Wednesday a.m. Rangers stuff
by Adam J. Morris on Feb 25, 2009 9:15 AM CST
72 comments
Okay, I'm ready for some spring training games...although in about two weeks, I'll be bitching about spring training games and will be complaining the season is too far away.
But for now, I'm ready for spring training games.
Jeff Wilson has some info from the intrasquad game, and notes that Kris Benson will be getting the start today in the spring opener, while Travis Metcalf is taking some balls at first base to improve his versatility.
Elvis Andrus and Andruw Jones are pegged as the top stories of this spring. Andrus says he's eager to get out there and play in some games.
T.R. Sullivan says the pitching is key for the Rangers, and runs down some guys who could contribute this year.
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Metcalf
Glad to hear he is taking balls at 1B. He could be a viable backup 3B/1B maybe OF for someone. If ha could play those 3 positions now I would rather have him on the team then Cat.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Feb 25, 2009 9:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather have Pete Incaviglia on the team than Cat right now
by JBImaknee on Feb 25, 2009 9:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
At this point, it's not who you would rather have on the team than Cat
But who wouldn’t you rather have on the team than Cat?
For me, about the only guy I can think of is Laird.
Yeah. Spies. They're little guys with beady eyes and long fingernails. They plant bugs that can pick up the hush of a man's heartbeat - or the whisper of a falling hair.
by lonestarJon on Feb 25, 2009 1:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
if Metcalf wants to become a more viable MLer
he needs to learn how to play SS, not 1b.
Doctor please. Some more of these.
by tricer on Feb 25, 2009 9:36 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Considering the fairly worthless Cat is on the roster
it shouldn’t take much for him to bump Cat. Cat isn’t a slam dunk to hit better, and he has no defensive ability.
Get off my lawn.
by DJCahill on Feb 25, 2009 9:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Shirley, you jest.
About Metcalf having any shot at converting to SS, that is.
But Metcalf is a pretty agile 3b, iirc, and he’d probably have a pretty good chance at playing a decent 2b if he got some reps there.
If he could be a compitent backup at 3rd, 2nd, 1st and COF, he might just carve out a major league career for himself.
I doubt it, though.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
I hate Michael Young.
"I don’t have any respect for anybody on here. Everyone on here is a fucking asshole who thinks they’re god compared to everyone else." -iorange555, throwing one of his patented sandy-vagina'd hissy fits.
by thedirkatron on Feb 25, 2009 9:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Can he play 2nd with any regularity?
I had not considered Travis Metcalf at second base beyond an extreme emergency.
by FuturePants on Feb 25, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if Michael Young can pass himself off as a shortstop...
Yeah. Spies. They're little guys with beady eyes and long fingernails. They plant bugs that can pick up the hush of a man's heartbeat - or the whisper of a falling hair.
by lonestarJon on Feb 25, 2009 1:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
i laughed at that too
but this year, I think it could be “more key” than in the past. I think our defense will be much improved and our offense has the potential to be the best in baseball if Cruz is for real and Jones has something left (and if those things don’t prove to be true, it will still be a solid offense). So the progress our pitching staff makes under Maddux (esp the rotation) should be the single-most limiting factor on the year.
by clark on Feb 25, 2009 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Jones has demonstrated he has something left
4 – 5?!? Gawwd!
by BuckyB on Feb 25, 2009 10:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Its not like Cat is head and shoulders a better hitter, and Metcalf is a much better defensive option.
Cat was better once upon a time than Metcalf will ever be as a hitter, but that was long ago and far away.
Get off my lawn.
by DJCahill on Feb 25, 2009 9:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
If Metcalf can get these other positions down
I’d be on board for him over Cat as well. ..Sadly =( Cat’s awesome..but his place on this team just isn’t there anymore.
by Mike E on Feb 25, 2009 9:42 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
If Orlando Hudson can only get $ 3 million
in this free agent market, there’s simply no way JD is going to be able to trade Cat.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Feb 25, 2009 9:46 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
this thought that you can trade him is ridiculous.
However, it is equally ridiculous to hold onto him just because he is under contract. It costs you the same amount of money to go with Metcalf or Cat, and Metcalf is simply more versatile. Not that that is saying much. Now that Cat is a 775 or so OPS platoon hitter with no defense, he simply isn’t worth carrying.
Get off my lawn.
by DJCahill on Feb 25, 2009 10:09 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This is pretty close to how I feel...
…don’t hurt yourself twice. Once (paying the $6MM) is bad enough. Twice (also burning a 40 man/25 man spot) is really silly.
If he isn’t going to help you and you can’t trade him then simply release him at the end of ST.
We couldn't have known it at the time but we definitely killed the wrong Belushi brother.
by Chad Crudup on Feb 25, 2009 10:49 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Millwood's Contract
If he misses 180 innings, we can negate the last year of his contract? Sweet. That should help his outlook this year.
by 3Bagger on Feb 25, 2009 10:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Wednesday spring update, Rangers lineup:
Here’s the Rangers lineup for the exhibition opener today against Kansas City left-hander Horacio Ramirez. Kris Benson will start for the Rangers.
Ian Kinsler, 2B
Michael Young, 3B
Josh Hamilton, CF
Nelson Cruz, RF
Hank Blalock, DH
David Murphy, LF
Chris Davis, 1B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Elvis Andrus, SS
— Jeff Wilson
"It doesn't look like he's trying. It kinda pisses me off," "He could throw 110 if he tried. The way it explodes out of his hand is really something special." ~ B-Mac on Feliz.
by Kinslerhomer on Feb 25, 2009 10:20 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
3 lefties
I know Marlon Byrd, if healthy, would get the start normally in LF against a LHP which makes this a non-issue really but if you are going to bat 3 lefties in a row I would much rather see Davis above Murphy than the other way around
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 Feb 25, 2009 10:33 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What are Davis/Blalock/Murphy's numbers v. lefties last year?
by BuckyB on Feb 25, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Here ya go
2008 vs LHP
Davis: .279/.323/.593 in 93 PA
Hank: .277/.337/.566 in 92 PA
Murphy: .258/.290/.379 in 131 PA
Career vs LHP
Murphy: .279/.310/.415 in 155 PA
Hank: .231/.285/.371 in 925 PA
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 Feb 25, 2009 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wash really seems to have this complex
That Davis can’t bat higher than 7th, even a spring training game.
Yeah. Spies. They're little guys with beady eyes and long fingernails. They plant bugs that can pick up the hush of a man's heartbeat - or the whisper of a falling hair.
by lonestarJon on Feb 25, 2009 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
As i've said before
Having davis hitting 7th isn’t really that bad if 3-6 is Hammy, Cruz, Blalock, and Byrd or Jones.
Now I agree that with todays lineup Davis and Murphy should flip flop. Just face it a really good hitter is going to hit 7th for the Texas Rangers most likely in 2009. If thats Davis because of his youth I am fine with it.
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 Feb 25, 2009 1:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
When in doubt always remember
that Wash is a fucking idiot.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Feb 25, 2009 2:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Huh, when did you come to that belief???
I’m not sure anyone was aware of how you felt, but it’s good to know.
by bking on Feb 25, 2009 3:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No Andruw
Interesting…
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Feb 25, 2009 11:22 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Not really
Unless they played him in LF which I haven’t heard floated around then you would be forced to sit Cruz or play Cruz in LF which again nobody has talked about doing. And since they are going to make a concerted effort to get a grasp of Cruz this spring i am glad they are playing him instead of Jones.
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 Feb 25, 2009 11:24 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well
I’d say they’re more interested in Andruw at the plate than in a certain OF position…
I suppose if his D is a big deal they’ll gladly sit Hamilton a few extra ABs.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Feb 25, 2009 12:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Its the first spring game
They aren’t going to sit Hamilton or anyone else they think is going to be a contributor this season to take a look at a NRI who is coming off a year like Jones had. He’ll get enough playing time you don’t have to worry about that.
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 Feb 25, 2009 12:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
My main point is Andruw Jones should be displacing David Murphy because assuming health Andruw Jones is better.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Feb 25, 2009 12:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
ding ding ding
"To be ignorant of one’s ignorance is the malady of the ignorant."
by ab03 on Feb 25, 2009 12:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What do we have for him johnny
"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract
by tyd3311 on Feb 25, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I wouldn't mind seeing that
But until we get word that either Hamilton or Cruz is practicing in LF and is going to play in a spring game out there then I don’t see it happening. I have a feeling that if Jones makes the team it will be at the expense of Cruz until I see or hear of him or Hamilton being considered for LF.
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 Feb 25, 2009 1:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nolan talked about Hamilton sliding to a corner in the last few weeks.
Cruz isn’t going anywhere. JD acquired him, he’s an unknown quantity in trade, and had a hot September.
Murphy, not so much. Andruw could cut right in on that guy’s job.
I think the club wants Andruw/Ham/Cruz left to right, with Andruw taking some CF starts. Looks like Byrd starts the year on the 15-day, and Murphy comes off the bench for D or to spell a starter.
I’m looking forward…Andruw’s a great addition.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Feb 25, 2009 1:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok...
if Cruz isn’t going anywhere because JD acquired him then the same could be said about Murphy. I mean JD acquired him as well right?
I don’t but the he can’t play LF if he can play RF argument. Jones could cut in on either of their playing times.
If Jones is playing I think it will be in CF.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Feb 25, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The difference between Cruz and Murphy
We don’t know Cruz’s ceiling. That’s why Cruz is higher in the pecking order, even moreso if Murphy’s hurt.
And fine if Jones takes over CF, Hamilton’s probably a corner outfielder by 2009’s end. Especially if he signs a big extension this spring.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Feb 25, 2009 1:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ok
I would just rather hear or see these guys playing these spots before we start penciling in all these weird lineup combos. Thats like playing a video game and putting anyone anywhere and they are going to play the same level of defense. Andruw Jones is and has been a CF his entire career so to all of a sudden say put him in LF doesn’t make sense to me. All the talk about Hamilton moving to a corner has all been about RF so suggesting he is going to play LF seems weird to me as well. Cruz hasn’t played LF in almost 2 years and there has been no mention of him in LF from Ranger officials so I don’t put alot of stock in him out there.
Right now the way I see it Murphy and Byrd are the LFs. Hamilton and Jones are the CFs. And Cruz is the RF. If Jones makes the club I see Hamilton moving to RF, which has been publicly talked about by Ranger officials, and Cruz being the guy left out. It sucks to think that but I don’t see anyway it works otherwise until I see or hear of Cruz or Hamilton actually playing in LF this spring.
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 Feb 25, 2009 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Cruz
In 2009 it’s more important to evaluate Cruz than to play a Murphy/hurt Byrd platoon.
Assuming these guys are healthy, I think the OF starters are Ham/Jones/Cruz. Murphy might start ahead of Jones if the org thinks he needs more time.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Feb 25, 2009 1:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with your line of thinking
But for me until I see either Hamilton, Jones, or Cruz actually play a game in LF its Murphy and Byrds position.
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 Feb 25, 2009 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
How much more evalutation time does Cruz deserve?
Like in a specific number of at-bats?
by FuturePants on Feb 25, 2009 2:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure Andruw Jones healthy is better than David Murphy anymore.
But I want Jones playing because I’m not sure. Of course, I’m not the team, but I want to see exactly how good or bad Jones can be.
Murphy should get enough bats to be in season shape or whatever, but I don’ think he has much to prove. I doubt he’ll be any better or worse than expected, but Jones could be really bad or really good.
by philkid3 on Feb 25, 2009 5:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
3-2-1
Ok, let’s all start bitching about the lineup in the first spring training game of the season.
Oops, too late! Yeesh…
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Feb 25, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That's no fun...
I’m currently preparing an exhaustive analysis of the correlation between the lineups in the first 1-2 intrasquad games vs the way the season plays out, going back to the dawn of time. I hope to have the numbers crunched shortly, but my hypothesis is that the correlation is LESS THAN ZERO.
by bking on Feb 25, 2009 11:55 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: More funny from KSK
“25 Random Things About Me: Bill Belichick”
Warning: salty language.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Feb 25, 2009 10:25 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
stupid sbnation 2.0
cut off my main post.
by coolaid on Feb 25, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we got the point
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Feb 25, 2009 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
MY
* On Monday, Michael Young batted cleanup in the intrasquad game for the A team. It seemed like a big deal at the time. On Tuesday, Hank Blalock batted cleanup. That seems to be the more likely scenario during the regular season, at least against right-handers. Nelson Cruz would bat fifth and they may flip-flop against left-handers.
* That seems to be manager Ron Washington’s plan although there are some in the organization who feel Young is worth looking at as the cleanup hitter.
Are these the same people that said Botts could be a ML hitter?
\
http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Feb 25, 2009 10:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Well 4th is closer to 7th...
…which is where he should probably bat. I guess we could look at that as “progressive” (though not complete) thinking.
We couldn't have known it at the time but we definitely killed the wrong Belushi brother.
by Chad Crudup on Feb 25, 2009 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Depending on where the other players are, I think I could be fine with MY batting 4th.
I’m off to the line up toy on Baseball Musings. . .
by philkid3 on Feb 25, 2009 5:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Chat live during today's game:
Join Rangers beat writer Jeff Wilson for a live chat during today’s Rangers-Royals game. The chat goes live at 2 p.m.
"It doesn't look like he's trying. It kinda pisses me off," "He could throw 110 if he tried. The way it explodes out of his hand is really something special." ~ B-Mac on Feliz.
by Kinslerhomer on Feb 25, 2009 10:37 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Broadcast?
I’ve been looking around on Gameday Audio, etc. but can’t find a broadcast. Are we stuck with the live chat?
All Your Rangers Blog Are Belong To Us
"They say brevity is the key to wit, so shut the f*ck up." Dad
by RangerFloppy on Feb 25, 2009 11:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Schedule
Hadn’t noticed that because of the late start from the wbc the rangers have 4 games in october. October baseball at last!
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Feb 25, 2009 10:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
yearbook quotes
“He makes everything look so easy out in the outfield. When you put a guy with his talent and what he has done with a guy like [hitting coach] Rudy Jaramillo, I don’t see how he’s not going to be with us at some point this year.”
-David Murphy
Anybody else have flashbacks to their high school yearbook while reading the S-T article?
by bushe on Feb 25, 2009 11:13 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
BP's Athletics Top 11 Prospects:
Five-Star Prospects
1. Michael Ynoa, RHP
2. Trevor Cahill, RHP
3. Brett Anderson, LHP
4. Chris Carter, 1B
Four-Star Prospects
5. Adrian Cardenas, SS
Three-Star Prospects
6. Aaron Cunningham, OF
7. Gio Gonzalez, LHP
8. Vin Mazzaro, RHP
9. Jemile Weeks, 2B
10. Sean Doolittle, 1B
11. Rashun Dixon, CF
Just Missed: Corey Brown, OF; Tyson Ross, RHP; James Simmons, RHP
link
How is Carter a 5 star player?
"It doesn't look like he's trying. It kinda pisses me off," "He could throw 110 if he tried. The way it explodes out of his hand is really something special." ~ B-Mac on Feliz.
by Kinslerhomer on Feb 25, 2009 11:22 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
The same way Ynoa is above Cahill and Anderson
Too much crack
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 Feb 25, 2009 11:26 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That pic looks exactly what an old Topps all-rookie team would feature
Am I dreaming or is it possible?? Any other rookie SS candidates out there?
by bking on Feb 25, 2009 1:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Escobar in Milwaukee I think
Don’t know how much time he’ll get with Hardy there though. Maybe Lowrie in Boston if he’s still considered a rookie and if Lugo isn’t the everyday SS.
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 Feb 25, 2009 1:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
OT: Kevin Goldstein on the A's System
If you’re looking for some real perspective: after the sixth through eleventh spots, as well as the three who “just missed,” there are another four players who one could arguably rank as the second-best prospect in the entire Houston Astros’ system.
I don’t exactly get in to a Rangers-Astros rivalry thing since I’m not there (is there even one?), but I do find that extremely hilarious. And it’s just crazy that the best and worst farm systems in baseball are probably both in the same state.
by philkid3 on Feb 25, 2009 5:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I was bored with a little bit of time to kill.
I don’t really care much about the line-up in the first spring training game, but a couple comments made me feel like doing this for kicks. Just using CHONE projections and the line up tool at Baseball Musings, the optimal order for today’s line-up is:
Blalock
Hamilton
Young
Cruz
Kinsler
Davis
Murphy
Andrus
Salty
The actual order used was neither among the 20 best or 20 worst. This would question my statement about potentially being fine with MY @4th, though. Nearly half of the “worst lineups” include Michael Young batting clean up.
by philkid3 on Feb 25, 2009 5:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
That lineup would melt brains
on the blog.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Feb 25, 2009 5:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Lots of places.
Some of it even has me a little bit confused.
by philkid3 on Feb 25, 2009 5:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hamilton signs
a slightly > minimum contract.
And it pays to be injured. Please correct me if I am wrong. ( I am sure ya’ll will.)
Hurley will recieve $401,000 in 2009. He will be placed on the 60 day DL and thus get his money. Someone like Madrigal probably has a split contract and only gets a portion of his $404,730 contract when he is on the 25 man roster.
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Feb 25, 2009 7:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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