Friday a.m. things

Likewise.

"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants

by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 10:14 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Glad I wasn't the only one to lose their mind over taking the bat out of Kinsler's hands....

"I should apologize to girls for saying Sexson threw that helmet like a girl. I’m not even sure girls do that." - TAG 05/08/2008

by Captain Fubar on Jul 11, 2008 10:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

oh you're not the only person...

by a long shot. I KNEW AJM the voice of reason, would be annoyed over this like a lot of us are.
Just because Wash is ejected from a game, does that mean that he can not have contact with his coaches via cell phone? This smells very much like a Wash WTF moment, I can’t believe they are
both idiots. I’d like to at least give Howe the benefit of the doubt regarding having a brain. Wash we know doesn’t.

Last week Arod and Cynthia were huge news in NYC.
This week they are huge national news.
The power of Miles, the child prodigy, catch it!!!!

by LAMuscleFag on Jul 11, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He has a brain of his own

I really doubt any contact is allowed with the ejected manager. It’s possible he could have known that bunting was “what Wash would want” but as acting manager, it’s up to him to make the decision.

Howe has been fired, “released” and nearly fired a second time (he was allowed to finish the season). I think it’s safe to say he’s an idiot as well.

Plaschke: Scioscia, the former Dodgers catcher, is the model manager who has created an atmosphere of winning.
Junior:It's that simple. Mike Scioscia brings a Glade Plug-In labeled "Winning™" into the clubhouse and everyone who breathes it in gains 15 points in average.

by TheBZA on Jul 11, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hahaha + 1

Great we’ve got dumb and dumber calling the shots. We can only hope that they BOTH get ejected some day so Walbeck or whoever is third in line can put a good working brain to use.

Last week Arod and Cynthia were huge news in NYC.
This week they are huge national news.
The power of Miles, the child prodigy, catch it!!!!

by LAMuscleFag on Jul 11, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

davis

sending him down in favor of hank blalock aka mr. glass is almost as dumb as having kinsler bunt in the 11th inning.

i’ll be glad to have hank back, but washington needs to get over his manlove for him

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 10:19 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Davis

Going into last night he was hitting .195 and has looked really bad in alot of at bats. His homers are nice and show that he does have the potential to put up serious power numbers but I can see a little more time in AAA helping him out. Plus if Blalock is as fragile as people make him out to be then Davis will be back up in no time.

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 Jul 11, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

davis

more AAA at bats will do nothing for him, and he swung the bat much better last night than he had been.

what good is it to have blalock taking those at bats when chances are he’s gone next season? my preference would be to send hank back to third where he should have stayed anyway and keep davis at first.

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I disagree

Yes he looked good last night but overall he has looked overmatched. Not a knock on him because most 22 year olds are overmatched. But he can work on his plate discipline at AAA. Its a less stressful environment and one catered to learning and development. It would only be until September at the latest before he is back up here but if hank gets hurt again he could come right back up.

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 Jul 11, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fair enough

I just feel if they want to seriously rebuild and give young players experience, which is what we’ve heard so much about with guys like boggs and duran staying up then they need to stick with davis.

I said when he was called up that if this wasn’t a long term move then it was somewhat pointless.

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree long term

I was on record saying if you are going to bring up a young guy like Davis so soon it better be for good no matter how he does. And for that I don’t think they should send him down.

But Hank can’t play 3B anymore. He is too injury prone. So with him here Davis wouldn’t be getting consistant ABs especially with Bradley at DH. Now if you want to send davis down and bring him back up if Bradley gets dealt and have hank slide to the DH spot thats fine with me. But if Davis is up here then he needs to be getting consistant everyday ABs. He can’t do that with Hank also up playing 1B

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 Jul 11, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

people keep forgetting

that hank volunteered to move to 1b so we could have his bat there since we were having better production from 3b than our 1b platoon. It was not because he is incapable of playing 3b.

by phatjeremy on Jul 11, 2008 1:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and you seem to be forgetting

that his numerous injuries make it hard to believe he’d be an effective 3B; he was not a good 3B when healthy.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that would be a reasonable comment..

if hank had volunteered because he can’t play 3b anymore….i’m simply pointing out why hank volunteered…and the fact that it wasn’t a managerial decision based on injuries

by phatjeremy on Jul 11, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, you're pointing out

why Hank said publicly he volunteered. If you read between the lines I think he saw the writing on the wall. At that time the Rangers had nothing at 1B in his way and I think he was looking for a way to increase his own value to the team as a player or as trade bait. His defense is not good, less of a problem at 1B. He knows his days are numbered and he’s trying to make the best of it.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+ Juan

"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants

by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have proof?

What proof do you have that Hank moved because of the lack of production at 1B? Everything I had heard and read was because it would be easier for him to stay healthy at 1B. Plus when he volunteered, which by the way I still am not sure it was his idea, Davis was struggling at AAA and he was supposedly days away from returning. No one, not even he, could have envisioned that Davis would go on a tear and be promoted to the bigs while Hank would be reinjured twice before he could ever play a game at 1B.

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.
A double is just as easy as a sac bunt ~ by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 12:23 PM CDT

by bigsteve on Jul 11, 2008 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate bunting in general and don't support Wash as our manager but...

...I actually was in favor of the bunt in that spot.

I would have accepted swinging away too, but I was about 60-40 pro sacrifice there.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jul 11, 2008 10:21 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

bunting

i understand bunting in that situation, BUT not when the batter is kinsler.

i’d much rather have him swinging that vazquez

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

After a successful sac they probably would have walked Ramon...

...and FOtF would have been up. Even with his high GIDP rate I think he would have at least tied the game there. And if he Ks then Hamilton would have batted next.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jul 11, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

FJM's comment on the bunt and sac bunting in general

I blame it not on Ron Washington, but on society. Society is to blame. And Ron Washington.

http://www.firejoemorgan.com/2008/07/today-in-sacrifice-bunting.html

Nothing pithy here. Please move long.

by WyoRanger on Jul 11, 2008 10:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate bunting

but Kinsler has to get it down in that situation.

by coolaid on Jul 11, 2008 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

The problem is, no batter is ever going to always get the bunt down. Particularly against someone like K-Rod.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 11, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The real problem is

folks think you are always supposed to get a bunt down, causing the to grossly overvalue the bunt.

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

by DJCahill on Jul 11, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

bunting

it’s not as easy as it looks

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kinsler

I don’t have a big problem with the Kinsler bunt. He’s a good bunter and after the circus K Rod had just made of the previous play, make him handle the ball again. Kinsler is an experienced enough bunter that you have to think that you are going to get a better effort than what he gave.

However, my problem is with the MaxRam bunt. 0 sac bunts in his professional career and you expect him to get one down vs. K Rod. K Rod walked the leadoff guy and threw a lot of pitches the night before. Give him a chance to completely meltdown and walk another guy. I believe that the ball that Max bunted was a ball.

"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08

by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why?

Why? All Kinsler needs to do is swing the bat. Kinsler has been the best hitter not only on the Rangers but in the game over the past two months-he’s in Willie Mays/Mickey Mantle/Joe DiMaggio territory. Who on this green earth would ask their BEST HITTER to bunt with no outs, a runner in scoring position (and one on first) and down by one run in an extra-inning game? Isn’t that what you want-your BEST HITTER up with a chance to tie or win the game? Or do you want what Art Howe (filling in for Washington?) wants: to take the bat out of his hand and play this ridiculous thing called “small ball.” Please everyone, go to the FireJoeMorgan site that WyoRanger links above and see exactly why you shouldn’t bunt with great hitters (or, I would say, with anybody except the pitcher).

by davea on Jul 11, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The worst part about the bunt...

Is that we had just dodged a HUGE bullet with one minutes earlier.

You think that alone would be enough to have Kinsler swinging.

Plaschke: Scioscia, the former Dodgers catcher, is the model manager who has created an atmosphere of winning.
Junior:It's that simple. Mike Scioscia brings a Glade Plug-In labeled "Winning™" into the clubhouse and everyone who breathes it in gains 15 points in average.

by TheBZA on Jul 11, 2008 10:32 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

but to start with why was Max bunting. He hit a HR earlier in the game off Shields, one of the better setup guys in the league. I doubt Max has ever bunted ever in his life.

by coolaid on Jul 11, 2008 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Max bunting?

Its not like he is a power hitting C/1B who normally hit 3rd in the minors. Yeah, having Max bunt was a smart move. :~(

"An effortless 98" - Scott Gardner after Neftali Feliz's first AA pitch

by RangerMad on Jul 11, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Max

he was bunting because he is the 9th place hitter and you are trying to get someone in scoring position for Kinsler who is the hottest hitter in the majors. Max bunting was a smart move, Kinsler not so much although i do see the reasoning behind it I just don’t agree with the decision

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 Jul 11, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what about Max Ramirez?

is he being sent down too?

I honestly don’t see the need to keep him here and despite the big HR – he’s not been all that great and some additional ABs on the farm might help.

I actually would like to see Salty get sent down too, but I’m not sure who would be the backup C if we did that.

I’m not really sure Hank helps this team much at this point, but I guess we will wait and see how his rehab starts go – we really just need him to be a consistent bat which is not his career MO

by simplesimon on Jul 11, 2008 10:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

what we really need

is for him to get red hot for 2 weeks so that we can get a decent prospect for him at the deadline.

And I hate to say that. Before the Hambone era, Blalock was always my favorite Ranger, but if he can’t play third base anymore, there really isn’t room for him here long term.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

3b

he can still play third, but from what i’ve read when he volunteered to move to first he specifically said he wouldnt want to move back and this would be a permanent move (which i was never really on board with anyway).

personally i think the ideal situation is hank at third, davis at first and vazquez back to untility and send duran back down

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

surely he can't play 3b

I’ve just assumed that the move to first had to be somehow related to his health.

If Hank can still play 3b, then it was (and is) just incredibly stupid to move him across the diamond.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm going with your second option

i think he can still play third, and it was a dumb move…. but we’ll see

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

think about where this team was at 1b when hank volunteered...

we had a shelton/cat platoon with neither player hitting over .250…and at 3b we had ramon hitting pretty lights out and german being serviceable…Hank thought lets keep our .300 hitting 3b platoon and i’ll take the reins on our shoddy 1b.

by phatjeremy on Jul 11, 2008 1:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think so...

...my opinion (admittedly just an opinion) is that he either knew that his best way back in the lineup was to learn a new position or that he didn’t really “volunteer” at all… like the way that Johhny Oates didn’t really “resign” as manager in 2001.

To think that Hank’s decision was based on any team-first attitude is naive i think.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jul 11, 2008 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lets be honest though

Which 6-9 lineup would you rather watch?

Option A: Davis, Boggs, Max
Option B: Blalock, Byrd, Laird

Plaschke: Scioscia, the former Dodgers catcher, is the model manager who has created an atmosphere of winning.
Junior:It's that simple. Mike Scioscia brings a Glade Plug-In labeled "Winning™" into the clubhouse and everyone who breathes it in gains 15 points in average.

by TheBZA on Jul 11, 2008 10:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Byrd

Wouldn’t hit that low, but you get my point.

Plaschke: Scioscia, the former Dodgers catcher, is the model manager who has created an atmosphere of winning.
Junior:It's that simple. Mike Scioscia brings a Glade Plug-In labeled "Winning™" into the clubhouse and everyone who breathes it in gains 15 points in average.

by TheBZA on Jul 11, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's only 3 batters for 4 spots...

...did you mean 7-9?

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jul 11, 2008 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks

Maybe I need to brush up on my counting.

Plaschke: Scioscia, the former Dodgers catcher, is the model manager who has created an atmosphere of winning.
Junior:It's that simple. Mike Scioscia brings a Glade Plug-In labeled "Winning™" into the clubhouse and everyone who breathes it in gains 15 points in average.

by TheBZA on Jul 11, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

As for your original question...

...I would take a hybrid of A and B: Davis-Boggs-Laird

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jul 11, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ramirez and Davis

it’s not a big deal if they get sent down for a while. I don’t want either of them down for long, but if they have any shot at moving Blalock he needs to start regularly. Ditto Laird/Salty.

Salty hasn’t exactly stormed the heights at the plate but it seems they feel he’s made some progress behind it and he still has lots of potential. Ramirez doesn’t look too bad behind the plate either, I’m starting to think he could stick at catcher.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 10:40 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

catcher defense

Isn’t the difference between Salty and Max pretty negligible as far as overall defense behind the plate?

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

catchers

before i would have said salty had an edge, but max has impressed me of late behind the plate.

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Max certainly does a great job

at blocking the plate.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blocking

the plate like that, although dramatic, is not a great idea and will end your career very prematurely. I wish he would find another way to tag a runner out before he gets hurt badly. He could be a good one.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm guessing you've never caught a game before?

"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants

by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not that it matters

but you’re guessing wrong.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shall I guess

that you have?

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think I've caught enough

to speak to basic fundamentals of catching: throwing, blocking balls, framing, calling a game and blocking the plate.

"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants

by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please, seriously

if what you say is true than we wouldnt be having this conversation.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, not really

It’s possible to take a lot of pride in your defense—regardless of level.

But, yeah, I think we’re done here.

MaxRam still walks.

"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants

by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

its good to take pride in what you do, but what has that got to do with the conversation?

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you're worried about ending your career

from blocking the plate, then you probably shouldn’t be catching in the first place.

Were you taught to stand out of the way and dip down for a tag? I mean, seriously.

"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants

by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He came into

pro ball as a 3B. Organizations (which know much more than you or me) have moved him to different positions trying to find a place he could play and stick as a MLB player. They brought him up to back-up Salty, after Laird got hurt, because he caught a bit in the minors, but mainly for his bat. Believe me, baseball people cringe when they see there backstop block the plate and taking unneccessary hits like that and they dont teach that method. The last time I saw that taught (through ignorance) was in Little League.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I’ll have to concede to “believing you” and your elaborately founded opinions.

Cringe.

"I’ll say something that doesn’t need context: anyone who is a Mariner’s fan is a douchebag." - FuturePants

by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2008 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You don't have to

concede anything. If you want to discuss or compare, lets do it.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

were you

taught to stand in front of the runner and get run over, hoping you can hang on to the ball? Seriously?

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes

Catchers at every level, outside of pro ball, are taught to block the plate at all costs. That is because pro ball is the only level where you are allowed to “truck” the catcher. There is minimal risk to it, because by rule, the runner has to avoid contact.

Now, in pro ball things change a little. In both cases with Max, he didn’t have a lot of choice. The other day, he hung in there, caught the ball and the runner was on him, going at his head. I guess he could have tried to catch the ball away from the plate and attempted to swipe at the runner (who for sure in that scenario would have slid to the outside of the bag) who would have been safe. Yesterday, he set up where the ball was coming in just ahead of the runner and did a good job of absorbing the blow by twisting away from the contact.

I’m not sure what you want him to do? In both cases he did a good job at protecting himself as much as possible. I guess he could have stood out of the way and in one case allowed the runner to be safe and the other probably put himself in greater danger.

"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08

by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Blocking

I thought last night that he didn’t just sat there at the plate because he turned away as he was making the tag.

by GregoryM on Jul 11, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not even close

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thanks for the detail

really makes me respect your opinion.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Jul 11, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry

what don’t you understand?

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

perhaps he was trying to say you need to elaborate.

just saying “not even close” doesn’t do much good

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh OK

thanks

by 3bagbeast on Jul 11, 2008 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bunting

As you progress in the game, bunting becomes more justified. I’m no advocate of NL style small-ball but unless one takes the position that bunting should be banned, last nights situation is not as ludicrous as some make it to be. Of course, asking Kinsler to bunt with his serious recent hotness makes it an even more difficult decision. I’m not sure there is a clear cut correct decision.
Getting Blalock some playing time to establish some trade value is a worthy short term objective for the Rangers to have. Unless last night signalled a turn-around in CD’s trending (this would be great), sending him down for a few weeks wouldn’t be awful.

by mcgee48c on Jul 11, 2008 10:47 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yes there is a correct decision

Don’t bunt with your BEST HITTER.

by davea on Jul 11, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The loss is bad

but in my short 8 years as a Rangers fan, I can honestly say that I have never been more excited to be a Rangers fan

"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

LSB facebook group ---->>> http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33345329288

by hinduplaya on Jul 11, 2008 10:48 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Weird boxscore line of the day

Pepe Sibid, a RHP on the Rangers1 DSL team, may have some control issues. He has a stellar .065 BAA, and a nice 1.27 GO/FO ratio, but has a 17/13 K/BB count in 14.1 IP.

Last night he went 1.1. With 4 outs to his credit, he had 4 BB’s and 4 wild pitches, 0 hits, and 2 K’s, with 1 ER.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LaLoosh

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Jul 11, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT: Elvis

how long is his hit streak? i went through the stats and they show his last 10 games and it goes further back than that. any1 know how long that hit streak goes?

also the guy is storming AA since coming back from his injury. he is at .298/.356/.353 with 31 sb’s, if the kid keeps it up he looks ready for AAA where Arias is still not doing terrible even if he cant take a pitch. what the hell are the rangers supposed to do?

"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 Jul 11, 2008 11:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

andrus

he’s overall been playing MUCH better since the injury, but he still needs to work on some of the mental errors while fielding.

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

by rentz on Jul 11, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That will come with age

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 Jul 11, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My count

16 games.

He missed a game or two in there, but Elvis’ last 0’fer was…June 21st.

Not bad.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jul 11, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, wait, there's more to Andrus's hot streak

Since returning he’s been on base in every game save 1 (I think), that very June 21st contest, and even then he drove in a run on a ground out. He’s gone hitless 3 times including June 21, but the other two he walked.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 11, 2008 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats a good problem to have

Kinsler is the best player on the rangers(done), BENOIT SUCKS(done), bring up Harrison(done),new: Put Nippert in rotation, Mendoza to the pen, get Feliz to AAA by the end of the year, trade cat

by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

your first sentence

was what i was thinking all night as i went to bed. how do you take the bat out the hands of the best hitter in the league right now?

by SteveP on Jul 11, 2008 11:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

bunting

really needs to be part of a managerial litmus test.

if you’re for it, you don’t get hired. simple.

by tangiers on Jul 11, 2008 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You know

After last night, I’m wondering something: did Arte Howe have a reputation as a bunter/small ball dumbass when he managed? Because I’m thinking maybe it’s Arte who infected Ron with the bunting disease, who conversely passed it on to Ian Kinsler.

A Lonestar in California

"My keyboard is a Yankees fan" - Whipsmart

by lonestarJon on Jul 11, 2008 12:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

so you are telling me you dont want a guy on 2nd and 3rd with 1 out

where just a sac fly or a slow grounder ties the game and a hit wins it?

Kinsler is the best player on the rangers(done), BENOIT SUCKS(done), bring up Harrison(done),new: Put Nippert in rotation, Mendoza to the pen, get Feliz to AAA by the end of the year, trade cat

by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not when

Ian “Masher” Kinsler is batting and it could be a guy on second with no outs and two runs in, just as easily

by bushe on Jul 11, 2008 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

a double is just as easy as a sac bunt

and when you are down in the last inning. you play to tie then worry about getting the lead later

Kinsler is the best player on the rangers(done), BENOIT SUCKS(done), bring up Harrison(done),new: Put Nippert in rotation, Mendoza to the pen, get Feliz to AAA by the end of the year, trade cat

by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

really?

A double is just as easy as a sac bunt?

That my friend may very well be sig worthy

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 Jul 11, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i meant a double is just as easy a sac bunt???????????????????????

because that is what bushe was implying

Kinsler is the best player on the rangers(done), BENOIT SUCKS(done), bring up Harrison(done),new: Put Nippert in rotation, Mendoza to the pen, get Feliz to AAA by the end of the year, trade cat

by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ahh ok

That didn’t click when I read his reply

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.
A double is just as easy as a sac bunt ~ by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 12:23 PM CDT

by bigsteve on Jul 11, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not

just as easily. Just more likely than with some hitters.

by mcgee48c on Jul 11, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm saying

It’s moronic to give away an out against one of the best closers in the game, especially when that out you’re giving away is one of the hottest hitters in the American League.

If you’ll notice, the results of Vazquez and MY’s AB’s would not have plated the run even had Kinsler’s bunt been successful.

A Lonestar in California

"My keyboard is a Yankees fan" - Whipsmart

by lonestarJon on Jul 11, 2008 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that doesnt mean anything, ramon's approach wouldnt have been different

Kinsler is the best player on the rangers(done), BENOIT SUCKS(done), bring up Harrison(done),new: Put Nippert in rotation, Mendoza to the pen, get Feliz to AAA by the end of the year, trade cat

by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

I don’t see how – he’d still have been trying to drive the ball somewhere to get the runners home. Either way, he goes up there trying to hit a single – I don’t think it changes his approach at all if he;s trying to hit a 1-run or a 2-run single. If anything it changes K-Rod’s approach, and he sees less driveable pitches.

A Lonestar in California

"My keyboard is a Yankees fan" - Whipsmart

by lonestarJon on Jul 11, 2008 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

The infield would almost certainly been in. So that changes your approach and what you are looking for pretty dramatically.

"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08

by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he didnt swing at pitch in the at-bat

if there were guys on 2nd and 3rd with one out then he would be trying to tie the game with a sac fly or if the infield was in then we would try to hit it hard on the ground if not a sac fly

Kinsler is the best player on the rangers(done), BENOIT SUCKS(done), bring up Harrison(done),new: Put Nippert in rotation, Mendoza to the pen, get Feliz to AAA by the end of the year, trade cat

by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also

probably changes the way KRod goes after him.

"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08

by badradiorules on Jul 11, 2008 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he would have walked cuz k-rod with just throw balls in the dirt

Kinsler is the best player on the rangers(done), BENOIT SUCKS(done), bring up Harrison(done),new: Put Nippert in rotation, Mendoza to the pen, get Feliz to AAA by the end of the year, trade cat

by nice hands on Jul 11, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know...

...if Scott Feldman doesn’t hit a batter to force in a run, then walk the next batter to force in another run… we wouldn’t be talking about any of this.

by oc on Jul 11, 2008 3:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs