Cruz to start, Boggs to the bench

by Adam J. Morris on Aug 25, 2008 5:56 PM CDT Comment 42 comments

Hadn't seen this mentioned yet, but apparently, per the S-T blog, Nelson Cruz will be the everyday right fielder, with Marlon Byrd playing left field and Brandon Boggs heading to the bench as the fourth outfielder.

Meh.

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This doesn't really bother me

Boggs looks like he has a better chance to be a decent player, but he also doesn’t look like a stud you need to get ready to play every day, and you don’t have to make a call on him like you do Cruz. I wish they’d have done this about two months ago, though. You’d be that much clearer and maybe ready to just focus on Boggs by now.

Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return

by Brett Perryman on Aug 25, 2008 5:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Yep

We need to see who the real Nelson Cruz is. Boggs can wait. He’s already solidified a spot on this club for the future with a decent rookie year.

If the 2008 Cruz is for real, then you have a decision to make this winter – probably means trading Byrd, but a good month and a half may be enough to up Cruz’s value such that you can get something for him as well.

Since it is likely that the Rangers will try to move one of those two, it makes sense for both to get some solid playing time, while using Boggs to play against tough matchups

by JBImaknee on Aug 25, 2008 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What's the lovefest with Boggs?

He’s played OK for a rookie. Hitting about .230, not much pop, strikes out a lot, good defense, but man, you would think we are benching Josh Hamilton.

Nippert=Cy Young

by RA Dickey on Aug 25, 2008 7:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Big picture

Have you looked at his minor league stats? He’s a rookie who has handled himself pretty well, and his batting numbers have been hurt by inconsistent play. He’ll be fine as a 4th outfielder long term.

you would think we are benching Josh Hamilton.

Um, Adam said “meh”. That hardly seems like all he’d say if they benched Hamilton for Cruz.

Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.

by t ball on Aug 25, 2008 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

minor league stats

You mean that whole 18 games of AAA experience he has? Hes done a hell of a lot better than I expected when he came up. I thought he was extremely rushed but he could probably use a decent stint in OKC next year before coming up full time.

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 25, 2008 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone notice that he's walked 40 times this year...

….and has an OBP of .340? That’s not exactly earthshattering but it is comparable to the .339 OBP that our FOTF has this year. He’s also close to MY in SLG (.404 for BB .418 for Face).

He’s not an all-star now nor will he likely ever be one but he’s done just fine for his first swim through the bigs and deserves a chance to improve.

Physician: Primum non nocere

Batter: First, make no out

by Chad Crudup on Aug 26, 2008 8:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you want Boggs to play everyday in LF, right?

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

by Longhorn on Aug 25, 2008 5:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Should read...

Cruz to start, Byrd to the bench.

What will they do when Murphy gets back?

And who leads off ’til Kins is back, Arias?

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

by slc ranger on Aug 25, 2008 6:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

amen brotha...

by Mateo-Leg on Aug 25, 2008 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure

sit your hottest hitter the last couple months and a guy who plays a damn good defensive OF at any position. Thats smart baseball

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 25, 2008 6:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are the Rangers...

making a playoff run I don’t know about? Look, Byrd is what he is. A good defensive OFer (so is Boggs by the way) who has come closer to doing what he did last year than I though he would. The last month needs to be about getting some of the younger players some playing time, and finding out if Cruz is here next year. If Byrd isn’t traded in the winter we all know what he brings to the team next year, that’s all. Yes, that’s smart baseball.

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

by slc ranger on Aug 25, 2008 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whats the lovefest with Boggs?

Hes gotten plenty of playing time this season for us to see that if we are relying on him next year we are in seriously bad shape. Cruz? Yay another 4A player who is getting another chance to flop at the major league level. Granted he has at least earned this last chance. Byrd plays all 3 OF positions very well defensively and has been our best offensive threat over the last 6 weeks. Maybe we should let him keep this up so that after next season when hes a FA he is a type A and we can get a couple good draft picks like we got for GMJ.

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 25, 2008 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hardly think...

playing a young player over a vet with a month left in a season when you are out of the race is a “lovefest” . I think Boggs could be a capable OFer. Most (including myself) didn’t think Murphy would do as well as he had done ’til he got hurt.

Not sure why you hate Cruz so much either. Yeah his chances of doing well and making the team next year are probably about 10-15% but wouldn’t you rather find out now? What if he went all Ludwick next year for another team?

I don’t think sitting Byrd for a month is a big deal. He will never be a type A FA imo. Agree to disagree.

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

by slc ranger on Aug 25, 2008 7:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You probably never thought GMJ would be a type A either huh?

I don’t hate Cruz. I am happy he went down and earned another shot. Quite frankly I think we should have brought him up a few weeks ago, before his injury, and sent Boggs down to AAA. But I do find it extremely weird that people want to just flat out sit Marlon Byrd so you can see Nelson Cruz play. That makes me literally scratch my head.

Byrd has been our best offensive player the last 6 weeks. Better than Hammy, Bradley, Kinsler, Crush, better than all of them. He plays a great defensive OF and can play all 3 positions.

Boggs has played enough this year to show me he needs more time in the minors. Remember hes only played 18 games at the AAA level.

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 25, 2008 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not convinced...

Murphy is better than Byrd. Age does make a difference, but I don’t see Murphy ever being able to hit well enough to be anymore than a 4th outfielder so I wouldn’t just automatically put Murphy back in the lineup when he comes back.

I think going into next year (lets assume for a second Cruz does hit well earns a chance to start next year) then an outfield of Byrd, Hamilton and Cruz with Murphy on the bench seems like the best configuration. If Cruz sucks, then you can put Murphy back in there.

I was really down on Byrd this year too, but he proved he could duplicate his performance and he also improved a lot defensively.

by chase1971 on Aug 25, 2008 9:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

why is byrd playing? might as well get boggs some everyday playing time

I give up

by Steal Home on Aug 25, 2008 6:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't know

Maybe his .366/ . 447/ .593 line since the ASB has something to do with it.

Let me ask you. Why is Cruz playing?

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 25, 2008 6:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

because hes tearing up AAA.

I give up

by Steal Home on Aug 25, 2008 6:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hows that worked out for him in the past?

Look im all for giving the guy a chance. Hes at least earned it whereas the other 4A player we had this season was practically handed his shot. But I don’t understand this argument that we should sit our best offensive player over the last 6 weeks whos also a guy who plays a damn good OF so that Cruz can get his precious playing time.

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 25, 2008 7:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

who cares about the past

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

by Longhorn on Aug 25, 2008 7:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't like listening to the same song over and over

and I don’t like seeing the same player dominate AAA and massively fail in the majors over and over.

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 25, 2008 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

are your questions answered now?

I give up

by Steal Home on Aug 25, 2008 9:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

seriously?

One game? Remember what he did his first game back last year? I’ll hold off on the annointing oil for a little while. You on the other hand can go ahead and start planning for the Nelson Cruz HOF acceptance speech and probably get a good room rate by booking so far in advance. Maybe get to work on his bust.

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 25, 2008 9:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Get all the

lecture out of your system tonight? Sheesh…

"...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 25, 2008 11:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One game...

You’re right. it is just one game. He has a lot to prove and a month to do if he he wants a shot next year. That said, it was a very nice start. He still took a few big crazy swings though.

And upon further review, after seeing that Steal Home is arguing the same point I am, I concede this argument to you.

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

by slc ranger on Aug 25, 2008 11:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

you say just one game

but he if he went 0 for 4 then you would be all over it sayin how right you were.

why not play cruz?? he is taking playing time away from a mediocre prospect, boggs, and we have basically seen what boggs is. you have to give your players second chances especially when you’re not in the race

I give up

by Steal Home on Aug 26, 2008 3:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

second chances?

How about thirds which is what nellie is on? hey I have said I am all for Nelson getting a shot. He has earned it with his play in AAA this year. This whole conversation started because you suggested sitting down a guy who has batted over .400 this month so a guy who has always bashed AAA but never ML pitching could get everyday playing time. That is what got me riled up. You may not like Byrd but to suggest sitting him in favor of Cruz is asinine. Boggs is a career .257 minor league hitter who has all of 18 games of AAA experience at 25 years old. Not exactly a Jay Bruce clone. If he gets sat down or gets sent back down its not gonna make me shed a tear.

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 26, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no one said he is jay bruce...?

but we know more about byrd than we do boggs…but i dont really care that much about which one of them plays, as long as cruz gets a shot

and you said 3rd chance. well mendoza who has absoulutely no talent, he got 5 chances

I give up

by Steal Home on Aug 26, 2008 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i dont have a problem with it

i wanna see what cruz can do and even though u wanna see young players, it would be an asshole move to bench byrd as hot as he has been.

+ i pretty much got boggs pegged as a 4th outfielder

by kumizi on Aug 25, 2008 7:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Big Steve

I am glad you can admit that Byrd has been the hottest hitter over a 6 week span. You may have forgotten that he was our worst hitter for most of the year. Under your logic I guess Byrd should of never had the chance to get hot in a Rangers uniform. Our season is OVER it is time to play the younger guys and see what they have. I just hope we keep losing games so that RW is GONE.

by Ranger Capt on Aug 25, 2008 7:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

really?

By most of the year do you mean the first 2 and a half weeks of the year? If so then you win. Otherwise shut the fuck up unless you know what you are talking about

Since coming off the DL on May 14th

.315/ .393/ .498/ .891

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 25, 2008 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

YEA REALLY.

By your logic he should be playing in Japan with Botts. He hit .148 before going on the DL in august when the team pretty much ended there season. He did hit .300 over a 2 week stand off the dl, but he then hit .268 for the next 2 months. He then got super hot which saw him raise his average from.250 to .300 in a span of 18 games. That is really unheard of to raise your average 50 points in a 2 week span this late in the year, but like I said with your stupid ass logic he would not of had the chance to be the hottest hitter in the universe. Because you would of gotten rid of him. Go Boggs and Cruz show us something for next year.

by Ranger Capt on Aug 26, 2008 7:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't understand...

why anyone would be against having Cruz play the last month of the season. I know he’s had plenty of at bats in the majors to see what he can do and he’s failed, but why not give him the chance? There’s like no negative to it.

Boggs will be here for 5 more years so it’s not like we have to choose between him or Cruz. If Cruz lights it up, then we have to make a decision whether or not we can count on that production, but it wouldn’t be like he hit .300/.350/.500 in the minors then exploded for a month in the majors… it would suggest that he might has figured it out and would be worth giving him a shot next year. I mean who are we holding back if we pencil him as a right fielder/left fielder next year?

I don’t understand why you would simply give someone away for nothing when he’s arguably had the best minor league season ever just so you can watch Boggs for 1 more month.

by chase1971 on Aug 25, 2008 8:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Boggs

Since he started the year in the minors, we should have him for six more full seasons, right?

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Aug 25, 2008 8:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You might be right...

I can’t ever figure out how service time works

by chase1971 on Aug 25, 2008 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Boggs service time

He’ll be under Rangers’ control for 6 more seasons after this year.

He was optioned for > 20 days, so he doesn’t get major league credit for those > 20 days.

by Requiem on Aug 26, 2008 6:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Botts backlash

I think Botts’ epic fail has a lot of folks hesitant to ever believe in the stats of a AAA slugger. What Cruz did this year to PCL pitching wasn’t just domination, it was domination of nearly historic proportions. I’m not sure that Cruz will be able to make the team next year, but it is worth giving him another extended look – if he does well, then bring him to camp for depth. It’s not like we have tons of near ready OF prospects, if one of the OF suffers an injury in ST, we’ll be glad that we have Nellie around and don’t have to go fishing on the waiver wire.

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Aug 25, 2008 8:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

speaking of Botts

why hasn’t Morris been clamoring for Nellie like he did for Botts?

Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.

by tricer on Aug 25, 2008 8:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cruz was given legitimate chances in the past

while Botts was treated like jock itch by his managers when he got to The Show.

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

by Josey Wales on Aug 25, 2008 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Shocking they didn't give

a guy who can’t field anywhere more chances when watching him fight the Mendoza line was so entertaining.

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 26, 2008 6:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

And if he has an awesome September, his trade value goes up and we can deal him if we don’t want to make the commitment to starting him.

The only negatives I see is he stinks the final month and gets released or he lights it up and we pencil him in for next year and ends up sucking. Neither really hurt the the team much at all.

by chase1971 on Aug 25, 2008 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One more chance

You have to give Cruz another chance because of his potential….he may be one more chance away from saying in the majors…..boy did he have a night last night.

http://thelebsports.com/baseball/the-minor-league-journey/741

by dgd0007 on Aug 26, 2008 12:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs