If Laird is going to be out for a while, they need someone else up here. MaxRam isn’t tearing it up, and he likely needs regular playing time.

do it.

except, does max get regular playing time at any position in AAA? he’s have to split catching duties with TT, right?

From what I saw, he needs to get regular reps at catcher somewhere. He can play well enough to stick there.

I said the other day that a move like this is necessary.

I’m not worried about Duran getting limited playing time. But Max is a completely different caliber of prospect and the continued development of his RH power bat is something that should be very important to the team.

ONE

to the idea of Max back to minors,
signing a vet back-up catcher,
and giving Salty more PT

Not opposed to the idea of the rangers getting a backup catcher and sending max back down, but stewart? surely they can do a little better right?

We’ve all been waiting for Max’s bat to kind of come around here in the bigs, and so far it hasn’t happened – I don’t think he’s getting enough playing time for it to happen myself.

He’d be a lot better off getting full-time AB’s at 1B/DH in OKC (although he’d still only be catching a couple times a week at most) just so we can keep his bat tuned in, and ready for a callup if we want to give him more playing time after the trade deadline.

I think Max is ready to hit in the bigs, but I’d really like him to keep working on catching every day. I think you meant AA, not AAA…

That’s a good idea. Also, release Gold and Shelton, so Max gets to play everyday at DH or 1B.

Max is only sitting at 23 PAs right now. Not nearly enough to say he hasn’t gotten it done. Let him play out Laird’s time on the DL, then make a decision whether to send him down. He was the best hitter in the Texas League for half of a season, I don’t know how much seasoning he needs.

I see the point on having him catch everyday to perform, but is he ever going to be an everyday catcher for anyone? Isn’t his best role as a once a week catcher/DH/1B? I think he will be fine in the big leagues for a month.

just let Max stay up?

This team is not going anywhere, lets build the future.

I think Max Ram is benefiting from this experience. With as many rookies and young players as we have now, i think we’re committed to being a young team and Max Ram should be invited to the party.

If we can make it work with the 40-man then yes.

I realized you said Chris Stewart… not Chris Shelton.

let’s keep Max around until Laird gets back. I do agree that he could benefit from regular playing time, but this should be a good learning experience as well. Laird is what, 3 or 4 weeks from coming back and you’ve got the all-star break?

just flip-flop TT and Ramirez in a week and let TT soak up the majors for three weeks, too? That way they have both been exposed to the atmosphere and would be better prepared to contribute if a real need arises (trade of Salt or Laird). That way, Max will also get to catch everyday at AAA (I believe everyone here would like him to end up as a big league catcher) instead of moving all over the diamond.

leave Max up until Laird gets back, he’s been catching well, see if he gets the bat going

too early. feels like it would be jerking him around too much. give it a few more weeks, nothing’s really being compromised yet.

reading this blog on the ticket

just a quick look at some vets out there, this was done fast so I dont know much about there health issues but here they are.

Mike Lieberthal 36
Mike Matheny 37
Damian Miller 38
Kelly Stinnett 38

I’ve always liked Lieberthal but I seem to remember something about some health issues. I like Mike Matheny and I like Damian Miller. I think what you could do here is sign one of these guys until Gerald gets back and then put the vet on the DL, then make your trade of either Salty or Gerald.

MaxRam can DH everyday and catch twice a wek in OKC and give TT a break like they were doing in Frisco earlier in the year. He has got a taste for the majors but right now playing time is more important for him imo. He need’s to be getting more AB’s.

Salty is the younger of the 2 (and in the small sample size, the weaker defensive catcher). Why not keep Max up full time with Stewart the backup, and send Salty down. Maybe it’ll light a fire under him. Just a thought.