Monday morning things
by Adam J. Morris on Jun 9, 2008 8:22 AM CDT
111 comments
The game story in the DMN focuses on Doug Mathis, who threw five shutout innings yesterday before allowing a 2 run homer with one out in the sixth and getting lifted.
Although the end result was satisfactory, I was underwhelmed with yesterday's performance from Mathis...11 flyball outs to just 1 groundball out, and only one strikeout, plus some issues throwing strikes, isn't what you want to see. However, with the rotation situation the way it is right now, this has probably bought him another 2-3 starts, at least...
Gil Lebreton thinks Mathis has earned another start, although he doesn't seem optimistic about the Rangers' chances with him out there.
Tim Cowlishaw has a column up on the bullpen failures during this homestand, which have kept the Rangers from getting securely over .500.
Jose de Jesus Ortiz says that some of the Astros players are lobbying for Houston to acquire Sidney Ponson.
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98 game losing streak?
Well at least the Angel’s have a 99 game streak…
What is up with the sidebar standings?
by bushe on Jun 9, 2008 8:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Ponson
In houston? That should be interesting blah off days suck I need ranger baseball.
by iorange555 on Jun 9, 2008 8:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure someone will pick him up.
4-1 with a 3.88 ERA with the Rangers is gonna look damn attractive to a lot of teams back of the rotations. Hell, he looks better than our front of the rotations.
I sure am glad we got rid of them so our dogshit fielders won’t get their feelings hurt when someone points out their suckitude.
Sharky said it, I believe it, that settles it
by DJCahill on Jun 9, 2008 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
That’s why the Rangers axed him, because the fielders got their feelings hurt by him.
by Adam J. Morris on Jun 9, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
has dan ever expressed concern about off the field issues?
dan would probably sign the reanimated corpse of hitler if he could go 7 strong.
Rare Gnats Sex
by ab03 on Jun 9, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+2
"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 9, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep.
I really don’t give a shit about off field issues. They really don’t amount to much in the scheme of things.
I’ve seen a lot of players, like Milton Bradley, Carl Everett, and Josh Hamilton whip off field issues to be productive players. I haven’t seen as many folks who sucked on field, but were great off the field, become productive players.
Getting rid of a guy who as done as much as Ponson has, when you already have trash like Mathis in the rotation, is just dumb, in my opinion.
Sharky said it, I believe it, that settles it
by DJCahill on Jun 9, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Long-term?
"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 9, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i didn't know milton bradley and car everett
had off field issues.
But, i do know Ugeth Urbina did.
by Longhorn on Jun 9, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Laugh out loud
*ducks *
"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 9, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"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 9, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"yeah so!!!"
"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 9, 2008 2:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
didnt they cut lugo on the spot when he bounced his wife's head of their benz?
thats the only way the guy ended up in TB
"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 9, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also
As a point of clarification, who on this team would you classify as a “dogshit fielder”?
by Adam J. Morris on Jun 9, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
based on ability or desire and drive?
"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 9, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Considering the team
is .001 off the bottom in defensive efficiency, I’d say take your pick. The middle infield is especially bad though.
Sharky said it, I believe it, that settles it
by DJCahill on Jun 9, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
That label would seem to apply to a player who is so bad that he shouldn’t be playing the position.
You say “take your pick”...what about Josh Hamilton? Is he a dogshit fielder? How about Boggs, or Murphy, or Vazquez?
Ian Kinsler…is it your position he needs to be moved from second base somewhere else, because he’s so awful defensively?
by Adam J. Morris on Jun 9, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kinsler
is every bit as bad as Soriano was there. You can still keep him for his bat, but, there is nothing wrong with pitchers calling him out for his dogshit defense.
Sharky said it, I believe it, that settles it
by DJCahill on Jun 9, 2008 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
after IK's early season jitters
he’s been far from the problem in the MIF, ive seen him get to some balls i didnt think he had range to get to and he seems to have lessoned his mental mistakes. sure his stats probably look bad after his poor first month in the field, but i think at this moment he’s one of the top 5 2b in baseball. Unfortunately we have 2 top 5 2b in baseball on this team and the other guy plays ss.
"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 9, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong.
None of these guys should necessarily be calling the others out on anything unless it’s obvious they’re not even trying. The players themselves should step up and apologize for screwing up when they do, but none of the pitchers should be dressing down the other players for making errors. When dealing with spouses and teammates, follow this rule:
When you’re wrong, admit it.
When you’re right, shut up.
...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.
by t ball on Jun 9, 2008 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Also...
I assume you believe there’s nothing wrong with Kinsler calling out the pitchers for giving up a bunch of runs?
Or with Scott Feldman calling out Jamey Wright and Joaquin Benoit for blowing the game on Saturday?
by Adam J. Morris on Jun 9, 2008 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hehe
this is the scene where Cahill disappears.
If the grand pronouncement is met with skepticism, bolt for the door.
"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 9, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
perhops
A bidding war will start for him, and he makes somewhat more his next job then his minor league Rangers deal, he may have done it on purpose.
by SanDiegoKev on Jun 9, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Mathis in the rotation is precisely the Rangers main issue.
Mathis may make a nice option in the pen for Wash to use but I am not buying hin as a starter. Currently the only starters who are healthy and worthy of being considered a MLB starting pitcher are Millwood and Padilla. That combined with personal issues, Ponson meltdown, injury situation have left the rotation shredded. The pen shouldered the brunt of the rotational meltdown. Pitching 4 plus innings per game will stress even the best of pens.
Fix the rotation and the pen will return to being a strength. Let the rotation flounder and the pen will follow.
As for those hoping for Hurley and or Harrison to be the answer, please note Gil Lebreton’s comment: ” But their best young pitching arms are said to be more than a year away.” I agree with him, rush the kids and risk their ability to help for years to come.
by Bigfan16 on Jun 9, 2008 8:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
What about Feldman?
You can’t say that Padilla and Milwood are the only pitchers worthy of MLB consideratiobn without taking a look at Feldman. He has come in and given at least 6 innings in I believe his last 7 or 8 starts and has far exceed expectations up to this point in being very good.
"One of you asked me once if I am a recent Red Sox fan. Sure, as recent as 1986...when my fellow UT Longhorns fan & Texan Roger Clemens was the Cy Young winner and one hell of a young man...who has used steroids, cheated on his wife, had about 10 bar fights, escaped a few DUIs, and I mean ESCAPED, fought with his teammates - but all the while loved his sons and the game. I'll take Clemens over Millwood and Padilla anyday.." - bosoxsiempregirl
^^^^ Wow, I would too. I guess that makes me the next John Schuerholtz.
by hinduplaya on Jun 9, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
ya
feldman is good, just when he pitches he doesn’t get a lot of run support or fielding support (2 times hamiliton missed balls that ultimately cost feldman the game)
by nice hands on Jun 9, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You have a point on Feldman
8 times he has started and he has gone at least 6 innings eash time. My view of feldman may be a bit harsh based on my jaded view of the rangers committment to their rotation but he is the type of guy I would like to have in reserve (long man in the pen or in AAA) to fill in for injuries (BMac). I do not think, or should I say I am not sold on the idea of building a rotation with him. He is currently our #3 starter and at best I view him as a #5 or preferably as the #6 SP as mentioned above.
by Bigfan16 on Jun 9, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Feldman
What he’s doing is great, but I’d hardly put him on a level with more established guys yet. It’s too early to know if he can be this good long term or if he’s just on a hot streak. Let’s see what he does when teams see him again. So far the only team he’s started against multiple times is Oakland, which has a league average offense (100 OPS+) right now. It’s a bit encouraging that he’s been good all 3 times against them.
...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.
by t ball on Jun 9, 2008 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hah
“He could be the difference between competing in September or watching somebody else win the wild card with him.”
Bring up Justin Smoak
by DSheppard on Jun 9, 2008 9:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Laird
I know this has talked about a lot, but I am starting to wonder if I don’t like the idea of trading Salty instead of Laird. Salty has great potential, but if Laird can play like he has I think we’ve got a good one. Tom and Josh were talking about production yesterday and if Laird doesn’t platoon he’s right up there with the best and he does a great job gunning down runners. I just question in the grand scheme of things if Laird/Teagarden platoon isn’t the way to go.
by OKC Ranger Fan on Jun 9, 2008 9:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Throwing runners out
is far from the most important catching attribute.
Gerald Laird is a league average hitter (101 OPS+) with some defensive skills.
He is a slightly above-average ML catcher, value wise, right now. He’ll be 29 in November and should be moved well before then, before his value falls from its peak and the hitting regresses back to mediocrity.
"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 9, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
valid points
yet I still see somebody that is an above average catcher
by OKC Ranger Fan on Jun 9, 2008 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
without saying anything about laird's defense
does anyone think it is weird that now it seems that laird’s only performing well when he has competition? maybe it won’t matter if the current catchers are just stop gaps till teagarden gets here but I wouldn’t count on Laird to be the every day veteran of the future.
plus, that ice cream thing is disgusting. be fat all you want but don’t chow down on ice cream before a game. i can’t see how running on a treadmill can “work” it off.
Rare Gnats Sex
by ab03 on Jun 9, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ice cream "before a game"
oh he does it between innings too. You don’t get a body like that without really trying!
The "Electrician" was born 7/16/07 11:53 PM EDT
http://www.lonestarball.com/2007/7/16/213154/893
by LAMuscleFag on Jun 9, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 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 9, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep...
plus I think he’s only under contract through next year and given the fact that Wash hasn’t made him the full time starter I’m sure the “Superstar” is counting the days until he can move to another team that thinks he is just that.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Jun 9, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Teagarden
I think Teagarden will end up being better than Laird. Trade Laird while his value is high. Saltalamacchia starts next year with TT as backup. ALso, is Ramirez’s defense batter than Salty’s?
Brandon Boggs 2008 Texas Rangers ROY
by RangerMad on Jun 9, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if you think teagarden is the future
then you would trade salty now to maximize return on his potential. and then you would do a teagarden/laird split next year.
Rare Gnats Sex
by ab03 on Jun 9, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you get more value now
from his future potential or a possible >.800 ops a year from now?
Brandon Boggs 2008 Texas Rangers ROY
by RangerMad on Jun 9, 2008 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why can't Teagarden backup Salty?
Would that be a “waste” of Tea’s bat?
It just seems like Salty / Tea are the keepers, to me. Maybe they can spare some 1B/DH AB’s when other people need off.
"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 9, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't believe anyone
thinks Ramirez is a better defender than Salty.
...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.
by t ball on Jun 9, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I do not disagree.
Laird looks very comfortable behind the plate and Salty does not look so pretty, IMO. If a trade is going to happen then I believe it will come down to what can the Rangers get in return. I doubt that anyone will argue that Salty’s bat has a much bigger upside than Laird and many will argue that trumps playing behind the plate. In return I would argue on who makes the pitchers more successful. Faming pitches, throwing out runners, blocking balls and a bunch of non-tangibles all favor Laird IMO. But one can not argue the benefits of a power hitting bat like Salty has the potential to be.
The nice thing about our situation is that we are not looking at Barajas, Huckabee, Greene, Krueter etc… We have two nice options on the team and two more down on the farm. Though from what I hear ramirez is probably a dh more than a full time C.
by Bigfan16 on Jun 9, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
Laird throws out runners and blocks better, that’s it. “Working with the pitchers” ... sample size. That’s still to be determined.
I don’t deny for a second that Salty is infinitely better at framing pitches though. I don’t know if Laird is too lazy, or what, but it’s really not that difficult. And OMOT sets an awful target, which is why you see his receiving skills questioned so often.
"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 9, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no idea how to find it but
I would love to see what the team’s ERA is when Salty is catching vs when Laird is behind the plate. I also have no idea if there is a significant difference but I would like to see a comparison. Anyone know how to get that stat?
by Bigfan16 on Jun 9, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's sort of my point, though
that stat is currently moot. 1/3 of a season while platooning? Even if you include last year, I’d wait a month or two before making any grand pronouncements about that.
"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 9, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Catchers ERA
If you go to espn.com and find the catcher you are looking for then click on their defensive stats and it is the far right column.
So far this season:
Laird’s CERA: 4.93 in 349 Innings
Salty’s CERA: 5.03 in 175 Innings
Last year Salty’s CERA was 4.75 in 186 innings (with the Rangers) and Laird’s was 4.78 in 987 innings.
by hurley325 on Jun 9, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point exactly.
"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 9, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank you hurley
Not much of a difference IMO to make any determination based on this stat.
by Bigfan16 on Jun 9, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems to me...
With the sample size I have seen, Salty has done a pretty good job of blocking balls in the dirt.
I also believe that Laird and Salty have similar ERA’s while they are catching (someone posted that a few days ago)
The main problem Salty has is throwing out runners, which Laird excels at. However as good as Salty has looked at the plate….I truly believe he is a star hitter ready to break out.
Laird is just in a good streak….he will revert back to himself.
by clinton33 on Jun 9, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Like his dad always says
and I take his word: Salty gets in a groove with consistent playing time.
I expect nothing but a break-out performance from him once Laird is moved. Teagarden backing him up would maximize the C position, imo.
"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 9, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+ 1
Yeh let’s have Tea for two! Beat it fatty!
The "Electrician" was born 7/16/07 11:53 PM EDT
http://www.lonestarball.com/2007/7/16/213154/893
by LAMuscleFag on Jun 9, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just checked Salty's B-R page
Laird has 90 more PA’s this year, but Jarrod is holding his own raking through his first 90 PA’s this year.
Age 23: .257 / .396 / .432 / .828 / 127 OPS+
I’ll take that any day of the week from catcher.
"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 9, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That BA/OBP difference...
is ridiculous. I have to wonder where his walk rate ranks amongst major leaguers.
by jwiscarson on Jun 9, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Salty's BA/PP rate
is .187. He doesn’t have enough AB’s to qualify, but if he did that would put him 2nd in the AL behind Jack Cust (.203) and just ahead of Milton Bradley. If you look at players with at least 50 PA’s on the season, he’s still 2nd in the AL and 5th in baseball. The second best catcher in the AL with 50 PA’s is Jeff Clement at .125.
by hurley325 on Jun 9, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Imagine once he moves up in the order
and they have to start pitching to him more.
It won’t be pretty for non-Ranger fans.
"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 9, 2008 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's really been going good lately,
and you have to be excited about that line from a 23-yr. old catcher.
...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.
by t ball on Jun 9, 2008 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baffled
I am always baffled by all you development hounds who are so lacking in patience when prospects other than your favorites struggle. What happens to that “give him multiple starts and see where you stand after that” when it comes to Mathis? If a prospect has his ups and downs, doesn’t it follow that his peripherals can be shakey, even in wins? I have no dog in this hunt other than the desire for Rangers improvement. I just feel that everyone’s professed stomach for rebuilding and deference of winning for development is dramatically overstated on this blog.
by mcgee48c on Jun 9, 2008 10:35 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
where did mathis check in on our top 30 community prospects?
top prospects get more leeway because they have a higher ceiling.
Bring up Justin Smoak
by DSheppard on Jun 9, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Favorites?
He’s in the majors. What does our internal vote have to do with the reality of Mathis being in the majors and deserving to be evaluated over a longer sample size than inning to inning?
by mcgee48c on Jun 9, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's only in the majors due to the incredible duress
the rotation is under. He didn’t storm his way up here.
...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.
by t ball on Jun 9, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
did you read both sentences of my post?
because the second one would be my reply.
Bring up Justin Smoak
by DSheppard on Jun 9, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
I think Mathis is a fringe guy, a borderline prospect. However, I also have favored keeping him in the rotation.
I’m not advocating pulling him. I’m saying, despite only giving up 2 runs in 5 1/3 IP, yesterday’s outing wasn’t all that strong a performance.
by Adam J. Morris on Jun 9, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably because
Mathis is not viewed as a bonafide prospect. He is a guy they are throwing out there because of injuries, and none of the bonafide prospects are ready.
Sharky said it, I believe it, that settles it
by DJCahill on Jun 9, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who knows?
I think he’s a middle reliever long term, if I was forced to guess. However, Mathis has been roasted pretty hard when his performance has gone decent, bad, decent, bad …. you get the idea. There’s been a lot of the DFA him type talk. My point is not to compare him to the exalted prospects you keep pointing to. Remember that Feldman was being referred to in the same way previously and had made a nice turnaround.
by mcgee48c on Jun 9, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you make a fair point
but the discrepancy lies in the perception of his talent. If most people don’t think he’ll amount to anything significant, why bother making decisions based off of his availability?
Now if it’s a talented prospect, you treat the situation differently.
"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 9, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
You think my comments on Mathis are unfair and show a reluctance to be patient with prospects?
I’m not saying release him or bump him from the rotation. I’m saying, he’s going to have to do better, in terms of throwing strikes and getting ground balls, than he did yesterday to stick.
by Adam J. Morris on Jun 9, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball? Serious?
Unfair wouldn’t be the right word but inconsistent might be. I don’t know how you feel inside. By your statements, you’re saying, ” he got by with it today, but just wait til tomorrow”. Sounds like pre-judgement instead of waiting to see the results before making your judgement.
Its an advantage to be a groudball pitcher in our ballpark, but some pitchers may have to do what they do best instead of trying to convert themselves to something they are not.
by mcgee48c on Jun 9, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay
By your statements, you’re saying, " he got by with it today, but just wait til tomorrow". Sounds like pre-judgement instead of waiting to see the results before making your judgement.
Its an advantage to be a groudball pitcher in our ballpark, but some pitchers may have to do what they do best instead of trying to convert themselves to something they are not.
1) I’m saying, he got by with it today, but if he doesn’t do a better job throwing strikes and getting ground balls, he’s not going to continue to have success.
2) I haven’t pre-judged. I’ve probably been more pro-Mathis than most.
3) Mathis has, historically, been a groundball pitcher throughout his career. That’s one of the reasons the Rangers have liked him. If he’s going to allow 11 flyouts for every groundout, and walk more batters than he strikes out, he’s going to fail. It is that simple.
by Adam J. Morris on Jun 9, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point 3)
If thats his history in the minors then why is your implicit assumption that he won’t revert to that when he gains experience and is acclimated to the majors?
I’m not really arguing for Mathis; I’m questioning through you the overall ability for this blog community to truly fight their way thru losing for a rebuilding program. Not much patience. More talk the talk than walk the walk. Huge skepticism when anyone other than the anointed ones are given a chance.
When I started my comments I almost randomly picked one of the blah comments about Mathis to respond to. That where in the top 30 community rankings comment really rankled me enough to continue this dialogue.
by mcgee48c on Jun 9, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
baffled also
Mathis showed better than they thought he would. Maybe he did not get a “quality start” yesterday but he got the win didn’t he? That is a change even though it might not be the SP’s fault given the pen these days.
I soloed in the mile high club.
by Sr Horsedooty on Jun 9, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has earned a few more starts...
However I would be very catious with him. His ground ball to fly ball ratio was terrible, had only 1 strikeout and was rather wild yesterday. Eventually those things will come back to haunt you.
by clinton33 on Jun 9, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
mathis' 1st inning
this kind of dovetails with the WPA post… but i think that if Mathis doesn’t get that strike-em-out-throw-em-out DP we see a full scale meltdown and a rays blowout. not to say that he doesn’t deserve credit for making that happen, but he was incredibly close to another terrible outing imo.
by tangiers on Jun 9, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You're making my point for me
Even if Mathis implodes during this start, does the attitude you imply in your post square with the “put youngsters out there and let them take their lumps” that everyone says they are willing to put up with for the greater good? Mathis is probably a middle reliever long run, but you have fallen well short of the patience needed to see the rebuilding thru.
A lot of flyballs and command issues will get you into a lot of trouble. However, if a young pitcher is supposed to have this all in order from the very beginning in the majors, why do we always say that will have to live with the lumps and inconsistencies that a young staff has when rebuilding?
by mcgee48c on Jun 9, 2008 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ponson Question..
Is there a realistic chance that we can get anything relevant for him?
Hello Win Column!
by jboll on Jun 9, 2008 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If he ends up being an Astro
I am sure that Specs Liquor will send us a nice care package to thank us for the increase in business.
by uthornfan on Jun 9, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scouts.com Rating
Not sure if this has been mentioned but Scout.com has a draft grade up for the Rangers.
Texas Rangers
Overall Talent Grade – B+
Top Selections – Justin Smoak, Robbie Ross, Tim Murphy, Joseph Wieland, Clark Murphy, Richard Bleier
Early Selections Overview – Texas once again proves that money is no object in the first round when it comes to landing the best available talent. Smoak could serve as their long term replacement for the void that Mark Teixeira left. The Rangers then added two quality lefty arms to their system, one a hard throwing high schooler in Robbie Ross and a plus pitchability UCLA southpaw in Tim Murphy. They continue to show off a quality scouting department as they continued to take the best player on the board throughout the draft.Sleepers/Tough Signings - There may not have been a better pure hitter acquired late in the draft as Duke first baseman, Nate Freiman in the 28th round. The tall, gangly, righty swinger has a very unorthodox approach and swing but he just continues to hit, and he proved he could make it work with wood with a strong showing in Cape Cod last summer.
Joe Morgan: (On Jay Bruce) I think he will. He brings energy to the team, and besides that, he is a pretty good hitter.
Ken Tremendous: I like that the #1 reason he will help his team is: "energy," and the distant #2 reason is: "ability to hit baseballs."
by TheBZA on Jun 9, 2008 11:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
So
how does this add up to a B+?
They continue to show off a quality scouting department as they continued to take the best player on the board throughout the draft.
Are they saying if we had higher draft position, that our overall talent grade would have been an A?
"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 9, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah that was my thought.
They really don’t have any counter point to say why we’re not an A, like the Pirates or Yankees. At least give me a slight negative on one of these players before bumping us down to a B+.
Joe Morgan: (On Jay Bruce) I think he will. He brings energy to the team, and besides that, he is a pretty good hitter.
Ken Tremendous: I like that the #1 reason he will help his team is: "energy," and the distant #2 reason is: "ability to hit baseballs."
by TheBZA on Jun 9, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Exactly
"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 9, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we drafted a lot of Srs. in college whose untapped talents are a lot less than what we could have picked in the mid rounds.
thats why we are a B+ IMHO. there were rounds we took signability over talent cant do that too much and get A’s
"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 9, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's about my grade
as well, although it’s incomplete until we see how they do at signing these guys.
...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.
by t ball on Jun 9, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Stick that in your pipe & Smoak it
Ms. Josey Whines!
"...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 9, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MLB.com headline
“Rangers surge in AL All-Star voting”
The Vote for Rangers Campaign is working.
Ian Kinsler and Michael Young are now in 2nd place and 2B and SS.
Josh Hamilton remains 2nd in OF – 312,000 more votes than 4th place Vlad.
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 9, 2008 11:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
anyone think kinsler has a shot to get the start?
pedroia’s numbers suck.
Bring up Justin Smoak
by DSheppard on Jun 9, 2008 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The biggest crime in that story
is Milton Bradley’s rank amongst MLB outfielders, followed closely by David Murphy’s name not showing up anywhere (yes, I know he isn’t on the ballot).
by jwiscarson on Jun 9, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
murphy doesnt really need to be in the top 15 outfielders
milton should be top 5 though, even after accounting for yankees/sox bias.
no matter though, i just cant imagine the manager of the team could snub someone with bradleys numbers off the team. as long as he makes it its fine.
Bring up Justin Smoak
by DSheppard on Jun 9, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
all star balloting
you can vote 25 times using one email address. If you have more, you can vote 25 times per email address. Send some time punching the screen.
¡yo soy Horsedooty!
I soloed in the mile high club.
by Sr Horsedooty on Jun 9, 2008 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you dont even have to use a real email address
Bring up Justin Smoak
by DSheppard on Jun 9, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
"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 9, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that explains it
"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 9, 2008 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You do
if you want the free tickets.
Brandon Boggs 2008 Texas Rangers ROY
by RangerMad on Jun 9, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
true
ive maxed out 3 emails, 2 of them were real.
Bring up Justin Smoak
by DSheppard on Jun 9, 2008 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sounds like a good enough ratio for me
EOM
"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 9, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andrus
Anyone notice him stealing a base as a pinch runner yesterday?
Nice to see him back.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Jun 9, 2008 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Brian Gordan and Clayton Tanner both move up a level
Here’s Gordan’s chance to impress the brass.
by shroomer on Jun 9, 2008 12:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Nice
You heard when Poveda starts again? Or Elvis?
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Jun 9, 2008 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No on either
Hyatt then Bannister go Tuesday and Wednesday. Omar could slide into either slot.
by shroomer on Jun 9, 2008 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hamilton
Was he a minor league FA or something? nice walk rate so far this year. Gordon is interesting. It’d be neat if he gets a look later this year, considering his long road there.
...and curse Sir Sidney Ponson, he was such a stupid git.
by t ball on Jun 9, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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