Minors - 08/25
by LiamP on Aug 25, 2008 8:54 PM CDT
57 comments
There have been some really encouraging hitting performances so far. Hunter's been good too.
After being benched the night before, Engel Beltre comes back and is 2-3 so far with a double and 2 runs.
Elvis is 2-3 with a run and a walk. He also stole his 51st bag of the year. I'm of the opinion that if we're going to include both him and one of the catching triumvirate in a deal for a young pitcher this offseason, it had better be for someone with less uncertainty than Greinke. I really have high hopes (and expectations) for Elvis.
Whittleman's 2-3 with a rbi too.
Hunter - 6ip/3h/0r/0er/3bb/5k.
Max is 2-3 with a hr and 2 rbi.
Reed - Bakersfield - 9:15pm
M. Perez - Spokane - 9:15pm
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Hunter
is a beast, but if he fails again in the majors as a starter, I might want to see what he can do in the bullpen.
"You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns." - from A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, by Mark Twain
by dstar442005 on Aug 25, 2008 9:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hunter is a innings eater type pitcher
why waste him in the pen? He is not a guy that K the other team like Nolan, yet he gets outs.
by gamerabcd on Aug 25, 2008 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong...
the guy made it to the bigs after less than 1 year in the minors. He should have never pitched with the Rangers this year and did so only because of injuries. The guy is a horse. He will be in the OKC rotation ’til the ASB next year and then I think he will be in the Rangers rotation from that point forward.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Aug 25, 2008 11:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Max
This guy doesn’t know how to not hit.
And re. trading Elvis, I’d really rather move Chris Davis – he would have more value on the trade market and would be a lot easier to replace than Elvis IMO.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Aug 25, 2008 9:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yep, Yep
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 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If CD is traded where are you planning on putting Max?
Or who is playing 3rd? Young? Arias? Whittleman?
by gamerabcd on Aug 25, 2008 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Young
…not that I’m pushing to deal Davis
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 9:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
me either, I'm a huge fan of CD
but with his powerful debut, I think he is the type guy that could legitimately bring back an impact young pitcher. I’d guess that he is probably our most valued asset right now as far as tradable pieces.
And I know it is risky to deal away a player with some skins on the wall (albeit only a couple months worth) to make room for a recent draftee, but I think Smoak at first, Kins at second, Elvis at short, MY at third, and Max at DH really sets up nicely with Hambone and a couple moving parts in the OF. Assuming that Davis could center a deal for a legit young starter.
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Aug 25, 2008 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would trade Kinsler and MY before CD
Ramirez seems destined to be the DH/C here. But we have guys like MB taking spot from him.
by gamerabcd on Aug 25, 2008 9:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
once upon a time
mad max played 3rd base. Last letter states that he is not a 3rd baseman, but other than that declaration and perhaps a player named Campbell for the Braves, I have never seen a definitive “why he can’t play 3rd” answer. Range? I never heard, but you don’t need THAT much at 3rd. Hands(he’s now a catcher-don’t think that’s the problem). Arm(see previous sentence). Is he a more valuable asset at catcher than 3rd—without a doubt—but I’ve never really ever heard any “he can’t play 3rd” r e a s o n s.
by oldcatsfan on Aug 25, 2008 11:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Slow feet, bad reaction time
and general clumsiness. I love Max, but he’s probably our future DH.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 26, 2008 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
slow feet
I can perhaps understand-maybe—bad reaction time doesn’t appear to play for me—he’s a good hitter and is now a catcher -hands/reaction appear to be very good. Have you ever seen him play any position other than catcher? Help me here-I live in Turkey and get all of this second hand—and it puzzles me what I hear—your criticism is good if you have observed it personally, but otherwise…?
by oldcatsfan on Aug 26, 2008 12:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As an aside...
Why did you choose Turkey as your retirement destination?
by LiamP on Aug 26, 2008 12:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
answer
Several parts
—I lived and worked here(Ankara) for 10 years(1989-1999)
—my wife is Turkish(obviously a big part…)
—I now live close to the Med on the south coast of Turkey(climate much different from Ankara)
—Other than gasoline(we left 10 bucks a gallon in the rear view mirror a long time ago) and electricity, “cost of living” is very cheap here compared to the US.
—And of course the beach is 6 blocks away…
by oldcatsfan on Aug 26, 2008 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No chance
He lacks all of the above.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2008 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i wonder how much we could get for Kinsler.
"Popularity is fleeting. Principles are forever."
by Longhorn on Aug 25, 2008 10:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trading Chris Davis
would be one of the worst moves the Rangers could make…You would have to get not one, but two top of the line rotation guys for him. He’s gonna be a .300/40/120 guy for the next 10-15 years.
by LongviewLegend315 on Aug 25, 2008 10:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
15 years?
C’mon I know you’re from longview but that’s a long time.
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 25, 2008 10:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how about this one...
would you trade him to the marlins for josh johnson. strike out, ground out guy.
by clark on Aug 25, 2008 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't
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 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what if it was a package deal
johnson and turner for laird and davis
by clark on Aug 25, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Turner?
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 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely not
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Aug 26, 2008 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trading CD
Makes me cringe at first thought. But if the return is a stud pitcher you have to make the deal. It may be a make or break deal for the G.M. (Daniels?) that pulls that trigger. I would love to rely on the farm to feed the majors but we have to diversify how we are going to attain a suitable rotation.
by RangersOCD on Aug 25, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
in my opinion
the only young player we should trade is a catcher, and maybe two of them, unless the pitcher coming back is a true stud, a billingsley of someone of that ilk.
by clark on Aug 25, 2008 10:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
can you imagine an announcer saying... "there's a Hamburger warming in the 'pen..."
by oc on Aug 25, 2008 10:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
no
because most announcers dont put “a” before a players name.
the preceding post is not nearly as negative or insulting as you think it is
by DSheppard on Aug 25, 2008 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you never know
we could get two Hamburgers.
Or we can simply keep extending Lewin till Hamburger makes it.
by FirebatM3 on Aug 25, 2008 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
solid again for Perez
5 IP 4 H 0 R 2 BB 4 K
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 11:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Perez
do you think they challenge him with Clinton next year?
by FirebatM3 on Aug 26, 2008 12:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think so.
I think both he and Boscan will be there.
by LiamP on Aug 26, 2008 12:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he can hold things together through the season
I was starting to get worried about how his August would go, and whether he would be one of those who starts well but at the end of the season has like a six ERA and who the league hit like 330 against. But he’s turned it back around.
I think that, given his age and all, they’ll more than likely do a Kiker/Beavan with him, but I think that it makes sense to start him at Clinton. Otherwise, why push him so hard this season?
I think that the lower level rotations should basically just move up a notch next season, with the most intriguing assignments being Ross and Wieland. Does Wieland jump to Clinton, considering the fact that he looks like one of the more advanced HS guys they’ve drafted? Maybe the fact that they haven’t given him a cameo in Spokane indicates that he probably doesn’t.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My biggest hesitation on Wieland
is his competition. You wouldn’t think that he’s any more likely to start the season in a rotation (innings limitations) than the guys in the Spokane rotation, so assuming that everyone is available, Ramirez, Perez, Pimentel and Boscan would seem to have spots pretty much wrapped up. In this case Wieland has to beat out: O’Campo, Font and Bleier, not to mention whatever factor Ross might be (and I wouldn’t completely dismiss him).
If they delay some guys, Wieland would be a good candidate to be among them and the same scenario holds true, just maybe in May rather than April.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2008 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pimental can easily move to pen
with his lack of control.
by gamerabcd on Aug 26, 2008 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ross
I wouldn’t be shocked if Ross starts in extended and then goes straight to Clinton. He’s a pretty advanced arm for a HS kid.
Honestly, I think It all depends on what happens with the LA youth in Spokane. I can see Boscan moving up to Clinton before Perez and Pimentel. Font is a wild card.
by jparks77 on Aug 26, 2008 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Font
Font makes me think of Castillo, similar frames, similar repertoire (iirc).
No surprise here if he’s in Clinton to start 09.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Aug 26, 2008 1:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Very good point
Castillo could very well be in that Clinton rotation.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2008 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Font goes to Spokane
He needs to really rebuild his strength and innings to be challenged with a Clinton rotation. Ross will either go to Spokane to start, and depending on results move up or remain in extended and then join Clinton when one of the older rotation guys move up, ie. Bleier.
by gamerabcd on Aug 26, 2008 1:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Castillo doesn't have stuff that Font does.
Font has off the charts stuff, Castillo was a guy that had at best 93, 94 fb.
by gamerabcd on Aug 26, 2008 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Castillo's fastball
doesn’t have the velocity of Font’s but it’s still a very promising pitch. It’s extremely heavy with sinking action. If he can learn to command that pitch in the low 90s it would be a very hard pitch to hit with the good part of the bat.
Velocity is nice but it’s often championed to a fault. Don’t forget about the Magnus Effect and the role velocity plays in it.
by jparks77 on Aug 26, 2008 1:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
Does Murphy get more innings in Clinton too? since has only logged 10 up to now. He might be another of the guys that keeps Ross in extended and then he takes his spot as he moves up.
by gamerabcd on Aug 26, 2008 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think so
It’s not at all unusual for highly drafted college pitchers to go from short season to High A anyway. His Low A cameo is a bonus. The only reason I think he goes back to Clinton is if some sort of log jam occurs.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2008 1:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
someone please educate me
the Magnus effect?
Warner Madrigal makes Ezequiel Astacio look downright handsome.
by tricer on Aug 26, 2008 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wikipedia can
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnus_effect
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2008 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How could I ever forget the Magnus Effect?
It’s paramount in all my baseball related thinkings.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Aug 26, 2008 8:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They're going to have really nice rotations in Frisco and HA (wherever that winds up being)
but how the Clinton roto plays out will be the most interesting minor league issue next April.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2008 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So beastly
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Aug 26, 2008 12:35 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Schlecht
1.2 1 0 0 0 2 0 1.63
The anti-Schlact.
"...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 26, 2008 12:13 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Emmanuel Solis
I’m going to make a completely ill-informed declaration on him, that he should move to the mound. They signed him just after he’d turned 17 and AJ Preller said:
“He’s got a great body,” Preller said. “He’s a big, strong guy with a lot of raw power and a good arm. He throws 92 [mph] off the mound, but he can swing the bat.”
He’s now 6-3, 220 (or was when DSL rosters were reported), about two years after signing at 195.
Last year they agressively moved him to the AZL. This year he’s 19 and back in DSL:
.205/.264/.289 with a 14/57 BB/SO in 166 ABs
.244/.318/.392 with a 22/35 BB/SO in 209 ABs
They obviously saw a big, powerful 3B when they signed him, but there have always been whispers about moving him to the mound. Judging from his plate control numbers and age, I don’t think that the level of competition is too much for him. He just can’t hit RHP. Assuming that he still throws in the 90s and that he shows any kind of aptitude for the mound, I think that the best way to see some return on your investment here might be to go ahead and move him.
It might be time to transition Johan Yan as well. He’s 19 too and just doesn’t look like he’s going to hit. As disappointing as Fabio Castillo’s season and Wlmer Font’s lack of innings have been, these two are far and away the biggest disappointments in the Rangers’ rejuvenated efforts in DR and Venezuela. And combined with Cristian Santana’s less than dynamic season and Wilfredo Boscan, Carlos Pimentel and Martin Perez anchoring a promising Spokane rotation, I think that they’re having more success with pitchers so far.
Offense doesn't doubt me, but my first and primemost thing is defense and punt return and kickoff return
by Brett Perryman on Aug 26, 2008 10:57 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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