Ranger Fan Living in Boston

by Austin Ranger on Apr 20, 2008 9:49 AM CDT

I haven't ordered Extra Innings yet (just moved to Boston) and weekend's series was the first time I've been able to watch the Rangers this season...

Just sad...and I'm going to hear about it on work tomorrow. In both games so far, the Rangers were looking competitive right before they unraveled -- especially last night.

I wasn't naive to think the Rangers would win the AL West this year, but I was hoping that a surprising second place finish might be in the cards. Now, it appears to be deja vu from last season and they'll be 19 games out of first by the all star break again.

I like some of the trades that Daniels made last season (Teixeira, et al) for young talent, but I'm starting to second guess the dyslexic approach of going back-and-forth. Although I enjoy watching Hamilton launch balls like they deserved a drubbin', I'm not sure that trading Volquez away was the best move.

The Indians should serve as a blueprint for rebuilding -- Shapiro was brilliant a few years ago. At the time, everyone thought he was nuts (trading away Thome of all players), but his plan worked. Beane is another one -- everyone expects, or expected, Oakland to finish last. Even though it's early, they are at least playing .500 ball. Although it might be a few years before Oakland can consistently compete, at least they'll be in a good position. If the Rangers don't commit fully to rebuilding, we'll get mediocrity in a few years with a middle-of-the-road approach...and, at least so far, not even be competitive in the interim. I know the farm system is starting to look strong, but it can even be stronger with some additional young talent.

I think that Daniels should have gone all the way and stuck with a direction -- he still can. It means allowing EVERYONE to be up on the block except for young talent. Kinsler is the only starter that should be off limits.

Otherwise,

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Comments

Shapiro is so overrated.

the truth.

by Longhorn on Apr 20, 2008 10:45 AM CDT reply actions

Wrong again

Rex Hudler is in demand as a motivational speaker.

by Brian Thomas on Apr 21, 2008 9:32 AM CDT up reply actions

+1

eom

by knockoutking on Apr 21, 2008 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions

+2

"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus

by inactive lsb user on Apr 21, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions

At work Monday

just keep reminding them of that Gagne trade.

Whatever gets you through the night, 'salright, 'salright.

by t ball on Apr 20, 2008 11:51 AM CDT reply actions

Thome wasn't traded

He signed with Philly as an FA.

Also I used to live in Cambridge; moved to NYC a few weeks ago. There are a couple other Boston folks on this site…Excel Hearts Choi and someone else.

by nivarsity on Apr 20, 2008 3:32 PM CDT reply actions

Somerville

Yeah, I live in Somerville. I can’t remember the other person from Boston.

by Excel Hearts Choi on Apr 20, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Stand Corrected/Shapiro

I stand corrected on Thome—it felt like a trade for Cleveland because he was deeply embedded in the community and wanted to stay. Signing him again would have been easy.

Regarding Shapiro comment being overrated - that makes a lot of sense since he was able to take Cleveland within one game of the World Series…closer than the Rangers have been in 36 years. I’d take Shapiro any day over most GM’s - save Epstein and Beane.

by Austin Ranger on Apr 20, 2008 5:03 PM CDT reply actions

some of JD's moves this offseason are beginning to look really, really bad.

...Ben Broussard?
...”Everyday” Eddie Guardado?... not so everyday, lately
...Gerald Laird?...
...Armando Galaragga?...
...Dustin Nippert?

...nothing but a bunch of band-aids.

and that little Danks / McCarthy swap?... looking worse everytime #50 takes the mound…

you know what Brandon McCarthy is?

a band-aid… someone who was further along and could help out immediately.

somebody in that front-office got delusional over the idea of winning last year. that’s the only reason that deal was made.

by oc on Apr 20, 2008 6:03 PM CDT reply actions

How is

Nippert signing looking bad?

It was a no risk signing and Nippert is starting to look really good…

"He throws that curveball so hard and it snaps 12 to six like you've never seen." - Matt Kemp on Clayton Kershaw

by miles on Apr 20, 2008 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions

huh?

Nippert has pitched in 5 games this year… he’s had two good outings… and three outings in which he’s given up at least one run… the most recent outing… having given up a run, two hits and a walk… in a ballgame that was already a blowout.

Dustin Nippert is starting to look really good?... hit the showers, miles.

...and spare me the whole “low risk” routine…

you know what a “low risk” signing is?... it’s a spare player who is good, but not good enough to play for somebody else. too many of those types of players lately…

by oc on Apr 20, 2008 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions

It is

a low risk signing. Are you kidding me? We did not give up anything for him and if he regains his old form, he have a very good pitcher.

Your just pissed at this team, and spewing out ridiculous comments.

"He throws that curveball so hard and it snaps 12 to six like you've never seen." - Matt Kemp on Clayton Kershaw

by miles on Apr 20, 2008 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions

"low risk" rhymes with...

...”too many ifs”.

by oc on Apr 20, 2008 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions

+1

Tejeda cleared waivers, so trading for Nippert was in no way a bad move. He has excellent stuff, and if he can harness it, he could be very, very good. Remember, if it wasn’t him in the bullpen with shaky control, it would be Tejeda.

OC is correct on most of the other points, though. Broussard, and Laird needs to go, it should have been Feldman instead of Gallarraga DFA’d.

A Lonestar in California - 2.0

by LSJ on Apr 20, 2008 6:47 PM CDT up reply actions