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T.R. Sullivan: Harden deal done, pending physical

Per T.R. Sullivan, the Rangers have a deal done with Rich Harden, pending a physical.

That's expected to be a one year deal with a club option.

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Can he pass a physical?

LoneStarBall....You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy.

by DaheelzCM on Dec 9, 2009 6:25 PM CST reply actions  

I assume he will,

but it would be funny if he is this year’s Sheets.

“See, we tried to sign someone!”
-Rangers front office

by ncrangerfan on Dec 9, 2009 7:06 PM CST up reply actions  

option

I am surprised Harden is going with a team option for 2011. I thought he wanted a 1 yr deal to establish himself for the 2011 free agency.

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 6:25 PM CST reply actions  

I'm wondering about that as well

maybe the shoulder isn’t ready to go and we need a option to make sure he isn’t finally pitching healthy in 2011 for someone else…

by corbsclinton on Dec 9, 2009 6:29 PM CST up reply actions  

The team option is for 11.5 million

That’s not bad money. That’s likely what he’d get as an annual salary on a multi-year contract and he can still go into FA again before his 30th birthday and hope for some big money.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 6:32 PM CST up reply actions  

That's what I was going to say.

He made around $7M last year, so that’s a nice bump from $7.5M if he proves himself healthy and effective in 2010.

"If this video was an ice cream flavor, it'd be pralines and dick." Clark
re: Matthew Wilder-Break My Stride, 4/17/09

by EssBee on Dec 9, 2009 6:40 PM CST up reply actions  

Here's Harden's thoughts on the option

“Sheeeit. It took these guys a whole day of wheelin, dealin and searching the couch cushions just to come up with $7.5MM. No way they come up with $11.5MM. This is a one year deal.”

It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.

by WyoRanger on Dec 9, 2009 7:34 PM CST up reply actions  

YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 6:29 PM CST up reply actions  

Finally something to talk about

besides the ownership situation

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Dec 9, 2009 6:26 PM CST reply actions  

Hoping this isn't Sheets Redux

But if it isn’t, Thank you JD/Nolan for upgrading our club.

by corbsclinton on Dec 9, 2009 6:26 PM CST reply actions  

Christ got nothin to do with it

It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.

by WyoRanger on Dec 9, 2009 7:20 PM CST up reply actions  

Nope, just checked, he still doesn't.

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 7:49 PM CST up reply actions  

x

"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron

by coolaid on Dec 9, 2009 6:27 PM CST reply actions   2 recs

VICTORY!!!!

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 6:32 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Hot damn! I echo your sentiments,

and give salutation to your bombastically epic Drama photo…

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 9, 2009 6:54 PM CST up reply actions  

That's one my favorite scene in the entire run of the series

The epic opening strains of Cream’s “White Room” just make that scene so perfect.

"Dying ain't hard. It’s living in the wake of a thorough public humiliation that’s hard.--JDT217

Internet greatness http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/11/10/1125340/will-carroll-calls-out-josey-wales

by WestTxAg06 on Dec 9, 2009 7:06 PM CST up reply actions  

This is exactly what I did when I read the news

"You'll meet them again on their long journey to the middle." -Lester Bangs

by BAC on Dec 9, 2009 7:59 PM CST up reply actions  

Me too. haha

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 7:59 PM CST up reply actions  

What I just posted in another, now obsolete thread

I think he’s worth what they’re paying him, but Harden is no ace. Some are saying he is but aces pitch more innings than he does. The kids in the rotation really need to step up next year.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:28 PM CST reply actions  

He's closer to an ace than Millwood ever could pretend to be

and I think that is how you have to look at him.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Dec 9, 2009 6:32 PM CST up reply actions  

"Ace" and "workhorse" aren't always the same thing

Harden is the guy you would count on if you have a one-game playoff for the division title or something. Millwood is “more” “reliable” to make all his starts and eat up the innings.

by Inkara1 on Dec 9, 2009 6:34 PM CST up reply actions  

By this definition,

Feldman was definitely the ace last year. Here’s to hoping he matches that this year.

"If this video was an ice cream flavor, it'd be pralines and dick." Clark
re: Matthew Wilder-Break My Stride, 4/17/09

by EssBee on Dec 9, 2009 6:45 PM CST up reply actions  

i mean, that's just semantics

an ace for me is the quality of pitcher, not the number of innings – mainly because it isn’t a given that he’s only going to give us 120 IP.

by ab03 on Dec 9, 2009 6:33 PM CST up reply actions  

I agree, I would just say hes an injury prone ace...

Ace nonetheless.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 6:36 PM CST up reply actions  

He needs to be healthy and he needs to pitch well...

but he’s a guy you can hold your head up high about starting game one or two of a playoff series.

by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 9, 2009 6:37 PM CST up reply actions  

Think about it like this.

If Harden regains his 2008 form, which isn’t hard to imagine, we’ve gained two wins over Millwood, even if the rest of those 50 innings or so we give up are pitched at replacement level, which is pretty bad. We’ve also added a reliever to the mix with the money too, so there’s a good chance we come out 2.5 to 3 wins ahead today.

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions  

a reliever who can't get anybody out.

The Rangers have a whole bullpen of guys ahead of him on the depth chart.

I know Harden’s good, and yeah there’s a possibility he repeats his 2008 season. I’m very glad they got him, but think it’s a shame that they’re probably not going to bring someone in to pitch a ton of innings.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions  

Who would you want?

You want a Jon Garland type coming here?

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions  

Anybody I'd want

…is too expensive for the Rangers, which is my whole point. It’s great they pulled this off, but kinda sad they can’t even get a Jon Garland.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:50 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't want a Jon Garland though

What’s the point of throwing in a guy who is average if that to take up the innings. We’ve got plenty of guys that can just pitch and use up innings but not nearly enough that can be counted to be successful in those innings. Getting rid of Millwood shows that the Rangers are finally done spending money on mediocrity. Its all about getting the high ceiling guys now.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 7:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Well

Your high ceiling guys are pretty damn young and we all know that youth is very unpredictable.

The reason I value the average/mediocre guy to come in and absorb innings is that I think the Rangers offense will improve this year, so they should be competitive with this mediocrity on the mound. If the mediocrity has the ability to go deep into games, you can rest a lot of your bullpen.

On the other hand if the starting pitcher is coming out after the fifth all the time, even a talented and deep bullpen is going to suck by August. The Rangers need them sharp through August, September, and hopefully October.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 7:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Career ERA+ 104

Yippee fuckin’ skippee…not.

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 7:50 PM CST up reply actions  

Well...

…let’s see what the pen’s cumulative ERA+ is if they have to pitch 4 innings per night and occasionally more than that. I’d go higher than 104.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 7:52 PM CST up reply actions  

I'll trust the Rangers options over guys like Garland

Between Holland, Feliz, Hunter, McCarthy, CJ, Hurley, Harrison, and whoever else I might be forgetting right now, you’re going to get at least the 200 innings of average performance that you’d want out of some “proven” veteran. Also, when you give guys like Holland and Feliz an opportunity to succeed, you can end up getting a whole lot more than just a LAIE out of them.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 7:58 PM CST up reply actions  

Yup

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 8:00 PM CST up reply actions  

what makes you so sure

…that those guys will give the Rangers league average performance? I like most of them in terms of talent but for 2010 my confidence isn’t very high. Could they do it? Yeah. Each and every one of them have the ability. But actually doing it is another thing.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 8:04 PM CST up reply actions  

Hi Debbie. There are some snacks over at the whiner table, and you look hungry.

Seriously, the team signs arguably the best Ranger pitcher in years, and you’re looking for problems. This just in, we exchanged Millwood for Harden, Ray plus a couple of million which seems like yeoman fucking work on JD’s part considering the circumstances. If I was a GM and JD called me, I’d hang up because I know I would just get fucked. My man crush for JD officially knows no end.

Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador

by Parman on Dec 9, 2009 8:24 PM CST up reply actions  

Dumb.

He wasn’t personally attacking you.

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM CST up reply actions  

It is, actually.

See, since you posted in a public forum, it’s everybody’s business.

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 8:42 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm surprised you didn't have a post in AJM's recap of the day

complaining about no “after the jump” type of post

"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan

by Dirk Diggler on Dec 9, 2009 10:17 PM CST up reply actions  

I've made my point on that.

But honestly, I wasn’t bothered with that one. It wasn’t that long, and I figure a lot of traffic will come in to read his take.

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 10:36 PM CST up reply actions  

You're not being a downer?

Please.

Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador

by Parman on Dec 9, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions  

I think he's looking at things rather objectively.

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 8:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Like Brett is saying I'm not attacking you Francis

Here is something from a Fangraph Article on Harden

Harden strikes me as the ideal middle-round target. Yes, there are three things that you can guarantee in life: death, taxes and a Rich Harden DL stint. But 125-150 excellent innings from the free agent hurler may well be more valuable than 175-200 frames from a more mundane starter. There’s risk, to be sure, but snatching up a top-shelf talent at a reduced price is worth the trouble.

Frankly, this is exactly what I hoped (short of acquiring Halladay). JD making smart deals involving players not poised to contribute to the team going forward. I’m dancing for glee and you’re claiming “irrational exuberance”(using poetic license). Come on and drink the coolaid.

P.S. I’ve been around for years.

Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador

by Parman on Dec 9, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions  

yea, Exactly, the extra innings Millwood would provide us would not likely

be better than his 4.80 FIP he posted last year. Id be ok with 90 IP from Nippert and 120 from Harden

Feliz says his greatest thrill was striking out Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, one of his heroes. Yet, when he called to tell his parents, his mother had a request: Strike out New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, too.
"So when I did that," Feliz says, "I told my mom, 'There you go. There's your present. Don't ask me to strike anyone else out, OK?'

by blalock84 on Dec 10, 2009 12:18 AM CST up reply actions  

The odds are in the Rangers favor

Tommy Hunter gave the Rangers 112 IP last season in 19 starts with a 113 ERA+. Derek Holland gave the Rangers a less impressive 138.1 IP but with a 7 K/9 and only a 3.1 BB/9. If his HR rate improves, then Holland’s a great bet to give you a solid sophomore season. Neftali Feliz is the guy that started his career with a 19:1 K:BB ratio. And I can do this for each of the players I mentioned. Each one of them has performed to the point where you can look at them and see a way that they’ll give you league average performance or better. When you put 3 of them in the rotation with Harden and Feldman and leave another 5 or 6 guys around as back-ups, the odds are in your favor that you’ll get 200 IP with a 100 ERA+ from one of those rotation spots.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 8:24 PM CST up reply actions  

Do we need that?

We need wins, not innings. And I’m not talking about a pitcher getting 18 wins, I’m talking about replacing players with more valuable ones. We did that in the mix of deals today. We had a good day, and we can still move a Brandon McCarthy. We now have a mix like this:

Harden-Holland-Feliz-Feldman-Hunter-McCarthy

Plus Nippert or whoever else you want to throw in that conversation at the back end. That’s a solid rotation. Very young, but better than last year.

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions  

McCarthy

I would keep him now. Harden is significantly better than Millwood, but he’s likely to miss a few starts. Having McCarthy and Harrison around to backfill for Harden and possibly limit Feliz’s innings is, I think valuable.

Our depth of good options for the 4/5 spots in the rotation makes Harden a much better fit for us than a lot of other teams whose number six starter is something like Kris Benson.

by Darrell McKown on Dec 9, 2009 6:50 PM CST up reply actions  

Agree

The fact that the Rangers can pair with Harden six or so potentially legitimate rotation options, some of which have options, is one of the main reasons to be optimistic about them. I wouldn’t want to give that up, especially after downgrading the number of innings the #1 will probably pitch.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions  

But if keeping him keeps you from upgrading the bullpen...

Then it’s time to let a McCarthy go. That’d save us somewhere in the neighborhood of $600K if you acquire a cost-controlled player for him. Harrison/Hurley/Mathis etc. can fill in those needed innings just as well as McCarthy, if McCarthy’s healthy.

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions  

McCarthy

I would rather use him in the bullpen, and then keep the flexibility to swing him into the rotation if necessary.

A bullpen of Francisco, Wilson, O’Day, Ray, Harrison, McCarthy, Mathis and Nippert (that’s actually an extra guy) would be okay with me.

by Darrell McKown on Dec 9, 2009 6:59 PM CST up reply actions  

If that was our group...

I’d option out Harrison to OKC. Rapada’s also out of options. Madrigal is down to 1. Moscoso and Strop are still available, too. See what I mean about the extra arms, though? We can afford to deal out McCarthy, have room in the bullpen, still have decent arms for the extra starts at the back of the rotation, and either upgrade our first base/designated hitter situation or our bullpen.

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2009 7:03 PM CST up reply actions  

This is the Rangers you are talking about.

They never have enough pitching. :)

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions  

When we gonna get some pitching up in here?

"Dying ain't hard. It’s living in the wake of a thorough public humiliation that’s hard.--JDT217

Internet greatness http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/11/10/1125340/will-carroll-calls-out-josey-wales

by WestTxAg06 on Dec 9, 2009 7:16 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah, that's a fair point

I love to be able to package two or three arms for a better arm, but that’s hard to do given that the guy we would get back would need to be pre- or early arbitration eligible.

by Darrell McKown on Dec 9, 2009 7:16 PM CST up reply actions  

Youth

You just don’t see many contending teams do it that way. I’m not saying it can’t be done.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:56 PM CST up reply actions  

decent article

arguing that his 08 and 09 seasons weren’t that different from one another:

http://www.fangraphs.com/fantasy/index.php/harden-on-the-market

by SteveP on Dec 9, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions  

That's true.

The home run rate is the only thing that stands out, though.

by Andy Seiler on Dec 9, 2009 6:45 PM CST up reply actions  

Little nervous
Rich is an extreme fly ball pitcher (his 49% FB rate in 2008 was highest among starters tossing 140+ IP)

by BuckyB on Dec 9, 2009 6:49 PM CST up reply actions  

Well, if you have a decent offense they don't.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions  

correction

Getting groundball pitchers never worked out real well for us

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Dec 9, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions  

From what I've seen of him

Those fly balls don’t usually go far enough to really worry about.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions  

When he's also striking out 10-11 per nine you can tolerate flyballs

The flyball pitchers we’ve been killed by are the ones who generate flies AND don’t strike anyone out.

"Dying ain't hard. It’s living in the wake of a thorough public humiliation that’s hard.--JDT217

Internet greatness http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/11/10/1125340/will-carroll-calls-out-josey-wales

by WestTxAg06 on Dec 9, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions  

Yes, Harden controls his baserunners just a tad better than some of our old friends

"Dying ain't hard. It’s living in the wake of a thorough public humiliation that’s hard.--JDT217

Internet greatness http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/11/10/1125340/will-carroll-calls-out-josey-wales

by WestTxAg06 on Dec 9, 2009 7:16 PM CST up reply actions  

Yes, but he's a lot better than a regressing Millwood.

Harden is an attempt to catch lighting in a bottle, but I like that a lot better than consigning one spot to a mediocre Kevin Millwood who has zero chance of repeating what he did in 2009.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 6:44 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm not arguing that this was a bad move

I’m very happy to hear that they got him. A hell of a lot better than getting Sheets. Harden is definitely a big upgrade over Millwood as long as he makes more than 20 starts.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:49 PM CST up reply actions  

What a day

a revenue neutral significant boost to this club. Along with a huge boost in variance. But that is better than the boring near-mediocrity that comes with Millwood.

I think that the Rangers, with their depth of potential #4/#5 starters, is the perfect team to take a risk on Harden. Some people will argue that the downside risk for him is that you get nothing, but really the downside risk is that you get Harrison, BMac, Nippert, or Feliz in that spot. Considering that those guys are themselves guys with potential to surpass Millwood’s numbers, you’re in good shape.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Dec 9, 2009 6:31 PM CST reply actions  

I just worry about innings

Show me a serious contender who didn’t have a couple of guys around 200 IP and another at over 150. The Rangers have maybe one guy I’m confident about going more than 150. Luckily the Rangers seem to have a lot of bullpen depth, but we know how that can go.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:34 PM CST up reply actions  

we had 2 this year

no reason to think we dont have a lurking scooter

by corbsclinton on Dec 9, 2009 6:35 PM CST up reply actions  

Good chance Hunter gets up there

Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law

by Keynes on Dec 9, 2009 6:38 PM CST up reply actions  

hunter and feldman will seem to be the horses this year

holland might be ready for that jump too… Then we have harden who is an injury concern, but will be dynamic. The final spot will be McCarthy/Feliz/Harrison which will be more than adequate…

"Elvis Andrus has just preformed a MIRACLE!"
-Eric Nadel, 5/4/09

by Mizzou12 on Dec 9, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions  

Either way

Kris Benson isn’t going to touch a ball for us

Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law

by Keynes on Dec 9, 2009 6:40 PM CST up reply actions  

thats the difference between this upcoming year and the last 10 years or so.

we have so many qualified starters some deserving people are going to be left out. feels so so so good.

"Elvis Andrus has just preformed a MIRACLE!"
-Eric Nadel, 5/4/09

by Mizzou12 on Dec 9, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions  

Harrison might maintain his velocity longer

in the pen

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Dec 9, 2009 8:02 PM CST up reply actions  

ur right

and who would have thought the Braves would have people step up like Glavine and Smoltz after years of mediocrity?

by corbsclinton on Dec 9, 2009 6:42 PM CST up reply actions  

2 in 2009

Well one is gone and hasn’t been replaced. I think Feldman can do it again but he won’t give you 200. Maybe Hunter and Holland can get to 150, I don’t know. That’s a lot of maybe.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions  

i dont see why Holland can't get to 150.

he threw 138 last year with some bullpen time and minor league time…

"Elvis Andrus has just preformed a MIRACLE!"
-Eric Nadel, 5/4/09

by Mizzou12 on Dec 9, 2009 6:40 PM CST up reply actions  

Holland probably will get at least 150 (if he's healthy of course)

He averaged 5.6 IP/start so give him a full season and he’s going to be around 175 if not more.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 6:43 PM CST up reply actions  

He's real talented

…but he may get lit up so much he doesn’t make it to 150.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:45 PM CST up reply actions  

You're all doom and gloom today

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Dec 9, 2009 8:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Not really

I’m being realistic.

I think Harden is a great addition and I’m tired of MIllwood’s fat ass. But I’m still wondering who’s going to go 7 or 8 innings. Somebody tell me who on this team is a good bet to do that.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 8:07 PM CST up reply actions  

Scooter?

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 8:07 PM CST up reply actions  

I'm a huge Feldman fan

…but he’s no workhorse. How many times did he show up in the eighth innning last season?

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 8:08 PM CST up reply actions  

Not very many.

But I would settle for 6-7 from him. I get where you’re coming from, and I understand that you want an innings eater. I honestly don’t think it would hurt to find another veteran pitcher for the rotation. If something goes down, we have talented backups.

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 8:10 PM CST up reply actions  

True

but he hasn’t been a starter all that long — which could work as an argument on both sides of that point. On the one hand, he will be more stretched out this year, and have most of a season as a starter under his belt. On the other, he changed his repertoire last season, so hitters will have a whole lot of film to study on him.

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Dec 9, 2009 8:15 PM CST up reply actions  

Feldman went into the 8th inning twice last season

He also made 7 starts of at least 6 IP here he had less than 100 pitches on the day. Now he’s entering his 3rd season as a starter and has shown Wash that he can stay in games longer than just 90 pitches. I also don’t understand why you’d be so picky in requiring pitchers to go to the 8th inning. Personally, I’ll take the guy that goes 7 innings more often and lets the bullpen close the games out rather than do what Millwood would do where he’d veteran his way into the late innings only to struggle.

Also, Hunter made 2 starts where he went into the 8th inning out of 19 total starts for the rookie. Holland went into the 9th twice in his 21 starts as a rookie. Harrison also went into the 9th twice in his 11 starts. For rookies or near rookies, that’s pretty promising. My guess is you won’t find many rookies going deep into games.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM CST up reply actions  

Getting into the ninth...

…in 2/19, 2/21, etc, doesn’t mean much to me. I don’t care so much that they get to the 8th, really. I want them to go beyond six, though, and nobody currently on the staff has done it. You cite Feldman as an example but there’s a different way to look at those numbers. How many starts did he not get beyond the sixth? And this guy is your best bet, in my opinion.

People are thinking I’m some kind of downer but I want to reiterate that I am not. I’m very happy with what transpired today. In the second half Millwood didn’t look like he was every going to have another 190+ inning season again. Good riddance. Harden is a hell of a replacement. I just lament the fact that the team is so broke it couldn’t hire Jon Fucking Garland if they wanted to. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a guy like that around. Obviously most of you disagree. I’m cool with that. I hope all of you are right and I am wrong.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions  

The ultimate goal for any given day's pitching should be

Get at least 6 good innings from the starter and before he gets tired, go to your set-up men/closer to finish the game off. Since Feldman made 12 starts where he at least came out for the 7th and only failed making it to the 6th in 5 of his starts, I think he’s a great bet to be a horse for us next year. Remember that last year was only his second season starting as a pro player. This was the same basic thing I was saying last offseason when people just glossed over what Feldman did in his first year starting since college. He’s made massive improvements as a pitcher in a short period of time.

As for the others, Holland made 12 starts where he entered the 6th; Hunter had 14 starts. As rookies, this isn’t something to just gloss over either. The potential is there and I’d rather take my chances with potential than settle for mediocrity just because Player A has done it before while the young guy hasn’t.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 8:53 PM CST up reply actions  

As I pointed out below

Our bullpen looks to be configured with alot of guys who won’t have any options left. What that means is that if our starters don’t go deep into games and we tire out our pen we won’t have the flexibility to just bring guys up for a fresh arm.

The way it looks right now is FX2, CJ, Ray, Rapada, Nippert, and assuming we get a reliever in the rule 5 all will not be eligible to simply send down to get a fresh arm.

O’Day has options I believe but if hes pitching like last year I don’t think you want to have him be the shuttle guy.

Its something I think we may encounter especially during the summer when starters generally tire a little earlier and the pen gets used more

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions  

First of all, that's not really much of a problem

You are looking at possibly 10 games throughout the season where its a serious issue and then those games have to see the rotation struggle too. There’s always the DL to hide someone ineffective or give someone some time off and lets face it, our bullpen members don’t have the best injury history. Its just a non-issue IMO

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 8:58 PM CST up reply actions  

haha

You don’t have to tell me about Feldman. I’m a huge proponent and have been since 2008 when he made a few starts. In 2009 his pitching was dramatically better…seldom did anybody hit anything hard off him. I think there’s a good chance he’ll continue to get better in 2010; most people seem to think he’ll regress.

As for the rookies and sophomores, you just don’t usually see three of them in a playoff team’s rotation. Realistically when Harden is missing time you could see four of these guys behind Feldman. I think you can probably see why I’m uneasy with this, even if you don’t agree. Individually I really like most all of them, but you know how young pitchers can go haywire. You have several at once go haywire and suddenly there’s no stability in the rotation, the bullpen is taxed, and the offense is playing from behind all the time and with this team that likely means they get overanxious and try to do too much. Then again, if you are right and things go well, yes it’s better than having a Jon Garland or someone of that ilk. It’s a lot better. This is the best group of young Rangers pitchers I can remember. Hopefully they will step up.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 9:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Just what is everyones expectations of the 2010 Rangers?

I thought about creating a fanpost and asking this question but it should probably wait until Feb. I personally think 2010 the 50% contending and 50% development. So I have no problem dealing Millwood for an high risk Harden. Let the rookies, sophmores and other young players continue to develop. I think 2011 is the year the Rangers are s significant contender in the AL and not only AL West.

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 9:08 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't know what to expect.

They exceeded my expectations last year, that’s for sure, and based upon last year it looked like they were poised to make a lot of noise in the coming year, not 2011.

Adam just made a post. It’s not that far off from my line of thinking.

Back to your question, if the young starters come through half as well as people in this thread are predicting, they improve over last year. I think the offense could use some help but almost has to improve over last year’s painful exhibition. If I had to put a number on it, I’d say 90 to 95 wins if the young pitchers are good, and somewhere around .500 if they are not.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 9:23 PM CST up reply actions  

A lack of experience doesn't mean that a pitcher isn't good

I’m sure there are times when an inexperienced rotation went to the playoffs, but the reality is that you can’t view each of these guys as a whole group. If Holland has a 50/50 shot at being above average next season, then there’s a 50/50 shot we have a third guy behind Feldman and Harden. He’s not less likely to do well because Hunter might not work out and the Rangers will have to get number 6 on their depth chart some innings.

The stability of the rotation is going to be dependent on how well they pitch and how healthy they are. Is the rotation automatically better by replacing one of those guys with a 10 year veteran?

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 9:49 PM CST up reply actions  

Harden's gone 150 these past couple of seasons

well, 148 and 141but close enough. Who knows, maybe this is the year he finally breaks the 150 mark again.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions  

I'll drink to that

The guy can pitch, that’s for sure.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 6:45 PM CST up reply actions  

I hear you

I would love to have a couple of 200IP guys with sub-3.00 ERA potential as well.

But there aren’t too many of those guys out there. Millwood pitched a lot of innings, but they were pretty much league-average innings. And I’d rather have 140 Rich Harden innings than 200 Kevin Millwood innings (though obviously there is a break-even point).

The other options, like Josh Johnson, are going to cost you something like Feliz and Smoak (or a lot of other nice prospects). Few of the free agents are better options than Millwood in that regard. Would a better world have been to be able to keep Milly and sign Harden anyway? Probably. But given this situation and the breadth of the Rangers pitching staff (a lot of guys with potential to match Millwood’s productivity), I am not too worried about losing him.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Dec 9, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Millwood has some huge variance in his performance too

In his first season with Texas, he was an LAIE. Then he had 2 years filled with suck. Then last year he had a great first half while stumbling to finish the season with a good line. I’d say that next year, Millwood could be anything from absolute crap to a good LAIE.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 6:34 PM CST up reply actions  

So, did you go all day without knowing anything

or were you able to get updates throughout the day?

by tyd3311 on Dec 9, 2009 6:31 PM CST reply actions  

if I were snide and a pessimist

I’d say ‘60’ since he’ll be on the 60man DL before we know it.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Dec 9, 2009 6:33 PM CST up reply actions  

x

So who's todays mistress? They're coming out of the Woodswork!

by BigGuns on Dec 9, 2009 6:33 PM CST reply actions  

Adam

you have yet to opine on any of the moves. There’s probably a big post on the way but care for a preview. Would like to know what you think of Chris Ray’s potential or that trade in general

(also goes out to Brett)

by ab03 on Dec 9, 2009 6:34 PM CST reply actions  

Oh

I have lots of opinions. For one…oh.

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions  

My how times have changed

A potental front-line starter actually wants to come to Arlington?

(Brick mysteriously appears in back of jeans)

by eric_hurleys_rotator_cuff on Dec 9, 2009 6:35 PM CST reply actions  

Yup - where's the money whippin?

It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone. You count on it, rely on it to buffer the passage of time, to keep the memory of sunshine and high skies alive, and then just when the days are all twilight, when you need it most, it stops.

by WyoRanger on Dec 9, 2009 7:36 PM CST up reply actions  

Awesome!

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 6:35 PM CST reply actions  

I enjoy this

Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law

by Keynes on Dec 9, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions  

I have a shirt with this on it

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Dec 9, 2009 8:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Are you serious?

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Dec 9, 2009 8:15 PM CST up reply actions  

Yes sir...

I’ve seen him a few times but I’ve been too afraid to talk to him because I’m a nerd from the Internet.

by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 9, 2009 8:17 PM CST up reply actions  

ZOMG YOU MUST CONFRONT HIM AND TAKE A PICTURE WITH HIM

What do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze? Do they dream of mauling zebras, or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit?

by ghtd36 on Dec 9, 2009 8:18 PM CST up reply actions  

Dude!

You need to be best friends with that guy. Bring him a sixer and tell him you just moved to the neighborhood. Then make a buddy movie.

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Dec 9, 2009 8:20 PM CST up reply actions  

Lord knows I want to and would...

but he’s a rabble-rouser from what I know and I’m a gentle southern boy from Louisiana on a misguided mission for love.

God…this is a buddy movie.

by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 9, 2009 8:38 PM CST up reply actions  

The whistle tips...

have gone out of style in the Bay Area but it’s okay, the horrible screech of the BART zooming by is enough to keep us all up sposed be cookin’ breakfast.

by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 9, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions  

This just makes me greedy for more.

Pro baseball has always been a dream, so this is pretty freakin’ cool out here. -- Tim Steggall, undrafted Rangers minor leaguer.

by rooster on Dec 9, 2009 6:36 PM CST reply actions  

I soooooo can't wait

when rich harden is holding his texas ranger jersey up and posing for the cameras.

Always drinking one for the Rangers!

by mchang4 on Dec 9, 2009 6:38 PM CST reply actions   1 recs

 “The Texas Rangers are pleased to announce the signing of Rich Harden to a 1 year deal, with a club option for a 2nd year. This couldn’t be done without the work of Nolan Ryan, Jon Daniels and Thad Levine”

“With that said, let’s give a warm welcome to te newest Texas Ranger, Rich Harden” *Grabs blue Ranger cap and white Ranger jersey—holds it up with Jon Daniels and Nolan Ryan to his left and right—

by Too Legit To quit on Dec 9, 2009 6:44 PM CST via mobile up reply actions  

For

those who don’t consider Harden an ace and injury prone, read this.

"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron

by coolaid on Dec 9, 2009 6:44 PM CST reply actions  

That's some interesting shit.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 6:47 PM CST up reply actions  

They have rattlesnakes in Texas!

Funny…

"Just remember what ol' Jack Burton does when the earth quakes, and the poison arrows fall from the sky, and the pillars of Heaven shake. Yeah, Jack Burton just looks that big ol' storm right square in the eye and he says, "Give me your best shot, pal. I can take it."

by RCCook on Dec 9, 2009 6:48 PM CST up reply actions  

and funny...

uhhh…bitter, party of 22, your table is ready….

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by GhostofSteveFoucault on Dec 9, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions  

The Lackey GIF is serously hilarious

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 6:54 PM CST up reply actions  

Well, considering we just spent most of the 9 mil we're saving on Millwood next year

Probably so.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions  

Sheets

I think we are done with him, unless his reported asking price is accurate, then there’s a change he’s still out looking for a job in late February and maybe our ownership situation is cleared up and we get him on the cheap.

by Darrell McKown on Dec 9, 2009 6:51 PM CST up reply actions  

How much is he going to command in salary?

Wouldn’t it be worth it to take a flier on the guy if you can get him cheap?

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by GhostofSteveFoucault on Dec 9, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions  

We don't have anymore significant salary to shed that I can think of

So if we are involved, I’d guess it’d wait until the new owner comes in

by BuckyB on Dec 9, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions  

Anyone know when we can hope for the sale to go through?

I know it will take months but I can’t remember how many the other recent sales took.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 6:56 PM CST up reply actions  

It is next week for deciding who to sell too, I mean until

all the paperwork goes through and they actual have control over everything and can approve signings.

I need to actually read all these ownership articles, heh.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 7:00 PM CST up reply actions  

No

“sometime next week” is for the winning bid to be selected.

The sale won’t go through for several months after that.

by Darrell McKown on Dec 9, 2009 7:00 PM CST up reply actions  

I kinda doubt it takes that long

The books have been and are very open here, not too many details left to review.

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 7:35 PM CST up reply actions  

well if its quick maybe Sheets will still be around

If wants half of what hes asking for its going to take until hes throwing off a mound.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 7:38 PM CST up reply actions  

it's more about making sure all the creditors are lined up

and the winner is then approved by MLB, the NHL, the banks etc

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

by NothinG on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM CST up reply actions  

Well, we've got enough starters to go without him, he'd be a luxury you hope comes through

Which yeah as it stands pre-sale I suppose thats not what they can be thinking about.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 6:58 PM CST up reply actions  

I said this in one of these threads, but it fits here too

I don’t think Sheets is getting the money he’s looking for so he’s not going to be signing any time soon. That gives the ownership situation time to get straightened out to be able to afford adding Sheets. I think getting Harden here also makes it a guy like Sheets more important to get. Getting Harden is a sign that this team isn’t expecting to just lay down next season. Take 2 gambles on talented, but injury prone, pitchers and then you can afford to lose 30 starts between the two while still having a good rotation.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 7:48 PM CST up reply actions  

IT would be nice to have that

I would bet that Sheets ends up with a 4-5 million one year deal with a team option that locks in at an amount based on results.

What do voluntary mean?

by JKolar on Dec 9, 2009 8:46 PM CST up reply actions  

Our pitchers have some filthy stuff

I’d (personally) love to see a rotation that looks

Harden – Feldman – Feliz – C.J. – Holland

by BuckyB on Dec 9, 2009 6:52 PM CST reply actions  

Tommy Hunter

would like to have a word with you.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions  

I'd rather CJ in the bullpen and Tommy Hunter at #5

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 6:53 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah, that's probably going to be the better move

I would just love to have C.J. come out blazing at ST, earn the staff job, and keep it

Hunter will get in eventually on injury, I’m sure…. I just think that’d be an exciting-as-shit rotation

by BuckyB on Dec 9, 2009 6:55 PM CST up reply actions  

Kam Loe, Jamey Wright and Kris Benson all say hi

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:16 PM CST up reply actions  

CJ Wilson

…has more talent than those three put together.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 7:17 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah

I think CJ will do just fine in the rotation.

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 7:17 PM CST up reply actions  

I think he'd hold his own too

But I also think we have more than enough guys who can hold their own in the rotation while CJ makes the back of the ’pen nasty as heck.

I don’t particularly expect O’Day to be as awesome as 2009 again, so without CJ the guys right behind Fx2 look kinda ehh.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions  

CJ is need in the 'pen

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

by NothinG on Dec 9, 2009 8:31 PM CST up reply actions  

agreed

His is also going to make ~$5M next year, his second arb year. He is the setup man, backup closer and likely closer in 2011 after Frankie walks. Do you really want him to learn how to be a SP again when your team is a legit contender and has other legit options for the rotation?

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 7:21 PM CST up reply actions  

He won't make 5 mil next year

3-3.5 I imagine

Relievers, especially setup men, don’t get huge paydays in arbitration

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions  

you're right

I was thinking he made ~$3M this past year.

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 7:27 PM CST up reply actions  

I'd put extra emphasis on being able to go deep into games for the undecided spots

Given that between Harden and the 2009 debut guys there are going to be a lot of short outings.

That doesn’t fit CJ. Of course it may not fit any of the options. Maybe we should get millwood back =p

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 7:40 PM CST up reply actions  

well, one thing is for sure

Nippert’s job is safe. This team needs him as a long-man. For a guy who no one wanted and seemed to just hang around for the last two years, he sure has lucked into a decent gig.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Dec 9, 2009 7:46 PM CST up reply actions  

Nips deserves his spot though

He has started to live up to his potential, no?

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 7:51 PM CST up reply actions  

I've always liked him.

He looked real good at times last year.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 7:54 PM CST up reply actions  

He certainly deserves as much consideration for the roto as BMac

Just based on FIP/tRA

4.27 FIP, 4.70 tRA to BMac’s 4.70 FIP and 5.41 tRA.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:56 PM CST up reply actions  

I really like what Nip did for a stretch there

it really seems like his CU has come on, that pitch was nasty at times… Of course his control still can be totally whack

Feliz says his greatest thrill was striking out Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, one of his heroes. Yet, when he called to tell his parents, his mother had a request: Strike out New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, too.
"So when I did that," Feliz says, "I told my mom, 'There you go. There's your present. Don't ask me to strike anyone else out, OK?'

by blalock84 on Dec 10, 2009 12:29 AM CST up reply actions  

I mean, C.J. Wilson has dominated hitters for 2 years now

so it’d be about handling the innings without problem… it’s not like we’re pulling him out of no where

by BuckyB on Dec 9, 2009 7:17 PM CST up reply actions  

true, but I just love the way our pen sets up with O'day CJ and Frankie

hopefully Ray will come back healthy and give us a good MR arm and then the search is on for that ever elusive Lefty specialist… at least it wont be Eddie again

Feliz says his greatest thrill was striking out Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, one of his heroes. Yet, when he called to tell his parents, his mother had a request: Strike out New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, too.
"So when I did that," Feliz says, "I told my mom, 'There you go. There's your present. Don't ask me to strike anyone else out, OK?'

by blalock84 on Dec 10, 2009 12:30 AM CST up reply actions  

Load 'em up for Late October run

baby

Feliz says his greatest thrill was striking out Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, one of his heroes. Yet, when he called to tell his parents, his mother had a request: Strike out New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, too.
"So when I did that," Feliz says, "I told my mom, 'There you go. There's your present. Don't ask me to strike anyone else out, OK?'

by blalock84 on Dec 10, 2009 12:31 AM CST up reply actions  

So what does salary flexibility look like now?

about 5-6 million left to play with?

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 6:54 PM CST reply actions  

Nobody knows, but that sounds about right

Since JD mentioned that a main priority was to get a bat and some bullpen pieces, I assume that they still have some money left to do that, but given that they had to move Millwood in order to afford Harden’s $7.5 million, that “some” is probably “not much”.

by Telegraph on Dec 9, 2009 6:58 PM CST up reply actions  

So we still need:

Bat
Catcher
Bullpen people

Ummm….

by Telegraph on Dec 9, 2009 7:01 PM CST up reply actions  

A bat is the priority, right?

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by GhostofSteveFoucault on Dec 9, 2009 7:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Most likely

but I would think that no matter what happens, the catcher and bullpen people are going to get done since those constitute very urgent needs and probably won’t require a large amount of money

The bat, on the other hand, depends on how much money they have.

by Telegraph on Dec 9, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions  

Chris Ray is a bullpen people

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Wrong

Chris Ray is a bullpen person

by Telegraph on Dec 9, 2009 7:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Chris Ray

and Clay Rapada?

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions  

Not last year anyways

he was decent in 2006, and maybe the extra year from TJ will help him out?

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions  

He was coming back from TJ this year I believe

And he had .402 BABIP.

He can still strike people out though, so there’s the potential for him to be a solid 6th/7th inning type guy. He’s better than Grilli was, that’s for sure.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:09 PM CST up reply actions  

It's interesting

I think it’s pretty clear that they had a choice, and picked Ray with that choice. In other words, Orioles didn’t force them to take Ray and his salary back as a part of the deal. The deal could have easily been done as a simple salary dump without any return.

However, they chose to pick Ray – which means they think he is worth that million that he will get. You can get a lot of NRI bullpen people for $1 million nowadays, so the club must think Ray has some value.

by Telegraph on Dec 9, 2009 7:10 PM CST up reply actions  

Sign Thome...give TT the everyday job and let MaxRam or

Richardson back him up…

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by GhostofSteveFoucault on Dec 9, 2009 7:04 PM CST up reply actions  

Yup

Thome or Glaus are probably the only really worthwhile bats still in our pricerange.

None of the catchers on the FA market really represent an actual upgrade over Teagarden, so I’d just as soon roll with him.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:06 PM CST up reply actions  

I disagree

I think Vlad Guerrero has much more upside than either.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:06 PM CST up reply actions  

I think his contract is the hardest to predict out of the

general DH group.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 7:09 PM CST up reply actions  

It seems

that the market is pretty dead for OFs right now, especially with Bay and Holliday both on standby. I think we’ll start to see stuff move once Holliday signs.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:27 PM CST up reply actions  

I prefer Vlad of the current options too

lsj is not a fan =p

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions  

He knows that

He tried to bust my balls the last time I said I didn’t like Vlad, so he’s baiting me again.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:11 PM CST up reply actions  

heck yeh...Big Daddy Vladdy will rake ...

So who's todays mistress? They're coming out of the Woodswork!

by BigGuns on Dec 9, 2009 7:17 PM CST up reply actions  

Well

We saved 9 million dollars on Millwood by switching to Chris Ray. Turned around and gave Harden 7.5 of that for next year. So 1.5 mil left over from dumping Millwood, plus whatever pocket change we where shopping with at the meetings beforehand.

Still need to sign Glaus or Thome, so hopefully you’re correct.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 6:58 PM CST up reply actions  

td;lr

The trade is good because the Rangers used that money to sign Harden. Chris Ray is a decent gamble that might allow Neftali Feliz to pitch in the rotation.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:05 PM CST up reply actions  

He thinks we got good value for Millwood

Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law

by Keynes on Dec 9, 2009 7:06 PM CST up reply actions  

It was posted in the earlier thread

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 7:38 PM CST up reply actions  

Okay

So now it’s time for — you guessed it — Harden predictions!

What do you think Harden will give the Rangers in 2010?

I gotta say 145 ip, 3.70 ERA, 130 H, 65 BB, 180 K

It’s fun to guess.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 7:05 PM CST reply actions  

If the dude throws 11.4 K/9

Even Josey would have to come around

Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law

by Keynes on Dec 9, 2009 7:07 PM CST up reply actions  

Not unreasonable

He had close to 11 Ks per 9 last year I think.

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

by t ball on Dec 10, 2009 10:48 AM CST up reply actions  

Boom!

Feliz says his greatest thrill was striking out Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, one of his heroes. Yet, when he called to tell his parents, his mother had a request: Strike out New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, too.
"So when I did that," Feliz says, "I told my mom, 'There you go. There's your present. Don't ask me to strike anyone else out, OK?'

by blalock84 on Dec 10, 2009 12:33 AM CST up reply actions  

interesting

It’s interesting to revisit this thread from back in April and see what people’s thoughts were towards Harden signing with the Rangers this offseason.

http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/4/29/858729/wednesday-a-m-rangers-news#14997579

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Dec 9, 2009 7:07 PM CST reply actions  

Stumbled on this thread, poor Eric Hurley

Hurley for Harden?

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 7:15 PM CST up reply actions  

I guess theres player to be named with the millwood deal

any guess who it might be?

Always drinking one for the Rangers!

by mchang4 on Dec 9, 2009 7:09 PM CST reply actions  

Luke Scott

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:12 PM CST up reply actions  

Here's a name

Josh Perrault, RHP, BAL

I have been discriminating against older pitchers, but I’ll make an exception for the 27 year old Perrault. Baltimore selected Perrault in the AAA phase of the 2008 Rule 5 draft from Washington. He put up an impressive season in relief between AA and AAA in 2009, with a 2.12 ERA, a 9.2 K/9, and a 2.0 BB/9 in 72 innings pitched. That includes 32 innings in AAA with a 2.53 ERA, a 9.3 K/9, and a 2.5 BB/9 ratio.

I’m not sure I’d take Perrault with the number two pick, but with the Pirates looking for cheap bullpen options, he could be a good gamble for a second Rule 5 selection. Worst case scenario is that he doesn’t make the team out of Spring Training and gets sent back to Baltimore. Perrault pitched in the Arizona Fall League, throwing 89-91 MPH, with a 3.38 ERA, and a 6:5 K/BB ratio in 10.2 innings pitched.

Relief arm, rule 5 exposed, plenty of opportunity to be scouted by the Rangers.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:30 PM CST up reply actions  

One more reason to love the

Harden signing is that we won’t have to face him three-four times.

He would make our hitters look stupid, striking out a dozen or so batters.

"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron

by coolaid on Dec 9, 2009 7:09 PM CST reply actions  

8-9 WAR

If Harden is worth 4-5 wins, then us getting him instead of Seattle equals

8-9 Wins Above Rival

by BuckyB on Dec 9, 2009 7:13 PM CST reply actions  

Does this make us THE team to beat in the West? Or just put us about on par with the Angels?

by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Dec 9, 2009 7:20 PM CST reply actions  

no it makes us

the Arizona Cardinals of baseball

by corbsclinton on Dec 9, 2009 7:22 PM CST up reply actions  

We still have no DH

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions  

Angels make offer to Halladay
7:19pm: The Angels have made an offer, according to Bob Elliott of the Toronto Sun. They’d give up Joe Saunders, Erick Aybar and Peter Bourjos for Halladay. Saunders and Aybar are set to become free agents after 2012. Halladay, of course, would have to approve any deal, but one unnamed executive implies the Angels believe Halladay would accept.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 7:24 PM CST up reply actions  

That deal is pitiful

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 7:24 PM CST up reply actions  

for which side?

Ephesians 3:20-21...and I can only imagine

by TedFord on Dec 9, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions  

For the Jays

Awful return on Halladay.

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions  

good...let's hope they keep shopping

Ephesians 3:20-21...and I can only imagine

by TedFord on Dec 9, 2009 7:26 PM CST up reply actions  

If the Toronto GM takes that deal

he needs to be fired. And then JP Riccardi should be banned from Canada.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:25 PM CST up reply actions  

I can't believe

Eric Ayabar has become a deal breaker for the Angels.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:28 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah

I would be so sick to my stomach if I were a Blue Jays fan and they dealt him this winter for that pile.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2009 7:29 PM CST up reply actions  

Is bourjos particularly good?

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 7:43 PM CST up reply actions  

.281/.354/.423/.778 as a CFer in AA last year

32/44 in SBs

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 7:47 PM CST up reply actions  

So less awesome Julio Borbon?

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:52 PM CST up reply actions  

Just heard on MLB Radio that the Angels have offered...

Aybar and Saunders and a couple of spares for Halliday

Ephesians 3:20-21...and I can only imagine

by TedFord on Dec 9, 2009 7:23 PM CST reply actions  

x
SI_JonHeyman according to toronto sun, #angels offer LHP joe
saunders, SS erick aybar and OF peter bourjos for halladay. but would he go?

by tyd3311 on Dec 9, 2009 7:23 PM CST up reply actions  

I doubt they spend the 2 months talking deals last season

and then accept the first offer made to them in December… especially as underwhelming a deal as that is

by BuckyB on Dec 9, 2009 7:26 PM CST up reply actions  

They're in a hard place right now

the Yankees just blew their prospect load, the Red Sox seem passive, the Dodgers can’t add money to the payroll, and everyone else is kind of just standing around. That + Halladay’s demand to be traded before spring training might mean some team steals him.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:35 PM CST up reply actions  

Weird

The Angels have already lost Figgins, why would they take out another bat in Aybar for Halladay since they already have a solid rotation?

by BoReed on Dec 9, 2009 7:37 PM CST up reply actions  

Their rotation as it stands

is Ervin Santana, Jered Weaver, Joe Saunders, X, X

That’s not solid.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:40 PM CST up reply actions  

Ouch

And the Lackey bridge has been burned.

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 7:42 PM CST up reply actions  

Yep

It’s pretty questionable but those fucking Angels will come up with something. I hope to God it is not Halladay.

by Black Francis on Dec 9, 2009 7:43 PM CST up reply actions  

Totally forgot about him

I haven’t seen anything baseball related for like 3 months

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 7:53 PM CST up reply actions  

Joe Saunders is about as worthwhile as a garbage dumpster in the sahara

and Santana and Kazmir aint the safest arms to bet on… I hope they all get hurt in ST, but im sure they’ll still find three spares to win 10 + games for them

Feliz says his greatest thrill was striking out Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, one of his heroes. Yet, when he called to tell his parents, his mother had a request: Strike out New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, too.
"So when I did that," Feliz says, "I told my mom, 'There you go. There's your present. Don't ask me to strike anyone else out, OK?'

by blalock84 on Dec 10, 2009 12:37 AM CST up reply actions  

Aybar

Is only under control for 2 more years and his career season this year was buoyed by a career-high .342 BABIP. Since walking isn’t his game, his offense should come back down to it’s normal suck this year when the BABIP goes back down to normal levels.

While most of his value lies in his defense, he’s still a guy they should probably be selling high on if they can.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:46 PM CST up reply actions  

Actually check that

He’s under control for 3 years. My bad.

Still a good sell-high candidate though.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:49 PM CST up reply actions  

If we can trade for Jorge Cantu...

and somehow still sign Ben Sheets, I would call that a solid offseason.

Football=Fling... Baseball=Relationship

by Wemedge on Dec 9, 2009 7:32 PM CST reply actions  

Jorge Cantu isn't worth trading for

Not when you can probably find some one comparable in the non-tender line.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:34 PM CST up reply actions  

I

will settle for Duchscherer and a bat.

"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron

by coolaid on Dec 9, 2009 7:36 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Yes

Sign me up for Duchscherer and Vlad.

by MikeEl on Dec 9, 2009 7:45 PM CST up reply actions  

meh @ cantu

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 7:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Oh MLB.com posters...

you rival only the DMN blog in terms of sheer What The Fuck:

"So this is what it has come to? We give away our “ace” for a possible set-up guy that hasnt pitched effectively in almost 3 yrs. Now we replace him with a washed up Cubs castaway on a 1 yr. deal?We let our best backup infielder walk to Chicago where he signs for a million.Now our big treat to look forward to is the possibility of signing Ben Sheets who didn’t even play AT ALL last year?The rest of you can keep drinking the Ranger kool-aid if you want to . But I think loyal fans of a MLB franchise in the countries 5th largest market deserve a better off-season than this.Dumping salary ????We arent the “98 Marlins. Or ARE we? This is ridiculous.”

by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 9, 2009 7:36 PM CST reply actions   1 recs

Too cogent

"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.

by Rodney on Dec 9, 2009 7:52 PM CST up reply actions  

Wow

It’s amazing to me how incredibly baseball stupid a person can be despite having this kind of passion for a baseball team.

by BoReed on Dec 9, 2009 7:39 PM CST up reply actions  

The only thing this is missing

Is a good rant on how we let our beloved Pudge walk to the Nats for 3 million per year.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 7:47 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't use multiple punctuation marks enough

in my everyday life!!!???

That's why they call them business sox

by egriffey on Dec 9, 2009 8:11 PM CST up reply actions  

Get the Burrell done

ang get the new owner to sign off on a Halladay deal for less than what you were going to give at the trade deadline and beat the angels offer, and my off-season wish will be complete. I won’t ask for anything else for XMAS, I promise.

by corbsclinton on Dec 9, 2009 7:37 PM CST reply actions  

True to this

But it’s nice to see this happen, regardless.

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 7:58 PM CST up reply actions  

What's the possibilty of addings Sheets

IF the team gets the ownership situation resolved?

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 8:04 PM CST reply actions  

less

"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan

by Dirk Diggler on Dec 9, 2009 10:28 PM CST up reply actions  

This falls in the "no shit" category...
8:03pm: Alex Speier of WEEI.com hears that the Red Sox will have to pick up most of Lowell’s salary for a deal to go down. Texas would use Lowell at first, third and DH.

"Stats are like a woman in a fine little bikini. You can see a lot, but you can't see everything." -Dirk A. Tron

by coolaid on Dec 9, 2009 8:06 PM CST reply actions  

I don't see why we're so hot after Lowell

He’s only really been worth a shit once out of the last 5 years as far as offense goes. He’s not really productive enough to be a DH and with his gimp hip now his defensive value is probably mostly gone or seriously impaired.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:14 PM CST up reply actions  

Eehhh, it all depends on the terms for me.

Bill James has written him in at a .795 OPS next year. MaxRam for Lowell and a bunch of cash would all depend on how much “a bunch” is.

What do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze? Do they dream of mauling zebras, or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit?

by ghtd36 on Dec 9, 2009 8:17 PM CST up reply actions  

795 OPS at DH stinks.

And please nobody tell me it doesn’t matter because we’d just platoon him with the great David Murphy or something.

God I hate David Murphy this winter.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:19 PM CST up reply actions  

The fact that they're discussing this...

…tells me that not only have they all but given up on MaxRam, but also that Smoak clearly isn’t ready.

Sidebar: who’s your avatar?

What do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze? Do they dream of mauling zebras, or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit?

by ghtd36 on Dec 9, 2009 8:21 PM CST up reply actions  

Miranda Lambert

Again. It was Kristen Bell for awhile, but I found that shot of ’Ran and changed it back.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:22 PM CST up reply actions  

Aaaah, Miranda Lambert.

Underrated.

What do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze? Do they dream of mauling zebras, or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit?

by ghtd36 on Dec 9, 2009 8:23 PM CST up reply actions  

.881 OPS

vs, lefties in the last 3 years. Solid walk rate, decent in a platoon situation, still a pretty good defender. He has value, though I’d like to see the Red Sox include a lot of money and maybe a PTBNL.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:22 PM CST up reply actions  

Well, he'd make a good bench bat then I suppose

I’d still want to sign Jim Thome to DH against righties though.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:23 PM CST up reply actions  

Murphy.

We don’t really need a LH 4th OF who can’t really play CF, and if we’re hell-bent on moving CJ to the roto, Murphy for another bullpen arm makes a lot of sense to me.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:27 PM CST up reply actions  

Hmm

I’m not too keen on dumping Murphy.

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 8:27 PM CST up reply actions  

A league average offense player who only has defensive value on the OF corners

Extremely replaceable.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:36 PM CST up reply actions  

Keep in mind our budget

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions  

OK

Replace him AND add everything else we need on a shoestring budget.

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 8:43 PM CST up reply actions  

Why?

Just look at Fangraphs where you take all this information as gospel. Last year he was worth 1.2 wins above a replacement player. 2 years ago it was 1.5. By definition, that means he is significantly better than a replacement player. Also, you are basing his defensive value in CF off of a couple hundred innings there.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions  

Jim Thome

what’s the difference between 39 Y.O. Jim Thome vs. RHP and 28 Y.O. David Murphy vs. RHP? .05 of SLG?

You’re being ridiculous.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:28 PM CST up reply actions  

If we're just going by RH splits

Thome’s .262/.383/.498 line against them this year is a lot better than Murphy’s .279/.357/.476.

Fangraphs has estimated Thome to put up about a .365 wOBA next year, a lot better than Murphy’s high .330’s offense.

If you don’t like Thome, fine, but I just don’t want David effing Murphy DHing the majority of our games for us next year. He’s not that good of a hitter, IMO.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:33 PM CST up reply actions  

With Hamilton

and Young (and even Kinsler) being injury risks, we’re not in the market for a fulltime, DH-only player.

David Murphy is a fine hitter, .833 vs RHP is respectable. More importantly, he’s cheap and he can play the OF on the days you want to rest Hamilton. Just like Lowell can play 3B on days you want to rest Young. These players give us more adaptability relative to their role than a guy like Thome. Sometimes you have to make decisions outside of a OPS vacuum LSJ.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:36 PM CST up reply actions  

He also wOBAd over 350 vs RHP

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:38 PM CST up reply actions  

Really, the more I think about this type of move

The more I get behind it. There’s not much money to work with so you have to fill all your needs internally with some flexible players brought in through trades or FA. With Lowell, the search for a util IF becomes more of a search for a solid backup MIF while you also get another back-up plan for Davis without rushing Smoak.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 8:46 PM CST up reply actions  

And the potential upside

of a player with 1 year left on his contract is amazing. It’s not out of the question he puts up his 2007-2008 #s. Then, you might be staring @ a 1st round pick.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Thats not "alot" better

Considering the money difference I’d say its negligible if not in Murphys favor

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions  

and

at this point, we’re not looking for an everyday DH, we’re looking for guys with flexibility. Lowell (Somewhat) fits this role, Murphy fits this role, given that the only position Thome can play is DH, what exactly do we gain with him?

Jim Thome is a nice player, but he’s not really that good of a fit.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM CST up reply actions  

Well they may have touched base with vlad/glaus/johnson

And decided it probably wouldn’t happen, meanwhile if Boston is going after Beltre they are motivated to move Lowell.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 8:18 PM CST up reply actions  

We're after Lowell because he can DH

while still giving the team back-up options at the corner infield spots. He also hits lefties well which is exactly what this team is looking for in a DH since the other 2 current DH options are Hamilton and Murphy.

And Murphy is so much better than what you give him credit for, its getting near your Wash-hate insanity. Murphy is a 27 year old who gives you good defense in the COF spots, can play CF, has a 107 career OPS+ and also has an .284/.349/.491 line against righties all at a ridiculously affordable price. You’re guy Thome went .262/.383/.498 against righties last season. You want to spend at least a few million more dollars on a 38/39 year old Thome who will only be able to DH and maybe play 1B, dump Murphy, and hope that Thome doesn’t get much worse next season. And this is the season right after Murphy started walking a lot more and had a much better approach at the plate. Oh yeah, he’s also entering his prime years while still making only 500K.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions  

well said

Murph does not need to be dumped right now… Partner him with a good RH bat like Lowell and lets go.

Feliz says his greatest thrill was striking out Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz, one of his heroes. Yet, when he called to tell his parents, his mother had a request: Strike out New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez, too.
"So when I did that," Feliz says, "I told my mom, 'There you go. There's your present. Don't ask me to strike anyone else out, OK?'

by blalock84 on Dec 10, 2009 12:42 AM CST up reply actions  

x
ed_price Some word that Mike Lowell from #RedSox to #Rangers
(as reported elsewhere) is heating up, but still trying to confirm myself.
3 minutes ago

by tyd3311 on Dec 9, 2009 8:18 PM CST reply actions  

Would lsb be happy about this? I'd like it I guess.

Wouldn’t be a bad deal.

I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'

by iorange555 on Dec 9, 2009 8:23 PM CST up reply actions  

its certainly not a flashy/exciting move

But I’d at least feel confident we wouldn’t have some black hole in the lineup.. hes consistently ok and yeah we could platoon a bit.

There are several other options I’d much prefer, but I wouldn’t go crazy bashing JD over it.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 8:27 PM CST up reply actions  

Vlad, Nick Johnson or Troy Glaus

Vlad will probably cost too much, hard to judge.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 8:48 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't know about Troy

I’d take nick or vlad, though.

I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'

by iorange555 on Dec 9, 2009 8:51 PM CST up reply actions  

God...

could the Rangers troupe only afford to stay Monday and Tuesday night and have to get all of their business in before the red eye on Southwest leaves or something?

by ghostofErikThompson on Dec 9, 2009 8:24 PM CST up reply actions  

JD quotes
We could have done this a day or two ago," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "But we wanted to have a better idea of what we could realistically do with the money and we’re more comfortable now with the way the money is going to be spent.
“It’s safe to say we wouldn’t have made this trade in a vacuum. We’re not saving money for the bottom line, we’re saving money to improve the club in other areas. There are a lot intertwining pieces.”

link

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 8:24 PM CST reply actions  

Sounds like they know what they are doing for DH

here comes mr lowell

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 8:26 PM CST up reply actions  

Nah.

That’s a pretty good guy to get.

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM CST up reply actions  

It depends on how much money the Red Sox are picking up

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 8:34 PM CST up reply actions  

In the words of Gordon Edes

it’ll have to be a ton.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions  

Alright then, I'm on board

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions  

well done. JD has made some shrewd moves this week

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

by NothinG on Dec 9, 2009 8:28 PM CST reply actions  

Tommy Hunter and Chris Davis

on with Ben and Skin on 103.3 now

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 8:28 PM CST reply actions  

moved to 103.3 apparently

I thought they were off the air too

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 8:29 PM CST up reply actions  

If you thought they were annoying on air

Follow them on twitter, my god.

I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'

by iorange555 on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM CST up reply actions  

I can't believe they still have a show...

I think I’d rather listed to Bacsik for 3 hours (shivers)

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by GhostofSteveFoucault on Dec 9, 2009 8:42 PM CST up reply actions  

Jeez, they're not that bad

Bacsik is cancer on the airwaves.

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 8:43 PM CST up reply actions  

Holland on next

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions  

derek holland after the break now

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions  

That’s not a terrible Arnold impression by Holland.

by Bandire on Dec 9, 2009 8:43 PM CST up reply actions  

OT: Christmas gift

Need a Christmas gift idea for my dad; 57-year-old guy who loves him some Rangers, some Illinois Fighting Illini, and is very independent (i.e. he will absolutely not hire a repairman and he’ll thank you for not asking again).

Thoughts?

What do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze? Do they dream of mauling zebras, or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit?

by ghtd36 on Dec 9, 2009 8:30 PM CST reply actions  

Lube and a playboy

I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'

by iorange555 on Dec 9, 2009 8:31 PM CST up reply actions  

i.Orange!!!

lube, playboy and viagra. he’s 57!!

So who's todays mistress? They're coming out of the Woodswork!

by BigGuns on Dec 9, 2009 9:32 PM CST up reply actions  

get him a Kason Gabbard jersey

my wife bought me the classic Ranger cap last year from the late 70’s early 80’s which was pretty cool.

there is always the Newberg Report as a gift.

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

by NothinG on Dec 9, 2009 8:34 PM CST up reply actions  

lmfao

I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'

by iorange555 on Dec 9, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions  

Wow.

Nevermind then. Disregard my above post.

What do tigers dream of when they take a little tiger snooze? Do they dream of mauling zebras, or Halle Berry in her Catwoman suit?

by ghtd36 on Dec 9, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions  

get him a coffin...

"The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic" - Charles Darwin, you know who he is...

by 8legs2fangs on Dec 9, 2009 9:32 PM CST up reply actions  

This makes up for Harden I think

Corey Patterson signs with Mariners

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 8:37 PM CST reply actions  

LOLZ

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:37 PM CST up reply actions  

This is all kinds of awesome

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Dec 9, 2009 8:40 PM CST up reply actions  

oh, wow...

what a steal…JD must be kicking himself for missing out on that one…LOL!

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by GhostofSteveFoucault on Dec 9, 2009 8:43 PM CST up reply actions  

After the Kris Benson experience

we really have very little room to mock other’s NRIs.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions  

good point...

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by GhostofSteveFoucault on Dec 9, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions  

since when do you pass up an opportunity to mock?

btw, glad you’re back from wherever it was you were. We need more die in a fires around here.

"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan

by Dirk Diggler on Dec 9, 2009 10:34 PM CST up reply actions  

Can someone explain this Mike Lowell rumor to me?

If Boston is picking up most of his salary, I like it. Will that really happen? Is Lowell a strong enough bat at DH?

by Agreen07 on Dec 9, 2009 8:37 PM CST reply actions  

yes

I would imagine 8-10 million of his salary would be picked up by Boston. A Lowell/Murphy platoon at DH would be pretty stout

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:39 PM CST up reply actions  

I think he'll get 300-400 ABs

At his age and with the money hes making I would hope he’d be happy

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:48 PM CST up reply actions  

today was a good day

what an emotional roller coaster that was.

way to go JD!

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

by NothinG on Dec 9, 2009 8:41 PM CST reply actions  

I've been at work all day.

I got a few text now and then saying the Granderson trade was confirmed, etc. Then at my register, I saw that Milly did indeed get traded for C-Ray. Thought to myself, something else is about to happen; either Harden or Sheets is going to sign.

Needless to say when I got home and read Jamey’s email, I did a huge fist pump and yelled.

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions  

did you honestly yell?

I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'

by iorange555 on Dec 9, 2009 8:45 PM CST up reply actions  

Yes sir.

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 8:45 PM CST up reply actions  

More importantly

I’d like proof of the fist pump.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:46 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't know how to prove it.

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 8:46 PM CST up reply actions  

Will do.

Should I leave my pants up, or pull them down?

"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

by jdh90 on Dec 9, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions  

Depends

Are you shooting this video in a high school? Because if you are, you’ll need to pull them down or people will know you don’t belong there.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:48 PM CST up reply actions  

Indeed!!!

I reject your reality and substitute my own.

by GhostofSteveFoucault on Dec 9, 2009 8:46 PM CST up reply actions  

Sweet
Evan_P_Grant Sources tell me as part of Millwood deal, Baltimore
will send its selection in Rule V draft (third overall) to #Rangers.

by tyd3311 on Dec 9, 2009 8:43 PM CST reply actions  

Nice.

Guess that means they like someone.

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions  

You'll have to kick in more than Arenas

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 9:24 PM CST up reply actions  

Hmm

He’s not ’07 Amare so far.

Do you like Morrow?

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 9:58 PM CST up reply actions  

I do

but I don’t know if I want to deal him for a pair of shooters right now, especially with Gasol struggling.

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 10:10 PM CST up reply actions  

Well

If you’d rather bank on Biedrins…

by brettgardner on Dec 9, 2009 10:35 PM CST up reply actions  

Hmm.

Maybe, I’ll have to see him play first.

I think Luke French has a lot of potential. TORP potential.-Dstar

by sprite on Dec 9, 2009 10:55 PM CST up reply actions  

excellent

let’s get that kid from Tampa.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:44 PM CST up reply actions  

in addition to the PTBNL?

or does the pick count as the PTBNL …

by BHill on Dec 9, 2009 8:45 PM CST up reply actions  

that is the PTBNL

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:45 PM CST up reply actions  

Considering their

top heavy farm system, I’d much prefer the 3rd pick in the draft.

I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan

by FirebatM3 on Dec 9, 2009 8:46 PM CST up reply actions  

Cool.

Now I’m kind of excited to see who we pick.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 8:45 PM CST up reply actions  

I think the Ranger definitely

have their eye on someone. Do they go LHP, RHP, IF?

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions  

I doubt IF given our acquisitions of Inglett and Lowell

most likely bullpen fodder

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:49 PM CST up reply actions  

Only problem with that

Is it eliminates another guy from the pen with options since he won’t be able to be sent down.

As it looks right now Frankie (unless he absolutely sucks), CJ (same as Frankie since I don’t think he’ll be a starter), Nippert, rule 5 guy, Rapada (if he makes the team), and Ray all will be out of options. That reduces your flexibility if you need a fresh arm. Which seeing as how we gave Millwood away and are going to be counting on a bunch of young guys and injury risks isn’t very good to hear.

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:52 PM CST up reply actions  

The team needs a backup SS.

Inglett is more a 5th OF and may be expendable if the Lowell deal goes through. They may draft a MIF and see what they hav ein ST. They can always send him back to his original team.

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 8:56 PM CST up reply actions  

Inglett plays 2B also

Which given Kinslers history is alot more in need than a backup SS.

We can stash a Esteban German type in OKC in case Elvis goes down

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 8:57 PM CST up reply actions  

IIRC

there are a couple of solid bullpen options, yes?

by Sherman McCoy on Dec 9, 2009 8:47 PM CST up reply actions  

i'm sure there are

I'm just goofin' new boot goofin'

by iorange555 on Dec 9, 2009 8:50 PM CST up reply actions  

cool

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 8:48 PM CST up reply actions  

x
ed_price Definitely activity on #Rangers-#RedSox-Mike Lowell.
Lowell could play 1B in Texas till Smoak ready.

by tyd3311 on Dec 9, 2009 9:00 PM CST reply actions  

COME ON!

TCU AD/PR Student: I Need A Job

by PM Productions on Dec 9, 2009 9:01 PM CST up reply actions  

Hmn
Lowell could play 1B in Texas till Smoak ready.

Is CD on the move, or is this a reference to platoon situation?

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 9:02 PM CST up reply actions  

just an idiot

He is assuming they wouldnt DH lowell, but rather CD…

TCU AD/PR Student: I Need A Job

by PM Productions on Dec 9, 2009 9:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah

I expect too much knowledge of our inner workings from the media sometimes.

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 9:04 PM CST up reply actions  

I think Davis may sit against tough lefties

And if he gets off to a slow start I don’t think we will wait as long as we did last year to do something

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 9:03 PM CST up reply actions  

Bring up Boggs

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 9:05 PM CST up reply actions  

You're going to make Boggs the platoon DH against lefties?

Really?

I like the idea of Boggs (or someone like him) as the fifth outfielder/backup CF, but not as a regular starter.

Do you want to try again?

by cstorm15 on Dec 9, 2009 9:08 PM CST up reply actions  

How much playing time does the platoon DH against lefties get?

Not that much.

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 9:09 PM CST up reply actions  

Thirty percent of our at bats were against LHP last year

If we’re going to pencil Boggs in for around 200 ABs, then we really aren’t interested in contending next year (assuming no injuries).

I like Boggs, but that’s just stupid.

by cstorm15 on Dec 9, 2009 9:14 PM CST up reply actions  

Well I don't think it will happen from day 1

So I imagine around 100 ABs spread out throughout the year isn’t going to kill us

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 9:29 PM CST up reply actions  

Uhh Lowell

Lowell gets the DH against LHP. If Davis starts slow and is sent down you bring up Boggs.

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 10, 2009 9:53 AM CST up reply actions  

You're talking in circles.

Please complete the following form:

1b Starter against RHP: ________________
1b Starter against LHP: ________________
DH Starter against RHP: ________________
DH Starter against LHP: ________________

by cstorm15 on Dec 10, 2009 10:20 AM CST up reply actions  

This is all dependant on Davis being sent down if he has a slow start

Otherwise davis is your everyday 1B who may get an occasional day off against a tough lefty. David Murphy isn’t going to have 0 PA against LHP. But he shouldn’t have alot.

If Davis goes down Lowell will most likely move to 1B and I would imagine Boggs could be brought up who would be an ideal platoon partner with Murphy

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 10, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions  

That's not a very good plan

Besides, don’t you think that Smoak would be called up if Davis was sent down?

by cstorm15 on Dec 10, 2009 1:11 PM CST up reply actions  

Go back to the start of this discussion

It says Lowell could play 1B until Smoak is ready. Thats exactly what I laid out to happen should Davis start off slow and get sent down

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 10, 2009 6:30 PM CST up reply actions  

That's where AJM's Joe Inglett/Murphy platoon prediction comes true

I failed my LSB ethics test.

"It's kind of a new stat that's in vogue" - Joe Buck on OPS

by lonestarJon on Dec 9, 2009 9:05 PM CST up reply actions  

why does someone need to platoon with Murphy

he’s the 4th OFer, valuable bench asset who will play when needed

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

by NothinG on Dec 9, 2009 9:08 PM CST up reply actions  

He sucks against lefties

With Lowell at DH theres nowhere for Murph to play against them but if Lowell has to go to 1st then Murphy would be the DH I suppose. If its only for a week or two I could live with it but not long term

Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.

by bigsteve on Dec 9, 2009 9:11 PM CST up reply actions  

ha ha ha

Why do people such as Ed Price make comments like that when they have no knowledge of the Rangers?

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 9:02 PM CST up reply actions  

Ed Price confirmed with sources that Rangers and Sox are hot and heavy

ed_price
  
Definitely activity on #Rangers-#RedSox-Mike Lowell. Lowell could play 1B in Texas till Smoak ready.

TCU AD/PR Student: I Need A Job

by PM Productions on Dec 9, 2009 9:01 PM CST reply actions  

Nice

Lowell might be a liability on defense but can still rake. Doubles machine.

by BoReed on Dec 9, 2009 9:03 PM CST reply actions  

rake

is overstating it.

.274/.338/.461, .290/.337/.474 the past two years, hasn’t had 30 doubles either season in 419, 445 AB.

by Brett Perryman on Dec 9, 2009 9:10 PM CST up reply actions  

Whats your general DH preference?

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Dec 9, 2009 9:11 PM CST up reply actions  

Milton Bradley if its the same cost as it is for Lowell

If not, then Lowell is the best RH/SH DH I have heard named that we could reasonably get.

TCU AD/PR Student: I Need A Job

by PM Productions on Dec 9, 2009 9:13 PM CST up reply actions  

FYI

AJM has a depressing post on the fron page. :(

|Space for Rent|

by RangerMad on Dec 9, 2009 9:17 PM CST reply actions  

haha

I just got on him

TCU AD/PR Student: I Need A Job

by PM Productions on Dec 9, 2009 9:23 PM CST up reply actions  

....
Ken_Rosenthal Lowell to Texas being discussed. Source: “Kicking
of tires, but not very far along. Right now, I don’t see it, but..”

by tyd3311 on Dec 9, 2009 9:29 PM CST reply actions  

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