Sunday a.m. things
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 25, 2009 9:31 AM CST
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PrintThe pursuit of Ben Sheets continues to be the leading story in the Rangers news right now.
Gil LeBreton says that there are questions about Sheets' health, but at the end of the day, what Sheets can do when he's healthy, the fact that he'd be the best pitcher the Rangers have had in over a decade, makes the possible reward worth the risk.
Jeff Wilson says concerns about Sheets' elbow makes it less likely that a deal will get done by Monday, if at all. Much of the front office, including Jon Daniels, will be heading for San Pedro de Macoris on Tuesday, which means if a deal isn't done by Monday, a deal probably wouldn't be done until the following week.
Wilson also has a brief Q&A with Michael Young, who makes it clear he still isn't happy about switching positions.
Jim Reeves' notes column includes some discussion about Omar Vizquel's role with the Rangers, which appears to be visualized as a true infield utilityman.
Randy Galloway has a column about how all the local teams have insurmountable problems right now, and says as an aside that Daniels gets a free ride from the local media, but that could be jeopardized if Daniels keeps letting Ken Rosenthal, instead of the local media, break stories.
Daniels and Young talked again this week, so the "Young isn't speaking to the g.m." story can be put to bed, I guess.
Kevin Sherrington says the back end of the Ranger rotation will be Harrison, Feldman and Nippert, because Brandon McCarthy can't stay healthy.
Peter Gammons has some Rangers notes up:
Even Rangers team president Nolan Ryan was blown away by 20-year-old right-hander Neftali Perez in the Rangers' pitching camp this week. "When Nolan is blown away by arm speed," said Rangers general manager Jon Daniels, "we may be on to something."
Other good news in Texas: Brandon McCarthy has added 20-25 pounds this winter, which should help his durability. Putting Elvis Andrus and Michael Young together on the left side of the infield is a start toward rebuilding a defense that led the majors in errors (132) last season, and if by Labor Day Chris Davis, Justin Smoak and Julio Borbon are all in the lineup, the light will be at the end of the tunnel for the Rangers.
A story out of Boston says the BoSox have made a formal offer to Jason Varitek, although that isn't expected to impact their interest in trading for a young catcher.
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It would be something
if Smoak saw action in Arlington this year.
FOR MANLY LOVE BE HERE MARCH 25TH AT 2:15 AM SHARP
There’s no way he’ll be ready, Jon Boy obviously just wants to call him up to The Show so he can trade Blalock. /Josey
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
Nice
You really nailed Josey right there. What sealed it was how you worked in The Show in that last sentence.
Sheets or bust
Can Smoak at least conquer AA
before we get his plaque ready for Cooperstown?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Smoak conquered AA
The first time he merely thought about playing in Frisco.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
Since
he may start in AA and since he does potentially figure prominently in 2010, I don’t think it’s out of line to broach that topic. Just like you can go overboard in assuming things with prospects you can also be on the silly end of ignoring them unnecessarily.
I do think that they’d be crazy to push him past April-May of 2010 for his debut unless he just goes nuts this year, but I also said that about Andrus.
by Brett Perryman on Jan 25, 2009 4:02 PM CST up reply actions
I'd leave Smoak in the minors until
2011 no matter what he does.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Why?
Why do you leave him there until 2011? This kids might and could be ready for the big leagues by the end of THIS season. If he’s ready, let him come play
Is it Spring Training Yet?
1B seems to be in pretty good hands right now.
Unless they’re going to move one of CDavis / Smoak to the OF, I don’t see the need to bring him up until he gets 800-1000ab’s in the minors.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
But Smoak is advanced for his age
Coming out of the draft, many said that he was someone who could get to the majors sooner than later, since he had a plus bat and above average glove at 1st base. Even with the small sample in the minors, Smoak did nothing but impress scouts, and in the Fall Instructions, he was one of the most impressive prospects to preform there and many said that he could be ready for the majors at some point this season.
Look, I’m a huge Davis fan, but Smoak, for what I’ve read, has the better glove at 1st. You don’t leave a player in the minors who’s ready just because of a logjam at a position. You let the players compete. If Blalock get traded at the deadline, you move one of Davis/Smoak to DH and the other to 1st base, and you switch them back and forth between the two positions for the rest of the year.
Is it Spring Training Yet?
Agree
And this is not Smoak being blocked by someone like Teixeira. Davis is relatively new to fielding at 1st, Smoak’s fielding is considered Gold Glove caliber.
If Smoak is ready and we’ve got somewhere to move Davis (e.g. Blalock is traded), I don’t see why you wouldn’t bring him up. I think you could draw a fair analogy between Smoak and Tim Lincecum (advanced college talent with a high ceiling). The Giants didn’t keep Lincecum in the minors for 250 innings just for the sake of it: after 64 innings he was clearly ready for the majors and they called him up. By that same token, if Smoak clearly doesn’t need 1,000 minor league at bats, it makes no sense to keep him down for 1,000 at bats just for the sake of it.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
The position shouldn't be that much of a concern
One is the 1B, one is the DH. No big whoop.
by Brett Perryman on Jan 26, 2009 8:15 AM CST up reply actions
I don't get how people
keep calling Feliz - Perez. Yeah, I guess both words end in a Z. Stupid. Even local media get it wrong. It’s ridiculous
Next Year! We Swear!
Rediculous, even
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
It's a joke around LSB,
because so many new posters mis-spell that word. Get it now, slomo?
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
It's a joke around LSB,
because so many new posters mis-spell that word. Get it now, slomo?
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Jan 25, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Oops, damn wifi connection.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
It's not a joke. It's stupid.
...Snoop Doggy-Dogg... Ya need to get yourself a jobby-job.
by oc on Jan 25, 2009 2:13 PM CST up reply actions
You really need to get laid or
something.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Think before you post.
...Snoop Doggy-Dogg... Ya need to get yourself a jobby-job.
by oc on Jan 25, 2009 2:30 PM CST up reply actions
Smoke a bowl
and chillax.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
In His Defense
It is often misspelled everywhere due to the fact that people pronounce it “rediculous” so often that some of these people have begun to mistakenly spell it as such
When you do it on purpose, it's kinda lame.
...Snoop Doggy-Dogg... Ya need to get yourself a jobby-job.
by oc on Jan 25, 2009 5:03 PM CST up reply actions
He's the ambidexterous clone hibrid of Neftali Feliz and Martin Perez
Jon Daniels created him in a secret underground laboratory in the dead of a full moon night. One day, he will rise to the majors, throwing with one arm a 102 MPH fastball and with the other, a knee-buckling Koufax-esque curve. AT THE SAME TIME.
That Gold Glove for Young was the worst thing that could have happened to Texas - now the guy really believes he's good at short. - Keith Law
Man
Does THAT conjure up a vision. Could simultaneously strike out ARod and Bonds!
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Jan 25, 2009 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
Can't anyone get Neftali's name right?
"No... JD has been exposed as a kid who trades his remote-controlled helicopters for paper airplanes, then fails to consider the feelings of the paper airplane when he refolded it into a hat." -Telegraph.
i was getting excited about a guy who....
i’ve never heard of but whose name was very similar to someone i had…i thought we had even more awesome pitching…oh well…
by captain freakin' magic on Jan 25, 2009 9:43 AM CST reply actions
as an aside that Daniels gets a free ride from the local media, but that could be jeopardized if Daniels keeps letting Ken Rosenthal, instead of the local media, break stories.
That’s the funniest thing Galloway has written in a long time.
Not only is he a baseball idiot, he’s apparently suffering from dementia, too.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
JD gets beat up by the Star-Telegram
but he largely gets a free pass from the DMN.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Well, the DMN won't be covering baseball anymore
So problem solved.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 25, 2009 9:55 AM CST up reply actions
JD will be fine because he also gets a lot of love
from the two most prominient Ranger websites as well.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
I don't think JD gives a damn
What the baseball idiots in the media say about him. Ultimately, wins and losses, Nolan, and Hicks determine his job security, not Galloway & Co.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
Irony = Galloway calling JD an idiot
Galloway – “But WE wanted the scoop! It’s not fair!”
Is JD really gonna give the local crew
a scoop when they are the biggest baseball idiots. Rosenthal interviewed MY, not JD. So, JD didn’t give that story nationally. The national reporters are just better at their jobs than Galloway, and now he wants some free handouts from JD.
From JD
“Hey Galloway, old buddy, It’s JonBoy. Since you have shown me such kindness and unbiased opinions towards me and my stint here, how about this scoop on something we’re doing?”
Galloway is a lazy moron
Next Year! We Swear!
Young Q&A
Have you started preparing for third base? No. Not at all. One thing about it is I went from second to short, which I’m pretty sure is a harder transition than going to third base.
If the transition to 3B is sooo much easier that he does not even have to begin practicing and Young already won a GG at a much more demanding position, then I guess the Rangers already have the 2009 AL 3B GG winner on their roster.
by Excel Hearts Choi on Jan 25, 2009 9:46 AM CST reply actions
the dude has a piss poor attitude and it is going to be hard for me to root for him this season.
"drawing walks is an overrated trait in my eyes."
"i do believe we could have 4 30 start pitchers in the rotation."
-- both these genius remarks brought to you by our resident guru, bigsteve
I agree.
Been a stout Michael Young fan ever since he made it to the big leagues with us, but dang I’m tired of his attitude and I don’t know that I’m not going to start treating him a little like Richie Sexson this year.
"Either we need to re-calibrate our rectangle, or Alfonzo Marquez is not having a good night." - Josh Lewin
by utlonghorn24 on Jan 25, 2009 10:04 AM CST up reply actions
how about take some grounders in the offseason?
what has blalock been doing the last two offseasons? not sitting on his ass
"To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant."
and especially when it is a new position
he should be even more concerned about working on his ‘craft’ than usual
Next Year! We Swear!
His position
The proprietary notion is what bugs me. Mark Teixeira gave up HIS position to move to 1B for the sake of the team. Blalock did. Kinsler gave up HIS position when he got to AAA because the team wanted to keep Young there. The idea that a team shouldn’t be able to play its players at whatever positions they see fit is ridiculous to me.
by Brett Perryman on Jan 25, 2009 11:19 AM CST up reply actions
Agreed
Well put Z. You could take it a step further saying how AROD the best ss in baseball at the time switched to 3b.
Sheets or bust
agreeance...
ARod was willing to give up, what $ 20 million (guess) to go to the Red Sox and get the hell out of here.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:38 AM CST up reply actions
Doesn't matter
He was the best ss in The Show with out question he didn’t have to switch positions he could have been a hard ass and said no.
Sheets or bust
The stats clearly supported
Leaving A-Rod at SS and moving Jeter elsewhere. But Jeter is a True Yankee, and any such notion would have been blasphemy.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
I think it is quite comparable to older players changing positions to continue to get to play regularly even though their skills are declining and they’re overpriced.
by Brett Perryman on Jan 25, 2009 11:30 AM CST up reply actions
but it's all about perception
do you really want MY to accept that his skills are on the decline? i sure don’t. he’s only accepted the move b/c of the backlash he got. i’m sure he still believes he’s fully capable at short. i don’t have a problem with that.
So should George Brett have not accepted that his skills were declining? Cal Ripken?
by Brett Perryman on Jan 25, 2009 11:34 AM CST up reply actions
MY has agreed to move
that’s about all i could expect at this point. it’s not like he’s gonna tank it over at 3rd.
he agreed to move is all you can expect?
so he shouldn’t prepare at all? In this first week, he should have gone to RW (or his fieldign coach du jour) and asked what it is he needs to do to become a better 3B. And, if he hasn’t done that, he shouldn’t be bragging about how he hasn’t done it. And, if he hasn’t done it, any answer he gives where he says he hasn’t done it should be followed up by, I’m going to start doing it ASAP.
this move works under the premise that he takes his job (and his gigantic contract) seriously.
You know, if MY gives it the college try and we find out that the man can’t go to his left and he’s a terrible 3B, then fine. The move is on JD. But, if the guy doesn’t even start practicing 3B until ST, the failure of the move is on MY. What a gigantic tool. Does anybody doubt that the move needed to come now? Wait any longer to tell MY and he would have pouted until the middle of the season.
"To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant."
I really wouldn't worry about it
IIRC I think Adam was among the first anywhere to identify MY’s best skills were suited to 3B – I hadn’t read or heard that elsewhere before then. He can’t have played baseball for 20 years without knowing a bit about the position. Don’t let his comparatives to shortstop duty throw you off. I’d guess he’ll be getting nuances from C. Jones, ARod, Hank, Ron Washington, and will do pretty well with the glove at his new position.
And at some point, he’ll recognize that the team is better with two good gloves and appropriate range on the left side. I’m getting to the point where I can’t separate the knee jerks from the just plain jerks! (kidding, but it fits>
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Jan 25, 2009 12:15 PM CST up reply actions
i don't see how his comments can be viewed as possibly a good thing
and you haven’t shown why either.
He is flaunting the fact that he’s not preparing for the transition that he bitched about being too great to make late in his career. Fact is, he should have started preparing yesterday. He isn’t. Every day he puts it off is a day that he’s not playing the position better this season.
And, a day that the team sees him less and less of a leader and more and more of an arrogant prick
"To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant."
So what was that reward
that Young received the other night…you know the award that was voted on by all his peers in MLB?
He’s still this team’s leader and is widely respected by his peers.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Not really
He’s coming off as a massive tool. Anybody who respects his behavior, consequently, is also a tool.
Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, and Chris Davis are the leaders of the team. They have all acted in stark contrast to MY’s behavior and should feel shown up by his douche baggery.
Give me Sheets or give me Offseason Blues Part III.
by inactive lsb user on Jan 25, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions
No one said anything about liking it.
It’d be nice if he at least started watching video so he could start to learn the situational positioning he mentions not knowing. At the very most he could get out there like Hank did.
Wow
Arrogant prick.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
What part of
getting in Chippers and ARod’s ears, playing back and up according to the situation, accepting it and moving on did you not read? If you are looking for unhappiness about the move, you found it. In no way does not practicing it “yet” imply he won’t do the best job he can. It’s life, live with it type stuff.
Once upon a time I had the most prestigious project in the airline industry. It was roses and influence. Then someone else was chosen to head its’ implementation, after I had spent six years on R&D, technology assessment, and business and network planning. Writeups in the Harvard Business Review more than twice, etc (the equivalent of an industry gold glove). I was pissed, disturbed, had just received a huge raise, then moved on. It worked out great, since the next assignment went from limbo to a whole third career and triple the compensation.
Just saying, it’s a reaction you have to experience to understand, be quiet about, and move on.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Jan 25, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions
I understand him being upset.
What bugs me more than anything is how he keeps coming off like he’s better than 3rd-base.
No offense
but I don’t understand the point of your rant there. Obviously MY is upset and I understand that. But just because you’re upset about something doesn’t mean you need to make those kind of comments to the media.
FOR MANLY LOVE BE HERE MARCH 25TH AT 2:15 AM SHARP
Hopefully
The self centered stuff will pass. It’s only been days. I’d imagine a lot of the boiling over will disappear once in ST and especially when the season starts. Hope so, anyway.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)
by Ed Coffin on Jan 25, 2009 1:16 PM CST up reply actions
It's been over a month.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
I hate Michael Young.
"There are no weak opinions with the dirkatron, it’s all scream-across-the-parking-lot echelon." -hightowersmith
by thedirkatron on Jan 25, 2009 1:17 PM CST up reply actions
I hate that "man" so much.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
I hate Michael Young.
"There are no weak opinions with the dirkatron, it’s all scream-across-the-parking-lot echelon." -hightowersmith
by thedirkatron on Jan 25, 2009 11:42 AM CST up reply actions
I was thinking the same thing about our FOTF
"drawing walks is an overrated trait in my eyes."
"i do believe we could have 4 30 start pitchers in the rotation."
-- both these genius remarks brought to you by our resident guru, bigsteve
How exactly do you prepare for 3B in the off-season?
I don’t know what his typical off-season prep work was to play SS – did he take 500 ground balls every day? I doubt it. My assumption is that he uses the off-season to strengthen his body.
Total guess on my part but I would assume the big prep work for learning to play 3B comes when he goes to Surprise and starts playing in scrimmages/exhibition games.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 10:08 AM CST up reply actions
you can wave your Michael Young pom-poms all you want
The guy is acting like a pompous jackass with a horribly over-inflated view of his contributions and an oversized ego that he is putting in front of the greater good of his team.
Wait a second…of course you would have an affinity for him…
"drawing walks is an overrated trait in my eyes."
"i do believe we could have 4 30 start pitchers in the rotation."
-- both these genius remarks brought to you by our resident guru, bigsteve
by tricer on Jan 25, 2009 10:37 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
So what does that have
to do with how one goes about preparing to play 3B during the off-season when you’re not playing winter ball, Tricer?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 10:46 AM CST up reply actions
It's not that hard
he would have the resources to learn the nuances of 3B. And, he could start sooner than later, but he doesn’t care.
Next Year! We Swear!
So MYoung needs to drink a pitcher of STFU
get a rubber ball and throw it hard against the wall to work on reflexes and then study Brooks Robinson & Graig Nettles films every night?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions
don't be ridiculous
I think he could get game simulations, grounders and things along those lines. Practical use. Even practice on slow rollers and the bare handing the ball to throw to first. Throwing to first from a different angle. He could also approach people about advice, and what they did in their switch like a Barry Larkin, Cal Ripken, his good ol’ buddy Arod, but no, he was only after advice when it was important for him to be at SS.
There are plenty of things you could do, than just saying I don’t need to work on the position. MY is still pouting, and he is looking more like a prick.
Next Year! We Swear!
who is already in ST
Oh yeah, Josh Hamilton. Hmm, I wonder if he is pouting in Surprise, AZ, or if he’s working. Maybe Young should learn from his teammate.
Next Year! We Swear!
Ummm
I believe this past week he has been in Arlington for fanfest and the caravan thingy.
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.
yes, I know
I was only bringing up an example of work ethic because JH did report to Surprise on Jan 5
Next Year! We Swear!
Has the work ethic of Michael Young
ever been an issue in his career?
He got to where he is today mostly because of his work ethic.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:19 AM CST up reply actions
And the reason the (as Galloway would call them) the
magpies are jumping down Young’s throat is because his comments directly reflect the lack of respect he has for JD.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions
his reputation up to this point
was of a team player as well. I’m not seeing that either.
MY has an attitude right now, and it has more to do with his own pride than JD.
Next Year! We Swear!
Are you suddenly worried
about Michael Young’s work ethic?
I’m more worried about JD making another bonehead trade.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:26 AM CST up reply actions
I'm worried about MY's attitude
and his stubborness in not trying to learn his new position.
We aren’t comparing JD and MY but JD’s track record of performance over the last 2 years is better than MY’s performance at his job. JD is getting better, MY is not.
Next Year! We Swear!
great point
you have to forgive Josey, he’s currently wearing his #10 pj’s and can’t speak to the situation objectively.
"drawing walks is an overrated trait in my eyes."
"i do believe we could have 4 30 start pitchers in the rotation."
-- both these genius remarks brought to you by our resident guru, bigsteve
Tricer,
if you’d take off your little JD power sunglasses you might be able to evalutate this team with a little more accuracy.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
ask around
I don’t think anyone (with any sense) that knows me here would accuse me of wearing JD power sunglasses.
"drawing walks is an overrated trait in my eyes."
"i do believe we could have 4 30 start pitchers in the rotation."
-- both these genius remarks brought to you by our resident guru, bigsteve
To come correct,
I think there is a MYoung bobblehead in my house somewhere and at least three jerseys with his name on the back but none belong to me.
You didn’t break into my house and shit on my toothbrush, did you?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions
How old are you again?
For fuck’s sake … I wouldn’t be surprised if you croaked before This Thing got turned around.
Give me Sheets or give me Offseason Blues Part III.
by inactive lsb user on Jan 25, 2009 3:08 PM CST up reply actions
Michael Young leads all
AL SS’s in Win Shares over the last two years and during that time Sammy Sosa was given 315 plate appearances as a RH batter despite having an OPS below .700 and he hit usually hit clean-up. Let’s also not forget that the eternally dimwitted Ron Washington was given an extension in August ’07 by JD.
JD has a long way to go to catch up with Young.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:36 AM CST up reply actions
I bet your MY bobblehead
is nodding in agreement.
"drawing walks is an overrated trait in my eyes."
"i do believe we could have 4 30 start pitchers in the rotation."
-- both these genius remarks brought to you by our resident guru, bigsteve
by tricer on Jan 25, 2009 11:37 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Let's see if you can.....
stick to the debate instead of changing topics (JDs GM scorecard).
Is MY being professional about his move to 3rd or not?
bdavison94
There are many more things with this team to worry about than MYoung’s attitude and work ethic.
It’s never been a problem in the past.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:39 AM CST up reply actions
stop living in the past
and yes there are alot of things about this team to be concerned about, but MY and 3B is the MAIN one right now.
Next Year! We Swear!
You're the one that
brought up the last two years.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:45 AM CST up reply actions
that was in response to
your opinion of JD, and now you don’t want to acknowledge this MY issue as an important part of this teams success. If he continues with this attitude, it could deteriorate some of the chemistry this team has had. I think chemistry is very important.
Next Year! We Swear!
NothinG,
I think the players have zero respect for JD and Young’s reaction and continued verbal diaharrea is symptomatic of the feelings in the room for the masses.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:50 AM CST up reply actions
I agree that there are many things to worry about.....
other than MY.
That doesn’t change the fact that he’s not acting professionally in this situation. I for one am glad that the team and MY worked it out. I however am unhappy that MY can’t stop acting out in the press with passive aggressive comments like the one about not preparing.
Be a man and work out your issues behind the scenes. The only one that seems to want to keep the drama in the press is MY. Why is that?
Sosa
had a .328 /.410 /.613 against LH pitchers. That’s pretty good don’t you think, and he didn’t play most of the time at the end of the year so we could get a look at Botts and others
Next Year! We Swear!
by NothinG on Jan 25, 2009 11:42 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Josey
Who would you have rather he played? Please don’t say Botts because I think we all saw how good Botts was. I wonder how japans treating him.
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.
Somebody who was young
and had a future beyond 2007.
What, did Sosa help us win 75 games instead of 72 games?
That’s not progress to me.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions
Name me a player
Cruz was in the majors and sporting a wonderful 551 OPS in early June so he was already up here. I think Botts showed us he is no ML player. So which young player would you have given at bats to? Give me a name please.
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.
Yup...
and don’t forget, Hamilton single handedly caused the Rangers to have about 20-25 less fans because he’s so popular and the Rangers caravan room at the Academy store wasn’t large enough.
Stars in a Texas Night Sky, a Dallas Stars blog from a fan's perspective.
Hamilton has been taking batting practice at ASU
Major league players regularly taking pre-spring training batting practice at Packard Stadium include Josh Hamilton (Texas), Craig Counsell (Milwaukee), Dustin Pedroia (Boston), Andre Ethier (LA Dodgers), Jacoby Ellsbury (Boston), Justin Morneau (Minnesota), Coco Crisp (Kansas City), Scott Hairston (San Diego), Russell Martin (Dodgers), Conor Jackson (Diamondbacks) and Luis Gonzalez (free agent).
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Jan 25, 2009 11:56 AM CST up reply actions
Only if it hits him in the head
and knocks some sense into him while he is standing out there on 3b in The Show this season.
Sheets or bust
by boomer1 on Jan 25, 2009 11:13 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
look....
you can ask all you want what people here think he should be doing and it won’t mean anything. It doesn’t change the fact that MY is still fighting his move to 3rd and acting still somewhat unprofessional.
Even the MY apologists can’t argue that can they?
Wow...
This shows that you have so little knowledge of baseball that it hurts me to even think about. There are several ways to prepare for playing 3rd. Ever heard of periodization? Usually about 10-12 weeks before the season starts you start ramping up the baseball activity.
The prep work is getting someone to hit your fungo while you on your knees from about 50 ft away. Working on first step quickness is another thing (not Young’s greatest asset). Do a lot more short hop practice (get a lot of more of those on the corners). Shall i go on? Those are already three drills that highlight the differences in the positions.
by Michael Cave on Jan 25, 2009 11:10 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Cave
I would assume MYoung has a fairly set routine for his off-season that none of us know about and can you say with absolute accuracy that Young has never done the fungo drill from fifty feet on his knees?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:16 AM CST up reply actions
Hey
I answered your question about how he could even get ready for playing third instead of short but you were just too obtuse to realize it. You really know very little about the game dont ya? I heard you say how you could recite all kinds of rangers history, etc but you really dont know the game. This is evident by your ongoing ignorance on many situations. Im not saying you have to play the game to understand it because ive had several friends who couldnt throw a baseball 50 ft but they have a relatively good grasp of the inner workings of a baseball team. And i know for a fact he does drills very similar to the ones i mentioned if not the sames one because of what ive seen and done in the past. The reasons I mentioned those drills because they are more position specific (to 3B of course).
And you didnt even address my answering of your question in your response. You know why? Because im right and you may be able to read off a stat sheet or tell someone who played CF for the rangers in 88 but you sure as hell dont understand this great game.
by Michael Cave on Jan 25, 2009 3:06 PM CST up reply actions
I probably am guilty of not answering
every question posed to me.
Some of the questions I don’t honestly see while some of the questions are really dumb and not worthy of my time.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Your
Very valuable time. Cause it’s ok to spend 10 hours on a blog, but that extra 10 minutes would really make it pathetic.
by brettgardner on Jan 25, 2009 6:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yep...
that’s BS. I’ve seen Josey go back and forth with people on this blog for hours.
The real reason he doesn’t answer certain questions is because he doesn’t want to admit when he’s wrong and it hurts is schtick image.
He only has time to try and bait people.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
This.
Give me Sheets or give me Offseason Blues Part III.
by inactive lsb user on Jan 26, 2009 1:26 AM CST up reply actions
Galloway is spot on, because,
ya know, JD had to know Young would call Rosenthal, and, so JD should’ve totally undermined his trade leverage by going public. Galloway should be pissed at Young if he feels he deserved a scoop.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
Borbon
What kind of ceiling does he have ? Is he really expected to make the jump to the Major’s this year ?
That was a weird reply.
"No... JD has been exposed as a kid who trades his remote-controlled helicopters for paper airplanes, then fails to consider the feelings of the paper airplane when he refolded it into a hat." -Telegraph.
by Kinslerhomer on Jan 25, 2009 10:19 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah
Hes expected to start the season in AAA and should be ready for a callup if needed by trade deadline time or possibly a bit earlier.
As for his ceiling, I would say Kenny Lofton might be a good comp. Not as good but similar styles. His defense will be his biggest asset to us along with speed on the basepaths.
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.
So...he was a pathetic pick up by JD also?
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
That's probably a fair comp
I’d say .300+ avg, 10ish homers, lots of stolen bases, ridiculous CF defense.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
Lofton was relatively old
when he started splashing around the big league pool.
He was 25 years old before he played more than 20 games in The Show.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 10:24 AM CST up reply actions
ridiculous CF defense
apparently the club feels that his CF defense is currently a weakness not a strength. See below.
"drawing walks is an overrated trait in my eyes."
"i do believe we could have 4 30 start pitchers in the rotation."
-- both these genius remarks brought to you by our resident guru, bigsteve
I thought Golson had been at AAA last year, since he got a September callup.
But, a little googling and baseball-referencing and I see that he wasn’t and that he isn’t necessarily a better defender than Borbon at this point. So, hey, I guess neither is really ready for a gig in the majors. Byrd is the word.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
Golson
I believe the only reason he was called up was in September and he had to be placed on the 40 man this winter or be lost to rule 5 so the Phils added him and brought him up. Would have been similar to if we had done it with Mayberry Jr.
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.
Brandon Boggs will be first called up
I expect once Borbon comes up hes here to stay. Golson will probably be a guy who shuffles between OKC and Arlington over the next couple years and sees alot of September pinch running experience.
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.
Golson
has to work out his plate discipline before he gets called up, and he couldn’t do that where he was, I don’t expect really high things from him.
Boggs and Borbon are ahead of him on my depth charts
Next Year! We Swear!
I was under the assumption he'd be manning center in Frisco
With Borbon, Boggs, and some combination of the others (Harrison, Gentry, et. al.) manning the OKC outfield.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
"His defense will be his biggest asset to us"
According to Newberg on the podcast, the team feels Borbon’s defense, specifically his reads and routes, need a lot of work and the FO feels his defense is not ML ready at this time.
"drawing walks is an overrated trait in my eyes."
"i do believe we could have 4 30 start pitchers in the rotation."
-- both these genius remarks brought to you by our resident guru, bigsteve
Thats why he won't come up before mid July
He won’t make the team out of spring training but by mid season I could see it happening.
Most likely he stays down all season until September and is called up then when rosters expand.
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.
Not to put words in Jamey's mouth...
…but I think the feeling is his defense would play in CF right now, but that they want to see some improvement from him in regards to his reads and routes. He’s probably a better defensive CF’er than Hamilton right now…but unlikely the situation with SS/3B, you’ve got plenty of guys in the outfield right now who major league caliber.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 25, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions
Isn't part of the problem with Borbon's defense
That he has essentially outgrown minor league stadiums? Didn’t Jamey or someone say that Borbon lines up very shallow behind second to practice chasing down balls, because anything hit when he’s playing regular depth is too easy for him to run down?
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
I think that was while he was in Bakersfield.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
Ahh yes, you are correct
Because the CF wall at “Historic” Sam Lynn Field (as Lucas likes to call it) is something ridiculous, like 375 ft from the plate.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
Here's some pictures of the Fan Fest by John Vittas:
"No... JD has been exposed as a kid who trades his remote-controlled helicopters for paper airplanes, then fails to consider the feelings of the paper airplane when he refolded it into a hat." -Telegraph.
It's come to a point where I have almost decided to ignore the Dallas media
with a few exceptions. The only reason I even glance at the DMN or S-T is to get breaking news, and nowadays even they are breaking stories for the most part.
Maybe it’s the limit on words, or the need to 1-up other big name writers across the county, or just plain dislike for these sports teams…..but whatever it is the Dallas media is in full on smear and attack mode. I can’t take it anymore. Three out of four of the major sports teams in Dallas have enjoyed several years in a row of winning seasons, getting to the playoffs, etc…..yet since a Championship hasn’t been won Ohhhhhh lordy!!!! Dallas sports are a disgrace!!!! And how DARE they even think about shunning the local media and not coddle the sportswriters like they want. Wade Phillips is being called moody and testy for refusing to speak to the media this past week at the Senior Bowl.
JD hasn’t had the best track record so far, but can anyone deny that he is at least trying to move forward and build this team? He’s fighting an uphill battle against Tom Hicks. It’s tough to sign big name FA when you have a historically poor franchise, a ballpark that makes it feel like you’re playing in the desert and an owner that is scatterbrained between a hockey, baseball and soccer club. JD has solidly built one the deepest and most talented farm club in the majors and this team is one or two years away from having it all pay out. Too bad he doesn’t kiss the ass of the media around here, right? Please.
When local columns and articles actually start breaking down the game instead of feeding and fabricating drama, I’ll start reading them again. Right now, much more thoughtful, in-depth and accurate analysis is coming from online blogs and dedicated websites and newspapers are cutting back on sports coverage.
Perhaps the everyday, regular Joe sports fan enjoys these opinion pieces and doesn’t have the time or inclination to really dig deep into other methods of getting news about local teams. Unfortunately, these everyday fans are the ones who fill up the seats in the ballpark and stadiums and most of them form their opinions on the team based on what they read in the paper over coffee. I have friends who swear that the Rangers will never win a playoff series with JD running the team. Like the Rangers have had success with other guys instead.
For now, I’ll stick with the guys who aren’t looking for the angle and don’t want to make a splash with their opinion. This world is already filled with enough acid, hate and negativity without having it permeate sportswriting.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on Jan 25, 2009 10:45 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
You're probably more attuned to it because
you’re a puckhead, Brandon, but the Stars seem to get mostly positive coverage from both local medias.
BTW, love your website.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions
Kinda.
I think the Stars (even though they’ve been the most consistent and sucessful) get less coverage than anyone else and if they got more then more scrutiny would be laid down upon them.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on Jan 25, 2009 10:56 AM CST up reply actions
The DMN coverage is probably related to the interest of the team
or the fact that the DMN has largely become a mediocre piece of shit and more irrelevant by the day.
From what I’ve read, both Montreal & Toronto teams are suffocated with the coverage they get and the bar of expectations are set very high.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions
True.
The Stars all of a sudden became pretty damn popular in the town and the media when they won a few playoff series. That’s just the way it goes. But just like the Rangers fans around here, the real Stars fans are steadfastly loyal, no matter what.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on Jan 25, 2009 11:02 AM CST up reply actions
I consider myself a very loyal fan
(season ticket holder from ‘93-’03) but I became disgusted with they way Tom Hicks did business.
Payroll cut nearly in half after strike and the price of my tix hardly went down – out.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions
Unfortunately, you weren't the only one.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on Jan 25, 2009 11:08 AM CST up reply actions
It just goes to show
That if your a winner in this town, you’ll get the media to bandwagon your team, but if your losing, that writer will jump off and try to lead the mob against your team.
Just wait till the rangers start winning. Then you’ll see articles by Galloway praising JD for his moves and sticking to the plan
Is it Spring Training Yet?
Thanks, by the way.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on Jan 25, 2009 10:57 AM CST up reply actions
well said
I have to agree on all counts. The media is getting out of control. Are they covering valid information? Yes. But they are blowing everything out of proportion. For example, the Cowboys charter was late in leaving for a good amount of games this year. Well, here’s the media’s take: lets blow this out of proportion and blame this on the players, when in reality most of the reason was due to weather problems (the final game of the season).
As a relatively young person at only 17, you can say that I haven’t been around sports as long as most of you all have. However, even I can realize that if the media continues to give this negativity on a consistent basis, it is going to be very hard, even if possible, for any team to succeed in this area.
In reference to how good the Steelers have been in their history: "No one is even close to them."- Steal Home
I don't know when it happened...
…but somewhere along the line sport journalism turned into CNN/FoxNews/MSNBC coverage. Find the story with the most striking headline, then beat it to a bloody dead pulp, then show a poll that people are tried of hearing about it, repeat.
I’m not saying you have to breakdown the mechanics of a prospect’s curveball or a ILB’s first step, but you don’t have to try to bait the bigger names on each team into saying something contraversial.
Basically: I will agree to keep reading your articles if you agree to stop trying to convince me that every article is the apocalypse.
by GhettoBear04 on Jan 25, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions
Hey Gil... YOUR MATS SKILLS SUCK
It’s been written that only about 10 percent of the players who sign a minor league contract will ever play a single game in the major leagues. That means that, roughly, only five players in each team’s draft will make the big club.
10% = 1 out of 10
(very bottom of page)
Hey Gil... YOUR MATH SKILLS SUCK
It’s been written that only about 10 percent of the players who sign a minor league contract will ever play a single game in the major leagues. That means that, roughly, only five players in each team’s draft will make the big club.
10% = 1 out of 10
(very bottom of page)
laxtonto,
Your question about the importance of getting a Game Score of 50+ was answered in the “More On Sheets” thread.
It’s very important.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Jan 25, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions
um
how many players get drafted? what is 10% of those players?
"To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant."
Well, the draft is 50 rounds, but not all the players sign contracts.
So it’s not really 100% accurate.
But it’s not the most egregious error I’ve ever seen.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
I hate Michael Young.
"There are no weak opinions with the dirkatron, it’s all scream-across-the-parking-lot echelon." -hightowersmith
by thedirkatron on Jan 25, 2009 11:50 AM CST up reply actions
Anyone else.....
worried about stamina with McCarthy adding 25 pounds in one off season? I guess him leaving in the 5th is better than being on the DL.
How would that affect his stamina
Trust me, you can add 25 pounds to a guy like McCarthy and never even realize it by looking at him. Im 6’7 like McCarthy and could add 25 pounds and not change my pant size.
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.
I'm thinking.....
his stamina might take a hit by adding the weight only because his body is conditioned for pitching at the previous weight. I sure don’t think it’s something that can’t be over come, but it seems like a lot of weight gain in one 3 month period. Also, if the effect is that he’s more durable but the short term loss is some stamina then I’m perfectly fine with it.
I’m just really thinking out loud here.
McCarthy
It depends on how the weight was added. If it was added by a systematic plan where he was on a controlled diet and it was monitored and approved then I don’t think its an issue. If he added 25 pounds by eating McDonalds 4 times a day for a month then yeah we could have a problem. As a fellow tall and skinny guy I can tell you 25 pounds is not that much on a frame like that.
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.
I agree....
with your thoughts on how the weight was added making a big difference and sure adding 25 pounds to that type of frame with a starting point of 200 pounds would not be much from a visual perspective. What I’m really getting at here though is, how heavy are his legs at the end of the 5th now (at 200 pounds) and how heavy will those legs be at the end of the 5th with the new weight. Surely he hasn’t had enough time to condition himself for that extra weight in such a short amount of time.
Just something that I’ve been thinking about and am curious to see if it holds any water. It very well may not.
Not to be a dick, but...
He’s only seen the 5th inning 16 times in 2 years…he was not conditioned for that before the weight gain.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Hes only made 27 starts also
So while only 16 times in two years is bad its not like hes made 60 starts over these last two years either.
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.
I too am 6'7 and skinny
I believe that the weight gain will help his stamina. He may be able to get more downward force without the extra effort he is putting out to max out velocity at 190. At 6’7, the body is made to work better at 225 than at 190. if you had a 5’11 150 pitcher, you would have no problem wanting him to get up to 185. It would help him. 225 should really help BMac’s stamina. He won’t be carrying around a bunch of belly fat.
From Nick Cafardo Boston Globe:
I think former Sox reliever Mike Maddux – who fled to Texas from Milwaukee – is becoming one of the best pitching coaches in the game
Eric Gagné, RP, free agent: The Twins are seriously considering Gagné as a setup man for closer Joe Nathan. Gagné remains intriguing to teams that believe he still has his trademark changeup if not his dominating fastball. The Rangers are also considering him.
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/articles/2009/01/25/teams_wait_for_a_discount/?page=4
"No... JD has been exposed as a kid who trades his remote-controlled helicopters for paper airplanes, then fails to consider the feelings of the paper airplane when he refolded it into a hat." -Telegraph.
I wouldn't mind Gagne back...
But I really don’t think we need another Right handed RP on this team
Is it Spring Training Yet?
10 years ago
“the fact that he’d [Sheets] be the best pitcher the Rangers have had in over a decade, makes the possible reward worth the risk.”
Just wondering—who was the last Rangers starting pitcher of Sheets’ calibur?
"This report of my death was an exaggeration"--Mark Twain
Kevin Brown?
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Jan 25, 2009 12:09 PM CST up reply actions
Kevin Brown.
And Sheets doesn’t break potties. Just think of the money they’ll save on porcelin alone!
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
But Sheets will more than make up for that with his need for a comfortable trainer's table.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
I hate Michael Young.
"There are no weak opinions with the dirkatron, it’s all scream-across-the-parking-lot echelon." -hightowersmith
by thedirkatron on Jan 25, 2009 1:19 PM CST up reply actions
Darren Oliver?
Either him or Ken Hill.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on Jan 25, 2009 12:10 PM CST up reply actions
Darren Oliver.
Are you serious ? In that case why dont you toss Brian Bohannon’s name into the mix.
by Keyser Soze on Jan 25, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
Lol...
I was trying to be a bit…..sarcastic.
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on Jan 25, 2009 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
If you're talking one season performance
Ken Hill in 1996, but talent level I’d say Brown.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Aaron Sele
He had a couple of good years for us.
Uh,
I might rather have Oliver. Maybe not, but Sele is no comp for Sheets.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I agree.
Sheets is def better than Sele no question but if your talking about good years by Rangers pitchers Sele would have to be included right ?
Not really.
His Wins are very deceiving.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Going by ERA+
which is a good stat to use across several seasons, the only comp that last dozen years are Kenny Rogers and Ken Hill. Sele doesn’t come close.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Sele was alright
He pitched good for us, but he’s not top of the rotation start material like Sheets is
Is it Spring Training Yet?
Ryan Drese before Rod Barajas head punched the goodness right out of him.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
I hate Michael Young.
"There are no weak opinions with the dirkatron, it’s all scream-across-the-parking-lot echelon." -hightowersmith
by thedirkatron on Jan 25, 2009 1:21 PM CST up reply actions
I can't
figure out why Daniels would not want to give Randy Galloway the scoop. I mean all Galloway has done is question Daniels’ decisions at every turn.
Ephesians 1:3-10
Sometimes
Multiple times in the same column
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
Jesus Christ.
This is even worse than the Milwaukee game.
This might be the most lopsided game I’ve ever seen.
Who? What? Mavericks?
What in the AC Green is going on with these guys?
Defending Big D: A Dallas Stars blog on SBN: easy to use, free to join.
by Brandon Worley on Jan 25, 2009 12:56 PM CST up reply actions
Yes they do.
This is good. We don’t need anymore misleading wins like Detroit.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
Does this
Do anything to increase the likelihood of, at the very least, a Howard trade?
by brettgardner on Jan 25, 2009 1:12 PM CST up reply actions
Even before the
Mil blowout I think that trading Howard was very likely. I think this might have more effect on the willingness to trade Terry.
"Come on man you have to admit the average guy in a baseball clubhouse...... is relatively a douchebag." BGL.
Right.
I meant likely in the sense that it was imminent.
by brettgardner on Jan 25, 2009 1:21 PM CST up reply actions
I really don't know
They probably want him to play well for a couple of weeks to pump up his value a bit. I wish I could say that I have faith in Donnie, but I don’t.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
The Mavs
Have really come out on the better end of most of their trades in the Cuban era.
Don’t let the Kidd trade sour everything.
by brettgardner on Jan 25, 2009 1:21 PM CST up reply actions
I had faith in Don Nelson to pull off something crazy
Donnie hasn’t shown much creativity, though.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
Well
The Diop trade is very palatable to me. Admittedly, it took the horrible signing of Diop to facilitate that trade, but I still don’t think I agree with you assertion.
Finding garbage like Bass and Barea and turning them into at least 7-8 guys is something. Although right now, the Shawne Williams trade is looking shitty just because he can’t even get off the bench, and not so much because of the picks.
The Walker and Jamison trades are among the best in recent memory.
by brettgardner on Jan 25, 2009 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah those signings make up for our pretty bad draft picks
FOR MANLY LOVE BE HERE MARCH 25TH AT 2:15 AM SHARP
4 years,
Bass and Barea. All other free agent signings seem to consist of re-signing role players that were already here at one time or another… Juwan Howard,George, Stackhouse, Diop, . The Kidd trade was speculated on for months prior to happing, any guy at ESPN could have made that trade. The Diop trade, everybody knew Charlotte liked Diop, it was speculated on for weeks, anyone could have made the trade. I just don’t see creativity in aquiring talent. The Fazeka’s draft pick, every mock draft I looked at that year had us taking Fazeka’s. I want to see him make a move that no one see’s coming. Suprise me. Aquire a young talented player that has something, that can be more than a 7-8 guy.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
That doesn't
Make much sense at all. Just because a lot of people agree on the best move doesn’t make it any less valid.
For instance, if the Rangers sign Sheets, should we criticize Daniels for not being creative, in spite of the fact that he would immediately become our best pitcher?
And I’m not sure why you’re discounting the signing of guys like George, Jones, Diop (1st time), etc. When you’re over the cap, you’ve got to make smart acquisitions, and those guys (not Jones, really) were all low-cost additions to what was thought to be a title-contender. And don’t leave out Daniels.
The one horrible signing is Christie, but that didn’t have too much of an impact upon anything.
And you and Agreen can complain about the drafting, and yeah, on the balance it hasn’t been great by any means. You both know, though, that low 1sts/low 2nds rarely do anything. But it’s been the weakest source of acquisitions, I agree.
by brettgardner on Jan 25, 2009 2:02 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, I'm not saying all those moves were wrong, necesarily
Just examples that show the lack of creativity in bringing in fresh talent, preventing the team from going stale.
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
Trade Kidd
for Lafrentz, Rodriguez and Outlaw. Try to trade Howard for a natural 2 guard. Sign Bosh in 2010.
FOR MANLY LOVE BE HERE MARCH 25TH AT 2:15 AM SHARP
swith to the deuce
and watch Tennis.
"You’re the worst poster here I think."--- brettgardner
"Because he's the worst poster here I think."--Chase Irwin
"You might be the single worst Rangers fan on this board."--WyoRanger
by red shoe ranger on Jan 25, 2009 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
OMG! They closed to within
30…
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
So
as a parting gift Laird left B-Mac his discount donut card?
"You’re the worst poster here I think."--- brettgardner
"Because he's the worst poster here I think."--Chase Irwin
"You might be the single worst Rangers fan on this board."--WyoRanger
by red shoe ranger on Jan 25, 2009 12:55 PM CST reply actions
Wow
That’s some scary wit you’ve got there.
by brettgardner on Jan 25, 2009 12:56 PM CST up reply actions
I'm
a brett approved poster, don’t you know?
"You’re the worst poster here I think."--- brettgardner
"Because he's the worst poster here I think."--Chase Irwin
"You might be the single worst Rangers fan on this board."--WyoRanger
by red shoe ranger on Jan 25, 2009 1:01 PM CST up reply actions
I've got
very little today. I know, what makes that different from any other day, right?
"You’re the worst poster here I think."--- brettgardner
"Because he's the worst poster here I think."--Chase Irwin
"You might be the single worst Rangers fan on this board."--WyoRanger
by red shoe ranger on Jan 25, 2009 1:18 PM CST up reply actions
MY should be picking Buechele's brain.
That guy could pick it at the hot corner. I’m afraid MY’s reflexes aren’t fast enough for 3rd, he seemed slow to react at smashes at SS. Imagine being that much closer, he had better start preparing.
A-Fraud
"You’re the worst poster here I think."--- brettgardner
"Because he's the worst poster here I think."--Chase Irwin
"You might be the single worst Rangers fan on this board."--WyoRanger
by red shoe ranger on Jan 25, 2009 1:17 PM CST reply actions
Snooze.
Give me Sheets or give me Offseason Blues Part III.
by inactive lsb user on Jan 25, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions
galloway..
is nothing more than a muck-raking, over-the-hill douchebag who tries to figure out which way the winds are favorable then jump on the bandwagon. For example: the Great Jake Delhomme, the Jimster, Avery, etc. His lameass “my man” shtick makes me puke-he only likes those who will actually talk to his sorry ass.
The S-T would do well to trade him in for a used condom.
MY needs to quit whining to every writer how he is still unhappy-it’s done, so let it die.
"Who died and made you King?"
What bothers me is...
…what I perceive as MY being disingenuous about some of this. I can understand his frustration, his anger, his hurt feelings, but why not keep it where he said he wanted to keep it, “behind closed doors?” Also. if he feels bad for the divisiveness amongst the fans (see quotes below), then why not just take an example from JD, and keep it quiet, and let us, the fans, put it behind us too.
January 15
This thing was something I wanted to hammer out behind closed door and that’s something that’s regrettable. I didn’t want the fans to choose between a player and the organization.
January 24
I felt bad about the fans being in the middle of it. They shouldn’t be in a position to where they have to choose between me and the organization. It should be everybody on the same page trying to accomplish the same thing. I still feel that way.
"Just take the ball and throw it where you want to. Throw strikes. Home plate don't move." Satchel Paige
XM Radio
just reported that Red Sox have made official offer to Varitek.
One year plus a very reachable option in the second year.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Red Sox offer to Tek
is one year $ 8 million with an option. Supposedly, he’s holding out for two years guaranteed.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
The latest (Monday morning)
Rob Bradford is reporting that the Sox offer to Tek is 1 yr $5M with an 1 yr mutual option ($5M team/ $3M player).
I feel nauseous.
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
That's pretty bad
but that’s what teams do with fan favorites. They’ll end up overpaying.
Also, if I mention something about Bill James and the Red Sox, its probably because I’m messing with Josey Wales who worships the ground Bill James walks on yet refuses to admit his schtick (or natural bat shit craziness) goes against most of what Bill James would suggest.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
I will allow myself to occasionally
disagree with Bill James but it’s very, very rare and he is pretty clear about how he feels regarding catchers who have caught as many games as Varitek has in his career.
To say my content goes against most of what Bill James would suggest is an absolute lie.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
whatever you say
I’m sure Bill James thinks this Rangers team as constructed will win 72 games next year.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
That sounds old.
Contemporary baseball reporting is like a bunch of 8th grade girls retelling the same info. The Boston Globe link from earlier in this thread just gives some options for what a deal might look like. Now that’s the deal (with no confirmation from the Boston Media).
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
Sickles has put up the rest of his study on catching prospects over on Minor League Ball.com. Here’s what he had to say about Salty:
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Florida HS: 2004 Grade C; 2005 Grade C+; 2006 Grade A-; 2007 Grade B. Salty’s minor league career was actually a bit erratic, and I’ve worried about Young Catcher Stagnation Syndrome with him. It is still unclear what position he will end up at long-term. In his major league career he is a .261/.327/.399 hitter with a +91 OPS, which is hardly impressive compared to his reputation. He is still very young however.
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
I suppose once the Red Sox sign Varitek, you'll have little use for this blog.
...Snoop Doggy-Dogg... Ya need to get yourself a jobby-job.
by oc on Jan 25, 2009 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
At this point I’m hoping that if the Sox are re-signing Tek it means that they’re also acquiring a young catcher for him to mentor. If the Sox are bringing him back, but aren’t getting a “catcher of the future” then I’ll consider this offseason a double failure on the catching front.
Once the season starts and there are actual games to watch, the amount of time I waste on the internet will probably go way down.
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
Heh
Once the season starts and there are actual games to watch, the amount of time I waste on the internet will probably go way down.
Guess you guys don’t have gameday threads on Over The Monster?
That Gold Glove for Young was the worst thing that could have happened to Texas - now the guy really believes he's good at short. - Keith Law
OK, I mean non-Red Sox baseball. SoSH gamethreads are better than going to the bar.
"I'd like to f*ck Sandra Bullock." - Pedro Martinez, explaining his secret ambition to Sports Illustrated for Kids.
Heh, swing by here for a GDT someday.
We try to do it up right.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
I haven't seen this anywhere else yet, Keith Law with his Potential top 100 candidates for 2010 from :
Texas Rangers
Wilfredo Boscan (A-) would have made most organizations’ top 10, but Texas’ system is deep enough to put him into the next tier. He’s wiry strong and a good athlete who has already picked up several mph on his fastball, touching 92 now with the ability to add and subtract. He has a plus changeup but a below-average breaking ball with outstanding control. I’m also curious to see what lefty Kasey Kiker (A+) can do once he escapes the Cal League.
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?entryID=3855023&name=law_keith
"No... JD has been exposed as a kid who trades his remote-controlled helicopters for paper airplanes, then fails to consider the feelings of the paper airplane when he refolded it into a hat." -Telegraph.
Damn, that's high praise.
"...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
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
I know a few here who won’t like that below average curveball comment. We had a little debate about all of that during the community prospect thing.
by Brett Perryman on Jan 25, 2009 3:59 PM CST up reply actions
also in that article
Kyle Drabek, a name I hadn’t heard of in a while
"To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant."
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