FanPost

BP Goldstein Chat Wrap...Lots of Rangers talk

The entire chat transcript is here, but these are the comments relating to the Rangers.

 

BrowningNagle (Louisville, KY): What is the ultimate ceiling of Engel Beltre? He is absolutely murdering right handers. Is he along the mold of a Grady Sizemore (less some power)?

Kevin Goldstein: Wow -- long time no see Browning. Beltre's ultimate ceiling is off the charts. I haven't seen a player in the Midwest League who can match him on a pure tools level. That said, he has about 2% of Grady Sizemore's approach, and that has to change -- luckily he's get plenty of time.

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Neftali Feliz (Frisco, Texas): Surprised by my domination of the Texas League thus far?

Kevin Goldstein: Nope.

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Taylor Teagarden (OKC): No one questions my defensive abilities on the field, but will I hit enough to be a decent offensive catcher in the Bigs?

Kevin Goldstein: OKC? You're in the big leagues, baby! I compared him to kinda a Mickey Tettleton type with defensive chops, and I still like that.

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James (Stamford, Texas): Any concern Smoak doesn't sign?

Kevin Goldstein: No. He's just waiting it out like everyone else, and he wants to see what guys like Alonso and Beckham get, because he feels like he's in their neighborhood.

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Derek Holland (Bakersfield): Am I for real, or is the Scott Kazmir upside just hype?

Kevin Goldstein: I'm a big Holland believer, but did somebody really compare him to Kazmir? That's just silly talk. Put it this way, Holland just got to High-A (and he's dominated), and he turns 22 in October. At 22, Kazmir was entering his third year in the big leagues. Get excited, but don't get silly.

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myshkin (Santa Clara, CA): Who's the best power hitter from the 2008 draft five years from now?

Kevin Goldstein: Hosmer or Smoak.

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fellajsmall (ATL GA): I do not see a reason why someone would want Alonso over Smoak....seems like Smoak is better in every facet except maybe patience.

Kevin Goldstein: I agree with you whole heartedly.

 

 

Non-Ranger related:

Josh (outside Providence): Where can we expect Michael Bowden to rate next year in the top 100?

Kevin Goldstein: I haven't thought much about an overall top 100 of later, but my gut tells me in the first quarter of it.

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Clonod (St. Louis): Would you say that Willie Mays is a good comp for Colby Rasmus.

Kevin Goldstein: Comparing anyone to Willie Mays is ridiculous. Don't do that.