Who will play the most games at 3B for the Rangers in 2009?

by Adam J. Morris on Jan 9, 2009 11:00 AM CST Comment 34 comments

Okay, not much going on today, let's do a poll...

Cast your vote...

Poll

Who will play the most games at 3B for the Rangers in 2009?

Travis Metcalf

269 votes

German Duran

118 votes

Joe Crede

86 votes

Hank Blalock

48 votes

Chris Davis

110 votes

Michael Young

26 votes

Johnny Whittleman

7 votes

Adrian Beltre

10 votes

Mike Lowell

12 votes

Joaquin Arias

6 votes

Other

8 votes

700 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs | Comment 34 comments |

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Comments

I guess I'd say Metcalf, but

can he put together a full season? Offensively, this team shouldn’t worry. His D is average and better than Hanks or Davis’ was. No need to find a stop gap cause Metcalf is that guy.

The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ

by NYTXFAN on Jan 9, 2009 11:06 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think it depends on where his OBP is. If he stays at 270s for long hes going to be replaced pretty quickly by someone else. Average glove added to negative bat doesn’t equal play. Incredible glove added to negative bat can play for a while.

What we have to decide is this, do we think we have a shot at the division this year. If we do I don’t think we can actually run Metcalf/Duran out there. I could almost accept either of them if they were a top notch defensive SS, but I still suspect that either of them is going to be a a negative if they hit like they are likely to.

by JKolar on Jan 9, 2009 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think it’s going to be a split with duran and metcalf.

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by rentz on Jan 9, 2009 11:12 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Duran/Metcalf is what's going to happen

but I voted Crede anyway

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by Maximilian on Jan 9, 2009 11:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Crede

I voted Crede. I’m probably only about 20% on my thoughts that the Rangers are seriously interested in Crede AND can get a deal done, however I feel that this guess is as good as any on that list. My other vote would have gone to Blalock. I don’t feel Metcalf/Duran will hit well enough to keep them on the roster for a significant enough time. If either play the most games at 3b I’m guessing it will max out around 60 games. I’d feel much more confident in bringing in a quality Defensive asset like Crede on a shorter contract. Worth the injury risk IMO.

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by Prognosis Negative on Jan 9, 2009 11:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

+1

This.

Did Jon Daniels downsize your old position at Dunking Donuts?

by lonestarJon on Jan 9, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I hope Crede

depending on Blalocks outcome, I think it could be davis. If something could click for him at the hot corner, a DH bat would be easier to come by with him holding down third and blalock at first. Also, with Smoak beating down the door, figuring out finally if Davis and Smoak could be our long term corner infielders will clarify what needs to be done when the question of who to keep around ,Davis/Smaok/Ramirez in ’10 and beyond, comes up

by jrams33 on Jan 9, 2009 11:29 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Beltre is the one I would want, but...

It will probably be Metcalf

by Slick-ish24 on Jan 9, 2009 11:33 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Here is what I see happening

Metcalf for the first month or so. He can’t hit, and Duran is tearing up AAA, so Duran comes up and provides adequate 3b until the end of July.
If the Rangers are competing, then we may see a trade for Beltre. At which point he’s the 3b on out

If the Rangers aren’t competing, Duran stays at 3rd until September, when Young plays a dozen or so games over there to give Andrus some time at SS.

by JBImaknee on Jan 9, 2009 11:35 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

x

The M’s probably have as good a shot at competing for the division as the Rangers. Also their new management team seems very capable, so getting Beltre for cheap probably isn’t realistic.

by alon91 on Jan 9, 2009 2:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Duran is in AAA, who is our utility infielder?

I don't know who you are. I don't know what you want. If you are looking for a ransom, I can tell you I don't have money. But what I do have... are a very particular set of skills; skills I have acquired over a very long career. Skills that make me a nightmare for people like you. If you let Buchholz go now, that'll be the end of it. I will not look for you, I will not pursue you. But if you don't, I will look for you. I will find you.

And I will kill you.

by oc on Jan 9, 2009 11:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Arias?

by scoop16 on Jan 9, 2009 11:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ew.

And I will kill you.

by oc on Jan 9, 2009 11:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Hope not

Because our utility IF would then be a guy who could only play 2B.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jan 9, 2009 11:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Vallejo?

by scoop16 on Jan 10, 2009 12:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Vallejo needs more time in the minors

he won’t get the job ahead of Duran.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jan 10, 2009 12:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, supposedly his arm has improved

But I don’t think he can play 3B.

Then again, if he can play SS, then he should be there full time, with MY at third. Why? Because, if you’re gonna have one of your full-time players on the left side of the infield OPS in the low 700’s or below, you might as well maximise the defensive value you’re getting out of said player.

Did Jon Daniels downsize your old position at Dunking Donuts?

by lonestarJon on Jan 10, 2009 2:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We really don't need a utility IF

If you really think about it. Kinsler and Young, if healthy, play everyday. They don’t DH they play the field. I think CD should play the field everyday if healthy as well. That only leaves 3B. So do you keep a guy like Duran up here like we did last year and only play sparingly or do you let him play everyday in the minors and call him up when either injury or poor performance arises? I would say send him to OKC to play everyday, roll out an IF everyday of Dvis, Kinsler, Young, and Metcalf. If Davis gets injured during a game Cat or Hank can slide in there. If Metcalf gets hurt in game then either Hank can slide in to 3B for a few innings or davis can slide over and either Cat or Hank plays 1B. If Young or Kinsler get hurt in game then Arias can take over. Then after the game you make the necessary roster move to bring up someone.

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by bigsteve on Jan 10, 2009 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol

who voted whittleman?

i think metcalf gets some time there but i like duran’s chances to impress in the utility role like DeRo and Vazquez did and I think he will utlimately get the job.

by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Jan 9, 2009 11:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

2 Polls

You shouldve done 2 polls…1 for who you expect to play and 1 for who you want/hope is playing 3rd

i dont think anyone really wants Metcalf to be the starter, but most have accepted that will be the case

by Horns130 on Jan 9, 2009 12:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

There seem to be a fair amount of folks...

…who believe Metcalf can put up a 775 OPS and give you plus defense at 3B.

That seems unlikely to me, though…

by Adam J. Morris on Jan 9, 2009 1:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lets hope JD isnt one of them

by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Jan 9, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I am confident

he can put up a 675 OPS with average defense.

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Jan 9, 2009 3:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What is it that makes people see him as more than an orginizational player right now? Is it just lack of other in house options? Is it hoping for the best?

by JKolar on Jan 9, 2009 3:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Former Minor League Player of the Year

He was a guy that was one of our better prospects before we turned around the system. He’s got the power and the fielding reputation, but a lot of that is optimism (hoping for the best, like you said). He’s really struggled in the upper levels of the minors, so it’s more about not having anyone else above him on the third base depth chart. Here’s what Sickels wrote about him before his awful 2006 season in AA:

An 11th round pick out of the University of Kansas in 2004, Travis Metcalf has made a
successful transition to pro ball and qualifies as a sleeper prospect. Offensively, he features
above average power as his main asset. His swing can get long, and breaking pitches may be a
challenge at higher levels. His OPS was decent in the California League at +8 percent, but
he’ll have to show that he can get on base sufficiently against better pitchers. The Rangers
will be patient with him, due to his outstanding glove at third base. He has excellent range for
a big guy, soft hands, and a strong and accurate arm. He also has good "situational
awareness," in the sense of making the quick reaction play successfully, showing leadership
on the field, etc.. At age 23, he will need to establish himself quickly in Double-A, but I saw a
lot of him in college and I think he is a sleeper. The Rangers agree, and named him their
Minor League Player of the Year.

Gave him a C+. Hasn’t done much of anything since.

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by Andy Seiler on Jan 9, 2009 3:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t see the power being there. The only sign he has some is the cup of coffee he got in the MLB last year, well other than the year at Bakersfield.

The problem is that is 3 years old and was one of the better prospects in what was at the time a bottom of the pack minors.

I just really hope hes not our primary plan. I hate to think of likely putting a total cipher out there for most of a season. I guess hes still young enough to become something but I bet that AAA would be the right place for him to see if he can do something not the MLB roster. I bet hes a guy that you could designate off the 40 man and he’d make it through, assuming hes still on the 40 man.

by JKolar on Jan 9, 2009 3:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't see a better option

than Metcalf. Don’t expect much from him, but OTOH if he’s 8th or 9th in the order, gets on base a little, and hits the occasional dinger, the rest of the lineup is good enough to make pitchers glad to see him – - which is usually a pitcher’s mistake. Remember how often the opponents’ #9 hitter messed things up for the Rangers at times?

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

by Ed Coffin on Jan 9, 2009 8:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

lol,. I say we put Arias there

he could kick the ball to first base

Wait 'til the year after next

by NothinG on Jan 9, 2009 1:04 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think its Metcalf

I don’t think he’ll last the entire season, but I think he gets the majority of the starts at 3B at least before the AS Break. The leader in games played at 3B next season could end up with something like 75-80 games.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jan 9, 2009 1:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

My hope is a ridiculous trade for Adrian Beltre.

With what the Mariners appear to be doing, that’s probably not possible.

After that, I’d like a reasonable contract for Joe Crede. That doesn’t seem likely, either.

So, my vote is Travis Metcalf. I will be unsurprised if it’s Davis or Blalock, though.

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by philkid3 on Jan 9, 2009 2:41 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Hope it isn't Davis or Blalock

Davis looked good at 1B last year, and mediocre, at best, at 3B. Blalock is DH or useless. I’m for giving Duran a shot.

by Joe Mama on Jan 9, 2009 6:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Write in vote:

~~You’re~~ crap ~~Yer~~ dammit…
Your Mom!

"...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 9, 2009 7:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Knittin' mocheeeeen!!!!

G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....

by t ball on Jan 9, 2009 8:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Heh!

"...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 10, 2009 12:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs