Offseason TORP, LHRP, Lefty Masher
by rooster on Oct 18, 2009 9:10 AM CDT
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Print With not all that much to talk about right now, I'm putting out some ideas of where the Rangers might look to fill their three holes: a LHP-mashing hitter, TORP, lefty bullpen specialist. I hope you all will add others to the list to make it more comprehensive and something to reference as the offseason progresses.
FA Lefty Mashers
Mark DeRosa
Jermaine Dye
Adrian Beltre
Mike Cameron
Gabe Kapler
Jason Bay (Type A FA)
TRADE targets for RH Lefty mashers
Jorge Cantu
Matt Diaz
Josh Willingham
TORP FA
Ben Sheets
Erik Bedard
Rich Harden
John Lackey (Type A FA)
TORP trade targets
Roy Halladay
Ricky Nelasco
Roy Oswalt (His name always comes up on our board, but I doubt he's ever available)
LOOGY
Scott Eyre
Joe Biemel
Ron Mahay
LaTroy Hawkins (type A)
John Grabow (type A)
LOOGY trade targets
Dusty Hughes
George Sherrill
Randy Choate
Tyler Clippard (oddly, not a LHP)
Pedro Feliciano
Internal options for LHRP, not necessarily just a LOOGY
Matt Harrison
Derek Holland
AJ
LHRP Rule 5
John Gaub
Other RP of Interest, recently granted FA
Tony Pena Jr.
Wilfredo Ledezma
One-stop shopping
Royals: Greinke-Butler-Hughes for Cruz-Hunter-Salty-Smoak-Perez-NeRa
Marlins: Nolasco-Cantu-Meyer for Cruz-Hunter-MaxRam-Beavan-Moreland
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The BP at the end of next year could be really powerfull
FX2, BGL, Strop, Shepp, Kiker, Feliz(if he’s there all year or goes there at the end because of innings), plus O’Day, Mathis, Moscoso.
The 2009 Texas Rangers offense: sigh...
by Kinslerhomer on Oct 18, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions
It would be really nice
if Feliz starts in the pen, transitions to the rotation in the summer and Scheppers moves right into the flame throwing bullpen ace role vacated by Feliz move to the roto.
Also, Strop’s stuff is outrageous, if he’s healthy next year, I think he’s going to be a huge ML bullpen asset.
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
yeah, Strop has great stuff
I just hope he doesn’t lose control too much — in regards to the strikezone
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
Showed signs, but is inconsistent with his mechanics...
needs to tighten up his delivery, way too wild with parts flying everywhere…..but he did show flashes.
I still want to see the Pirate get a shot
and maybe with Eddie finally gone, it might happen.
After Fuentes blows a save and an Angels loss to the Indians:
"Angels still in first place" - UCI Halo
"Hey you know who would have gotten those 3 outs in the 9th?
Darren O’Day." - FirebatM3
LOL
My solutions...
LHRP – Biemel. Leave BGL in the ’pen and the Pirate is the third LH option.
Lefty Masher – Board Game. Not really just a lefty masher, but a high OBP guy, which I view as being even more important than just a RH bat than can hit lefties. Probably isn’t going to happen though. Someone like Jermaine Dye would interest me if the price was right.
TORP – None. I really don’t think any of the FA guys this year fit this bill. Sheets isn’t going to be healthy. A trade could develop, but I’m not going to hold my breath waiting for it.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
It'd be really nice
to replace platoon guys like Blalock with guys who can hit both righties and lefties, like Bradley.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
I don't trust Washington at all to platoon properly
so I’d prefer guys who hit both lefties and righties well.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Yep,
he does seem to have no touch when it comes to platooning. Almost 1/4 of Murphy’s PAs came against lefties. 27% of Blalock’s ABs were against lefties.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
Garko could be a cheap platoon partner for CD
.313/.392/.495/.887 lifetime against lefties.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Good one, I'll add it to the potential trade list.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Honestly, I was on him before the trade deadline
CD’s numbers are horrific against LHP. And thanks.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Yep
If that keeps up, hopefully they platoon him next year.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
Yeah I suggested him way back on July 6th
I still think he’d be a perfect fit here.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Oct 18, 2009 9:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Add Nick Johnson to the list of guys who could help us against lefties
Yeah, he’s a LHB, but: .292/.424/.438 for his career against lefties, and .316/.440/.444 in against them in 2009.
Doesn’t really “mash” but his OBP is drool-worthy – which is what we need, because as a team, the Rangers slugged about the same vs. both righties (.447) and lefties (.440) this year.
Hank is 7 runs below a zombie replacement at first base. Do you realize how terrible that is? Zombie’s can’t think, they’re slow, and they’re often ejected from the game for eating opposing baserunners’ brains. - Ben quantifies Hank Blalock
His OBP is really good but
he is really damn slow and gets hurt a ton.
The 2009 Texas Rangers offense: sigh...
by Kinslerhomer on Oct 18, 2009 6:56 PM CDT up reply actions
So was Milton Bradley
Players like them are the reason DH exists.
Hank is 7 runs below a zombie replacement at first base. Do you realize how terrible that is? Zombie’s can’t think, they’re slow, and they’re often ejected from the game for eating opposing baserunners’ brains. - Ben quantifies Hank Blalock
Yeah
but Milton has good speed when he wants to use it.
The 2009 Texas Rangers offense: sigh...
by Kinslerhomer on Oct 18, 2009 10:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Meh
That’s when he’s healthy, which is never. Dunno if it’s worth anything, but Johnson and Bradley actually scored almost exactly the same on Fangraphs speed score this year (2.5 and 2.6).
Hank is 7 runs below a zombie replacement at first base. Do you realize how terrible that is? Zombie’s can’t think, they’re slow, and they’re often ejected from the game for eating opposing baserunners’ brains. - Ben quantifies Hank Blalock
I don't see why people are still talking about Bradley being a possibility
The word coming from the Rangers has made it seem like it’s not going to happen.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Oct 19, 2009 7:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, which is pretty dissapointing
Seeing as how he’d probably be the cheapest option.
This team’s obsession with it’s clubhouse image can be a bit galling at times.
Hank is 7 runs below a zombie replacement at first base. Do you realize how terrible that is? Zombie’s can’t think, they’re slow, and they’re often ejected from the game for eating opposing baserunners’ brains. - Ben quantifies Hank Blalock
Yeah...
but he’s the perfect fit for this lineup.
There’s a lot of time between now and ST. Perhaps the mindset of the FO could change between now and then.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
I talk about Bradley because
he is a good fit for the lineup, and he isn’t just a platoon hitter and he is cheap. If the Rangers come up with a better, non platoon hitter, thats fine, but I don’t see how the club affords it.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
Oh, I get it in that sense
But, from what I have heard it doesn’t sound like they are even considering him.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Oct 19, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
personally,
I’m going to compare whoever they pick to Bradley. I hope whoever they get doesn’t suffer in comparison.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
Why give the Cubs
Any notion to up their ante or reduce their share of payment in a Bradley deal?
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912) also -
"Telephone, n. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance."
~Ambrose Bierce
by Ed Coffin on Oct 19, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions
You don't often
have comments that are basically “Zero interest. Not gonna happen” from the Rangers and then have them turn around and make the deal.
Other teams maybe — but IMO if it’s an option the Rangers just don’t talk about it, period.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Oct 19, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
This team doesn't need a platoon hitter
if its going to break down and get a bat, it needs to get one that can hit lefties as well as righties. If you no longer have a 1B, DH, and OF (Davis, Blalock, and Murphy) who can only hit righties, it should help trememdously.
Getting a non-platoon DH, and prefereably one more non platoon OF (although I doubt we get both) would really help against lefties.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
He's under contract
through 2011, with a team option for 2012.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
So, how falls into this category of non-platoon DH in your opinion?
Dye?
Nick Johnson?
The other mashers appear to be Type A FA.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I'd throw Bradley
in the mix, assuming you can get him cheaply enough.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
Bradley..
So would everyone be on board (game haha) with a Millwood for Bradley swap with the Cubs eating half of Bradley’s remaining contract?
"More than likely JW never played sports above the youth level. It amazes me that he seems to have no concept on the common reactions of an adult athlete or their normal interactions between each other." - laxonto
Nope...
they would have to eat more of that salary if they were getting Millwood for him.
I know many don’t care for Millwood around here. I know he frustrates the shit out of me at times, but he’s a solid #3 starter. Especially in the NL. He will give the Rangers 200 innings and an ERA of around 4. He has value. However, the Cubs just want to dump Board Game. He’s not wanted back. At first I thought a Millwood for Bradley exchange would be a good idea. After second thought though, I don’t think I’d give up Millwood for him.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
exactly
MB is going to be hard for the Cubs to unload. They just want to dump him. You should have to give up very little and the Cubs should eat his salary.
Millwood is a decent arm, but he is wearing down and I worry about his 2nd half.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
Millwood is at least a #2 in the......
minor, excuse me, National League…..look at what guys like Smoltz & Penny AND Padilla did when they went over….the best thing that can EVER happen to a pitcher is to go to the NL!
I don't get the rush
to push Millwood out the door. Its not like we have 5 sure thing starters without him.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
Not necessarily
pushing him out the door. Just a good candidate to leave because of the money problems in a deal like that. I was working under the assumption that the rangers cannot add a dime.
"More than likely JW never played sports above the youth level. It amazes me that he seems to have no concept on the common reactions of an adult athlete or their normal interactions between each other." - laxonto
by Michael Cave on Oct 19, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Which Ranger team would be better?
One without Millwood where we have to rely on a young pitcher to replace 200 innings and a 3.5 ERA but hey we got a guy who draws walks
Or one where we have to hope the guys who had horrible years this year offensively bounce back toward normalcy and we still have Millwood?
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.
Well, the Rangers would have Greinke, Holland, Feliz and on offense Butler instead of Cruz.
Do the Rangers really need Smoak and Perez if they have Greinke and Butler?
Anyway, I always put this sort of trade idea out there from the perspective of what I think the trade partner would have to receive for it to make sense for them. I wasn’t trying to steal Greinke from KC. I was trying to imagine how many holes would be opened at KC with this trade and what they would need to patch the holes and add to their system.
In the end, I don’t care whether folks think it is ridiculous, but I like to see some discussion about what makes it ridiculous and if there is any other reasonable way to estimate what a trade like that would look like.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Butler sucks
much like Alex Gordon and Mark Teahan.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
??
.301/.362/.492 with a .369 wOBA sucks?
Hank is 7 runs below a zombie replacement at first base. Do you realize how terrible that is? Zombie’s can’t think, they’re slow, and they’re often ejected from the game for eating opposing baserunners’ brains. - Ben quantifies Hank Blalock
Shit, he woulda been second in wOBA and OBP to only Young on the Rangers
Hank is 7 runs below a zombie replacement at first base. Do you realize how terrible that is? Zombie’s can’t think, they’re slow, and they’re often ejected from the game for eating opposing baserunners’ brains. - Ben quantifies Hank Blalock
He's especially hard on lefties.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I think
we should double dog dare the Royals to just give us Greinke. I don’t think Dayton Moore can turn down a double dog dare. He would have to give him to us on principle…
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
Hello Win Column!!!
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Oct 20, 2009 2:06 PM CDT reply actions
In the three years Greinke still has on his contract, the Royals can still field a competitive team
Mike Montgomery, Tim Melville had terrific first seasons. They could taste the majors with one more under their belt soon
Hosmer was pretty shitty this year, but is young. So is Moustakas. Don’t think you can write them off yet
On the big-league side of things, Billy Butler seems to be coming around. Alex Gordon seemed to handle his demotion to the minors well, going 327/451/558 for a 1009 OPS in 30, three leagues…Started hitting better in September (take that for what it’s worth)
Alberto Callaspo had a terrific season. Robinson Tejeda had a good season out of the pen and could still prove to be useful in a 7th inning set-up role or as a capable long-man (good luck if they move him back to the rotation permanently)
There’s some pieces there for the Royals to contend with in the next few seasons I think. Moore knows how valuable Greinke is to that organization. I don’t see him doing anything
by oc on Oct 20, 2009 4:01 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think they can contend in the next three years.
Even though they are in the AL Central, I can’t see the Royals having enough offense to be contenders. I can see them being contenders beyond year 3. Since they can’t buy all that much offense on the FA market, and their run prevention isn’t all that great, I think they’ll just have to wait for the next wave of impact hitters behind Gordon/Butler, which is about 2 seasons from the majors if all goes well.
So, they have to hope Butler/Greinke/Gordon want to stick around 3-5 more years to be contenders, I think. Greinke would stay there forever. I have no doubt about that from his comments. I don’t know about Gordon/Butler, though.
I don’t really see anyway that Moore trades Greinke, barring a Hershel Walker type of deal.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
"Nothing we do here has a point" - Czar Morris
by inactive lsb user on Oct 21, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions
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