Wednesday morning things
by Adam J. Morris on Mar 11, 2009 8:26 AM CDT
162 comments
Solid start for Scott Feldman yesterday, who has followed up a bad spring debut with a couple of good outings. Feldman said his breaking ball wasn't sharp, but he worked on it some in the pen afterwards and got it going again. Luis Mendoza, meanwhile, ended up leaving the game with a blister that developed and started bleeding during his outing.
Evan Grant writes that Feldman is the latest Ranger pitcher to start working on a slider, with Feldman believing that, with his new arm angle, his curve has lost some effectiveness.
Gil LeBreton has a column on Thomas Diamond and his work this spring to get himself back into the Rangers plans.
Jeff Wilson takes a look at the non-roster veterans who have been invited to camp this spring, noting that they have more combined All Star Game appearances than the guys on the Rangers 40 man roster.
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Curve
It seems odd that the Rangers have been seeming to draft pitchers with plus curves, and now they are nixing them at the higher levels.
Who are you thinking of?
I just ask because I can’t think of many guys they’ve drafted with plus curves. Neil Ramirez is the only guy who comes to mind, maybe Main. Feldman didn’t have one. Diamond had virtually no breaking ball. Hurley didn’t have a good curveball.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 11, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
I meant lower level players drafted under JD, not Diamond-Feldman-Hurley-Volquez-whomever
Thinking of Main, I guess.
by FuturePants on Mar 11, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions
He sounds drunk
and he repeats things at the end of the sentence that he started his sentence with. For instance, “We head to the top of the sixth with Australia and Cuba tied, 1-1, from Mexico City, when we come back we’ll have Australia and Cuba tied 1-1 in the top of the sixth.”
He’s brutal
"Holland didn’t make that kid question his swing, he made him question his career path"
To be fair
Feldman has never really had the K rates at eye popping levels.
Padilla is another story…
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Thursdays 10 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice
"Zirconia Ztolen!"
OT -- Saw this in a Rosenthal piece
OCab’s contract has a clause barring the A’s from offering him arbitration (hadn’t seen this posted on LSB anywhere)…
The A’s lost their second-round pick to the White Sox for signing Cabrera. The clause prohibiting them from offering arbitration to Cabrera will prevent them from getting picks back in return; however, they stand to gain two selections if they offer arbitration to left fielder Matt Holliday, a likely Type A . . .
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
interesting
wonder what happpens if they offer arb to holliday and he accepts it lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Yep
And with the economy the way it is and the fact their “new stadium” isn’t getting built like initially thought unless things change pretty drastically I doubt they offer him arbitration and if they do i think its likely he accepts.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
I doubt he accepts it
Holliday is a guy who will get his money, just like Teixeira.
"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
Well
At his age I think he could put off his FA for a year and get that guaranteed 15 million in 2010.
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.
Yep
That’s a lot of guaranteed money to turn down in a bad economy. And like Tex, he is young enough where he still has another couple of years in his window to get a big time contract. Taking 15 million guaranteed and trying your luck that you will get more when the economy rebounds a bit down the road is not a bad move at all. Plus, how many big contracts have been handed out this past offseason that weren’t from the Yankees?
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
most sane people
Would rather have $80+ million guaranteed, rather than $15 million guaranteed with the possibility to earn more later. If he accepts arb and has a serious injury, he’d be screwed.
Doctor please. Some more of these.
Will next years FA
market be any better than this years? If his numbers suffer in Oakland, he may not be able to get a large multi-year deal.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
The top tier got their money
And he is top tier. Baltimore or San Francisco are 2 teams I would expect in on him.
"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
Who'd the top tier get their money from?
The New York teams. Both of whom are moving into brand new stadiums this year and have huge revenue streams. San Francisco already has Zito locked into a huge contract and are going to be forced to lock up guys like Lincecum and Cain in the upcoming years. And Baltimore doesn’t appear to be on a huge spending spree.
Theres no denying hes a top player but in this economy and coming off a year when your numbers are more than likely going to take a hit by going to a more pitcher friendly ballpark taking arbitration and guaranteeing yourself 15 million is a smart move.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
I could see him accepting the one year deal and then waiting for Boston to get rid of Lowell and moving Youk to 3B after one more year with Oakland thereby giving him a chance to get paid by Boston for 2011 and beyond.
Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!
by DerekSTheRed on Mar 11, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Mets, Baltimore, San Francisco, LA of A, Atlanta
"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
Holliday would be the perfect replacement for Vlad
"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
why would baltimore go after him
long term they have the following positions “locked up” – 3-5 years
2 OF
C
2b (roberts signed a new deal)
they have huge holes at:
SS
3b
1b (huff?)
i would think they would spend their money on someone whois more of a “sure thing” than holliday
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
Whos he gonna get 80 million from?
In case you didn’t notice alot of guys who seemed like locks to get pretty good money had to settle for one year deals well below what many predicted this winter. And that was at the beginning of this economic collapse. Most owners want to keep costs down and not lock themselves into long term big money deals right now. And if things get worse like many predict then I doubt that changes in 6 months. After seeing so many of his comrades decline arbitration only to settle for less money on short term deals this winter I think he will think long and hard about accepting arbitration and letting the economy have another year to recover and then go get his 100+ million.
You’re acting like a guy can’t live off 15 million much less all the money hes already earned.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
I see what you are saying
but there was only one Holliday type hitter on the market this year, and he got PAID.
Holliday is a different caliber player than Burrell, Bradley, Abreu, etc. He’s going to get paid by somebody, somewhere, that has some money coming off the books. Whether or not he accepts a one year, 15 million dollar arb deal I don’t know. But when he hits the open market there will be suitors.
"Holland didn’t make that kid question his swing, he made him question his career path"
Heres the thing
Its not the money its the length of the deal. I can see him getting 15-17 mil per year but I can’t see him getting 5+ years. I could see a 2-3 year deal. So what Holliday has to look at is after that contract what is he going to do/get. If he signs a 3 year/ 50 million dollar deal next winter that means when hes 33 he’ll be a FA again. It will be hard for him to get another big payday at that age most likely meaning he’ll be relegated to either less money or a series of one year deals to end his career.
If he accepts arbitration and gets 15 mil in 2010 then hes 31 and a FA after that. With the economy rebounding hopefully he could get that 5+ year deal still.
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.
teix >> holliday
in every facet of the game
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions
right
but what if he doesnt get his 80+ mil
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions
He needs to prove that
his numbers were not a product of playing at Coors field.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Another huge factor
Going from Coors to Oaklands stadium his numbers will probably take a dip. Not exactly what you want in your free agency year. I think he would take the guaranteed 15 mil for 2010 and at least show his numbers stay the same for a second year in Oakland or improve. He’ll still only be 30 after 2010 so he can still get that 5 or 6 year big money deal.
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.
Going from Coors to Oaklands stadium his numberswillprobably take a dip
coors=hitters park
oakland=pitchers park
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Mainly his slugging
I think he’ll still hit for average and get on base at a good clip but his power and slugging numbers will drop. His average will probably drop a little just due to the foul territory alone.
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.
yes
Going from Coors to Oaklands stadium his numbers willprobablytake a dip
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions
How much of his numbers
do you really think came from Coors? I think everyone is making WAY too big a deal out of the shift away from Coors for this guy.
"Holland didn’t make that kid question his swing, he made him question his career path"
Career home/away
Home: 357/ 423/ 645
Away: 280/ 348/ 455
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
I understand, as I too have seen those numbers
but home/away splits entail more than the park.
You are on the road and staying in hotels, away from your bed and family and locker room. Some people have a comfort level with “home”.
And his road OPS, as stated by RCC, the last few years has been both solid and improving. If you think Holliday is going to be a .280/348/455/803 hitter in Oakland… get ready to be disappointed.
"Holland didn’t make that kid question his swing, he made him question his career path"
I never said thats what I expected
I do think his slugging will drop and pretty significantly. But those numbers clearly show how much better he was at Coors which clearly inflated his overall numbers
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.
Considering what we've all heard from Kyle over at Driveline Mechanics
the rash of Rangers pitchers toying with/learning sliders really concerns me.
OT: Joe Crede
did he ever sign w/ anybody? If not, wouldn’t he be a nice fit to fill 3B for the NYY while ARoid mends?
Doctor please. Some more of these.
He signed with the Twins.
"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 Mar 11, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
OT: Milton Bradley
Eric Seidman at fangraphs has an interesting take on Bradley’s comments the other day.
In addition to being a great stats site, I think the blogging over there is about the best I’ve found for MLB in general.
Doctor please. Some more of these.
does anyone know who these two guys are?
I was at the game the other day and was trying to figure that out…
What's the Nef tally??
heh look at the sign on the fence...
who knew HH had a winery and bistro? (Kokopelli)
What's the Nef tally??
Haha!
He doesn’t even remember that screen name anymore.
"...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
what's that Rodney?
Sales are down there yet they keep running out of liquor?
What's the Nef tally??
lol
kokopelli is also (or was) shroomers avitar
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
we may have a winner...
yeh i just looked at his pic online and that looks like the dude, tall baby faced guy.
What's the Nef tally??
Sure
Delta ninety-eight and Agent ninety-one.
I have no idea did it not say in the program or were they on the back fields working out?
Keith Law on Greg Golson, "He's similiar to Cameron and Hunter in that all three are black."
LOL I didn't get the program..
and no they were on the regular field with the rest of the players. .. I just can’t find their numbers on any roster.
What's the Nef tally??
JD on the Ticket right now.
Listen here: http://player.cumulusstreaming.com/slplayer.aspx?KTCK-AM
"...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
Says AJ is coming along nicely.
Jennings has his velo back, much better than last year.
Benson has been working out with some dude who trains olympians.
JD does not want Elvis to go to AAA, cognizant of service time, but will not play “those types of games” w/Elvis.
Salty rumors: After an excellent winter, Ranger scouts are very high on Salty, they were not shopping him, but did listen to offers.
Possible moves to be made, but pace is slower with longer ST this year, so trade market is slow for all teams.
Expectations for this season: get better than last year, hopefully month by month, JD thinks the team can contend, and the players believe too. Is very happy with the youth broken in last year. Doesn’t see any team running away with the division.
Re Wash: He is very comfortable being himself, has really learned from the past, very close with the new coaching staff, close to several players, players like him and want to succeed for him, delegating more authority this year,
"...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 Mar 11, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
hello hightowersmith, apparently I'm not as retarded as you first thought
Straight from the horses mouth:
JD does not want Elvis to go to AAA, cognizant of service time, but will not play "those types of games" w/Elvis.
Doctor please. Some more of these.
Heh
Quite a reach on JD, adding this extra coat of paint from the corner.
It doesn’t make sense roster-wise, but alright.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Mar 11, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Not sending Andrus to AAA and throwing away an extra year of his service guaranteed is one of the dumbest things I can think of JD doing
We aren’t talking about the guys age 30 or 31 season. We are talking about his age 27 season. Right in the heart of his prime.
What the Rangers are basically saying is an extra 20-50 points of batting average in a month is worth more than an entire season of a 27 year old Andrus.
Just plain dumb
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.
JD is thinking about the mental side of the game
more than the fiscal side… he’s trying to build friendships, etc., and hopefully Andrus will want to resign and our payroll will have reached a point where it’s a non-issue
Extension
First off an extension is not guaranteed. Buying out FA years is not guaranteed. The only thing that is guaranteed is how long you control a player. Once they hit 6 years service time they can become a FA. If it takes them 7 years to hit that 6 year mark isn’t that better than only having them 6 years?
And as i have mentioned about Longorias deal. he is signed thru 2016. They bought out 2 of his FA years. Had they started him in the majors last year instead of the minors then buying out 2 FA years would have only meant thru 2015. And to buy out a 3rd FA year would have cost them about 5-6 million more than what they already paid. So if you think we will just sign him to an extension and buy out some of his FA years it still helps to hold him back a few weeks.
There is really little to no upside to starting him in Arlington.
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.
Control (not $) is all I care about from your argument
I don’t care if Hicks saves $6M or not.
There is really little to no upside to starting him in Arlington.
I told you the upside:
His confidence, the team demonstrating its faith in Elvis, and his knowledge of the team’s commitment to him (he’s not oblivious to these rules and players often discuss how they are less loyal to a team who has nickel and dimed them through their years of high production, low salary ) can all turn into better performance, worry-free play, a higher chance of him being a Ranger for life and a better fan-perception (to the everyday, non-LSB fan who doesn’t understand that business side of the game.)
i would say theres little to no upside with him playing at AAA
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions
x
What the Rangers are basically saying is an extra 20-50 points of batting average in a month is worth more than an entire season of a 27 year old Andrus.
I don’t think that is what they are saying.
I think they are saying that, for a variety of reasons, if Andrus is ready now, they should start him now, rather than sending him down for 3 weeks for reasons of service time.
by Adam J. Morris on Mar 11, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Thats exactly what they are saying
If Andrus was a 23 or 24 year old then its different. If he was a guy expected to come in and hit .280+ with some power then it would be different. But hes gonna do just about the same maybe a little better than Vizquel both offensively and defensively and to me thats not worth having him around guaranteed for his age 27 season.
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.
If he plays as well as they hope
over the next couple of years they can easily mitigate the future dollar situation by signing him to a long term deal, just as Tampa did with Longoria. I’d expect TX to wait longer than Tampa did, but it’s not automatic that they will be confronted with a sign him or let him go decision in 6 years.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
How many guys have signed long term pre free agency deals that buy out more than a couple years of free agency?
Most buy out one season at the most mainly because they don’t become FAs until they are 28, 29 or so and they want to be young enough to get that big long term contract. If Andrus starts in the majors he’ll be a FA at 26. He could conceivably sign a 5 year FA deal somewhere and then sign another 4+ year deal as a 31 year old. So I doubt you are going to get him to give up many if any free agency years in an extension.
If you start him in the minors it pushes him back to 27 years old as a FA and a much better chance of buying out one or two of those free agency years.
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.
You think there wont be a SS in the minors in 6 years
To take his place?
I know it’s not a good argument but I just don’t see the big difference between 6 and 7 years down the line. If they don’t plan on keeping him at that time, he’ll be traded and if they do plan on keeping him, he will have a new contract. Simple as that.
What does that matter?
You don’t see the difference in having a guy be free agent eligible at 26 and at 27?
Its not just as simple as if they want to keep him or not. The player has some say in this as well you know. The way i see it is right now if he starts this season in the majors he is eligible to be a FA in 6 years. he will be all of 26 years old at that time. A 26 year old free agent is a prime free agent. A guy who is just entering the prime of their career. I imagine he would look for a 4-5 year deal which would make him a FA again at the age of 31. Most guys are just becoming FAs around that age. Then he could go out and get another long term big money deal.
By starting him in the minors it makes him a FA at 27 years old. The likelihood the player would be willing to sell you one or two of his free agency years is much higher. Say lock him up through age 29. Still young enough to go out and get a big contract.
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.
Your whole argument is based on conjecture
What makes you think he could get another big deal at 31? Why would he be more willing to sell the team 2 free agent years at 27 rather than 26? The idea of the contract time-line being altered that drastically based on 1 year seems absurd to me.
Because
Right now what age are most guys becoming free agents? Right around 30 or 31. When a guy is a free agent at 29 he is usually one of the top free agents available. Thats because teams feel they still have a good number of quality years left in them. Most top free agents are getting deals of at least 5 years these days.
So at 26 years old just entering the prime of his career he can get a 5 year contract from a team which would still put him a free agent at 31 and he can get another 4-5 year deal. So I believe the chance to buy out free agency years is really low.
At 27, if he takes a 5 or 6 year deal he is pushing himself to the edge of the window to get that next long term deal. But if signs a pre free agency extension and you buy say two of his free agency years out he gets that money as a young guy and is still a free agent at 29 and can get a big long term deal.
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.
God
get another hobby or a 2nd job. You either type 2,000 words a minute or have too much free time.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Its real simple
Hit the z button whenever you see my avatar. That way you don’t have to read what I write and I don’t have to hear you bitch about 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.
How bout this
Albert Pujols. Would have been a FA at 26. Signed long term deal after his third year that was essentially a 5 year deal after he would be a FA. He will be a FA again at 31 years old
Carlos Zambrano. FA at 26. Never signed extension until right before filing for free agency. Will be a FA again at 31 years old
Alex Rodriguez. FA at 24. Signed deal with Texas with opt out clause when he was 31. Then resigned another long term huge deal.
Felix Hernandez. Will be a FA at 25. Haven’t heard of any extensions being talked about so far.
I can’t think of any other guys who were FA eligible at such a young age. But I highly doubt you will find one that allowed a free agency year to be bought out. They generally follow the same script so they can be a free agent again at 31 or so.
If I am an agent that is exactly what I am telling my client to do. You can sign and buy out the arbitration years but at that young of an age my guy is going to be a FA and then again at an age where we can get another huge contract.
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.
His peak years
are about 25-28 so I’m not sure I’d really want to buy out any more than one or two. After that the price might get too high for a good glove, so-so bat SS.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I think his bat will be a little more than so-so by the time hes a FA
My point is the likelihood a player will sell you one or two of their free agency years is much better if they are going to be 27 when they are a free agent as opposed to 26. It doesn’t sound like a big difference but it is.
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.
If it's a big difference, show some evidence
When’s the last time the Rangers lost a player to FA that they really tried to keep? They either let players go or sign them to extensions, and it’s their choice. 1 year will not make a huge difference.
Plus, like t ball said, players of his type don’t make huge money.
IIRC
He can get his 3 weeks in AAA in later on in the season. The team has options to finagle this later should they wish.
Yes, from what I've read
He can.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Mar 11, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions
But isn't that worse than starting him off down there
I can’t imagine a demotion because you are struggling is better for your confidence than starting the season in AAA and getting promoted. Once hes up I want him to stay up and I imagine the rangers want that too
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.
Blalock
Didn’t he successfully navigate a short demotion to straighten out a cold streak during his early years? Nellie Cruz’ demotion didn’t kill him. I don’t think it would be that bad to send him to OKC to “settle down” – especially if you could hide a recovering twisted ankle or recovering sore wrist during his spell there. Kill two birds …
I think its different with Elvis
Both those guys were sent down due to inability offensively. I don’t think that will be the case with Elvis. As long as he is hitting above the mendoza line I think hes secure on the offensive side. Mainly because his replacement Vizquel, probably isn’t doing much better.
If Andrus gets sent down I think it will be due to defensive issues which I believe are much more mentally damaging and can have a serious affect on a player.
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.
of course
I'm Matt mutha-effing Bush, bitches, and mutha-eff East County.
"I'm as passionate and knowlegeable as any fan out there." Josey Wales
by Brian Thomas on Mar 11, 2009 6:38 PM CDT up reply actions
+1
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
+2
"You can have such a massive impact on a game even when you're not getting ground balls hit at you." - Michael Young
Marlon Byrd
I know spring training trades are relatively rare (we can’t expect a Tim Crabtree for Kevin Brown robbery every spring), but I really think Marlon Byrd going to the Braves makes a ton of sense for both teams. The Braves’ current starting OFs are listed as Garrett Anderson, Josh Anderson and Jeff Francour. G. Anderson has been injured so far and is well past his prime, and Francour has looked awful this spring for the past two seasons. Josh Anderson has hit the ball well this spring but is far from a known commodity, but that’s okay because they have Brandon Jones and Jordan Schafer as potential replacements for him in CF. Still, for a team that seemed to go "all in" on the pitching front this offseason, that looks like a pretty weak OF.
The Rangers don’t really need Marlon Byrd. He is a luxury item on this team, especially if Andruw Jones continues to show he has something left. Jones and Byrd are pretty similar in that they both are here for one year and both can play all three OF positions. Both are RH and neither has strong enough splits to deem them platoon candidates. The only difference is that Byrd might be bring draft pick compensation if he signs elsewhere next offseason, but he probably tops out as a type B FA (which must be taken into consideration when determining his trade value).
There is a precedent for such a deal, albeit one the Braves probably wish they had not set. Last offseason they shipped Joey Devine to the A’s for a broken down and overpaid Mark Kotsay, and Marlon Byrd is far more valuable than Kotsay at this point in his career. Granted, JD is no Billy Beane when it comes to bamboozling teams via trade, but he still should be able to get something of value for Byrd in this situation, and anything is a net gain considering the pittance that Jones is playing for.
And no, a trade will not be held up because of the Teixeira trade. Both Tex and Mahay came in and performed at or above what was expected of them. It isn’t like the Rangers shipped off damaged goods, so there should be no bad blood between the orgs. The only irony is the fact that Jones apparently wanted to return to the Braves but their interest was lukewarm, and now he potentially allows us to deal Byrd to the Braves and not give up anything in terms of production level.
What has Andruw Jones really shown you that hs has something left?
Hitting below 250 and his fielding is far from what it used to be. Not sure what you see there? No i would make the argument that Boggs could be our 4th outfielder the way his srping has gone.
i am pretty sure
Jones has his BA above .250 at this point. But you are correct in pointing out that Boggs, along with Borbon and Golson, also make Byrd a luxury on this team.
.305, actually.
"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
My bad.
4. A Jones OBP SLG Avg
TEX .379 .500 .308
Still not convinced he can keep that up. But id like him to prove me wrong. But yeah the other guys who have shown up this spring and produced, especially Boggs, makes Byrd easier for us to deal.
CF defense...
Remember that the Rangers are making defense a priority….so
I think Byrd stays as the 4th OF because of his defense in CF.
Unless A. Jones shows that he can still play an above average CF, the Rangers will keep Byrd to play CF and take some of the wear and tear off Hamilton.
At this point I think Byrd is a lock to be on this team…Jones will be fighting Boggs and Cat for a spot on the bench.
by death of the cool on Mar 11, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think
Jones is a bench player. He either makes the team as the starting CF or he doesn’t.
I know we have heard reports that Jones defensive skills have potentially diminished, but that is a very small sample size based on a few spring training games. Ultimately, I think Jones will prove to be at least as effective in CF as Byrd, and will provide the ability to move Hamilton to LF and Cruz to RF full time, with Murphy a more than capable 4th OF who, by rotating among the spots, will probably start 100-120 games.
The question is, if you can turn Byrd into another solid minor league arm or a young player who can help our staff this year (Charlie Morton? James Parr?), then why not do so?
Cruz played LF the other night (last night?) and looked good going back on a ball.
I know it was only one game, would you put Cruz in LF?
My cool sig.
bigsteve says he doesn't pass the eye test.
"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
Yep
I would love to be wrong too.
Seeing him actually play out there is a good sign. Now that hes back in Ranger camp hopefully we see him out there more. Otherwise I maintain my stance that on days Hamilton moves to RF (probably about 1/3 of the time if not more) Cruz will be the odd man out.
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.
Its very possible...
That your right that Jones will not be a 4th outfielder…
However I think that the Rangers really like Byrd and Murphy….so I just do not see Jones making an impact on this team.
by death of the cool on Mar 11, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
WWNRD luvs him some Murph,
and Byrd is said to have a strong leadership role in the clubhouse, so AJ does face an uphill climb, but I’m sure he knew that coming in.
"...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
hey thanks for the email..
I’m going to check that stuff out.
Have you been doing your official AGreen07/LAMF work outs?
What's the Nef tally??
Not often enough :)
But on a good roll right now, and this afternoon is go time.
"...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
haha what is the official work out lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
Just something designed for the home gym I bought.
"...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
haha
i got workout help from them as well lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
slowly
need to just flat out MAKE the time to do it almost every day but im not
and now even more of a time crunch w/ studying for the GRE (any suggestions anyone? LOL) — as soon as i kick this cold its gonna just have to be the first thing i do every day when i get home from work…easier that way lol
work—-work out—-GRE studying—-relax—-sleep
how are you doing BG/LAMF?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions
hey mister I'm doing alright..
just getting in from the gym here.. about to put the whey shake down the ole gulllet…it’s getting hot here in Phoenix, I was dragging ass all the way to the gym but once I put on the IPod it’s a whole new reality.
Yeh you NEED to find time alright. Now where exactly does the 2 to 3 hours a day that you spend chit chatting about baseball fall under. Which category is that? It only takes 30 minutes a day for starters, you can get a lot done in that time. Like they say 90% of it is just getting there (to the gym). Once you’re there shit happens especially if you have some good tunes with ya.
I totally understand the conundrum of whether to chit chat on the computer for an extra half hour OR live a healthier longer life, be able to eat more, look better, have better sex, get hotter chicks or enhance your current relationship and being more energized and productive. That’s a real tough choice there triple K. I’m just messing with you :) I’m going to get on Rodney too after that lukewarm response.
I’m thinking about setting up a 24/7 videocam by his work out area and checking in every so often. I’m just afraid I’ll sit down with my lunch one day, click on his cam and say to myself Oh look Rodney’s doing Pushups, well that’s good but does he have to do them naked? Ok whatever floats your boat DUDE. Wait a second theres a chick underneath him….OMG Rodneys b*ngin some chick. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What's the Nef tally??
LOL
haha yea thats what i have decided, either righta fter i get home or first thing after i relax for a sec (10-15 min)
makes it easier haha
anyway when im on LSB its either around now-ish (10 or later EST) or during lunch at work lol haha
but yea its an easy decision really + diabetes/heart problems run quite badly in my family so its just ANOTHER reason to do it lol i wish i could run, but living in SW washington DC its just not the greatest idea to do alone if ya know what i mean lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
eh
id rather bike lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 9:12 PM CDT up reply actions
glad to hear your doing good
your in phoenix for ST or for work/vacation?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 8:53 PM CDT up reply actions
I work wherever I go ..
but I’m also here cuz the Rangers are here. I have been known to schedule my business stuff around Ranger baseball in years past.
What's the Nef tally??
haha lucky you
cant wait to afford to go to ST lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 9:13 PM CDT up reply actions
question
gf wants to go to mexico and do the all inclusive thing for 4 or 5 days – you travel any down that way? or have a suggestion where one can go without breaking the bank for 4 or 5 days and relax?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 8:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Mexico? kinda scary these days..
honestly I’d go somewhere else but if you must. I’ve been to Acapulco and Cancun. I loved Acapulco, it was quite nice. It’s just that the violence down there these days is out of control albeit mostly in the border towns but still.. Puerto Vallarta is supposed to be nice also, that’s next on my to do list. Coming from D.C. on a budget, most likely Cancun would be cheapest and a faster trip. You can go see the Mexican pyramids and all that…I’m pretty sure it’s close to Cancun.. you have to drive through really poor parts of Mexico to get there but still interesting..
What's the Nef tally??
well the good news
is that airfare isnt a big thing, have miles + a companion voucher (pretty much just pay airfare from DC to LAX/west coast which is interestingly cheaper than going to dallas)
she wasnts to go to puerto vallarta…we shall see
have you been to steamboat springs before?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 9:46 PM CDT up reply actions
oh ok then I'd go to P V then..
just be really careful.
Never been to S.S. .. Aspen yes but S.S. no.. I’m sure it’s gorgeous like most of Colorado.
What's the Nef tally??
SS is awesome
winter and summer
hometown of the most olympic gold medalists in the world i think
have you been to PV? lol
also, when are you gonna share some ST eggs of knowledge? lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I've never been to P V
but I’ve heard great things about it,.
I went to a ST game a couple days ago and had a few tidbits of commentary and a bunch of pictures on the GT thread from Tues. I’m about done here…time to move on.. Surprise is like an hour drive from Scottsdale where I am. It’s been fun!!! I’m ready for a real game now.
What's the Nef tally??
wow
i hear scottsdale is awesome (have some friends who live there + had an army buddy who was stationed at huchaua (sp) down south in AZ
got any big plans for th enext few months?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions
yeh Snottsdale as they call it
……..is pretty cool.
The next few months I’m going to travel the country like I usually do mostly on the east coast picking up new accounts… I love to travel….it must be the sagitarrian in me. :)
What's the Nef tally??
haha
well enjoy it (as im sure you will)
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 12, 2009 12:31 AM CDT up reply actions
Just curious
what business are you in?
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Mar 12, 2009 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions
evidently the KIND to be in lol
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 12, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions
I have 2 jobs..
I have my own high end flatware line that I sell to stores all over the country. Stores like Barneys and Stanley Korshak. It’s very cool stuff ..it’s been in the New York Times and sold in the Museum of Modern Art. I also do some interior design work. When I lived in NYC I was the lead project manager for one of the most famous interior designers in history so I try and keep in touch with that.
What's the Nef tally??
Cool
I was just wondering what kick ass job let you travel around and watch baseball whenever you wanted.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Mar 12, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
HAHAHA!
While you were typing this missive of comedy, I was working out, between answering client calls and going over deal details with my girl at corp. This would be the advantage of having my gym in my work office, exactly why I did it that way, never an excuse!
"...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
a question
is byrd better on defense than boggs? golson? borbon?
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions
Boggs...yes
Golson and Borbon…probably not but neither of them are ready yet.
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.
right
just was a question though
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions
for what its worth
schafer probably plays a lot of the second half and is their future CF
i dont think much of b jones at all
josh anderson=gregor blanco (blanco is probably better)
jones wanted to go to the braves, and evidently bobby cox lobbied HARD for him with management
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
that they passed on him
only to bring in Garrett Anderson as their big OF offseason acquisition, is an absolute head-scratcher.
well, technically
they passed on him to bring in Junior Griffey (also a head-scratcher), but then that fell apart and they brought in GA.
That Braves OF
They could also use the fact that Byrd sees some pitches. His walk rate is about twice as high as all three of those guys. And though Jordan Schafer walks a fair amount in the minors, you know there will be an adjustment period in that regard.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 11, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
what do you think of schafer by the way
have read varied opinions on the guy, some are tainted by the HGH issue, but evidently he was veryvery good in CF last year on defense and he DID lead the minors in his 2 yrs ago
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
by knockoutking on Mar 11, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions
He's supposed to be very good defensively
My main question on him is whether he’ll make enough contact, but I like him. I don’t really see why the HGH thing is that big of a deal, with him coming back late last year and doing well.
by Brett Perryman on Mar 11, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions
i almost mentioned that as well
as that is an area of Byrd’s game that improved dramatically last year and that we possibly take for granted.
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