Frank Catalanotto to be released
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 1, 2009 8:30 PM CDT
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Andruw Jones must be better short term
Over the course of the season, would Frank or Andruw provide the Rangers a better bat off of the bench? Personally, I am surprised they stuck with Andruw, but I must be wrong because Frank obviously had zero trade value with all the other teams.
by Mark from OC on Apr 1, 2009 8:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Tom Hicks would never...
"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 Apr 1, 2009 8:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good luck to Cat...
he handled last year like a pro and I’ve always liked the guy. Just really no place for him to play on this team. I hope he catches on somewhere and has a good season.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 1, 2009 8:42 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Glass half full
I’ve said since the beginning that my concern will be that they can’t bring themselves to pull the plug when we all know they should. Hopefully that won’t happen.
But working more positive, I guess you can look at this as a win-win. If Jones works out somehow, great. If he doesn’t, hopefully Rudy’s seemingly questionable take on some of these veterans will be further marginalized moving forward.
by Brett Perryman on Apr 1, 2009 8:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's pretty much the only good thing I can see coming from this
That the team will stop putting so much faith in Rudy being able to fix hitters.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Apr 1, 2009 8:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and that a good guy
might get some deserved PT on a playoff club
by Goyogringo on Apr 1, 2009 8:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who
exactly has Rudy “fixed” anyway?
What players consider themselves Rudy disciples and credit him with their success.?
I had a secret meeting in the basement of my brain.
by red shoe ranger on Apr 1, 2009 8:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
DeRosa, GMJ
super rich men with his help but there are 1 of those for every 3 washouts that end up hurting the team
by Goyogringo on Apr 1, 2009 8:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to take away from Rudy but I remember DeRosa saying he watched Michael Young in the batting cage and just mimicked his approach.
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
x
It wasn’t until I went to Texas and began working with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo that I was able to iron things out. I had always had the tools, but I wasn’t there yet. Rudy helped me come up with a plan.
When I first came up with the Braves there were just guys better than me at my position. I didn’t have a leg to stand on to force my way into the lineup. I just waited for my time, and with the Rangers Rudy changed my entire stance, my approach … I started over again from Square 1 like I was back in Little League.
Rudy was able to show me on video how I was not putting myself in position to be successful at the big-league level. It was a struggle at first; after 29 years it’s tough to break bad habits, but I was willing to make the change to further my career. There were untapped resources that I was not taking advantage of.
"A good start would be not giving up 900 runs again." -Jon Daniels
by Randy Richardson on Apr 1, 2009 9:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That year Young had a breakout season, hitting .306 with 14 homers. The following year he had refined his swing to the point that DeRosa, who arrived as a free agent from the Atlanta Braves, began mimicking Young’s style. “I completely changed what I had done for 10 years after watching him in spring training,” says DeRosa. “I’d go out and hit early with him, and it just felt right.”
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 9:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So I guess we're both right smart ass.
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 9:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nope
I, Mark Derosa, credit all my hitting success to shroom over at the LSB board.
by shroomer on Apr 1, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
Are you doing farm probs again?
"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 Apr 1, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah
that reminds me. i have an image im supposed to make for that.. ill get on that in the next day or two shroomer. well, an attempt anyway.
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Apr 1, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lemme know, no rush, it’s a loooong season
by shroomer on Apr 1, 2009 9:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like it
I’ll at least get the ball rolling in April and go from there.
by shroomer on Apr 1, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sweet
"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 Apr 1, 2009 9:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like we're both wrong. Nice work shroom, what do you think you can do with Jones?
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 9:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
derosa was always pretty good
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 9:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, and
if the organization signs a Matthews or Byrd and asks Rudy to work with them, fine. That’s his job. But because of his reputation, since Hart has been here, he’s been given significant say on personnel decisions, and I don’t think that he’s proven to be right on some of the veterans for whom he stuck his neck out.
by Brett Perryman on Apr 2, 2009 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Best Wishes
to Cat. He has handled the last year + with professionalism and class. He’s definitely one of the good guys.
"A good start would be not giving up 900 runs again." -Jon Daniels
by Randy Richardson on Apr 1, 2009 8:52 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
Cat
The thing I will miss the most is getting to yell, WHAT THE FUCK CAT!!! When he butchered a play in LF.
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Apr 1, 2009 8:58 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
About time.
"I can wake up out of the bed and play outfield. It's easy." --MOB
by coolaid on Apr 1, 2009 9:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I will miss Catalanotto
Two turns with the Rangers, and he was a class act all the way through. I wish him all the best.
-- Micah
Baseball Is My Boyfriend
I want to be the next Annie Savoy.
by baseballismyboyfriend on Apr 1, 2009 9:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yep, agreed
2001 was his last truly sparkly year, but he’s a class act for sure and a good guy. I hope he catches on somewhere he can do the Smokey Burgess infallible pinch hitter deja vu.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/c/catalfr01.shtml
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912) also -
"Telephone, n. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance."
~Ambrose Bierce
by Ed Coffin on Apr 1, 2009 10:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
always liked cat
and not just because he looks like c thomas howell.
Omar Vizquel: your starting shortstop for the 2009 AL all-star team.
by gossamer on Apr 1, 2009 9:06 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cya cat
I applaud him for taking the loss of playing time like a professional and hope he get a team who will use him as a regular pinch hitter and injury backup, he can still hit a little bit.
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Apr 1, 2009 9:12 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
agree 100%
always liked Cat, wish him nothing but the best.
by Royal Swine on Apr 1, 2009 9:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And...Cahill performs a self-high five
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 Apr 1, 2009 9:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
now i need a new sig
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 9:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and I need to run over
to salt Cat’s lands to make sure crops never grow.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
by DJCahill on Apr 2, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for posting
Cute, funny chicks make me horny as a 9 peckered billy goat. She’s no raving beauty, but there’s just something there. I’ll be right back…..
Just keep your mask on and umpire the game! - Tom Grieve, 5/25/08
by EssBee on Apr 2, 2009 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully he catches on with a ballclub where he can get good playing time
He’s been a class-act during both of his tours with the Rangers. I wish him the best of luck.
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
ElectricOkra.com
by WhipSmart on Apr 1, 2009 9:16 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, Whip
He’s the consumate professional and will be a good bench addition for a National League team. That man can hit off the bench and will be an excellent pinch hitting option.
Just keep your mask on and umpire the game! - Tom Grieve, 5/25/08
by EssBee on Apr 2, 2009 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OT
Roddick making a run against Federer. Check FSN if interested…
I had a secret meeting in the basement of my brain.
by red shoe ranger on Apr 1, 2009 9:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
and
for some reason Joey Porter is in the stands screaming at Roddick trying to pump him up.
I had a secret meeting in the basement of my brain.
by red shoe ranger on Apr 1, 2009 9:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was quite the off-season for
JD following 2006.
We have a small market payroll and $ 6 million just got flushed.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 9:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wtf is it with you and random replies
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 1, 2009 10:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many times you do you think
the Rangers FO have one of those Algonquin meetings talking about the state of the team where HIcks suddenly gives a death stare to JD and verbally abuses his ass for crap like the Catalonotto signing and subsequent release?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say never
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 1, 2009 10:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And you never take off your JD knee-pads.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
no
I just don’t think Tom Hicks verbally abuses people — I think he’s probably not happy with the signing, but that’s not what you asked.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 1, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and the random replies continue
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Apr 2, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm Shocked! Shocked!
that they couldn’t find anyone to offer the Rangers anything better than just releasing him.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
by DJCahill on Apr 1, 2009 9:37 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Give me Sheets or give me Offseason Blues Part III.
by Chase Irwin on Apr 1, 2009 10:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Catalanotto
For the draft pick and money he cost, we could have had Rick Porcello, then we really would have had the best farm system in the major by a good margin.
by Darrell McKown on Apr 1, 2009 9:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that is so wrong i don't want to correct it
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 9:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wait, how so?
Cat signed for three years, $13 million. Porcello got a $3.5 million bonus.
by alon91 on Apr 1, 2009 10:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we would have never signed porcello
never ever ever ever
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and if we had
we would have done it regardless of the cat signing.
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 10:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what kind of messed up rationale is that?
theres this thing, its called a budget…
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 12:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's this thing called timing
Cat was signed BEFORE the season and a full 4 months before Porcello was drafted. For one thing nobody predicted he would fall that far in the draft. You can’t budget that far in advance when the chances he drops to you were about .002%. If Hicks would have done that and Porcello hadn’t fallen to us people would have been screaming how cheap he was
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 Apr 2, 2009 8:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
On the other hand
you essentially gave away a draft pick and signed a multiyear contract for a guy who clearly wasn’t a core building block for the future. I don’t think there were many folks even at the time who thought he would be a strong core player.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
by DJCahill on Apr 2, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not everyone you sign is going to be a core player
Sometimes you just sign guys to play. Is it a bad contract? Absolutely. Did it keep us from signing any other significantly better players? I say no. Would that 12 mil have gotten us Torii Hunter or Zito or Dice-K?
The draft pick argument is valid but is not as big since we had so many coming to us via FA compensation. Had we only had the one first rounder and gave it away for Cat then there would be a serious argument for worst contract ever.
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 Apr 2, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't see the point
to giving up draft choices for non-core players or signing non-core players to multiyear contracts. Most of those guys are fairly easily replaced by 1 year FAs, 4A players, and yes, even NRIs. Typically those guys in their 30s aren’t even going to do as well as they did in the past, when they were fairly marginal to start with.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
by DJCahill on Apr 2, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
The draft pick we gave up to Toronto when we signed Cat was before the Tigers took Porcello.
Porcello signed a 4 year, $7.3 million contract, which is much less than Cat’s deal.
I’m not saying the Rangers would have taken him with the pick (and I’m generally not a big fan of drafting high school pitchers), but, as I said above, they could have had Porcello with the pick and the money they gave Cat (and actually had several million left over).
by Darrell McKown on Apr 2, 2009 1:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
dont feel bad.
everytime i think of drew meyer his head explodes and out of the ashes is scott kazmir.
reality sucks.
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 12:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sad to see Cat leave
but there was no place for him. I’d be totally fine if Andruw truly just took his place on the bench, playing little. But I just feel like Wash is going to play him and play him and play him…even if he isn’t producing.
by Mike E on Apr 1, 2009 9:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
awesome comment by jolly
who hopes that releasing Cat won’t come back to bite the Rangers like Galarraga did.
by Royal Swine on Apr 1, 2009 9:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Meh.
I’m glad to see him gone. But I’d rather have him than Jones and that’s a sunk cost.
So meh.
by philkid3 on Apr 1, 2009 9:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you are not using sunk cost correctly
because the idea of sunk cost means that cat’s salary should not be a consideration for whether he stays or goes
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 10:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say it should.
Even though I doubted someone would want to take him, it’s disappointing when that doubt is reality.
by philkid3 on Apr 1, 2009 10:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Max Ram
So, now that we have Andruw, who is essentially free, instead of the $6 million Cat, is it more likely that we will see Max if Andruw struggles? I think so. Now that there is not longer a six million dollar price tag on the RH DH, it may be an easier pill to swallow to just bring Max up if Andruw sucks it up.
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 1, 2009 10:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Does Max get called up
when Hank goes on the DL? Who DHs then?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 1, 2009 10:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I recommend this diary.
Give me Sheets or give me Offseason Blues Part III.
by Chase Irwin on Apr 1, 2009 10:14 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Free at last, thank God Almighty, Free at Last
Guess it’s time for a new sig.
Free Frank Catalanotto
by egriffey on Apr 1, 2009 10:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
you could change it to
“Cheap Frank Catalanotto” since it won’t take much to sign him.
by reagan on Apr 2, 2009 4:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
wtf
do we need a 5th outfielder for?
already hard enough getting playing time divided among the top 4.
i hate this organization sometimes.
by kumizi on Apr 1, 2009 10:31 PM CDT reply actions 1 recs
lol
"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 Apr 1, 2009 10:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What is the real upside in keeping AJones
on this team?
Let’s say he finds it and hits 25 bombs on a team that loses 90 games.
Yeah, he bumps his value back up around the league for next year but what good does that do the Rangers?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 10:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well it gets them at least 25 runs.
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
by iorange555 on Apr 1, 2009 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if Josh Hamilton suffers a major injury?
"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 Apr 1, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if the sun exploded?
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
by iorange555 on Apr 1, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if God was one of us?
Give me Sheets or give me Offseason Blues Part III.
by Chase Irwin on Apr 1, 2009 11:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if the matrix is real?
"Obama is a Christian - He's always been a Christian...But.........what if he is[a Muslim]? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no, that's not America." Colin Powell on Obama/Muslim assertions.
by AirJordan on Apr 1, 2009 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if Emmanual Lewis is the Anti-Christ?
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 11:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What if no TINSTAPP?
"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 Apr 1, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You owe me a head.
Mine just exploded.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 1, 2009 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Everyone should try to say that out loud
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Apr 2, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no such thing as there is no such thing as a pitching prospect.
She was a grand old lady...
by lonestarJon on Apr 2, 2009 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can't say it really fast though.
She was a grand old lady...
by lonestarJon on Apr 2, 2009 6:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
THen what does that make Gary Coleman?
My cool sig.
by Ryin A on Apr 1, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's the super intendent at Avenue Q.
Sucks to be him.
by philkid3 on Apr 1, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gary Coleman is Moses biotch.....
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 11:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Family Guy Emmanuel Lewis cameo just now...
While reading this thread. Just sayin.
Rocky Mountain Ranger
by Strangers on Apr 2, 2009 12:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's not?
Just keep your mask on and umpire the game! - Tom Grieve, 5/25/08
by EssBee on Apr 2, 2009 12:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ALL of the above replies
are more relevant than Josey’s.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 2, 2009 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather lose 98 games with youngsters ready for The Show
than 88 games with older, no upside players.
See – The Sosa.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 10:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought we were gonna lose 90?
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
by iorange555 on Apr 1, 2009 10:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No predictions just yet
but everybody should make preparations to stride proudly once again across that old red n blue treadmill.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You flatter yourself.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 1, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jones isn't blocking anyone jackass
Boggs showed last year he needs more time in the minors. He is ready defensively but offensively he needs more time in the minors.
And unless you are ready to give up on Max as a catcher then he isn’t ready. He probably isn’t ready offensively anyway but unless you are ready to pidgeonhole him now as strictly a DH then he needs more time in the minors.
Sosa didn’t block anyone either dumbass
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 Apr 2, 2009 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The comment you're replying to
Wasn’t abrasive or offensive in any way. I don’t really see why you need to respond with one that is.
by brettgardner on Apr 2, 2009 8:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's Josey
I clicked on this thread and there were a ton of new posts. After reading him spew the same tired shit over and over a little anger comes out in my reply. I apologize if I offended you or anyone else
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 Apr 2, 2009 8:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well not me.
And I’m not really one to talk, but it doesn’t seem to accomplish much.
by brettgardner on Apr 2, 2009 8:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bigsteve,
So are we supposed to ignore the fact that JD just flushed $ 6 million down the terlet?
Was he still in his “learning curve phase” when he signed Cat?
It was a dumb signing and waste of what is a precious resource ($$$) with this organization and JD should be kicked in the nuts for being this stupid.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 8:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its a run of the mill bad signing that nearly every team in the mlb has made in the past couple years.
Some much worse. Like GMJ. Or andruw!
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Apr 2, 2009 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
perspective
That money was flushed when Hicks and Cat put thier respective signatures on the contract in Nov 06. That was before the great April 07 collapse that prompted the “true” rebuilding phase the Rangers are currently in. If you wish to call the period before April 07 the JD "learning curve phase" go right ahead and do so.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 2, 2009 9:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
geez
if every GM got kicked in the nuts everytime a signing went bad or wasted money, they would all be crazy gun shy on making any deals. Would you really want our FO to be that scared to take any chances?
by Royal Swine on Apr 2, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who did Cats contract keep us from signing?
Taking away Cats contract still doesn’t help us sign Zito, Hunter, Dice-K, or any other significant player the last couple years. It was a bad contract. Deal with it and move on. At least Cat didn’t hang around and constantly complain about lack of PT and create a fuss.
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 Apr 2, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how about...
would you rather lose 88 with youngsters or lose 78 games with older players and be in the playoff mix with the weak AL West.
Not saying I disagree with the argument, just throwing out different arbitrary loss totals.
by Royal Swine on Apr 2, 2009 9:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Royal Swine (I like that name).
I don’t see this as a .500 team with AJones.
I could understand him being here somewhat if this team was expected to win 90 games but they’re not. I simply don’t see any upside in Jones being here if the future is supposed to be 2011 and beyond.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 9:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See Lofton, Kenny...
You were vehement in your opinion that there was no upside to that signing too.
Personally, I don’t see Jones impacting things for the good or the bad, but he’s not blocking anyone that I’d like to see on the 25, and he MAY show enough to tip the scales to the good.
by bking on Apr 2, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A couple of sides to the Lofton question.
Was he a good signing for this team if the goal was to win (and make no mistake, the goal was to win that year)? Not at all and I was absolutely correct.
Expecting him to play both CF and ignite the offense was silly (he was 40 years old and 40 year olds don’t help bad teams win) and one of the reasons this thing broke the gate so poorly and was out of the race by Memorial Day.
Did JD make a nice recovery by trading Lofton for Ramirez? Possibly because Ramirez is tearing it up as a hitter in the minor leagues but that story will be told at a later date.
I wasn’t shocked at all that Bravo Kenny Lofton was out of MLB in 2008.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I should have expected a cut-and-paste non-answer...
I think I’m going back to iggy mode now.
Cue the ubiquitous kneepads retort.
by bking on Apr 2, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we needed a CF
and didn’t have a prospect that could play the position.
Would you rather we had paid Torii Hunter that God-awful contract?
Bring on April 6th!
by NothinG on Apr 2, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah...
…all Kenny Lofton did was be the most valuable player on the Rangers.
What a bum. He definitely didn’t help the Rangers win.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 2, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kenny Lofton didn't do much until
June that year.
He kicked it in gear for 6 weeks after that because he wanted to get the hell out of Dodge.
$ 6 mllion for Lofton and expecting him to help that team win was dumb and misguided.
I’d rather this team used the money they spent for Gagne & Lofton and spent it on Gil Meche or Ted Lilly. Then they wouldn’t have felt compelled to deal Danks for McCarthy.
There’s a good chance this team doesn’t give up 967 runs with a rotation fronted by Millwood, Vinnie P, Lilly / Meche and Danks.
Just sayin’.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
So, the only reason Lofton played well was because he couldn’t stand being a Ranger and he wanted to get traded? Players can control their performance to that degree? Biased much?
Look, Daniels has undoubtedly made some bad moves, no one denies that. But is just beyond ridiculous for you to pan this one. Lofton was signed to a reasonable contract at a time when the market prices were ridiculous. He performed very well, AND brought back a very nice piece in trade. This deal was a win in every possible respect. If they hadn’t signed Lofton, they still wouldn’t have signed Meche or Lilly, and they still would have needed a CFer.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 2, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The deal was not a win reflected in the standings
and I’d rather have John Danks & Lilly/Meche than Max Ramirez, Beltre, Murphy and Gabbard.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But you're assuming
that they would have signed Meche or Lilly, they wouldn’t have. They traded for McCarthy because they were looking for a pitcher who had more potential value for less cost long term. Meche and Lilly are average guys who would have cost a premium price. McCarthy was widely perceived as a potential top of the rotation guy who was ready to take a step forward and do so cheaply.
Signing Lofton and Gagne to one-year contracts has nothing whatsoever to do with getting Meche & Lilly for 4 or 5 years, the two subjects are completely unrelated.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 2, 2009 1:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Danks’ success has been credited to his learning the cutter. He would not have learned that from Mark Connor. He would have learned how to get hurt from our former pitching coach/destroyer.
And, like has been said, we needed a CFer. I don’t see how you can bring this back to the Danks trade and a “what if” signing. I could say that we should have signed a number of people just to make an argument. Let’s be realistic here.
The Danks/McCarthy trade had nothing to do with Lofton or Gagne. And, those two brought us great prospects that are important to our success. I love the Lofton and Gagne signings and, especially, what they brought in return.
Bring on April 6th!
by NothinG on Apr 2, 2009 1:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have the numbers in front of me...
…but since he was traded at the deadline, let’s just assume that the Indians picked up, say, $2 mil of the deal (though that’s pretty generous to you; it’s probably closer to $3 mil, but I digress).
So, essentially, the Rangers paid between $3 and $4 million for Max Ramirez, whose clock started in 2008.
I’ll take that, and I’d LOOOOOOOVE to hear an argument against it.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 2, 2009 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
couldnt you trade that guy for
engel beltre 2.0 and david murphy 2.0 from the braves after francour has another nightmare 1st half?
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 12:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The trade market has reversed itself since 2007
(largely due to the bountys JD brought in that deadline). So no, there’s not much of a chance Andruw Jones will be worth anything at the deadline no matter what he does in the first half.
She was a grand old lady...
by lonestarJon on Apr 2, 2009 12:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a dollar hotdog at the game says your wrong
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
how many organizations have 5th OF'ers
just take a wild guess
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 10:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's why i lol'd
"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 Apr 1, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah i figured
I just wanted to make sure he understood why
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check out these Rangers Fitness video's:
"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 Apr 1, 2009 10:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
since this is a thread for Cat
here’s a tribute video to him
by alon91 on Apr 1, 2009 10:40 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
there are so many things wrong with that
I don’t even know where to begin…
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
ElectricOkra.com
by WhipSmart on Apr 1, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That cat has to be asian.
Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
by iorange555 on Apr 1, 2009 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Boo-urns.
I thought Cat was much better than Druw, and especially more versatile, which is what I thought you wanted in a 5th outfielder/25th man-type.
This blows. Bad move, Rangers.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 1, 2009 10:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm sorry.
I thought Cat was much better than Druw, and especially more versatile, which is what I thought you wanted in a 5th outfielder/25th man-type.
Is this April Fools related tomfoolery or are you being serious here?
by LiamP on Apr 1, 2009 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well...
…considering Cat played 33 games at first base for Texas last year, and can be an emergency infielder, and Andruw Jones has never played a game outside of the outfield, for a 25th man, yeah, I’d rather have Cat. I’m sorry that I can’t get excited about a slow has-been outfielder.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 1, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I guess versatility means
you suck hard at a lot of defensive positions. There isn’t a single defensive position I’ve ever seen Cat play well. Not 2B, Not 1B, Not LF.
Now, he also can’t run, can’t throw, and can’t even get on base like he used to. Back when he had a .370 OBP you could overlook his defensive suck. Now that he struggles with .340, his OBP doesn’t make up for his defensive crapitude.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
by DJCahill on Apr 2, 2009 7:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Enough of this love-fest… Hey Cat,
"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 Apr 1, 2009 10:51 PM CDT reply actions 2 recs
Remember Ari Gold
when it’s late April, we’re under .500 again and we need to send up a PH for weak ass, I’m-only-here-because-Boy Blunder-needs-to-justify-the-trade-but-I-can’t-hit Elvis Andrus once again and the only option is the fat ass has been known as Andruw Jones (a career .190 pinch hitter).
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh.
I’m-only-here-because-Boy Blunder-needs-to-justify-the-trade-but-I-can’t-hit Elvis Andrus
This is just comedy at this point.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 1, 2009 11:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andrus won't be able to hide behind
all the bullshit you’ve been reading about him from people who should know better when everybody gets to see him play in The Show.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've seen him in person.
I was impressed.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 1, 2009 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was it his "aura"
his “sense of belonging” or “the look in his eyes” or “his confidence and maturity” or “the fact that he walked with Ian Kinsler & Michael Young when they went to take bp and not behind them” ?
I happen to evaluate him by his stats, his age and what my own eyes tell me.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Those
Are baseball people’s way of expressing accolades. Possibly some reasonably qualified opinions among them, contrary to something deliberately derogatory and 1977 “cute”.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912) also -
"Telephone, n. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance."
~Ambrose Bierce
by Ed Coffin on Apr 1, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ed,
I’ve never been a fan of intangibles when it comes to evaluating baseball players and pitchers.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree basically with that
There are instances though where a player seems to be better and is in situations better than his numbers. I’d also claim that a guy’s range, reaction time, and skill with the glove are pretty hard to substatiate with numbers, although RZR and such are getting there. It ain’t just all about the bat.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912) also -
"Telephone, n. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance."
~Ambrose Bierce
by Ed Coffin on Apr 1, 2009 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rosenthal thinks he is the next American League Rookie of the Year
His makeup is outstanding. His defense will be a revelation for a team that struggles every season with run prevention. His base-running and ability to handle the bat (bunting, moving runners over, executing hit-and-runs) also should prove assets.
When John Ehrlichman, the President's counsel and assistant, asked Nixon why he kept Agnew on the ticket in the 1972 election, Nixon replied that "No assassin in his right mind would kill me."[
by SanDiegoKev on Apr 2, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd be pretty surprised
if he hits well enough to garner a ROTY award, and he’ll have his share of mistakes with the glove as he gets his legs under him. I’m only ok with him being in Arlington this year because I think he’ll handle the transition without falling apart and be good to go as a real contributor in 2010.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 2, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
in 2003 Angel Berroa won the ROY with a .287/.338/.451 line as a 25 year old.
I think it would take a line like that to even get him close to winning the award — that said, I don’t think the Rangers are going to be disappointed if he plays well enough to stick with the team but doesn’t win any awards….
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 2, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
High praise there.
"...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 Apr 2, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Boy Blunder thing is...uhm...kinda old. You must drink buckets of Granpa Urine in the afternoon...
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Section 339
Losing year after year is …uhm…kinda old.
Constructing a pitching staff that gives up 967 runs and thinking that Kris F’ing Benson is the correction to what you think is an aberration, is ….uhm…kinda old.
Having a small market payroll and wasting $ 15 million on Frank Cat, Broussard and 2008 JJennings (while DFA’ing Galarraga) is …uhm…kinda old.
Until there is massive improvement, JD wears the Boy Blunder moniker proudly.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you that losing year after is beyond getting old...it's just when I hear "Boy Blunder" I hear Grandpa Urines voice and that my friend makes me want to fling myself from a building.
I also think that he’s recently got the team in a position to win, provided pieces are added when required down the road…and they will be required even if Holland and Feliz are who we think they are. I’ve been a Rangers fan for 20 years and haven’t been as excited about a team as this one.
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 11:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agree
For the first time in a long time there is a reason to be hopeful with the Rangers. Before its always been hopefullness for hopefullness sake.
by Royal Swine on Apr 2, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
SI writers predictions
3 pick Hamilton as MVP, 1 picks Kinsler
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 1, 2009 11:10 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought most LSBers
hated SI.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Haven't been here so long, so don't know if that makes me a LSB'er
but dude, everyone gets it……
Does anyone knee up with you at the bar?
My cool sig.
by Ryin A on Apr 1, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"knee up with you at the bar" ?
define
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sit next to you at the bar, enjoy a couple of cocktails, enjoy the company/conversation.......
perhaps a bit strong, just seems you’re a tad negative. Not trying to piss in your Cheerios, just an observation.
My cool sig.
by Ryin A on Apr 1, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am a lot of fun to drink beers with ...
I do that very well, especially if there is some kind of sporting event on the big screen.
I’m very Irish and speak my mind when I hear obvious bs without caring about consequences.
Blame or credit my sainted mother.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe we can share a Tullamore Dew someday and get you on board!!!
My cool sig.
by Ryin A on Apr 1, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ryin A
There is nobody in here or on any other board who is a more passionate Ranger fan than myself.
Lots of people believe it’s shtick but it’s really not. You could give me any random year (little fuzzy during my college years in the early 80’s but not bad) and I can give you a snapshot of that particular Ranger team with detailed nuggets, good and bad.
A troll who rooted for against the Rangers would not be able to do that.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then why do you feel the need to mention that
constantly to people on a message board?
Could it be because you’re constantly spouting negativity to the point of nausea?
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Thursdays 10 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice
"Computers can’t measure the size of a man’s heart."
- Hawk Harrelson, MLB Guru/Analyst
by Maximilian on Apr 1, 2009 11:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Max,
When I see change and reason for true optimism, you’ll know it.
See the 2004 Rangers.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I hope so
sports should be fun, and if you or I or anyone can’t at some point simply relax and take in a game win or lose, then it’s not worth following that team.
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Thursdays 10 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice
"Computers can’t measure the size of a man’s heart."
- Hawk Harrelson, MLB Guru/Analyst
by Maximilian on Apr 1, 2009 11:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Max,
I come on strong in here but that’s because I’m passionate in my opinions and if you differ from me, let’s see exactly why.
When you have truly great things happen to you and also get tossed around by the inevitable tragedies that everybody faces in life, it’s easy to keep baseball in the proper perspective.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Then why the negativity towards Andrus, Josey?
Norman, Frias, Mendoza, Wagner, Wilkerson, Huson, Lee, Gil- You know the names. This kid’s skills are exciting.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 1, 2009 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
scoop16
He’s simply not ready this year.
He’s a good prospect and has a chance to be a good player down the road but there’s no reason to have him in the bigs this year. None at all, it’s waaaaaay too soon (at least one year, probably two years).
Because it is so far beyond a reasonable doubt that he should not be here, the motivations of JD to flat-out give him the job come into question.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being relatively new here,
I don’t know. Are you anti-‘the Tex’ trade? Is that why you think JD is rushing the kid? Since Tex clearly envisioned himself a big market guy that wasn’t gonna resign, I think it was a hell of a haul.
Especially since the whole league knew he wasn’t gonna resign. A potential ace, 4th/5th starter, and two up the middle position players is mighty impressive.
If realistic contention is next year and beyond, What’s the harm in playing Andrus now?
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 1, 2009 11:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
scoop,
In the late 70’s the Rangers made a trade with the Pirates and Mets where they received Al Oliver, Jon Matlack and a kid named Nelson Norman aka “Manos de oro” (hands of gold) who was described almost exactly as Andrus has been described.
I think Norman was given the job in The Show when he was 21 years old and it was clearly before he was ready / probably played a role in him never making it.
I also know MYoung is going to go thru quite a transition period over at 3B (Cal Ripken says 100 games) and when you compound that with Kinsler’s issues….I just see a disastrous infield.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 12:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
on MY at third, don’t know if he’ll ever adjust. It seems to me his reflexes at SS were slow, can’t imagine at 3rd.
Being an AO fan, I’m familiar w/ Norman(the name, but not the player very well). Was he as well regarded as Andrus? I understand your apprehension w/ Elvis, but I get the feeling you’re worrying a tad more b/c it’s a JD move.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 2, 2009 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Norman was highly regarded but that was when there
was only 3 major channels on television and no internet. There was a lot of hype about Norman coming into camp and he was given the job without earning it.
I think this trade will eventually work out for the Rangers (and JD) but I don’t think Andrus is anywhere close to being ready this year.
It goes against almost all baseball logic to bring up any 20 year old and play him every day at SS plus expect success.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 12:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
*
“that was when there were…”
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 12:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Renteria was called up
when he was 20 yrs old. He is a decent comp to Andrus.
in AA – Renteria hit .289/.331/388 with 30 SB and 11 CS
in AA – Andrus hit .295/.350/.367 with 54 SB and 16 CS
Those numbers are virtually identical. Renteria did get to spend the first month of the ’96 season in AAA which I think Andrus should, but our situation is a little different.
Bring on April 6th!
by NothinG on Apr 2, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough, Jose Reyes is a rarity, no doubt.
2 Questions: What SS/3B situation would you have preferred for this year?
And the 25 man is basically set now, What’s the prediction?
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 2, 2009 12:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have 10 Josey's in day-to-day livin'
I’m not going to argue with you man. I don’t think you’re a troll….I just think you’re a bitter Ranger fan. Sometimes you gotta let go, look forward to things…..there is a reason to do so these days.
Will it lead to fruition? Who the hell knows, but it sure is a lot better than it has been the last 4-5 years…..
Embrace the future!!! IF it doesn’t work out, it’s only a game.
My cool sig.
by Ryin A on Apr 1, 2009 11:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If it makes anybody feel better
I did get some snippets of DHolland today. First time I’ve seen him.
Wow. What a bad ass.
I wouldn’t mind seeing him come up in late May and get the Earl Weaver work out of the bully treatment.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 1, 2009 11:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
what was the infield the last season mike stanley was on the team?
dont look it up. its a test.
just wanna see if you got it in you
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 12:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
One of my favorite Ranger teams,
especially at second base.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 2, 2009 12:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jayslick,
I know Stanley was on the ‘91 team (he caught Nolan’s 7th NH and I was there) but I think he left the next year after Pudge came aboard.
1B – Raffy
2B – Keeper of all things Big Gold – JFranco (won the batting title .341)
SS – ?? Huson/Thon/Templeton combo platter?
3B – Buechele (traded in late August because he was about to be a FA)
Team horsed around in April (.500ish?) but had a 14 game winning streak in May thru Memorial Day. Those boys hit the ball very, very well. Rookie pitcher named SErickson ended the winning streak and the Twins caught fire after that.
Towards the end of the Ranger winning streak both Bobby Witt & Scott Chiamparino hurt their arms (in Seattle?) and the starting rotation was a mess after that.
I think that was BDowning’s first year with the team (as DH) and he was good. Smart, disciplined, took walks, hit for power – an offensive bad ass.
That may have been the year Valentine used Russell in 10 straight games in relief and it screwed him (and the rest of the bully) up the rest of the year.
We got to see lots of Wayne Rosenthal and Terry Matthews (who may have had the worst baseball body ever). Can’t remember if Todd Burns (always f’ing with his hat) was on this team or if he was on the ’89 team.
That team hit the ball really well and I want to say they were the best offense in baseball. With a decent staff I think they win 95 games (they went 85-77).
They stayed on the fringe of the race all season (7-10 games behind Twins) but couldn’t make up for their pitching staff. The catastrophic moment probably came in mid to late August when they were swept by the Orioles (who I think were really bad) in a pair of silly one-run losses.
I wanna Monty Farris came up in early Septermber that year and it was pretty apparent that he had a bag.
How did I do?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 8:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Other '91 memories...
Inky was released in spring training and it was a big deal that didn’t go over well with the fans because the decision was purely financial. Upon further review, it was the right move because Inky had a bag.
I do remember Gerald Alexander getting his feet wet and loving when he came into the game. He drilled Inky in the shoulder the first time he faced him in Detroit that year. Don’t know what ever happened to him (injury? off the field issues?) but he was good for a brief spell in ’91.
Still wondering who the ’91 SS was but I think Huson got most of the playing time.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 9:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's how I did -
During 1991 -
Jeff Huson was the primary SS but had “help” from Mario Diaz and Jose Hernandez. Ranger SS’s combined for 27 errors in ’91.
Gerald Alexander had a 2.94 ERA in the first half of the season (67 IPs!?!?) but blew up in the second half (ERA over 12.00). He also hit Inky in what was one of first appearances that year.
(http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/DET/DET199105050.shtml
May 14-26, Jeff Russell made 9 appearances but wasn’t too bad until September.
The ’91 Texas Rangers were 8-8 in April and indeed had a 14 game winning streak snapped by Scott Erickson the day after Memorial Day.
Bobby Witt missed two months after his May start in Seattle. Chiamparino didn’t pitch again that year.
That Ranger team led MLB in runs scored and runs allowed.
Mathews (who wasn’t bad but was fat) & Rosenthal (who sucked) did indeed pitch that season.
On August 13 the Rangers were 4 games out and were swept by the Baltimore Orioles (who were 44-67 at time).
Brian Downing had 17 HR / 49 RBI with an OPS above .800.
Monty Farris made his debut on September 6.
Not bad.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All that "from memory", huh?
riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight…
by bking on Apr 2, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well he does
have selective memory.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 2, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All from memory, bking.
I did forget about the vomit blood loss to the White Sox where Gossage gave up a grand salami to Ventura in late July.
That seemed like the catastrophic moment at the time but they recovered somewhat.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I believe him
there is no reason to think that Josey doesn’t know his stuff. I could have told you probably half to 2/3 of the stuff on that list, and I was 12. You take a couple of key memories (Nolan’s 7th no hitter, 1992 Topps baseball cards, Twins won the world series) and a few random memories of your past and you can piece together a season like that.
by JBImaknee on Apr 2, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But can you remember small details
like Gerald Alexander hitting Inky in Detroit?
The debut of Monty Farris?
Getting swept in Baltimore?
The size and shape of Terry Mathews’ ass?
When and where Witt & Chiamparino got hurt?
Who stopped the Ranger winning streak in May and knowing it was the day after Memorial Day?
It was a personal failing that I forgot who played SS with Huson that year but I can live with myself.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
JB - What I'm saying is that the details
I provided aren’t readily apparent unless you really know your stuff which should put to rest any thoughts about me not being a passionate Ranger fan.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My point was just such details...
as Balt’s record, exact ERA splits… etc.
by bking on Apr 2, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
bking,
I went back to baseballreference.com to show jslick how I did. I didn’t know Baltimore was 44-67 when they swept the Rangers in August nor did I remember GAlexander’s first half ERA.
I did remember a bad Baltimore team sweeping the Rangers and how demoralized I felt afterwards and I did remember what a good pitcher GAlexander was for a brief spell.
Clear?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Alexander
had a wicked curve. You forgot Channel 8 celebrated the 14 game winning streak with a video backed by ‘Brass in Pocket’, a song about masturbation.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 2, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Didn't know that about Brass in
Pocket.
Did know it about “She Bop” and “Pictures of Lilly” .
I really liked The Pretenders and they didn’t make enough music.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
by Josey Wales on Apr 2, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am simply astonished
at how proud of yourself you are. Unbelievable. Every day, somehow, you top yourself in jackassery. Are you a used car salesman? A politician?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 2, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
this is for you
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Apr 2, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
huh? It was an interesting link
go take your Grandpa Urine kneepads elsewhere
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 1, 2009 11:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and i don't get why picking hamilton as mvp is so weird
at the point you are rooting against him, you aren’t a fan
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 11:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I'm done trying to figure him out
his replies are all over the place. His names for everyone have become so tired it’s hard to keep them straight. The grandpa urine kneepads are so huge I can’t really tell if he’s a Rangers fan or not.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 1, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They
also have an Angels/Mets WS.
"Obama is a Christian - He's always been a Christian...But.........what if he is[a Muslim]? Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no, that's not America." Colin Powell on Obama/Muslim assertions.
by AirJordan on Apr 1, 2009 11:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They use Verducci's predictions
as their official ones for some reason — he was the only one to pick the Angels in the WS.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 1, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's rather bullish.
I like Kinsler and Hamilton to have big years, but…MVP? I wouldn’t go that far.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 1, 2009 11:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
They were both in contention last year, and there is reason to think both could be better this year.
by Sherman McCoy on Apr 1, 2009 11:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's not that I don't think Kinsler and Ham are going to have great years.
Probably even better than last year. But it’s really hard to win MVP on a losing team; A-Rod has to be an absolute freak to do it.
If I had to pick one person to win the 09ALMVP, it’d be Grady Sizemore.
My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.
by ghtd36 on Apr 1, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who else though?
A-Rods out. Vlad and Ortiz are declining, and that little SOB won it last year.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 1, 2009 11:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
longoria
sizemore
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 11:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Longoria was the first 'other guy'
to come to mind for me also. Kid’s awesome. I do expect a healthy Ham to be right up there.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 1, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
makes me feel better about trading Pedroia for Longoria in my fantasy league
(had IK as well)
(yup its a keeper league and its the only way possible)
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 12:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Great trade
Pedroia careered, Longoria’s only going up.
In fairness, I imagine Pedroia will continue to be really good, but not Longoria-good.
"I saw your act, just didn't make it for me. Just a lot of fluff."
by scoop16 on Apr 2, 2009 1:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
worst pick on there
youkilis.
fluke year.
the preceding post was a great success.
by DSheppard on Apr 2, 2009 8:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
All but one have the Wild Card coming out of the East
Which is just looking more and more improbable to me. Sure, the 3 best teams in the AL are out there. But Baltimore and Toronto both are 80-85 win teams in an average division. The unbalanced schedule is going to make it very difficult for 2 teams to finish over 95 wins in that division.
While the West will likely only have one good team, the Central could easily have two teams randomly do very well and beat up on the Royals and Tigers. I think the WC comes out of the central.
by JBImaknee on Apr 2, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I, for one, will miss seeing his porn ’stache on the JumboTron.
by TXRangersFan on Apr 1, 2009 11:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
+1
When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"
by Section 339 on Apr 1, 2009 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate when I open up a thread with lots of new posts.
And then I realize a lot of them are sub-threads involving Josey and I realize Im just going to be hitting Z a lot.
by philkid3 on Apr 1, 2009 11:23 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
well
he directed the conversation to his mom.
you know what i’d like to do to his mom?
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 1, 2009 11:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
x
"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 Apr 1, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
x
"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 Apr 1, 2009 11:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gold.
She was a grand old lady...
by lonestarJon on Apr 2, 2009 12:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Shift-A
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 1, 2009 11:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well I don't want to skip the posts worth reading.
by philkid3 on Apr 1, 2009 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh I didn't realize there were any in this thread
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 2, 2009 7:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's been said, so I won't rehash the good luck Cat statements
but I would love to meet the guy in a bar, so I can buy him a beer and shake his hand for being the definition of a pro.
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Thursdays 10 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice
"Computers can’t measure the size of a man’s heart."
- Hawk Harrelson, MLB Guru/Analyst
by Maximilian on Apr 1, 2009 11:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Please ban the outlaw
and all sock-puppet incarnations. Adam please be our Dick Cheney and quash all dissent to the move; save us from ourselves (tap our T2 lines even).
by Goyogringo on Apr 2, 2009 12:11 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cheney
he could just invite Josey to go quail hunting.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 2, 2009 12:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i still cant believe that guy who got shot ended up apologizing for being shot.
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 12:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cheney is one bad mutha to get that to happen
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Apr 2, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
shut yo mouth
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good riddance
I thought I’d be jumping for joy when this day came, but since it’s actually the harbinger of Andruw Jones stealing playing time from better players, I’m not all that excited.
Also, I wonder why they didn’t just do this a week and a half ago, when Rudy, Ron and Nolan decided they wanted Jones around.
She was a grand old lady...
by lonestarJon on Apr 2, 2009 12:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I know what ya mean.
i love cat as a person. i loved cat when he was winning/losing the MY/Cat 2b battle, but i never got why we signed him to that deal and brought him back, i always wanted them to poor that $$$ into the system, (hell, open up an academy in venezuela, i dont really care how else it was spent within the farm system it just seemed unnecessary and excessive and i never let it go.
and now, when i should be glad that we finally can move on from that moment i hated so much, that moment of joy is crushed by the fact that we end up using that same spot for andruw f’n jones. my only real moment of joy is that at least jones doesnt cost the same money as hiring a small army, but the idea that Hicks has to eat 4+M makes me kinda chuckle.
Q: when was the last season tom hicks didnt just straight up piss away at least 4M bucks?
mormons stole me and held me against my will with Oklahoma beer and 12+ hour work days.
by Jayslick on Apr 2, 2009 1:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Catman of the Americas"
I salute you sir…….and go make the front office regret this decision.
A sad day……and a bad decision!!
Sigh.
POW!! ..........................POW!! POW!!
by bspate on Apr 2, 2009 11:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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