Offseason TORP, LHRP, Lefty Masher

I think Kasey Kiker

Will be part of this bullpen before the end of next year.

I like steak.

by Conjunction on Oct 18, 2009 10:18 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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

by tricer on Oct 18, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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.

by NothinG on Oct 18, 2009 7:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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.

by tklawless on Oct 19, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by hinduplaya on Oct 18, 2009 10:43 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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

by slc ranger on Oct 18, 2009 11:59 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 18, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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__________....

by t ball on Oct 18, 2009 9:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 18, 2009 9:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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.

by Rodney on Oct 18, 2009 1:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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

by rooster on Oct 18, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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.

by Rodney on Oct 18, 2009 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 18, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah I suggested him way back on July 6th

Yay Me

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 0 recs

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

by lonestarJon on Oct 18, 2009 6:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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

by lonestarJon on Oct 18, 2009 10:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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

by lonestarJon on Oct 19, 2009 1:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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

by lonestarJon on Oct 19, 2009 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by slc ranger on Oct 19, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 19, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 19, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 18, 2009 6:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How about

Nick Swisher?

by oc on Oct 18, 2009 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 18, 2009 8:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by rooster on Oct 19, 2009 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 19, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by Michael Cave on Oct 19, 2009 10:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

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

by slc ranger on Oct 19, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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.

by NothinG on Oct 19, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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!

by tklawless on Oct 19, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by DJCahill on Oct 19, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree

Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D

by rooster on Oct 19, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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.

by bigsteve on Oct 19, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That trade for Greinke is fuckin ridiculous

Fuck Mike Estabrook

by Horns130 on Oct 20, 2009 12:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

wait...

still wouldnt do it, but i thought i read feliz in there as well….

Fuck Mike Estabrook

by Horns130 on Oct 20, 2009 12:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

even w/o Feliz

its still utterly ridiculous in my opinion

by ramjam36 on Oct 20, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by rooster on Oct 20, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Butler sucks

much like Alex Gordon and Mark Teahan.

A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.

by NothinG on Oct 20, 2009 11:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

??

.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

by lonestarJon on Oct 20, 2009 11:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by lonestarJon on Oct 20, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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

by rooster on Oct 21, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

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 0 recs

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 0 recs

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

by rooster on Oct 20, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs