Jerry Crasnick: Rangers in Serious Negotiations with Darren Oliver
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 8:22 PM CST
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PrintJerry Crasnick is reporting that the Rangers are in serious negotiations with free agent reliever Darren Oliver.
There's been talk for a while that the Rangers have interest in Oliver, but I figured it was a kicking the tires type thing. Actually signing him -- probably on a one year deal for about $2-3 million -- seems to be a weird allocation of resources. I talked before about how I wished the Rangers could have been in on Nick Johnson, and if the Rangers have money for both Oliver and a Jermaine Dye/Mike Lowell/Vlad Guerrero type bat, it seems like there was enough money there to just sign Johnson.
Also, adding Oliver, with Clay Rapada and Ben Snyder in the mix, seems to make it a lot more likely that C.J. Wilson will start the season in the rotation, which makes the rotation more crowded.
We'll have to see how this plays out, and how much Oliver signs for, but right now, I just don't get this.
UPDATE -- Evan Grant thinks it will be for more than $3 million. I'm flabbergasted.
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This is our replacement for Eddie Guardado
Gotta have that veteran leadership in the bullpen guys!
Fucking Rangers.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Darren Oliver...
is a better pitcher than Eddie Guardado.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 9:42 PM CST up reply actions
Pinche
I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'
by iorange555 on Dec 20, 2009 9:51 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
For $3 million dollars...
Darren Oliver had better provide us with some stellar GDT images to work with. Eddie lead the league in gifs per inning.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 9:57 PM CST up reply actions
i hope he still manages
to make some GDT appearances next year, just for old times’ sake.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Even if CJ starts
you still have Harrison and maybe Holland for the bullpen (if he isn’t starting).
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
I'm not going to bother to scroll through all 300 fucking comments below
This sucks.
Darren Oliver is garbage.
Fuck you Rangers F.O. for paying this thief. AGAIN.
Makes zero sense, considering the other lefties we acquired.
I don’t give a god damn about what a good guy Darren Oliver is, either.
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 20, 2009 11:26 PM CST up reply actions 3 recs
Uh, actually he's good.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:33 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah...
I think too many Rangers fans are remembering the Darren Oliver that left in 2001. The last few years he’s been really good out of the pen.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 11:44 PM CST up reply actions
You just made the list
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 21, 2009 12:18 AM CST up reply actions
Of people that know...
Darren Oliver is a good reliever? Good. Nice to be on a list with reasonable people.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 21, 2009 1:28 AM CST up reply actions
Even if I put my hate for D.O. aside
This is still a dumb move.
Blowing more than half our wad on a setup guy? Your contention is that this a prudent decision?
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 21, 2009 6:53 AM CST up reply actions
I don't think the Rangers are done making moves...
when they are, I’ll have a better idea as to whether or not I think this move was a good allocation of funds or not. The point I’m trying to get across at the moment is that Darren Oliver isn’t the pitcher he was in Texas in 2000/2001. He’s good now. Especially in the role he’ll be asked to take on for this team.
So, if it works out that the team picks up a useful bat and improves the offense as well as this move, I don’t think it’s nearly as bad as is being bemoaned here.
If, however, spending money on Darren Oliver means that there is no money for a bat, or is used to justify a trade for a bat that doesn’t favor the team, or a supremely bargain basement bat is all that is available with the funds remaining, I won’t agree that this was the right move for the team.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 21, 2009 7:10 AM CST up reply actions
While I'll freely admit that the name Oliver is lemon juice to my paper cut,
I’ll also say that signing any setup guy to 3.65 mil w/ a vester is a doo-doo move, considering our cash money setup.
We just acquired Ray and Snyder. This makes no fucking sense.
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 21, 2009 12:06 PM CST up reply actions
Your comment is duly bookmarked
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 20, 2009 11:51 PM CST up reply actions
You really think he sucks?
Don’t know how you can say that.
To quote the Klaw:
he’s a fairly low-risk pickup on a one-year deal who could help just about any bullpen.
And you wouldn’t question the Klaw, would you?
In all seriousness though, he was really good last year, and pretty good the previous two years. His FBv has been pretty steady despite his advancing age, so even though he probably won’t be as good as he was last year, I see no real signs a huge dropoff is coming.
Relievers are always a bit of a crapshoot, but Oliver’s pretty solid and the money doesn’t look like it’s gonna be stupid.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:59 PM CST up reply actions
I loves the Law
He rocks.
But.
The idea of paying a 40 yr old setup guy 3 million dollars annoys me, especially considering our current predicament.
After the word on Snyder, more so.
The fact that the aforementioned setup guy is the 2nd biggest thief in club history? Significantly more annoying.
But most important, I can’t be rational about Darren Oliver. I hate that dude like he ran over my dog. On purpose. He’s a cocksucker.
This news is ruining the Cowboy high I’ve been riding the last 24 hours. Up yours, Darren Oliver, you freedom-hater, you!
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 21, 2009 12:18 AM CST up reply actions
Darren Oliver pitched the best game...
in Texas Ranger post season history.
It’s not like the team is bringing back Kevin Gross or Mark Clark. Oliver can pitch, dude.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 21, 2009 1:29 AM CST up reply actions
Heh. OK.
Darren Oliver pitched the best game… in Texas Ranger post season history.
I think too many Rangers fans are remembering the Darren Oliver that left in 2001.
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 21, 2009 6:57 AM CST up reply actions
Darren Oliver pitched the best game in Texas Ranger post season history...
and then was traded in 1998. He came back in 2000 and sucked beyond belief. No one is questioning that.
However, Darren Oliver has been a good to really good reliever for the past four years. Regardless of what people remember about Darren Oliver’s previous two tenures as a Texas Ranger, he’s not a bad pitcher.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 21, 2009 7:13 AM CST up reply actions
not a bad pitcher
but not worth THAT money in this market.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
He was worth...
twice that much last year.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 21, 2009 8:18 AM CST up reply actions
firts of all
fangraphs usually has high values based on dollar amounts. they say Zobrist’s value was at 38.5M. I’m not sure where you got the stat from.
and it’s more about his worth to our team, and with our limited budget this year, he is not worth it. If you said we were spending half of our budget on a reliever in any year, that would be ridiculous to me when you have other more important needs to fill.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
So if you had to assign a dollar value to
73 innings of high 2s middle relief, what would it be?
again I agree that if we are consciously turning down better guys in other spots to do this, I question it. But we don’t really know that. JD may have found that he can either sign both, or that no matter what he wasn’t going to get certain guys even with all the money left.
the preceding post was a great success.
i suppose we'll just have to
reserve judgment until we see what else JD does.
Oliver, though, was strangely much more effective at missing bats in Angels stadium than on the road. He’ll be going to a hitters park now and won’t have the same success.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
I'm in the same boat as you...
I’m withholding judgment on this until the off season is complete and all of the moves have been made. I’m mostly just trying to plead to the “Darren Oliver is old and bad at baseball” crowd to reconsider since Darren Oliver is, actually, a good pitcher. I just don’t know if it was a good deal yet depending on if/when other deals are made.
That said, I’m concerned about the vesting option. That doesn’t really help this deal at all.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 21, 2009 9:03 AM CST up reply actions
Got to love mlbtr
Reagins just shot the Angels’ first place chances with this screwup.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
take that Mariners!
We’ll see your Cliff Lee and raise you a Darren Oliver.
What a drag it is being broke.
by tricer on Dec 20, 2009 8:33 PM CST reply actions 6 recs
I'd be laughing if I wasn't mind-bendingly ticked off
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Yes well...
I think the Mariners need to worry about the Rangers cornering the market on relief pitchers named Darren.
Your move, Dr. Z.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 10:17 PM CST up reply actions
Exploiting a new market ineffenciency
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
The first Darren...
was probably amongst JD’s best moves of his career as a GM.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 10:22 PM CST up reply actions
No doubt
A 1.9 WAR reliever for free.
239 ERA+. Just quasi-Felizian.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Plus, Josey openly trumpets that he liked that move
That’s got to count for something.
"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
This move (signing Darren Oliver)
sucks if nothing significant is being done to fix the offense.
Very typical JD move. Misread how to improve the team. Misappropriation of very limited funds to an older player. No doubt, “The Other Element” has had the shackles removed.
I get the feeling CJ is about to be traded.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
bold prediction
I’m gonna guess that CJ is traded to the Rockies for Brad Hawpe.
What a drag it is being broke.
It has to be something...
The FO knows CJ is going to be in the starting rotation all season and they’re not very confident in Ray being effective
OR
CJ is about to be dealt and they’re not very confident in Ray being effective.
Does anybody else realize Oliver has a 5.20 ERA in more than 440 IPs at TBiA? ERA is not always the best stat to rely on for pitchers but when we’re talking 440 IPs, it’s pretty definitive.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
Wasn't that as a starter or at least mostly as a starter?
The last several years after switching to the pen hes been a much more effective pitcher
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.
In his last three years, he's at 8 earned runs
in 12 IPs (basically a 6.00 ERA). That’s a small sample size but it’s also in line with what he’s done in the past.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
Well I guess we have to hope that was more a product of our offenses than the ballpark
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.
Borbon, Smoak, and Ray to Tampa for Upton.
While we’re dreaming, I mean.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 21, 2009 9:11 AM CST up reply actions
What a dream that would be
The Rays do need BP help
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Soriano, Howell, Balfour and Wheeler is actually pretty solid, imo.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 21, 2009 9:38 AM CST up reply actions
Totally forgot about Soriano
That is pretty nice
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Hopefully this will be more productive...
Than JD’s previous plan of cornering the market on marginal relief prospects named Beau.
The Millwood trade "didn't make sense" either.
If Oliver signs, the Rangers will have 39 men on the roster, and I think like 30 of them are pitchers.
Guys who will be starting somewhere:
1. Rich Harden
2. Scott Feldman
3. Tommy Hunter
4. Derek Holland
5. Brandon McCarthy
6. Neftali Feliz
Guys who will be in a bullpen somewhere:
1. Darren Oliver
2. Darren O’Day
3. Frank Francisco
4. Chris Ray
5. Ben Snyder
6. Zach Phillips
7. Clay Rapada (off the 40 right now)
8. Pedro Strop
9. Warner Madrigal
Guys who could be in either place:
1. C.J. Wilson
2. Matt Harrison
3. Guillermo Moscoso
4. Luis Mendoza
5. Dustin Nippert
6. Doug Mathis
7. Michael Kirkman
That’s 22 pitchers. Nearly enough for complete Major League and AAA pitching staffs. To think another move wouldn’t accompany this seems… foolish.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:34 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I'm thinking CJ Wilson is going to get traded.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
No way.
They’d never get appropriate value for him.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions
He's not worth much anyway. To the team or the trade market.
by TooLegitToQuit on Dec 20, 2009 8:40 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
He's definitely worth more to the team than he is on the market.
He costs next to nothing and he still has the “potential” label, so there’s no motivation to move him unless someone blows them away with an offer. Admittedly, that might not take much, but I think it would have to be a pretty big deal for the Rangers to include McCarthy.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:42 PM CST up reply actions
Lol.
What the F is appropriate value? Tell me, please, I’m doing to know what you think is appropriate value for Brandon McCarthy, the major leaguer
There isn't an appropriate value for him.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 10:48 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Even if that's the case...
There’s a cost-versus-potential problem with McCarthy. As injured as he’s been, he’s been worth 2.8 WAR in his three years here.
It’s not hard to find an equivalent 1.0 WAR/yr player, but if he manages to pitch an entire season with similar results to his partial seasons, you get a 2.3 WAR/yr pitcher (2.8 WAR/220 IP in three years * 180 IP for a full season) which is worth significantly more.
The x-factor for McCarthy is his health, and as long as that’s an issue, the Rangers won’t need to worry about his salary becoming a problem.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 10:56 PM CST up reply actions
Higher than Mendoza by a good stretch
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 20, 2009 11:29 PM CST up reply actions
He seems like a longshot for the rotation.
And they’ve sure done a good deal of plugging that hole in the bullpen.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:38 PM CST up reply actions
Hmmm
Are you suggesting that Ceej could be on the move?
In fact…that wouldn’t be completely unreasonable. Is there a team out there who would part with a middle of the order bat in exchange for a package that includes Ceej?
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions
I wouldn't mind that depending on the return.
Maybe Drayton Moore wants Ceej in return for Butler?
jk.
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
Maybe the Nationals?
Josh Willingham?
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
That would get my pants going a bit.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
I really cannot figure out why you hate Josh Willingham
Yet have advocated for Fernando Tatis and Jonny Gomes.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Why trade for Willingham when you can get Tatis or Gomes for "free"?
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions
Because Tatis and Gomes aren't that good.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Not good enough to pay small $$ for a platoon role?
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:46 PM CST up reply actions
and to keep whatever you would need to give up to get willingham
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
For one thing I think we need to be looking for more than a RH platoon bat
And for another, Tatis isn’t even that great a platoon player.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Gomes would fit
But like I said, I think we can do better than a guy who’s only worth having in the lineup 28-30% of the time.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Without increasing your budget?
Are you sure Gomes would only play 30% of the time?
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:50 PM CST up reply actions
Gomes is only worth having in the lineup vs. left-handers.
Which only make up 28-30% of the competition. Now, Ron would probably play him more than that, but it would only decrease his value, a la Sosa (another reason why I want better than a platoon bat).
Bottom line, I want a decent hitter to DH. And unless we’re completely, utterly broke (in which case we shouldn’t be throwing money at Darren Oliver) I’m perfectly fine with expanding the budget 5 million to get that.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
You can't expand your budget.
That’s the whole point.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:55 PM CST up reply actions
Then why in God's name are we after Darren Oliver?
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Because we have less than $5MM, but not $0.00.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:58 PM CST up reply actions
But like you said
We’re up to our ears in pitching. And if we have less than 5 million, how are we going to sign Oliver and a Gomes or a Garko?
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
I really think we've turned a 180
when we shouldn’t have in discussing quality pitching on this team. I understand the offense slumped last year, but i still say you can NEVER have too much/enough pitching
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Dec 20, 2009 9:16 PM CST up reply actions
I think last year showed having pitching doesn't mean shit if you can't score runs behind it.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
but did last year show that this offense
is going to duplicate the results? seems to me that injuries played a major part in our inefficiencies. I think we’ll see an improvement even if we don’t make any more moves…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Dec 20, 2009 9:28 PM CST up reply actions
Oh, it'll improve
But we have no idea how much.
I’d still like to add more ceiling to the “how much it can improve” column.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
there's no debate to that
I would, too. I just don’t think there’s a reason to complain about signing another good bullpen option
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Dec 21, 2009 1:48 AM CST up reply actions
right
I have a feeling our potential trade target is much sexier than Willingham. Someone who cannot simply be signed on the FA market…
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Kung Fu Panda
for CJ and a crop trailer of prospects? (I can’t let go of the idea now)
"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 Dec 20, 2009 11:22 PM CST up reply actions
Not gonna happen.
SF are in win-now mode with Lincecum and Cain there.
They need hitting if anything, and they have Affeldt and GET EXTREME FOR JESUS, BRO! anchoring the back end of their bullpen.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:28 PM CST up reply actions
True
The best “fit” for the Rangers is already a best fit elsewhere. The Panda, Dunn …. sigh.
"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 Dec 20, 2009 11:32 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, but CJ could reach out to SF's new-age crowd
He and Wilson would make a pretty good PR outreach pair.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
?
GET EXTREME FOR JESUS, BRO!
Brian Wilson?
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
Yah, he gets mad extreme for Jesus, bro.
Listening to that guy speak gives me the crabs plus a little AIDS.
Ugh…
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:42 PM CST up reply actions
LOL the MLB's Tim Tebow.
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
Yah, that's actually a really good way of putting it.
And, on a related note, holy crap is Tim Tebow obnoxious.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:51 PM CST up reply actions
Q: WWJD? A: Motorboat.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 21, 2009 12:01 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Not in Tebow's world
Girls are teh sin.
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
They're almost bigger than her head.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
you dont have to give up anything to get tatis or gomes
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I'm not advocating trading C.J. Wilson...
…for the right to pay Willingham $5 million in 2010.
I’m advocating signing Tatis or Gomes to a $1-2 million deal without giving up talent to get them.
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions
CJs gonna make around 3 million in arbitration right?
So the increase would only be about 2 million to Willinghams salary.
if we have too many pitchers then I could see the justification in trading CJ and getting back Willingham and the 2 million extra hes gonna cost rather than keep CJ and spend the 2 million on Tatis or Gomes
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.
Gomes + CJ is so much better than Willingham and no CJ.
I mean… that’s not even close.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 21, 2009 9:02 AM CST up reply actions
Not if CJ was going to be moved to the rotation with this signing of Oliver
I don’t think CJ is going to be any better than say Matt Harrison or Brandon McCarthy in the rotation. With the other additions we’ve made to the pen this winter adding Oliver more than offsets the loss of CJ from there.
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.
I am one of the few that thinks CJ can be an effective
starting pitcher and it’s an option worth pursuing.
I don’t have a specific reason to think this other than he has a great arm and that he reminds me of a young Kenny Rogers in so many ways.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
I don't believe CJ will be that effective
He thinks too much on the mound alot and going through an order multiple times I believe will only worsen that. I think he could be effective but not any more so than what we currently have at our disposal.
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.
I really don't think he's moving to the rotation.
He’s been really good of late out of the ’pen, but there were those rumblings about him really wanting to try the rotation next year, so who knows.
If he stays in the pen then having two setup guys in Ceej and Oliver is a good idea when you’ve got a closer as injury prone as 2Frank.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 21, 2009 9:16 AM CST up reply actions
It seems that way with the moves that have been made.
Lots of starters already, and now a whole mess of bullpen lefties and Chris Ray as a potential set-up reliever.
I have no idea what team might be looking for move a bat in such a deal. I’d have to look it over.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:40 PM CST up reply actions
....looking forward to that write-up on BBTiA, Trip.
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
Oh, a kidder, huh?
I think my inclusion as an “author” for BBTiA greatly exaggerates my contribution.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 9:43 PM CST up reply actions
I still enjoy your write-ups over Joey's or David's.
No offense to either, it’s a fantastic analysis driven sight.
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
Detroit is supposedly looking for a closer on the cheap
No idea what they have that we’d be interested in though.
What a drag it is being broke.
Not sure The Morris could handle a return trade of his boy OMFT
"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
Scherzer makes me pretty horny.
No way they’re trading Scherzer, though. At least not for Ceej.
Austin Jackson is okay, too. He’s pretty overrated as hell though if you ask me.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:51 PM CST up reply actions
How dare you speak ill of a Dentonite like that!
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
I heard him belittling the Golden Triangle on a radio show.
There are some lines a man just shouldn’t cross.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:56 PM CST up reply actions
Come on Dirk
Golden Triangle is far from perfect. Now if he insulted the Mr. Chopsticks, that’s a different story.
I had a paper route when I was a kid. I was supposed to go to 2,000 houses. Or two dumpsters.
It wasn't just that he insulted it, he came right out and said Vista Ridge was better.
A little bit of me died just hearing that.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:11 PM CST up reply actions
It is.
Since I live in FM, anyway. Since I pretty much hate and avoid any and all malls, my opinion might not be worth much, though.
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
Golden Triangle
Is it like your dorky little brother? YOU can make fun it, but no one else?
I guess look back on my year+ spent working at the Triangle with relative fondness.
The Golden Triangle used to have an Orange Julius and Chick-Fil-A side by side..
….heaven for a little pre-pubescent Ryin A.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"The purpose of life is to have a fucking good time." - Albert Ellis
by Cecilio's Guante on Dec 21, 2009 8:54 AM CST up reply actions
Well, we didn't ask you.
I <3 Austin Jackson.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 9:52 PM CST up reply actions
I'm not convinced he'll hit.
I know he’s really young and that he also has the tools to be a plus defender and all that, but… I dunno.
I’m just not sure on him.
Would you deal, say… Ceej for him? How about Two Frank + McCarthy?
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:59 PM CST up reply actions
a very billy beane move
would be to trade one year of Frankie for six years of Ryan Perry. But again, if this team expects to win this year, I don’t see how they can justify that.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Well, assuming you went out and spent the money saved on that deal on someone else... I'd have no prblem with something like that.
Not too high on Perry specifically, though.
The walks scare me a bit.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:01 PM CST up reply actions
yeah
but the walks are why we could get him in the first place. if he gets that in check, look out. and like you said, that does free up some money for us this year. it would be a risky move, trading one year of Frankie (and the draft picks) but Perry’s got a pretty special arm and we do need money.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I think the Marlins would for Cantu
but I don’t know how I feel about that.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
I don't think FLA would do that though
Isn’t CJ starting to get more expensive?
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
I get a feeling that
JD is setting up for a big trade.
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
We'll know by the Normathon
something always comes down then.
We need to not always make hard work out of sex- Rick Carlisle.
Remember that Nationals depth chart from LL with OF's manning every position?
They’re gonna do one of those for us with pitchers before too long.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
We are going to carry 16 pitchers and 9 position players this year
so Ron can’t screw up the lineup
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Dec 20, 2009 8:59 PM CST up reply actions
next signing: Chan Ho Park
I would hate for any former Ranger to have to leave on a bad note without the chance for redemption.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Yes yes yes! The Angels have to make a move just to counter!
They just have to, right?!?!?
by TooLegitToQuit on Dec 20, 2009 8:36 PM CST via mobile reply actions
this is a bit of a head scratcher
but I hadn’t really looked at his stats recently, and over the past three years with the Halos he’s been pretty damn good (FIP around 3.50 over an avg of 70 innings).
It seems like another shoe still has to drop, though, right?
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Begs the question.
Are the Sybil-esque personnel moves (and attempted moves) by the Rangers a sign of the front office struggles by JD and Nolan.
I wonder.
It does not beg this question.
This question doesn’t even make sense.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 8:49 PM CST up reply actions
Oh, jeez.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:04 PM CST up reply actions
While I'm a big fan of your handle, your hypothetical is the suck
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 20, 2009 11:34 PM CST up reply actions
While you're right
I think so many people use the phrase incorrectly that it could be said to have a separate meaning now.
Or not.
by brettgardner on Dec 20, 2009 11:50 PM CST up reply actions
If anything
I think this signing shows we may have more money than we were originally led to believe. Its almost as if we played the broke card as a bargaining tool or to temper the expectations of the fanbase.
But JD has said over and over that he expects to address multiple positions this offseason, and broke teams can’t usually do that.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I think this signing shows we may have more money than we were originally led to believe
My immediate thoughts, as well.
And part of the thinking that plays into this thought is the fact that we heard that we could trade for Lowell and sign one of the DHs out there.
Then why wasn't that money used for Nick Johnson?
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
CJ via FB
C.J. Wilson On a plane again…hitting the running program HARD this week!
2 minutes ago via Mobile Web · Comment ·LikeUnlike
Well he better if he is going to get traded for a big bopper!
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
I just don't think
we the fanbase has any idea what our resources really amount to. We are really only going by what Evan Grant said a few weeks ago, but a move like this, plus our continued interest in guys like Vlad and Dye, make me think we must have a little more tucked away…
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Concur
JD knows we need another bat just like the rest of us. I don’t think he would run out and spend the available money on Darren Oliver if that means no bat. I would assume our GM has a better feel for the market than us here on LSB but that is apparently not a sentiment shared by many.
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Dec 20, 2009 9:11 PM CST up reply actions
I would definately like to see
a trade in the works but i think this is just a move to bolster the bullpen. i don’t think going into spring training with rapada, snyder, and maybe harrison as your left handed options for the pen if ceej sticks in the rotation
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
I like this.
Let’s be honest- we weren’t going into next season with our bullpen like this. We had a lot of interesting pieces out there behind 2Frank, but we needed someone capable of being a setup man/backup closer if Ceej is going to the rotation.
Oliver’s been surprisingly good out of the pen and should fit nicely here.
Assuming the money’s right (around 2-3mm) I think this is pretty good.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
I agree with this
depending on the money.
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
Yes, it's very dependent on the money and on whether Ceej is ticketed for the rotation (or traded, naturally).
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:06 PM CST up reply actions
agreed. Signing DO only means CJ is considered a near certainty for the rotation
I think with the quality of stuff he showed last year ~13k/9 he could be a top of the order guy
we're from Texas
CJ says "Relax"
Except he
averages 18 pitches per innings. (Just guessing haven’t looked up the actual numbers).
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
17.6 pitches per inning last year.
He needs to get that lower if he wants to be a starter.
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
What was Feldman at?
Don’t feel like looking it up. Gotta be close to that though, right?
Jimmy Johnson for GM.
16.7, if my calculations are correct.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
16.8 last year.
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
Maybe
But I’ve never seen the logic in moving CJ to the rotation, and I’m also not happy about funneling any resources away from what we really need, which is a decent goddamn DH.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Well since
JD has mentioned in public the need for a DH, I can’t imagine he would just run out and spend the available money for Oliver and not have money left for a DH. Let’s assume for the time being he has a better feel for the situation than we do.
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Dec 20, 2009 9:08 PM CST up reply actions
concur, tap the brakes people.
I thought it be all warm and shitty, but it just tasted like normal beer. It was still cold.
And now it's apparently for more than three mil???
WHAT THE FUCK JD.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
x
but we needed someone capable of being a setup man/backup closer if Ceej is going to the rotation.
Why does he have to go to the rotation?
And if he does, you put him in there with Harden, Feldman, Hunter, and probably McCarthy, then you’ve got Holland and Feliz as your setup men/backup closers, and you don’t need Oliver.
If they aren’t dealing C.J. (or Frankie), this is dumb.
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 9:08 PM CST up reply actions
The fact that Nick Johnson isn't a Ranger is dumb
none of this makes sense at the moment, I’m hoping it all does at the end of the day.
I sort of got the feeling
that Nick Johnson was willing to take a lower amount to play for the Yanks. I don’t think we can just say, “well shit, we could have ponied up 5.6M and come away with Nick Johnson”.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Indeed.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:13 PM CST up reply actions
Plus
he has a chance to put up monster numbers playing half of his game in that bandbox and look for a bigger contract next off-season.
"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron
Exactly..
People need to stop imagining that Johnson would have come here for anything less than 7 mil. He knows his best chance to get a ring is in NY and he took it.
Not all players are in it for ONLY money.
I wrote that earlier this week
But it still seems like you can figure out a way to pay Johnson $7 million, if you were willing to give Lowell and Oliver a combined $6 million.
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 9:18 PM CST up reply actions
Who says
That we aren’t signing using the money that was supposed to go to Lowell on Oliver?
I don’t think that is the case, but it is a possiblility.
I don't think that's the case
because we already have more than one lefty in the bullpen. We don’t have a full-time DH.
I'm not a big Mosquito fan, but he can hit righties pretty well.
We don’t really need a full time DH.
We need someone capable of backing up 1b and LF who can crush lefties.
I’d rather sign Xavier Nady and Johnny Gomes than a full time DH like Vladdy, and they’d prolly be cheaper, too.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:24 PM CST up reply actions
163.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:28 PM CST up reply actions
times a billion
like duh. It won’t matter though considering Milton Bradley will give the Mariners a trillion more than that.
I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'
But Mike Lowell will give you detailed blueprints on how to win in the postseason!
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Trick question
Both would spend 100 games+ on the DL…
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
Hi, Keith. Is this the year Edinson Volquez finally wins RoY?
by Brian Thomas on Dec 20, 2009 11:38 PM CST up reply actions
Tex is not NY
for a guy who can fill a role for his first team and get a championship.
"Purity of heart is to will one thing" - Kierkegaard
Not taking into consideration
that maybe Johnson preferred NY over here. This isn’t MLB 2010, you can’t just make whoever you want sign with you.
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Dec 20, 2009 9:11 PM CST up reply actions
congratulations?
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Dec 21, 2009 8:04 AM CST up reply actions
f nick johnson,
all he does is get hurt. you are willing to pay him more than the Yanks?
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
As a fan of an AL team, where we have the luxury of the DH
Fuck yes.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
late inning relievers
coming off good years are typically overvalued in the marketplace. The former Astros closer (blanking on his name) is really the only sexy late inning option left and he’s a type A, so no one’s biting.
I could definitely see us trade one of those two for a bat.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
wash has said
he wants two lhp in the pen and i think i would rather have oliver than counting on snyder or rapada
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Then why draft Snyder in the first place?
Why make the 3rd overall pick in the Rule 5 draft a key piece of the Millwood trade if you have little intention of keeping that guy around?
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 9:16 PM CST up reply actions
bullpen
if we don’t make any more moves (which is almost certainly not the case), we could be looking at:
Frankie (9th inning)
CJ (8th inning)
O’Day and Feliz as our two righty options
Rapada/Snyder and Oliver as our two lefty options
Nippert/Mathis as our long man.
That’s not a bad little bullpen.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I don't particularly see the need for 3 lefties in a 7 man pen
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 9:26 PM CST up reply actions
Assuming Oliver and Ceej are setup men, who cares what hand they throw with?
I think you need one Loogy, but who cares if the setup men throw lefty?
If they’re good, they’re good.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:27 PM CST up reply actions
Oliver splits
Career: .793 OPS RHB, .798 OPS LHB
Last 3 years
2007: .553 RHB, .810 LHB
2008: .549 RHB, .825 LHB
2009: .605 RHB, .707 LHB
it is interestign
that switching to a bullpen role somehow allowed him to become much more effective against right handed batters.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
CJ isn't a lefty
he’s a set up man, and just like a closer, it doesn’t really matter which arm he throws with.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
If you can get rightys and lefties out than I dont see why u couldnt have 3 lefties.
Snyders the only specialist AJM
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
Is Feliz a reliever for good now?
Have they come out and said this?
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:26 PM CST up reply actions
They did, but that's no indication of how he'll leave.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
If they move CJ to the rotation, they basically have no true 8th inning man
O’Day isn’t going to repeat 2009, Oliver is a thousand years old and Ray is a wildcard.
If CJ makes the rotation, my guess is they put Feliz into the ‘pen instead of sending him to start in AAA under the misguided idea that he’ll “impact the big-league team more” that way.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
I think he will.
No way he breaks camp as a starter, and I don’t think they’re gonna move him to relief full time just yet.
That’s way too valuable of resource, imo.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:34 PM CST up reply actions
from JD chat
If Feliz doesn’t make the rotation out of spring training but is just outside the cut, would he pitch in AAA until a slot opens up, or will he just stay in the major league bulpen?
Jon Daniels (12:30 PM)
Both would be options. However, I’m of the mindset to take our best 25. Would be hard to leave him behind if he’s throwing like he’s capable of.
Link. I think everybody knows Feliz is one of the best 25, and that’s what JD plans on breaking camp with.
What a drag it is being broke.
If he's starting, I think he pretty much has to
They need to limit his innings at the start of the season.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
In AAA?
He will still be throwing innings.
Innings in AAA don’t put less strain on the arm than innings in the MLB.
In AAA they can limit those innings strictly
You can’t really do that in the majors without putting a strain on the bullpen, which is not a good idea early in the season.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
no
and I worry a little about this, but unless he pitches so well in ST that he’s an obvious member of the ML rotation, I think the team will end up having him in the major league bullpen rather than a minor league rotation because if this team wants to win this year, can it really justify excluding an arm like Feliz from a ML job?
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
you are correct
see the JD quote I posted above. He’s taking the best 25 from ST, Feliz is obviously part of the best 25.
What a drag it is being broke.
I don't put too much stock in quotes from internet chats.
It’s really easy to equivocate on something like that.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:04 PM CST up reply actions
if i remember
correctly the reasoning for starting feldam in the bullpen last year and having benson in the rotation was to have the best 25. i could see that happening this year with feliz
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
Bullpen
Nippert as the long man, Snyder as the 3rd lefty, and instead of Feliz(he will be in the rotation) put Ray.
Mathis in AAA and Rapada isn’t even on the 40 man so he is there too.
CJ
isn’t a “lefty” in the context you are using him. He is a power bullpen arm.
So think of it as two “lefties”.
He's had pretty significant LH/RH splits, I believe
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 9:59 PM CST up reply actions
In 2008 and 2009
Those splits weren’t nearly as pronounced.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 10:02 PM CST up reply actions
And to be clear
The context I’m using in calling him a lefty is “he throws with his left arm.”
by Adam J. Morris on Dec 20, 2009 10:02 PM CST up reply actions
If that's what you mean...
then why should it matter how many you have? If it comes down to splits and L/R match-ups, results should matter more than handedness.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 10:03 PM CST up reply actions
My brother
is left handed and married….
Jeeez, the players JD picked up in the Tex trade have barely made any kind of meaningful contributions to the Rangers in The Show, but the pro-JD crowd is still running around shouting "I told ya so."
If they can get people out
I don’t care if they bend over and shit the ball to home plate
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Dec 20, 2009 9:30 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
we've also got
Ray, Strop, Harrison – which is sorta the point, bullpen wasn’t really an area that needed urgent attention, especially with the glut of relief arms available on the market.
What a drag it is being broke.
did you just say
“make a rule 5 pick a key piece of the millwood trade”? Really? More reasonable people might call that a “throw-in” and even more reasonable people might call it a “throw-in squared” because it was a rule 5 pick for a AA loogie prospect.
Do NOT deal CJ.
Deal Frankie if anybody. Why does this have to signal trading of one of the two? Are you opposed to having the strongest bullpen in baseball. It is not like CJ is a LOOGY anyways, he is a setup man. Oliver can come and get a tough lefty or more in the sixth, seventh inning. Guys we have a chance to build a top notch bullpen. Let JD do his work.
Sign Vlad and call it an offseason.
exactly
if healthy, always the question, Frankie, CJ, Ray, Feliz (for a few months), Oliver, O’Day, Moscos/Mathis plus plugging in Snyder/Rapada/Strop would have to be up there
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Dec 20, 2009 9:26 PM CST up reply actions
I disagree.
I think there’s another move coming, but even there’s isn’t it’s not mind bogglingly stupid or awful or whatever people seem to be saying.
Even if you keep Ceej in the pen, this gives you two setup men for Franky that Wash can trust, which is never a bad thing given Frank’s love of getting real injured and Ceej’s inconsistent streaks. Plus it lessens the chances of us having to turn Feliz into a reliever out of necessity, which is something I very much don’t want.
Look, I’m not gonna go jump in bed with that old lady down the street from me and using my penis to have sex with her, but I don’t understand the horriblness of it.
It’s not the sexy signing we all want, but it’s an okay move, imo.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:20 PM CST up reply actions
A couple of problems
First of all, Oliver is not the same thing as CJ Wilson. Wilson is much tougher on lefties than he is on righties; Oliver does not have such splits – he is a setup-type reliever who happens to be left handed. Having both Wilson and Oliver in the bullpen is not redundant. Snyder and Rapada are not comparisons to Oliver.
Second, Oliver has actually been consistently good in the last 3 years, during which time he put up 0.7, 1.0 and 1.5 WAR according to actual performance, but FIP type stat (like tRA), suggest that he had done even better (1.7, 1.6, 21 WAR). Suppose you are just replacing a generic figure, like Jennings for example, in the bullpen, that’s an upgrade of at least 1 win. One win earned in the bullpen is not that much different from 1 win from a hitter.
Yes, we need a hitter, but if the difference between someone like Thome and Gomes is 1 win, then there is nothing wrong with spending $2-3 extra million here and $2-3 million less on the hitter.
oops.. that is 1.7, 1.6 and 2.1, not 21 WAR
which would be epic
Yeah
Thanks for calling him out on his reasoning here; I finally gave up. I used to think that AdMo’s rhetorical skills were suspect to say the least, he being a lawyer and all, until I realized that he has to mischaracterize his adversaries everyday so the site is really more like a recrudescent divorce case rather than a love affair with the game.
but with that said
i would much rather keep ceej in the pen and spend the money elsewhere
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
by shaneomac on Dec 20, 2009 9:13 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I came on here because I just heard on the news
That the sky was falling.
Just wanted to warn everyone.
I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'
by iorange555 on Dec 20, 2009 9:26 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
Jamey's email
“the addition of a middle reliever at what stands to be a pretty significant cost is interesting.”
because it seems like it might be setting up a trade of one of the bullpen arms
What a drag it is being broke.
Sure... for Johnson and Nolasco.
I could be convicned to take Adam Jones and Weiters, but you’d have to twist my arm.
Or maybe Posey and Cain, though I’m not too high on Cain.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:38 PM CST up reply actions
how about Sandoval and Lincecum :)
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
Let's keep this real.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
that's true
interesting is often a euphemism for “crappy”.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
As long as this does not keep us....
from adding Vlad as DH…then I am ok with it for 1 year.
I would have prfered Nick Johnson as well….but like others said, he probably prefered NY by a large margin.
by death of the cool on Dec 20, 2009 9:29 PM CST reply actions
Ugh... Can we stop wanting Vlad here as a DH?
He’s gonna cost, he has no defensive value whatsoever and given his age and his dropoff last season he’s a huge risk.
No. Thank. You.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:41 PM CST up reply actions
Vlad wasn't too bad last year.
I think he would do wonders for our lineup.
Who would you rather have?
A sub .800 OPS from an aging injury-prone DH who's slowe than my grandmother on the bases... Yah, no thanks.
Cetrainly not at anything more than 3-4mm or so, and I have to assume he’ll want more than that.
Like I’ve said before, I’d love to see us get in on Xavier Nady.
If we can promise him a nice role (playing all the time versus lefties and often against righties when one of Hambone/Borbon/Davis/Mosquito need a break) to build up his value again after last year’s injuries, I think he’d come at a rather nice price. There just aren’t that many starting jobs available right now.
If we could get Gomes or someone like that to come in too, that’d be nice.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:47 PM CST up reply actions
do you think
that nady is less of an injury risk than vlad?
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
I just want someone on this team that I can call Professor X.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 9:50 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, then you're just killing your brain.
That’s totally awesome!
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 9:55 PM CST up reply actions
Going back to my original point...
Your joke sucked.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 9:57 PM CST up reply actions
Different sort of injury risks, but I see your point.
But Nady’d be cheaper and he doesn’t have the “body of a 60-year old former prize fighter” thing going against him like Vlad does.
I get arthritis just watching him walk up to the plate.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 9:54 PM CST up reply actions
2 TJ surgeries in 3 years
no thanks or at least not unless you sign another bat in conjunction in case his elbow explodes…
And also
any Vlad advocates should be banned from complaining about his helmet to ground strike zone if he signs here, or, in fact, wherever he signs, on penalty of being punted (whenever the punting occurs)…
Speaking of punting, I think we're all missing the totally obvious way to solve our RH bat/backup CF'e problem...
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:04 PM CST up reply actions
Opps, he hits lefty doesn't he?
I thougt righty, but now that I think about he’s a lefty isn’t he?
Damn.
Now that’s a veteran full of win right there.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:05 PM CST up reply actions
Well...
he is a Darren. Look out.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 11:46 PM CST up reply actions
all this talk about Vlad is probably moot
because I think this team finds a way to sign Dye. Our FO has been linked to him for years, he has at least shown a willingness to play 1B and would make a perfect platoon partner for Davis, and he mashes LHP like few others.
I know he’s not a popular choice around here, but JD usually gets what he wants. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me for JD to find a way to bring Sheffield in as well.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
oh i agree
but this is JD we are talking about. Sosa and Andruw show that JD is not above taking a chance on a guy like Shef…
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
If he'd be used in a straight platoon, he'd be fine.
Just like Sammy would’ve.
But Wash doesn’t believe in platoons, and JD either doesn’t believe in them either or can’t get his manager to follow the plan.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:08 PM CST up reply actions
I very badly want this not to be true
But I’m a’fear’d that it is
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Since the worst case scenario is always the most likely when it comes to the Rangers
You’re probably right.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
But realistically we need someone who can backup 1b and LF versus lefties.
You can’t run out Davis/Borbon/Mosquito every game versus lefties and expect to win a shit ton of baseball games, cause you generally have to score runs to do that.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:06 PM CST up reply actions
The solution is obvious.
Teach Davis to switch-hit.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 20, 2009 10:07 PM CST up reply actions
Well, yah. Duh.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:09 PM CST up reply actions
Hence my Reed Johnson idea
Bringing in Reed Johnson gives you a backup CF who can hit LHP. That leaves enough roster space to bring in a 1b/DH type who can platoon with Davis or Murphy. Basically you’d only have one of Borbon/Davis/Murphy starting against a LHP on any given day.
It’s not perfect, but it’s the only way to patch the offense and adequately backup MI and CF without moving to a six-man bullpen.
But seriously
Not only is he a backup CF who can hit LHP, he can also slide right into the leadoff spot when Borbon doesn’t play, since the majority of his major league AB’s have come from the leadoff spot
He's never been good in center, though.
Negative uzr/150 in CF every season in the bigs, and he ain’t getting any younger.
Still, you’re right that at least he can play there.
And he’d be a plus in LF if you wanted to use him there and slide Hambone over when we sit Borbon, whereas Nady/Gomes/Dye don’t have a lot of range.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:49 PM CST up reply actions
You're right that he's not a great CF
The point is that, for the 20-30 games he’ll start in CF, he will hit enough against LHP to justify his roster spot. Plus, he can backup in LF and allow Hamilton/Cruz to shift to DH for a day off, and he can platoon with Murphy in LF if there’s an outfield injury.
And the alternatives are bad. If you use a guy like Gentry in CF, then you’re going to have 20-30 games of sub-par offensive production, and you’re going to be starting two of Borbon/Murphy/Davis against every LHP starter.
If only Gentry didn't have those damn reverse platoon splits... Bah! I love speedy defenders in the OF.
A .697 OPS versus lefties in Frisco doesn’t seem like it’d translate so hot the bigs next season.
What about Boggs, though?
Are we all assuming he won’t be healthy? Has there been word about his shoulder? I might’ve missed something…
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:59 PM CST up reply actions
I'd be fine with that.
Johnson can play a little center, but Hamilton can slide over there occasionally, too.
Johnson/Gomes/Nady/etc…. any of those guys’d be fine by me.
And don’t forget that Boggs can hit lefties and can play some defense as well. I don’t want him out in center full time, but assuming we have above average defenders in either corner with Hamilton and Cruz, I’d be fine with Boggs spelling Borbon in CF from time to time.
Boggs’ health is what scares me, though.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:46 PM CST up reply actions
Why the heck not?
Johnson versus lefties/Murphy versus righties. Seems like they’re actually pretty much build perfectly to be on the same team.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:00 PM CST up reply actions
I mean, they're both 4th outfielders, right?
Johnson isn’t going to sign somewhere as the 5th outfielder, and we are rolling into the season with a Johnson/Murphy platoon DH, right?
Sure you can.
25 man roster:
Salty
Teagarden
Davis
Kinsler
Andrus
Young
Backup MI
Cruz
Borbon
Hamilton
Murphy
Johnson
RH DH (Glaus, Gomes, etc.)
5 SPs, 7 bullpen arms
You have adequate backups all across the diamond and adequate lineups against LHP and RHP.
Lineups
Against RHP:
CF Borbon
2b Kinsler
SS Young
LF Hamilton
RF Cruz
DH Murphy
1b Davis
C Catcher
SS Andrus
Against LHP:
CF Johnson
2b Kinsler
SS Young
LF Hamilton
RF Cruz
DH Glaus
1b Davis
C Catcher
SS Andrus
Against LHP, you could also move Johnson to DH, Glaus to 1b, and Borbon to #9.
Elvis had a .373 OBP versus lefties last year, he should be leadoff or 2nd versus LH starters, imo.
I’d use Andrus leadoff versus lefties with Borbon 9th (if he’s in the lineup), and Borbon leadoff versus righties with Elvis 9th.
And no way is Glaus gonna come here just to play versus lefties. If that’s all you’re gonna use the guy fr you may as well go with someone cheaper as well, like Gomes or Sheffield (.294/.375/.459 versus LHP last year).
But basically I like the way you think.
We should probably have sex I think.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:16 PM CST up reply actions
You know, I'd be fine with bringing in Sheffield
And rolling Elvis leadoff, Sheffield in the middle vs. lefties
I'd have no problem with that
I do want a RH DH that can also play 1b so we can sit Davis some against LHP. Sheffield isn’t a viable option at 1b.
Why isn't sheffield viable at 1b?
He wouldn’t be great there I wouldn’t think, but considering he played LF last year for the Mets I’d think his body would be able to handle 30-50 games at 1b.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:45 PM CST up reply actions
Ewww.
Although, unlike Andruw Jones or Dye, Sheff at least used to be an infielder, once upon a time.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
He was a SS!!!
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:52 PM CST up reply actions
yeah.
when Moses was a child.
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
right
Boggs has a serviceable split as a 4-5 OF but that shoulder was an issue for like 2 years so we’ll have to see. I wonder what the damage was that needed repair…?
Maybe we just want to have a kickass bullpen next year?
Francisco
Wilson
Ray
Oliver
O’Day
Snyder/Rapada
Nippert/Mathis
Feliz
He could still swing shift it out there, too.
"[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 Dec 20, 2009 11:42 PM CST up reply actions
Here's to internal improvements on the offensive end
because we got nothing else happening in the FA market.
I cannot see Ceej being in the rotation.
Does anyone have a link so I can read where he has been considered for this?
While I would enjoy a nice lefty starter outta CJ, I don’t think he has shown he can be consistant. He only has two pitches that are above B level or above, his fastball beause of how deceptive his release is, and his slider. But both of those, especially his slider, can have control problems and he can’t throw it for a strike. I could only see him being a starter option if he picks up a third pitch and has better control.
We also have a log jam of guys who are ready to be starters and have already had MLB experience doing it.
The only positives I can find out of this would be that it would put total faith in FX2 that he is the closer and doesn’t have to look over his shoulder that CJ might take his job if he is hurt or blows up a few games. But even this has a negative to it because what if Franky gets hurt or blows up, do we yank CJ back to being a closer? Or bring in Feliz as the closer? I’m wanting Feliz to be a starter before CJ for sure. And on that note, won’t CJ have to have his arm worked out to carry a starter workload? It just doesn’t make sense to put a great 8th inning/back up closer guy in an already full rotation equation.
Give me team chemistry and emotion over stats any day. Do you think 34,000 Ranger fans were screaming their asses off over Pudge and his .275 OBP?
btw...i'm sure this has been said within the 200 comments
but this is a f@#$ing mistake.
why spend that kind of money on Darren “F@#%%G” Oliver. Really? Like AJM said, Rapada and Snyder then will not make the pen, and were essentially very pointless pickups.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
That's not exactly true...
if CJ is in the rotation, then Snyder still has a spot in the pen. And it’s not like Snyder, a Rule 5 guy from AA ball, is a guarantee to pitch well in the majors.
Is this move the right allocation of funds? I don’t know. I don’t think the team is done yet. But that said, Darren Oliver isn’t a terrible pitcher. He’s been really good the last few years coming out of the pen.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 10:20 PM CST up reply actions
Best reliever out of the pen for the Halos last year.
They’re pen is really dry right now.
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
makes sense if DO is the replacement for CJ
and CJ is traded for the bat we need.
What a drag it is being broke.
This means they're not re-signing Benoit doesn't it?
What a sad day
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team.-Lonestarjon
Drew effing Gooden??? F U Donnie.
I don't think it affects Jack
He’s most likely a minor-league/NRI type right now
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Yeah...
I hope he comes back on those terms too.
Jack was in the Rangers org. when I still had WebTV to surf the Internet. He’s suffered just as much as most of us.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 10:33 PM CST up reply actions
So you're the guy who used WebTV, eh?
I always wondered who that was.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:52 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Yes.
That’s me. Nice to meet you.
by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 20, 2009 11:32 PM CST up reply actions
There has to be a corresponding move.
doesn’t there??? Please? Unless Oliver or one of the other relievers can dh.
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
cj for adam dunn?
Nats need a closer, do we have enough dinero to take on Dunn?
What a drag it is being broke.
yeah, that would seem to be an equitable trade
and a pretty good fit for both teams.
I’d like it.
What a drag it is being broke.
Or Seth Smith.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Cheap though.
He’s like David Murphy, only he’s good at baseball. In fact, he’d make Murphy pretty goddamn expendable.
CJ and Murphy for Seth Smith.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
you must be the biggest Seth Smith fan
outside of Colorado
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
Ugh... Good overall numbers, but realistically he's limited to LF and has a career .770 OPS outisde of Coors.
For Murphy? Hell yes.
But not for Ceej. Hell to the no, in fact.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 21, 2009 12:10 AM CST up reply actions
He just had to find a way to fit a GD in there
Don’t worry about the point being made…
"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.
That, and a get-rid-of the Gritmaster 7000 suggestion too.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
You know what's funny?
You know how many casual fans of the Rangers—who usually bash JD and his moves—would call this a steal? Almost all of them because they fucking hate CJ’s guts.
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
My gawd Dunn would rake here
but I don’t think the Nats are interested in moving him. Why is that, I have no clue.
"Blister please, with those wings in your spine.
Love to be with a brother of mine.
How he'd love to find your tongue in his teeth,
In a struggle to find secret songs that you keep,
Wrapped in boxes so tight, sounding only at night as you sleep." ~Jeff Mangum; Neutral Milk Hotel
Yes, but to trade something nice for someone who is an unproven ML hitter
Doesn’t seem like a good fit for this team
Versus signing someone old and/or perpetually injured like Glaus or Vlad?
I don’t see the difference, myself.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
That'd actually be mighty interesting if he was a righty.
As it is I don’t think a lefty DH/1b/LF is what we need on a squad that aready has Crush, Mosquito and Hambone.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:56 PM CST up reply actions
So include Murphy in the deal, or deal him for something else.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
I've given up on hoping we'll ever deal the Mosquito.
He’s got the good face and apparently there’s nothing you can do to counter that.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:07 PM CST up reply actions
I hate this organization sometimes.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Me too, brother.....
But, Feliz! And Holland! And Martin Perez and Scheppers and Harden and Font and Feldman and Ceej and 2Frank and Hunter and Main and Andrus and Borbon and Cruz and Smoak!!!
Those things are all sweet, right?
And remember that one time Ian Kinsler didn’t popup and then flip his bat like fucking douche, and then it turned out the reason he didn’t do those things was because he hit a home run? Wasn’t that fun? I remember it being fun.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:22 PM CST up reply actions
remember that one time Ian Kinsler didn’t popup and then flip his bat like fucking douche
Nope. I recall no such thing.
by NoNameOnCard on Dec 21, 2009 12:43 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
No, we don't.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 10:53 PM CST up reply actions
Interesting
I think interesting is exactly the right word to describe it assuming it goes down as reported. Obviously there is either a trade, a free agent signing of a hitter or both in the works because they sure aren’t spening their last 3.6 million on Oliver and calling it a day. If we don’t like the moves that follow we can diss JD all we want. For right now it makes sense to hold our fire.
Jorge Cantu seems to fit the mold they trotted out in the Lowell trade.
Backup at 1st and 3rd, insurance if Davis tanks again. What do the Marlins need that we might could provide in a trade?
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
law
48th best FA out there
Oliver isn’t a lefty specialist, but has been pretty effective against hitters on both sides of the plate because of command and a big slurvy curveball he uses very often. His fastball is just average at 89-91 mph, but he’ll cut it slightly at times, and sets it off with that 78-80 mph slurve. He throws a ton of strikes — he’s issued just 27 unintentional walks in 145 innings the last two years — and has a rubber arm, averaging 73 innings a year since 2006. The downside for Oliver is that he’s a Type A free agent; he was last offseason as well, and accepted the Angels’ offer of arbitration because no team was willing to give up a first-round pick to sign a middle reliever. I wouldn’t give up such a pick either, but if the Angels should decide not to retain Oliver he’s a fairly low-risk pickup on a one-year deal who could help just about any bullpen.
"Clearly, I've been wrong. VY is awesome." - AJM
I'm not a big fan...
of bringing Oliver back. Especially for 3+ mil. There has to be more to this. I get the feeling that JD is wheeling and dealing to try and get another bat and using BGL,FX2, or another pitcher as the bait. Something else is going on that we don’t know about. At least I hope so anyway.
If this team only has 5 mil or so to spend and most of that goes to Oliver I will be upset. I don’t think JD is dumb enough to do that. He knows this team needs another bat too.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
But the thing is that we needed another solid bullpen arm, too.
There are bats out there we can bring in on the cheap, but I don’t know that there are any solid rubber armed setup men we can get for one year on the cheap.
It’s not a sexy move, but it’s solid.
Oliver’s good. He’ll help us win games. Yay for winning games, I say.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:26 PM CST up reply actions
We wouldn't need the old fart if the Rangers would just stop with this nonsense about CJ to the roto though.
And then we could get a better all-around bat, who won’t have his value killed by Ron Washington and his ignorance.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Even with Ceej in the pen (which is where I think he'll stay, FWIW)...
what do you do if 2Frank does his usual thing and gets real injured as hell?
Ceej closes, but who the heck-a-roonie sets up? Strop? O’Day? Chris Ray?
We’ve got a ton of interesting arms out there, but no one I really trust coming into a one run game in the 8th, you know?
Having three nice arms at the backend of our bullpen is a really nice thing to have.
He makes our bullpen that much better and having him out there might just be the thing that saves us from having to move Feliz to the bullpen permanently out of desperation.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:33 PM CST up reply actions
I don't really consider Oliver that much better than O'Day or Ray in a late-inning role though
He’s another arm to add to the mix, but he’s fucking old. Really fucking old. I don’t want to be counting on him to duplicate the last 2 seasons either.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Relievers
Tough to peg their performance year to year. O’Day was lights out for us last year and you can’t really expect another year at that level (especially with that delivery, i cringe at every pitch). Oliver provides another solid arm in case of a O’Day, FF, Ray meltdown/injury.
I’m still a bit confused as to what the organization has in mind but I still like the player.
I had a paper route when I was a kid. I was supposed to go to 2,000 houses. Or two dumpsters.
I disagree.
I think it’s folly to hope O’Day continues to be the awesome, and Ray makes me nervous deep down inside of my baseball pants.
Like I said: Nick Johnson, he’s not.
But I wanted another veteran for the ‘pen but didn’t think we’d have the money. I feel a shit ton better about our bullpen right now, but I guess we’ll see.
Hey, at least we didn’t do this.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
"You like Castlevania, don't you?" -Psycho Mantis.
by thedirkatron on Dec 20, 2009 11:48 PM CST up reply actions
I guess that's where I disagree with you...
I think the ‘pen the way it is now is pretty good. Fx2, BGL, and O’Day are solid. Then you take 4 of Feliz, Ray, Snyder, Mathis, Nippert, Harrison, Strop, and Moscoso and I think that’s a pretty good ‘pen. I don’t think they need another arm there.
The only way they need another solid arm in there is if one of BGL/Feliz is in the rotation or they are looking to deal one of Fx2/BGL. That’s why I think if this goes through it’s a precursor to another move.
Oliver has been good, but he’s also getting up there in years. I’m not a big fan of giving that much money to a 40 year old bullpen arm when the budget is so limited right now.
And yes, yay for winning games.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
Like dirkatron's writeup above...
I’m alright with this. It doesn’t cost a pick, and the pitching depth suggests a forthcoming reallocation-via-trade, and supports Feliz (or, okay, CJ) to the rotation. In a year Harden is leading the starting staff, I’m glad to see starting depth accumulate directly or indirectly.
But getting Oliver on a hometown discount would really make it make sense.
Here’s hoping the final number is less than $3m… I definitely think JD has another move connected to this one coming soon.
"[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 Dec 20, 2009 11:40 PM CST reply actions
Did you know
that Darren Oliver’s agent is Jeff Frye? Or that the Rangers drafted Oliver in the 3rd round and Frye in the 30th round of the same draft (1988)?
And both players left the Rangers for the Red Sox at one point in their career, and we all know about the mystifying connection between those two FOs.
Weird.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
and Tim Thomas led the Mavs to a victory over the Cavs tonight
Tim. Thomas.
Double weird!
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
So Jeff Frye is an agent?
How many other MLB clients does he have, I wonder?
by Black Francis on Dec 21, 2009 12:21 AM CST up reply actions
Nice report, Jamey.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
His salary last year was 3.665.
Unless folks think he’s gonna hit a wall, seems like any type of competition for him would ensure last season’s salary.
Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.
And Frye's wife is an ex aerobics instructor
And has a body to kill for?
"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.
have we heard a number yet?
Evan Grant was quick to predict it is above the 3.65M Oliver made last year, but all we know at this point is that the Rangers were offering 3M and have since upped their offer. I predict it will actually be between 3 and 3.5, but not over 3.65.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
If it's over 3.65, my brain might blow a fucking gasket
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
I don't get why they would have to up their offer
if somebody else is bidding for his services, so be it.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
there were apparently
quite a few teams in the running, including the Yanks, which tells me this signing might not be quite the disaster some think it is, provided we still have money left over to address our other needs…
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
if we have a bigger budget that was originally thought
and can still sign a middle of the order bat, I don’t mind the signing. Otherwise, I think it is a waste of money on a 40 yr old bullpen arm.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
Forgive me because I'm typing from my phone
During Jameys party last week I asked T R Sullivan who he wanted to see added o the team most and he said something like “Oliver. He is a good guy I’d like to see come back here. I’m really pushing for it actually.” he then talked about how his agent was an old ranger infielder, Jeff fry I think. Anyway, I wonder if this has anything to do with it.
by mikeyoungfuturehof on Dec 21, 2009 1:26 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Naw.
Although maybe TR had an inkling this was going to happen, who knows.
I think he mostly just loves him some old ex-Rangers.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
If our FO is taking suggestions from TR, then we've got bigger problems
"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
Well, they already let Ron Washington run the team on the field...
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
In a normal (well.. normal teams not normal rangers) offseason
This would be perfectly fine. But if we only have ~6-7 mil to spend? Meh.
Obviously if JD has a trade setup or something that changes things, but we’ve thought that before.
If there is no trade, I guess he could have just decided they are going with a cheap righty platoon DH as the only “bat” addition, which isn’t the end of the world. But, eh..
Oh well, we’ll see.
the preceding post was a great success.
All I want for Christmas is some crazy motherfucker who can hit.
The crazy part is negotiable, though.
Gracchus (about Obama): I think he knows what America is. America is the mob. Conjure money for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they'll roar. The beating heart of America is not the paper of the Constitution, it's the power of the media. He'll bring them debt - and they will love him for it.
Yeah, too bad
Carl Everett can’t hit very well anymore.
Remember when we signed him and traded him in consecutive seasons?
and Darren Oliver
begat Crazy Carl. And now Oliver’s signing could allow us to trade 2Frank for a bat.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I don't want CJ in the rotation.
And thus, against this move if that makes it more of a possibility.
Contract details from Crasnick:
According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com in a report updated within the last half-hour, the Rangers are close to an agreement with reliever Darren Oliver that would guarantee the lefthander $3.5 million in 2010 and include a vesting option for 2011 that could transform the deal into a two-year, $6.25 million commitment. The agreement, Crasnick reports, is expected to be announced early this week, following a physical.
Okay
Why in the name of god do you give a 40-year reliever old a vesting option??
Did we not learn anything from Millwood’s contract?
Excuse me for being my usual kneejerky self, but SERIOUSLY, WHAT THE FUCK.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Jon I dont see the problem here,
he doesnt cost a pick and we get a damn consistant reliever for 6 mil. I mean lok at the nyumbers some other relievers have gotten this year and last.
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
my only issue is allocation of resources
other than that I think its a reasonable contract.
the preceding post was a great success.
well there goes the 3 mil we would have spent on Lowell,
but does anyone really know how much we had to start with this offseason? I mean it isnt much, but probably still enough to go get vlad and some scrubs.
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
The guy is 40 years old.
I already don’t think this makes much sense given our limited resources, and possibly guaranteeing an already ancient player a contract for his age 41 season really makes me hate it.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
this ancient player has put up better numbers then most so Im okay with it
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
Relievers hanging on (effectively) into their early 40s isn't that uncommon
He could break down health wise, but if he does his option wouldn’t vest..
Over the last 4 years (his only exclusively as a reliever) hes averaged around 70 innings with a low 3s era. That has value… hes averaged over a win above replacement the last 3 years as a non-closer, thats worst a few mil.
And besides if the second year goes through hopefully 2011 won’t be under such a payroll squeeze.
Would you dislike this deal if it had zero impact on our other offseason moves? I’ll trust JD that he knows what hes going to do and this fits within the payroll as such.
Now if we go sign some real scrub for the DH role, I’ll look back differently but I’ll give the benefit of the doubt at least.
the preceding post was a great success.
I would dislike it a lot less if we weren't in a finacial squeeze, yeah.
But even if we weren’t I’d still question the wisdom of giving a guy a vesting option on his age 41 season. I’m not a fan of vesting options period.
I failed my LSB ethics test.
"WHAT A SHITLOAD OF FUCK" - LL's "Poochie" on Rich Harden signing with Texas over Seattle
Well that's what it took to get him here.
It seems as if other teams were after him. If they think that O’Day’s performance is unrepeatable and that turns out to be true, it will have been a solid move. Whether they improve the offense or not they’re going to need a good and deep bullpen with all these young guys in the rotation.
by Black Francis on Dec 21, 2009 8:57 AM CST up reply actions
As long as...
…we don’t hear the FO say “We wanted to sign ‘player x’ but we can’t because we picked up Oliver”, this is a solid signing. Does JD really do this move if it’s the last of his allowance? This makes me think the new ownership group has promised a bit more financial flexibility than expected.
And mike drops in with some important one liner info everyone
The bloggerformelyknownasBigBaddBubbaJ
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