Rangers' top 20 prospects

Where's Omar?

Despite dealing with injuries, Poveda is striking out more than a batter per inning and posting a WHIP of 1.33 in the Cal League in his 20 year-old season. His 4.78 ERA is due at least in part to bad luck and an inability of the Bakersfield bullpen to keep inherited runners from scoring. In five starts and 30 innings since returning from injury several weeks ago, Poveda has struck out 30, walked 11, and allowed 20 hits and 8 runs (ERA of 2.40, WHIP of 1, and K/9 of 9). Better than the numbers, I love that fact that he is starting to use his curve to complement the fastball/change-up combo that he has used with great success in his previous two years of minor league ball.

by spurdynasty on Aug 21, 2008 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Poveda has all the tools to be a filthty filthy pitcher

Still would like to see him cut down the walks, but ive got a feeling he is going to surprise a lot of hitters in AA next season.

by laxtonto on Aug 21, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Walks

Poveda hasn’t had trouble with walks in the past (2.6 BB/9IP last year in 150+ innings), so I suspect that his walks this year are more due to inconsistent innings and concern about giving up homeruns. In my opinion, Omar’s flyball tendencies likely represent his achilles heel.

by spurdynasty on Aug 21, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That

and that he has episodes were he just loses command completely for a few pitches and walks guy on 4-5 pitches. BB/9 is a bit misleading, since he has probably faces more batters in an “average inning” this season, so the BB counts will be naturally inflated a bit. A better indicator would be percentage of pitches for strikes or percent of all batter walked, unfortunately neither of these two piece of information are available in the minors.

Meanwhile, I will go ahead and throw in the Poveda-McCarthy comparison again.

by Telegraph on Aug 21, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Poveda this year

You’re right about the occasional four-pitch walks. He’s also shown a tendency to get behind in the count this year. I don’t remember him having that problem last year. For what it’s worth, I’ve noticed that Kiker, Reed, and Phillips have also been less aggressive this year than last. Do you think they are concerned about giving up the gopher ball, facing more discriminating hitters, or pitching in a league where the umpires have smaller strike zones?

by spurdynasty on Aug 21, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Swingin' strikes

The reason that I am still bullish on Poveda is the sheer amounts of swinging strikes right now. Usually when hitters swing and miss, either a) they are fooled, or b) they are overmatched by a pitch. The fact that he is continuing to get swinging strikes in Bakersfield lends me to believe that he has legitimate stuff. The curveball improvement has also been good to see. If everything progress as expected, I see a major-league repertoire. The problem is that since I have never seen him pitch outside a few scouting videos, I can’t really say exactly how good the changeup is, or rather it would be an average/above average pitch in the majors.

Flyball is definitely a source of concern, I did a rough calculation based on the game logs a while back and got something like 42% total fly balls (the “line drive” and “popup” categorization seem somewhat arbitrary), assuming 10 percent of all fly balls are popups (this should probably be more, depending on the definition of a pop-up), you end up with 38 percent fly ball, which is definitely high. His HR/9 rate this season is 1.11 (from 1.28 last year and 0.7-ish in Clinton), and given this is the Cal league in the historic Sam Lynn, it ain’t bad. I think the bigger part of this also has to do with how many line drives to gives up. If he is in the 17-18 LD range or better, the extra fly balls won’t hurt him all that much. If it’s like 22%, then it’s a major problem.

As long as his stuff is legit (I am pretty convince that it is, but not certain because I don’t know his LD% rate nor have I seen enough of his pitches), then he won’t be bothered too much by the smaller strike zones or discriminating hitters since he doesn’t live off Gabbernibbling. As you said, the less aggressive tendencies might stem from the league and park, but also don’t forget that the defense on that team is not so pretty.

by Telegraph on Aug 21, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alot of real young guys on that list

did i count 10 guys that were either 117,18, or 19

Wow

by laxtonto on Aug 21, 2008 10:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

On what planet

is 117 young?

:)

he’s still hitting better than Saltalasuckia—while playing vastly superior defense...Athos

by Escher on Aug 21, 2008 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Mercury

by chrisR on Aug 21, 2008 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where ever we go by dog years

by laxtonto on Aug 21, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I would have had Beltre

that high before this season, but right now he’s dropped a bit for me. His plate discipline has gone nowhere. I said in April that from him and Andrus (two position guys very young for their leagues) I didn’t expect stellar numbers but improvement over the course of the season. Andrus has done it, Beltre has to a lesser degree but without the OBP. I’d put Beavan and Kiker ahead of him now.

2009 is a very, very important year for Santana, you said that right.

Any chance you’ll compare the Rangers’ top 20 with some of the other better systems at some point in this series? I’d like to see comps with the AL West teams and maybe some other systems flush with talent like Tampa.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 10:35 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great idea, tball!

The Rangers/A’s comparison would be worth the price of admission. Perhaps you should give the project a crack and display the results in a fanpost.

by spurdynasty on Aug 21, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm

maybe a fanpost. But I’ll wait until some lists come out this offseason. I don’t know nearly enough about other systems to rank them myself.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great job Jamey

I like the list a lot!! It’s amazing how fast Holland jumped up the charts (ranked 14th by LSB recently). I can’t believe how solid that list looks when we don’t even have Davis, Hurley, and Harrison on the list anymore.

My main problem is that I think Lemon should definitely be ahead of Santana. I’d even put Lemon ahead of Duran too.

by Coolbean04 on Aug 21, 2008 10:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Jamey

Just curious, how far away do you rate that Korean guy we signed compared to Ross?

by Coolbean04 on Aug 21, 2008 10:42 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No idea.

How could anyone who hasn’t seen Ahn pitch even guess?

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

have u seen ross?

"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 21, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Video.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Plus...

…plenty of accounts from qualified people who have seen him live. Haven’t seen any such thing on Ahn.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what was danks signing bonus?

i seem to remember it being about what ross got. true? i know ross’s bonus is higher by quite a bit than the great drew meyer

"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 21, 2008 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Danks signed for $2.1 million.

Beavan’s was very close to what Ross got.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow, i swore it was 1.8M

crap.

"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 21, 2008 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

any video we can get our hands on on the korean kid?

"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 21, 2008 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The farm is so deep..

.. you could re-rank players on a weekly basis. The rankings are not as important as the depth. Let’s hope the front office figures out how to put an end to the pitching prospects failing at the MLB level.

by mattrpav on Aug 21, 2008 10:49 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Vallejo

Do you have him ranked so low because you think his ascent this year is a statistical oddity or so you just think those in front of him are that much better? I think there is a definite chance that Vallejo is included in a deal this summer for a younger frontline SP (Volstad maybe?).

"But the major difference is where Showalter tried to overthink everything Washington at times seems like he isn't thinking at all. " - rentz

by hillcrest on Aug 21, 2008 10:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

…that was sort of the point of the "He’ll be higher on this list in the spring " comment. Love the guy, but until he does something, I didn’t see where on the list I should move him up. He may very well be number three a month from now.

(And sorry about the “Funny” retort. Thought you were kidding, maybe taking a shot at some LSB poster who thinks CD was moved because Smoak should be starting at 1B tomorrow night.)

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd probably slot him 2nd or 3rd...

…behind Feliz, and maybe Holland…

by Adam J. Morris on Aug 21, 2008 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Happily...

…this sort of debate can be had around here.

You ought to show your Astros buddies that some Rangers clown has Smoak #7. Wonder where he’d fit on Houston’s list.

Nah. That would be sort of mean.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Man

you ain’t kidding. At least they actually signed their first round pick. It sucks even more to be a Nats fan right now, though their system is in a little bit better shape.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yikes

even ignoring this organization’s overwhelming need for pitching, taking a player that hasn’t had a full week of professional ball under his belt and putting him over a lefty with a 12-1 record in 24 starts with a 2.40 ERA, over a K per inning, and a ridiculous strikeout-to-walk ratio that touches 97 on the radar and has absolutely DOMINATED in each promotion seems pretty far-fetched to me. Are you ranking Smoak ahead of Holland based on pure upside and talent? It sounds like you’ve already penciled in Smoak producing offensively and defensively like Teixeira did…

"So you have no frame of reference here, Donny. You're like a child who wanders into the middle of a movie and wants to know... "

by Walter Sobchak on Aug 21, 2008 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

how so Adam,

projection shouldnt be the only tool to rank a farm team. Production should be heavily factored in and Smoak hasn’t done jack yet.

The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ

by NYTXFAN on Aug 21, 2008 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

I had him #3 behind feliz and Davis at the MiLB ASB and Holland 31 (which was higher than other people pegged him but before he became feliz-numero-dos).

So now 1-3 are: feliz holland and smoak. Holland has had some crazy-good kinda season, but, he wasnt a sleeper as he had a great year last year too…

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 4:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Holland's ave preseason ranking from published rankings

was about 40.

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Question

Will the rankings take into account who is hot? It seems to me that the rankings will stabilize at a certain point, and a “Power Ranking” approach would be a good fit. That way, if someone like Santana has a week or two where he is on an absolute tear, he could surpass someone like Font, who is doing little to nothing at the moment.

Either way, great feature. I’ll be keeping an eye on it.

Plaschke: Scioscia, the former Dodgers catcher, is the model manager who has created an atmosphere of winning.
Junior:It's that simple. Mike Scioscia brings a Glade Plug-In labeled "Winning™" into the clubhouse and everyone who breathes it in gains 15 points in average.

by TheBZA on Aug 21, 2008 10:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Poveda, Lemon, etc.

Lots of guys I wanted to put on there but “couldn’t” (Diamond, Laughter, Beau Jones, JMJ, others).

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Poveda again

Poveda’s stuff and performance are extremely similar to Kiker’s. I agree with you that Kiker is at the back end of the top ten prospects in the system. In my opinion, Poveda should come soon after and would therefore be in the Top 15.

Have you seen something in Poveda that concerns you about his ability to pitch in the majors?

by spurdynasty on Aug 21, 2008 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing other than consistency of health.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Poveda pitched more than 150 innings in both 2006 and 2007

Hopefully, 2008 is just an aberration.

by spurdynasty on Aug 21, 2008 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You know...

…that’s a fair point. I ignored the health question on Font so I probably should have on Poveda, too. Still, he’s in that 17-20 range for me, so he probably stays in that pack of 5 or 6 who were right on the edge but missed for me anyway.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you did not consider it for

Santana either who has been hurt about 1/2 the season.

I am all in favor of keeping a palyer where I ranked him in preseason if his difficulties can be tied to health issues for highly regarded players, so for me, Castillo, Santana, Font, Poveda stay close to where i ranked them in preseason. It is the year after a poor season that counts for these guys, though, i give Castillo a break only if he is moved to the bullpen next year.

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 4:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The early season injury is the only real one (arm fatigue)

Then he had some manicure problems

by Telegraph on Aug 21, 2008 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmm

Looks like the new pitching philosophy is working throughout the minors…

to me, abortion is not a religious issue, it's a common sense one...

by Longhorn on Aug 21, 2008 11:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Max Ramirez

I think he is going to be a dominant hitter. That’s all.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Aug 21, 2008 11:20 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Max

I went back and forth on Max and Smoak, but to me it came down to the fact that we hope Smoak hits the way Max already does. Smoak is the better defender, but at a less demanding position.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

bold prediction

I think Max will be a more productive big league hitter than Davis or Smoak.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Aug 21, 2008 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Purple Kush, Hawaiian Sativa or Ultra Skunk?

Neil Ramirez Interview

by jparks77 on Aug 21, 2008 8:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not so bold prediction

you’re wrong.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 10:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Max

Not ready to agree with you, but I don’t think it’s such a crackpot idea.

Davis needs to show he can avoid K/G strikeout rates.

Smoak needs to prove he can hit as a pro.

In these, Max has them both topped.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 21, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This will be a fun item to watch.

Hurley hasn’t thrown 50 innings in the bigs, and I’m not sure he’s going to get the 25 innings he needs to top that number by the end of this season. He’s still a top 5 guy.

Holland is finishing well, but I think #2 is a bit high, even if this list is meant to have a dash of BA’s Hot Sheet in it. I’d say Hurley’s secondary stuff rates him above Holland.

I think the top group is Feliz.
The next group is Max and Hurley followed closely by a group that includes Smoak, Holland, Andrus, T2, Main. After that, there’s a glut of guys with various combinations of high upside or nearness to the majors that pretty much aligns with Jamey’s 8-19.

Max and Smoak both appear to have the talent to hit in the middle of the lineup, but Max is much further along in his development. A little less upside but closer to the bigs gets Max a higher ranking than Smoak in my book.

Main gets thrown into the last group because he has performed well but also because I’m biased toward athletic pitchers, who I believe (though can’t confirm with numbers) are more able to make physical adjustments and avoid over exertion. Kiker is another athletic pitcher, but I’ll give the edge to Main who has a few inches of height on Kiker.

Not too excited about Robbie Ross at 20 rather than someone like Kennil Gomez, Castillo, Pimentel, or maybe even O’Campo.

Go Rangers!

by rooster on Aug 21, 2008 11:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Kennil

Anyone heard whether he’ll pitch again this year? I definitely got the vibe they’re trying to avoid fatigue with him, and it wasn’t necessarily a more acute injury…

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 21, 2008 12:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Eleven

pitchers in the top twenty, five in the top ten, three in the top five. Have the Rangers ever had this much top end talent pitching in the minors? How would you rate the top three now compared to Diamond, Volquez, and Danks at similar points in their careers?

Formerly known as OKRangerFan

by B_Black on Aug 21, 2008 12:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Spokane Trio

I really like the Perez/Ramirez/Boscan triumvirate at 13/14/15. The movement on Boscan’s fastball, curve, and change-up were fantastic in the few innings that I saw on the video at the Boise Hawks site. Can anyone comment on whether he is as impressive in person? Do you know teh velocity on Boscan’s fastball? How about Perez’?

by spurdynasty on Aug 21, 2008 12:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I have nothing to base this on

but I have a hunch that Boscan really “breaks out” next year. Maybe not at the level of Holland or Feliz, but to the point that he is on top 100 lists after next year.

by clark on Aug 21, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boscando

I’m glad Jamey;‘s giving him some love. This past winter I’d been expecting him to really break out this year along with Font (oops) so it’s good he didn’t disappoint. If he can be the Holland of this year next year we’ll really have some great prospect matriculation on our hands. Exciting stuff indeed!

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Aug 21, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Main - Beavan

I’d be interested to hear what seperates these two. I guess Main has more velocity now, but Beavan appears to have better command and is flourishing at a higher level.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Aug 21, 2008 12:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

What?

Main and Beavan are both at Clinton.

by LiamP on Aug 21, 2008 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

true

I’d forgotten about Main’s promotion. But still, Beavan has over 110 ip at that level, while Main has less than 35.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Aug 21, 2008 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Main has about 80 ip total though

this year and last year so they are close enough…

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's taller?

:)

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"How do you measure yourself against other golfers?"

“By height.”

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Aug 21, 2008 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

the gap between the two is pretty interesting. Main is placed in front of a glut of significant talent, and Beavan is right at the back end of that glut.

by clark on Aug 21, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think

that if you took anyone in the top 12, they could be #1 in some organizations. i.e. if Brobon were in the Nats system

"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

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by hinduplaya on Aug 21, 2008 12:26 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i was about to say

pretty much the same thing.

by clark on Aug 21, 2008 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nitpicking I know

But Borbon would definitely not be #1 in the Nats system. Their system is quite weak on the whole, but Burgess and Marrero would be above him. Probably Detwiler too, though he’s been horrendous this year.

by nivarsity on Aug 23, 2008 6:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jamey, if you're still around...

Or if Scott Lucas or Mike Hindman is checking in, I was hoping you could give your thoughts on some questions (Obviously, since you don’t have to answer, you also don’t have to answer all of them):

1) Do you see the Rangers giving up on Michael Schlact or Zachary Phillips as starting pitchers?

2) Is Chad Tracy emerging as a legitimate prospect, and can he play a decent catcher?

3) Is Mitch Moreland on your radar screen? Ian Gac? Renny Osuna?

4) Do you see Kennil Gomez moving up next year? Do you know why he hasn’t pitched in over a month?

5) A case of the “Mehs” (mild depression that is alleviated by thinking about the rest of the Rangers’ prospects) seems to have settled in regarding John Whittleman. What’s your take? Can he bounce back?

6) Could the market for catchers ever develop so that the Rangers would trade away enough of them to leave Manuel Pina the starter and Ranger fans happy?

7) Who do you see as the potential starting third baseman for the Rangers next year and what do you think the odds are of each?

8) Ben Harrison, major leaguer in 2009? If yes, with Rangers or somebody else?

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 12:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Not who you asked for but heres my .02 anyway

1: I think they will be forced out of starting roles with the amount of talent moving up the chain. Although both would probably be perfect spot starters next year so we don’t have to rush Feliz or Holland and add them to the 40.

2: I doubt he plays catcher. Ideal solution is a cross between Brandon Inge and Chris Shelton in the fact he can play there as an emergency but only an emergency. (I know Inge is the starter now in Detroit but you get the idea)

3: Moreland…yes. Gac….no simply because he will soon be passed by Smoak. Osuna…..yes although he is stuck behind alot of talent at his position

4: Probably starts at Clinton again mainly because there won’t be room at Bakersfield. Hes been out for a month with arm fatigue I believe and the Rangers said they wanted to limit his innings.

5: AA is gonna be huge for him. hes right on the fence of falling off the prospect radar. But a good showing in Frisco puts him right back on the map.

6: Its a ways away but I think that could very well be the end result of our catching situation in 6 years.

7: Travis Metcalf starts the year there

Metcalf 5-2
Davis 4-1
Blalock 100-1
Vazquez 10-1
Duran 8-1
?? 10-1

8: Sometime in 09 yes but not to start the year. And I doubt he is picked up in the rule 5 draft by anyone.

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 21, 2008 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks...

Thanks for the insight.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree with those odds

with Davis and Metcalf being the most likely guys.

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

3B odds...

I’d add in MY to that bunch at 10-1.

I think the Rangers pick up Hank’s option and try Davis at 3B next year.

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

by slc ranger on Aug 21, 2008 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OK...

1. No.
2. I don’t see how he figures in as a catcher any longer (past the Big Four, there are Pina and Macumba and Telis coming), and while these AA numbers are promising, I still think he’s on the outside of the prospect core.
3. Osuna, Moreland, Gac, in that order.
4. Love Kennil. One of the very few health-related disappointments of the season.
5. I believe in Whittleman, but it’s time for him to convert promise into more than just very good plate discipline. Let’s see what he does with the promotion.
6. Cart, horse. Pina isn’t close to being a starting big leaguer. A year from now, the backup talk could start to percolate if there’s room.
7. Biggest unknown outside of the pitching staff. I’d be fascinated to know what the front office considers Plan A.
8. Yes, here. Not going to have a Boggs impact, but a Duran-esque contribution isn’t out of the question. Don’t think he’ll be roster-protected this winter, though (or drafted).

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

1. I would certainly agree on Phillips. He is a strikeout/groundout lefty. There will always be patience for a guy like that. I do wonder why so many people are high on Schlact. Age and groundball tendencies, I guess.

3. Interesting Jamey has Osuna over Moreland. I am a big Osuna fan but he often gets lost behind our glut of middle infield prospects and Moreland really seems to be coming on of late now that he has spent a whole year focusing on hitting exclusively.

6. If there is some circumstance that allows Borbon, Andrus, and Pina to man middle infield positions in the future for the Rangers, that will be a very strong defensive squad with a lot of singles hitters.

8. I think the org has to be hoping Harrison is good but not “too” good from here on out, because I can’t see him making the 40 this winter.

by clark on Aug 21, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks..

Much appreciated.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

my 2 cents 2

1. Schlact and Phillips s/b be displaced not only be the rising wave of pitching talent but also because they have had 2-3 years now to turn the corner and they have not. Schlact and phillips to the bullpen in AAA and AA respectively.
2. no one has ever given a satisfactory answer as to why Tracy and Greene and Santana have not caught on at least a part-time basis this season (the 450ab goal stated for Santana makes no sense to me). For the first to one might argue position depth at catcher and lack thereof at other positions was the motivations. However, I think they don’t care where tracy plays (right now he is a 1b) as they are mainly interested in his bat.
3. Gac is not a prospect only an org guy
5. I predict Whittleman spend 1 1/2 yrs at AA like he has at all levels and gets passed up by another 3b prospect…
6. Why would pina over TG make the fans happy?
8. I can see him getting taken in the rule 5; all a team loses is money and what it might get is a guy who hits with power if he succeeds

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

#2

Maybe Tracy, Greene and Santana just suck at catcher.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny though

we have never heard that before from anyone. Both Greene and Santana were at instructionals last year as catchers. Seems that if the organization knew they had a couple of bad catchers they would have made the position switch at that time…

As for tracy, I have looked for a scouting report that details his catching skills in college but all i find are those that extol his bat. It looks like tracy might be the new max: find a place, any place, for the guy who hits…

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

I find it funny, too, especially with Santana. I thought they were going to try and make Greene a passable 3B, because I’ve heard his defense is really pretty bad. Tracy never really had enough bat to be of much value anywhere he’s played except catcher, so I think they’re just throwing darts at a position chart with him hoping he’ll stick somewhere.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude, your tough...

1) Zach Phillips had a 2.91 ERA with 157 K’s in 151.2 innings last year for Clinton. He’s 21 and in Bakersfield, so if he’s back there starting next year- and succeeding, obviously- he could still be a very interesting prospect.

Michael Schlact has been among the youngest starting pitchers in the Texas League. If Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz were to start next year in Triple-A, there’s probably going to be a spot for Schlact to repeat at Frisco.

Evan Reed, however, was a reliever at Cal Poly, and was probably going to be moved to the bullpen at some point anyways.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 6:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I look at it like this

Age is important and Schlact and Phillips aren’t old timers esp by rangers standards (in the upper levels of their system particularly). However, once you pitch 400-500 innings as a SP in an org and you are regressing as you move through the system or it takes you 1 1/2 years at _each_level then why pretend anymore that you have a major league caliber starting pitcher?.

Schlact (23.3 next april) will have 600+ innings by season’s end and his ERA the last 3 years has been no lower than 5.67 with 47gs at A+ and 30ish at AA . Phillips (22.5 a/o next april) will have almost 500 innings by year’s end with 57 gs in A and about 25ish in A+. His one good year is sandwiched between two horrible years, including his most recent. In those 2 bad years his era averaged 6.20 with H/9 ranging from 9.88-11.28, BB/9 about 4.2, and WHIP between 1.57-1.72.

By comparison here are a few other minor league inning totals:
Mendoza, 700+; Gabbard 500+; hurley 580+; harrison 630+; mccarthy 350+; nippert 500+; mathis 430+; poveda 420+; Diamond 375+

Having said all of that the real crux is that starting next year there really isn’t any room for players like them to keep struggling in the system as starters for a year and a half when there are 20 guys who are better prospects. The system will only be strengthened if thru competition, people are moved more quickly into roles that they are suited for.

You cut phillips a lot of slack but Reed none at all. I think they Reed will be given a good chance to figure out pitching as a starter, and if he is moved to the bullpen in the second half, I don’t see Schlact or Phillips taking his spot. Hunter was also a reliever by the way so that fact alone is not destiny apparently…

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 7:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still tough...

I’m not saying they’re going to be Aces- in all likelihood, Zach Phillips and Michael Schlact will have Major League careers that aren’t much more impressive then mine— but keep in mind that neither of them went to college and there are plenty of servicable Major League pitchers who had 600+ innings in the Minors.

I only brought up Evan Reed because I’ve read several times that he is a long-term prospect as a potential closer. You said that Schlact should be in AAA in 2009 and Phillips should be in AA. I think they should repeat their leagues. Reed, who’s numbers aren’t so great, for the reason I just stated, might be a candidate for a promotion and a move to the bullpen.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you had a major league career?

by oc on Aug 24, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No...

I was just saying that they’re unlikely to do much in the Major Leagues.

Jonathan Greene's up to 34 HPB's in 503 PA's. Thinking about getting hit 34 times over four months really conjures up memories of ex-wife number three. I guess Greene must be an absolutely HORRIBLE COOK!!!

by YourNameHere on Aug 24, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still appreciate your comments...

But you’re definitely tough.

I still don’t see why Bill White, a leftty who can hit the mid-90’s, can’t “find it” at 29 or 30 and lay claim to one of a team’s seven bullpen spot for a few years. Outside of his walk total, he’s got an impressive line:

http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/stats/stats.jsp?n=Bill%20White&pos=P&sid=milb&t=p_pbp&pid=450321

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bill White? Ugh...

1 word: 4A (or 3A: 150+ games in AA)
Three words: Connor liked him (he said “that’s what they look like” when comparing him to lefty setup guys)
Also, we needed a lefty setup guy in spring training (his second with the team i believe) after Rheinecker got injured yet he was still reassigned; we still need one by the way
Finally, too many hits and walks (there is no “outside of his walk total” for a lefty specialist)

I don’t think he would make the AAA squad next year and will sign somewhere else as a FA…

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and i hope that

Schlact and phillips do well in the bullpen and I think they will…

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 9:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Out of Spring Training...

There was something weird about how he slid through waivers that prevented Bill White from being added to the Major League roster until May 15th. White was also used pretty heavily this year by current Rangers Pitching Coach Andy Hawkins.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Reply

1) Not quite yet, but in-season conversion to relief in ‘09 is possible. Phillips has longer leash, I’d guess.

2) Sort of. Not top 30. Not a catcher.

3) Moreland, Osuna, Gac.

4) Sure, although some of his early success was due to a crazy-low BABIP.

5) He has a chance to bounce back. His XBH rate hasn’t dropped much — it’s mostly some homers downgrading to doubles. Wouldn’t be surprised to see more power next year. Still might not be enough to overcome his low contact rate. Whittleman’s situation is becoming uncomfortable: not fitting at 3rd defensively, not hitting well enough to play 1st. 2009 is his watershed.

6) Frankly, I’m not sold that Pina is ready for Frisco yet, much less Arlington.

7) No idea. All the internal solutions have issues. I hope it’s not Vazquez.

8) Probably Texas, but not for long or in a significant role. Likely unprotected in R5, likely (but not quite as likely) to go unselected.

There seems to me no question that the Batman film "The Dark Knight"... is at some level a paean of praise to the fortitude and moral courage that has been shown by George W. Bush in this time of terror and war. -- Andrew Klavan

by Lucas on Aug 21, 2008 8:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks...

Much appreciated.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 9:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Glad

someone else likes Moreland more than Osuna or Gac.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 10:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

1) No. No.
2) No & no. He’s Steve Murphy / Dustin Majewski.
3) Yes. No. Yes.
4) Yes. Shoulder.
5) Whittleman will excel in the Texas League.
6) No. Manny’s probably going to be a backup catcher.
7) Chris Davis (even); Metcalf (10-1).
8) Not with Texas. I wouldn’t be shocked if Ben became sombody’s Ryan Ludwick someday soon.

by mjh on Aug 24, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Davis at 3b?

If so, who do you like for an option at 1B?

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 24, 2008 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks...

Much appreciated.

Jonathan Greene's up to 34 HPB's in 503 PA's. Thinking about getting hit 34 times over four months really conjures up memories of ex-wife number three. I guess Greene must be an absolutely HORRIBLE COOK!!!

by YourNameHere on Aug 24, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just across the wire in KLAW chat...

Tim (Dallas): Longterm as a starter: Holland or Feliz?

SportsNation Keith Law: (1:32 PM ET ) Both.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 21, 2008 12:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Holland

y’think he gets an invite to ST as a darkhorse for the rotation? Assuming we don’t sign CC or Sheets (which I doubt we will) could he pull a Danks circa 2007 and force his way into the rotation?

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Aug 21, 2008 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nah

Wait until mid season at the earliest. No need ot rush him

"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 Aug 21, 2008 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hope not

if we put him in the majors without a good breaking ball, he will get shelled/walk everything like Volquez and Dominguez did when we rushed them to the majors.

by uthornfan on Aug 21, 2008 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

invite to spring training...yes

challenge for the rotation….god I hope not

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 21, 2008 1:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

by Hull Fan on Aug 21, 2008 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

Let’s let him keep developing.

Aikman and Bradshaw?

Please. They are in the same league as Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon as QBs who were taken to the SB by great Defenses and great Running Games.
-DJCahill

by SarasotaRanger on Aug 21, 2008 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

fail

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

by Steal Home on Aug 21, 2008 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hope not

He’s got some things he can work on and there should be enough guys ahead of him that they can wait a little longer. I’d like to see him on September 1, 2009.

by mjh on Aug 24, 2008 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Font

Since you’re asking for feedback, I’ll go ahead and fire off a question about Wilmer…

In your rankings you’re obviously basing Font’s position on ceiling and physical attributes alone since he’s done squadoosh in the minors this year. You been hearing any of the nasty rumors that he’s lost his command or have you heard the rumors and are not putting stock in them?

What's the rumpus?

by Hypo-Luxa on Aug 21, 2008 12:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Great signature

Favorite movie of all time…

Last week I took a pleasure trip. I drove my wife to the airport.

by Brian Thomas on Aug 21, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wheres Hurley?

he only has 24 IP.

other than that, great job

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

by Steal Home on Aug 21, 2008 1:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

here...

“(2) in order to go as deep into the system as possible, I’ll leave off players currently with the big league club. So while Warner Madrigal isn’t eligible for this list, for instance, Max Ramirez is.”

by chase182 on Aug 21, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

my bad, i didnt read the introduction

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

by Steal Home on Aug 21, 2008 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i usually don't either

by chase182 on Aug 21, 2008 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Major League DL

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 21, 2008 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hurley

Even if he made Jamey’s cut, Hurley shouldn’t be listed in our top 10 prospects. Discuss.

--Brian

by BCanfield on Aug 21, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silly.

Not much to discuss with an opening line like that, IMO.

He has a good fastball. He’s made adjustments to keep the ball down in the zone. His fastball and slider are swing and miss pitches. He strikes out righties and lefties. He’s got a lot going for him.

Go Rangers!

by rooster on Aug 21, 2008 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hurley's fastball

I’ve been disappointed with what I’ve seen of it this year. Velocity is only around 88-91 and it looks pretty straight to me.

He was advertised as a power pitcher throughout the minors, but what I’ve seen so far doesn’t really look like a power pitcher at all.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Aug 21, 2008 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm okay with what I saw from

Hurley because he threw strikes and worked quickly.

I really want to see him now with the new pitching coaches.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

by Josey Wales on Aug 21, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And who do you think might shoulder the blame for that?

Baseball Time in Arlington

by jamcadbury on Aug 21, 2008 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

when?

If you are talking about the July game, I would have to say that he was hurt. guys don’t pitch like that when healthy. His fastball wasn’t 89-90, nit was 84-87. Thats’s not his game

by iblum on Aug 22, 2008 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Connor is gone

He’ll get back to doing what Eric Hurley does next year.

by mjh on Aug 24, 2008 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you really think Connor is to blame

for alot of the struggles of the younger pitchers? Or is it a really terrible coincidence?

I'm undefeated in fights. Have I been in any? No. Thats because people know my f'ing status. Don't mess with the elite. - Miles

by Dirk Diggler on Aug 24, 2008 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

My guess..

is a little of both.

There has been too much of it for Connor not to take some of the blame.

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

by slc ranger on Aug 24, 2008 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hi. My name is Hamey Newberg, and I hate the living shit out of Marcus Lemon.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 21, 2008 2:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I resemble that remark

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Giggle.

Is Hamey what his Latino housemaid calls him?

by LiamP on Aug 21, 2008 6:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh.... no, Hamey is what the mother effing dirkatron calls him when my finger slips and hits the H instead of the J.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 21, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Teagarden

Teagarden continues to be overrated, IMO. I don’t see how he’s still ahead of Ramirez. He’s a guy who’s had a hard time staying healthy and hasn’t been THAT great of a hitter when has been healthy. To me, Teagarden’s ceiling is what Gerald Laird is doing this year. Not that that’s bad or anything, but it’s not what Ramirez’s ceiling is.

Part of me wonders if Teagarden would he rated as highly by Rangers fans if he was just some guy from Podunk, Minnesota instead of a former Longhorn great who led UT to a national title.

by Jeff Lebowski on Aug 21, 2008 2:21 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs

+1

II Cor. 4:17-18

by TedFord on Aug 21, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Think you

nailed it.

What's the secret to a long life? "I masturbate a lot"-Ernest Borgnine. http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008/08/14/icymi-ernest-borgnine-reveals-his-secret-for-everlasting-youth/#onepage

by DJCahill on Aug 21, 2008 2:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't care where the hell TT

went to school. I think he can play and is currently the best overall catcher in the system…IF healthy.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

by Josey Wales on Aug 21, 2008 3:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agree

Neil Ramirez Interview

by jparks77 on Aug 21, 2008 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Teagarden...

…I’m a self-proclaimed defense junkie, and with what stands to be a very young rotation over the next however-many years, I want a guy behind the plate that is absolutely great at catching, throwing, blocking, calling, and leading — especially as so many young starters are breaking in.

I love Max’s bat (and expect it to fit in at DH). But I really love Teagarden’s future behind the plate, as long as his arm is healthy.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 3:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tea and Max

Is it as realistic as some say for the two of them to tag team between DH and C?

I’ve heard it suggested a player shouldn’t back up the catcher if they’re DHing the rest of the time, but that seems a little conservative.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Aug 21, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better than Laird

he might have Laird’s bat, plus better patience and much better defense. This guy is a starting catcher.

I think if Teagarden had a higher batting average, but the same OPS everyone would love him.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"I think if Teagarden had a higher batting average, but the same OPS everyone would love him."

Insightful.

by Jamey Newberg on Aug 21, 2008 3:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think so...

…not for me anyway. He hit over .300 last year and I thought people were a little too high on him then. And that was before his struggles and Max’s breakout this season. I still think he’s a really good prospect and will probably be a solid everyday catcher for someone in the league one day. I just don’t think he’s top 5 in this system or ahead of Ramirez.

by Jeff Lebowski on Aug 21, 2008 4:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So did you

go to A&M?

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

by Josey Wales on Aug 21, 2008 5:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, I went to Kansas.

I’m not saying people think “Oh, he went to UT, he must be good!” I’m just saying that because he is from the area and played college ball around here and won a national title that he came in with a little built-in status. So the very fact that people knew who he was before he ever did anything in the system bumps him up a few notches (maybe subconsciously) in a lot of people’s minds over your average guy that nobody had ever really heard of.

by Jeff Lebowski on Aug 21, 2008 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree

that most overvalued his bat last year, when he had a crazy high BABIP and was only catching about every 3rd day. But I am firm in saying that even if he hits only .240-.250, but is able to maintain his excellent walk rate, he’ll be an asset to the Rangers for the defensive reasons that Jamey mentioned above. I don’t want all these young hotshot pitchers throwing to someone that sucks at game calling or pitch framing.

Pitching in Arlington is hard enough, and given the lack of success this organization has had with arms, shouldn’t they be doing everything possible to help their pitchers succeed? Having a great receiver would seem to be more important to TX than most other clubs, all else being equal.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Teagarden

He may very well end up a very solid major league catcher, but I just have my doubts. I don’t think that he can maintain his excellent walk rate. It seems to me that there are three ways that guys have high walk rates. 1)be selective and foul off a lot of tough pitches 2) rarely swing. 3) be such a good hitter that you just don’t see much close to the zone. From what little I have seen him,

Teagarden seems to fall in the second catagory a la Brad Wilkerson. Unless he comes out and shows that it is semi-dangerous to attack the zone against him, I think big league pitchers will just attack him. Especially considering he will be one of the weaker spots in a good-great lineup.

The injury history scares me a little as well. I just think that if someone wants him over the other 3 catchers, you listen. Obviously, they all have their drawbacks.

"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08

by badradiorules on Aug 21, 2008 6:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hmmm

I hope you’re wrong about the just stand there K theory. I have not seen him play live, anyone want to chime in here on that?

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Teagarden swings and misses a lot

He either has trouble handling the bat or identifying pitches.

by spurdynasty on Aug 21, 2008 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

To be fair

That assessment comes from seeing all of his big league at bats as well as all of his olympic at bats. Small sample size may prove me wrong. Man he has looked really overmatched at times at the olympics. He seems to be the worst hitter on Team USA.

"So you think the Celtics will beat Detroit? Hell will freeze over before that happens, mark my words." miles 5/20/08

by badradiorules on Aug 21, 2008 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jayson Nix

is clearly the worst hitter on team USA.

Teagarden has a low BA, but his OBP is .350+, even in limited ABs. And he’s clearly been the better defensive C than Marson, who is a good defensive C in his own right.

by FirebatM3 on Aug 22, 2008 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Teagarden

struggles with fastballs in and up. He has a pretty obvious hole there. That said, it’s not just that he doesn’t swing, his eye and pitch recognition are top notch, he just has problems making contract on those inside fastballs.

by FirebatM3 on Aug 22, 2008 12:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brad Wilkerson

He put up some good numbers in his career. If Teagarden ends up hitting like Wilkerson, he’ll be an all-star.

by Adam J. Morris on Aug 22, 2008 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, you reckon folks

would be turning cartwheels over a 24 Year old Catcher hitting 750 OPS in AAA at 24 if only his BA was higher?

I think Laird is a reasonable comparison.

What's the secret to a long life? "I masturbate a lot"-Ernest Borgnine. http://www.bestweekever.tv/2008/08/14/icymi-ernest-borgnine-reveals-his-secret-for-everlasting-youth/#onepage

by DJCahill on Aug 21, 2008 6:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Another tough customer...

The SHORT list of Major League catchers younger than Taylor Teagarden:

Pablo Sandoval (called up August 14th)
Jesus Flores
Brian McCann
Dioner Navarro

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One more..

I forgot to mention Jarrod Saltalamacchia.

MLB Commissioner's Office Press Release: Because 23 is now considered old, the physical required before draftees can sign must now include a prostate exam.

by YourNameHere on Aug 21, 2008 7:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't doubt

that he might not hit better than Laird. But his defensive value is higher than Laird so I’m ok with that.

Let’s do all we can to help the pitchers, folks. Every little bit helps.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ramirez will never

control the bases like TG, Laird or maybe even pina in a couple years. He’s not that kind of catcher. On a team with offensive firepower anytime it can upgrade the defense at at starting posiition you do it. The only open spot to do that is catcher . So, Ramirez at DH….

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well I hate UT with a fucking passion and I still like Taylor Teagarden so I don't know about that one

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 21, 2008 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I new I hearted you

for a reason!

"...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 21, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They aren't even the real UT anyways.

Aikman and Bradshaw?

Please. They are in the same league as Trent Dilfer and Jim McMahon as QBs who were taken to the SB by great Defenses and great Running Games.
-DJCahill

by SarasotaRanger on Aug 21, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

-1

by ScratchHorn on Aug 21, 2008 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't think TT is overrated...

on that list, I think MaxRam is underrated.

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

by slc ranger on Aug 21, 2008 9:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Moreland

I have read he was kept in Clinton this year because he is a team leader who many guys look up to, and they want to keep the core together for the playoff run.

That said, is there any chance he begins next year in Frisco? He is about to turn 23 and his numbers, especially in a pitchers league like the midwest, indicate he could be ready to make that jump.

by clark on Aug 21, 2008 2:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He needs to get promoted

and I’m disappointed they haven’t challenged him with a move up yet. With his age he needs to hit at higher levels to see what he is.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 21, 2008 3:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depends how he does over the winter I'm guessing

If he gets assigned to the AFL (or really any winter league) and tears it up then I could see Frisco to start next year. At the very least he’s gonna be one of those guys who starts out at A+ and is moved up very quickly once the season starts assuming he does well.

1/3 of next season in A+ and 2/3 in AA would still be plenty fine given his age and background.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

by thedirkatron on Aug 21, 2008 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Moreland

and Tim Smith have been rooked this year, IMO, essentially putting them 1/2 yr behind where they could be experience -wise (unless they are promoted to AA as you suggest). The whole justification of cultivating a “winning” culture seems stupid to me. That said, this is just moreland’s first year to hit full-time for a full season (ie he’s given up pitching, for now) so maybe on that basis you could accept the fact that they are keeping him at one level for a full year. Even if they start next season at A+ the rangers could still be more aggressive with them if they do well.

I think the rangers could have more aggressively promoted their outfielders this season: Harrison, Murphy, Gentry, Gerrard, Moreland and Smith. Instead the let Ellison (and Cruz?) clog up the thoroughfare for the whole season.

by Goyogringo on Aug 21, 2008 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i would like to see

Moreland, Smith and Smoak in the winter leagues this offseason, along with Mathis and maybe Mendoza.

by clark on Aug 21, 2008 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT-Joe Weiland

Good game going tonight. Wonder if he will get the Main treatment from last year and a couple late appearances in Spokane. hes got an ERA under 2 in over 30 innings so far for AZL.

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 21, 2008 10:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

have to be pretty pleased with our top 6 picks so far

Matt Thompson, on the other hand, must have been someone’s nephew to command that bonus.

by clark on Aug 21, 2008 11:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's all part of the Schierholtz approach to scouting

I think JD has said before that he’d like to do what the Braves do with the state of Georgia – scouting locally and sign locally. We’ve seen this from both the Braves and the Braves disciples elsewhere (Dayton Moore in KC) and with Ron Hopkins and JD in recent drafts (with the likes of Davis, Whittleman, Teagarden, Beavan all being local guys). I think it’s just part of the Ranger’s current draft plan – solidify your scouting in your own back yard.

by FirebatM3 on Aug 22, 2008 12:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT: Tim Murphy

In Spokane his ERA is 2.28 and is k/9 is 10.27. I really like him, not only with those numbers but he looks good on this scouting video, very very deceptive

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

by Steal Home on Aug 21, 2008 11:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs