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Sunday morning things

Th_buckykatt_tiny by Adam J. Morris on

Once again, the Rangers are in a position to sweep the A's.  They've failed to win game 3 every time that opportunity has arisen against Oakland this season.  We'll see if Eric Hurley can end that streak today.

Josh Hamilton is impressed with Chris Davis's power.  Chris Davis is pretty good.

Gerald Laird has been activated and is going to take over the regular catching duties, with Jarrod Saltalamacchia apparently being relegated to a backup role.  Evan Grant says the Rangers were about to stop the job-sharing arrangement and make Laird the starter when Laird went down with his hamstring injury.

The S-T says Laird got a big welcome from his teammates, and that Laird says he still isn't 100% yet, but he's good enough to play. 

Also from the S-T, Brandon McCarthy is going to start for Oklahoma today and throw 75 pitches.  Mark Connor says that McCarthy will need to have 2 90 pitches outings before he'll be considered for a major league start, which would mean at least two more starts after tonight's.  Last season, though, the Rangers brought him back earlier than expected.  Given that Kevin Millwood is on the d.l. and the team wants to limit Scott Feldman's innings, I wouldn't be shocked if the Rangers decided they might as well activate him, rather than have him pitch a 90 pitch stint or two in AAA.

The Cincinnati Inquirer suggests that Walt Jocketty should try use Bronson Arroyo to land one of the three Ranger catchers who are available (the author says landing Max Ramirez would require another Josh Hamilton, high praise for a guy who was acquired about a year ago for just Kenny Lofton).  Arroyo has a terrible ERA this year, but his FIP and xFIP haven't really been much worse than they've been the previous couple of years.  He's owed $20.5 million for 2009-10, with a 2011 option for $11 million that includes a $2 million club option.

Really, the issue with Arroyo is that he's a 31 year old innings eater, not a legit top of the rotation guy.  He's a Millwood or a Padilla, and I don't know that we need another one of them.

 

 

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Salty

I don’t want to harp on this, and I’m not looking for any fights with the blueballlefty’s of the board, but I just wanted to point this out:

He went 2-3 with a double, a walk, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored yesterday and has hit .364/.440/.545 in his last 6 games for an 985 OPS, and now he’s being religated all the way down to backup catcher.

That’s fucked up.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 27, 2008 10:54 AM CDT   0 recs

Give me a break

Yippee. 6 games. He’s sucked all year. He hasn’t hit and his defense isn’t good.

But you are mad he’s going to be the backup to the better catcher because of 6 games?

Come on.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 10:57 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

+1

I wanted Salty to win the starting job out of ST but he hasn’t shown much at the ML level this year. I am hoping this is just an off year for him since he was considered one of the better catcher in the Minors. If he wants to be the starting catcher for the Rangers then he better start performing.

by coolaid on Jul 27, 2008 11:01 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

even if he did really well in ST, he would NOT have won the starting job

plus, judging a starting start from ST is dumb.

Josh Hamilton is better than you.

by Longhorn on Jul 27, 2008 11:25 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

How do you expect him to improve by having him sitting on the bench?

Making him the backup is tantamount to doing to him what they did to German Duran, and that is stunt his growth. And at 10 games out, that’s what the second half should be about, is growth and improvement.

Send him down to the minors, fine. Put him back in the platoon, fine. But religating him to the bench for the second half is fucked up.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 27, 2008 11:02 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Don't you comprehend

that JD wants to maximize Laird’s playing time over the next week to showcase him to other teams (potential trading partners) in order to prove that Laird is healthy now? If he successfully trades Laird at the deadline, your boy Salty will get more time playing. How can’t you see that?

"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005

by Agreen07 on Jul 27, 2008 11:06 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm not counting on the Rangers making any moves anymore

I think it’s very likely they are going to sit on their hands at this deadline because they don’t find the specific deal they want, or they think they can still contend either this year or the next. When they shipped Teagarden off to china, I thought that was actually a telling sign that they where not planning to trade Laird at the deadline.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 27, 2008 11:09 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

My suggestion

Just admit he’s sucked since coming to the Rangers.

It will make you feel better.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 11:12 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Only if you admit

That Laird has sucked the vast majority of his time with the Rangers, and that his 2008 first half is very likely a fluke.

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 27, 2008 11:14 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

But he hasn't

He was a terrible hitter last year, though. Unlike Salty, though, at least when he’s not hitting, he’s a good defensive catcher.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 11:16 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Adam...

You and I both know Salty has more star potential than Laird. He’s younger, under club control for longer, and less expensive. He’s had a rough year, but at this point the Rangers need to continue to groom as much as possible for next year. Benching him makes absoultely no sense.

But I guess we’ve seen your true colors today AJM… you obviously are just as much of a Laird fanboy as you accuse me of being a Salty fanboy. So, with that in mind… lets drop this before it goes any further, shall we?

A Lonestar in California

by lonestarJon on Jul 27, 2008 11:22 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Groom for next year

Perhaps they realize that Laird is the best catcher for next year and want to play him as much as possible.

Sorry to but into the argument here

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 27, 2008 11:23 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

x
But I guess we’ve seen your true colors today AJM… you obviously are just as much of a Laird fanboy as you accuse me of being a Salty fanboy.

How do I do the rolling-eye emoticon?

Laird is a nice major league catcher. That’s it.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 11:23 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Laird is probably going to no longer be a Ranger in 6 days

and Salty will be the starter with Max….if that doesn’t happen you can complain then. But don’t complain now unless you comprehend JD’s reason for starting Laird all the sudden…Maybe it has to do with the trade deadline approaching. Duh.

"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005

by Agreen07 on Jul 27, 2008 11:25 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Laird trade

If it happens, it’d make today’s announcement (and the retrospective commitment to pre-injury Laird) pretty weird.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jul 27, 2008 12:17 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

This is the team

That named Alex Rodriguez team captain one week before they traded him.

by tyd3311 on Jul 27, 2008 12:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

he was pathetic last year

probably because he started so many games. If you platoon him with another that seems to maximize his output; if he’s the starter?...then notsomuch.

Even this year, as the everyday catcher he sucked…then when salty came up here, he started playing better.

I say keep doing the 2 games thing. Salty has started to hit well, i don’t think he’s even had a good 6 game stretch all year…

Josh Hamilton is better than you.

by Longhorn on Jul 27, 2008 11:29 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

actually Laird

in his three full season’s has had two WELL above avg. seasons for a catcher, honestly without trying to get into a fight Salty has actually hit .230 as many times in his pro career as he has hit .290 and its actually been pretty inconsistent, not like he has ever “turned a corner”

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 11:19 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Laird

Look at his lefty/righty splits from his “good” year. I’d call that an “incomplete”.

I don’t think Saltalamacchia has been all that bad this year. The numbers don’t show it, but he’s not afraid to go deep in the count and see a lot of pitches. That’s pretty rare in a young catcher and eventually I think he’ll hit. Likewise, I think he has the tools to be good behind the plate. Time will have to tell.

Laird’s not a bad catcher or anything. This may very well be his career year, though.

by Black Francis on Jul 27, 2008 12:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Salty's D

“Likewise, I think he has the tools to be good behind the plate.”

Really? I ask this in all sincerity . . . Why is it you think he has this potential?

by Randy Richardson on Jul 27, 2008 12:07 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

In akk sincerity

Why is it you think he doesnt?

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 12:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

well,

From what I’ve seen, he’s a poor receiver. He way too often stabs at balls in the dirt leading to wild pitches. His throws to second have been an adventure – they’re short, into the outfield, to the 2B side, and on the SS side. Jorge Posada has thrown out a better % of baserunners this season.

He’s young and deserves the opportunity to improve, but I don’t see him developing into a plus defender.

by Randy Richardson on Jul 27, 2008 12:36 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree

but I also have seen alot of improvement in his D since he got more consistant PT and his offense has begun to come around the last 5-6 games.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 12:42 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I watch him play

...and I can see he has a good arm. Salts is very young. Footwork and some of the finer aspects can be learned. The raw tools are there though. Keep in mind I’m not saying he’s going to be Rodriguez like behind the plate. No way. But average or a little better? I don’t see why not as long as he’s willing to put in the work.

by Black Francis on Jul 29, 2008 9:51 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

so far

this isn’t Laird’s best season so how could it be his career year? people around here way underestimate Laird

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 12:28 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Damn AJM...

Yeah he has struggled but he’s still really young. Do you not think he can improve? I’m all for letting OMFT be the everyday catcher for the next few days, ‘til they deal him, but I still have faith that Salty will come around.

I’m in the camp that both Salty and OMFT will be dealt and the Rangers will have TT and MaxRam as their catchers. However I think both can be good ML catchers for years to come.

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

by slc ranger on Jul 27, 2008 11:17 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I didn't say he couldn't improve

I don’t know where you are getting that from.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 11:18 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

I never said...

you didn’t think he would improve. I was just asking you a question. You have seemed rather harsh towards him in this thread that’s all. I know he has sucked so far this year but there is plenty of time for him.

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

by slc ranger on Jul 27, 2008 11:24 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Easy now slc

He’s an attorney and they are better at parsing words than reporters are.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 11:33 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Why are you so hung up...

...about the phrasing I used about the T.R. Sullivan article about catchers yesterday?

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 11:35 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

JD

is very good at not showing anyone his cards. The same thing happened last year, nobody had any idea if JD knew what he was doing with such valuable trade chips as Gagne, Tex and even Lofton. This year the trading chips are a little bit more ambiguous but nonetheless wait until the deadline passes before you criticize him for not making any moves. Don’t just assume that nothing is going to happen just because you haven’t heard any definitive Rangers rumors on the internet.

"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005

by Agreen07 on Jul 27, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Cool

A battle between the Presidents of the “I have a mancrush on a Rangers catcher for no particular reason” fanclubs.

Let me have a diablo sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I'm in a God damned hurry!

by DaheelzCM on Jul 27, 2008 11:04 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

LOL

"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005

by Agreen07 on Jul 27, 2008 11:06 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Heh

though, unlike last year at this time, Laird is clearly playing better this season. I’m really hoping one is dealt this week for a good return we can be happy with. Everyone wins in that scenario.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Jul 27, 2008 11:12 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

+1

Truer words will likely not be spoken during the coming argument.

by BlackHawk125 on Jul 27, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Maybe

If Salty hadn’t of waited until right before Laird got back from injury to actually start hitting this wouldn’t be an issue. But since he decided he didn’t want to seize the opportunity when it arose and just now started to grasp it then he can go back to being the backup to the better catcher right now.,

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 27, 2008 11:12 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

What?

Do you forget he was playing through a groin injury and then got nailed with the flu. What makes you think he decided he didnt want to seize the opportunity when it arose? I usually agree and enjoy your posts but that comment is just ignorant Steve.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 11:37 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

that all happened

a good two weeks after Laird got hurt!

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 11:38 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

actually

it happened about the same time as Laird got hurt but he played through it because the team needed him and it just got worse.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 11:43 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

no it didnt

laird got hurt around the 16th of june, Salty got sick at the allstar break, get your shit straight fool

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 11:47 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Hey Moron

the groin injury, which is what he played through, occured just after Laird went down. The only thing you got right is the flu which did happen at the AS break, which he was held out a few games after the break also. Get your shit straight before calling other people fools, fool.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 12:05 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

you

get your shit straight punk, if it happened when Laird got hurt then you are the only one that knows about it, and by the way could you please offer something of some substance, instead of just protecting Salty tooth and nail, please something

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 12:31 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

sorry blueball

but 3 bag is correct. These last six games is the first good run of starts that Salty has had without being injured or sick. The grioin injury is not an opinion, it is a fact. It was written about in the DMN. I think his nice hitting #’s also coincide with his most consecutive games caught.

What is that website that lists games started by position….baseball reference?

It's easy to lie with stats, it's even easier to lie without them......

by red shoe ranger on Jul 27, 2008 12:46 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

sorry you could be right

but the first time I remember anyone mentioning a groin injury for Salty was in Minnesota, I watch every game so I figured if it was really bothering him than I would remember it, but if you have proof? then I trust you

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 1:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Punk?

I’m not the fatass that has a bodybuilders pic for an avatar. LOL You really are insecure with yourself. You always seem to be quick at childish name calling when people disagree with you. Grow up.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 12:47 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

you obviously

know nothing about me, and are real effing tough on this keyboard, you want to get personal I will tell you where my seats are at my next home game and we can talk this out.

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 1:02 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

this dude

just shows up and wants to fight everyone not wanting to induct salty into the HOF tommorow and then wants to get personal, he’s nothing but a little punk that probably couldn’t even drive to the RBiA if he wanted to

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 1:18 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

you are

the internet tough guy on this and other boards. Besides was’nt that you that posted all the pics of yourself and some of the players (including Salty) at the ballpark during picture day?

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 1:19 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Ok

and what other boards? this is really the only one I talk on. I sometime post on DMN but nothing like this, and what do you have to say about my pics, I did have one with Salty because I LIKE HIM, I just dont think he is freaking Johnny Bench, at least not yet DAMNIT dude

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 1:22 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Just out of curiosity...

Are you a relative of his? Because just about all of your posts have seemed to consist of jumping on people who criticize him.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 11:38 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

relative?

hell it could be Salty himself.

"Sooner or later, prospects kill you, because you hang onto them." - Greggo, 11/22/2005

by Agreen07 on Jul 27, 2008 11:39 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

you mean

like you jump on Salty every chance you get? Maybe you are related to Laird.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 11:41 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

x
you mean like you jump on Salty every chance you get?

Bullshit. Pointing out that a guy who came over here a year ago with real high expectations hasn’t lived up to them - and in fact, has been pretty bad - isn’t jumping on him every chance I get.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 11:43 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Now thats

what I call BULLSHIT!

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 11:44 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Uh huh

Coming from someone whose entire contribution to any discussions has been to jump on people who have anything critical to say about Saltalamacchia any chance he gets.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 11:46 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

hahaha

+1

baseBALLIN!

by kevzta on Jul 27, 2008 1:38 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Who would be the catcher?

Cuz it damn sure wouldn’t be Salty.

Let me have a diablo sandwich, a Dr. Pepper, and make it fast I'm in a God damned hurry!

by DaheelzCM on Jul 27, 2008 2:23 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

underrated

and underappreciated…....nice work!

It's easy to lie with stats, it's even easier to lie without them......

by red shoe ranger on Jul 27, 2008 4:04 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

lol

AJM on the attack

"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 27, 2008 12:30 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

there is a difference

between criticism and degrading someone. You ought to know that Adam.

by 3bagbeast on Jul 27, 2008 1:01 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

You don't make a good Penn.

So your accusations of bullshit really don’t hold any weight.

by venturafearsnolan on Jul 27, 2008 11:48 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

then you

should criticize JD for the TEX trade….true some of the other pieces in the minors are looking like they have bright futures but I believe the jewel of the trade was perceived to be Salty. and if he sucks that doesn’t reflect well on the GM.

So far the Tex trade had netted us NOTHING at the ML level. Lets hope that changes…

It's easy to lie with stats, it's even easier to lie without them......

by red shoe ranger on Jul 27, 2008 12:50 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

If

our GM thought Salty’ was so great, he probably wouldn’t have gotten the caliber of prospects along with Salty’ that he got back.

by tyd3311 on Jul 27, 2008 12:55 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

It netted us...

...yesterday’s winning SP.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 27, 2008 12:59 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

damnit

forgot about the great matt harrison. although i dont think he pitched all that great yestarday. If Salty indeed flops Feliz or Andrus better be the real deal. I’ve got more faith in Feliz panning out than Andrus. I’m amazed how everyone just pencils Elvis in the lineup in 2010.

The Rangers wont have WON this trade until there is some success at the ML level from these players. athough ATL certainly hasnt benefited from adding The Cooler.

It's easy to lie with stats, it's even easier to lie without them......

by red shoe ranger on Jul 27, 2008 1:09 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Matt didnt have his best stuff

but giving up 1 earned run in 5 innings and only throwing 85 pitches when you dont have your A stuff is pretty servicable, true.

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 1:11 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

true

but the 3 walks are disconcerting. Speaking of walks….would people please pay attention to number of walks Diamond has every time out , for his entire minor league career, and quite mentioning him getting a call up.

It's easy to lie with stats, it's even easier to lie without them......

by red shoe ranger on Jul 27, 2008 1:14 PM CDT to parent up   0 recs

"the blueballleftys of the board"

come on were having fun, no? You know Jon I have actually changed my stance in a way on this situation. I think we should trade Laird. With the SURPLUS of catching in this system we cant afford to get into a pissing match with Boras in a couple of years to try to keep this guy. BUT Salyt wouldnt be my starter, TT would, I know his offense wasnt awesome, but watching him recieve the ball and throw from the C position reminded me of Pudge in a way, it was beautiful! I still think Laird is the best of all of them right now but the Boras factor is overwhelming. I also think we need to trade MaxRam now. It sounds like his value is SUPER high and ultimately he will never have a position here IMO. so no fight just fun

by blueballlefty on Jul 27, 2008 11:13 AM CDT to parent up   0 recs

Yes

Perh