Saturday a.m. things

by Adam J. Morris on Mar 28, 2009 10:50 AM CDT Comment 54 comments

Well, yesterday's game could have gone better. Elvis Andrus and Michael Young each had key defensive misplays, and Kevin Millwood did a poor job minimizing the damage, allowing 5 unearned runs. Bah.

On the plus side, Evan Grant notes that Josh Rupe may have helped himself stay on the roster with a solid performance last night, and Chris Davis looks like his early spring struggles are behind him, as he had a three hit night including a homer yesterday.

Rupe's chances of making the pen are also enhanced by Dustin Nippert's injury problems, as Nippert's back stiffened up on him yesterday during a b.p. session which had to be cut short. Given how long it has been since he has pitched, and given that he's going to miss more time, there's no chance he makes the Opening Day roster, and he could, in fact, end up getting put on the 60 day d.l. to make room on the 40 man roster for an NRI.

Jeff Wilson writes about the Kris Benson v. Scott Feldman decision, with some in the organization apparently pushing to have Benson start the season in the rotation, with Feldman in the bullpen. Daniels acknowledges that Benson is in the mix to be on the Rangers staff on Opening Day, although Wilson suggests that Benson's late opt-out date -- he can't opt out until May -- might result in him being sent down to AAA.

Anthony Andro has notes up, which include Daniels saying that teams have been inquiring about Frank Catalanotto.

Ken Rosenthal touches on this topic as well, saying that the Rangers believe they can move Catalanotto if they pay a good chunk of his contract, although Rosenthal questions whether it is worth doing that just to make room for Andruw Jones. He also says that the Rangers thinks Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz could be ready to be in the major league rotation by the All Star Break.

In the same piece, Rosenthal notes that there are some good arms -- Jeff Niemann, Merkin Valdez, Angel Guzman, Juan Morillo, Jason Hammel -- that are out of options and that could either end up on waivers or be dealt prior to Opening Day. Given the problems in the bullpen, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see the Rangers either put in a claim on one of those guys or work a deal to acquire one of them.

In case you missed it, Justin Duchscherer is having arthroscopic surgery on his elbow, and is expected to miss at least the first month of the season.

Jim Reeves says that Josh Hamilton is awesome and the Rangers need to sign him long-term.

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Hamilton

I love the guy and he’s a great story, but I don’t see the hurry to sign him long term. He is under control into his 30s and his history leaves a lot of variables. I don’t have a big problem with waiting 1-2 years and then seeing where he is, if signing him long term at all.

Fire Ron Washington

by pblack on Mar 28, 2009 11:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

60-day DL?

Would that be solely for the purpose of the 40-man?

by BuckyB on Mar 28, 2009 11:06 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

outfield....

Considering Byrd could play all 3 OF positions I would get rid of Cat and Byrd and roll with 4 OFs….if there is an injury we have Boggs as our first call up (who is better than both of them anyway). This will allow us to hold on to a pitcher (Rupe, Turnbow) that we want a longer look at.

I do see Nip being put on the DL (not sure if it will be the 60…we made need him before then), which should open a spot for Rupe to make the 25 man.

Also if Benson has that late of an opt-out date he should be put in the minors…

by death of the cool on Mar 28, 2009 11:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

check that....Cat and A.Jones

by death of the cool on Mar 28, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Whew!

I’m glad you self corrected. I was about to vomit all over that re:Byrd. I agree, though. Boggs is definitely holding his own right now and like him better as a replacement. Boggles my mind why the AJ experiment continues. Rudy has some pull.

Just keep your mask on and umpire the game! - Tom Grieve, 5/25/08

by EssBee on Mar 28, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what?

nothing about Strasburg? He’s suppose to go number 1 you know…

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
"AMMIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABHH!!!"

by Longhorn on Mar 28, 2009 11:09 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

are the rangers drafting number 1?

"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 Mar 28, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A couple of thoughts

On the rotation, absent any additions, I would send Benson down to AAA for the first three weeks of the season, start Feldman off in the bullpen, and piece together the one game where you need a 5th starter before April 25. Then you can evaluate how Feldman is performing in the bullpen, how Benson (or someone else) is performing in AAA, and how the other guys (like Madrigal) are performing in the bullpen, and figure out where to go from there.

On the guys out of options, I would be pursuing a few of those guys pretty heavily, especially the Tampa Bay guys.

by Darrell McKown on Mar 28, 2009 11:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I really dont like

the idea of sending feldman to the bullpen. I know he wasnt a world beater but it did seem like he found his niche in the rotation. I say he is given a spot in the rotation this is his to lose.

by Michael Cave on Mar 28, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Feldman

His ERA+ was 83. How does that give him a spot in the rotation that’s his to lose?

by Darrell McKown on Mar 28, 2009 11:22 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

prediction:

Cat and cash to the Giants for Merkin Valdez. The Rangers love taking fliers on power arms, and the Giants make as much sense for Cat as any other team.

by clark on Mar 28, 2009 11:34 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That does make a certain amount of sense

by Adam J. Morris on Mar 28, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Do you really think the Giants would do that?

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 28, 2009 2:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

If they are going to have to waive Valdez anyway, getting a Catalanotto (paid for by the Rangers) is better than the waiver fee.

by Darrell McKown on Mar 28, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have you seen that lineup?

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
"AMMIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABHH!!!"

by Longhorn on Mar 28, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

what a terrible name.

I thought today’s game was supposed to be on the tube…if it is, anyone know what channel?

Thanks.

My cool sig.

by Ryin A on Mar 28, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

DMN says just radio.

105.3. Doesn’t show anymore TV games until NEXT Saturday.

Just keep your mask on and umpire the game! - Tom Grieve, 5/25/08

by EssBee on Mar 28, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

But I have to listen to 105.3 on a radio, can't listen online, correct?

Trying to figure this all out.

Thanks.

My cool sig.

by Ryin A on Mar 28, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And yes,

it is a terrible name.

Just keep your mask on and umpire the game! - Tom Grieve, 5/25/08

by EssBee on Mar 28, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That name...

…will end up with Josh Lewin making a comment that will get him suspended.

by Adam J. Morris on Mar 28, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

thats an awesome name!

if he became a ranger i’d immediately become a fan just so i can talk about merkin

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Mar 28, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is a good prediction

And a good deal for the Rangers.

by Darrell McKown on Mar 28, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i would LOVE that deal

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 28, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't buy

that the Giants would just dump Valdez. He was good last year in the majors and has been decent this spring (too many walks this spring but no one is touching him). He has a great arm. Why dump him?

Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam

by Brett Perryman on Mar 28, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Possible Pitching Pickups

Count me in on a deal that would result in the Rangers acquiring either Niemann or Valdez.

Jeff Niemann (Rays) – 26 yo RHP – 6’9" with a sinking, low 90’s fastball, average slider, and change-up. Niemann was ranked by BA prior to the 2006, 2007, and 2008 seasons (#70, #35, and #99, respectively), so the scouts have seen something that they like. Niemann tossed 77 innings in AA in 2006, 131 innings in AAA in 2007, and 149 innings in AAA and MLB in 2008. His progression suggests that he is ready to step into a full-time major league job. The Rangers could use him as a long-reliever in 2009 and try him as a starter in 2010. And he’s from Texas.
Majors – 16 IP, 18H, 8BB, 14K, 9ER
Minors – 372 IP, 3.58 ERA, 9.1K/9IP, 3.4BB/9IP, 1.24 WHIP

Merkin Valdez (Giants) – 26 yo RHP – An electric fastball (mind-90’s w/movement) coupled with a change-up and slider led BA to rank him #40 (2004) and #58 (2005). Valdez has performed well when he’s been on the mound. His problem is that he’s struggled with injuries the past few years. Valdez missed most of 2008 due to an elbow injury.
Majors – 17.2 IP, 18H, 10BB, 15K, 8ER
Minors – 397 IP, 3.36 ERA, 9K/9IP, 3.6BB/9IP, 1.26 WHIP

by spurdynasty on Mar 28, 2009 11:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i would much prefer Niemann

but I am not sure what we’d have to offer for him. I would think the Rays would rather trade Hammel.

by clark on Mar 28, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Either, or even both

I think the Rangers could easily find room for both of them. Niemann could be the 5th starter and Valdez could work out of the bullpen.

by Darrell McKown on Mar 28, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Niemann

Go Rice pitchers!!!!!

Seriously, he’s a big dude who’ll be a decent – good pitcher if healthy.

by JBImaknee on Mar 28, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think valdez had TJ?

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 28, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Heh

I want Merkin

Free Frank Catalanotto

by egriffey on Mar 28, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I may need to take a couple of vacation days to write a few hundred merkin jokes in case we end up with him

Honestly, couldnt someone that knows his parents told them what Merkin means

by BEW on Mar 28, 2009 12:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The Straight Dope about merkins

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/743/what-is-a-merkin

by NorCalRangersFan on Mar 28, 2009 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Klaw:

• Cult hero Wilmer Font threw another inning on Friday in a low-A game, sitting 92-96 mph with a much improved slider that’s probably a 45 on the 20-80 scale (that is, a bit below average). It’s tighter with better tilt than it was last year.

• Rangers outfielder Engel Beltre looks stronger this spring — he was rail thin at this time last year — and took some good at-bats, turning on a 93 mph fastball from Juan Ramirez for a line-drive single to right, and later striking out looking after a good at-bat on a fastball that was right at his knees. (I was certain it was low until I checked the video later on my computer. The pitch passed directly in front of his lead knee. Good call, blue.) The added weight hasn’t hurt his running speed, which is still plus.

link

"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 28, 2009 12:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I am some sort of a priest in the Font cult.

Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam

by Brett Perryman on Mar 28, 2009 4:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

does that also makes you a priest

of the below average slider?

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Mar 28, 2009 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not a cultist because of his slider.

Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam

by Brett Perryman on Mar 28, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Does that include

a vow of celibacy?

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

by t ball on Mar 28, 2009 5:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Goodness no

…but it does include a weird policy for the female members about how I’m their true path to Font-ness, so they must “lay” with me several at a time.

Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam

by Brett Perryman on Mar 28, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cult of Font

If you are High Priest, I will be in charge of “holy water.”

I have a liberal dispensation policy.

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 28, 2009 7:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

hah

Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam

by Brett Perryman on Mar 28, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haven't seen the kid live really

but he still looks really skinny. He must’ve been starvin’ marvin skinny last year…

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Mar 28, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Andruw Jones

looked awful. I wanted him here. No longer. For those of you against him from day one? Well done. You win. I lose. He’s not even close to hitting the ball sharply. He’s way off at the plate.

Maybe his eyesight is a problem. Seriously.

by 3Bagger on Mar 28, 2009 12:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

but... all he needs is more time with rudy!

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Mar 28, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rudy

If he sticks, how many rallies could he kill in 2009?

by 3Bagger on Mar 28, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Billions upon Billions"

- Carl Sagan

Josh Hamilton puts his pants on one leg at a time just like you but once he gets his pants on he hits baseballs 420 feet.

by BigGuns on Mar 28, 2009 12:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice

Minor Moosings

by Goyogringo on Mar 28, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

About as many as

Incaviglia did back in the day.

Just keep your mask on and umpire the game! - Tom Grieve, 5/25/08

by EssBee on Mar 28, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He doent have any problem seeing at the buffett line

by BEW on Mar 28, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that's only because his sense of smell is remarkable...

and yes he is buffet challenged.

Josh Hamilton puts his pants on one leg at a time just like you but once he gets his pants on he hits baseballs 420 feet.

by BigGuns on Mar 28, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

ABBA

Any Body But Andruw!

by 3Bagger on Mar 28, 2009 12:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

AJ

One day Andruw is on the team, the next day he is not. It won’t be decided until Apr. 5.

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year

by RangerMad on Mar 28, 2009 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I know I'm not the first to think this, but I'll say it anyway

Signing Big Hammy to a long term contract is a stupid idea.

We need to finesse our way somehow into letting that idea peter out.

He’s too old for there to be a benefit for us, especially considering the issues of relapse and injury. Let’s have 4 good years (only if we’re really lucky) and then wish him the best. Buying out a couple of FA years from Hammy makes little sense, unfortunately.

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 28, 2009 2:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs