Byrd coming back?

by Adam J. Morris on May 2, 2008 1:26 PM CDT

Marlon Byrd is traveling with the team to the West Coast, according to the S-T blog, and it sounds like he may be activated sometime next week. Oklahoma is playing in Tacoma this weekend, and Byrd apparently is going to try to play in a couple of those games as part of a rehab stint.

If he is activated next week, it will be interesting to see who goes to make room for him. Brandon Boggs is the obvious choice, since Boggs basically was called up to be the righty-hitting outfielder, but Boggs has played well since coming up, which would make it harder, one would think, the send him back down.

The other option would be to cut ties with Ben Broussard, and let Cat and Chris Shelton handle first base duties. It would seem to be kind of early in the season to do that, though. So I imagine Boggs will head back to AAA when Byrd is ready.

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IMO,

its never too early to cut ties with Broussard. I have absolutely no idea what he does that Cat can’t do, and I had no idea when they signed him.

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on May 2, 2008 1:29 PM CDT 0 recs

I'm confused

Where does the failure of Botts fit into this?

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on May 2, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

Doesn't matter

whether we have Botts or not, Broussard is a wasted roster spot. Just a dumb signing from a dumb organization.

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on May 2, 2008 1:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

I think he took me seriously?

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on May 2, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

Wow, Cahill

You don’t happen to be a Pennsylvania gun- or religion-clinger, do you?

Not that I disagree with you, by the way

Rangers > Nationals...for now

by RangerMoto on May 2, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up 0 recs

+1

Cut Broussard.

Into little peices, and then sprinkle him into Ichiro Suzuki’s food when we’re in Seattle this week. Then Ichiro might catch whatever disease Broussard has that makes it impossible for him to play baseball well.

A Lonestar in California - 2.0

by lonestarJon on May 2, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

Please

cut Broussard, if for no other reason than Boggs’ nickname could be then shortened.

...it's the weekend, so why the hell not?

by Rodney on May 2, 2008 1:31 PM CDT 0 recs

Jettison Brouturd already!

Rangers > Nationals...for now

by RangerMoto on May 2, 2008 1:40 PM CDT 0 recs

lots of notes

on the Rangers in this weeks Prospect Hotsheet.

by BHill on May 2, 2008 1:44 PM CDT 0 recs

The new pitching development era.

High Class A Bakersfield RHP Tommy Hunter (Rangers) is finding success in the California League. He made one start last week and threw 8 1/3 innings, allowing an unearned run on four hits while striking out 12. A second-year pro going 8 1/3 innings? Triple-A RHP Eric Hurley, still just 22, throwing 113 pitches in six innings? What has gotten in to the Rangers?

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on May 2, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up 0 recs

Nolan Ryan

Ryan said he wanted pitchers to go deeper into games. Hunter is a college draftee, 8 1/3 should be no problem for him. Maybe he will get called up to start in Frisco’s DH on 5/18. I’ll be there.

Brandon Boggs 2008 Texas Rangers ROY

by RangerMad on May 2, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up 0 recs

i understand why nolan said it

i can understand the logic; i can understand that he may be speaking from a great deal of knowledge – but I really don’t like the President giving an order like that that pitching coaches/managers started following immediately throughout the whole system.

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on May 2, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up 0 recs

I don't recall who the

interview was with, but that was just one reccomendation that Ryan had. They said that the minor league managers won’t be required to hold their pitchers to strict pitch counts. I think Ryan’s point is that there are tough outings vs easier outings. Why limit a pitcher to 90 pitches if he has had an “easy” 7 innings. Let him go out there for the 8th, build up the pitch count and stamina.

Brandon Boggs 2008 Texas Rangers ROY

by RangerMad on May 2, 2008 3:07 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hunter

How many pitches was that 8.1 inning outing?

Is it definitely showing up throughout the whole system?

Wish there were pitch counts in the box scores at MiLB.com.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on May 2, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up 0 recs

I agree

I think his thought process (teach kids that they can pitch beyond 100 pitches and they’ll end up doing it) is smart, but him talking about it in the press probably wasn’t. I would rather hear JD or Mark Connor say that, and then mention that it’s a Nolan Ryan idea..

by jwiscarson on May 2, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up 0 recs

I believe the interview I

saw was with Thad Levine on a pre-game show.

Brandon Boggs 2008 Texas Rangers ROY

by RangerMad on May 2, 2008 4:07 PM CDT up 0 recs

exactly

it sounds like he usurped some power there or at the very least is micro managing.

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on May 2, 2008 4:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

Great stuff

Striking to see him call Tea a better prospect than MaxRam right now, but I’m probably too swayed by the recent offensive numbers of both.

I guess he’s weighing Tea’s D and last season more.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on May 2, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up 0 recs

Torn

hate Broussard signing, but reluctant to give up so soon coupled with maybe giving Boggs some more time in OKC before bringing him back up later.

...and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid git.

by t ball on May 2, 2008 2:15 PM CDT 0 recs

I am sick to death of Byrd

And Broussard, too. Not sure who I’d rather see axed, but Boggs is not on that list for me.

by FuturePants on May 2, 2008 2:27 PM CDT 0 recs

i could have sworn

there were a bunch of byrd backers in ST. they seem to have gone silent

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on May 2, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up 0 recs

Backup CF

I thought one of the major reasons for keeping Byrd over Murton is that he can play CF to give Hamilton the occasional day off. It turns out Byrd has only played 4 games in CF, while Murphy has played 5.

by Excel Hearts Choi on May 2, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up 0 recs

boggs being in the equation changes things

as does cruz mashing AAA again while byrd struggled before his injury. and murphy’s good start.

things have turned against byrd. It wasnt stupid to support byrd in spring training as a 4th OF, but supporting something in ST doesnt mean you cant change your opinion as the situation changes.

Gerald Laird is my hero.

by DSheppard on May 2, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

Cruz went through waivers...

...is not on the 40 man, and will not be recalled.

by FuturePants on May 2, 2008 3:26 PM CDT up 0 recs

to that

i would say that nothing has changed so much in a month to warrant changing your position – especially if you buy the fact that byrd might have been injured (Which you might not). Boggs’s 2 games of ML success really shouldn’t be enough to dissuade you of keeping byrd if you were a believer.

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on May 2, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up 0 recs

We arn't talking about a starting pitcher here

We are talking about a 4th/5th outfielder who some people thought had some positives to his game enough to keep him around. I dont recall a lot of “marlon byrd’s numbers were for real, Daniels is an idiot if hes not starting 7 games a week” talk. I recall things more along the lines of decent defense, clubhouse presence, better fit for the rangers than the limited murton, etc. If there were a lot of strong convictions about a starting role in ST maybe that much hasnt happened, but we are discussing a bench OF. Easily enough has happened.

And its not Boggs’s 2 games of success, its that hes played 2 games at all. That the GM saw fit to bring him into the mlb. He wasnt on my radar for mlb OF time in april in spring training.

Gerald Laird is my hero.

by DSheppard on May 2, 2008 3:34 PM CDT up 0 recs

and just to clarify

as far as i can remember the extent of my byrd defense was that I personally would have traded him for murton but can see why JD might choose not to and wouldnt get upset about it.

and i think thats around what a lot of people were saying.

I also dont remember a whole lot of people saying we should just release byrd because he sucks so bad… it was trade debate

Gerald Laird is my hero.

by DSheppard on May 2, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

i'm not trying to play gotcha

with Byrd fans – just wondering if there are still people out there that think Byrd can put up better numbers than Boggs – a feat that I don’t think should be all that difficult.

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on May 2, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

GM only brought him up

because nobody else could have been brought up without a lot of hassle.

but i don’t see why Byrd all of a sudden isn’t good enough to man the 4th/5th OF spot after seeing less than a month of AB’s from him. this seems like a knee jerk to Boggs showing some slight success at the majors. if boggs had gone 0-8, nobody would be saying anything about Byrd not rejoining the team. all of a sudden, that’s a possibility?

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on May 2, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up 0 recs

Because Byrd's Numbers

last year were super high for his career line. Byrd will never be what he was in 2007. He is, at best, a fringy MLB guy who needs to go if a better option presents itself. I think at this point the Rangers could, but don’t need to, give Boggs a longer shot.

by FuturePants on May 2, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up 0 recs

So what do you do?

It seems like we have a handful of superfluous players here: Broussard, Cat, and possibly Byrd (referencing your comment about his injury).

It seems to me like you either get rid of Cat or Broussard. Cat does have the advantage of experience in the outfield (although I hate seeing him out there) plays tolerably at first, and then give Byrd the shot as a fourth or fifth outfield option.

I feel like our outfield is way too crowded (even with Byrd out) and we need to move someone.

by jwiscarson on May 2, 2008 3:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

And can't

Boggs play some center too?

by Captain Snappy on May 2, 2008 3:21 PM CDT 0 recs

That is his natural position

by uthornfan on May 2, 2008 3:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

Whenever a roster spot is needed...

I think Broussard should be the one to get DFA’d. I don’t care if it’s a pitcher coming of the DL. Cat can backup 1B and Duran/Vasquez can be your utility guys.

The only positive with sending Boggs back to AAA is he could play everyday. If Byrd comes up and Wash is going to play him, and sit Boggs on the bench, then I would rather see him go down. At least he will know he got off to a good start and will have the confidence that he belongs in the majors and it was just a #’s game that got him sent back.

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

by slc ranger on May 2, 2008 3:35 PM CDT 0 recs

quesions

can boggs play any 1b?

can we go with a boggs/murphy backup CF combo?

Every loss is one step closer to the top of the draft in 2009!

by knockoutking on May 2, 2008 3:50 PM CDT 0 recs

If Boggs plays first, he never did in the minors.

291 games in the outfield, eight at DH.

by jwiscarson on May 2, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up 0 recs

Boggs

He’s possibly the best defensive outfielder on the 40 man roster right now. I don’t think they’d have him play any first.

by Adam J. Morris on May 2, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up 0 recs

well the thought

was that if you drop broussard you can get his bat in the lineup some there.

also: was thinking he played some 1b in spring training, but that was brandon MOSS (of the red sox)

was there an OF that played some 1b in ST?

Every loss is one step closer to the top of the draft in 2009!

by knockoutking on May 2, 2008 4:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

Botts and Mench

by mgb5 on May 2, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up 0 recs

If he is the best

...and is hitting, then WTF are we doing even discussing Byrd – much less Broussard? Byrd is terrible, and last year was a spike in his numbers, nothing more that will ever be repeated.

by FuturePants on May 2, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up 0 recs

thought

byrd>broussard

Every loss is one step closer to the top of the draft in 2009!

by knockoutking on May 2, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

I have no idea which is better

...or more likely, the lesser of two unproductive evils.

by FuturePants on May 3, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up 0 recs

Broussard sucks.....

If they send Boggs back I’ll throw up…......

Hello Win Column!

by jboll on May 2, 2008 3:51 PM CDT 0 recs

Byrd and Broussard - time to go!

Weren’t we all excited about Byrd early last year because our outfield was terrible (and there was little promise in the minors) and we were hoping we struck gold on a retread? I’m a lot more interested in seeing Murphy, Boggs and Hamilton (and Mayberry at some point) play this year and have no interest in a guy that’s not a part of the future of the team…same goes for BB – let’s see some Chris Davis!

by Captain Snappy on May 2, 2008 4:11 PM CDT 0 recs

i think these are the moves that I want to happen

but not right away. byrd will be given another month and then boggs can take his place after a trade.

Chris Davis should come up a little later – ASB?

But, the chances of these moves happening at the times specified (or even at all) are probably 10% because I don’t really know how much influence Washington has over the roster and Byrd and Broussard are definitely Washington guys. I feel like Washington’s power took a hit with the Melhuse release but maybe he flexed a little with the Botts DFA.

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on May 2, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up 0 recs

Broussard

is not a part of the future of this team, there is no reason to keep him and try to wok out of his slump. He looks like a very defeated player in every aspect of his game.

Move Cat to 1st with Shelton (or whomever) and let Byrd come back. Boggs needs to play until he shows he is not ready.

That is not me in the photo, so relax.

by rldwb on May 2, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up 0 recs

Leave Byrd

on the dl and let Bogg’s hot streak play out. Saw the last two games, and Boggs is fun to watch. Maybe the cubs are still interested in Byrd?

-Brought to you by chocolate cookies with white stuff in-between.

by jcAustin on May 2, 2008 4:20 PM CDT 0 recs

at this point

you’d think the rangers would ask for something different than murton. probably would be happiest with a reliever

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on May 2, 2008 4:25 PM CDT up 0 recs

I'd give up Byrd

...for a Coke and a smile. But I recognize that won’t help the team. I just hate Byrd.

by FuturePants on May 2, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up 0 recs

The Cubs are very happy

with Reed Johnson.

by Randy Richardson on May 2, 2008 4:52 PM CDT up 0 recs

+1

I don’t want to see Boggs headed back to OKC unless his bat slows down. If a guys on a hot streak in the majors, you keep him there.

A Lonestar in California - 2.0

by lonestarJon on May 2, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up 0 recs

+2

That is not me in the photo, so relax.

by rldwb on May 2, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

+ 3

The "Electrician" was born 7/16/07 11:53 PM EDT

http://www.lonestarball.com/2007/7/16/213154/893

by LAMuscleFag on May 2, 2008 5:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

+4

I agree and would love to let Boggs explore the bigs and see what he can do, but Captain Dipstick will favor his lame duck and send down Boggs soon.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on May 2, 2008 7:46 PM CDT up 0 recs

Washington's "Guys" SUCK

If Byrd and Broussard are still on this team on Monday, I will blow my head off. Have a nice day.

by j-r-d on May 2, 2008 4:48 PM CDT 0 recs

A word of advice

Seems that if you want that “threaten to hurt myself unless I get my way” strategy to be effective:
1. They need to believe you might actually do it.
2. They need to care.

Seems to fail on at least point 2, if not both.

Hope to see you around on Tuesday.

by mgb5 on May 2, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up 0 recs

May I recommend using a 22.

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

by slc ranger on May 2, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up 0 recs

Most people...

wouldn’t be affected by a .22. Go for the gusto and Dirty Harry it with a .350 Magnum.

by Redcaps on May 3, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up 0 recs

As long as we are correcting people

A) It’s a .357 magnum not a .350
B) Dirty Harry used a .44 magnum
C) Man up, and use a .50 Desert Eagle

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on May 4, 2008 4:44 AM CDT up 0 recs

Ziinngg!!!

A Lonestar in California - 2.0

by lonestarJon on May 4, 2008 5:34 AM CDT up 0 recs

Brou HaHA and Byrd..

Like Dandy Don Meredith used to sing “Turn out the lights the party’s over”!!!!
Been fun – BUH BYE!

The "Electrician" was born 7/16/07 11:53 PM EDT

http://www.lonestarball.com/2007/7/16/213154/893

by LAMuscleFag on May 2, 2008 5:45 PM CDT 0 recs

Not suprising...

If Boggs continues to hit, demoting him would be right in line with designating Botts for assignment instead of dropping Broussard. All classified under “Terrible roster decisions influenced by Ron Washington.”

Look, I know I’m not the first to say this; but: Ron Washington needs to go. Horrible roster decisions, terrible in-game managing, and an inablity to have his team prepared or play defense (his specialty!).

I don’t know if it’s Daniels being bullied by Wash or Ryan, but I don’t see him making these moves on his own. If it is, my bad.

by cmkelly29 on May 2, 2008 6:24 PM CDT 0 recs