New DMN Rangers newsletter up
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 13, 2008 11:06 AM CDT
in News
232 comments
Evan Grant has a new newsletter up...
He walks through the guys the Rangers would have to be willing to part with in order to get an young impact pitcher here -- at least one of Chris Davis, Elvis Andrus, Engel Beltre, and Neftali Feliz -- and suggests that Andrus is the one it makes the most sense to part with.
Other stuff, as well, including answering a question about a C.J. Wilson/Gerald Laird confrontation and comparing Hank Blalock with Mark Teixeira...
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A.J Burnett
Probably wouldn’t be a terrible move but I’m not sure the Rangers would go anywhere close to 5 years.
How about overpaying for 3? – 3yrs./48mil?
by meatbonelefty on Aug 13, 2008 11:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Grant speaking of Davis
“The Rangers have found their long-term answer at first base. End of story.”
I’m not so sure the 1B story is over. Davis has been better than advertised defensively, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Smoak is the long-term answer at 1B and not Davis.
I don’t think Smoak is going to have quite the power of Davis, but I think he is going to be the better all-around hitter and, in all likelihood, the better all-around defensive player. Just my take.
by jparks77 on Aug 13, 2008 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
You could scarcely sell higher on Davis than right now. It wouldn’t break my heart.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Aug 13, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see the logic
but what is the goal of the franchise? to be competitive in 2010? If so, then you need to hang onto Davis. If we are playing for something further away than that, then might as well trade Davis and Hamilton, and Kinsler, and get a bunch of prospects that will be ready in 2011-2012 and plan to make your run then.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Aug 13, 2008 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
I can see where a team would give you relatively more value for 2010, especially if perception on Davis surpasses the reality.
Davis and a catcher, or Davis and someone like Kiker gets you difference-making SP for 2010.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Aug 13, 2008 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to keep both Davis and Smoak
by jparks77 on Aug 13, 2008 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Same
I don’t understand the rationale behind making Davis expendable because of Smoak (and vice versa).
by LiamP on Aug 13, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
I think one ends up at first and the other in a corner outfield slot.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't
Smoak can’t handle OF I don’t think. Davis might be able to but just barely. I have no problem with one at DH though. Heck, platoon them at 1B and DH.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Out of curiosity
this is pretty absurd suggestion, but what if Davis slid over to third once Smoak’s ready for the majors? Wasn’t Davis originally a third baseman?
by jwiscarson on Aug 13, 2008 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that thought has occured to me more than once
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
ElectricOkra.com
by WhipSmart on Aug 13, 2008 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he...
...did fill in in an emergency situation at 3rd several weeks ago… however, the time frame which puts smoak at 1st and davis at 3rd might intersect with the last days of FOTF at 3rd after andrus has bumped him from SS….
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 Aug 13, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's kinda what I thought, too.
Although I wonder how easily someone switches from first to third.
by jwiscarson on Aug 13, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Davis has the righthandedness
and probably the athleticism to make a decent transition. He also has the arm.
He won’t exactly be awesome at 3B, but he could play it if you’re absolutely desperate to get Murphy and Smoak and Davis int he lineup together
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think...
...either smoak or daivs plays the OF. ever. frank the cat in rightfield comes to mind.[shudder]
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 Aug 13, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Davis
could probably do a decent Vlad Gurerro in RF impression.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
vlad
vlad hasn’t always been such a disaster in the OF.. and he use to have a HOSE….
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 Aug 13, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Davis has a ton of athletic ability and a good glove.
I really don’t see why he couldn’t transition to RF with the proper instruction.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's athletic
but not fast. Like Firebat said, I think you’d be talking about a Vlad/Mondesi sort of thing, where he doesn’t get to many balls but does have a very good arm.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it can be covered up
if you have a really good defensive CF and a very good defensive LF.
RF in TBiA, I think, is the easiest defensive position to mask in our park.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's definitely the only position
where you aren’t terribly worried about range. The only way I’d want him out there is if a real ball hound is in CF. But then, I never understood moving him away from RF in the first place, especially considering the state of the organization’s OFs prior to Hamilton and Murphy arriving, and even if you want, Byrd becoming sort of a legitimate major league player.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's always been pretty bad
Davis, like Vlad, has a long stride length that helps cover for his slow footspeed. I think with some work, he can play an adaquate RF.
Davis also has quite an arm.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats the thing...
...davis has played third, so its not terribly out of the picture… my point was that if smoak comes up in two seasons, which is the ETA for Andrus, that means that andrus bumps MY off short, and now you’ve got smoak bumping davis, bumping MY off the field and outta the lineup…
yay contract extension.
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 Aug 13, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It just depends on how badly you want to get the bats out there. Davis was univiersally considered a poor defender at 3B. BA cites poor footwork and actions. I don’t think that his hands were good enough.
But it was a one year thing, and I really think that his move was as much of a result of the wide open lane to the first base job that he’s captured as it was his struggles at 3B. Maybe he could get better with more time.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In the pros
he was originally a RF. In his youth he was originally a catcher. I think he’s played just about everywhere – including pitcher – except for the middle infield.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agent
Other than Boras being Davis’ agent. :)
Nolan Ryan should be the Rangers president, GM, manager and pitching coach.
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
UT OH
I didn’t know about that tiny detail.
Big Daddy may have to start buying the cheaper caviar if we’re going to keep him.
I've never seen a pitcher with "bone spur" issues throw 96 mph. The only spurs I'm aware of are the spurs that Wash has buried in C J's ass as he rides him. I love ya C J but welcome to Wash's DOGHOUSE.
.
by LAMuscleFag on Aug 13, 2008 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
im always curious
how EG would do if he had to actually write stories about the rangers instead of having this blog advertise his need for questions and then this blog’s community fill his email box with good questions that makes his job much easier for him. id be curious how good a beat writer if he had to do his own legwork or at least perhaps investigate and get quotes regarding the questions as opposed to just giving his opinion on the topics in question.
"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 Aug 13, 2008 12:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm curious
as to why you have such a grudge against Grant. This blog is hardly the only source for those questions, and hardly the only place where Rangers fans go to discuss the team. Kind of myopic on your part to assume so.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have no problem with soliciting for questions
it is a good way for guys like EG or TR to find out what the fans are interested in – most fans who read their stuff aren’t obsessives like us.
But I do think that EG is too soft on the front office. His “opinions” often amount to “Its not so-and-so’s fault…,” when he is obviously holding his tongue to not make enemies. I would appreciate having an intelligent baseball writer give honest critiques of the organization. I don’t need to waste time reading someone’s baseball commentary if they are just being political.
by JBImaknee on Aug 13, 2008 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wishy washy
I think stating those kind of strong opinions is for the columnists, not the beat writer. In fact, I would very much prefer that the beat writer for any given team stay as far from judgement as possible and stick to reporting. That’s a basic journalism thing for me. Keep the opinions and calls for firings, etc. to the op ed pages and the sports columnists.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 1:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree
and frankly, I find the “Fire this guy!” columns to be a gigantic beat-down. Maybe it’s because they’re usually written by uninformed jackasses, but I prefer to get matter-of-fact information for the daily stuff.
by jwiscarson on Aug 13, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
uninformed
If Jayslick or anyone else wants to bash the columnists, I’d see far more justification for it than bashing Grant, who seems like an average beat writer to me.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think he's a bit better than that
He has a much better grasp on advanced stats than a lot of other baseball writers, and he does a decent job explaining them as well.
I like his game recaps—I often feel they’re cathartic because of his approach to writing.
by jwiscarson on Aug 13, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but fraley is dead, tball
besides,
what i said or meant was that as beat writers go, he is an average one and for an average beat writer, he gets a ton of love here. and i find that very interesting.
his opinion after the rangers fired conner and chiti though defending the absolutely undefendable was every bit as disgusting of a take as the “FIRE HIM NOW!” beat writer. it was a question in his Q and A and he didnt have to choose that question. he could have chosen any number of questions, and if he does choose it i expect him to tell the truth on the subject instead of ignoring fact and stats that dont fall in line with his agenda be it political or whatever. he pretty much put no responsibility of the poor pitching on either of the pitching coaches this club has had for quite some time. thats kinda mind numbing to think about IMHO
"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 Aug 13, 2008 2:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you explain:
his opinion after the rangers fired conner and chiti though defending the absolutely undefendable was every bit as disgusting of a take as the "FIRE HIM NOW!" beat writer.
I’m not sure I understand what you’re saying here. You think Mark Connor/Dom Chiti mishandled pitchers?
by jwiscarson on Aug 13, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grant's opinion on Connor and Chiti
You’re overlooking an obvious possibility: That really is Grant’s opinion.
Sadly, most folks here see the baseball world as black and white, but there is a shitload of gray in reality. To me, that is what Grant was trying to express with that opinion. You can disagree with it, but you can’t say he is just a team jock supporter for expressing it.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not saying he should call for firings
but if he doesn’t feel like giving analysis is part of his job, then he shouldn’t give analysis. But EG’s writing often does present an analysis of sorts – particularly in the Q&A’s, but also in his blog writings.
My point really is that he is offering an analysis, and it often seems pro-status quo. It may naturally be this way since he gets to hear more of the logic and discussions that go on behind the scenes. Which is fine, but sometimes comes across as just passing along the team’s official message. As a beat writer, it is hard for him to be critical of players and management when it is his job to interact with them.
Basically, I think that if he isn’t at liberty to say whatever he believes (i.e., his job would suffer for being too honest), then he should refrain from making any opinions at all (positive or negative). But when I read (paraphrased) “Connor has been a great pitching coach,” I can’t help but wonder if that is a legit opinion/analysis or biased by the fact he can’t really be expected to say the opposite.
by JBImaknee on Aug 13, 2008 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok go to bat for him.
name the multitude of things that make him an outstanding beat writer. i really wanna know.
PS: your statement asks why i have a grudge against grant and i state why i have a grudge against grant in my post. its pretty simple. i dont think a guy who gives a daily blow by blow of the game we all watched which isnt worth reading if you did watch and does a weekly gift-wrapped Q&A session while trolling blogs looking for insight is a good beatwriter. im blown away by the amount of support he gets here. i dont see an unmatchable quality of writing and i dont see an insight into the game and the rangers clubhouse that makes him anything remotely special. thats my beef.
now back to my question:
what makes him an outstanding beat writer? i really wanna know.
"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 Aug 13, 2008 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But your post
is wrong about the nature of his work.
Grant does write his own stories that have nothing to do with questions sent in by readers. They’re in the paper nearly every day. He writes game summaries, talks to players, coaches and members of the front office and uses quotes like any other beat writer. He does legwork, so I don’t see how you can assert all he does is answer questions from readers who somehow do his job for him.
I made no statements about the quality of the work because that’s a subjective opinion. You can like or dislike him, I don’t care. But you disparage his character and I just don’t see the need. He’s not the best baseball writer in the world, but he is far from the worst.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 1:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
chirp chirp
i hear crickets coming from the Jayslick camp. logical arguments can be such powerful kryptonite to ill-conceived emotional rants.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i didnt realize there was a question there?
please enlighten me, bro. and while you are enlightening me can you point out where i disparaged his character that i needed to respond to here. i only mentioned my problem with him as a professional journalist, not as a person.
and as far as ill conceived you have added only this post and it didnt add anything to the discussion of the quality of writer AG is, what exactly are you adding to the conversation?
"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 Aug 13, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
the grudge
Are you still pissy about that whole thing with the euro soccer thing where you say grant ripped you off of posting a link to some euro newspaper?
by bushe on Aug 13, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't it Poochie who did the link?
Not Grant?
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 13, 2008 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yup
it was pochie. and no i couldnt care less about grant as a guy or a writer and yes poochie is fired or still on vacation. i just think that if grant had to find people to ask him the questions instead of getting an adam diary to help him, his questions would suck and i think that says a ton about his following.
PS: If any of you other people who are slamming me for what i said about grant would realize it. you have proved my exact point which was: For an Average Beat Writer in a top market Evan Grant has a huge supporters group here. and i dont understand it. and only 2 people have even mentioned why they actually like his journalism out of like 5-10 who are defending him and slamming me for not thinking he is a good beat writer.
"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 Aug 13, 2008 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I fully admit
I supprot Evan Grant for the simple fact that he is not Geoff Baker.
What is Richard Durret’s official position with DMN anyways. He’s probably a better writer than Evan, but much more insulated.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Huge supporters group?
I don’t think so. I am not a huge supporter of Grant, but I’ll defend him against what I see as strident, overreaching attacks, such as yours.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 8:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but you didnt defend him
you just said something against FIRE HIM NOW columnists and give a basic rundown of what the duties of any beat writer are and states that he does those tasks. you never state what you think he does well or actually defend the guy, but then my comments are “overreaching”?
but every time ive asked what he does well that makes me overreaching, i here crickets except some1 mentioned that he had a grasp of stats.
you defended his Q & A but then state you hate it when writers give their opinions, when my comment stated that “at least (he should) perhaps investigate and get quotes regarding the questions as opposed to just giving his opinion on the topics in question.”
thats contradictory.
and thats my point. people here are defending the guy left and right and with a ton of comments, but out of like 30 posts on the subject, only 2 posts comment on what ppl think he is good at. the rest are defenses based on what? some comments being as passively defensive as “he’s as good as your average beatwriter,” which i dont really see as any kind of actual support of what he does well.
see what i mean?
"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 Aug 13, 2008 8:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fine
This whole topic ended up going in a few different ways from your original post through all of the comments and replies. I spend a lot of time on this blog trying to steer folks towards a sensible middle ground or gray area, because I feel a lot of things in baseball and life in general reside there, and because many many issues are complex, multi-faceted, or gray instead of black and white. If you had posted a rave about how great Grant is I might have tried to calm you down.
Consider that the vast majority of his readers do not spend anywhere near the time we do following baseball or the team. Grant is a good middle ground, giving a nod to some of the better stat eval tools out there, but not getting to esoteric for the average fan who has never heard of Tom Tango. I prefer a reporter not be a knee-jerker, or too strident in his commentary on the team. He does, after all, have to talk to these guys in the locker room, so he can’t alienate them all with ill-chosen words. Grant’s job is to help the fan see all sides to an issue, not come out and say “so and so is terrible and needs to go.”
If you want a beat writer that gets much more in depth on stats or evaluation or opinion you’ll have to read someone else. Grant has an excellent relationship with the team and they are frank with him. That, to me, is all I require of a beat writer. I can get the other stuff elsewhere.
If I was to complain about Grant it would be the goofy pre-season and mid-season team overviews. The themes are just silly and unnecessary.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Grant
wouldn’t call myself a fan of him but I think he does good game write ups and is a competent interviewer. He is also accessible and will answer emails which I think is important in modern journalism. BTW I wasn’t defending him just trying to get the motives for your antiGrantism
by bushe on Aug 14, 2008 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Starting Pitching...
In the last question regarding FA pitching, Grant seems to believe the Rangers will not attempt to sign a middle of the rotation starter (#2 or 3) because Jason Jennings didn’t work out. He can’t seriously believe this can he? With the Jennings signing, the Rangers weren’t signing a guy who could be there #2 or #3 for the next 3-4 years, they were trying to go the cheap route with a project pitcher coming off of a serious injury. I can’t imagine that the Jennings experiment would keep the Rangers from trying to sign a middle of the rotation starter.
by Topgun22 on Aug 13, 2008 12:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
i think
the ceiling for a guy like Jennings was going to be a middle of the rotation guy. Thats what he had been in the past. So if he had been able to remain healthy, a big IF of course, i think that would have been a reasonable projection.
I think youre missing the overall point. What he says is the Rangers feel like they will have enough depth next year with all teh young guys (Hunter, Hurley, Harrison, Feldman, and possibly Mendoza) that got significant experience this year that they will be able to plug some guys into the rotation that can be serviceable and eat innings. No need to go out and sign a mid-rotation guy who will be no doubt be overvalued. Does it make sense to go out and overpay for a guy on a several year contract for which you believe you have options already in house that you can get comparable performances from? Obviously not.
If the Rangers are going to go out and get anyone in free agency, they’re not going to waste time or money on a mid rotation guy. It will be a guy like Sheets or Sabathia, or nothing.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
interesting
Until this year, Steve, the Rangers have had a run of pretty good health in the farm system and in the majors where pitchers were concerned.
Tony Romo's #1 fan!
by Longhorn on Aug 13, 2008 12:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I like his breakdown of the four.
Here is a question though. Does Elvis truely have the upside to be better the MY? Not MY next year or there after, but does Elvis have the potential to be consistent All Star, 5 + seasons in a row of 200 hits, and the ability to have the best fielding % in baseball? MY is not the greatest SS in the league, but looking at him overall, he has to be in the top 10 if not 5.
Does Elvis have that much of an upside?? If not, i agree with EG, he is the one you use to get that # 2 or 3.
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 1:03 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yes
The kid, not guy hes still a kid, can flat out play. Right now he is making alot of mental mistakes that will go away as he matures and gets older. His defense is already considered ML ready, AS A 19 YEAR OLD. Hes hitting almost .300 in AA, AS A 19 YEAR OLD. He has almost 50 SBs in AA AS A 19 YEAR OLD. The kid has an unbelievable ceiling and as good as MY is once Elvis is ready MY will move to another position or another team.
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 Aug 13, 2008 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
may go away
don’t put him in the hall just yet…
by bushe on Aug 13, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes
defensively, Elvis can be one of the best in the majors. After seeing MY’s statue impression this year, I can’t believe how many of us still underrate defense at the IF positions
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It feels like
it’s been at least once a game lately where his range has cost him an out. Maybe it’s not that frequent, but it sure seems like it.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ditto
his lateral movement makes me think of a 90-year old man. He’s the guy on your family picnic volleyball game that you put in the middle and everyone else goes into the middle to cover for.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heartily agree that Young will be better at 3B than at SS ...
but you people really have gotten into the habit of exaggerating his defensive deficiencies at SS. It is proof of the old adage that if you say a thing enough, people will begin to believe it.
Young is what he is, an average defensive SS who can hit a little. It’s not like he’s Dean Palmer wearing a brick on his left hand instead of a glove.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has no range
hes alright if the ball is hit right at him but we give up so many hits on balls in the hole and up the middle its unreal. the guy simply cannot move left and right very well.
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 Aug 13, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again, that's an exaggeration.
He actually moves pretty well to his left. To his right, he has some issues. But he makes a ton of plays on balls not hit directly at him. He’s no Ozzie Smith, but he’s no sloth either.
I really don’t have a problem with anybody saying he’s not a good defensive short stop, but the idea being floated that he is horrible defensively just flat out isn’t true.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MY hasnt full out belly dove for a ball since his big contract.
to say he plays well moving in any direction is silly. when you arent willing to dive for a ball and get the “Rangers” logo on your chest dirty, you arent a good MIFer.
"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 Aug 13, 2008 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So not diving all the time = bad defensive player?
Really? That’s the only difference between a good defender and a horrible defender?
Very few outs result from balls a short stop has to dive for simply because of the timing involved. I’ve seen Young dive for balls this year. He’s good at getting to balls on his feet and making plays when he does. I understand that diving looks cool and all, but if diving is all it takes, then Jeter is the best SS in the history of the game. Now that’s a pretty silly proposition, isn’t it?
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not diving
its either due to not giving full effort or not being in the right position to dive, end of story. either way, it wont cut it on my ball club.
and your right, MY did dive this year. One Time. I wont ever forget it. it was early in the season.
diving isnt about looking cool. diving is about getting to a ball that if you dont dive for it goes into the outfield. its about getting to that extra 3 feet of range. its about being in the right postion and putting out a full effort. he either isnt willing or isnt capable.
"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 Aug 13, 2008 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is proof of the old adage that if you say a thing enough, people will begin to believe it.
Just speaking for myself, in one of those old threads that someone linked the other day, I was suggesting a move to 3B for Young back in 2006. So while it may be some kind of bias, for me personally I don’t think it’s a matter of hearing it enough that I was convinced.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn't thinking of you when I said that, Z.
That just seems to be one of those things that has caught fire because it is said over and over—kind of like Jeter being a stud defensive SS. At the NY game I went to last week, a Jeter fan and I argued for half an hour about whether or not Jeter was even the best SS on his own team. It was actually kind of fun.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Their utility SS
is one hell of a glovesman. Jeter might be the third best SS on his own team
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
im just glad that more people actually see MY's statue impression this year.
imagine the hell i caught for selling that theme last season.
it wasnt popular.
"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 Aug 13, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Come on
a lot of us were saying it last year. Just last year, the team was so bad only 5 or 6 of us posted regularly
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it wasnt a lot of us.
thats one thing that is for sure. dont sell yourself short FM3
"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 Aug 13, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember
a good # was on the Elvis for short bandwagon the moment he was traded.
(Elvis Andrus would have gotten that)
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
pre elvis trade amigo! pre elvis trade.
"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 Aug 13, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I imagine that
people didn’t harp on it because it’s one of those things where Young is a popular guy and will get support from fans, so you know you’re only asking to be cursed at when you bring it up.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well you know me, z.
im a sucker for getting roasted here for my HSO’s
"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 Aug 13, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Probably because you're overstating your case.
Statue? So he doesn’t move at all? Exaggerating a bit?
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 5:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think we necessarily have to give up one of those four.
Salty will have some trade value. I would imagine we could lead a package with him and avoid giving up a Davis, Andrus, Beltre, or Feliz. If any of those guys are involved, we’d better be getting a starter back that’s in the same talent level as a Brandon Webb.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 1:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You think
we can get a Brandon Webb level pitcher with Salty as your leading offer?? Id love to see what GM would do that or what else you would have to package with him. Hamilton??
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Re-read what I said.
I said if you trade one of Davis, Andrus, Beltre, or Feliz it had better be in a deal for an ace. I think Salty+ can potentially get you a ML ready pitcher or young starter with front-end potential. I never said Salty would get you Brandon Webb.
I really see him in a swap that gets you another young player with potential that’s had a disappointing season. I could see him going to Boston in a package that brings back Buchholz, for example.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
if those are your expectations
Then you might as well hang onto all the prospects.
I don’t think you can get a near ready front of the rotation type pitcher for Salty, and I don’t think any of Davis, Andrus, Beltre, or Feliz can get you a legit ace.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Aug 13, 2008 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
giving up two
I say no way to Felix or Davis however someone asks about McCarthy I will go pack his bags.
¡yo soy Horsedooty!
I soloed in the Mile High Club!
by horsedooty on Aug 13, 2008 1:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
since when does McCarthy and Feliz become equal in terms of value
Feliz could bring us a guy like Liriano (theoretically)
McCarthy might bring a bag of balls and fungo bat at this point
by texnykazrus on Aug 13, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
giving up two
not saying the two are interchangeable I mean Protect Felix and Davis and if anyone is crazy enough to offer us that bag of balls and a fungo bat I will gladly help pack his bags.
¡yo soy Horsedooty!
I soloed in the Mile High Club!
by horsedooty on Aug 13, 2008 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In trading for an legit SP
the key factor in the Rangers favor is the managment of the 40 man roster. IMO it is time to package several spots from that list for one. I start with (all talented and attractive) guys like Salty, Bmac, Feldman and Murphy. We are going to need room on the 40 for our depth coming up in the minors.
Not being an expert in trade analysis, I just have to believe that this package should return a really nice pitcher in return.
by Bigfan16 on Aug 13, 2008 1:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
out of those 4
id pick beltre and package him with salty and a minor league pitcher
see what that gets us
by kumizi on Aug 13, 2008 1:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If they actually could get
an impact arm for Andrus, they’d be fools not to. I have my doubts you can get an impact arm for a supposedly impact position player, though. I just don’t see tons and tons of those deals, other than obviously volquez for Hamilton.
I'm sure the Russians felt there were WMD's in Georgia, and that it was a hotbed of terrorism.
by DJCahill on Aug 13, 2008 1:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tampa Bay landed Matt Garza
in the type of trade that you describe. But, yeah, it’s not real often, and probably you would have to swap Andrus for an impact pitcher that is a year or two further away.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Aug 13, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would assume
that Andrus or one of the others would be the core of the deal, but not the only player involved.
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
even so,
while trades for impact arms happen, they don’t seem to be a frequent deal, unless maybe the Giants get some we can swindle away.
I'm sure the Russians felt there were WMD's in Georgia, and that it was a hotbed of terrorism.
by DJCahill on Aug 13, 2008 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
interestingly enough
the Giants have several impact arms, and last I checked Sabean is still there to run that team into the ground…
by JBImaknee on Aug 13, 2008 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No way
people forget that the Liriano trade at the time was for a 4th starter, a SS converted to RHP and a injury-prone, but awesome when healthy LHP.
It’s the equivalent of us trading someone like Tommy Hunter, Warner Madrigal and, I don’t know, Fabio Castillo? for someone like Pierzynski. Still an awful deal, but not nearly as bad as the results have shown it to be.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Mendoza aims to throw strikes for Rangers"
hey he figured out that pitchers are supposed to throw strikes!!
Feliz and Hurley. The 1-2 punch of the future
by Steal Home on Aug 13, 2008 2:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Andrus and Feliz
are the irreplaceable pair in that group. How you come to the conclusion that Andrus should be the one dealt is beyond me.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 2:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Your BYITA theory
Davis and, in particular, Beltre, have a higher BYITA quotient than Andrus does.
Andrus is a c
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 13, 2008 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BYITA?
Nolan Ryan should be the Rangers president, GM, manager and pitching coach.
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2008 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bite you in the ass
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Aug 13, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's
BITA+, or adjusted bite in the ass
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
ROFL +1
"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 Aug 13, 2008 3:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And to clarify...
...I’m not saying Andrus is the one of that group I’d definitely move.
I would say, though, that applying the BYITA theory, he’s the one you’d pick.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 13, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, true
I just think that this organization is really set up so that Andrus is a centerpiece guy, and I think that even though his ceiling isn’t what these other guys’ are, it would really set the organization back to deal him away. Then you’re basically stuck with a Kevin Elster defensive situation and no solution at 3B. To me, Andrus coming through basically fixes two critical positions.
Also, Beltre is like found money to me at this point. He came extremely cheap, and he hasn’t yet made that breakthrough that makes it clear that he could reach his huge ceiling. Obviously that will play into his value as well, but if I’m just choosing who I could afford to let go, even taking BITA+ into account, it would be so much easier to let him go.
And I really don’t think that Davis is dealt, but you obviously at least have Smoak and the fact that he would bring a fortune compared with the other two position players.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Any thoughts on what sort of pitcher...
...that Smoak/Davis + Beltre + a Kiker/Holland type pitcher brings back?
Two high level hitting prospects and a mid-level pitching prospect that are still in their “projection” years?
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 13, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
couldn't have said it better
Beltre is all potential at this point. Even if he turns into an all-star it won’t be until after the Rangers win the WS in a few years. :)
Nolan Ryan should be the Rangers president, GM, manager and pitching coach.
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You don't think the emergence of Vallejo and Lemon reduce the Andrus BYITA?
Last week I took a pleasure trip. I drove my wife to the airport.
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2008 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Davis and Beltre
I agree with you. Davis is the most expendable since Smoak should be coming up quick, he’s not as flexible defensively, and his value is at its peak right now (I cannot see how his value could get any higher after last month).
Beltre is an odd case to me. I’d definitely trade him in the right deal, but he’s so far away that I can’t imagine any team sending a major piece for him. You could only get a guy with a question mark or two for a top kid who is still 2 or 3 years away.
All that said – I trade Chris Davis this offseason. He’ll net the biggest return, and he is the easiest to replace in the organization.
by JBImaknee on Aug 13, 2008 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Easiest to replace?
With what? Who plays first next season while we wait on Smoak and hope he’s the real deal? In case your memory is short, prior to Davis coming up, we had a big offensive hole at first. Davis is that special kind of can’t miss guy that doesn’t come along very often. If you’re trading him, it had better be for a can’t miss pitcher.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Devil's advocate
What do we need more right now, arms or bats?
Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.
by t ball on Aug 13, 2008 8:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know who else's value probably won't get much higher?
Julio “Slap n Scurry” Borbon.
Borbon, Salty, and Andrus could possibly bring alot, no?
Last week I took a pleasure trip. I drove my wife to the airport.
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2008 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hold onto Andrus...
How ’bout Borbon, Salty, and Beltre? Who would bite on that and what could it bring back?
Trade speculation, ain’t it fun.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Aug 14, 2008 6:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't shed any tears over that, but obviously, the return would be a lil less
Last week I took a pleasure trip. I drove my wife to the airport.
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2008 7:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"it had better be for a can’t miss pitcher"
I thought that is what we’re talking about here…
I like Davis, but his value is really high, and we REALLY need good pitching. Barring money-whipping Sheets or CC (which I am skeptical of), it has to be traded for. The only likely way to get amazing pitching is to give up one of those guys, like EG says. So I say that Davis is who I would prefer to trade. But I’m not saying to trade him a washed up middle reliever to make room for Cat at 1st.
by JBImaknee on Aug 14, 2008 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure when it's over
I’ll say that he sounds much more mature than the kid who proclaimed he could ‘do as bad as the big leagures right now.’
by cgolden on Aug 13, 2008 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was telling the truth
After watching the last 4 Rangers games. lol
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Aug 13, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Beavan
- Said he’s learned more about baseball this season than he has the rest of his life.
- Said the coaches told him not to worry about drop in velocity and that it was normal for a first year minor league player b/c of travel and meals etc.
- Said he’d be a better pitcher b/c he was having to learn how to pitch without his best velocity
- He’s working on a change-up
- His wants to make advance one level per season and his goal is just to make it to the show.
- He’s already pitched more innings than he ever did in high school and his pitch count is being dialed back to 75 pitches from here on out.
He didn’t break any new ground but he sounds like a guy who’s much more humble and grateful than the kid who was drafted last year.
by cgolden on Aug 13, 2008 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That
is really encouraging on a lot of levels.
by jwiscarson on Aug 13, 2008 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, I missed part of that.
Also, his IP limit is ~130 this season.
I strongly feel the club is raising him to be a horse…130IP in his 2nd season? Oustanding, given his performance thus far.
"...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 Aug 13, 2008 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His 1st season
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 Aug 13, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I know that but,
I was counting pro instruction…I suppose I should have worded it better. Thanks!
"...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 Aug 13, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he sounds alot different than he did before the 07 draft. really sounds like he's matured. still loves those video games though.
baseBALLIN!
by kevzta on Aug 13, 2008 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he also admitted the velocity loss
he said that the pitching coaches told him that it happens to a lot of high schoolers turned pro pitchers in their first year. He attributed it to the basic grind of the pro year vs. the high school year, like increased running and throwing daily. He said that he doesn’t worry too much about the velo loss because he’s learning to pitch, and when it comes back he’ll have it, but the days he doesn’t have the gas, he knows what to do after pitching with an average fastball.
baseBALLIN!
by kevzta on Aug 13, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Question about the Rangers pitching staff next year:
I understand that with all pitchers being healthy, our rotation (assuming no added FA’s) currently looks something like Millwood/Padilla/Hurley/Harrison/Gabbard. My question is, with all the pitchers we’ve had pitch this season because of injury, what does the order look like after that? Because, let’s be honest, there’s been nothing to suggest that we’re going to need less than 8 pitchers next year either.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 13, 2008 3:22 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
rotation
Assuming we sign no FAs I think we will start next year with Millwood, Padilla, BMac, Hurley, Feldman as the rotation. In OKC we would have Harrison, Gabbard, Mendoza, Hunter, and Diamond. Then there are also guys like Mathis and AJ Murray who could be used in a pinch. If we have the amount of injuries we had this year next year then we could also be looking at the guys who will be in AA like Feliz, Holland, Kiker and Poveda although I think those would be absolute last resorts unless they just absolutely force their way up 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 Aug 13, 2008 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
8 SP's in a season would be a miracle.
Over the past 8 years we have averages 13.75 Starters per season. Getting that to 10 would befantastic and require health and solid (not spectacular) performance. It would also take a ton of pressure off the pen and the pen would probably perform better with a lighter load.
by Bigfan16 on Aug 13, 2008 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Byrd, Cruz, Andrus to Rays for Kazmir
Give me your Opinion
by awillis111 on Aug 13, 2008 3:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you should stop rosterbaiting
and making stupid trades that no one will ever make.
Seriously, stop it.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
my opinion
you’re an idiot
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 Aug 13, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what's probably the best way to improve the staff?
Build a better defense. Right now, we have a terrible SS, terrible 3B, good 1B and a rangy, but error-prone 2B. Add that, we have a RF playing CF and good corner OF.
Let’s say you place Borbon in CF, Andrus at SS, someone awesome like Eric Chavez at 3B and Teagarden at C.
A defensive alignment of
1B Davis
2B Kinsler
3B Chavez
SS Andrus
LF Murphy
CF Borbon
RF Hamilton
C Teagarden
would probably shave at least .5 off the ERA and possibly a whole point off of the RA.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Either
defensively, all of those guys are ML ready. It just depends on if/when Borbon and Teagarden lets the bats catchup
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't Chavez injury prone?
And I don’t think (I know it gets me in trouble) anybody will take MY’s contract.
by awillis111 on Aug 13, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would suspect that Andrus
would make a lot of errors next season. You might have sort of similar SS and 2B for a year or so.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
some things that are scored errors
in the minors are not in the majors, but even that, as long as he has the range to get to balls, it’ll be a welcomed change.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yep
But I imagine his errors will be on plays he tries to make the spectacular play instead of the smart play.
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 Aug 13, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A lot of errors
are plays he gets to but can’t get the ball in time to make the play. They’re judgmental errors that usually goes against him in the minors. If these same plays were scored as errors in the majors, every SS would haev 20+
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yuck
i dont want chavez’s bat. blah. mike young’s defense would be adequate enough at 3rd and be better than anything Chavez gives you. yuck yuck yuck.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chavez
when he was healthy, he was a better offensive player than MY playing in a tougher park.
Chavez is so much better than MY in terms of reaction to balls that even at 3B, there’d be a noticable difference between them. Not saying he’s the standard, but any good defensive 3B would do.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DL
How many games has Chavez played the last 3 years?
Nolan Ryan should be the Rangers president, GM, manager and pitching coach.
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2008 4:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
does it matter?
Insert any good defensive 3B
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yes it does matter
how many “good” defensive 3B are there available? How many that would be comparatively better than Young? How do you quantify that their better defense would more than make up for drop in offensive production?
This isnt a video game. You cant just pick “any good defensive 3B” and plug him in.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point isn't in the name you choose
it’s in the concept. Better defense across the IF saves runs, a lot more runs considering our staff puts more balls into play than any other. Chances are a really good SS and 3B would save more runs than the offensive production you lose from Young.
If the guy happens to be a pre-injury Eric Chavez or even teh current model of Adrian Beltre, your team gets significantly better.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
read my post below
anybody can say “the rangers would be better with upgraded infield defense”
No shit sherlock.
That does nothing for me. A monkey could point out that we would be better with a gold glover at 3rd and short.
Its a waste of time and space to print something that everyone and their mother already knows and admits to. If you have REASONABLE alternative to offer up, and i mean something more reasonable than a beat up and run down Eric Chavez or a prohibitively expensive and unattainable Adrian Beltre, Im all ears and open to discussion.
Otherwise youre wasting our time. and cluttering this thread.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holy mother of god
chill out.
More redundant points get made by the dozens in these threads. If the worst internet crime perpetrated on this blog is that someone suggests we need a better left side of the infield, this is (and always will be) the best sports-related blog ever.
by jwiscarson on Aug 13, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Reasonable alternative
Adrian Beltre (Big contract on a team in sell mode)
German dUrran (who’s on our team)
Joe Crede (FA)
Josh Fields (expendable if CWS resigns Crede)
Jed Lowrie (blocked by contract)
Mark Teahen (undervalued and jerked around in KC)
It doesn’t matter
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
alternatives
1. too expensive and overvalued
2. Utility infielder
3. Spare and injury prone
4. Limited MLB experience (only batted .244 in 100 games last year)
5. Define blocked by contract? he’s a SS with limited time at 3B
6. Spare
Mike Young is better than all of these options.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Joe Crede
is a spare, then Michael Young at 3B is a disaster of Epic proportions.
Crede put up decent numbers, probably as good as MY while being a better defender.
Lowrie is blocked by Lowell at 3rd and Lugo at SS and Pedroia and 2B. They may find a way to get rid of the butcher Lugo, but he’s still blocked at 3 positions by three guys with long contracts.
Duran put up a pretty good line in AA this year, and he was decent, though obviously not ready and hampered by inconsistent playing time up here.
You can’t make decisions on most of their bats yet, but most of these guys are better value and probably more productive than MY.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
or Joe Crede
or a prospect like Matt Dominguez or Jed Lowrie or a Journeyman like Keith Ginter. Or a guy like PEdro Feliz. Hell, or even German Duran. There’s a lot of good 3Bs out there, the point is to find one that will make a lot of plays and won’t embarrass himself up there.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chavez last 5 years
2004 .276 / .397 / .501 / .898 (125 games)
2005 .269 / .329 / .466 / .795 (160 games)
2006 .241 / .351 / .435 / .786 (137 games)
2007 .240 / .306 / .446 / .752 (90 games)
2008 .247 / .295 / .393 / .688 (23 games)
Thats disgusting production the last 4 years. And with injury concerns and turning 31 this offseason….No thanks.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I repeat
Insert any good defensive 3B, don’t get caught up in the semantics kid
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK
we heard you the first time but you specifically said Chavez and then came back and defended your stance by saying he is a great offensive player. hes not. He was a good player but the last several years he has been injury prone and his offensive numbers have declined dramatically. If we are going to have a brittle 3B I would rather have Blalock for his 6 mil option.
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 Aug 13, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's a better
offensive player, when healthy, than Michael Young. How hard is that to understand?
I threw in Chavez’s name because he is the best 3B right now that came to mind. It could very well be Adrian Beltre. It DOESN’T fucking matter. What matters is that the defense all across the IF ranges from Horrid to the low side of average. If you have “Good” defenders are every position save 2B, this team would allow a lot less runs.
Make yourself feel better then, insert Adrian BEltre at 3B. That’s not the fucking point people
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It is the point
Its not a video game. Theres more to it. Are you willing to trade for Beltre? because, the Mariners were asking for a King’s ransom for him. Are you willing to pay Beltre’s salary? These are things you have to take into consideration when comparing to our current situation.
Besides, this is your fault. You said “someone awesome like Eric Chavez at 3B ” which just highlights the fact that youre spouting uninformed ideas. Chavez hasnt been anywhere close to awesome for the past 3 years. maybe Chavez of 5-6 years ago. but otherwise its a worthless comparison.
Its easy to say “the Rangers would be better served to upgrade their infield defense and they could use an awesome fielding 3rd baseman” Its much more difficult, and realistic, to look at the current market and the REASONABLY available options and see that our current situation cant markably be improved without prohibitve cost. Thus, our in house options (Mike Young at 3rd next year or ‘10) are the most realistic, like it or not.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chavez
has been awesome defensively at 3B even with a bum shoulder. Given that guys like Teagarden and Borbon made the lineup, I’d think it be easy to comprehend that I was talking about defense. I threw in a name, you decided to junk all over the name rather than the concept.
Good defensive 3Bs are relatively easy to find. The point is to the find one that won’t embarrass themselves offensively. It doesn’t have to be Chavez or Beltre (who will be moved this winter, come hell or high water), it can be the underrated Josh Fields or FA to be Joe Crede. Hell, it can be German Duran. It doesn’t matter, decent offense at 3B with a good glove is preferable to our current alignment.
Semantics people.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3b
So, youre saying it would be preferable to you to have someone like Joe Crede or German Duran play 3B than Mike Young?
I mean, if its a given that Andrus upgrades the SS position, and you have to find an upgrade to Vazquez at 3rd, youre saying German Duran or Joe Crede, or someone like them, would be markably better than Mike Young?
Im just trying to make sense of your drivel.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Chavez, seriously?
is his walker MLB indorsed or does he get fined until he loads up the basket with MLB Extra Innings® adds?
by bushe on Aug 13, 2008 4:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
3rd time's the charm
Insert any good defensive 3B, don’t get caught up in the semantics kids
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
why not Hannahan?
at least his 600 OPS could get into the lineup consistently
by bushe on Aug 13, 2008 4:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
fine whatever
not so much concerned with names as with the skills that they bring to the table
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
after watching
ramon cost us ran after run the past few weeks im also thinking a good defensive 3b would be a necessary addition for us. i dont know what options we really have to go out and get someone but beltre might be an interesting possibility. he’s got one year left i think and the mariners should definitely try to shop him this winter since they wont compete in 09. he’s costly but he’s an excellent defender and could probably pop 30 dingers in our ballpark. they might blanche at trading him within the division but would it really matter if he’s just a one year rental and they wont be competing with us next year anyway. i dont like the $12 million he makes next year but it’s probably unlikely anyway.
by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Aug 13, 2008 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Mariners
word is Yamaguchi-san is selling the team and they’re slashing payroll like there is no tomorrow. Beltre, while not cheap, will be a good value addition.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
For that matter so SD
What would you give to have C Young back?
by awillis111 on Aug 13, 2008 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Mariners
were asking for ridiculous return to trade Beltre. What are you willing to give up for him? Id love to know.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
they won’t. If Yamaguchi sells the team, he’ll need to clear payroll. But right now, I’d probably be willing to giveup someone like a Jose Vallejo to get him
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
thats all
speculation. and sure as hell wasnt their strategy at the trade deadline. until i see them asking for pennies on the dollar, its not realistic to assume a 1 for 1 vallejo for beltre deal.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rangers SP lead the league
in balls in play so there for = many more chances for the fielders which leads to more errors because they get worn down. If the starting pitching was better and we had a guy or two that could K a guy the D would be much better. IMO
"Would you mind walking a time or two so I could drive in some runs"? Milton Bradley
by boomer1 on Aug 13, 2008 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's a fallacy
the OF D is fine most of the time, the IF is the one that is consistently horrible. Defense is cheaper and more consistent than pitching. That’s the easiest way to improve performance,.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forget Beltre or Chavez
I’d rather see Duran back at third
by awillis111 on Aug 13, 2008 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
SO MY
leads the league in fielding percentage and he is a terrible SS????? Good call on that one!!!
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes
The difference between a really good fielding percentage and a bad one is like ten errors. The difference between a SS with great range and Michael Young’s range might be five times that or more.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think its fair
to say that MY is an above averge SS. Im not trying to say he is Ozzie Smith or anything but he is a GOOD SS. Step away from your OUT OF THE ZONE stats and look at everything he does in the field. Best fielding %, best DP ratio. Want to say thats an above average SS.
Then why dont you add his bat, and he is a 5 time all star!
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 4:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wasn't aware that we were discussing his bat
I don’t expect that there is any way to remove his bat from the lineup even if they wanted to. I’m just in favor of moving that bat to 3B.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with this.
It really wouldn’t surprise me if Andrus isn’t the starting SS next season and we see Young moved to 3rd. If that happens, the offense will take a short-term step back in those two positions, but the defense should be quite a bit better.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
But were you in on the ‘bring in Chavez” that firebatM3 brought up? BC if you look at his lineup, i dont see a MY on there. one, you are not getting rid of him, PERIOD, and Two, would you really want to? Im not opposed to moving him over but getting rid of, not so much.
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Put him at DH for all I care
maybe it’ll help him find his power stroke again.
The point is one of the most upgradable dependable positions on this team are 3B and SS. I’m not entirely confident in MY’s ability to play either well
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Definitely not worried about his power numbers
Did you forget who usually hits right behind him?
What makes you think for a min that he couldnt play third?
He has a decently strong very accurate arm. Range is definitely not your concern at third, and he has the best fielding % in the majors at SS. What make syou think that fielding % wont translate over to 3rd? Makes no sense.
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 4:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has the arm for third
but he doesn’t have the first step reaction time, which you need for 3B more than any other position. The problem with MY is not that I don’t like him, it’s that he’s a replacable talent at this point.
Honestly, if a guy like Crede can put up a .800 OPS in this ballpark (which he absolutely can), he’d be a better player for us than anything MY has to offer
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crede
he’s put up a .800 OPS twice in his career. He was hovering there this year. But he’s 30 and showing injury concerns.
How long would you sign a 30 year old 3B with injury concerns for who’s best full season line was in 2006 when he hit .283 .323 .506?
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not a 5 year 80 million contract
but he’d be a decent 2 year investment
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
youve already got the 5 year 80 million contract on your books. This isnt a video game. Did I already say that? Let me repeat. This isnt a video game. You cant just dump MY’s contract. Its here. Its a fact of life. Learn to deal with it.
And making MY a full time DH will not happen.
when you want to start talking reality, and stop thinking fantasy, id be happy to converse.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok Captain Righteous
I’ll get on that.
That MY contract was a bad deal, you can probably put him in RF since he’s got a good arm and a decent ability to react after the initial burst.
I don’t know what to do with MY’s contract, if I did, I’d probably be employed in baseball somewhere.
THe point of this excercise wasn’t “How deep can we get into the semantics of the game”, it was “how do we best improve the staff”. That was just my idea. Get over yourself.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dont you have to
get into the semantics to come up with REALISTIC ways to improve the staff? Otherwise its all fantasy baseball…
Im not caught up in myself. Im simply giving you reasonable counter points to your arguments. I thought this was a forum where reasonable and logical discussion of ideas was encouraged.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then shouldn't the 1st concern be SP'ing
Instead of this latest edition of the hate MY club?
by awillis111 on Aug 13, 2008 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
or
were you hoping to keep the discussion completely theoretical, so as to carry on the idea of your argument but prevent any logical counterpoint?
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The point was
the cheapest way to upgrade the team was by improving its defense. That’d be much cheaper than improving the starting pitching. He’ll, even if you had to eat 20 million dollars of MY’s contract, it’d be a better alternative than ponying up for the type of pitchers that’d sign here (like AJ BUrnett)
I’m not sure what you do with Michael Young,b ut I’ve become convinced that he’s a liability in the IF and will be a liability at the plate at any position but SS and maybe 2B. He’s not an average player anymore, especially not a 3B.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
I respectfully disagree with several of those points.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
here's what I see 6th street
everyone else arguing about the best way to deal with MY and you arguing the semantics of a name.
Seriously, chill and step back for a sec, you’re missing a decent discussion everywhere else.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
im arguing that there are limited SOLUTIONS, which is how you solve a problem. You provided some suggestions of solutions, and I disagreed that any of those solutions would be better than my solution. simple as that.
we dont have to agree. thats the greatness of htis blog. ive never personally attacked you, nor have i gotten overly worked up. i simply fervently disagreed with your points and provided my counter points.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a good way to upset someone
is to use hyperboles like drivel, and I speak from personal experience.
Whatever, I’m done here. Go back to biting Jayslick
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
shhhhh!
dont feed the monkeys, it just gets them more horny
"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 Aug 13, 2008 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You aren't worried that he's slugging .411 this year?
by jwiscarson on Aug 13, 2008 4:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
more worried
that he’s on DL and only played 137 games between this year and last.
by 6th street on Aug 13, 2008 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Please stop using fielding percentage to support your argument
Last week I took a pleasure trip. I drove my wife to the airport.
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2008 4:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have no problem with
getting rid of him, but a) I wasn’t suggesting it here and b) his contract makes him completely untradeable at this point.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 13, 2008 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very true and agree.
I know you didnt suggest this, but i thinkg its crazy to even want to move him off the field completely. Disregard the contract, i wouldnt do it anyway. Stick him at third and he continues to be an all star (not starting of course with AROD there) but still an all star.
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 4:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
With Longoria
and A-Rod and possibly Boston-inflated Mike Lowell and a superior guy like Carlos Guillen and potential breakout guys like Alex Gordon, you think he’d still make All-star team?
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think right
now he would probably be third in that list. He still would be a servicable avg to above avg third basemen.
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 4:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carlos GUillen
has had a better year than MY while playing in a far more pitcher-friendly park.
Longoria, A-Rod, Beltre, Guillen, Young.
I think that’s how I’d rank them, offensively. At least right now
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you rank ARod under Longoria?
If there were no rewards to reap,
no loving embrace to see me through this tedious path I've chosen here,
I certainly would've walked away by now... Be patient
by trident on Aug 13, 2008 4:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's a principles thing
(no, not really), but I’m one of those assholes that always boo him
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
boo that man!!
me too
If there were no rewards to reap,
no loving embrace to see me through this tedious path I've chosen here,
I certainly would've walked away by now... Be patient
by trident on Aug 13, 2008 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm proud to say
that I’ve booed A-Rod in 6 different ballparks
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where do you get that from?
Longoria – 278 AVG/56R/71RBI/.352OBP
Beltre – 251AVG/56R/58RBI/.318OBP
Guillen – .284/62R/53RBI/.373
Young – .285AVG/77R/65RBI/.335OBP
Looks to me like Young should probably be 2 or 3. ARod for sure 1, but tell me how else you put the others infront of him “OFFENSIVELY” like you said.
by thad728 on Aug 13, 2008 5:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Longoria and Guillen
are both far superior hitters in far superior pitcher’s parks.
Beltre has been unlucky this year, he has a really low BABIP despite a really high LD%. Despite that, he still hits for more power than MY and is younger.
His expected numbers are something like .300/.350/.450 in safeco.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Runs scored?
Really??
LOL…
Last week I took a pleasure trip. I drove my wife to the airport.
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2008 4:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
MY has made 29 plays out of his zone in 1000 innings
Jason Bartlett has 33 in 800. That’s the difference between a really good SS and a bad SS. A lot of plays are converted by guys like Bartlett that MY has no chance to get on.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The question then becomes ...
does Bartlett’s improved defense save more runs than MY’s bat creates over Bartlett’s? Just glancing at Bartlett’s offensive production, I doubt it.
by Athos on Aug 13, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point taken
but Bartlett is doing it with a high K staff. If you place him in a high contact staff like we have, I’d think it’s closer than we’d think
by FirebatM3 on Aug 13, 2008 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Substitute...
MY for Chavez and that is what I expect to see in 2010. Add in MaxRam or Board Game at DH and that is not only a better defensive team, but a solid lineup as well.
The bad thing is that Andrus and Borbon won’t be ready to start next year in Arlington imo. That means MY stays at SS another year and we have to suffer through another year of shitty defense. Byrd/Boggs can fill in ‘til Borbon is ready and TT is solid, but needs to beat out OMFT unless he is dealt.
The best way to improve the staff right now is for guys to stop getting hurt. Millwood/Padilla/BMac/Hurley/Feldman is not great, but it beats the hell out of Padilla/Feldman/Mendoza/Harrison/Hunter right now. Mendoza, Harrison, and Hunter need to be in AAA still, but with all the injuries what can you do?
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Aug 13, 2008 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think EG
is overrating beltre a little. yes he does have enormous potential but i think a reevaluation of the concept of ‘ceiling’ is in order if beltre is viewed as having barry bonds potential. plus i think the type of 5-tool speedster that he is tends to be more hit-or-miss, that is to say there is a higher proportion of busts amongst those who fail to reach their ceiling than with other types of hot prospects, who often wind up as at least serviceable major leaguers even if they fail to reach their full potential.
id like to see us sell high on him for a good young starter, lest he plateaus in AA or something and we lose out on a good chance. of course it would suck to trade him away and watch him become a start, but im comfortable with that outcome provided we get a quality young arm in the process.
by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Aug 13, 2008 4:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Who do you trade for?
I don’t think there’s any question that the Rangers need to trade a prospects package for a quality pitcher and then try to sign a free agent. Two good pitchers in our rotation would be a significant step forward. But my concern is that JD targets the right pitchers given what we have seen in the past. If you give up some talent like EG suggests, then you have to get a solid starter in return. We just can’t take another bad deal. Also, I don’t think we have much of a chance of signing a good free agent pitcher unless we have already traded for someone…unless we just flat out moneywhip them. Nobody will come here if they think they have to carry the whole load.
Foolish consistency is the hobgobblin of little minds - Emerson
by RangerEddie on Aug 13, 2008 6:43 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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