talk right now. I'm trying to divert your attention.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 13, 2008 10:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the info. Slc
MY for Gold Glove.
by coolaid on Apr 13, 2008 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Did you know that
less than 0.5% of men using Cialis have an errection that lasts more than four hours.
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A good lesson, slc
I can get to carried away at times, I know that's a fault of mine with things I'm passionate about.
I'm just a little on-edge right now, because of all the bullsh!t I've been getting the last week or so - but I do need to learn to develop better deflector shields, I know.
In another aspect, that is an interesting point, something to keep in mind when, um, in social circles.
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And what about Byrd and Murphy?
Eventually Bradley will be able to start in RF. Do you keep both Byrd and Murph on the bench?
Would they dare move Mike Young to the outfield? They wouldn't move Soriano, and Young is better liked both in the clubhouse and by the fans.
I can't see Young as an OF. He doesn't strike me as a guy who would take a good route on the ball.
by chief on Apr 13, 2008 10:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
This idea always gets shot down by AJM, but... DH/OF?
by lonestarJon on Apr 13, 2008 10:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Young
I think letting Blalock go and moving MY to 3B is the most realistic solution while replacing him with a very good defensive SS.
Fire Ron Washington
by pblack on Apr 13, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i.e. Elvis Andrus
Wait 'til the year after next
by NothinG on Apr 13, 2008 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
WOW
Absurd
You're going to do all of this mid-year?
by robert_d_wilfong on Apr 13, 2008 10:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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