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Friday a.m. things

And...back to .500. 

Crappy game yesterday.

Kevin Millwood was, in the words of Evan Grant, an "unmitigated flop," Josh Hamilton hurt his hand, and Maximus proved to be human.

Chris Davis got his first major league hit.  I think that was pretty much the lone positive from yesterday.

Ron Washington says that Davis will be sent back down when Hank Blalock is ready to return. So enjoy watching Davis while you can.

Randy Galloway has a column up where he refers to Armando Galarraga as one of the best young pitchers in baseball. 

And T.R. Sullivan has some bloggy notes up...

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Question

Nov 2008 by Adam J. Morris - 185 comments

Comments

Display:

Randy Galloway

is a crotchety old curmudgeon who brings little to the table in terms of wit or insight, but it is hard to argue with his main point. Daniels has pissed away some quality pitching. Danks and Galarraga are on different tiers, obviously, but after making it to my first Rangers game of the year last night and witnessing the best way to waste 12 million dollars pitch on the mound, it still holds true that Daniels cannot identify good pitching.

Period.

by clark on Jun 27, 2008 10:07 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

If that's the case...

...then he should be fired.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i have thought this too

but strangely, i keep hemming and hawing on that decision. he handled the trade deadline well last year and he has done a solid job of refocusing the org on international scouting. but the idea of him being a buyer scares the hell out of me.

by clark on Jun 27, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Who should be fired?

JD or Galloway?

It's baseball. You don't always get what you want, and you don't always want what you get. --Ed Coffin

by txranger7 on Jun 27, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Boo

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is there any evidence you can point to...

...that indicates this front office can identify quality young pitching?

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I was thinking more about young ML ready

or near ready.

It seems like every mistake JD has made involves a mis-evaluation of ML pitching.

Eaton, Danks, Galarraga, McCarthy, Volquez…

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

McCarthy wasn't JD's fault

No one could’ve expected he’d be hurt constantly. If he can kick the injury bug, he could still be a good pitcher.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

seems like Chicago

had some idea that he wasn’t fit to be a ML starter.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Since when

do injuries = not being fit to be an ML starter?

I don’t think the Chicago front office was sitting around saying I bet McCarthy spends more time on the DL the next two years than off it despite little to no history of being injury prone.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

why do you think they traded him?

Probably because they thought Danks was going to be a better ML pitcher, and they were right.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Look at it the other way around

Say Danks gets hurt and McCarthy stays healthy. Is Chicago stupid for making the trade?

This trade has to be separated from any use of the phrase “talent mis-evaluation”, because we still haven’t seen what type of player McCarthy could’ve developed into.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Chicago

You want to know why they traded him. Heres why. They had too many pitchers who were in or ready for the major leagues. They had their 4 veterans from their WS run two years prior (Buerhle, Contreras, Vasquez, and Garland). They had Gavin Floyd who they had just traded Freddy Garcia for and thought highly of and planned on sticking in the #5 spot. Then they had McCarthy who had started 10 games during their WS season as a 21 year old and spent the previous year in the bullpen putting up decent numbers. They made the decision to trade McCarthy for a young pitcher who they planned on sticking in the upper minors and who would be ready mid-late 2007 or at the latest this season. That is supported by their comments that they say they rushed Danks last year. They have stated he should have started out in the minors and it was their plan for him to do so.

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Jun 27, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If I am not mistaken

BMac and Ozzie do not get along very well either

by Telegraph on Jun 27, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wasn't there a rumor

that Williams had tried to make time with McCarthy’s girlfriend?

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

His sister?

Rather than g/f ?

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

by Ed Coffin on Jun 27, 2008 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think you are correct.

"Point is I could have had them if I wanted. But I DO NOT lower my standards. Do they know who I am? Do they know my status? Thats what I thought." -miles

by coolaid on Jun 27, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, I think you're right.

Kind of the last straw in an already strained relationship.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I've heard that

I think it came from miles’ secret sources in chicago

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jun 27, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

cincinnati*

Iron Mike Tyson works out at my gym.

He's a pretty good boxer.

by LAMuscleFag on Jun 27, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah...

but you see, i had to change it to chicago since we’re talking about the whitesox.

do you doubt he has secret chicago souces?

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jun 27, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

oh hell no..

I would never doubt the almighty Miles.

Iron Mike Tyson works out at my gym.

He's a pretty good boxer.

by LAMuscleFag on Jun 27, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

this question is silly

“since when do injuries = not fit to be an ML starter?”

Since forever?

If you can’t stay healthy to pitch in the big leagues, then you aren’t a big league pitcher. Seems like a pretty simple concept.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The question is not silly

when you’re talking about a GM’s competency.

My point is no one could’ve seen it coming. McCarthy’s injury has nothing to do with JD’s talent evaluation.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

which team did a better job in evaluating

McCarthy?

Obviously Chicago did.

Same question for Danks. Same answer.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No

You cannot say they did a better job evaluating because McCarthy had injuries. That makes Danks healthier, but it does not mean he’s a pitcher with a higher ceiling.

Say Danks should have been kept because we need more lefties here. Say they should have kept him because they should have been retooling/rebuilding instead of trying to contend. Just don’t say it was obvious Danks was the better pitcher, because it wasn’t.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

so if Texas traded Kinsler for spare parts tomorrow

and Kinsler had a career-ending injury, Texas did a better job in evaluation?

Injuries are freak accidents 90% of the time. Chicago got lucky. You can make a hypothetical argument that Danks was just a better pitcher than McCarthy, but every scouting report at the time had McCarthy as a comparable talent level who was more ML-ready.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think "luck" is nearly as prevalent

as most people, but that is just me.

A lot of times I think what people point to as “luck” was actually preparation meeting opportunity.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Should the Rangers have reasonably anticipated...

...that McCarthy was a significant injury risk?

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think that is reasonable, yes

His delivery and frame seemed to me to be highly susceptible to an injury the first time I saw him pitch for the Rangers.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Did he not

Have that exact delivery every year before that, though?

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't say for sure

but I’ve seen some people indicate that the Rangers and Connor made some adjustments to his delivery. Specifically having him throw more downhill, or shortening his stride.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Look

No one here is happy with how this has turned out. But to say that the Rangers should be able to predict the future when it concerns injuries - with a player that has no prior history - is absolutely ridiculous.

The Rangers made a TERRIBLE trade with San Diego. They made a win-win deal with Cinci. The made what very well could have been (and could still be) a win-win with Chicago but for the injuries.

You’re just interested in pointing fingers to vent your frustration. Continue if it makes you feel better.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

for the record, I like JD

...and I want him to continue as GM of the Rangers. I just think it is wierd that I can point to what I see as an organizational weakness in evaluating young pitchers, and give what I feel is reasonable evidence indicating that this is indeed a problem – and everyone gets up in arms and starts chanting “it’s not his fault, it’s just bad luck”.

I don’t believe luck has much to do with it. I think in the case of the White Sox trade, Kenny Williams looked at the two pitchers and thought Danks was a better bet to be a better ML pitcher. JD thought differently. Kenny was right.

Now I guess you could say that Kenny was right due to good luck, and JD was wrong due to bad luck but I just don’t evaluate things that way myself. If good luck is what it takes to make a good GM, then I guess it doesn’t much matter who has the job.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If you are going to talk about evaluation

We need to talk about scouts. JD gets info from the scouts about players and then make decisions based on these. Maybe you need to tell him to hire better scouts.

by Telegraph on Jun 27, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I like arguing these points

but I’m not trying to just say every deal that didn’t work out is bad luck. And I disagree strongly that Williams was right. We just don’t know because McCarthy is injured. I wish they would have kept Danks, because I thought he was going to be a solid lefty #2 or #3 starter, and I didn’t think McCarthy was going to be any better than that and was a righty.

I do think that Williams liked Danks better, but I don’t think the Rangers thought poorly of him.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

my last comment

This is pure speculation on my part, but I would be willing to bet that if JD was asked point blank, “Has this organization had problems in evaluating young pitching during your tenure?” – he would say yes, and that steps have been taken to rectify the problem.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not a bad way to put it.

We’d all certainly like to have Danks here this year, given the way things have gone.

You have to be encouraged by the long term picture with the bevy of young arms in place. Not all of them will make it, obviously, but the odds are much better now with that much pure talent.

I have a vague bad feeling about their roster management skills, and it certainly remains to be seen if Daniels can polish off a team nearing contention. He’s been great at collecting talent this past year or so, but the trades he made prior to that give one pause when it comes to finishing the job.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is not that we don't think you have a point on the arm evals, b/c I know I do, and I bet the rest agree

It is just that the McCarthy trade is not a good example of it.

If you trade for a guy w/ no health questions, and he gets hurt, I’d say there is no blame to be assigned. Likewise, if a gm trades for a hurler w/ a history of fragility, big blamage.

And fwiw, Williams obviously DID like McCarthy, b/c he had tried for a good while to get Danks for Garland instead of Brandon. And I believe there was some personal animousity between the 2, as well, which obviously factored into it.

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

arm evaluation...

...how about Volquez?

by oc on Jun 27, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

I know that BA and Sickels praised his durability pre-trade, and I believe Will Carroll had good things to say about his delivery and mechanics, vis-a-vis injury risks.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They were just plants

doing Williams bidding and/or Daniels should have known they were wrong.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thats a load of crap...

there’s no way that you had anticipated these injuries at the time of the trade. I’m sorry but its real easy for you to make these comments at this point, but nobody could have reasonable come to the conclusion that McCarthy would suddenly become injury prone once he joined the Rangers.

by erikj07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

i agree...afer the fact

but predicting injuries for a guy who’s been injury free is tough, regardless of mechanics. it’s not just mechanics. i’m kinda curious to know who told BMac to hit the weights so hard in the offseason.

by SteveP on Jun 27, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Since when do injuries = not being fit to be an ML starter?"

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

.501 or bust!

by Jayslick on Jun 27, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

-alksbdfl;kasjdflk asALOT

dumb dumb dumb

Stats don't lie

Paul Pierce >> Soft Nowitzki

"The Legend of Rudy continues to grow..." - the other guy on the podcast.

by Longhorn on Jun 27, 2008 5:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

McCarthy?

Who is this person McCarthy? Is he the same one that is also referred to as BMac? Has BMac pitched an inning this year? No, I didn’t think so. I agree that maybe Chicago was hip to the idea that this BMac character was not totally fit.

¡yo soy Horsedooty!

I soloed in the Mile High Club!

by horsedooty on Jun 27, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

New ideas, please

you’ve already done this who is McCarthy bit multiple times.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You owe me a bushmills

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

gladly trade one

for a Springbank you’re in Dallas.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Next month. End of July

Let’s hit a game…

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm out of town

from July 27-August 5…here before that?

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Unfortunately, no 24-29

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

25th?

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Possible, but doubtful

It is my h.s. reunion that w/e. Lots of festivities planned, plus I have to keep the wife entertained, see the sis and nephew, see Gma in the nursing home, etc.

Coming home can be a lot of work.

It might work though. That would be fun.

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bushmills

That’s Protestant whiskey!
Get you some good catholic Jameson’s

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jun 27, 2008 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wire fan?

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jun 27, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

YUP!

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jun 27, 2008 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Me too...

...I think it’s one of the 5 best series ever . Maybe the best.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jun 27, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That line is from when he drives down to DC to see his politico sex buddy and crashes the power player party

Great episode, best show eva.

Good ref Rentz…

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about some new material

You’ve made that same lame joke 3 or 4 times now.

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great sig...

...just noticed it today. Those are words I can (and do) live by.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jun 27, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

don't let 'em get you down, Doots...

...you just go back to that stable, mash up some more horsedooty, and come back stronger than ever before.

by oc on Jun 27, 2008 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Eaton

to me is the only one misevaluated (or at least a bad assessment of his riskiness.) With Danks and Volquez, the Rangers knew very well what they were giving up, but they valued the return. You can argue that they should have just held onto those guys but I don’t see how you can say the Rangers didn’t know what they had.

Galarraga doesn’t even belong in a discussion with the others on a talent level basis.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

let's approach this from another angle

I disagree with the above, but that stuff has been rehashed too often anyways.

Can you give evidence that JD and company outsmarted another organization in evaluating ML pitching? Is there a case where a guy that JD brought in met or exceeded expectations? Is there a case where a guy that JD sent out failed to meet expectations?

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They're not trying to "outsmart" another organization

nor should they be, necessarily. They didn’t think that McCarthy was heads and shoulders above Danks, just further along in the development process. That decision is not bad because McCarthy got hurt, it’s bad because they should have stuck with a longer term plan instead of trying to contend in 2007.

And I don’t see how you could say that Hamilton has not exceeded expectations. The fact that Volquez has also done so does not make that a bad trade. And there again, they are not trying to outsmart Cinci in that deal. It was high risk for both clubs, and both clubs knew it at the time. But the Rangers had a terrible outfield and the Reds had a surplus of OFers with a young stud coming up. It was a good fit.

I just do not agree with your premise that the Rangers didn’t know they had good pitchers in Danks and Volquez. You also can not overlook the fact that there was a resounding consensus on McCarthy being a top notch young pitcher. That is a fact, not an opinion. It’s a fact about opinions, but it is a fact. Daniels was not going out on a limb saying he was a quality young starter. It’s also well known that the Chicago brass and McCarthy did not get along too well, and it’s also well known that KW really liked Danks.

This is not a simple black and white issue. We’d all like to have a simple villain to point to, but I’m sorry, it just isn’t that way.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hamilton has definitely exceeded expectations

but I thought this conversation was solely about the organizations ability to evaluate young pitching.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

but he was obtained for Volquez, and I responded to the line about a guy JD brought in exceeding expectations. You can’t just consider pitcher for pitcher trades in evals.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what if the Rangers allowed Volquez to throw from the slot he wanted to throw from?...

...i’m sure, he needed an adjustment in his approach at the time…but, look what he’s done after the fact.

by oc on Jun 27, 2008 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We'll never know

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 2:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How about

Eric Fucking Gagne?

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Jun 27, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Padilla

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

what is his xFIP this season?

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It sucks

Of course, he was also pitching hurt the first part of the year.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

regardless

Mendoza is a good example of a guy that JD targeted and he has exceed expectations since his arrival. I’ll give you that.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Actually...

...it isn’t as bad as I thought. 4.88.

Galarraga has an xFIP of 4.53. Given the differences in the home parks, they are probably a coin-flip.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Vicente Padilla...

has exceeded expectations

by erikj07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I believe JD said at the time of trade

that he thought Volquez had the potential to be a middle of the rotation starter or a bullpen arm. Nice evaluation, huh?

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's funny.

I remember the Rangers saying he had top of the rotation potential when they sent him down to A ball.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

xFIP of 3.62 for Volquez so far this year

If he was putting up a 3.62 ERA right now, would there be the same pissing and moaning about how they blew the evaluation of a top of the rotation starter?

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Daniels had said

“We think Volquez has top of the rotation ability and can be an impact starting pitcher in the big leagues” or something like that, I’d certainly feel better that they actually knew what they were trading away. But if I remember correctly, most of his comments at that time indicated that the organization had doubts if Volquez could stick in a big league rotation, especially in the near future.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Adam -

would it be reasonable to say that Volquez simply would never have been this good in Texas? Reason being, he didn’t pitch THIS well until Cinci changed his mechanics back to how they were before Conner wanted him to change?

I don’t know a whole lot about arm deliveries, etc., but it seems like change of scenery/coaching might’ve benefitted EV.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well if that is the case

that says something about the Rangers’ coaching inabilities to instruct him to change his mechanics in a similar manner.

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think it says yet again that they need to shake up the pitching coaches.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Jun 27, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

According to Ed, the arm slot change was what made ALL the difference

He said Cincy changed it back to his natural slot.

That, obviously, makes our minor league pitching coaches look turrible.

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 12:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok

Charles…

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley

by Rodney on Jun 27, 2008 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure

if he said that, it was more for PR reasons than anything else. Trading a young potential ace for any position player, even one as great as Hamilton, doesn’t really sit well with the fans. Other than that, JD took a month trying to work out a deal for Hamilton that didn’t include Volquez and is on record quite a few times talking about how great his potential is.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jun 27, 2008 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

tough first impression

as i said above, it was my first (and probably only) Rangers game this year, but Ramirez, Salty, and Duran sure didn’t make much of an impression. They could all be big league hitters in due time, but yesterday The Magic Wandy made them look pathetic.

by clark on Jun 27, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Great post!

Baseball is totally one of those sports where you only need to see 1 game to evaluate talent.

by Jack Nicholson 1974 on Jun 27, 2008 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

your sarcasm

is absolutely correct. but when you don’t get many chances to see the team you love, and then they come out and suck ass, it has a bitter, lingering effect.

by clark on Jun 27, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

MILLWOOD sucks ..

I liked him better when he was eating krispy kremes. All that supposed kick boxing didn’t seem to help. I just can’t see him doing that anyway.

Iron Mike Tyson works out at my gym.

He's a pretty good boxer.

by LAMuscleFag on Jun 27, 2008 10:11 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Adam... No love for TR articles

just bloggy love

Since Adam always gives Grant and the DMN some love and hardly ever post any TR articles from MLB…

Rangers win Silver Boot despite loss

http://tinyurl.com/5lkkbf

FOTF… on the Silver Boot “I could care less, They can keep it for all I care.”

Over the years, my favorite pastime outside baseball is driving through a pasture looking at cattle - Nolan Ryan

by hurlerhurley on Jun 27, 2008 10:27 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Big Daddy should slip the silver boot on...

and kick Milly in the balls with it for screwing him out of 11 million this year.

5 IP
12 hits
3 BB’s
7 earned runs

pretty huh?

Iron Mike Tyson works out at my gym.

He's a pretty good boxer.

by LAMuscleFag on Jun 27, 2008 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow a Michael Young quote I can applaud...

...it’s been a while.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jun 27, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

"Adam no love for TR articles"

You are exaggerating, but even so, in case you hadn’t noticed, that street runs both ways…

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

was my hyperbole wrong

I figured the LSB butt boy Brian would be on patrol

Over the years, my favorite pastime outside baseball is driving through a pasture looking at cattle - Nolan Ryan

by hurlerhurley on Jun 27, 2008 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow, that was dumb

You are only young once, but you can be immature forever, right?

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Let

The baby have his bottle.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

also

anyone else disappointed with the Mavs yesterday? The kid they picked up might be okay, but when your roster is sitting at seven strong, it makes sense to use some financial muscle and pick up an extra pick, or to trade a future pick for a current one. and now it comes out that our full mid-level is going to probably be used on Diop.

from the current look of things, it may be the start of a tough run for the Mavs.

by clark on Jun 27, 2008 10:33 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Don't get AJM started

He’ll love agreeing with you.

by Dirk Diggler on Jun 27, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not sure...

what I wanted the Mavs to do, but whatever it was, I was hoping for more than yesterday. Just an overwhelmingly disappointing day, between one of the worst Rangers game I’ve seen all year and the Mavs once again reiterating that they “love their team as is”...

by BombDiggity on Jun 27, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Mavs

If we use the full MLE on Diop, we’re screwed. That would be a 3x salary increase for him. I doubt it happens.

I don’t completely hate the pick. We didn’t have that many future picks to deal (thanks, Kidd) and I like getting a younger shooter in here and not having to rely on a George or some other over-the-hill spare. I have to think more moves are coming. We can’t go into the season with the current roster and expect to win anything.

by Jack Nicholson 1974 on Jun 27, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Awful draft

how did we not trade up to get Chris Douglas Roberts at 40? Insane.

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

trade up with what?

What could Dallas possibly have to offer in expendable pieces that anyone would want?

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Cash

www.mavsmoneyball.com

by Wes Cox on Jun 27, 2008 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah

i wonder how much cash was required to get that pick. Any guesses? 10M was the rate for a 1st rounder a couple of years ago. Would 7M be too much?

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on Jun 27, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No...

$3 million is the rate for a late first rounder. What are you talking about?

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

It is also...

...the most cash that can be included in a deal…

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Which is why

I don’t get the news articles this morning that have quotes from Donnie Nelson saying the prices were too high. If there’s a limit, and it’s right around $3M like the past years, how can the price be too high?

by Dirk Diggler on Jun 27, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

He was talking about

2nd round picks, which are obviously below the maximum amount.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry

But to me, Foster is just as valuable as CDR.

To say that it’s “awful” to not spend a lot of money on a guy who’s probably going to sit on the end of the bench if he’s lucky for the next 2 years is pretty silly to me.

People get way too caught up in pre-draft scouting report/mock draft sites, I think, which leads them to highly HIGHLY overvalue players.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

But not as valubale as Bill Walker.

Who could have been had for straight cash homie.

Not the only black poster on LSB.

by sprite on Jun 27, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How is he overrated

when he went in the late 40’s? Very underrated.

Not the only black poster on LSB.

by sprite on Jun 27, 2008 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No.

I meant his skills and potential are overrated. His spot in the draft was just about right.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

We shall see.

Steal of the draft I say.

Not the only black poster on LSB.

by sprite on Jun 27, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

I’m talking at where the guy was taken, he’s the steal of the draft. Gordon will be better than Bayless.

Not the only black poster on LSB.

by sprite on Jun 27, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Me too.

As a top 5 talent, for Bayless to slip as much as he did is a gigantic steal.

I see a gigantic bust when I look at Gordon.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

agree

Don’t think Gordon will be that great.

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

How so?

The Rangers need an athletic slasher would will do well with Jason Kidd at the point. CDR fits that mold 100%

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No.

They need a GOOD athletic slasher.

CDR doesn’t fit that mold very well.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And Foster does?

Not the only black poster on LSB.

by sprite on Jun 27, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

?

No, he doesn’t.

I never said he did.

Difference is, we gave up nothing to get Foster.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

In the end

whether we should or should not have done anything, currently the Mavs have serious roster concerns. If we don’t make a significant roster move, I’m not sure how good this team will be.

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What do you term significant?

My best guess as to what happens from here:

Sign-and-trade somebody (George, probably) for Diop.

Spend 3/4 on a roster-blocked guard somewhere—maybe Miles, but more likely a backup PG.

Spend the rest of it on a SF, and fill up the rest of the slots with vet mins.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

And where does that leave the Dallas Mavericks?

I just hope our lack of success in the playoffs last year came as a result of Avery not being able to fully utilize Kidd. If that wasn’t the case, not sure how the Mavs can be legit contenders next season.

On another note, I read that Artest is opting out and the Lakers, Spurs and Mavs are the top teams interested (Peter Vescey reported this so take it with a grain of salt). I have no idea how the Mavs get Artest to come to Dallas though…how are we going to outbid another team?

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

None of those other teams will have any more money to sign him than we will.

If he wants to get paid, he’s going to have to angle for a S&T, or go to a shitty team, which probably wouldn’t want him.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Norm

brought this up the other day, Howard for Artest. Would either of you do that?

Not the only black poster on LSB.

by sprite on Jun 27, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Artest

is opting out, so the Mavs could get him for nothing, but I doubt they’d have enough room under the cap to take him

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

by hinduplaya on Jun 27, 2008 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I can't imagine Artest was willing to take a paycut by

opting out and accepting a mid-level exception from a Laker/Spur/Mav team. If this is true I imagine he goes to LA so he can work on his record label there.

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Gagree.

I don’t see him here.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Nothing?

Money’s the only thing.

And no, they’re not under the cap.

He’d have to take the MLE.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

No.

But it has nothing to do with talent or “issues”.

Just that if we need to back out of one of those deals in order to get something valuable if this year tanks, it’d much easier to get something for Howard than for Artest.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'd love to acquire Josh Smith for

Josh Howard, but I can’t imagine ATL does that.

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Never know

it is Atlanta we’re talking about. That is the ideal scenario this summer from a Mavs perspective.

Not the only black poster on LSB.

by sprite on Jun 27, 2008 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

That's

Hard for me.

Smith is one of the most frustrating players for me, in terms of forming an opinion.

He has decent size for 2-4, but doesn’t quite have the skill set of any of those positions.

He’s a tweener on two different sides, which is odd.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

maybe it just makes him versatile. He can go SF or PF. Regardless, he is a beast on the defensive end (blocks, steals rbds). He is also an athletic freak who would be the ideal person to run with Jason Kidd on a break.

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe.

I wouldn’t be mad if that trade went down, but I’m not sure I’d jump for joy, either.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Atl

has wayyy too many swingmen. There would be no use for Howard. On the other hand, Smith is a budding star who I doubt even Atlanta would trade

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

by hinduplaya on Jun 27, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

CJ Miles

wouldn’t be that much better.

What we needed was a 3 point shooter and Foster is definitely better than CJ. I wouldn’t mind picking him up, but he isn’t the answer.

"No bear or disco for Juan" - Mr. Santos

by miles on Jun 27, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

True.

But but the point is Walker can slash and you could have had him for cash.

Not the only black poster on LSB.

by sprite on Jun 27, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Walker

I think many people may have thought that his stats last year were a result of teams concentrating more on Beasley. I think he may have benefited alot from remaining one year more year in college as the main focal point of the K State offense.

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

by hinduplaya on Jun 27, 2008 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You have to be dissapointed

The way picks were being sold, I want to know where Dallas was when New Orleans was selling that pick, or for that matter, where they were when San Antonio and Memphis were picking late in the first round as well. If they had just bought one of those 3 picks, they could’ve had their choice of a guy like Chalmers or CDR. That would be money much bette rspent than on someone like Deavan George.

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

by hinduplaya on Jun 27, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

something tells me that those 3 didn't want to sell a pick to a division rival

especially N.O. and San Antonio. Helping the competition makes no sense whatsoever.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well...

even if NO didn’t want to sell it to a division rival, they gave it to Portland, who in turn traded it away, so in Dallas’s sense, why are you not actively involved in getting that pick from Portland, while two of your other division rivals, Memphis and Houston are actively pursuing it?

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

by hinduplaya on Jun 27, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I bet there were discussions

Dallas just didn’t have a lot to offer in terms of young pieces and extra draft picks. I honestly think Cuban just got out-bid.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I wouldn't think it was as mmuch about pieces and picks

as it was about money. I think if Cuban had just offered more money, he could’ve easily gotten into the first round..

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

by hinduplaya on Jun 27, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Didn't it seem like Mavs drafted a guy that they'll already got three or four of

Just reading the scouting report, he’s supposed to be a great outside shooter but struggles getting to the basket or the free throw line. How many current Mavs fit into that description? Not that he’ll ever even sniff the roster but looks like we’re in store for another season of ‘jump-shot basketball.’

by cgolden on Jun 27, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

none fit that description

besides Jet and Dirk, no one on this team has a consistent outside jump shot or legitimate 3-point range, which allows opposing teams to clog the lane. They need shooters from distance to spread the floor and give Dirk and kidd room to operate.

Ron Paul 2008 www.ronpaul2008.com

by jshcmp on Jun 27, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The guy can shoot

Doubt we have many of those…

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

by hinduplaya on Jun 27, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Rome

I blame the loss on Rome…....he gave the FOTF his karma and look what it did.

by phanhandlecholo on Jun 27, 2008 10:36 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Rack him

Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes - Shaq

by DJCahill on Jun 27, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If Blalock returns at first

isn’t the pressure really on to dump him for whatever you get? He really is clogging up prospects there, and really, with MY an obvious 3B, you might as well get on with the future as soon as you can, and use the $6 mill on a SS.

"And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago." -John McCain

by DJCahill on Jun 27, 2008 10:44 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

oh no worries..

about him clogging anything up. He’ll be back on the DL in no time… wait and see.

Iron Mike Tyson works out at my gym.

He's a pretty good boxer.

by LAMuscleFag on Jun 27, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

SS

Do you try and find a 1-2 year fix at SS? Could Arias/Young combo by time until the team is ready to call up Andrus?

by phanhandlecholo on Jun 27, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yes

you do. Arias looks like anything but a starter, and there’s still a lot to find out about Andrus. I would not count on Andrus being ready, give him all the time he needs. Get a stopgap who can be traded if/when Andrus is ready.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

stopgap for SS

I agree that Arias isn’t any kind of answer.

Problem is, if you look around at what kind of deals a starting ML SS commands, it ain’t very easy to find an affordable stopgap. From what I can remember any decent body that could reasonably handle SS in the ML is going to cost too much in salary or prospects.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Disagree. Why not just sign a 4A guy for a year?

I bet we find could a replacement level feller to tide us over for the year.

Vazquez or somebody like him?

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm pushing for that

If we are either without a SS or 3B, just go with Vazquez/Duran for another season and let Andrus develop in the minors.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jun 27, 2008 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Vazquez

might be the best answer for SS next year.

I was thinking about the deals for guys like Eckstein and Renteria and Vizquel, etc.

Your thinking is probably a much better idea, but if you were to go into a season with a guy like Vazquez as a starting SS, then you aren’t giving the team much of a chance to compete – and I think it would be a hard sell to convince MY and the fanbase that he needs to switch positions for a career spare to take over the SS spot.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

thinking about it some more

I don’t think you can move the Face off SS unless you have a better player that you can put there. And a guy like Vazquez doesn’t fit that description.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yeah, that prolly is the monkeywrench

Who wouldn’t be pissed off if they got displaced for Vazquez?

Personally, I don’t see why we have to move Mike to third this year.

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

well if we don't move MY to 3rd next yr

I guess we’d have to find a 3rd baseman, or roll w/ Vazquez/Duran/Metcalf there.

Pedro: "I wasn't cockfighting, I just have a wide stance."

by tricer on Jun 27, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Too bad Davis couldn't hack it at 3rd

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You know

I’m starting to think that TINSTAAPP should be changed to TINSTAA3BPP. So many flameouts at 3B in recent years all over MLB.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

MY move

MY will not agree to move to 3b for anyone less than a long-term future star SS. There is no way the organization would even ask him to do such a thing. For all of his faults, MY is pretty under rated around here. He is much better than a stop-gap, a 4A player or Vazquez.

by Jack Nicholson 1974 on Jun 27, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow, I step away from the computer

for a couple minutes…

Why can’t the Rangers afford a stopgap? They don’t have huge payroll commitments the next few years, they should have no problem paying a veteran stopgap. They don’t need to hit that well, just field the ball; this lineup can carry a weak SS in the #9 spot.

Or, you could decide to leave Vazquez/Duran at 3B and leave Young at SS another year while Andrus develops. Probably 6 of one, half dozen of the other.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The second option is probably better

Who could we get that’s established himself as a good enough player to make Young slide over, but would be willing to sign a one-year deal so as not to block Andrus? I’d think most players good enough and safe enough (as in a history of durability) to unseat the FOTF would want a contract with years on it. Most players that would be willing to sign a short-term deal would either be career spares, formerly-good players that are at the end of their careers, or someone with an injury history (similar to Bradley’s history). In the first two cases, you’d be asking the FOTF to move for someone that wouldn’t be an improvement, and in the third case, you’re taking an awfully big risk at an awfully premium position. At least with Hamilton and Bradley, we have backup options for if either is out for an extended period of time without too appalling of a drop-off. But if we put an injury risk at SS and he gets hurt, either we have to put a backup guy or a career spare there (which would be basically situation 1 or 2) or put Young back at SS and roll with Vazquez and Duran at SS… otherwise known as square one.

by Inkara1 on Jun 27, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I kind of agree

What do you think should be done at SS next season. Andrus will need another year (at least) in the minors, Arias may not have the health or arm strength for it… Adam Everett?

"You’re the only here who contributes schtick only." - brettgardner

by trza on Jun 27, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Here's what I don't get

in regards to Blalock. Why is it a forgone conclusion (apparently in Wash’s head) that when Hank returns he’s going to automatically go to 1B? Davis is here so we might as well see what he can do this is obviously a .500 team so there’s really no reason to send him back. Put Hank back at 3B and move Vazquez back to the bench roll he originally was signed for.

Well I can pretend to be Britney Spears. I'm already standing in urine and I'm with someone I don't like.

by Escher on Jun 27, 2008 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Per Rob Neyer

• The Rangers are calling up their No. 1 prospect, first baseman Chris Davis. This guy’s gone from fifth-round draft choice to the majors in just slightly over two calendar years, which is pretty impressive. Still only 22, he’s already hit 23 home runs this season: 13 in Double-A, 10 in Triple-A. The Rangers say first base is Hank Blalock’s when he’s healthy enough to play. But I suspect Davis is better than Blalock right now. And the Rangers are too close to first place to play inferior players.

by gr7070 on Jun 27, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hehe

Interesting. Using the “still in contention” argument to justify the youngster over Blalock. Awesome.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Too close to first place?

Who’s he kidding?

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I am beginning to think Hank's

situation may be a lot more serious than than has been suggested so far. I’m wondering if his wrist problem did not have something to do with him wanting to move to first base. A major league hitter depends a lot on his wrists and forearms and can struggle if there is a problem there. i am beginning to doubt if Hank is ever coming back at a major league level.

by Jea103 on Jun 27, 2008 10:45 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

this is what I think

and I think there’s a lot of needless hand wringing about davis getting sent down because hank ain’t never coming back

Rare Gnats Sex

by ab03 on Jun 27, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why send Davis down for Blalock?

Personally, I just don’t understand why we needed Blalock to move to first in the first place. Its not like German Duran is hitting the cover off the ball and Vazquez is ok, but should be starting to be discussed as trade bait. (not that we’ll get much for a 30 year old career .258/.327/.361 hitter who’s hitting 80 BA points higher for less than 200 PA’s. He’ll start regressing to the mean any moment now.)

by iblum on Jun 27, 2008 10:47 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Agree

It seems like Vasquez and Blalock can share 3b and let Duran spell SS and 2b. I think we can deal or bench Cat and let Davis and Max share 1b from here on out.

by Jack Nicholson 1974 on Jun 27, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Like that

Though my instinct would have been to let Duran and Blalock share 3b with Vazquez as the backup MI. 6 of one, half dozen of another.

by iblum on Jun 27, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Vazquez has been about ready to regress to his mean

for like 2 months now.

Over his last 7 days he is .294/.350/.529. He will probably come down to earth before Hank is healthy, but thats like in 2010 at the rate its going.

I’m not sure I bench the 30 year old never was on a hot streak for a brittle 27 year old 3B has been who hasn’t had a good season since 2004. I might take my chances on lightning in a bottle until he goes cold.

"And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago." -John McCain

by DJCahill on Jun 27, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

+1

I hate to say this, but screw Blalock. And screw his trade value. I’m going to take the same position on this I did with Salty vs. Laird – Blalock is just in the way now, and needs to be dumped. His trade value is not going to increase any by playing him full-time for two weeks before the trade deadline, and there’s absoultely no reason why he should be playing first base over Davis after the deadline.

Sorry Hank, but you’re the weakest link.

by lonestarJon on Jun 27, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Adam...

How beastly is it that the guy I wanted in the NBA draft was picked by the Mavs.

"No bear or disco for Juan" - Mr. Santos

by miles on Jun 27, 2008 11:18 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Maybe you know this Miles

But I was wondering what are the weaknesses of this guy Foster? The way Donnie was talking about him, it seems as if he expects him to be a contributor already. And he seems to have decent size to go along with a good shot and being named SEC Player of the Year.

"Well, the Dallas Mavericks got beat by the New Orleans Hornets last night ending their season. Word is that someone on the team is dating Jessica Simpson." - Jay Leno

by hinduplaya on Jun 27, 2008 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Foster's

size is the definition of a SG at 6-6. The reason Vanderbelt had such a great season was because of Foster, they were nothing without him. The thing I like about him the most is his range. That is what the Mavs needed last year, a consistent 3 point shooter. His defense is great, as he always guarded the best guy on the other teams they played.

I think he will compete this year for a starting job at some point. He doesn’t have that much competition. Terry should be the 6th man, and Stackhouse shouldn’t be playing that much.

"No bear or disco for Juan" - Mr. Santos

by miles on Jun 27, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

fwiw

Chad Ford says he’s pretty one-dimensional on offense, but the dude has serious range. Shot 47% last year from behind the arc. If he’s a good defender like you say, he sounds like a perfect fit.

by MeanMr.Mustard on Jun 27, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Weaknesses?

Pretty much everything outside of shooting.

Though he should contribute at least as much as Ager.

by brettgardner on Jun 27, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Since Josh Howard

the Dallas Mavericks haven’t drafted anyone meaningful.

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

My fault...

I forgot about him. But besides that we haven’t had a successful “find” in the draft. We have done much better with FA (Bass & Diop)

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Kind of

hard to fuck up the 5th pick of the draft.

And I would rather have the Chicago guy anyway..

"No bear or disco for Juan" - Mr. Santos

by miles on Jun 27, 2008 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm

The enthusiasm kindles fires when Davis is called up and Max whacks with a sidebar of Hank being delayed. Then that night, Millwood has a lack of control/command game, hitters from both sides can’t solve a finesse lefty who is “on”, and we sit through a basically uncontested loss. My goodness, the sky is falling!

Hey it’s just a loss, and from the way it went a clear loss. It happens! No really, you lose a game every now and then when you are outpitched.

The fires were not put out. They may just be farther away than when you had the joy of seeing them.

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

by Ed Coffin on Jun 27, 2008 11:20 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Emotion

Always a key factor in the mood of the masses while posting. I know how much more I enjoy checking the box scores and standings after a win than after a loss.

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

by t ball on Jun 27, 2008 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Is it True?

Hicks traded playing the Astros every year for being in the AL West? That was a poor trade if it’s true.

by SanDiegoKev on Jun 27, 2008 11:21 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

That's a fact

Don't knock masturbation, it's sex with someone I love .

by Brian Thomas on Jun 27, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I hate it

Wouldn’t we rather be in the AL central? and see someone other then the astros?

by SanDiegoKev on Jun 27, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I don't think that's really the case

There simply isn’t an alighnment out there that could realistically be done that gets the Rangers in the Central.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Perhaps

They could move the Twins to Portland, they are great and moving teams around. I don’t think the american league’s poor management should be the Ranger’s problem. Expansion team in Las Vegas, lots of options.

by SanDiegoKev on Jun 27, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The A.L. is not...

...going to move the Twins to the West Coast so that Tom Hicks can have his team in the Central.

That is unrealistic.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think if the Twins moved

It is because that area is a small market, and can’t support baseball anymore, it was a mistake to move there in the first place, as has been shown.

by SanDiegoKev on Jun 27, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Really?

They’ve been there almost 50 years. They have had great attendance in the past when they’ve been doing well.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Remember they almost folded a few years ago

When they were not doing so well, they started winning again and it got more stable for them, but I don’t see them staying competitive with the kind of salaries they pay. We’ll see what happens there, when they don’t do so well again. They did get a new stadium, that definitely helps. OK, how about the Royals?

by SanDiegoKev on Jun 27, 2008 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You aren't being realistic

Saying that MLB was going to make an AL Central team move to make Tom Hicks happy isn’t realistic.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

So, how come they picked the Rangers to move west

What was the thinking, thinking like that leads to law suits.

by SanDiegoKev on Jun 27, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

They picked the Rangers...

...because some team had to be in the A.L. West, and they were the furthest West.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

National League has one more team then the AL

How about an AL expansion team out west?

Las Vegas
Portland
Reno
Salt Lake City
Tijuana, just kidding
Casper, the Ghosts, sorry couldn’t help it…

by SanDiegoKev on Jun 27, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Well

If you add 1 additional team to the A.L., you are going to have an uneven number of teams.

If you add 2 additional teams to the A.L., and move the Rangers to the Central, you’d have to put both new teams in the West.

It isn’t happening. It isn’t practical. It isn’t feasiable.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Ok

But it still sucks

by SanDiegoKev on Jun 27, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Owner bitching aside, what about this?

Move Kansas City to the AL West and keep the Rangers there. Move the Brewers from the NL Central to the AL Central. then, you have six divisions of five teams each, instead of the AL West with only four teams and the NL Central with six. The advantage for the Rangers is a more geographically-sensible division rival (like the Angles and A’s) and thus, fewer games that start at 9 p.m. Texas time because of the unbalanced schedule (because you’d have to take away a few games at Seattle, Oakland and Anaheim to add more games at KC). David Glass would probably bitch because of having to take away 7 p.m. Central games at Chicago, Detroit, Minnesota and Cleveland for 9 p.m. games on the coast.

It wouldn’t totally fix the Rangers’ situation but it would improve it some.

by Inkara1 on Jun 27, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Uncle Bud

Wanted his Brewers in the NL. He’s not going to do something that radical.

by Dirk Diggler on Jun 27, 2008 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Brewers made the most sense to me because they used ot be in the AL

But really, any one of the AL central clubs other than KC would do… I’m sure the White Sox would never get moved to the NL with another NL club in the same town… but there’s Cleveland, maybe, or Minnesota.

I just don’t know why they wanted one division to be a team short and another to have an extra team when something similar to my scenario would have made things make more sense.

by Inkara1 on Jun 27, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Oh I agree that having one division with alot less teams is stupid

But I don’t think your above scenario solves anything. You’ll still have a team in the middle of the country (KC) playing a majority of their games on the West Coast.

Yes, it solves the problem from the Rangers perspective, but it doesn’t solve anything overall.

by Dirk Diggler on Jun 27, 2008 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The problem with that is...

...with 15 teams per league, you either have to always have interleague games (a scheduling nightmare), or you have to have at least 2 teams (1 from each league) with a day off every day.

In terms of scheduling, it just isn’t feasible.

by Adam J. Morris on Jun 27, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

None of those cities...

...are a large enough metro area to support an MLB franchise. The only city that could realistically support an expansion team is NYC, and that’s never going to happen.

by Black Francis on Jun 27, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think Portland could

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

by slc ranger on Jun 27, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

What makes you say that?

It’s only 2.5 million people in the whole metro area and the rest of the state isn’t exactly densely populated. It’s a pretty small media market. Growing, but small.

Portland is easily the best choice if baseball were determined to expand, but I don’t think it’s time yet.

by Black Francis on Jun 27, 2008 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

The Twins new ball park opens next year...

The only reson why there was ever any discussion over moving the Twins was becasue of the lack of willingness from the city officals to get a new stadium done.

by laxtonto on Jun 27, 2008 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Arent' the Twins

Building a new stadium? They’re not going anywhere…....

by Dirk Diggler on Jun 27, 2008 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

short of adding 2 AL teams

and splitting up each league into 4 divisions (NFL-style), I don’t see it happening:

AL North NY BOS TOR BAL

AL South TB TEX KC MEM

AL West ANA OAK SEA SAC

AL Central CLE CHI MIN DET

NL North NYM PHI WAS PIT

NL South FLA ATL ARI HOU

NL West LA SF SD COL

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Jun 27, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I'm pretty sure Chuck Morgan

has said that is EXACTLY what happened in a post on the newberg board. People were bitching about the late start times on the west coast, and he brought that up.

by Dirk Diggler on Jun 27, 2008 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

If not when
Ron Washington says that Davis will be sent back down when Hank Blalock is ready to return. So enjoy watching Davis while you can.

Definitely need to replace ‘when’ with ‘if.’

by cgolden on Jun 27, 2008 11:52 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

2 things

have me worried about the future of this team. the first is the failure to identify quality pitching within the franchise, and the track record of prematurely giving up on young pitchers. that one has received a lot of attention above. but the second cause for concern, which i articulated in a fanpost yesterday, is the team’s inability to hit LHP, and the 8-16 record the team now holds in games against lefties.

no amount of beastly middle of the order left handed mashers is going to help with those two concerns, and they will need to be addressed before this team becomes relevant.

by clark on Jun 27, 2008 12:22 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Don't know where this goes...

There have been a ton of comments today and I am not sure where this goes, but is anyone else thinking Volquez is about to come crashing back to Earth? I think yesterday may be closer to the norm than the beginning of the season.

by Jack Nicholson 1974 on Jun 27, 2008 1:51 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

everybody has a bad night...

...Kevin Millwood supposedly owns Minute Maid Park…

...alas, there was no such “owning” yesterday…

by oc on Jun 27, 2008 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Maybe

or maybe Vasquez has Mark DeRosa syndrome…Rejuvenated!

by Agreen07 on Jun 27, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

tonight

just found out that la esposa has tickets for tonights game and I am her date.

¡yo soy Horsedooty!

I soloed in the Mile High Club!

by horsedooty on Jun 27, 2008 2:22 PM CDT reply actions   1 recs

i cant get myself to read the rest of the replies, but...

what exactly is the point of saying you will send him down now? it doesnt help anything, it just makes sure that davis will be pressing to make an impact.

2 games over 500 please.

by DSheppard on Jun 27, 2008 3:07 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Jon Daniels = Beast

the casual fans here, just shut up.

Stats don't lie

Paul Pierce >> Soft Nowitzki

"The Legend of Rudy continues to grow..." - the other guy on the podcast.

by Longhorn on Jun 27, 2008 5:59 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

geez

i’m not reading the rest. Stupid fans piss me off.

Stats don't lie

Paul Pierce >> Soft Nowitzki

"The Legend of Rudy continues to grow..." - the other guy on the podcast.

by Longhorn on Jun 27, 2008 6:00 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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