Sunday morning stuff

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 22, 2008 9:10 AM CDT

And...back to .500. Once again.

Evan Grant's game story focuses on Michael Young heating up, and notes that he seems to get going around his son's birthday. And last night's game was sort of a reversal of what we've seen lately, with the Rangers starter being shaky, but the bullpen coming in and shutting down the opposition. Luis Mendoza's outing, in particular, was very encouraging, after his rough start to the season.

Jarrod Saltalamacchia is the starting catcher while Gerald Laird is out, but Salty says he anticipates the team will go back to having Laird and Salty split time when Laird returns.

Randy Galloway walks through the guys the Rangers will look at trading next month, with the most interesting prediction being that the Rangers will sign Milton Bradley to an extension rather than deal him.

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Funny how Galloway mentions signing Bradley to an extension

When he’s currently teetering on the verge of a DL stint – not sure if this has been posted anywhere else, but according to TR Sullivan’s tidbits Milton has been pushed back to Tuesday now.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jun 22, 2008 9:15 AM CDT 0 recs

Meh...

Monday is a off day and they are just being careful with Board Game. They need him to keep his value and don’t want to risk any serious injury. Just being cautious I think.

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

by slc ranger on Jun 22, 2008 9:27 AM CDT up 0 recs

yea thats what ithink is probably going on

by Andrew L on Jun 22, 2008 9:39 AM CDT up 0 recs

Has there ever been.......

a sports writer who knows less than Randy Galloway? He’s stuck in the 80’s. I know the Hardline talks out of their arse….....................but, Galloway…...............

by coachh on Jun 22, 2008 9:34 AM CDT 0 recs

Gerry Fraley and his "sources" know

less than anyone else… in the history of baseball… ever.

by NoNameOnCard on Jun 23, 2008 1:32 AM CDT up 0 recs

Salty

I got a chuckle this morning when reading the Sportsday Forum in the DMN. There was this letter from Jack Newsom of DeSoto about Saltalamacchia titled “Rangers bust?”.....

When will the Rangers give up on Jarrod Saltalamacchia? He can’t hit. Can’t stop a ball in the dirt. Can’t throw a runner out going into second. Perhaps he can take a position in a concession booth!

Now, I am not quite sold on Salty’s ability behind the plate but this is ridiculous.

Let me have a diablo sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I'm in a God damned hurry!

by DaheelzCM on Jun 22, 2008 9:37 AM CDT 0 recs

The hatred for the guy blows my mind.

He’s freaking 23 years old. Bust? Good lawd…

The idiocy of some people used to surprise me, but since I have been reading message boards for about 10 years now, I no longer am shocked. There really are some ill-informed people out there.

by Garcia on Jun 22, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up 0 recs

It cracks me up

How everyone is so ready to throw Salty down a flight of stairs when he is only 23 and 1 month old. But everyone is slobbing all over TT who is 24 and 6 month old and MaxRam who is 23 and 8 months old and have never been near as highly rated as Salty.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Jun 22, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up 0 recs

ill- informed people? as highly rated?

It looks like mr. garcia is ill- informed. Have you ever checked out the numbers of Salty and Max on their paths to the majors. Max should of already been here if he had the luck of Salty. Look at the minor league #’s.

Minor League Batting Stats
Year Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG

Total 380 1310 183 361 90 6 46 198 187 303 7 3 .371 .459 .276

and then Max

Minor League Batting Stats
Year Team G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
Total 398 1405 223 427 104 3 50 270 228 319 11 5 .404 .489 .304

And Nipkin you think Salty is better than Max, because he was higher rated on some yahoos prospect board. Wow, I am sure everyone of those rankings are figured in at the HOF voting. Not sure alot of people are gushing over Tea, I see him as a guy who will come up and be happy to be on the roster as a backup and when he gets his chance takes advantage of it and have a solid 12 year career. I do not hate Salty, but just wondering why with those #’s he is knocking on the door at Cooperstown.

by Ranger Capt on Jun 22, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up 0 recs

Easy

I can’t say I ever mentioned enshrining Salty in Cooperstown. I’m just saying that people are acting as if after a couple months he’s a complete bust and has no future in the major leagues. Yet he’s younger than both of are other two “catching” prospects and one of those is probably not going to end up at catcher.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Jun 22, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

Easy blueballlefty

I never once mentioned Max in my post. My post is about the numerous jackasses like yourself who are ready to bury Salty when he is just 23.

by Garcia on Jun 22, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up 0 recs

blueballs and ranger capt

I thought they were one of the same. Ranger capt seemed to be the only poster the other night that seemed to know blueballs wasnt online ‘cause he went out. Thanks.

by 525DP on Jun 22, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up 0 recs

Yea I think they are one in the same

Or we have two rather dense people on our hands.

This is the Texas Rangers, professional destroyers of hope, we're talking about. - BAC

by nikpin on Jun 22, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up 0 recs

LOL

thats also very possible.

by 525DP on Jun 22, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up 0 recs

Salty and 525dp

I thought you were the same also always defending when Salty has a bad game and and a bad throw. It seems like everygame. I am not throwing him away at 23 I just think he is the 3rd best catcher we have Laird, Max, and then Salty.

by Ranger Capt on Jun 22, 2008 8:07 PM CDT up 0 recs

That's his dad...

you dipshit.

Try and show a little respect instead of constantly knocking on a 23 year old kid to boost your own ego. If you want to debate a issue that’s fine, but you better bring a lot more substance to the table than you have so far. His game may not be perfect, but you dismiss him like he shouldn’t even be on the team which is a joke. Stop being a jackass. Thanks.

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

by slc ranger on Jun 22, 2008 8:40 PM CDT up 0 recs

+1 MM

"Typical woman. 'Give me' 'Give me' 'Give me'

I’ll give ya something.

1. A backhand
2. A stuffing
3. $500 if you promise never to post here again"

~ The Immortal, BG

by Chase Irwin on Jun 22, 2008 8:50 PM CDT up 0 recs

Like I said

I don’t care if it is his dad,( I kind of figured that) I have never said that I did not like the kid and I hope he does do something. I am just tired of everyone putting down Laird who has had a better career nad a heck of a lot bertter season. The people that like Salty go so far over board that for anyone liking Laird has to look like a ass toward Salty. I am a Ranger fan and if Salty turns out to be great then I am happy. Also I did bring substance to the table look at the numbers of Salty and Max in their 5 years in the minors. Then tell me why Salty is ahead of Max. Again not a Salty hater.

by Ranger Capt on Jun 23, 2008 8:45 AM CDT up 0 recs

Laird's career numbers

.257/.308/.387/ .695 OPS.

That’s not very good. Especially the .308 OBP part.

He’s having a good year, but this is the first and only season of his career in which he’s actually hit RHP’s worth a damn – and he’s still doing it in a platoon that seems to be giving him some serious extra motivation. You always have to beware the Marlon Byrd factor when a guy puts up numbers that are so far from his career mean.

I’m not trying to claim Laird sucks anymore – again he’s having a great season – but offensively, he really has no more projectability than Salty does. In fact, he probably has less, because Salty hits for more power and gets on base more. Now factor in the age, service time left, and talent/value ceiling, and well… you see where I’m going. Now, all this doesn’t mean Laird’s not a solid catcher, he just doesn’t have the chance to be a special player like Salty does – and that’s where the two differ.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jun 23, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up 0 recs

Laird's had a better career?

Salty hasnt even had a full year…..and Laird’s career isnt anything to be proud of.

I for one think we’re fucking lucky to have a 23 yo switch hitting catcher that has 25-30 HR potential…

by slash on Jun 25, 2008 8:07 PM CDT up 0 recs

ive lost all respect for you.....

seriously????

by slash on Jun 25, 2008 8:04 PM CDT up 0 recs

Galloway's guesses

A “boatload” might be a tad optimistic on Padilla, but I think they can get something nice for him if he maintains his pace for another few weeks.

I find it very odd that he considers Padilla’s contract not a “major deterrent” but Millwood’s is somehow outrageous. If both contracts some to fruition Padilla will make $1 million more than Millwood. Neither contract seems especially onerous in the current market, and if the Rangers are willing to kick in a little bit they should still be able to get a good deal for either one.

...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.

by t ball on Jun 22, 2008 9:47 AM CDT 0 recs

Yeah...

that struck me as odd as well.

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

by slc ranger on Jun 22, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up 0 recs

wait...

If Millwood’s comes to fruition, doesn’t it have an extra year beyond Padilla’s?

I thought Millwood’s was a much richer contract.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jun 22, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up 0 recs

Your perception is correct, but

that’s because Millwood’s deal started a year earlier and is a year longer.
Millwood 2008: $8.5; 2009: $11; 2010: $12 if incentives are met

Padilla 2008: $11; 2009: $12; 2010: $12 club option

Padilla’s contract is only better because it’s a pure team option. Millwood’s incentives are 540 IP from 2007-2009…Or 360 IP 2008-2009…Or 180 IP in 2009. He has a good chance to meet at least one of those, but he’s behind on the 2007-2009 pace right now.

...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.

by t ball on Jun 22, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up 0 recs

At this point...

...Millwood is likely going to have to pitch at least 180 innings in 2009 for the option to vest.

If he does that, then realistically, you are probably going to want to keep him around in 2010 at $12 million anyway.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 22, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up 0 recs

Right,

which kind of supports my original point about what Prince Piss-ant said.

...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.

by t ball on Jun 22, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up 0 recs

Hank Video

6/21 OKC Video

scroll to 15:00 for a Blalock IF single off pitcher’s knee
scroll to 22:00 for a 1-2-3 inning by Harrison, including 2 groundouts featuring Hank @ 1B
scroll to 27:00 for a Chris Davis gap triple followed by a JMJ lined-double into the corner
scroll to 42:00 for a Blalock lined single to RF
scroll to 46:00 for a CD single followed by a JMJ homer [watch the pitcher’s reaction – heh – and is it just me or is CD a nimble baserunner?]

Rangers Farm Probables

by shroomer on Jun 22, 2008 10:12 AM CDT 0 recs

also

scroll to 2:06:00 so see an explosive broken bat single to RF by CD off Nick Regilio

Rangers Farm Probables

by shroomer on Jun 22, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up 0 recs

Wow

not every day you manage to do that against a reliable mainstay.

by zywica on Jun 22, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up 0 recs

Hey shroom...

Did hank come out of the game yesterday by design? I assume they probably only wanted to play him 6 or 7 innings and get him 3 AB’s or so and then just pull him.

Davis does look pretty good on the bases too.

And my goodness has there been a bigger surprise this year in the minors than JMJ? I mean Neftali has exceeded many expectations and there are alot of guys having great yeras, but JMJ was almost off the prospect list altogether and now look at him, man it would be nice if he could be a solid producing COF in the majors.

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

by slc ranger on Jun 22, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up 0 recs

Hank's yank - no idea - probably no biggie

Once Davis gets going he carries decent speed. He even steals a base here and there. And after he does get his speed up he makes good decisions on when to take that extra base.

JMJ – about a month ago MJH was praising JMJ’s hot start in AAA – “I’m wrong! You CAN play!” or something like that. I thought he was jumping the gun – short sample size and all that. But the guy continues to chug right along with the avg and power. He’s very very deliberate in the batter’s box. Imagine Jaoquin Benoit as a batter. Down the line JMJ’s slugging righty bat and ability to play COF, 1B and DH could really help spread our lefty bats out in the middle of the order some.

Rangers Farm Probables

by shroomer on Jun 22, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up 0 recs

JMJ

I’m starting to think he really is going to be an every day player, and like you say, could split up the lefties in the 5 or 6 spot maybe. Like Davis, he’s had a big jump in his line drive rate, and has had even more improvement in his K/BB rate than the Beasticon. HIs BABIP seems more sustainable than Davis’ as well.

As long as you have a couple of more patient guys around, I’m looking forward to having these two guys together in the lineup next year. I drool thinking of a power lineup featuring Hamilton, Davis, Ramirez, Mayberry, and Bradley if they keep him around. That’s a lot of wallop.

...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.

by t ball on Jun 22, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up 0 recs

Daily Oklahoman article

Sounds like Hank was just taking it easy. Interesting quote:

“It’s another opportunity for me," he said of moving to first. “I don’t have a lot of time there so it will be different but that’s what they want me to do and I’m going to do whatever I can to help the team. I just want to put this behind me and get back on the field."

He sounds like an easy sell for moving back to 3rd if they want to call up Davis.

Rangers Farm Probables

by shroomer on Jun 22, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up 0 recs

Thanks shroom...

I would really like to see him go back to 3rd.

But then what of Vazquez? He has been great all year. I expected him to come back down to earth but maybe he won’t. He is this year’s DeRo, GMJ, DeLooch, etc. the guy is having a good year and I think they need to find a place to play him as long as he is doing what he is doing now.

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

by slc ranger on Jun 22, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up 0 recs

Vazquez/Blalock

If Blalock turns in a great year he’s got some value, might even be worth executing that team option.

If Vazquez turns in a great year it’s a statistical fluke.

I’d play Blalock.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jun 22, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up 0 recs

Interesting

Yeah he doesn’t sound like a guy who waltzed into the office and declared that he was a first baseman from here on out.

by zywica on Jun 22, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up 0 recs

funny

July will arrive shortly, and for having multiple options, it’s going to be the most interesting trade month in recent times for the Rangers.

Of course Randy. Because lord knows last July wasn’t very interesting.

What an idiot.

by bronco28 on Jun 22, 2008 10:27 AM CDT 0 recs

interesting isnt the right word

surprising might be better, this year their are a lot of guys to think about moving but no no-brainers. last year tex and gagne and lofton were given’s it was just a matter of what we got.

this year i could see a mess of people other teams are interested in and it will be harder to gauge who i gone.

"Do they know who I am? Do they know my status? Thats what I thought."
-Miles 6/21/08

"There is no reason for me to move to third base," Young said.
-FOTF 5/20/2008

"Well, we are one of the cheapest teams in Major League Baseball"
-Tom Hicks 4/8/2008

by Jayslick on Jun 22, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up 0 recs