Evan Grant with some thoughts
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 15, 2009 12:28 PM CDT
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PrintEvan Grant has some thoughts on where things are right now...
A couple of particularly meaningful notes...he says that Willie Eyre will be in the bullpen by this weekend, and has some fascinating stats on Josh Hamilton swinging at first pitches...
And yes, Eyre isn't going to be a godsend. He's not a savior. But if can do what he did out of the pen in 2007 (4.58 ERA in 61 innings), that would help.
If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say Josh Rupe will be put on waivers to make room for Eyre, but Warner Madrigal being optioned is also an option.
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josh swinging at the first pitch
i’m torn here…
Last year he was awesome on 1st pitch…
but, when he does swing and miss on the first pitch, his 0-1 stats aren’t that good…
i wish he would take more pitches though…
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
zywica for life...
the problem is
he’s been getting junk on the first pitch lately…and still swung. if he’s letting first pitches go that are a “let me establish the count” sure-thing fastballs, and he watched them go by, he’s in an 0-1 hole either way. So why not swing? But his eye needs to be a bit more discerning when it comes to curves/sliders
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 15, 2009 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions
Nippert
What about Nippert? I think that while many teams have questions about their bullpen, they are operating under the assumption that it is still early. So they will wait and see how things turn out. I have no idea when Nippert is expected to return from the DL, but don’t you think that Rupe would have a better chance of clearing waivers now as opposed to later when some teams might starting looking for bullpen help?
by Excel Hearts Choi on Apr 15, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions
who else is having bullpen problems now that we have to worry about?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 15, 2009 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions
fixing stuff
I think Washington will (and should) roll with Jones more regularly at this point. I have no idea what to do about the bullpen.
"Was this really necsarry?" - cowpoke/hurler hurley
he wasn't on fire at that point
he is now…at least comparatively speaking
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 15, 2009 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions
hold on a sec
josh’s first pitch swinging…
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=hamiljo03&year=2009&t=b
doesn’t add up with evan’s numbers…
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
zywica for life...
I think the difference is
Evan is counting times Josh swung at the first pitch, but didn’t necessarily put it into play.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 15, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah, that's waht i was thiinkin'... i didn't realize that last year.
if BR’s stat is ONLY when the ball is put in play and does not take into account swings and misses, then eff it, I’m no fan of that stat anymore…
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
zywica for life...
Since the Rangers' pitching staff
never has to face their own chart-topping offense, does this mean that the staff is actually even worse than the stats show?
logic
would say your assumption is correct
by dustinvandeman on Apr 15, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
actually it might get better
The Ranger offense didn’t do too well vs the Tigers’ or Oriole’s bullpens.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
I can't see
Rupe being put on waivers when Madrigal could just be sent down. I don’t think the team is in a position to lose any kind of arm.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
yeah
i am curioust to know your thoughts, Adam, on why we would risk losing a pitcher when a pitcher who has been just as ineffective could be sent down at no risk. Or are you taking JD’s poor past decisions into account for this prediction?
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
It appears to me...
…that Rupe is on the bottom of the bullpen food chain right now, and also has a 50/50 chance of going unclaimed.
I think the Rangers are trying to maximize wins right now, and if they think Madrigal has a better chance than Rupe of helping them win games, they may go ahead and keep Madrigal for now.
Also, Nippert is going to have to be activated at some point, or someone else is going to likely be called up, at which point Madrigal will probably be sent down.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 15, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
That may be true
that Nippert would require both sending Madrigal and Rupe down, but I think they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it.
I mean, it’s not like Madrigal is crucial to the success of the MLB club — even right now.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 15, 2009 1:01 PM CDT up reply actions
huh?
that Nippert would require both sending Madrigal and Rupe down
Nippert is on the 40 so the Rangers would only need to clear one spot off the active roster when they activate him. Which is probably at least 10 days away at a minimum.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Eyre is going to be added to the bullpen, though
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 15, 2009 1:11 PM CDT up reply actions
yeah
I meant adding nippert as well as Eyre — sorry that wasn’t clear.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 15, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions
a few days ago
one of the blogs (Dmag?) said Nippert was still having problems with his shoulder strength. I wouldn’t expect him back anytime soon. Which brings up a question. If he is put on the 60 day DL can it be back dated to the start of his 15 day DL?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
i think the reason
we saw Mad Dog enter last night’s game instread of Rupe is because the team wanted to have a fresh long reliever ready if Benson falters today. They might as well put as much mileage on Madrigal’s arm as possible before sending him down. I don’t think Rupe is on firm ground, but I think they will give him more time this season before making a potentially lasting decision on him. besides, JD is not really in a position to take risks right now.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
i think the reason
we saw Mad Dog enter last night’s game instread of Rupe is because the team wanted to have a fresh long reliever ready if Benson falters today. They might as well put as much mileage on Madrigal’s arm as possible before sending him down. I don’t think Rupe is on firm ground, but I think they will give him more time this season before making a potentially lasting decision on him. besides, JD is not really in a position to take risks right now.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I think that might upset the "chemistry"
he’s one of the more popular guys in there right?
Of course if he was cut, but they started winning, I’m sure the chemistry would be just fine.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 15, 2009 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions
I would hope that he gets the same leash as any other NRI.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
They need to treat him
like that other NRI, Jason Jennings, and not pitch him in back to back games.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
Yeah, that would be my hope too
but I think Eddie specifically is a little different in the club’s eyes
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 15, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions
I think they want 2 lefties in the pen
And I also think they believe he’s a good influence on guys like Wilson, Frankie, and Madrigal out there.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 15, 2009 1:39 PM CDT up reply actions
"he’s a good influence on guys like Wilson, Frankie"
Its not like Wilson and Frankie are rookies or 2nd year players. Is JD overvaluing the need for clubhouse leaders such as Eddie and Byrd?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
I wouldn't say that about Byrd
for the most part, his play has been very sufficient
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 15, 2009 3:48 PM CDT up reply actions
agreed
But in a trade situation, JD would overvalue Byrd based on his clubhouse leadership.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
well...
I wonder what impact it plays on the team’s performance. losing Delucci a few years ago was supposedly a major blow to the ballclub…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 15, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Think they have a few cuts to make
til they get to him.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
BTW, it's Willie effing Eyre
…get it right, Blogmeister.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Of course Rupe
will go out and pitch 3 efficient, scoreless innings tonight behind an egglaying Benson.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Benson
How many starts do you guys think he has before he gets yanked if his performances don’t improve?
Can't imagine
he will be pitching in May if his starts aren’t significantly better than last start.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
At least until one of the long guys shows they could do better....
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
How many starts did Jennings get last year?
According to B-R, six (last start on 4/29). So six or May 1 (or thereabouts), whichever comes first, would be my guess.
Didn't Jennings
get dropped because of injury and not poor performance?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
just a lame George Zimmer .gif
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
pizza all around
if ur in houston, come on over…i’ll buy
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
zywica for life...
Hamilton...
was very good on the first pitch last year, but the league has adjusted to him now. Yesterday I was yelling at the TV for him to take a pitch. As EG says when he did, good things happened. I’m sure he will make adjustments too and get things figured out. However he does need to be more patient at the plate imo. At least ‘til he has the reputation around the league that he won’t swing at the first pitch 65% of the time which is what I believe he did last year.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
EG says Eyre coming up tonight.
Godwin's Law Version 2.0 (Rangers Edition)
"As a Ranger discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Danks, Volquez, or Young approaches one."
Well, that's kinda big news.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
I hope nobody expects
Wille Mays Eyre to be the savior of this bullpen. Next week everyone will be clamoring for Madrigal’s return.
http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/eyrewi01.shtml
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
I was Hopeful Guy after the 3-0 start.
I was Angry-Depressed Guy when we lost 5 in a row, but I’m fast becoming Bemused Fan Of A Losing Team Guy. If we lose tonight i’m there. It’s good to plan ahead.
"Beating the Astros is like beating a bunch of gloveless nuns"
OT, i know, but I’m a fan of Larry Dobrow and he ranks the Astros last in his power rankings on sportsline this week. The quote above made me laugh.
What a bizarre mixed bag…
"[Font} doesn't turn 19 until the end of May and his heater can already hit 99 on the gun. That's baseball porn." - Jason Parks
by hightowersmith on Apr 15, 2009 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions
did his arm fall off yet?
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
I was thinking about going to tonight's game
anyone have a good way to get some cheaper seats?
Two $7 tickets still end up being $20 bucks after service fees and “Built for Fun” charges.
Hook a brotha’ up!
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
I would assume...
you could just go to the park and buy the cheapest seats before the game and then sit wherever you want.
I saw plenty of empty seats the last couple games.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
Buy $5 walkup tix and save the service fee.
Then migrate to the lower bowl…you shouldn’t get checked.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
yeah
I don’t know why you’d bother buying tix online — not like there’s a crazy wait at the ticket offices….
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Apr 15, 2009 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions
Cool
should have though of that before…
But that’s why LSB is around, correct?
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
I'm sure it's been mentioned here before but I haven't seen it
but I’m going to have to go ahead and call out AJM and any of the other guys that said Galarraga is a fluke and will not have a good year this year. Sample size or not, he has opened the year absolutely TEARING through two powerful lineups:
vs. TEX: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 BB, 8 K, 1 ER
vs. Chicago White Sox: 6.1 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K, 0 ER
This bothers me more than any of the trades we made…LUIS FREAKING MENDOZA!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Sorry. I usually don’t cry over spilled milk, but it’s starting to get to where I can’t even feign optimism anymore about this ballclub
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
His starts this year
have been good, not as fluky as last year. No one said the fact that he was lucky last year meant he would never be good or couldn’t improve. Still, I expect him to be nowhere near this good the rest of the season.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Wakefield
Through four today against the Mariners he hasn’t allowed a hit and has only had to throw 32 pitches.
Goodness.
the A's and the Mariners
have pretty poor offenses. It will be interesting when they clash with our pitching staff.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
who's Powell playing 1B?
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
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