Hank Blalock, third baseman
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM CDT
215 comments
Per Jeff Wilson at the S-T, Ron Washington says Hank Blalock is a third baseman again.
German Duran is likely going back to AAA.
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Geez...
No matter how many hints a guy drops… Recapping the math…
“Chris Davis is safe. Chris Davis is safe.” + Hank Blalock didn’t play 1B last night = Hank Blalock is a 3B again.
by NoNameOnCard on Jul 17, 2008 4:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
then why didnt he play 3b last night?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
just did
right after posting, still doesnt explain why they put him at dh vs 3b.
just that they made the decision to move him and decided to play him at dh.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 17, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He played DH because they wanted him to.
That’s it.
by NoNameOnCard on Jul 17, 2008 4:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey i caught your hint!!!
"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 17, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great!
This opens up many more trade possibilities.
And thus begins the Fall of the Ramon Empire…
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley
by Rodney on Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Twins
Blalock + for Liriano?
"An effortless 98" - Scott Gardner after Neftali Feliz's first AA pitch
by RangerMad on Jul 17, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Wake up, wake up, WAKE UP!
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Jul 17, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
+++++++++
not Blalock FOR Liriano!
"An effortless 98" - Scott Gardner after Neftali Feliz's first AA pitch
by RangerMad on Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unless the plus is Feliz or Davis, they are not answering the Rangers phone calls
by uthornfan on Jul 17, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you guys are all retards
that was a previous offer that we demanded when hanks name was brought up by the twins supposedly by managment.
"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 17, 2008 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"That'd be selling high on Liriano."
-Excel Hearts Choi
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Jul 18, 2008 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good grief
Let me have a diablo sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I'm in a God damned hurry!
by DaheelzCM on Jul 17, 2008 4:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hank at 3rd
I like this situation much better. I think CD needs to stay in the majors and I understand the career year that Vazquez is having, but I consider him a backup. I think everyone, especially the Rangers, wins in this situation.
by Chris Hanes on Jul 17, 2008 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
YAY!!!
This make the Rangers a better team. Keeping Davis at 1b and Hank at 3b.
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Jul 17, 2008 4:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Can he throw?
Or will he need to use the pitcher as a cut off man?
Let me have a diablo sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I'm in a God damned hurry!
by DaheelzCM on Jul 17, 2008 4:40 PM CDT reply actions 3 recs
man
that was good, I had people come by asking me what I was laughing at
by corbsclinton on Jul 17, 2008 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That
Was the funniest post you have made in… in… well, I was going to say in a long time, but I think it may be ever.
+ rec.
Classic iorange555: "lmao too bad i watched [the all-star game] at a friends house ;[ much funer on here"
by lonestarJon on Jul 18, 2008 4:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Validation from Baseball Jesus
I can die happy now.
Let me have a diablo sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I'm in a God damned hurry!
by DaheelzCM on Jul 18, 2008 6:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now
If Blalock gets back to hitting like Blalock we have one formidable lineup…
by sftxfan on Jul 17, 2008 4:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No it is formidable right now...
It will be awsome if he hits like the Hank of old.
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Jul 17, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He doesn't have to worry about hitting for power this year.
which means he can hit for average..
and he is capable of .320
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Jul 17, 2008 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see..
him hit in the 2 spot. start our lineup r l r l s, then hopefully davis will take over the 6 sspot eventually
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You want the best offensive player in the AL this year...
...to bat 5th? It’s bad enough that Wash bats him 4th, now you want to make it worse?
Physician: Primum non nocere
Batter: First, make no out
by Chad Crudup on Jul 18, 2008 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if he does hit for power
It is a bonus
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Jul 17, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
don’t we all feel like a horse’s ass for all of the discussion today?
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
by willamos2 on Jul 17, 2008 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Everything about this is right
If you are taking ABs away from someone, take them from Vasquez (and I like Ramon)
Blalock the 3rd baseman is more valuable to the Rangers than Blalock the 1st baseman as both a member of the Rangers and a trade chip
Gets Duran everyday ABs
"Here comes the version of Benoit that lets the other team put it out of reach. I hate that version."
-Athos
by SaltyDawg on Jul 17, 2008 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Vazquez was slumping relatively hard
This makes perfect sense. I’d have to imagine the odds of Blalock returning next year have just skyrocketed.
I just can’t see this team selling, beyond expendable parts such as Franky Cat and such.
by jamcadbury on Jul 17, 2008 4:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
good move
hank we can flip mayb offseason, and dh ramon whenever or pinch hit or utility to give my or ian some days off. duran will be up again soon enough he has proven to be atleast a utlity infielder at the ml lvl.
by Andrew L on Jul 17, 2008 4:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
duran
so who’s going to be in charge of the red foam finger now?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
The youngest guy on the team that is who
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ramirez or Boggs.
Whoever isn’t playing that day… and probably Davis or Murphy when Ramirez and Boggs are both playing.
by NoNameOnCard on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who is that masked man?
love the inside info that none of us have a clue about.
"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 17, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Youngest player on the bench.
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 17, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wasn't it Hank's baby
to start with?
"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 17, 2008 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me gusta
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 17, 2008 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Blalock takes another one for the team
and one for Blalock.
Laird for President
by rldwb on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Anybody see this?
Jul 17 T.R. Sullivan, of MLB.com, reports Texas Rangers C Gerald Laird (hamstring) will be out until the end of July or early August.
by sggut95 on Jul 17, 2008 4:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
what the fuh?
has he been hanging out with Blalock?
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
by willamos2 on Jul 17, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That sucks for OMFT
But it let’s Salty and Max play more.
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Jul 17, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
would not suprise me...
Hamstrings are tricky….they can talk longer than expected and can be reinjured.
I really don’t think laird was going to be traded anyway. I don’t think we move any of our catchers until the offseason. There is just too many questions surrounding each one of them to put our eggs in one basket.
The only way I see it happening at the deadline is if a young starting pitcher is being offered in a package for one of our catchers.
by clinton33 on Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't JD
naturally ask for a young pitcher in return for any of the catchers? I think Laird and Salty have the most value, Laird for being a proven major leaguer, and Salty because GMs just love giant switch hitting catchers who can (theoretically) mash.
by sggut95 on Jul 17, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How convenient
and well done, Gerry.
"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 17, 2008 8:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Gerald is saying his hamstring is worse than it really is....
so he can’t be traded before the deadline. He wants to stay here because he sees that Max and Salty are spare and he can win the job for good.
"GO RANGERS!!!" - bspate
by bspate on Jul 18, 2008 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Weird
this whole episode has been surreal.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 17, 2008 4:45 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Solid move ...
Hank volunteered to move over to 1B, back when the 1B situation sucked, but with Davis up and contributing, there’s no longer any need for him to switch positions. And if he’s healthy, and his bat gets back in form, I plug him right behind Bradley
Yea, though we play in the valley of the shadow of defeat, we shall fear no team ... 'cause Nolan says so !!
by FloridaRangerFan on Jul 17, 2008 4:49 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Best for everyone involved.
Takes pressure of Blalock to learn 1B.
Lets Duran get regular ABs.
Davis wouldn’t gain many more ABs in AAA, so why send him down when he’s clearly not overmatched by ML pitching.
Rangers have two potent sticks in their lineup instead of one.
I guess it still could cause problems with the defense on the left side, but hopefully that is outweighed by CD+Blalock in the lineup rather than Blalock+Duran or Blalock+Vazquez.
Go Rangers!
by rooster on Jul 17, 2008 4:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
hehe
kneejerkers happy.
Josh Hamilton is better than you.
by Longhorn on Jul 17, 2008 4:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
EG and JW
Anyone else see Evan Grant post a comment to the Jeff Wilson blog post? I thought that was amusing.
Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!
by DerekSTheRed on Jul 17, 2008 4:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Haha
I checked the times when the news 1st broke. DMN was beaten by 4 minutes.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," Bo Diddley
by Rodney on Jul 17, 2008 5:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't believe it's there anymore
by jamcadbury on Jul 17, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
deleted
Yeah it looks like it was deleted. EG basically said something to the effect of “haha you beat me but our paper is still better … just kidding see you in Minnesota.”
Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!
by DerekSTheRed on Jul 17, 2008 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The more things change...
"But the point is, [Jeff] Mathis is a bush-league uber douche." -lonestarJon
by ghtd36 on Jul 17, 2008 5:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
...the more they stay the same
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Jul 17, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i find it funny
that a not so intense follower of the rangers will look at the lineup and think, “oh, hank’s back,” completely oblivious to the drama.
of course, hank to third was beyond obvious.
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Jul 17, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah.
They’d never even imagine that this could happen. But it seems like a pretty common sense move, especially to avoid any sort of Botts-esque situation with the Beasticon.
This works for me, though. I’m pleased. So is my friend Ric.
"But the point is, [Jeff] Mathis is a bush-league uber douche." -lonestarJon
by ghtd36 on Jul 17, 2008 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Line-Up
Kinsler – 2nd
Young – SS
Hambone – CF
Bradley – DH
Hank – 3rd
Boggs – LF
Murphy – RF
Davis – 1st
Salty – Ramirez – C
Well …
by sftxfan on Jul 17, 2008 5:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
should be...
Kinsler
Blalock
Young
Hambone
Bradley
Davis
Byrd
Murphy/Boggs
Salty/Max
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blalock No. 2?
No way. He needs to bat 5th or 6th, and I wouldn’t mind putting him 7th until he proves he can hit again.
Kinsler 2b
Young ss
Greatest Player Of All Time cf
Bradley dh
Davis 1b
Murphy rf
Blalock 3b
Boggs lf
Salts/MaxRam c
"But the point is, [Jeff] Mathis is a bush-league uber douche." -lonestarJon
by ghtd36 on Jul 17, 2008 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ive always liked Blalock at 2..
so he doesn’t have to worry about hitting for power…
he can just hit.. and hit.
not to mention with whats behind him, he’d get a ton of pitches to hit.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think ghtd36 is on to something
Blalock will get a ton of pitches to hit batting 7th.
Laird for President
by rldwb on Jul 17, 2008 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
more than 2?
Why do you think Ian Kinsler is batting .340
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmmm
I believe Kinsler is hitting 340 at leadoff because he is good, and Young is batting 300 in the second hole because he is good.
I do not want to see the best 1 thru 4 (arguably) in baseball changed.
Laird for President
by rldwb on Jul 17, 2008 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is goood.. yes..
and Michael Young, Josh Hamilton and Milton Bradley hit behind him.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we have the best 1 and 2 hitters in baseball
no chance they mess with that.
"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 17, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Milton Bradley misses a game..
and Michael Young bats 3rd…
so we mess with that all the time.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
and they put vasquez at #2 and it was stupid as hell. that guy no matter how good he’s hitting has no business as our #2 hitter in the line up
"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 17, 2008 5:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blalock does though..
Im not saying right away, but if comes back, stays a Ranger through the deadline and is hitting well, our lineup could be maximized with Blalock hitting 2nd.. going r,l,r,l,s….
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you dont put a guy whose been hurt for as long as hank has straight into #2
"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 17, 2008 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats what i said...
not right away… he has to prove he has something first.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah Wash moves MY and Hamilton down in that situation...
...and it’s stupid, backwards, baseball-dinosaur thinking. The idea that a lineup without a “power” hitter in the 4th position is just the kind of stupid, blind managing that drives me crazy.
Physician: Primum non nocere
Batter: First, make no out
by Chad Crudup on Jul 18, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hamilton
You don’t consider a guy with 21 home runs by the ASB a power hitter?
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 18, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Of course I do...
...my point is that the 2nd best hitter on your team (2nd best when Bradley is out of the lineup) should NOT be batting 4th. He should stay batting no lower than 3rd.
Physician: Primum non nocere
Batter: First, make no out
by Chad Crudup on Jul 18, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know they haven't hit great...
but I’d flop Salty/MaxRam with Murphy and that lineup is what I’d go with. Breaks up the lefties nicely. Will never happen though.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Jul 17, 2008 10:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow, please no
you dont mess with the core 1-4 that has carried the team all year. especially for a guy with a sketchy history who is recoving from injury.
i expect him to hit 5th out of some veteran respect.
v lefties the lineup will have to be moved around to get boggs and laird/maxram breaking up those lefties.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Only logical move.
We should mash the shit out of righties now.
by LiamP on Jul 17, 2008 5:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Relief.
I was really scared that management was going to something dumb…like send Beasticon II down just because a veteran wanted to trade positions. This reaffirms that they really do have their heads screwed on right.
II Cor. 4:17-18
by TedFord on Jul 17, 2008 5:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Here was the conversation between Blalock and JD....
Hank: So JD I am ready take over that 1B bag for a few years….whos going to the bench? Cat? that spare Sheldon? Man I am so glad that I don’t have to make that throw from third anymore. My arm feels like a noodle and I have the range of Stephen Hawking.
JD:ummmmm…we brought up our top prospect Chris Davis
Hank: Oh man….you guys had to struggle with a rookie…boy I bet your glad to see me. I should ask for a raise.
JD:
Hank:
Hank: so…...my arm feels great and I have improved my range at 3B.
sorry I was bored…
by clinton33 on Jul 17, 2008 5:04 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
this is bullshit...
Vazquez’s glove > Blalock’s bat
by oc on Jul 17, 2008 5:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
doubt it
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Jul 17, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pretty sure ramon wasn't going to keep up 310
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Jul 17, 2008 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dont get ahead of yourself fellas.
"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 17, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Doesn't matter
Hank is probably gone in 2 weeks anyway.
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 17, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
blalock
at this point it would take some serious mashing over the next 2 weeks to get him traded.
but they may send him off for minimal return instead of sending him packing for nothing this off season
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 17, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
trading blalock
if hank shows he’s completely healed from his injuries, which is a longshot, and produces at a high level,another longshot, I could see the rangers trading him at the deadline. In all likelihood, however, it’s almost impossible to get fair value. They aren’t going to get blown away with offers, so why not roll the dice on hank one more time? We still have ramon as a contingency plan.
baseBALLIN!
by kevzta on Jul 17, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Geez
Give it a rest. You will not rest until MY is at 3rd, will you?
Nothing pithy here. Please move long.
by WyoRanger on Jul 17, 2008 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you just doing a bit?
Yeah, it was very clear. He even dedicated the next sentence to clearing up any possible ambiguity. For your sake, I hope this “not getting anything” bit you’ve been pulling lately is just that. Otherwise, I feel a small twinge in my heart for all those lawyer-shoppers out there on Facebook.
by brettgardner on Jul 17, 2008 8:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
LMAO
Are you just doing a bit?
Coming from the person who has patented the “board asshole” bit, that’s pretty funny.
And I don’t know where this “lawyer-shopping-on-Facebook” thing is coming from, but that’s really out of left field.
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 17, 2008 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why are you stringing me along?
The second sentence is perfect if you’re not doing a bit, but if you are, it’s still perfect.
I certainly don’t feel I’m the board asshole, though. I am an asshole, sure, but I think there are other guys here with far more talent than me.
by brettgardner on Jul 17, 2008 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For a smart guy
You are pretty dense sometimes Adam. It’s pretty clear what the guy meant.
Let me have a diablo sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I'm in a God damned hurry!
by DaheelzCM on Jul 18, 2008 6:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trade Vasquez now!
Sell high!
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 17, 2008 5:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+100000000000
"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 17, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is what I think should happen
Ramon’s value is as high as it ever has been and ever will be. He could fetch a good player in a heads up deal.
Blalock won’t be traded unless it is part of a bigger deal – Blalock+Beltre for a good pitching prospect, or something like that. The Rangers won’t trade Hank for slop, it’d be a PR disaster. So they have to say “we’re trading him for good pitching,” even if the other team is really trading for the prospect we’re offering up.
by JBImaknee on Jul 17, 2008 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And Ramon's cheap
so a team like the Twins and the Dodgers (who desperately need more offense from the SS/3B positions) can afford him for the stretch run.
by FirebatM3 on Jul 17, 2008 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What could Texas possibly get for Ramon?
A “B-” prospect?
by sggut95 on Jul 17, 2008 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Possibly
someone like a Zach Ward or maybe even a guy like a Scott Elbert or Jon Meloan.
by FirebatM3 on Jul 17, 2008 6:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Meloan's pretty good
isn’t he? I’d pull that trigger
"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 17, 2008 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They moved him to
starter and he quickly went from AWESOME to boiler plate
by FirebatM3 on Jul 17, 2008 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i remember the benoit for meloan trade ideas we had on here
or a loney/ethier/meloan based teixeira deal.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pitching in Las Vegas
is a pretty tough task. I think Meloan will be a solid ML reliever, possibly real solid.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Jul 17, 2008 7:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't it make sense
to finally admit Blalock can’t hit lefties and just platoon him? Problem is, Vasquez can’t hit lefties either.
Vs LHP this year:
Blalock: .185/.267/.222
Vasquez: .156/.229/.188
Duran: .277/.352/.404
by sggut95 on Jul 17, 2008 5:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
2007.. relatively small example..
but .298 vs lefties
this year is even smaller.. so that .185 isnt fair.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How bout career stats?
That suit you better?
v LHP
.224/.279/.345 in 794 AB
by sggut95 on Jul 17, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nope...
i believe people have the abilitly to get better.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok
So when is that “getting better” going to happen?
by sggut95 on Jul 17, 2008 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well..
Last year it seems.. but we will see if trends from last year or the beginning of this year hold up..
i dont know.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Outlier
I would go with the numbers over the last five years. 2004 is the only year, besides the 47 at bats last year, Hank hit lefties.
by sggut95 on Jul 17, 2008 5:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Im not ready to say..
He can’t hit lefties.
i just need more time.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow...
small sample size, but Duran rocks lefties
"No, Donny, these men are nihilists, there's nothing to be afraid of."
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 17, 2008 6:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Welll...
Last year it seems.. but we will see if trends from last year or the beginning of this year hold up..
i dont know.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 5:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well
I sure hope this is a signal of many trades to come. Of course it won’t matter if Hank strains his quad trying to sign an autograph.
by jcir454 on Jul 17, 2008 5:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
excellent.
my props to ramon for a job well done though.
should be some 3b starts while blalock gets up to full strength, and resting MY/Kins here and there during the tough couple months here of 95+ heat.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 6:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
oh and too bad for duran
he had FINALLY started hitting. but he does need some more AAA time, and will be back in september im sure.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
regarding the lineups
don’t mess with 1-4
vazquez had hit #9 plenty of times this year and did very well there. it’s only the #9 hitter the first go around. after that you could just as easily think of the lineup as blalock/kinsler/young
or he could just as easily hit 6th, if hitting last hurts his trade value. not so sure i’d wanna trade him. it’s not like his contract is gonna be HUGE next season.
http://www.buchanan4pres2008.org/
NIXON: NOW MORE THAN EVER
by gossamer on Jul 17, 2008 6:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hank
I wouldn’t be too entirely shocked if Hank ends up switching dugouts while in Minnesota. Or perhaps we’ll see Vasquez get dealt, either way I have to think JD gets rid of one of our can’t-hit-lefties 3b….
by jcir454 on Jul 17, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hank will not be dealt
and Michael will be at short for awhile, may not be the best defensive infield in the world but it may be the best offensively. With our outfield, DH, and catching this team should be awesome.
Laird for President
by rldwb on Jul 17, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont know about for his first few games back
but i expect once hes ready he will be given the 5th spot out of veteran-ness. The spot isnt exactly been locked down, murph drove in runs but we all know his numbers arnt really that great.
Davis perhaps would be the best person hitting behind the high obp’s of bradley/hamilton but I dont expect that to happen so soon. Its still only been 16 games.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 6:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vasquez wont be dealt..
its silly to think Vasquez will be dealt to someone looking to upgrade their 3rd base position.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 6:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You obviously
have not met Mike Lamb
by FirebatM3 on Jul 17, 2008 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
sure...
...if you think Hank’s wrists have it bad, wait ‘til his legs play on that….. whatever the hell that surface is…
by oc on Jul 17, 2008 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the surface matters for outfielders way more than infielders.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
doesn't matter...
...when you’ve got a human band-aid out there.
by oc on Jul 17, 2008 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ohhh i have....
watched him many times…
but, if a team is going to trade to get an offensive upgrade at third base.. Ramone Vasquez is not their man.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 6:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
question
Hank left Arlington a Ranger. Does he return with the team to face SEA on 7/28?
"An effortless 98" - Scott Gardner after Neftali Feliz's first AA pitch
by RangerMad on Jul 17, 2008 6:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Not to get technical...
but he left Frisco a Ranger.
by tyd3311 on Jul 17, 2008 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or perhaps he left Frisco a Rough Rider
then arrived in Minnesota a Ranger…
So what was he on the plane?
"Here comes the version of Benoit that lets the other team put it out of reach. I hate that version."
-Athos
by SaltyDawg on Jul 17, 2008 9:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
executed
:(
Warner Madrigal is the Rangers most underrated prospect by a longshot; he SHOULD be be closing games within 3 years IMO. Matt Harrison is underrated too.
by dstar442005 on Jul 17, 2008 9:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Back to his "other job"
Bow-chicka-bow-wow
"Here comes the version of Benoit that lets the other team put it out of reach. I hate that version."
-Athos
by SaltyDawg on Jul 17, 2008 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vazquez
Hitting .240/.316/.280 since June 24th. Assuming he’s physically capable of handling his post, this is a fine turn of events for the Rangers.
Here are my oft-echoed (albeit lengthy) thoughts on the situation, for anybody interested.
And by the way, anybody catch Hank’s less-than-enthused reaction?
“It’s what the boss said is best for the team, and I’m the employee. That’s what I’m going to do.”
by jamcadbury on Jul 17, 2008 10:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
no way around it...
...this is a showcase for the Twinkies.
by oc on Jul 17, 2008 10:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i dont know why he cares that much
3bs are harder to find than 1bs anyway. Is it really that big of a deal that he took a bunch of practice at 1b, adding some versatility to his game?
of course, that quote really doesnt say much. speaking hypothetically i guess.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Additionally
“Immediately he didn’t go for that. It took some time for him to think it over. It was a shock,” [Ron] Washington said. “Once he got some quiet time with himself and thought things out, he felt like it was best for the team. He didn’t want to see Chris leave. And now I got both of them, so I’m happy.”
For some reason, I get this vision of Chris off the Sopranos at the beginning of his intervention when he starts to walk off and says “F-- this s—.”
And then he gets the living hell beaten out of him, but that’s a different story entirely.
by jamcadbury on Jul 17, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wow
youd think we moved him back and first every other game
he hasnt even played a single mlb game at 1b. hes played what, 2 in the minors?
i just dont see the big deal about going between 1b/3b as the team needs you, as long as its not on a day to day basis.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you were once considered the future of this franchise...
...you played year in, year out… on a bunch of sorry-ass baseball teams, led by a front-office with no direction… you started developing a bad habit of getting hurt… the team started getting better in your absense… an influx of youth leading the way… you became more and more of a footnote… you volunteered helping the team by switching positions… then pushed yourself too far in the recovery process… thus prolonging your return… and when you finally were able to contribute… they told you that your effort at the new spot was no longer needed, and that you were going back to your old position…
and ultimately, you knew that the clock was ticking before you were going to be released…
i would not want to be in that man’s shoes right now.
by oc on Jul 17, 2008 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The theory I've heard
is that Hank knows his body is something less than totally durable and wants to preserve his health by sticking at first base.
by jamcadbury on Jul 17, 2008 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Blalock...
Should have never been moved to 1B in the first place.
As t ball says above, now would be a great time to see what we could get for Ramon as well.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Jul 17, 2008 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I was joking
I don’t think a team would offer much for Ramon, they know this year is a fluke.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 18, 2008 7:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You mean his first half of this year...
...is a fluke. He has already started to revert to his career self.
I admit that about a month ago I thought the Rangers could get something decent from a contender for Ramon.
But I was young and foolish then. I’ve since matured and wisened up a great deal.
Physician: Primum non nocere
Batter: First, make no out
by Chad Crudup on Jul 18, 2008 9:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grant with another blog post
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/07/last-blalock-post-of-the-night-i-hope.html
A reliever is the likely demote instead of Duran, so there’s that.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Jul 17, 2008 10:55 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Umm why?
"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005
by Agreen07 on Jul 17, 2008 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Duran will apparently head to OKC on Sunday
Texas is coming out of the break with a rested pen and nine relievers. At least one is expendable.
by jamcadbury on Jul 17, 2008 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no real reason to have duran for an extra 2 days instead of a reliever for an extra 2 days
unless they are going to start him against the lefty on friday or something.. which i doubt.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 17, 2008 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the idea
of hank attempting to field a carlos gomez bunt on astroturf does not fill me with overwhelming excitement.
by tangiers on Jul 17, 2008 11:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I wonder
Big Ben posted over on NMLR’s forum an interesting thought. Maybe this is an overture for a MIN-TEX deal, a 3B to a contender who needs one, and a high upside LHP to a team who needs one.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Jul 17, 2008 11:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
are you talking about liriano?
it would take a ton to get him.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 18, 2008 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think
Ed is talking about Tyler Robertson. Tyler is the brother of Rangers’ 29th round draft selection Charlie Robertson and the son of special assistant to the GM Jay Robertson (wasn’t it him who posted on here a while back).
by coolaid on Jul 18, 2008 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that would make more sense.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 18, 2008 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Either, but
The more I read the Twins blogs and coverage, the more I think they are after Adrian Beltre from Seattle. I have to tap the brakes on Hank to MN thoughts.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Jul 18, 2008 1:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thirdbase
if i’m the twins gm i’d go for beltre over hank too
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 18, 2008 7:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me, too,
Beltre has to have more value than Blalock right now.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 18, 2008 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if you are talking salary, my guess is the mariners eat part of that or take a smaller return to get out from under the contract
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 18, 2008 8:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I'd expect, though
the Twins history of making smaller deals factors in. We’ll have to see how the new GM rolls compared to his predecessor.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Jul 18, 2008 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he was talking about Liriano
At least that’s the vibe I get from this
But I did see someone (EG?) mention Robertson
"Here comes the version of Benoit that lets the other team put it out of reach. I hate that version."
-Athos
by SaltyDawg on Jul 18, 2008 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea
Grant had that nugget on his blog. I would settle for Robertson since I doubt the Twins are stupid enough to get rid of Liriano.
by coolaid on Jul 18, 2008 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It would take a ton to land Liriano
Robertson is interesting…and you know there is at least one person in the Rangers org. who would be interested in him. Found some stuff on him.
SaberScouting Report
Sickels’ Controversial Prospect Update
"Here comes the version of Benoit that lets the other team put it out of reach. I hate that version."
-Athos
by SaltyDawg on Jul 18, 2008 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Liriano would be a great get
but the Twins have no real reason to shop him which means you would have to blow their doors off to get them to deal him.
Blalock, Andrus, Hurley, JMJ might get them to pick up the phone.
"Here comes the version of Benoit that lets the other team put it out of reach. I hate that version."
-Athos
by SaltyDawg on Jul 18, 2008 12:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Liriano
nothing in the Rangers past tells me they can harness a head case pitcher.
""If they'd have told me you can make the team but you've got to shine the shoes, I'd have been there shining shoes." -Bradley
by ab03 on Jul 18, 2008 1:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure they can
they can trade him to cinci :)
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Jul 18, 2008 7:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kinsler
Young
Hamilton
Bradley
Blalock
Byrd
Murphy
Davis
Salty/Max
Damn, other than Kins, Young and Bradley we have no good right handed power, the 1st 4 in the lineup are fine like it is, after that i like murphy or blalock (flip flop em) with Bird in the middle then Davis, Salty/Max and Boggs and Ramon to play some as well, we still need someone middle lineup who can hit lefties, where is Sammy (i’m kidding)
by TRFAN on Jul 18, 2008 1:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
nelson cruz ?
OK, you knew I was going to say that.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Jul 18, 2008 1:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there arnt a whole lot of teams that have 4-5 power lefties and 2-3 power lefties.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Jul 18, 2008 3:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sexon
just made a deal with the yankees according to msnbc web site.
¡yo soy Horsedooty!
I soloed in the Mile High Club!
by horsedooty on Jul 18, 2008 4:00 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I feel as if a giant weight has been lifted from my shoulders
Go Chris Davis go.
Classic iorange555: "lmao too bad i watched [the all-star game] at a friends house ;[ much funer on here"
by lonestarJon on Jul 18, 2008 4:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm glad Chris Davis is staying up.....
but I think Blalock back to 3B is going to be a disaster to the team’s momentum. His offense and defense will be below what we’ve had recently at 3B…....... sigh.
"GO RANGERS!!!" - bspate
by bspate on Jul 18, 2008 9:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
it would matter
only if you think this team can compete for anything this year.
"And I stopped beating my wife just a couple of weeks ago." -John McCain
by DJCahill on Jul 18, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hank Blalock's offense is going to be worse than Ramon Vazquez's offense?
Really?
I mean Vazquez went on a hot streak there for awhile, but he’s cooled off since then – just .257/.350/.286 his last 10 games, and .254/.338/.343 his last 20. Very meh.
Blalock, at the very least has better pop than that, and should do better than the .250’s anyway.
Classic iorange555: "lmao too bad i watched [the all-star game] at a friends house ;[ much funer on here"
by lonestarJon on Jul 18, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and that's while
platooning with Duran. He’s cooling off.
by FirebatM3 on Jul 18, 2008 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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