Friday a.m. things

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 25, 2008 8:02 AM CDT Comment 118 comments

The day after an off day is almost always relatively quiet. Today is no exception.

Kevin Millwood's groin supposedly feels better, and he's going to test it today. Gerald Laird, meanwhile, is going to catch all 9 innings tonight for Oklahoma, and then be activated for Friday's game. Presumably, Max Ramirez gets sent down then.

Anthony Andro has a rundown of what the Rangers would need to do to make the playoffs. Suffice it to say, the odds aren't good.

Jeff Wilson has a mailbag column up.

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Comments

Im going out on a limb..

to say the reason Max hasn’t played in a while is because they wanted to give Salty’ one last opportunity to turn things around, which he hasn’t.

Salty’ is going down.

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 8:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I think

Maxs ‘lack of PT is because he was brought up to back up Saltalamachia. He should have spelled Salty on Wednesdays day game bought Millwood was throwing so…..? I also think that limb is fixin’ to break.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 25, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The thing Salty does

that I think is under appreciated is his plate discipline. Yes, he strikes out alot, but his ability to take pitches also leads to walks and will eventually wear down pitchers.

"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 25, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

walks

When you are touted as this potentially game changing offensive catcher im sorry but seeing you watch good pitches go by just so you can draw a walk doesn’t do anything for me. Salty is supposed to be a guy that even if his defense is sub par he can make up for that with his offense. Being able to draw walks doesn’t make up for sub par defense in my book.

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 25, 2008 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well

at the same time, he is younger than TT, Ram, and Laird, so there is still room to get better Defensively

"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 25, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I realize that

And as much as you love seeing young players having plate discipline I would also like to see him show me some of that offensive potential we have been hearing about since we traded for him. When he started the year in OKC he showed that offensive punch and that helped quickly get him back to the bigs.

Let me ask you this. Chris Davis. He mashed minor league hitting. Im in no way comparing Salty to davis by the way. But as much as we love the kid for what he has done since he has been up here would our enthusiasm be as high if say he had a .230 avg. and only had hit 1 or 2 home runs instead of 8? I don’t think it would. With Salty I can’t tell you how many times i have wanted to jump through the TV and tell him to stop just watching strike after strike go right down the middle of the plate. Its fine to draw a walk if the pitcher is pitching around you and stuff but when you get good pitches to hit and you just constantly watch them go by and then draw a walk I consider that a give 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 25, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree there

but my main point was that it is not time to give up on Salty just because he hasn’t performed up to expectations, whatever they may have been, this year…

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

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

by hinduplaya on Jul 25, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't get me wrong

I don’t want to give up on him. But i also hate hearing about his offensive abilities and then watch him watch fastballs down the pipe. Davis is crushing those 400+ feet while Salty is straining to get a walk.

Its the old argument. If you are a power hitter I can live with a high number of strikeouts if you are supplying power to the lineup. If you aren’t an offensive player i can survive if you give great defense and get on base at a good clip. But if you are a supposed power threat I have a hard time justifying playing you if you aren’t hitting for power and not playing great defense. Walks get me one base. Sometimes when my power guy is up I need more than that.

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 25, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yes having patience

does not mean taking get pitches but working to get good pitches to hit. If they don’t throm’em you take the walk. That was the Ranger’s complaint vs Bottsy, that he was not aggresive enough, and took hittable pitches to get on base. It is all about productivity baby.

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"taking good pitches" that is

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well I'll agree there

"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 25, 2008 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

plate discipline got Bottsy

a one-way to Japan

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW

Jason Botts .118 BA in Japan right now. I wonder if he needs 1000 PAs over there as well to get things going.

"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 25, 2008 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yikes

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

at least he's gettin' paid

hope he got it all up front

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

that sucks.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 25, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

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

by DJCahill on Jul 25, 2008 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Prompted me...

Rob Tejeda as a Royal
14.2 IP
9 H
8 R
5 ER
0 HR
7 BB
16 K

3.07 ERA

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jul 25, 2008 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A walk

every 2 innings, that might catch up to him.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 25, 2008 8:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he may have discipline

but he sucked at pitch recognition.

although i dont know if salty is good at that or not..

the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is

by DSheppard on Jul 25, 2008 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

But Max isn’t gonna get all that much more playing time if he has to platoon with One Man Five Donuts (unless they actually do trade him like I’m hoping). I think at this point, since Salty already tore up AAA earlier this year they’d rather leave him in the Majors to sink or swim, and get MaxRam full time reps behind the plate in OKC so he can fine-tune his defense and be a solid option for the starting role by next year.

I should amend though, that I wouldn’t have any problem with Salty going down to get consistent reps behind the plate either – his season is pretty much a wash at this point.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OR

Milton Bradley takes the field more often, and maybe even to spell Davis at first versus the extremely tough lefties??

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Or

Maybe Milton is traded…

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Please, no!

Don’t trade Milton Bradley. Sign him. He’s cool.

by 3Bagger on Jul 25, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

real

cool

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, but I'm sure the young pitcher he'd fetch us

Would be even cooler…

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Protection

He makes Josh Hamilton, Michael Young, and Ian Kinsler much better.

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

But I think Max and Chris Davis will wind up filling that role quite nicely. Don’t get me wrong, I love Milton, he’s become one of my favorite players – but I also know he’s our best trade chip. If somebody offers us the young starter we need in return for him… you gotta make that deal.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

have to

and it shouldn’t be a hard decision.

Bradley won’t stay healthy and he won’t stay near a 1.000 OPS, so trade him while he is.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Jul 25, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You dont just trade him..

In the right deal, you trade him.

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe in a few years

but not just yet.

by aggierangerfan00 on Jul 25, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

if we get a ml-ready pitcher then i'd trade him

but if we are just gettting another lower lever pitching prospect then we shouldnt trade him

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Jul 25, 2008 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, and an interesting aside

Chris Davis so far:

vs RHP: .245/.286/.566
vs. LHP: .346/.414/.846

That could be an anomaly given the sample size, but so far at least, Davis has absolutely no weakness against lefties…

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thats what he does

takes a weakness.. works to improve

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah it is a curious stat

I ‘m sure it will even out over time but hopefully to his advantage

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i really really hope so

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Jul 25, 2008 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laird

Was this written last night? Or is Laird gonna catch all 9 innings tonight and be activated for tomorrows game?

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 25, 2008 8:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

+ confused

Godwin's Law Version 2.0 (Rangers Edition)
"As a Ranger discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Danks, Volquez, or Young approaches one."

by LBBRangerFan on Jul 25, 2008 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the date on the article was yesterday

by venturafearsnolan on Jul 25, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

didn't read the article

just saw that this was posted this morning at 8am with it saying Laird would catch 9 innings tonight for OKC and then be activated for Fridays game. Sounds kinda hard to do if you ask me

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 25, 2008 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I read that he was

going to catch two 9 inning games, back to back, then join the rangers on Sunday if he felt alright. Things couldve changed i guess…

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad to see some playoff pessimism

I hope we don’t even sniff the playoffs this year. Threaten in 2009, compete in 2010. Hurry up, Neftali…

by 3k on Jul 25, 2008 8:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The playoffs have been over for awhile

due to the Angels overachieving their pythags by so much. If the Angels were 54-47, playoffs might be worth talking about.

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

by DJCahill on Jul 25, 2008 8:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

playoffs!?? PLAYOFFS?

dont talk to me about playoffs! playoffs??

never seen a more fitting beer commercial than that.

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

by rentz on Jul 25, 2008 8:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree but

let’s hope DJ works his magic over the next 6 months so we don’t have to wait 2 frackin’ years!

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree but...

I feel like it will be “threaten in 2010, compete in 2011”, “threaten in 2011, compete in 2012”, “threaten in 2012, compete in 2013”. It’s always next year.

by aggierangerfan00 on Jul 25, 2008 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by 2010

Kinsler and Hambone’s best years will likely be behind them.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Jul 25, 2008 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol

WHATTT?

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nevermind

in 2010 Hambone will be 29 and Kinsler 28, they should both be in the wheelhouse of their careers that year.

For some reason 2010 seemed like it was farther off…

My bad.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Jul 25, 2008 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

it

happens

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 5:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think you...

just made tyd wet himself.

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

by slc ranger on Jul 25, 2008 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rosenthal's latest

The Yankees definitely have interest in Rangers catcher Gerald Laird, but haven’t asked the Royals about Miguel Olivo.

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 8:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How does one test their groin?

Wait, I think I know the answer.

Nothing pithy here. Please move long.

by WyoRanger on Jul 25, 2008 9:03 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I done it before....

You need 3 asian women, a midget that’s in good shape, a Micheal Bolton CD, and a can of refried beans.

by clinton33 on Jul 25, 2008 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

and a 9 iron... recently regripped.

I blame it not on Ron Washington, but on society. Society is to blame. And Ron Washington. ~Ken Tremendous on Ron Washington sac bunting in the 11th vs LAA

by ivysafety39 on Jul 25, 2008 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Laird

0-9 with a sac fly on his rehab assignment so far. I sure hope he doesn’t come back stone-cold at the plate again and ruin his trade value at the last minute.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 9:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He caught Salty's bat cancer.

eom.

"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."

by benmor78 on Jul 25, 2008 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Either that...

Or he’s regressing back toward his career mean BABIP-wise…

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

all the better to hash out a deal with the Yanks

by clinton33 on Jul 25, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone see this minor league brawl?

DAYTON, Ohio - Fifteen players and both managers were ejected - and a fan was sent to the hospital—following a 10-minute, benches-clearing brawl in a Class-A minor league game between affiliates of the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs on Thursday night.

The fan was taken to the hospital after being hit by a ball thrown by Peoria (Cubs) pitcher Julio Castillo, who was throwing at the Dayton (Reds) dugout but missed during the first-inning melee between Midwest League teams.

by clinton33 on Jul 25, 2008 9:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Link to video

Video from ESPN.com

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 Jul 25, 2008 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

its great how

espn only shows the wnba when there is a fight and only shows minor-league baseball when there is a fight

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Jul 25, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ha!

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

Embarrasing...

Minor League manager meltdowns can be fun, but a brawl like that is just absolutely insane. The pitcher who chucked the ball into the stands is an outright moron.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The two coaches going at it.

Former Rangers greats Donnie Scott and Desi Wilson

"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 25, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its even better

Earlier in the same inning (the 1st inning, I believe), the Castillo had already hit another batter in the head, taking him out of the game. Then he collided with his own 2B while going after a ground ball up the middle. The 2B’s leg got broken on the play! Later in the same inning, Castillo plunks the hitter who had hit a walk-off HR the night before.

I’m so glad this wasn’t a Ranger MiLB team.

by NorCalRangersFan on Jul 25, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man there just needs to be

a youtube remix of all the high/lo-lights. Seems somone nearly got killed in every at-bat…

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Castillo wanted to be Albert Pujols

but unfortunately, both his style and execution were Quaylean

by Telegraph on Jul 25, 2008 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Playoffs??????

Anthony Andro has a rundown of what the Rangers would need to do to make the playoffs. Suffice it to say, the odds aren’t good.

Only a retard would enteertain the idea of this team making the playoffs.

A team that has the WORST pitching and the WORST defense in all of baseball does not make the playoffs. I don’t care if you have Josh Hamilton or A-Rod…...it just doesn’t happen.

I’m still trying to figure out the Junior Daniels plan. He’s going on 3 years now and has the team with the WORST pitching and the WORST defense in baseball.

3 years ago I thought the PLAN was DVD. At least he had 2 out of 3 right – Danks and Volquez…....he forgot about Galarraga.

Chris Young, Adrian Gongalez, John Danks, Alphonso Soriano, Andres Galarraga

equals

Josh Hamilton, MASH unit McCarthy, and invalid Jason Jennings

What a GM. Worst in all of Baseball.

Lbrooks

by LBrooks on Jul 25, 2008 10:24 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs

Adrian Gongalez?

Andres Galarraga?

You can’t even spell or remember the names of the players you’re ranting about. Hilarious.

by BlackHawk125 on Jul 25, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's really upset

that we traded the Big Cat in 2001 for Chris Magruder, Erasmo Ramirez, and Todd Ozias.

by jwiscarson on Jul 25, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hmm

1.5 years of mark teixeira, 1/2 year of ron mahay, 1/2 year of eric gagne and 1/2 year of kenny lofton

equals

many years of neftali feliz, elvis andrus, max ramirez, engel beltre, jarrod saltalamacchia, matt harrison, beau jones, david murphy, kason gabbard

the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is

by DSheppard on Jul 25, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Except for Kason Gabbard.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep that is a great core rigth there.

"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley

by boomer1 on Jul 25, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can't get mad at trading both Soriano and Galarraga

Since the only reason Galarraga was on the Rangers was because JD traded Soriano for him.

by JBImaknee on Jul 25, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

k good job getting galarraga

but as usual he gets rid of a great pitcher

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Jul 25, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brooks

“I’m still trying to figure out the Junior Daniels plan.”

Are you coming to Newberg Night? You’d have a perfect chance to ask JD what his plan is.

For someone that’s such a vocal critic of Daniels, it’s funny how you always pass on the chance to grill him in person. Same with Josey. It’s easy to criticize from the safety of an Internet message board. Why not confront JD with the tough questions you want answers to?

"I dont care to debate with a troll." - Sharky

by RCCook on Jul 25, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Previous Newberg night chats

Hey I can’t go to this thing but wonder if some people might be blogging during his Q&A or post some cogent summaries of what he said afterwards?

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe newberg, hindman, Cole and/or AdMo

normally do a summary next day?

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

newberg night

i was all geared up to finally go this year, then find out it’s on a freaking sunday
which is a no go since i work sundays and can’t take that day off.

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

by rentz on Jul 25, 2008 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

heh

by lamron on Jul 25, 2008 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good lord

This is one of those times I wish I could unsee…

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 25, 2008 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that must mean you are entertaining the idea of playoffs

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

by rentz on Jul 25, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ST sucks

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 10:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

OC

needs to provide some friday morning linkalicious

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 10:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So...

Does anyone see a team overpaying for any of the following:

Padilla
Blalock
Laird
Bradley
Eddie

Padilla-I just don’t see after we saw what Sabathia and Harden got anyone overpaying for Padilla. If we could get 1 young potential top half of the rotation starter for him, JD would deal Padilla….I just don’t think the offer will be there.

Blalock-There seems to be plenty of interest in Hank, but I think that most of that interest is because they think they can get him at a discount and they are buying low on him. I don’t see JD giving him away, so I am not sure anything gets done here.

Laird-Two days ago I would have said, “no way Laird gets delt”, but the Posada situation gives this a chance of happening. Laird has good value since he is not just a rented player…so the Yanks have to be willing to pay for him.

Bradley-I don’t see him being moved. I think the Rangers realize just how much they need a strong Right-handed bat in this lineup littered with lefties. Unless overwhelmed, they will not trade him and will attempt to re-sign Milton.

Eddie G-Even though the Rangers said that they are not dealing him, I thnk someone will offer a fairly sweet young prospect for him (much like MaxRam last year) and JD will deal him.

As far as the other guys….Cat, Byrd

I can see them being traded if their is some interest there. I don’t think it would be signifigant.

I see Millwood not being delt at the deadline…clearing waivers, but for a team to take him we will probably have to eat some contract. I don’t think we do it.

by clinton33 on Jul 25, 2008 11:15 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

man I'm tired of checking mlbtraderumors

Someone needs to pull the trigger today, anybody….

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thought this was fitting

via MLBtraderumors:

NPB Tracker notes that 21 year-old phenom Yu Darvish threw 165 pitches last night
http://www.npbtracker.com/2008/07/npb-bullet-points-20080724/

The Eagle has landed....

by Lonerangers on Jul 25, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he'll be ruined by 24

"I’m sure you’ve seen Kiker before but I’ll just reiterate that the kid is mean on the mound. He is only 5’10’’ but he is an intimidator. He looks like he hates hitters. He has the juice for pressure situations."
-Jason Parks on Jul 22, 2008 10:08 PM

by Jayslick on Jul 25, 2008 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how do you explain the old days of baseball. his arm will be fine

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Jul 25, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the old days of baseball...

you also had ruined arms. See, for example, Jim Bouton.

"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."

by benmor78 on Jul 25, 2008 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

who is that?

I would like to know more about him and his perspective on baseball but I’m afraid such a reference does not exist.

""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 25, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't mock me, ab.

I will be forced to give TheAhmad, miles, and brettgardner your email address.

"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."

by benmor78 on Jul 25, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The 5 - 10 days

before the trade deadline has to be the worse time of the season to be a baseball fanatic. Especially when your team is out of the playoff hunt. All rumors, no action.

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

by RangerMad on Jul 25, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

the rangers decision to keep Bradley past the deadline will hinge on whether or not they believe he can stay healthy enough to play almost full time in the outfield next season. Bradley seems to really like it here, so I don’t think signing him long term will be a problem. But if they need to keep him at DH next year just as much as they have this year it will end up taking playing time away from some other guys.

The Eagle has landed....

by Lonerangers on Jul 25, 2008 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you know

I think the rangers might be the one team that can keep Bradley healthy. I can see us continuing the same DH/OF platoon that has worked for us this year. If we continue to use our outfielders as are primary DH guys I think it would be well worth the risk of resigning him; we keep him in the lineup and healthy (primarily at DH but when health he plays plus defense at all 3 positions) and we continue to get at bats for boggs and make murphy more effective via the murphy/boggs platoon and we don’t have to go out and pay big money for a DH. I think it could work.

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I read an interview transcript

I think it was from the ASB festivities in which he seems a little disappointed that the rangers had not initiated some feelers with him/his agent about resigning. I wonder if the rangers have any interest in talking extension before the season ends, that is, if he is still here.

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

from everything that’s been said while he’s been here, it sounds like he really enjoys playing in Texas. But I hope the team doesn’t think they can trade him at the deadline and then re-sign him in the off-season.

The Eagle has landed....

by Lonerangers on Jul 25, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah it is too risky

as some team might just offer him 15million/5 years or something crazy and we loose him – so we might have to over-pay to get the injury-prone guy back _and _ loose our first round pick. I think they know this and will sign him or let him go and recoup the draft picks (supp first and second I think, and maybe the other teams first as well, if they are not bottom 15 – can’t remember how that works). I think his arbitration offer would be alot less than he could get on the market so he would be unlikely to sign another 1 yr cut-rate deal should we choose to let him go.

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Callis on Onoa and high risk low reward Carib. players

Inoa Worth $4.25 Million?

Dominican righthander Michel Inoa’s record-setting $4.25 million bonus comes with a huge potential reward but also a huge risk. He’s so projectable because he’s 16, 6-foot-7 and 205 pounds, and he already features a low-90s fastball, promising secondary pitches and a smooth delivery.

But the track record of the biggest Latin American bonus babies isn’t promising. Of the six who have signed for $1.4 million or more as amateurs and have had time to develop, only Miguel Cabrera has delivered on his promise. Wily Mo Pena, Joel Guzman and Willy Aybar have been major disappointments, while Jackson Melian and Ricardo Aramboles couldn’t even reach the majors.

By contrast, many of the game’s biggest Latin stars signed for next to nothing. Hanley Ramirez ($22,000), Johan Santana ($10,000), Aramis Ramirez ($7,000), Magglio Ordonez ($3,500) and Mariano Rivera ($2,500) cost a combined $45,000.

One Cabrera is easily worth more than five busts, so Inoa’s ceiling makes him a worthwhile gamble. But can MLB explain why it works so hard to discourage clubs from spending on the draft yet doesn’t care when they go crazy in Latin America?

Increased revenues and draft slotting have led to a bonus explosion on the foreign market. They also have created a climate in which kickbacks to club officials apparently are becoming commonplace, which has resulted in the White Sox firing senior personnel director David Wilder and the FBI opening a widespread investigation.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/online/prospects/column/2008/266494.html

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 11:39 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

you know, this Inoa kid

has the same frame as our 36th pick Jack Armstrong. Maybe we should just give ‘ol Jack 1mill of the 5.25 we saved when we lost out on Inoa and call it even.

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Harold Martinez?

Anyone have reports on where he is and what his stats are this summer? Cape Cod? The Rangers are purportedly keeping tabs on him to see if they want to try to sign him before the deadline but I’ve heard zilch.

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Robbie Ross

Ross is 1 of only 6 second round picks not to have signed. I’m a little worried that he doesn’t want to play here even if we pay way over slot for him. I seem to remember him quoted in his local paper as saying that he demanded an outrageous amount (1.5mill or top 15 money) so that only the NYY, Mets or boston would draft him.

by Goyogringo on Jul 25, 2008 12:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

His dad's a tool

"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 25, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he's all but signed

Just won’t be until August 15th? until it’s finalized…

Josh Hamilton is better than you.

by Longhorn on Jul 25, 2008 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is he still signing as a hitter?

The Eagle has landed....

by Lonerangers on Jul 25, 2008 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nope...

...i’ve seen various places saying he’s agreed to terms, they are just waiting on the deadline so as not to upset the league with the overslottedness of the bonus… plus, its bad form to sign over slot early because it gives other signees leverage witht other clubs around your pick and its kinda an unwritten rule not to do that to other teams and they won’t do it to you… gentlemans agreement and all…

I blame it not on Ron Washington, but on society. Society is to blame. And Ron Washington. ~Ken Tremendous on Ron Washington sac bunting in the 11th vs LAA

by ivysafety39 on Jul 25, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

by Steal Home on Jul 25, 2008 7:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and then that news was later refuted

but i still think he’s signed but its well over slot so they wont announce it yet

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

by rentz on Jul 25, 2008 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh i didnt know that

so is this ross guy supposed to be good and is that why we payed a lot?

Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future

by Steal Home on Jul 25, 2008 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BLAST FROM THE PAST
• Nelson Cruz, rf, Rangers. Though he’s locked in a battle with Dallas McPherson for the minor league home-run title, Cruz doesn’t have Albuquerque’s favorable hitting conditions to fall back on. But that doesn’t mean the 28-year-old Cruz doesn’t like hitting in Oklahoma City, where he’s batted .350/.439/.811 with 19 of his 34 homers. Though he fizzled in Arlington in 2007, striking out 87 times in 307 at-bats and hitting just .235/.287/.384, Cruz has rebounded with Triple-A Oklahoma to the point where he warrants another big league look. In addition to his second-place ranking on the minor league home run board, he leads everybody in slugging (.718) and ranks second in runs (86), total bases (237) and RBIs (86).

by tyd3311 on Jul 25, 2008 4:11 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs