The Pen and Cruz...Juan Cruz
by meatbonelefty on Jan 29, 2009 10:53 PM CST
90 comments
well i haven't seen much brought up about Juan Cruz since Benoit has been shut down so im going to make this fanpost.
So i go to texasrangers.com to go check out the 40 and i remember the Benoit injury and wonder what the bullpen will look like going into a season where the Rangers can make a big push (not playoffs but at least compete for 3/4 of the season).
Before i did look, like Adam i didn't think we were in bad shape but after looking at the relief candidates It was pretty worrying. The article on the website says it starts with Fankie, C.J. and ends with Turnbow, Rupe, Madrigal as most likely there for the start of 09.
C.J. and Frankie are solid guys to build a bullpen around but then you have a rookie who was kinda effective but real raw, a guy who is decent but overrated in Rupe and an elite closer for like 3 seasons that fell off the ship and won't come anywhere near that for the rest of his career.
Well looking at the guys out there, i saw a guy named Juan Cruz. Yea he's a little old but can still bring it and was damn solid last year. Who knows, he can probably save some games for us. His numbers are good and the only problems with him are small. Money is gonna be one but im sure he's still going to be cheap in this market. Another one is his type a status which shouldn't get in the way of fixing a big hole with the big club. This guy is the best out there and money shouldn't be a problem UNLESS WE SIGN SHEETS (which is what im pulling for with about every fan on this site).
But really, we really need the help and i think this guy can help out a ton.
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Hes a type A free agent
So signing him would cost us our 2nd round draft pick. If we sign Sheets it would be our 3rd rounder. Seeing as how he wouldn’t be around for very long I would just as rather use that draft pick and get a prospect who could turn out to be a cornerstone player.
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 Jan 29, 2009 11:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Oh yeah
since 2nd and 3rd rounders are such a sure bet to become cornerstone players.
But I agree with you, though. I wouldn’t sign Cruz. But I would definitely sign Sheets, even if it were to cost us our 1st rounder.
"Yeah, like I had a chance there" - Lancaster batter, after striking out against Derek Holland
by chrisR on Jan 29, 2009 11:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Same here
If Cruz is going to cost us a 2nd (or a 3rd if we sign Sheets), its not worth it. He might not be around here in about a year. Plug someone in from the minors or something
Is it Spring Training Yet?
by Smoak Some on Jan 29, 2009 11:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i wouldnt have a problem with it if we sign sheets
but i feel quite confident he ends up with someone like the yankees (will cost like a 4th rd for them?)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 8:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yankees can't sign anymore type A or B free agents
According to Joey at BTIA.
On a somewhat related note, Major League Baseball confirmed on Thursday evening that the Yankees could not have signed Sheets even if they had wanted to, since the signings of CC Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Mark Teixeira exhausted their three-player quota of Type A or Type B free agents according to the current version of the collective bargaining agreement (which doesn’t expire until December 31st, 2011):
All three were Type A free agents who played for other teams last season aside from the Yankees. The Yankees could re-sign their own Type A or Type B free agents without it affecting the quota.
Under the rules, “if there are from 39 to 62 [Type A and B] players [during a given offseason], no team can sign more than three.”
[…] According to an unofficial list compiled by the Sports City Sports News Service, this year there were 63 Type A and Type B free agents — 29 Type As and 34 of the Type B variety. A Type A player is one who’s ranked among the top 20 percent of his group — pitcher or position player. A Type B player is among the top 40 percent.
"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 30, 2009 8:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
interesting, i know it was up in the air for a (long) while
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 9:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmmm, someone over at mlbtr.com
just posted a question: if the above is true than how were the Giants allowed to sign 5 type A and B free agents? I’m doubting that the Yankees can’t sign anymore.
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by t ball on Jan 30, 2009 10:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
thats what i was thinking
that they have it wrong/the info joey got was off
they can only sign 3 type A/B but my understanding was since they had other type A/B players they can resign 3 type A/B FA + however many type A/B FA’s they had
my issue was if they didnt offer them arb could they still do the 2nd half of that (however many a/b’s they had)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I just saw an update at mlbtr
a unilateral exception was granted this offseason allowing any team to sign as many as eight Type A or B free agents. A total of 216 free agents filed, an exceptionally high number.
Apparently the league removed the restriction because of the high number of players available.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Jan 30, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ahh i see
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I must apologize for disseminating that information then
Apparently expecting one of MLB.com’s own writers to publish accurate information was expecting too much.
by Joey Matschulat on Jan 30, 2009 12:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Rich Hill
possibly to the O’s for a PTBNL?
depending on who the PTBNL is, I’d go ask the Cubs to see what they want for Hill. Probably a prospect they can package along with Vitters to the Padres for Peavy. So, I’m guessing it’s an OFer.
"Yeah, like I had a chance there" - Lancaster batter, after striking out against Derek Holland
by chrisR on Jan 29, 2009 11:23 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
shit.
I’d be all over that.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 30, 2009 1:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The funny thing is, they just traded for Pie, too
Giving them an OF right back in exchange for Hill would be… odd.
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
by lonestarJon on Jan 30, 2009 2:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Pie
His stock was really low. And they traded him for Olson, whom they packaged with Cedeno to the Mariners in exchange for Aaron Heilman (a guy the Cubs don’t really need but has been coveted by the Padres in the past).
If the Cubs wanted Moscoso and Golson for Hill, would you do it?
"Yeah, like I had a chance there" - Lancaster batter, after striking out against Derek Holland
by chrisR on Jan 30, 2009 10:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
nah
At this point, you’re likely to get more out of Moscoso than Hill. Possibly a lot more.
And I thought at the time, and still kinda do, that the presence of Golson allows the Rangers to include Borbon in a big trade if some team is just crazy in love with him and is giving up something nice and juicy.
"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 30, 2009 11:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
same here
even though i really like(d) hill hes probably shot
i like moscoso and golson is a guy who could put it all together/we already dont have enough OF prospects
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Golson
is definitely some nice insurance to have in case something happens to Borbon or he gets moved.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Jan 30, 2009 7:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As is Vallejo.
If his speed is really as dreamy as advertised, he could be a super utility guy capable of playing plussy defense all over the IF and the OF.
Or just a starter in CF.
I would say 2b, but that position appears to have been taken by a handsome slugger for the next half decade at least.
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 31, 2009 12:04 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If B.J. Upton can make the switch...
...Snoop Doggy-Dogg... Ya need to get yourself a jobby-job.
by oc on Jan 31, 2009 12:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
handsome slugger at 2B?
Joaquin Arias
"Yeah, like I had a chance there" - Lancaster batter, after striking out against Derek Holland
by chrisR on Jan 31, 2009 12:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, hi there.
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 31, 2009 3:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i think moscoso's ability to miss bats
is underrated. the guy just needs to stay healthy. i wouldn’t mind getting rid of golson + another washout. They are going to most likely waive hill either way if they don’t make a trade, so I don’t think the cubs have much power here.
Another one bites the dust! And another one, and another one, and another one bites the dust!
by NothinG on Jan 30, 2009 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
like zy posted a while back
he was the *****BEST***** pitcher in baseball last year at missing bats…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
from what ive read hes totally shot – steve blass-style
which is a shame…hope he can come back
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 8:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What was his deal?
Was there any report of injury or did he he just go Ankiel/Blass/Knoblauch?
Purgatory's kind of like the in-betweeny one. You weren't really shit, but you weren't all that great either. Like Tottenham.
by TheJeezus on Jan 30, 2009 8:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
went off the edge evidently
had strike throwing problems, was sent to AAA then did bad there and was sent to rookie i think – then he was shut down
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 9:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe he'll convert to the OF...
take some steroids and then go out and hit a ton of homers like Ankiel!
Stars in a Texas Night Sky, a Dallas Stars blog from a fan's perspective.
by rangers85 on Jan 30, 2009 5:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It might be worth it on a 1-year deal.
If he maintains his Type A status, we could get a Supplemental 1st and a 1st or 2nd in 2010.
by NoNameOnCard on Jan 29, 2009 11:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Very good point
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Jan 29, 2009 11:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This makes perfect sense to me.
Let’s not overlook the big club just to become the world’s greatest stockpiler of prospects.
by scoop16 on Jan 30, 2009 12:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
First time I ever even thought of that
I still lean towards no on Cruz, but if we sign Sheets and give up the 2nd for him, then Cruz is pretty much guaranteed to recoup compensation (if he faltered and dropped to type B) or bring a return on the investment.
Haven’t really heard any $$ amounts regarding him though.
Don't you ever damn call here again
by SaltyDawg on Jan 30, 2009 12:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good point.
Even if he drops to Type B, it’s not likely that he’d drop all the way to non-compensation. Even at Type B compensation, we’d get Cruz for 2009 plus a 2010 supplemental 1st rounder in exchange for Cruz’s salary and a 2nd or 3rd rounder in 2009.
If he stays at Type A, we get great relief from Cruz for 2009, a 1st or 2nd rounder in 2010, plus a supplemental 1st rounder in exchange for Cruz’s salary and a 2nd or 3rd rounder in 2009.
It’s starting to make more and more sense.
by NoNameOnCard on Jan 30, 2009 2:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
not to mention
we are already getting a supplemental pick for losing bradley that will be higher than the second we would lose for sheets or cruz.
How bout a Smoak and a pancake?
by rchawk12 on Jan 30, 2009 2:02 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hmm
Well it would hinge somewhat on Sheets not only because of the 2nd/3rd rounder part.. but because if we sign Sheets and get a decent trade out of Boston than I’d start to get back into the “if things break right..” train of thought, in which case having Cruz would help.
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Jan 29, 2009 11:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
There needs to be an option for "meh" on the poll.
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
by lonestarJon on Jan 30, 2009 12:01 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
lol, and my wish is granted.
You rock, meatbone.
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
by lonestarJon on Jan 30, 2009 2:56 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No.
I don’t believe in paying for non-dominant bullpen arms.
You build a bullpen by finding a closer then surrounding him with young guys, failed starters and waiver wire pickups.
Paying 5mm a year to a setup guy who may or may not be good in any given season doesn’t seem like a smart allocation of resources.
I mean, maybe if his cost came waaaaay down and we sign Pees When He so it’d only be our third round pick… then, maybe.
But my guess is he’ll end up getting more than that from someone and/or we won’t get Sheets and/or he’ll want to go somewhere pitcher friendly as hell on a super cheap one year deal where he can build up his value.
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 30, 2009 1:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
but he's Baby Pedro...
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 30, 2009 1:44 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
his k-rate was 12.37 last year, and 12.84 the year before
I think that qualifies as a dominant bullpen arm.
"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 30, 2009 5:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
BBs
Of course, he also walked 5.4 per 9 last year, and he gives up a lot of flyballs. His BABIP was .280 last year, and his LOB% was an unsustainable 83.6%. Combine all that with moving to the AL and I’m not sure he’s worth giving up the draft pick plus the salary.
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by t ball on Jan 30, 2009 6:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i don't think moving to the AL as a BP arm is as big
a deal as a starter.
by the time you get to a guy like Cruz in the NL he’s pitching to pinch hitters not the pitcher
Another one bites the dust! And another one, and another one, and another one bites the dust!
by NothinG on Jan 30, 2009 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
But he's also
walking too many and is trending more fly ball the last couple of years, plus the regression items I mentioned. Go ahead and sign him, but know what you’re getting is my stance.
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by t ball on Jan 30, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah the walks are troublesome
but the those strikeouts are gold
Another one bites the dust! And another one, and another one, and another one bites the dust!
by NothinG on Jan 31, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
then let's just put
Moscoso in there and see what he can do. (not completely serious)
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by t ball on Jan 31, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't depend on him to have an ERA below 4 here, would you?
Like T said, the guy walks a ton.
Plus, watching him he always seems on the verge of imploding.
I think there’s a reason a guy with who can blow people away like Cruz can has 0 saves in the past 6 years.
I guess I should have said dependably dominant. Or reliably dominant or something like that.
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 30, 2009 9:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
well
he was a middle relief guy for a while, 3 yrs ago started 15 games for the dbacks, and they had pena jr/valvarde/lyon/qualls the last few yrs at the back of the pen…
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 10:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, I'd roll the dice w/ him if the price is right
I know you’re a fan of the FIP and he has been at 3.62 and 3.70 the last couple of years, not elite but likely would be our 2nd best reliever.
And as mentioned above, he would cost us a third round pick (assuming we get Sheets). If he’s on a 1 year deal and retains his Type A status – he would net us a supplemental pick and possibly a first or second when he leaves after 09. So, for our money we’d get a year of a good reliever, plus two higher picks than the one we forfeited. A pretty good deal IMO.
"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 30, 2009 10:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree
not a bad deal considering the fact that this year our first rounder is protected, so if we are going to sign a type A FA or 2 then this is the year to do it, especially if we improve and would lose our first rounder in future years when we sign Type As.
We got rid of Lairds salary and have not spent a dime. We have 2 coming in on Minor league deals in Turnbow and Vazquez. We, also, aren’t paying Bradley anymore. I don’t see why money would be the issue. Sign him and Sheets, then we’ll get our picks back next year etc.
Another one bites the dust! And another one, and another one, and another one bites the dust!
by NothinG on Jan 30, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
plus those Ks are really appealing
it is nice to have a fireman in the pen that can come in a tough spot and blow somebody away to get out of a jam. We don’t currently have that.
"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 30, 2009 10:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
except FX^2
"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 30, 2009 10:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Too reply to all your Hurler-esque reply to self comments here:
yeah, I’d roll the dice w/ him if the price is right
What’s the right price?
For our money we’d get a year of a good reliever, plus two higher picks than the one we forfeited.
That’s assuming he has a good year, which isn’t a foregone conclusions. Non-dominant relievers vacillate a ton year-to-year.
And it’s assuming that he’d take a one year deal.
And it’s assuming he’d remain a type A.
And it’s assuming he’d decline arb if offered, which, given what he’s been through this off season, might not be a foregone conclusion.
And it’s assuming he’d get signed by a team with a higher draft pick available. I mean, we’d get the supp pick for sure, but what’s to say a team like the Yanks signs him and we get their third or fourth?
Plus those Ks are really appealing
But those walks aren’t, and the AZ to Arlington switch makes me nervous as a Spaniard on payday.
And, like you said, it all depends on us getting Sheets.
I’m not saying I’m anti-Juan Cruz, but I don’t think his price is gonna be low enough for me to get on board with signing him.
I think there are much better ways of spending the 5 or so million dollars he’s likely to get from someone.
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 30, 2009 10:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
my feeling is that the arms currently assembled make up a craptastic bullpen
and Juan Cruz is significantly better than everybody we have, sans the Frankster. And the draft pick that we would lose would likely be replaced the very next year, quite possibly even enhanced. My stomach turns at the thought that our bullpen next year might actually be worse than our rotation. There just isn’t much talent out there, IMO.
5 million is a little steep, considering the budget restraints we keep hearing about.
I think Cruz would be a good addition and would make it easier for me to watch the 150 or so games next year that I typically watch.
"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 30, 2009 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Since we're all playing GM around here, play GM for me. What's the right price? What does new Rangers GM Tricer offer for Juan Cruz?
And I’ll just say I agree with your main point about our bullpen, which is why I wanted us in on Kerry Wood, but I disagree that Juan Cruz is the answer.
But, you know, maybe.
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 30, 2009 10:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hmmm
I assume that Benoit’s contract will be covered by insurance, so I’ll offer him 3.5 million this year (which under my assumption doesn’t even affect the budget at all), with a team option for 2010 at like 4 million.
If it requires much more than that, I’d agree that it is too much.
"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 30, 2009 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't pay
more than about $1.5-2M, he’s due for some regression and there are other cheap options out there.
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by t ball on Jan 30, 2009 11:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
there are plenty of cheap options out there
but which ones do you think are good?
The objective isn’t to assemble a cheap bullpen, the objective is to assemble a talented bullpen that can help you win games. Our pen sucks and I’d target the most talented relieve available, and IMO that is Cruz.
"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 30, 2009 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree with this
cruz is probably the best one out there
there arent that many “good” in house options
our bullpen isnt great as it is
there are some pretty good lefties out there (ohman and bimel i think)
regarding type A status:
-hes been good the last 2 years when he has been relief full time
-dont they take 2 years into consideration regarding elias rankings? wouldnt he have to totally bomb to keep us from getting a type B back at least?
-if he takes a 1 year deal, and then goes to arb next year (asks for 5 mil, we offer 3 mil – is he really a bad deal at 4 mil if you MUST end up taking him?)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 11:32 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
heh maybe by the day ST starts lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 12:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ohman
wants to go to atl and they want him back as well and have the money to sign him so I think you can cross him off the list.
by Goyogringo on Jan 30, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
which is why he has signed with them?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
priorities
loogies are not priorities 1-5
by Goyogringo on Jan 30, 2009 4:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd certainly investigate
Cruz, but I’d only sign him at that price. Relief is so unpredictable. The collection of young relievers and rotation castoffs the Rangers have could make a decent bullpen, very hard to predict. I don’t think they will, but they could.
If I’m Daniels I’m signing Sheets and maybe also trading for another starter. If I can get Bowden plus a good 2nd piece for Salty, I do it. Bowden isn’t Buchholz, but he’ll still be a valuable mid-rotation guy I think. The number 1 thing that will help the Rangers bullpen this year is more innings from the rotation.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Jan 30, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
more innings thrown by starters is important
and we do have options around midseason that could have impacts …ie. — diamond, moscoso, perhaps kiker depending on how he performs, but I doubt that, and when/if Feliz/Holland get called up, i would likely move Feldman/McCarthy to the pen. I’m not sure McCarthy can stay healthy starting.
….
But, I would still sign Cruz
Another one bites the dust! And another one, and another one, and another one bites the dust!
by NothinG on Jan 30, 2009 12:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
McCarthy: Stress fracture and two strained tendons.
It doesn’t inspire confidence, but physically speaking, it’s not that scary. I expect his work this off-season to pay off.
by NoNameOnCard on Jan 30, 2009 1:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How do you feel
about the weight gain? Most people seem to be assuming that’s great. I’m not so sure. Would a significant weight gain mean a body that needs time to adjust mechanics. Of course, OTOH, he hasn’t pitched much anyway lately, he might need to relearn some things.
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by t ball on Jan 30, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I talk about this briefly in the article I posted this morning.
Basically, when a pitcher puts on weight, his body usually gets stronger and can apply more force to the ball. If his arm isn’t ready for the increased load, it tends to freak out.
The link is in my signature. Have a look.
by NoNameOnCard on Jan 30, 2009 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice read, Trip.
"...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 30, 2009 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
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
by lonestarJon on Jan 30, 2009 3:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
iagree
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 3:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cool, thanks.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Jan 30, 2009 10:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice read!
I need to get you to watch my kids pitch!
"Who died and made you King?"
by randyd on Jan 30, 2009 9:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
the going rate seems to be 3mill/per
and that is for lesser BP arms; you won’t get him for less than that and I would imagine it would take 2-3 years…I would do it for that price.
by Goyogringo on Jan 30, 2009 3:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
hey dirk
question for ya – where WOULD you rather the 5 mil be spent (in FA)
or did you mean in general – latin america/draft bonuses/etc
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Jan 30, 2009 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A little from collumn A, a little from collumn B.
I’d throw a few more veteran journeymen at the wall (like a Gagne, Guardado, etc.-type) and hope one of ’em comes to camp ready to contribute, then spend the rest in the amateur market.
I’m such a huge, huge proponent of spending in LA/Asia/Draft.
Although if Cruz is really available in the 2-3mm range, I guess you’d pretty much have to take a look at him.
That’s a nice price.
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 30, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
In this market you might be
able to sign him for 3mill/per if he holds out much longer as his options are dwindling…I wouldn’t pay 5mill for him unless they indeed felt he could be a dominant AL setup guy for the next 3 years.
by Goyogringo on Jan 30, 2009 3:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
bullpen arms
I’m not sure if we will attempt to sign cruz, but I can see us adding a few arms right before ST.
I think that these free agent still left on the market are going to wait as long as possible before signing…and most will probably sign 1 year deals at a good bargain….so I think we need to be in on a few of those arms for cheap.
If not Cruz then maybe Foulke, Guardado, Gagne…
I do think we all agree that a few arms need to be added. I would much prefer for Madrigal to start in AAA and be our back-up plan..because as things stand right now we have very few options if our bullpen were to have a few injuries.
Another player that I would like to work his way to this years bullpen is Diamond, but again he needs to be a Plan B
by death of the cool on Jan 30, 2009 11:15 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was down on gagne
but looking at his second half he ptiched pretty well in a 7th-8th inning role. I would be ok with bringing him back and MN just broke off talks with him. No reports on why they did though as they appeared ready to ink a contract- maybe something came up in the physical?
I think they have to sign another lefty as Gabbard is in no way a proven commodity in the bullpen or healthwise. I would sign Guardado as he seems to be ok coming back and could be had for cheap…
by Goyogringo on Jan 30, 2009 3:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
another thing about Gagne
when he’s right and his changeup is working, he is hell on lefties. He could effectively be the second lefty in the pen.
"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 30, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's why the loss of Benoit
hurt so much. He could have effectively been our “2nd lefty” as he has been dominant against them the last few years.
With the market so slow, I guess we don’t feel we have to rush to sign another LH’er and can afford to sit there and wait for everyone’s asking price to go down. Ohman, Beimel, and Guardado are still out there. I wonder if they would have been snapped up by now in past offseasons.
"I lost my virginity but I still have the box it came in."
- Unknown
by Rangerchick on Jan 31, 2009 12:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cruz...
If the price is right (no more than 2-3 mil a year for 1 or 2 years) and the Rangers are able to sign Sheets then I guess I’d be ok with it. But only if the Rangers sign Sheets, I wouldn’t give up a 2nd round pick for him.
He’s one of those guys that I’d be ok with the Rangers going after, but wouldn’t really lose any sleep over if they don’t even try to get him.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Jan 30, 2009 11:50 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
our first priority shpould be to get Sheets
at the current moment, all other signings should be second in line
In reference to how good the Steelers have been in their history: "No one is even close to them."- Steal Home
by hinduplaya on Jan 30, 2009 9:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yah, our DL is looking pretty barren right now.
We’ve got Hurley and Benoit for sure, but Blalock and McCarthy aren’t looking like sure things this season.
We need someone dependable.
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 31, 2009 12:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lets sign us some
Gagne, Cordero, and Sheets. That should put us right back to being the number 1 DL team..
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Jan 31, 2009 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Too bad we missed out on Penny
"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
by tyd3311 on Jan 31, 2009 12:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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