Thursday morning stuff
by Adam J. Morris on May 8, 2008 9:28 AM CDT
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PrintOutstanding start by Vicente Padilla last night. Evan Grant says it the best start Padilla has had since coming to Texas, and once again, Padilla succeeded when relying on his fastball.
I was surprised Padilla was lifted when he was. He was only at 91 pitches, appeared to still be blowing and going, and I expected he could have gone back out for the eighth. I'm not sure if Washington and Mark Connor felt Padilla was out of gas, or if they were just being conservative in going to the pen, but personally, I'd be more comfortable leaving the guy who had been dominating all game out there for another inning than going to the bullpen for someone who has been a little shaky this season, and you don't know if he's got his good stuff or not.
Grant's game story also says that Michael Young is day to day with his injured hip flexor, and didn't rule out playing tonight.
Grant has some bloggy notes from last night's game that includes praise for Brandon Boggs, whom Grant says plays the game with an "infectious energy."
Jeff Wilson discusses Sidney Ponson's career resurrection over in the S-T today.
In case there was any question about it, T.R. Sullivan says the Rangers are committing to a platoon of Frank Catalanotto and Chris Shelton at first base, and don't have any plans for Ben Broussard to start again anytime soon.
Sullivan also says that John Patterson has had a setback in his return, and is heading back to Dallas to be checked out, while Luis Mendoza had a good throwing session yesterday.
The way Scott Feldman and Sidney Ponson are pitching, though, Mendoza may not have a job in the majors when he's ready to return.
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Padilla
While I agree he could and probably should have gone out there in the 8th I don’t think it was a bad decision to go to Benoit and Wilson. As a manager you have to show faith in those two guys especially since they are supposed to be your top two relievers.
Contracts
I have a question about the contracts of Bradley, Ponson, and J-Wright. I don’t know their deals, so, do we have a good chance of keeping them if they deliver in 2008?
contracts
Bradley: Will most likely be traded during the season. personally i am leery giving him any type of long term deal unless it was similar to the one Detroit gave Ordonez in the fact that it only pays big money if he is healthy. Still relatively young and considering the lack of prospect options I think he could be one of those veteran leaders in a year or two when we are contending again
Ponson: If he keeps this up he could land a ML deal somewhere. I wouldn’t want to do any type of long term deal but his stuff has been fantastic so far and unless we just don’t have room for him I could see us giving him a 1 year deal
Wright: I think he has entrenched himself as a solid MR/LR. This point in his career I think he is on 1 year deals until he retires. Sounds like he likes Texas so I think he will be around next year
Contracts - Reply
Ponson’s ball is really moving. I would keep him until he proves unworthy. Thanks for the comments. I have not had as much time this season to dig into the details. The Padilla I saw last night was nothing like the man I once knew.
Padilla
I wonder if Conner told Padilla in the seventh after the two walks that this was his last inning and that is when he turned up the fastball and gave maximum effort for 15 pitches.
Danks, Volquez, Galarraga and Young are GONE! GET OVER IT! Endless whining will not bring them back!
I wasn't terribly upset at the time
and in hindsight, it was probably really the right decision. Noone knows whether he gassed himself in that 7th or not, but he blew those guys away so it sounds plausible.
In the past, I’d say Padilla pulled himself or begged out of returning, but this is not the same Padilla. He’s earned a little benefit of the doubt. Wash has made some weird moves. This probably isn’t one of them. There was probably good reason for the move. Still made the remainder of the game feel like more of a nail-biter.
Padilla...
I think it had more to do with his pitch count in his last couple starts. I believe TAG mentioned that. It makes sense to me as well. Plus the only 2 guys he walked were in the 7th inning and he did have to throw 25 or 26 pitches that inning.
I was ok with the decision. This team needs Jack back to what he was last year. No reason for Vicente to throw 115 pitches in every start, just my opinion.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
I thought that, too
Padilla had a higher pitch count in his previous start so I thought that might have factored in the decision, though I didn’t hear Grieve’s comment.
Am I the only one who winces at the complete and total substitution of TAG for Tom in the broadcasts? I think that used once in a while a nickname like that is ok, but it seems like he’s never called Tom anymore. It’s a small thing, I know, but one straw on the camel’s back that makes me turn down the sound.
...and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid git.
I thought the new idea was to
have starters pitch 100 pitches every night, occasionally running it up to 120 or so. I guess 91 is close enough… especially since he was over 120 two starts ago. Maybe they figured if he went out for the eighth inning he’d finish it at 110 pitches or so and didn’t want to push him that far.
Padilla is currently
4th overall in pitches thrown this year, with 817, avg. 16.1 per IP. What I thought was great last night was how efficient he was. I’d love to see him remain among the leaders in IP, but drop in # of pitches a bit.
...and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid git.
Feldman...
if he pitches well in his next start then Mendoza will be in AAA for awhile. Plus you have the Pirate who looked pretty good in his spot start and Mathis doing well in OKC.
Mendoza may not get another start with the Rangers for some time.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
Mendoza
Is overrated. I don’t think he’s really got anything on AJ Murray, or Scott Feldman 2.0.
Feldman 2.0 needs to remain a starter – he doesn’t look like he does as well coming out of the bullpen, but so far, starting seems to have been his magic elixur.
by LSJ on May 8, 2008 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions
Weren't you just saying...
2 weeks ago that Feldman sucks?
"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."
Mendoza as overrated
I don’t think anyone views him as anything more that a potential decent #4 or #5 starter. Unless you think he is incapable of being in a rotation, that wouldn’t seem to be overrating him.
by Adam J. Morris on May 8, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Well, at the start of the season
The consensu was pretty much that Mendoza > Murray. I’m just saying that hasn’t turned out to be the case, and I don’t think he should have any edge over Murray or Feldman concerining a rotation spot when he comes off the DL
by LSJ on May 8, 2008 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions
The Rangers
apparently viewed him as a better SP option than Galarraga, and I thought that decision was dumb from the get go.
Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."
Mendoza
I was just thinking this morning, he probably doesn’t have a job when he comes back. The replacements are just pitching too well.
"When we're mad we'll use our words. Then the rest of the world will play nice with us. And the only boom-booms will be in our pants." - Ralph Wiggum
Ponson appears to be legit,
although the sample is only 3 starts but i’m not sure Feldman will keep up the pace and we’re also not sure how Gabbard’s going to go so, personally i’m glad Mendoza is throwing well.
Also, i’m with bigsteve, thought Padilla looked gassed after the 7th.
-Brought to you by chocolate cookies with white stuff in-between.
Chris Shelton
How long will it be until Shelton is the new Broussard? I don’t know that they are much different. I’m not real thrilled about having Cat there either. I would almost rather have Mench at 1B rather than any of those three.
Thoughts?
I'd love for part of the "new look" to be a return to the red uniforms of the 1990s. - Ian Kinsler
Mench
isn’t a first baseman and can’t even hit at AAA. Why would anyone want him up over Botts, Shelton or Cat? Hopefully the Shelton/Cat tandem can hold it together until Davis is ready.
by Jack Nicholson 1974 on May 8, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Mench
Why would you rather have Mench at 1B than Cat?
by Adam J. Morris on May 8, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
almost
I would [b]almost[/b] rather have Mench at 1B rather than any of those three.
Cat
For all the crap he’s gotten, he’s hit well this season.
by Adam J. Morris on May 8, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Absolutely agree
There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.
by SarasotaRanger on May 8, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Platoon 1B against righties maybe.
I wouldn’t want to see him against lefties though.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
Yep
Cat and Shelton platoon at 1B is the best option.
by Adam J. Morris on May 8, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Cat started off really slow
But he’s picked it up again. Still don’t want him in the OF ever again, but at 1B he’s our best option.
by LSJ on May 8, 2008 3:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, he's fairly nauseating
in the OF. However, 1B is almost like DH, so he should be fine there. His noodle arm shouldn’t cause many problems.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
Botts
He sort of looks like the org’s tossed off one-night stand at this point, but I’d be deeply delighted if he becomes the best option at 1B, over Shelton and Broussard (poor bats) and Cat (poor D).
Probably won’t, but man I’d like that to happen.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on May 8, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd be surprised
if he got another shot. AAA is filling up with folks who are probably more likely to get called up.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
Mench is only hitting .267 at AAA
He doesn’t deserve a shot with the big club right now. Mench is done.
by LSJ on May 8, 2008 3:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Shelton
Is useful, because he can be a third catcher. What makes everyone think Nate Gold, who has never had an MLB at-bat, is going to be better than Chris Shelton, who currently is only going to be the right-handed half of a platoon anyway?
by LSJ on May 8, 2008 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions
We don't need a 3rd catcher
I would put Gold there and see what he does and if he doesn’t pan out either, he can join the list of DFA’d and cut. If he never gets a MLB at-bat, we won’t ever know anything. maybe, he’s not better and if he’s not, they can all go!!! bring them up, try them out, and do something.
If Salty...
is going to get any DH at bats, we could use an emergency catcher.
"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."
Can a DH be moved to a postion during a game
if the catcher goes down, can the DH be moved to catcher?
Nate Gold
the last thing I want is another guy who can’t hit in the majors with a bunch of people whining that he hasn’t had enough at bats yet to prove himself.
Lets limit the people on the roster to those that can actually contribute to this organization in a non-trivial way
Nate Gold
If I’m going to build a house I want bricks, not straw or twigs. He is not part of the future, or even the present. He’s just an organizational soldier good for emergency injury replacement.
...and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid git.
Cutting both Broussard and Shelton
I never was in favor of either of these guys from the beginning. This would then make an emergency-to-fill-postion at 1st B.
Why would we try out Gold?
He hasn’t hit well enough in the minors to show that he warrants getting a serious look in the majors.
by Adam J. Morris on May 8, 2008 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Because...
...he’s not a good player.
I don’t understand why you’d bring him up when he isn’t a good defensive first baseman and is only putting up around an 850 OPS in the PCL.
by Adam J. Morris on May 8, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
Gold
You realize he’s older than Shelton? Only by a couple of months, but still…
by Adam J. Morris on May 8, 2008 7:45 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah, well
give him a few hundered at bats, if he sucks he can join the other two on the unemployment line.
I just realized...
Lost in all the hoopla of an awesome win…
Mark Connor actually visited the mound, and the visit was followed by success.
Metcalf
Begins a rehab assignment tonight.
If he’s ready before Blalock’s back, would he displace Duran?
Thoughts? I lean towards playing him and sending Duran back to AAA.
Go Strangers.
Metcalf
I think as long as Duran is holding his own and able to play everyday up here the Rangers will just send Metcalf to OKC and let him get started there. He’s missed a lot of time so plugging him directly into the major league lineup would be kinda difficult. Also since they added Duran to the 40 thus burning an option you might as well see what the kids got.
+1
Don’t really get all the hype for Metcalf.
Right around the time all the young talent is ready to contend is when the organization will realize that Ron Washington is the wrong man for the job.
Late May
He will probably take the entire 30 day rehab assignment since he hasn’t played since spring training.
I would think they would option him...
...when he’s eligible to come off the 60. That way he will not be earning major league pay or getting ML service time (as he does while on the 60).
Right around the time all the young talent is ready to contend is when the organization will realize that Ron Washington is the wrong man for the job.
Metcalf
isn’t on the 60-day DL. Rheinecker, Diamond, and McCarthy are the three Rangers that are on the 60-day DL.
by Randy Richardson on May 8, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Anyone notice
that Teixeira still acts like an 8-year old in a toy store everytime the Braves win or he does something good?
There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.
offseason
Too bad he will leave them in the offseason.
by Excel Hearts Choi on May 8, 2008 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd like to see my players
excited when their team wins or they do something good.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
Deliberate
Maybe I’m cynical, but the newfound excitement may be a way to sell yourself as a passionate player and clubhouse motivator. With Teix, I think everything he does is for the purpose of getting a larger contract.
by Jack Nicholson 1974 on May 8, 2008 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Who cares
He was the best player on the club, when he was here, and he played to win.
It really gets tiresome to hear the bitching about players who realize that baseball is in fact a business, and their business dealings in the game are the most important decisions they will make in their lives.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
Not me
I don’t care – I was just offering a possible explanation on the subject matter of the original post. Settle down.
by Jack Nicholson 1974 on May 8, 2008 1:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreed...
...that line of thinking always bothered me, especially when all A-Rod did while he was here was be a perennial MVP candidate.
Personally I feel Teixeira is a douche but the guy was a great player here and I wish there was a way he could have spent his entire career here.
Right around the time all the young talent is ready to contend is when the organization will realize that Ron Washington is the wrong man for the job.
Salty
is very impressive behind the plate. Love seeing the big guy get small back there with that low target.
Yah
His work behind the plate has arguably been on par or better than Gerald Lairds of late. The only problem is, his hitting is all of a sudden on par with Gerald Laird’s, too.
by LSJ on May 8, 2008 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Laird...
is hitting better, actually.
"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."
He's been hitting
almost as good as Barajas did when he was here.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
Laird
he is pretty fast for a catcher also.
I soloed in the mile high club.
by Sr Horsedooty on May 8, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions
For cheaper...
I’ll take that.
"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."
wet blanket
josh is in a mini slump, even counting the home run.
salty, please start hitting
Rare Gnats Sex
I think
this catching platoon is hurting him. He gets stronger and better with consistant PT. He’s catching like I knew he could but right now his swing is off. He says he feels comfortable and is seing the ball well. Thats how I know he needs more live. Been there with him before on that. Will be interesting to see what Wash does for the rest of this week with Laird catching his 2 days tonight and tomorrow and Millwood going Saturday. I feel another mix up in the catching duty. This cant end too soon for me.
I don't think
this will last too much longer. Hopefully someone will want Laird soon. Laird is right at the average for catchers right now, and provides a solid option for a team in need. Bad news for the Yankees might mean good news for the Rangers, to name one.
...and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid git.
I hear you
but the Yanks, Boston and the Brewcrew recently passed on him. Maybe JD is asking too much, eh?
Asking too much?
Perhaps, but I think the Yankees simply aren’t ready to do anything yet. The Brewcrew might be sellers instead of buyers and I’m not sure Boston needs to make a move at all.
...and curse Sir Walter Raleigh, he was such a stupid git.
Laird
Don’t forget Lairds incredible skill at bunting also.
yo soy Horsedooty!
I soloed in the mile high club.
by Sr Horsedooty on May 8, 2008 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
You, every fan of every struggling player
and every struggling player seems to think they’ll be getting better with more playing time. I think less playing time against lefties would make him look better. I also think less playing time against righties would make Laird look better.
"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck
I know him pretty well
and I have seen when most players are starting to tire he seems to turn it up. He does much better as the season progresses.
BTW he is a natural right handed hitter and doesnt need to see less LHP to make him look good. He doesnt care what he looks like, he just cares about getting the job done. Right now he’s getting the backstop part of it done. He’ll come around like I said with more consistant PT ;)
Patterson's Setback
Maybe his career as a Ranger is going to be a similar tale to Justin Thompson’s, but with the way the pitching situation is shaping up, there’s definitely no need to rush him.
My guess is that there will be more surgery involved.
Padilla/Justin Thompson
I can’t wait to see what the rangers can get for Padilla at the deadline if he keeps this up. I looked Thompson up on wikipedia last week to see where he was, didn’t know he had finally retired.
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