Thursday a.m. stuff
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 2, 2009 10:16 AM CDT
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PrintSo, yeah, Andruw Jones is on the team. Yippee.
Evan Grant has a writeup on the Opening Day roster, with this curious comment:
Between March 15 and March 20, the Rangers told Jones he was unlikely to make the clubWithin 72 hours of that conversation, though, the Rangers changed their minds. Jones started to show signs he was making progressing in fine-tuning his swing by working with hitting instructor Rudy Jaramillo. And management made it clear that the team needed a right-handed hitting power threat for the middle of the lineup against left-handed pitching.
Here's what I don't get...when Grant says "management" made it clear, who is he talking about? Nolan? Hicks? I have to wonder if this is a matter of Daniels and Nolan convincing Hicks of the wisdom of releasing Cat (since Hicks supposedly didn't want to just cut him), or if this is Nolan and Hicks overruling Daniels on whether to keep Jones.
Jeff Wilson has a similar rundown of the roster, along with a tepid quote from Daniels about the roster composition. Wilson also has some notes up.
Mike Hindman runs down the projected rotations for the minor league clubs, and suggests that Brandon McCarthy could be bounced from the rotation by mid-May.
Jim Reeves discusses the possibility of a Tom Hicks/David McDavid partnership.
Kevin Sherrington talks about the job Mike Maddux is taking on.
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Comments
Why would it be
McCarthy losing his spot and not Harrison?
"Come on man you have to admit the average guy in a baseball clubhouse...... is relatively a douchebag." BGL.
The 2008-2009 Dallas Mavericks are the biggest teases in the world.
exactly
back here in Realityville, it will be whoever has been the least effective to date out of Harrison, McCarthy and Benson. My money would be on Harrison, who could be moved to the bullpen for a short while to allow him to still get work against big leaguers and to limit his innings on the year (although he would more likely just get shipped to AAA).
x
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
100 dollar bills, ya'll!!!
love it
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 2, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't know
the knock on Benson is that he has never justified the hype (number one overall pick, key trade accquisition by the Mets in during the famed Phillips Phuckup era, hot wife, etc) and that has taken away from the fact that he has been a pretty consistently average starter during his career. And since we are talking about the Rangers, I have a feeling he will seem pretty great to us if he sports his typical 4.50-4.75 ERA while eating through innings. I have made the comp before, but I think a John Thompson-esque season is realistic.
LAIE
would make me very happy from Benson, and I think he has the skills to do it, but like you said, the hype attached to him has always made him seem a disappointment.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
then why has he been out of the league for 2 whole seasons?
strictly injuries? or was the Mets’ rotation that good?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 2, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Yep
And expecting him to get back to his preinjury numbers is also a big stretch
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.
Which is why I wonder why everyone keeps saying they expect Sheets to be pitching in Texas later this year.
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 2, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
True but....
With Sheets if he isn’t all the way back to preinjury performance he is still probably gonna give you what Benein would during his best. And then there is the possibility he is or gets better and it’s worth it with him.
With Benson even if he is at optimal performance he is still just a guy. And if he isn’t at optimal performance then he is probably sucking really bad and hurting your team.
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.
well
They each bring something to the team that the other doesn’t:
1) Even if he doesn’t pitch well THIS year, we can lock Sheets up for a few more years afterwards, where he can front this rotation at the most important of times. Benson is a one-and-done guy I think.
2) Sheets (never seen his wife) doesn’t have Anna.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 2, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions
heh
Is #2 a good thing or a bad thing?
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 2, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Lets not forget about Millwood
The Rangers have an incentive to not let him get to 180 IP this year.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
I have a feeling
when Holland is deemed ready, we will trade either Padilla or Millwood to the Mets, even if we are still in the race. Their starting pitching depth this year is highly suspect, and they have shown at least some level of interest in both of those guys. And with Holland, Felix, Jennings (and probably Sheets) around, we can afford to lose one.
Who do the Mets have...
…that we would be interested in? Also, aren’t you assuming excellent health from a pitching staff that has it’s own special floor at Parkland?
by GhettoBear04 on Apr 2, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
possibly
but outside of McCarthy, most of these guys have been known throughout their careers for limited health concerns. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but our rotation is at least 8 deep right now with Feldman, Jennings and Holland as feasible options outside our current 5-man.
If they pick up Millwood’s salary, I doubt we could get much back. We would probably ship him off for someone like Dillon Gee and then use the money to cover the cost of signing Sheets midyear.
The Dodgers rotation this year is also very thin.
by oc on Apr 2, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Millwood + Dodgers
just makes way too much sense in my brain. He’s a classic type of LA pitcher, to me at least
Did Millwood get a NTC?
Serenity now, insanity later.
-Lloyd Braun
by Kevin McBrayer on Apr 2, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Limited
Per Rotoworld:
12/29/05 Signed five-year, $60 million contract w/limited NTC ($15 million signing bonus). 2009: $11 million, 2010: $12 million (voidable unless 180 IP in 2009, 360 IP 2008-09 or 540 IP 2007-09 ) , 2011: Free Agent
Serenity now, insanity later.
-Lloyd Braun
by Kevin McBrayer on Apr 2, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Who's Felix?
"Come on man you have to admit the average guy in a baseball clubhouse...... is relatively a douchebag." BGL.
The 2008-2009 Dallas Mavericks are the biggest teases in the world.
Pie?
it couldn’t be Feliz…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 2, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions
Some dude in our system that can throw 160 mph
"Losers assemble in little groups and bitch about the coaches and the system and other players in other little groups. Winners assemble as a team."
- Bill Parcells
Cowboys Running Back?
Just Kidding.
What do voluntary mean?
I think that Harrison
will be on the longest leash of the three and he has a better history with Texas of showing up and doing his job. Obviously, they won’t let Benson stop Holland and given his history here, if McCarthy doesn’t consistently post up and deliver quality innings, I don’t think he’s given anyone a great reason to hang in there with him if Holland is banging on the door.
Harrison has shown that he’s a bit tougher than McCarthy and all things considered, I think that he’s more deserving of the longer leash. But I understand that people here disagree with me.
Not all the time
I think Benson will be the one out of a job once Dutch is ready.
Keith Law on Greg Golson, "He's similiar to Cameron and Hunter in that all three are black."
http://tinyurl.com/ranger-rage
Yeah, especially if he has that .25 ERA falloff in the 2nd half...
/srcsm
"...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
Based on production?
I donno – I think I’d rather keep Benson in if he’s doing OK – trade him if somebody shows interest; if not, hold him. We HAVE to assume one of our 5 will go down with some sort of injury opening the door. If not, my money is on a trade unless we’re contending. In a “perfect” world, we would be contending, and seeing a trade wouldn’t work, Millwood would pull a hamstring and be out a month, Holland would come up after dominating AAA, and once Millwood came back healthy we would trade Benson or Padilla
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 2, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you consider Harrison as talented as McCarthy?
What do you think each of their ceilings is?
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 2, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
"Management made it clear"
I wouldn’t read too much into that. I’m guessing what’s intended is that “the team decided that it needed a right-handed hitting power threat…..” versus the left-handed Cat.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
The more I think about it I think it's directed at Hicks
Daniels made it clear to Hicks that he had to eat Cat’s contract after not being able to trade him so there would be room for Jones.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
So, management could be a full court press on Hicks by Wash, JD, and Nolan.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
Could be
In the last 72 hours the Tigers ate Sheffield’s contract, so perhaps that played into it. “If the Tigers can eat $14 MM you can eat Cat’s contract.”
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
And the Phils
ate the Jenkins & Eaton contracts in the last week.
"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
I love it.
they have the perfect “out.” Management is either all of them together making the decision, Ron making it, Nolan making it, JD making it, Hicks making it, two of the group, most of the group except one…they all have the perfect out for blame
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 2, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
David McDavid's wife Stacie
She came over from Denton HS everyday for a week and gave us 4th-graders a short lesson. She would stick her chest out and advise the little girls to emphasize their bosom if they want to get ahead in life.
A small part of me awoke that day.
what was the lesson ostensibly about?
how to succeed in life?
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
Girls are getting plenty
of that kind of advice from all over our culture. Too much. (says the father of a girl who will be sent off to a nunnery at the first sign of boy interest.)
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I'm gonna have to move. There aren't any nunneries around here for my daughter to attend.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
x
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
by mtex on Apr 2, 2009 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
I was thinking the opposite
agree to disagree
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 2, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions
When in Rome..
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
LOL
perv..,
"...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
heh
I think I dated the one on the right, well, before the nunnery; and those are tatoos not stockings…
right handed hitting power threat
so cruz isnt a right handed hitting power threat?
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I think the theory is
You have to have more than one in order to not have that one pitched around. I don’t know, if you have a couple of LHB who hit lefties better than RHP – how much that matters.
"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 2, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I wonder
how many starts jones gets in CF this year if he is even on the team the whole year. I just really hope this doesnt turn into a situation where he gets way more at bats than he deserves
I bet he gets zero starts in CF.
It seems like Byrd will get most of the starts when Murphy is out of the lineup and when they give Hamilton a break from CF. It’s hard for me to see Jones getting a start ahead of Byrd. So, to get Jones on the field the Rangers would have to sit two of Murphy, Hamilton, and Cruz.
I’d bet Jones gets 15-20 AB in April (4 or 5 games), and he gets them all at DH.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
You know
you are probably. Im interested to see him play OF and see if he has regained any ability out there.
by Michael Cave on Apr 2, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
This quote from Jones
is troubling:
“The situation is going to be spread around how we’re getting in the games.”
That makes it sound like Wash has talked to him about his role and has promised to get him ABs in different ways. Wash is not going to use him as DH against LHP only. I predict he will be gets starts in the OF.
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 2, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions
Quote doesn't make much sense to me
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
His english isn't very good
but I took that to mean that they will get him ABs in a variety of ways, which means taking ABs from a variety of players I’d rather see at the plate.
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 2, 2009 1:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Can Monday get here any sooner?
Man I’m so ready for Opening Day
Keith Law on Greg Golson, "He's similiar to Cameron and Hunter in that all three are black."
http://tinyurl.com/ranger-rage
the minor leaguers
don’t start until Thursday, April 9th. That seems late as well. I am so ready for real baseball games.
me too
this is the most optimistic ive been about this time whole organization in a long time. Cant wait to see how many prospects progress this year. Hopefully a lot ha
by Michael Cave on Apr 2, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Cat v Jones
If Cat’s a sunk cost, and Jones is younger and more able defensively, might Jones be a better fit for the ~250 ABs Cat received off the bench?
This is so small-time it doesn’t befit conspiracy theory (Jaramillo, Nolan, whatever) but, that said, the team might have actually made a great call.
Raise your hand if you think Blalock has a healthy, productive 2009. What if Jones is here to back him up, full stop? I’ll take it.
"[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
I think the problem folks have with Andruw
is the worry that Andruw won’t get 250 or so ABs and will be used as an everyday player.
If that happens, Wash probably needs to be fired, unless, of course, Andruw starts being a mid 800 OPS bomber.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
I thought Adam was giving credit/blame for the Jones
move to Nolan (citing a Heymann article from 10 days ago or so).
Nobody trumps Nolan..if Nolan speaks, consider it done.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
unless nolan makes a bad move, then it's jd's fault
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Adam talked about this earlier in the week
and claimed the AJones move was backed by Wash, Rudy and Nolan.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
but you said nolan trumps all.
but if nolan makes a bad move the blame wouldnt go to him
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I never read a quote from Nolan
per AJones.
Adam is the one giving credit/blame for this move to Nolan, not me.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
this isnt about jones
this is about some peoples belief that nolan controls everything and can do no wrong.
good move = nolan did it
bad move = jonny donut’s fault
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
You are dense
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/03/more-from-rangers-owner-tom-hicks.html
But Nolan has full control here, right? I know that he would come to you if you change managers or have to spend big bucks, but it’s his call, right?
Absolutely.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
You are dense
If a move seems to work out well, Ryan did it. If it’s working out poorly, Daniels is to blame. End of story. If Ryan publicly supports Daniels or Washington, he has been drugged or blackmailed, or perhaps is just faking them out and biding his time.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I totally agree
My biggest fear is that Cruz gets off to a relatively slow start and he will start being benched in favor of Jones.
by Michael Cave on Apr 2, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
If Cruz gets off to a slow start I hope he does get benches for someone
Cruz needs to hit the ground running. He can’t afford to have a slow start with his history
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.
Well
I can’t really think of where he’ll get those ABs.
I think Nolan, Hicks and Rudy can all pound the door down, JD’s going to make sure Nelson plays. I mean, he’s even cheaper than Andruw. Hamilton’s playing (a hunch). Davis doesn’t even have a spot in AAA right now.
I mean, Andruw gets ABs…where? Taking them from Byrd and Murphy? Again, I’m feeling okay with this move.
"[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 2, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
He gets them
the same place Cat got them last year. Injuries, folks taking games off, etc. He’ll take them at DH, PH, the OF slots.
Also, they could probably stick him at 1B and he’d be at least effective as Cat was there. Even the 25th man on the roster gets ABs if they are there all season. Injuries at the MLB level are pretty much a fact of life.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
Cat got a lot of ABs while playing 1B..
I doubt that avenue is open to Jones, what with Davis and Blalock on the roster.
If he gets significant ABs, he gets them at DH and OF.
Jones did get some reps at 1st
in ST already though, right?
"...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
I didn't hear if it was game action..
The mention I heard lead me to believe it was little more than practice grabass.
That's about all it takes
to play 1B. It is probably the easiest position on the field to learn. LF is probably 2nd easiest.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
Didn't you learn anything from last year?
LF or RF is probably the easiest position to play. Don’t underestimate the # of errors a good fielding 1B saves on throws from the infielders.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
I'm OK
if he takes them from Blalock. Blalock is about as much a part of our future as Cat was. With Smoak and Davis coming up, and Blalock unable to play 3B, I was pretty confused why they exercised his option anyway. Blalock is pretty much useless baggage at this stage.
Whichever of those 2 hit better ought to keep the job. If Blalock outhits Andruw, thats fine. If Andruw outhits Blalock, thats fine.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
How is Blalock definitively not part of our future?
He’s only 28 years old do that’s not it. And so far the two guys everyone has pegged to replace him are both still in the minors. One (Max) hasn’t shown he can hit pitching above AA. The other (Smoak) is just starting his first pro season.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
DH
If he comes in and plays 145+ games at DH this year producing like he has the last two years and both Max and Smoak hit a bump in the road would you not consuder bringing him back?
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
Blalock is gone next year simply and only because
Hicks wants an extremely small market payroll in 2010.
If Blalock goes Soriano and hits 46 bombs in his contract year, it doesn’t matter, he’s gone..
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Well
I think Max Ramirez and Justin Smoak also have something to do with that.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 2, 2009 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions
only thing that matters is the payroll number
that’s it. nothing else.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
He's injury prone
and signing him to a long term contract would be foolishness. I’m not that keen on signing any DH to a long term contract, and when we have so many DH types available, it seems an even nuttier use of resources.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
I’m referring to what you said about Jones becoming an everyday player.
It’s in the realm of possibility too, but only in the event of long-term OF or 1B injuries.
"[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 2, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
If Jones puts up Sammy Sosa's numbers
with Sosa’s splits (1024 OPS vs LHP), would you be happy?
I’d be very happy. Especially if Wash was smart enough to actually platoon him (which was the only problem with the Sosa experiment – that he played vs righties).
But you know many people would still be up in arms, because a 700OPS from Boggs is better than even an 800 from Jones, just as a 661 OPS from Botts was far better than the 779 OPS from Sosa.
No, I would not be happy
Sammy Sosa sucked. Frank Catalanotto had a higher OPS+ than Sosa in 2007, and Sosa was hitting cleanup.
If Jones puts up Sosa’s numbers and is allowed to hit cleanup like Sosa was, we should be forming a lynch mob for Rudy and Ron.
She was a grand old lady...
Braden named Opening Day starter for A's
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
LOL
Braden said he received the word from Geren in the A’s dugout on Wednesday after allowing six runs as the Cubs batted around in the third inning, including Geovany Soto’s grand slam.
Confidence booster, huh?
"...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
In my opinion
the guy who will be losing at bats is Blalock. I don’t think this move will effect the OF’s as much as sitting Blalock against lefties, possibly Murphy.
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Apr 2, 2009 10:41 AM CDT reply actions
a DH platoon
if you will…
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on Apr 2, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
You also have to believe they will be giving AJones
lots o ab’s early in an effort to justify this move.
They’re not going to let him rot on the bench for two weeks like they did with Botts.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
I think they could keep him on the bench quite a bit.
I guess I could be too optimistic to think that, but I’ve seen nothing but high praise for Cruz from Wash. CD will lose ABs to Jones, but I don’t think it will be as severe as people fear.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
I wonder if they start AJones on Opening Day
given that the Tribe will roll with CLee.
Does Detroit have any leftys besides Willis (who’s out) as a starter?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Nate Robertson
But they just put him in the bullpen I believe.
Serenity now, insanity later.
-Lloyd Braun
by Kevin McBrayer on Apr 2, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
I heard on MLB Tonite that Robertson is in
the bully.
They have Verlander, Porcello, Galarraga and….Miner?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Bonderman?
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
Edwin Jackson
Bonderman will probably go on the dl.
Serenity now, insanity later.
-Lloyd Braun
by Kevin McBrayer on Apr 2, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Forgot about EJackson.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
99% chance he starts opening day,
imo.
"...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
Yeah. I think there is no way CD is in the lineup on opening day.
Hopefully, CD plays two of the three games, though.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
huh?
There is no way its davis that gets sat down for Jones on any kind of regular basis.
I’d be very surprised if Davis isn’t out there.
the preceding post was a great success.
Id not only be suprised
But i would be majorly pissed. If Jones is out there opening day, that would totally piss me off. You have to put your “Boys” out there for opening day. Not some has been that has just shown up and impressed an old senial hitting coach that got his success from pumping his hitters with “special sauce”
Oh i think theres a good chance jones will be out there on opening day
just not in place of davis. i think the org recognizes davis and the higher powers would interfere if wash tried to sit him much.
Blalock or murph/byrd probably.
the preceding post was a great success.
although
i guess the theory could be that on opening day blalock will get to play just because of his tenure.
the preceding post was a great success.
In a way, i hope that happens.
Hank hasnt been out best over the last three years, but he still is important to the fan base in the area. No one cares about AJones, espceially none of us who really follow this team. I think we all here want Hank to have one hell of a year and hope he stays healthy. He has done pretty damn good things when he was healthy. I know its a long shot for him to stay healthy, but if he does, he is WAY better than Ajones.
healthy Andruw with his skills
is not as good as healthy Hank with his skills? hands down?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 2, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions
Really?
Sitting young left-handed hitters against top-tier left-handed pitchers is one of the “time-tested” manager strategies.
CD will not be on the field on opening day. Hank will be at 1B, Cruz in RF and Jones at DH.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
Well, I do chase tornadoes, so maybe I am crazy.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
by rooster on Apr 2, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
It's opening day
Matchups go out the window. You play your best players. CD and Hank will both play.
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.
Why do matchups go out the window
is winning less important on opening day?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
When it's your home opener it kinds does
It’s the biggest crowd of the year. Hank has been a fan favorite for years and Davis quickly became one last year along with being a young player who is part of the clubs future. No way jones starts over those two
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.
to Wash, no
He started Broussard opening day and at the home opener last year. Both vs LHP. The only starts he had with the Rangers vs LHP.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Exactly
For wash it’s the exact opposite.
When it’s opening day (or most days) — common sense goes out the window. It’s all about r-e-s-p-e-c-t.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
I disagree as well
With the emphasis that management has placed on a good start to the season I they go with the best match up over the best players.
If the splits were that dramatic maybe
But there’s not a big enough gap to warrant playing Jones on opening day over those two
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.
Ther eis no way RW sits
Davis for AJ on opening day. He will probably also start Blalock. If RW starts AJ over Davis I will personally start a “Fire Ron Washington” website. ANd I know jack $hit about html, website and computers in general.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
We noticed...
"...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
Come on now
"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
Olney:
To review: The Angels will be without Ervin Santana and John Lackey until May, barring any setbacks, and they won’t have Kelvim Escobar back until May at the earliest, barring any setbacks. Plus, Joe Saunders struggled badly in his last outing spring. And the Athletics are loading up their rotation with 21-year-olds because Justin Duchscherer is hurt and because some of the older candidates haven’t gotten the job done. It seems likely that Joey Devine — the presumed closer when spring training began — might be lost for the season.
"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.
Wow. Ouch. Oh shit.
What else to say?
"...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
could it be?
are the stars aligning? ha
by Michael Cave on Apr 2, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
schedule
2. The Angels are going to be without their best starting pitchers at the outset of the season — fortunately for them, this is a time when they will mostly face the weaker teams in the AL, and mostly play at home. Eleven of the Angels’ first 17 games are against the Mariners, Tigers and Orioles, with 13 of their first 21 games at home.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
is Saunders their opening day starter?
or Weaver?
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
I read its supposed to be Saunders
But also read yesterday where Sciocia said he’s experiencing dead arm (after struggling in his last start).
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 2, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Maybe we trade them Feldman?
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
This might be a good question for JD at his awesome meet with fans day.
Be curious if he would answer and shed any light on the situation. I was impressed with him last year in that when he was put on the spot, he really didnt shy away from giving the answer. Be curious to see if he was pushing hard for this or if it was him getting trumped!!
Jones has finally started to concern me
I’ve read all the comments here, and instead of responding to all of them, here are my concerns.
I think Blalock’s going to have a pretty damn good year. If they platoon Jones with him some I guess I’m OK with it. But I know Wash is going to start Jones to many times against righties.
OF ABs? From what I’ve seen from Jones this spring and the last couple of years, I don’t think he can outhit Hammy, Murphy, Byrd or Cruz. Who’s he going to platoon with? Hammy? Murphy maybe? I fear (as was mentioned earlier by Michael Cave) that Cruz may get off slow and Jones will start taking his ABs.
Maybe maybe Jones will be used well. But based on Sosa I don’t think he will.
I like to think Cahill’s right and Jones just gets his ABs based on injuries and the occasional offday. Hope he’s right.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
My opinion is that once they committed to Jones, they should have been unambiguous about who will lose
ML playing time by keeping both Jones and Cat and optioning CD to AAA. Hank would be the full-time 1B; Cat and Jones would platoon at DH.
Keeping Jones around under the current roster allows for the possibility of too much mucking-up of things.
It’s clear the old-timer’s tradition of “protecting” young lefty hitters from really good lefty pitchers will be put to use with CD, but I don’t even want to see that happen. I’m more optimistic than many on this board that Cruz will not be sitting in favor of Jones.
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
Even if Cruz starts slowly
What’s the advantage to benching him for Jones?
This team isn’t that dumb, I just don’t believe it. This is not going to be an issue.
"[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 2, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
this team isn't that dumb
Didn’t you say the same thing as rationale for believing that Andrus would start the year in AAA?
Doctor please. Some more of these.
Well
All they have to do is option him a few weeks and they’re good.
Jury’s out, strictly speaking.
"[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 2, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
x
Not sure there is an advantage, but aren’t you sick of giving Cruz months of time to do nothing? He needs to produce, not be given more time. Jones may suck, too, but we have some good defensive outfielders ready to go, and if Blalock is healthy, 1B and DH are taken care of, as long as Blalock can continue to hit lefties well.
Cruz is an asset
on defense and I don’t see him hitting worse than Jones this year. I don’t think Jones will hit much, so unless you think Boggs or Golson will outhit Cruz you leave Cruz in there for a while.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Agree
If they’re serious about benching Cruz, I imagine Boggs and probably Golson would both have to suck about as bad to be surpassed by Andruw.
"[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 2, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Boggs is an asset on Defense.
I’m not sure who will out hit Cruz, but he has been given time. If he won’t produce, you trade him ASAP – before his value crashes, again.
What makes you think
his value is high now? He has more potential value playing than in trade right now.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I didn't say Cruz had a high value...
…but I have a hard time thinking it’s as low as when we put him through waivers to outright him and nobody claimed him.
He may have more value playing, but if he does not start producing pretty much right away, I will have a hard time believing the guy is not just a headcase or something and maybe would do better with a change of scenery. If that is the case and his play is again tepid, I believe his value may be highest in a trade – and in a trade before his value goes back to where it was.
I think
they’ll use him for what he’s worth for a year or two and then as other options become available he goes away unless he’s producing. When Borbon is ready, and Hammy slides to RF, they don’t need him as much if he’s not putting up the numbers.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I think you mean
OT
today is Pete Incaviglia’s 45th birthday.. but who cares.
the preceding post was a great success.
And management made it clear that the team needed a right-handed hitting power threat for the middle of the lineup against left-handed pitching.
how bout we just ask him?
Hey Evan, who’s ‘management’ here?
Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
"AMMIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABHH!!!"
Adam...
Are we gonna do a community projection for Jones?
JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!
Well, PA is part of the projection
If Adam doesn’t think he’ll get ABs, that can be reflected in his predictions.
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 2, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
options
After Nippert replaces Madrigal, the only pitchers with options will be BMac, Harrison and Wilson. It might be difficult for the Rangers to call up a pitcher for a spot start or fresh arm for the bullpen. Does anyone else think this could be a problem? Maybe they would option Andrus. That would make bigsteve happy. :)
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
With Nippert Feldman and Jennings in the pen
I doubt we’d need a spot starter.
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.
today's lineup per EG
MY will be mentoring Elvis at SS today.
Rangers are sending this lineup out there today against Kansas City LHP Horacio Ramirez:
2B Ian Kinsler, SS Michael Young, CF Josh Hamilton, RF Nelson Cruz, DH Hank Blalock, LF David Murphy, 1B Chris Davis, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, SS Elvis Andrus.
http://insidecorner.dmagazine.com
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Defense in depth??
Works for networking and the military…
MY can move to his right
Its moving left he has a problem with. He should be able to range over to cover 3B while playing SS. He’s got a gold glove, after all.
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 2, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions
WTH is MY back at SS?
I hope this is incorrect.
"...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
Now fixed
2B Ian Kinsler, 3B Michael Young, CF Josh Hamilton, RF Nelson Cruz, DH Hank Blalock, LF David Murphy, 1B Chris Davis, C Jarrod Saltalamacchia, SS Elvis Andrus.
"...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
Looks like
force of habit…
What do voluntary mean?
I love the look of Cruz at clean-up
Mostly bc I have him on my two fantasy teams, though… who knows how hell do
Interrogative
I must have missed something.
Why do 10 teams have tuesday off?
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
When does that show return? Greatness.
I have no idea about Tuesday.
"...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
The Rangers are
Oscar Mike after their game today.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
In case of
rainouts (or snowouts) they can make it up the next day.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Makes sense.
"...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
Speaking of weather.
Just check my trusty iPhone weather for the first time and Monday looks to be Sunny with scattered clouds, high of about 67 degrees!!
Damn what a perfect day for baseball!!!
Better than the last two years, at least!
And since those are the only opening days I have been to, if it’s 67 and sunny, I’ll take it.
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