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Kinslerhomer
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I like the aggressive ranking of Velazquez
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 10:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I also agree on Strop
He has the stuff to be an All-Star-caliber closer.
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 10:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Agreed...
Some of his stuff looks straight up filthy on it’s way to the plate.
"you stupid motherfucker?!?!!?" - Josey Wales
by cmkelly29 on Nov 23, 2009 11:11 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
His delivery concerns me though.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Nov 23, 2009 11:14 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd like to see us use him as a closer and then sell high or collect some draft picks
And then let his arm blow up somewhere else. Billy Beane made his name finding hard-throwing relievers, turning them into closers, and then collecting rewards before they went on to suck elsewhere. I’d like us to do some of the same.
"Dying ain't hard. It’s living in the wake of a thorough public humiliation that’s hard.--JDT217
Internet greatness http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/11/10/1125340/will-carroll-calls-out-josey-wales
by WestTxAg06 on Nov 23, 2009 11:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Worth the time to read
Trip ranks Profar at 10th, wow.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 23, 2009 11:07 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I hadn't picked up on the similarities
between Edwin Escobar and Martin Perez in Spokane, but the numbers and repertoire at that level appear to be pretty similar.
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 11:09 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Escobar vs Perez
Escobar isn’t getting the rave reviews from BA that Perez got, but I really like what he showed as a 17 year, especially before he faded in August. He needs to get his fastball to sit low 90’s to move into the next tier of prospects. Perhaps the Rangers can get him on the DHolland improvement plan in the next year or two.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Very Interesting...
Gutierrez and Moreland seem a little high to me.
I love seeing Main at #5. That’s where I’d have him as well, but I think a lot of LSBers have him much lower. Perhaps not even in the top ten.
Wieland seems a little low to me as well.
Overall though, great read and good stuff. Thanks David, Trip, and Joey.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Nov 23, 2009 11:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wieland and Gutierrez
Wieland’s modest K-rate rate throws him into the Poveda/Beavan/Hunter group of mid- to back-rotation pitching prospects that get under-rated but that are often so important to teams on budgets. I am real encouraged by reports of his improving fastball velocity, but I amanxious to start hearing about the hammer curve that he supposedly has. If that develops into his out pitch, then he could be a fast-riser.
I like Gutierrez more than I probably should. His curve is nasty. I am a bit concerned about his throwiung motion. Hopefully, Trip can analyze it.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 1:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wieland's K-rate should improve simply because his stuff isn't as bad as his 5.31 ERA.
That said, I think Wieland wound up with a low rating mostly because of the expectations I carried for him going into 2009. He posted an ERA north of 5.00 and didn’t get out of Hickory. His hit rate was up and his K-rate was down. He may have deserved better than the 18 I gave him, but in this system, being #18 is still extremely good.
Gutierrez, in my mind, is sort of like a “best case” version of Neil Ramirez.
by NoNameOnCard on Nov 23, 2009 4:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That kind-of depresses me about NeRa.
I’m really excited about Gutierrez, but his head lacks a brain. He seems much more like Juan Dominguez than Matt Garza.
But, I suppose your comparison is more about the fastball-curveball combo. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if NeRa has a better changeup and has been much more cognizant of working on a changeup than Guteirrez.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
by rooster on Nov 23, 2009 6:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Remember when Juan Dominguez was one of our few studs and a guy that we really needed to work out?
Now if Gutierrez works for us, great, but if he can’t keep his head screwed on, there’s a whole slew of other guys who are just as good or better.
"Dying ain't hard. It’s living in the wake of a thorough public humiliation that’s hard.--JDT217
Internet greatness http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/11/10/1125340/will-carroll-calls-out-josey-wales
by WestTxAg06 on Nov 23, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
JD is awesome. With what JD has done with the farm in will translate into AL West Titles, ALC and a WS or two. You can just feel it the wave is coming. What a ride it will be.
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
by boomer1 on Nov 23, 2009 7:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Boo on Kiker being so low
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 Nov 23, 2009 11:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Kiker's low ranking
I don’t think that any of us see him as a starting pitcher in the major leagues. Personally, I don’t like his combination of flyballs and control problems.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i have a feeling
that Kiker will be pitching out of the Rangers’ bullpen by some point next season. The FO will say it is just to allow him to acclimate to the bigs, like they did with Feliz, but I think it is actually for him to fill that late inning lefty role down the road.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Nov 23, 2009 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Could he ever be J.P. Howell?
I don’t know his secondary pitches well enough, but that seems like a high-end comp to me.
"Nothing we do here has a point" - Czar Morris
by Chase Irwin on Nov 23, 2009 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Howell vs Kiker
Howell has a below average fastball (85 MPH) that he props up with an above average change-up and plus curve. Kiker has more velocity on his fastball, especially out of the bullpen. His change-up is a quality pitch, but I was not impressed with his curveball the night that I saw it.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 3:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I had no idea
that Boscon’s status had fallen so far. I really think he will rebound this season in Frisco.
Also, Smoak really worries me with those horrible splits against lefties. I’d love to package him as the centerpiece in a deal for a TORP asap because while I think he will be a very solid major league 1B for many years, I don’t think he’ll be the stud some people do.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Nov 23, 2009 11:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
He has no out pitch, that's why
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 11:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Boscan
Boscan was off to a great start (0.51 ERA, 7.6 K/9, 1.4 BB/9, .100 BAA in 17.2 innings), before an injury caused him to miss ~4 weeks. When he returned, his K-rate dropped precipitously and his BAA and ERA climbed. If Boscan’s injury limited his stuff, then he could rebound nicely in 2010 tough he will likely have to do it in Bakersfield.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Do we know how Teixeira faired against lefties in the minors?
by tyd3311 on Nov 23, 2009 11:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Teixeira in minors
.341/.400/.707 vs lefties
..310/.414/.552 vs righties
Much more power against lefties, many more walks vs righties. But only about 350 PAs. Not enough to draw any conclusions.
"It's not a good strategy, but it's my strategy." -- Courtney Lucas
by Lucas on Nov 23, 2009 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's odd that his power splits reverse from the minors to the majors
The SSS could account for that, though.
by tyd3311 on Nov 23, 2009 12:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Smoak
I’d sure hate to hold him too long and watch his value plummet – like we saw with Salty and Teagarden.
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah but I'd sure hate...
to deal him and see him turn into the hitter many of us think he can be too.
I’d like to see the Rangers take that chance of seeing him flop and keep him.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Nov 23, 2009 12:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Is there any good prospect in the system that you would trade?
Part of the challenge of being a contending team with a small market payroll is that management is eventually going to have to cash in some minor league assets and turn them into big league players.
Admittedly, I’m an impatient sort and I’d like to see the Rangers try and win the division next year. The team as currently constructed isn’t likely to do that, and there is no money to bring in quality FAs, so the only alternatives I see are either prepare for yet another rebuilding year, or trade some minor league ammo and try to win something. Personally I prefer B, but I understand that most here don’t want to trade anyone in the system that might one day be good.
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Trading prospects
I’m sure that as long as we get value for our dollar no one has a problem with trading a Strop or a Main or a Beavan, but there are guys that are “special”. guys that seem like their value is off the charts. Perez, Feliz, Holland, Andrus, Smoak, maybe Robby Ross, Wilmer Font, and others. These guys you just don’t trade. They’re the ones who you look back on and say, “why did I trade him? Was it really worth it?”
by iblum on Nov 23, 2009 2:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You trade Scheppers then?
Because it doesn’t make logical sense to have more than 5 future starting pitchers off limits.
by philkid3 on Nov 24, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It all depends on the deal...
I do everything I can to hang onto those top 3 prospects right now. Feliz, Perez, and Smoak should be as close to off limits as possible. Obviously is the right deal comes up I’d consider it, but it would be tough.
Some other guys are either down in value right now or are trying to rebound from injuries and I’d probably hold onto them to see what they do next year. Guys like Sheppers, Main, MaxRam, Gutierrez, and Beltre. I wouldn’t sell low on those guys, but I’d be willing to listen.
That huge second tier of pitching prospects the Rangers have is what I would try to use as trade bait to try and improve the team. Guys like Ross, Font, Boscan, Beavan, Poveda, Moscoso, Kiker, Wieland and Strop. The Rangers are so deep there that they can afford to roll the dice on a deal involving a few of those guys.
Right now though, unless a young TORP is available, I don’t want to see any Rangers deals involving the 5 young pillars of this team. Feliz, Holland, Perez, Smoak, and Andrus. I would have to be seriously overwhelmed to consider dealing any of those guys.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Nov 23, 2009 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
that strategy means that your "window" is something like 2012-2014
Nothing wrong with that, but like I said earlier, I’m running out of patience.
If there is a deal out there for Granderson, or Josh Johnson, or BJ Upton, or an impact player like that, I sure wouldn’t be disappointed if we gave up some high ranking prospects to get them here. Andrus is the only untouchable guy here IMO.
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 3:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
that strategy means that your “window” is something like 2012-2014.
I disagree with that statement. I don’t think this team is that far away from the playoffs. It’s true that I don’t want to mortgage 2012 for 2010 though. I do believe that with one more bat that this team can win the AL West.
I’m not against dealing for guys like Granderson, Johnson, or Bossman Jr. I just might not be willing to give up as much as you to get them.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Nov 23, 2009 3:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think where we diverge
is the talent level of the team as currently constructed. I think they are quite a ways from being playoff caliber.
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 3:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How so?
Was this team not close this year with down years from Josh, Ian, and CD? Are the young players like Feliz, Holland, Hunter, Borbon, Andrus, and Salty not going to improve a little? Are the Halos going to overachieve as much as they did this year in 2010 and 2011?
I don’t understand why you think they’re “quite a ways from being playoff caliber.”.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Nov 23, 2009 3:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
10 games back in the division & 8 games back in the wildcard
And we outperformed our Pythag. And we are losing Byrd and Vizquel who combined for about 4 WAR.
I don’t think it is a stretch to say that the team needs quite a bit of improvement to be playoff caliber.
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 4:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
x
And we outperformed our Pythag.
So did Anaheim. Taking it a step farther, Texas was 1.5 wins back of Anaheim in 3rd order wins.
Replacing Byrd’s and Vizquel’s contributions shouldn’t be that big a problem. If the front office can’t figure out a way to do that, even with the budgetary constraints, then they all need to be fired.
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 23, 2009 4:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Also
We outperformed our Pythag. by 1 win.
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 23, 2009 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Angels also only had one qualified player with a BABIP below league average
And that was Juan Rivera with a .281 BABIP (.299 was league average). The Angels are going to need a new lucky charm for next season because that won’t happen again.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Nov 23, 2009 5:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
every year the Angels out perform expectations
I’d rather try to catch them rather than hope they fall back to us.
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 7:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think that anyone is saying we should hope they fall back to us
But this is a team that won 88 games, had a Pythag of 87 wins, and wasn’t exactly chockful of overachievers and guys having career years.
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 23, 2009 8:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
without making any significant additions
do you think this Ranger team could reasonably win the division next year?
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Does this assume Byrd returns?
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 23, 2009 8:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
no
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
They are probably an 85-88 win team right now
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 23, 2009 10:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's realistic.
And that’s not a team that’s a long way from playoff caliber.
by philkid3 on Nov 24, 2009 12:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
really?
I just think Smoak is about as sure of a thing as we have had in our minors since Texiera. He may not be as dominant in the majors as tex, but i think its pretty easy to say that he is at least gonna be a solid big league regular
Feliz says his greatest thrill was striking out Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, one of his heroes. Yet, when he called to tell his parents, his mother had a request: Strike out New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, too.
"So when I did that," Feliz says, "I told my mom, 'There you go. There's your present. Don't ask me to strike anyone else out, OK?'
by blalock84 on Nov 23, 2009 9:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Erlin didn't make the top 25?
JD’s like, "you want some fucking pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, bitches!"- RCCook
by laxtonto on Nov 23, 2009 11:30 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Erlin's on my watch list for 2010
He could easily go off in Spokane like Ross did. I don’t think he’ll match the 20 K/9 thathe rocked in Arizona, though.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Where's D.A. Tron???
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 11:39 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
He said he was going to start the poll today
Must still be too busy.
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 11:40 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Freaking D.A. Tron, that guy needs to get on the ball
But considering I said I was going to start a greatest player at each position fanpost series and haven’t done it yet, maybe I shouldn’t be talking.
"Dying ain't hard. It’s living in the wake of a thorough public humiliation that’s hard.--JDT217
Internet greatness http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/11/10/1125340/will-carroll-calls-out-josey-wales
by WestTxAg06 on Nov 23, 2009 11:43 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I am surprised...
…Ross is so low…
I think there’s an argument to be made to have him at #4 overall.
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 23, 2009 11:46 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
ahead of Scheppers or Smoak?
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see what that argument would be
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
how about the fact that Ross is a lefty
and had an out-of-this world GB/FB ratio among his other solid numbers.
I still probably put Scheppers at 4, Ross at 5
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
by NothinG on Nov 23, 2009 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Im gonna hold off that high of praise till he does something in full season ball
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 Nov 23, 2009 12:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would like to hear that argument.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
by rooster on Nov 23, 2009 1:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
+1
He has a #3 ceiling
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe #2 because he's a LHP but still
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Ross has a ceiling greater than a #3 starter
by Adam J. Morris on Nov 23, 2009 1:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe
He has a nice 89-93 FB with good movement a potential plus slider and potential average change. But he’s also really small and it willl probably be hard for him to have enough stamina to pitch 190 +innings with the same stuff all season.
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 1:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Roy Oswalt and Santana are 6-0
You think 1-inch means a player won’t have stamina to pitch an entire season. it’s about fitness and the pitcher’s ability to hit his spots consistently while changing speeds.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
by NothinG on Nov 23, 2009 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Two players!!!!
There u have it! That’s the norm!!
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 1:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I can bring up more examples Mr. Exclamation mark
Wandy Rodriguez is 5-11. He threw 205.2 Innings this year with a 3.02 ERA.
Do you want more?
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
by NothinG on Nov 23, 2009 1:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
He’s a #3 in the AL at best too.
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
maybe so, he was great in the NL this year
but they are different pitchers. you’re statement seemed to allude that because a pitcher was 5-11, they can’t pitch a full season. That’s ridiculous.
I think Ross projects higher than a #3. A guy who can miss bats and who had the highest GB/FB ratio, I would bet among any level among starters warrants definite TORP potential..
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
by NothinG on Nov 23, 2009 1:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say that he can't pitch a full season
just that it’s going to be hard for him (and it happened this year already though, that was to be expected some) to maintain the same velo and sharpness on his pitches.
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if I could lock it in
that Robbie Ross turns into Wandy Rodriguez, I would do so in a heartbeat. Wandy is a dick up there on that mound and seems to throw every pitch like he has a chip on his shoulder, and I love that about him.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Nov 23, 2009 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
For some reason I'm more cautious about him.
I think it mostly has to do with his own admission that he has had a hard time developing feel for his change. It’s encouraging that he has the mental toughness to work hard on it, even though it isn’t coming easily for him. Also, I was a little worried that he lost some speed on his fastball in the second half. Maybe he’ll build his stamina, but he doesn’t have a typical pitcher’s frame.
I probably like Robbie Ross better than Kiker at the same developmental stage, but not as well as Danks.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
by rooster on Nov 23, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ross
Ross’ ceiling seems to be what he showed in the first half of 2009 – strikeout/groundball pitcher with outstanding control. His floor seems to be his second half – groundball/control pitcher. I think his ceiling is as a #2 and his floor is middle reliever to mid-rotation pitcher.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 2:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I hate to admit it
but I had sort of forgotten how deep our system is after our catchers, Davis, Borbon, Hunter and Holland all graduated. I had a mentality that we still had a few crown jewels and then mostly middling guys. But any time you have a system in which Ross can do what he did and come in 9th and Lemon can set the AFL on fire as a 20 year old and not make the top 25, you are doing pretty well.
Now let’s find an owner who recognizes true value when he sees it.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Nov 23, 2009 11:51 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Haven't finished reading.
You just spoiled it for me, jerk: Lemon Gets Shaft.
:(
by philkid3 on Nov 23, 2009 12:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Holland and Hunter are examples of guys who weren't even ranked in the top ten of our system
and have had break out years in terms of status. Holland hopefully will take a step forward next year, after struggling much of last season.
There are plenty more players that could have breakout years.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
by NothinG on Nov 23, 2009 12:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I had Lemon at 21.
I’m just not impressed with Ross yet. He had a really hot streak to start the NWL season, but his K-rate tailed off considerably and left me wondering what happened. Taking a rough average of the two versions of Ross we saw, I think my placement of him at 13 isn’t unrealistic.
Admittedly, he could jump considerably in the next year.
by NoNameOnCard on Nov 23, 2009 4:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ross' ranking
The benefit of having multiple people contribute to the ranking is that one person’s optimism is balanced by another person’s pessimism. Of the three of us, I liked Ross the most because I thought that Ross’ first half was the better measure of his abilities. If he can keep his fastball zippy for an entire season, then he appears to have the swing-and-miss stuff of an elite pitching prospect. If Trip is right and Ross is more of a control/groundball pitcher, then he still has a good foundation for adding pitches and being effective, but he drops into the Beavan/Wieland/Hunter class that is more likely to fill the back of the rotation than the front.
by spurdynasty on Nov 24, 2009 6:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
JN asks
have you seen these guys play?
usa
by Longhorn on Nov 23, 2009 12:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I've seen most of them
Trip’s seen more than me.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Poveda was a little high
but he has had comparisons to James Shields. I think he gets a little lost in our system.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
by NothinG on Nov 23, 2009 12:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
that statement was a little confusing
i thought something terrible had happened
by ab03 on Nov 23, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
miguel cabrera drew the other first place vote
i hate writers
by ab03 on Nov 23, 2009 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would be tempted to have Max Ramirez and Tomas Tellis in Tier 2.
Max is getting old, true, and Tomas is really young, true, but I think they both have hitting talent and hand-eye coordination that is off the chart. Usually in the long run the talent will come through as results. For Max, it might be only one or two better than ML average years, given he still needs to do well enough this season just to get a shot in “The Show”, heh, and who knows whether Tomas will take a Santana nose-dive (I don’t because I haven’t heard anyone comment on whether Tomas hits breaking pitches). But, again, the hitting talent level of those two players is very, very high. I would be bullish on them and move them up a bit.
I would have both Tomas and Max ahead of Mitch, and I would move Robbie Ross ahead of Mitch as well, which means my rankings would look a lot like David’s.
I think this is a really nice list. I really like how they arrive at it by using the assessments of three people.
Amazing how Neil Ramirez has sunk so far (and Boscan to some extent). You just can’t have a shaky year and stay with the top of the pack in this system.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
by rooster on Nov 23, 2009 1:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
NaRa pitching mechanics also really suck
Shoulder problems before, during and had them at the end of instructs.
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn
NeRa’s
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 1:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
we have quite a few live arms
namely Murphy and NeRa, but really quite a few more scattered throughout the system, who I think have a strong chance to pull it together by repeating a level and perhaps shifting to the pen.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Nov 23, 2009 1:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
NeRa and Murphy could be really nice bullpen arms.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 2:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I had Ross and MaxRam in Tier 2
Font, Moreland, and Telis are borderline Tier 2 in my opinion with Font’s control, Moreland’s defense, and Telis’ lack of track record keeping them from being obvious Tier 2’s or better.
by spurdynasty on Nov 23, 2009 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I feel like too many players have struggled to return to previous form after wrist injuries.
You hear all the time how tough they are to come back from, especially for power hitters. Max struggled all season with both of his wrists, and even now in winter league ball, he’s struggling at around .220. The power’s there, but something is still clearly not right with him. Until he snaps back, I can’t justify him as a Top 10 guy again.
Moreland’s RF defense is underrated, though not spectacular. He definitely belongs in the Top 10, even if he winds up as nothing more than a DH. The kid can hit.
by NoNameOnCard on Nov 23, 2009 4:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I see this as pretty much Max's last stand as a significant prospect.
Hopefully his wrist doesn’t hold him back when he gets to ST.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
by rooster on Nov 23, 2009 6:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If he can stick at catcher, I think you'd be wise to wait on the bat.
It’s been mentioned a lot, but catchers rarely break in and start hitting at a young age.
"Nothing we do here has a point" - Czar Morris
by Chase Irwin on Nov 23, 2009 11:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not that optimistic about Max being a catcher, at least not for the Rangers.
Some other team might put him behind the plate, but I think his value to the Rangers is as a DH. He needs to show he deserves a shot as a DH and backup first base person to fit in the Rangers plans. Or, he needs to rake so the Rangers can trade him to someone who wants him to be a catcher.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
by rooster on Nov 24, 2009 8:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Smoak vs. lefties
50.0% GB, 16.7% LD, .200 BABIP compared to 38.9% GB, 29.2% LD, .457 BABIP vs righties
He really must be slow as molasses.
by tyd3311 on Nov 23, 2009 4:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
He is but
That’s just bad luck vs LHP
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 23, 2009 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Why was Tullis ranked so low (aside from the low fastball velocity)?
by hiafex on Nov 23, 2009 6:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I like Tullis
But he needs to get his fastball to be a consistent low-90’s pitch to move him up. I suspect that the Rangers will have him working a 4-seamer next year to build arm strength.
by spurdynasty on Nov 24, 2009 6:38 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I suspect that I'm higher on Tullis than either Trip or David
Projection, strong debut, advanced change-up … I’m liking it.
by Joey Matschulat on Nov 25, 2009 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I like the fact
that he hasn’t been pitching very long. Given what he’s been able to do I think there is a lot of room for growth, and maybe room for a bump in velocity as he settles in.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 25, 2009 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
football, IIRC
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Nov 26, 2009 11:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Linebacker
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Nov 27, 2009 8:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Seeing
C-Wun ranked so low makes me sad.
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
by coolaid on Nov 23, 2009 6:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wouldn't it be cool ...
if he goes all Derek Holland and starts sittin’ mid 90’s next season?
by shroomer on Nov 23, 2009 7:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Who would rule it out?
He had the big fastball, and it faded when he started pitching full-season ball with new mechanics.
He didn’t start walking anyone though, and he’s stayed healthy. He’s a 21 year-old at the start of 2010.
I’m psyched to see what he does this year. This is not a one-trick pony.
"[Font} doesn't turn 19 until the end of May and his heater can already hit 99 on the gun. That's baseball porn." - Jason Parks
by hightowersmith on Nov 23, 2009 7:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
A 21 year old with significant AA time under his belt
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 Nov 23, 2009 7:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
From what I've seen...
I would rule it out unless they really work on his release this off-season and in spring training.
by NoNameOnCard on Nov 23, 2009 7:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Have you told the Rangers?
That’s quite a teaser to say he could get some velocity back by changing his release point. Care to elaborate?
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
by rooster on Nov 23, 2009 8:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, pray tell
"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 Nov 23, 2009 8:33 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's not his release point.
It’s the way in which he physically lets go of the baseball.
Despite what some people might think or believe, I’m not in a position to tell the Rangers how to handle their pitchers.
by NoNameOnCard on Nov 23, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Heh.
Mostly, I’m just interested in the details of what you’ve observed. I’m not really caught up in whether the Rangers listen to you. Just, you know, trying to say something sorta funny.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
by rooster on Nov 23, 2009 9:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It really looks like he doesn't finish his pitches.
I don’t have high-speed video of him, but from what I saw of him in Frisco last season, his forearm and hand look like they just don’t finish the way they should.
I don’t think that alone is holding back his velocity, but it certainly isn’t helping.
by NoNameOnCard on Nov 23, 2009 10:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Forget about the velocity
Is his slider ever going to be a big league pitch?
Favorite bumper sticker of all time, seen on a VW bus:
"Gas, Grass, or Ass. Nobody rides for free"
by tricer on Nov 23, 2009 8:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
It's possible.
No telling if it will ever happen. His change-up is better, but he doesn’t have the same feel for it.
For a while, it looked like he was trying to throw a curve.
by NoNameOnCard on Nov 23, 2009 8:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I just had to watch DShep's "Don't worry, be happy" video.
I smiled.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel, 1981
by TxStCa on Nov 23, 2009 7:03 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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