Blalock to 1B per StarTelegram
by richardtodd on May 18, 2008 12:21 PM CDT
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PrintWhen Hank Blalock returns from the disabled list this week, he will do so as a full-time first baseman. Blalock made the decision on his own after watching how the team was performing. He began working at first Sunday morning, and will continue to do so this week in Arizona in extended spring training games.
http://startelegramsports.typepad.com/foul_territory/2008/05/blaylock-is-mov.html
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Ugghhh
I guess the Rangers are letting him do this. Bye, bye Hanks. He is definitley gone by July 31.
Brandon Boggs 2008 Texas Rangers ROY
Really?
That may be the case, but I see this as the end of Cat here for sure.
by brettgardner on May 18, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions
Wow
This is an interesting development.
I guess Blalock and Vazquez/Duran is better than Blalock and Shelton/Cat.
I think it also means that Blalock will be traded after this year if Davis is ready to come up…
Really?
Cat + Shelton > Vazquez + Duran
So does Vazquez become the full-time 3B?
by Randy Richardson on May 18, 2008 12:28 PM CDT reply actions
Just got the email from Jamey
I don’t get this…wonder what this does for Hank’s future with the ball club. I’m curious to see AJM’s thoughts. I like this in the short-term. If this team falls off performance wise trade him anyways I guess.
“Blalock made the decision on his own after watching how the team was performing.”
That is the definition of a “team leader” ... it’s not about what might be best for him, but how he feels he could best help the team … class move on Hank’s part. Nice !!
Yea, though we play in the valley of the shadow of defeat, we shall fear no team ... 'cause Nolan says so !!
by FloridaRangerFan on May 18, 2008 12:33 PM CDT reply actions
Hopefully our other team leader
won’t cause a stink and voluntarily move off shortstop when Andrus is ready. I wouldn’t count on it though.
Oooh
What if MY moves to third now and Vazquez is the full-time SS?
Not gonna happen, of course, but interesting.
by brettgardner on May 18, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Next phase
traded.
"When I am pissed off, I get angry." - Miles 5/06/08
by inactive lsb user on May 18, 2008 12:50 PM CDT reply actions
especially
if we want to trade him, he has more value to trade partners being at 3rd base..
""I want George W. Bush to say, "All things equal, I screwed up this country far worse than I did the Texas Rangers."" - Chris Ballard
It won't affect his trade value
teams already know he can play third…if anything this increases it if he can show he can play first.
Teams aren’t going to trade for him b/c of his defense…if he hits, he’ll have value
by Dirk Diggler on May 18, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
What
teams would be interested in him?
""I want George W. Bush to say, "All things equal, I screwed up this country far worse than I did the Texas Rangers."" - Chris Ballard
Don't be lazy
"When I am pissed off, I get angry." - Miles 5/06/08
by inactive lsb user on May 18, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions
how
would I find that information out?
""I want George W. Bush to say, "All things equal, I screwed up this country far worse than I did the Texas Rangers."" - Chris Ballard
He wrote to his congressman, he said
“I’d like to help you son, but you’re too young to vote.”
...and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid git.
MLB trade rumors.com
And also try looking at a few depth charts. See which teams have shitty first basemen, or injuries to their front-line 3B. Then look at the records of some of those teams, and you should get an idea of who might be interested in Hank come July.
A Lonestar in California - 2.0
David Murphy rocks, so Ellsbury can just go get himself a taco or something.
I botched that comment nicely
*see which teams could use help at first or third base.
A Lonestar in California - 2.0
David Murphy rocks, so Ellsbury can just go get himself a taco or something.
Good to see Blalock
showing some leadership. Clearly, until the Pod Person who is inhabiting Ramon Vazquez leaves his husk, the team is much, much better off with Vazquez and Blalock then Blalock and whatever bench person is occupying 1B. Also, long term, due to injuries, Blalock is probably better off at 1B. He was a marginal to bad defensive 3B to start with, and he isn’t going to get better with age.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
I'm kind of
getting over this already after my initial shock yesterday. If Blalock, Wash, and Daniels all feel his defense and health don’t warrant him staying over there than maybe they’re right. My fear is that this is out of some completely misguided wish to keep Vazquez playing every day. But Vazquez coming back to earth (and maybe platooning with Duran) is probably no worse than anything Shelton would do, so maybe it’s a wash (Wash?).
As long as Duran gets enough at bats I’m meh about this now.
...and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid git.
Maybe
they get a Melvin Mora year where the Pod Person visits Vazquez all year. We can only hope.
Honestly, there are a few guys on this team competing for that 1B spot that aren’t anymore a part of the Rangers long term plans than Vazquez, like Catalanotto, and probably Shelton. I just have trouble getting excited enough to foam at the mouth about this one. If the Rangers had a real 1B, I’d get much more excited. However if it means we’ll lose Shelton or Cat, I live with it.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
2B – Kinsler
SS – Young
CF – Hamilton
DH/RF – Bradley
1B – Blalock
RF – Murphy
LF – Boggs
C – Laird/Salty
3B – Vasquez
Looks better than:
2B – Kinsler
SS – Young
CF – Hamilton
DH/RF – Bradley
RF – Murphy
LF – Boggs
C – Laird/Salty
1B – Shelton/Cat
3B – Vasquez
His 1B defense can’t be any worse than what we have already had this year. Daniels also said this would not effect Chris Davis. If the Rangers are still in it at the ASB and the trade deadline, some of that will be the addition of Blalock’s bat into the line-up. Metcalf is on his rehab assignment now, so he in addition to Vasquez and Duran make a better option than Shelton and Cat on the other side with Blalock at 3B. If we are out of it and Blalock still hits, he has expanded the number of teams looking to add bats at the trade deadline.
"The path you choose, you also choose its destination..."
What does this mean?
Daniels also said this would not effect Chris Davis.
by Brett Perryman on May 19, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions
From the S-T
Daniels said Blalock’s move has no impact on the Rangers’ plans with super prospect Chris Davis. Daniels believes Davis still has work to do in the minors.
Numerous posts have beeb concened with this move effecting Davis promotion next year. Maybe I should have left the “Also” off.
"The path you choose, you also choose its destination..."
It probably means
that JD is coming to grips with the reality that Blalock will likely be traded this midseason, next offseason, or the midseason afterwards.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
I agree
...as well as that Davis isn’t earmarked to take over before next season at the earliest.
The main reason that I ask is that I think that the statement illustrates how this is probably about Blalock, his somewhat dicey status, and the immediate situation more than a master plan involving Young and Arias.
by Brett Perryman on May 19, 2008 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions
I think you are correct...
I think this is a “win now” Blalock idea. To make the team on the field now more pruductive. I do not think the consiracy theory of MY to 3B, Elvis to SS et al is the driving force here.
"The path you choose, you also choose its destination..."
Arias or Andrus?
Also, what do you think the chances are of the Rangers keeping Blalock past this year and say DHing him next year and then trying to deal him before next July? I think he is probably gone by spring next year at the latest, but his option will certainly be picked up if he isn’t dealt, right?
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
I know this
was not directed to me, but I think I will throw in my thought. If the Rangers fall and are out of it by the trade deadline, MB will be (If healthy) a big bat for some contender and likely traded. If Washington is fired, the re-signing of MB may not be a possibility. Then Blalock would fit nicely into the DH role and could play 1B or 3B as necessitated.
"The path you choose, you also choose its destination..."
My thoughts as well...
I think Board Game is going to bring back a few very nice prospects at the deadline. I think (hope) Hank still has a spot on this team next year. I think he is dealt as well however.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
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