Monday a.m. things
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 20, 2009 9:19 AM CDT
93 comments
Once again, the Rangers snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, and avoid a sweep at home with a walk-off home run.
Evan Grant notes that this was the first walk-off homer of Young's career, and wonders if it might spark a turnaround for a club that appeared to be in bad shape most of the weekend.
Ron Washington certainly has to hope so, since, as Grant points out, another bad April may well cost him his job. Gil LeBreton seems to think the calls for Washington's head aren't entirely warranted, and says that for many who are criticizing Washington, his fatal flaws are that 1) he was hired by Jon Daniels, and 2) he isn't Trey Hillman.
LeBreton and Grant, though, both touch on the bad body language the team was exhibiting this weekend, the slump-shouldered attitude of defeat the players seemed to carry, and that's the sort of thing that does end up coming back, rightly or wrongly, on the manager.
Marlon Byrd says that the Rangers are expecting to win both of their series on the road this week...if that happens, they are going to be back in the A.L. West mix, where only the M's have a winning record right now.
Anthony Andro notes that one of the most significant things about yesterday's win was the beleaguered bullpen giving the Rangers four shutout innings, to keep the team in the game after Vicente Padilla's early departure. Andro also has a few other notes up, including Padilla mentioning that he's concerned about his lack of velocity, although he feels he is healthy.
Richard Durrett points out that the last time the Rangers finished out a series at home with a 1 run win against the Royals, Ron Washington's future was in doubt, and the team then went out and won 5 of 7 on the road to help right the ship and quiet the calls for Wash's head. Durrett has some quotes from Josh Hamilton in support of Washington, and regardless of the other issues the manager has, it seems pretty clear that the players support him.
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Padilla's velocity is a definite concern.
Might want to examine him just in case.
"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.
"We love Wash.....As a team, we want Wash as the head of that team." Hamilton
by sprite on Apr 20, 2009 9:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
the guy at the end of Spring Training was complaining about a stiff forearm, if I remember. And now he has looked terrible to start the year.
"We live, we die, and the wheels on the bus go round and round." - Tony Romo
by kentbenfer on Apr 20, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he actually looked quite passable in his first game
hitting the mid-90’s. then started to fall apart in the next two…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 20, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah,
his fastball isn’t much more than Benson’s, and honestly, I think he does a much worse job of pitching when he doesn’t have his best stuff.
I’m not sure both Benson and Padilla make it to the ASB.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
by DJCahill on Apr 20, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and that doesn't even take into account
McCarthy, who most likely won’t last very long as well
The "Fire Wash Watch" is on. I say he's gone by April 26th.
by NothinG on Apr 20, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and of course
there is always the “When will Harrison be optioned” watch.
"The idea that the Rangers are going to be a solid contender for a number of years is a fantasy." - Adam J. Morris
by DJCahill on Apr 20, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why?
He seems like he’s off to a good start. And guys with injury issues don’t necessarily get hurt every year.
by Brett Perryman on Apr 20, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm aboard the McCarthy train this year
I think he’s out for blood. He and Millwood. Hope he doesn’t prove me wrong.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 20, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If they do fire Washington
Manny Acta might be available. Things are even sloppier for the Nationals right now than for the Rangers. I like Acta’s sabre-friendliness, but as with Washington, it’s kind of hard to know what he really is with the level of talent he’s had to work with. Managers get beaten up by us for bad bullpen management, but if your bullpen options suck there’s not a whole lot you can do.
Andrus is one of the most encouraging things about the season thus far. He is obviously not going to keep hitting like this, but he does not at all look overmatched and is exciting to watch in the field. This leaves me feeling pretty confident he can by a real contributor in 2010 or sooner.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 20, 2009 9:29 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I've been very impressed with Andrus thus far
he doesn’t carry himself like a rookie and he’s been better at the plate and in the field (error-wise) than I had anticipated.
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
ElectricOkra.com
by WhipSmart on Apr 20, 2009 9:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He definitely belongs
and he has made a lot of plays at short already that Young simply would not have made, especially up the middle plays.
"We live, we die, and the wheels on the bus go round and round." - Tony Romo
by kentbenfer on Apr 20, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A play on Saturday impressed me.
I think it was in the 1st inning. He had to move a couple of steps to his right to field a GB but he bobbled it. He didn’t panic, but calmly picked up the ball and threw a strike to 1B to get the runner by less than half a step. Some SS, even veteran players, would have rushed and made a bad throw. He doesn’t seem like a rookie out on the field.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 20, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Acta
I doubt that they’d go that route. I expect that the next manager would be someone Nolan Ryan knows well and is comfortable with.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 20, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
I am actually doubting that they fire Washington. The team hasn’t been as sloppy in the field the last couple of games and despite the PHing for Young fiasco I think they’re still behind him. If the players are still with him after that then he’s probably ok.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 20, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
any names in mind yet?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 20, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
Jackie Moore would be the interim choice. Don Baylor was supposedly high on the list last April, when it looked like the axe was going to fall. Phil Garner is another possibility. After what happened with Wash, I’d be shocked if it wasn’t some veteran retread who gets brought it.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 20, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, let's hire the guy that fines player for doing team-scheduled community service
THAT will improve the community buzz.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Apr 20, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he didn't fine Dukes for doing community service
Call 1-800-DOCTORB. The B is for bargain!
by Panorama on Apr 20, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dukes showed up 5 minutes late
becaue he was coming from a youth league baseball event…
Community service in the sense that he was helping the community, not ordered by the court.
by laxtonto on Apr 20, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
and it was a community service initiative sponsored by the team
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Apr 20, 2009 4:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andrus
Never looks out of place or overmatched on the field or at the plate. Sure he’s had a few errors, but none of them were mental — I think that’s the big thing.
-- Micah
Baseball Is My Boyfriend
I'm a fan, and I'm a girl, but please don't call me a fangirl.
by baseballismyboyfriend on Apr 20, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he looks great.
statistically and just watching how he carries himself.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 20, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that he looks overmatched at the plate a fair amount
He’s had some rough at bats. But he’s gone a great job of taking advantage of instances where he does get a pitch that he can hit. I’m still worried for him once the league gets a good book on him, though.
by Brett Perryman on Apr 20, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Adjustments
His average is definitely going to plummet sooner or later, and when they adjust he’ll probably look foolish at the plate for a while. Hopefully he’ll keep his wits about him and come out ok in the end, and so far he looks like he can do that.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 20, 2009 8:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure it will drop
but do you really think it will plummet? I think the hitters that follow him will ensure that he continues to get some pitches to hit. They’ll just become a little harder to find.
We all knew he was coming up prematurely as a hitter. I hope the club is right about his makeup, that he maintains self-confidence when/if his avg starts to drop.
by bhudson on Apr 21, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The anti-Wash because he's not Hillman opinion
Seems to have little steam at this point, since Hillman is on a mission to prove his bullpen management skills are worse than even Wash’s.
Keith Law: (1:45 PM ET ) I think Michael Young should shut his mouth and move to third base.
by WestTxAg06 on Apr 20, 2009 9:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think LeBreton is probably...
…referring to a few of his colleagues in the media, and in particular, at his own paper.
by Adam J. Morris on Apr 20, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hillman on the Bullpen
I was at the game Sunday and when Jamey Wright came in, I turned to my mom and explained that the place that Wright was worst for the Rangers last year was close games late. Obviously, Wright lived up to the hype. Then, in the ninth when they announced Farnsworth was coming in, I looked over at her and was smiling, and she said, “What?” I said, “Farnsworth is terrible.”
by FuturePants on Apr 20, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
at least he has an above-average bullpen to mis-manage
you can’t blame Ron for everything regarding the bullpen situation here…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 20, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The nice thing about this slowish start
compared to years past, is that we haven’t been playing the West teams. Seems like in the past, we start off slow against the A’s, M’s, and Angels, which really is a double wammy.
by JBImaknee on Apr 20, 2009 9:44 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yeah even if we're still middle of the pack come "play AL West teams" time
we can take it to ‘em and get ahead…or see that we’re actually not on the same level as them. Either way, we know something more definitive about this club than we did in the first week sweeping the Indians or the next week or two being taken out in back-to-back series by “strong pitching”
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 20, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rangers defense getting better
From a post over at Fangraphs:
Speaking of improved defenses, let’s hear it for the Texas Rangers and Jon Daniels. Nelson Cruz, Chris Davis, Ian Kinsler, Josh Hamilton, Omar Vizquel, and Hank Blalock are all rated as average or slightly above, with Cruz tying Gutierrez for the overall UZR lead. The Rangers worst defender has been Michael Young, who isn’t taking to third base as quickly as the Rangers would’ve hoped.
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/uzr-tidbits-through-april-19th/#comments
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 20, 2009 9:53 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
nelson cruz, huh?
well that is encouraging
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 20, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Expanded
Vizquel is doing really well in obviously limited action (flashing some serious range)
Davis is the best 1B by UZR (put over the top by his range)
Kinsler leads all 2B in UZR and is 2nd in UZR/150
Andrus is playing average (above average in terms of errors, below average in terms of range)
Young is the worst 3B by far (with terrible range; errors are fine)
Cruz actually has the best range of any OF (by far) and is only tied with Gutierrez because his arm is playing below average (um…)
Hamilton is well above average (mostly because of range)
Murphy/Byrd are combining for below average LF
These are all based on UZR. For those not familiar, UZR fluctuates with the number of plays made (or not made) so if I say Cruz’s arm is below average, that means he’s misplayed more balls with his arm than the average fielder. Obviously, sample size problems abound.
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 20, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sample size
Definitely, I’d be a lot more excited if that post appeared two months from now, but encouraging nonetheless.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 20, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well michael young is not encouraging at all
if I were to guess, I would say Kinsler, Andrus, Davis are all for real (maybe those two aren’t the best but they end up above average).
The others, I’m just not sure. I would like to have hope in Hamilton and Cruz but I just can’t bring myself (although, Cruz probably is a lock to be above average given history).
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 20, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I expected Young
to struggle as he adjusts to the new position, but I don’t really expect him to have great range at any point. Hamilton won’t stay that highly ranked, and neither will Cruz, but the OF in general is fine.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Apr 20, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I think the key for Andrus, Cruz, Hamilton and Kinsler is getting off to a good start defensively. I expected Davis to be a good defender at 1B, and I expected Young to start off slowly. Hopefully, as a veteran, he can improve a bit as the year goes on
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Apr 20, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Padilla...
is making the Rangers decision on his option after this year very easy.
He looks pretty bad. His fastball was sitting 87-90 most of the day rather than 92-95. If there is nothing wrong with him physically then that is a very bad sign.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Apr 20, 2009 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
No it wasnt
If Millwood came out and pitched poorly this season then it would have been a difficult decision. The Rangers need a veteran starter in the rotation next year and with the dearth of potential free agents it was probably gonna be either Padilla or Millwood.
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 20, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Where you been?
I was concerned you got shipped out.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Apr 20, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He has been depressed since
Feldman got relegated to the bullpen and hasn’t been used.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 20, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Feldman's problems with being used
go back to when he was used.
"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 20, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In shitty Louisiana for the last two weeks
No iphone internet signal where I 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 20, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah.
My buddy just got 400 days, doing VIP security. But still, that’s a long time away from the wife & kid.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
by Rodney on Apr 20, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cool
I gotta go back in two more weeks. This past couple weeks we were helping the 4th BCT/ 82nd Airborne get ready to go to Afghanistan. In a couple weeks we are gonna be helping the 1st BCT/82nd Airborne get ready to go to Iraq.
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 20, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes it was
He’s been a 5ERA with a 45% QS rate, and he’s averaged 145IP the last 2 years.
Padilla has pretty much been crap with the Rangers, except when we had him on the 1 year contract.
I think there are players who are only worth having if you have them on cheap short term contracts, and Padilla is one of them.
"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 20, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Which is what next year would have been right?
A one year contract?
2 of his 3 years here he has had an ERA under 4.75 so I don’t know where this 5 ERA stuff comes from. He has arguably the best pure stuff on the staff. If Millwood had come out and pitched poorly this year and Padilla did put up a 5 ERA but gave you 180 innings it would be a difficult decision as to bring him back or not. We will need a veteran next year and looking at the free agents available there isn’t much.
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 20, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
$12 million
for a guy who doesn’t pitch any better than an NRI? Really?
Since Padilla has been here he has given up 282 ER in 505 1/3 innings. By my calculator thats 5.022. I rounded to 1 decimal point, which would be 5.0. Thats where the 5 ERA stuff comes from.
$12 million is not a cheap one year contract. Its an expensive one year contract.
"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 20, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
OK
Before this year he was a 4.89 ERA as a Ranger.
I don’t see any NRIs who could give you what Padilla could especially on a one year deal. Looks like hes making it a non issue by sucking so far this year but I think if he put up a 4.9 ERA this year and Millwood was similar it would have been a difficult decision on their options
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 20, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
really?
can’t get a 5 ERA on the open market for cheaper?
I can’t go on a hunt just now but if that’s true, that is very disconcerting
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 20, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a reliable one
Benson could give you those numbers. But he also hasn’t pitched in two years. Jennings very similar. And since we aren’t talking about a placeholder until one of the kids is ready I want something a little more reliable than an injury riddled guy. If 2010 is suposed to be a year we are in serious contention for a playoff spot I don’t want my veteran rotational presence being a NRI who hasn’t pitched in 2 years.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Apr 20, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Except
its always been tough to put Padilla and Reliable in the same sentence. He has always been a bit of a headcase.
"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 20, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Headcase...yeah
But venture a guess how many seasons hes had an ERA above 4.75 in his career not counting his 2.2 IP back in 99 as a 21 year old rookie.
The answer….1
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 20, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
but those are true scrap heap NRI guys
there’s no middle ground?
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 20, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe but I can't think of any names off the top of my head
All the types of guys I would think qualify as middle ground would probably want some kind of 2 or 3 year deal which I don’t think is what the Rangers are interested in
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 20, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
but the 2-3 deals are going to be less in aggregate than the option you were ready to pick up on padilla
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 20, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But looking forward we don't need to have someone locked in for two or three years
If the Rangers really expect Holland and Feliz to anchor a rotation going forward theres two spots. McCarthy is another spot. Then you have Harrison/Hurley/Kiker/Poveda/etc for the other two spots going forward in 2011 and beyond so locking up a veteran for multiple years would not be smart. And to save a couple million dollars when the payroll is in the 40 million dollar range doesn’t seem like a need either.
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 20, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rangers would have been retarded
to pay Padilla $12 million, even if Millwood were gone.
"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 20, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
is there really a dearth of veterans that can give you a 5 ERA?
Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder
by ab03 on Apr 20, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's the problem
The Rangers brought in Benson and Jennings to be those types of veterans (which I have no problems with, but others do)
I think the game plan should be, barring a real ace, like a healthy Sheets, you go into the season with kids (Harrison, BMac) and a handful of wild card guys like Benson and Jennings. Maybe you pay free agent starter money to a Millwood, but maybe not if your payroll is small.
The problem is, the mid-range starters, like Padilla or Garland or Wolf, are just as volatile and unreliable as scrap heap guys are.
by JBImaknee on Apr 20, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they will trade
for whatever starter the need by the deadline or during the offseason. There will no longer be any need to sign these retread types next year unless they are strictly intended to be AAA fodder.
by Goyogringo on Apr 20, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I imagine we will end up
with at least one retread NRI type next year, unless BMac pitches the entire year and looks good, and someone else bubbles up as a reliable starter this year.
"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 20, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thats exactly the problem
the only way you spend that money is if you are getting a reliable starter, and there is not much chance of categorizing Padilla as reliable.
"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 20, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was looking at next year's projected payroll
for the 25 man roster, and if we let everyone go we are about 28million less (at 40mill) than this year even if millwood vests his option.
by Goyogringo on Apr 20, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
and nothing wrong with it either if its full of guys like Davis, Andrus, Harrison, Salty, etc who are pre arbitration
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 20, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
exactly
with our depth, its possible to fill the 25 with mostly mininum guys under our control for years with high shelf talent and still have talent to trade for a nice young starter.
by Goyogringo on Apr 20, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why fire Wash?
Working counts, throwing strikes, improved defense, smart baseball were the promises Ron Washington made when he was hired. Has he delivered on any of them? Will he? Does RW bring out the best in his players? Is he a championship caliber manager?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 20, 2009 9:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Well if you are worried about working counts
laying off first pitches and valuing the walk, you’ll have to fire Jaramillo too.
by Goyogringo on Apr 20, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
St. Rudy isn't going anywhere.
Is it a problem when your manager’s philosophy can’t trump your hitting coach’s philosophy? So when it comes to hitting the players just tune out Wash and listen to Rudy?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 20, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are you saying that you think
there philosphy are congruent? I am saying that they are not.
by Goyogringo on Apr 20, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't mind them before, but I'm now 100% pro-AP photos around here.
I have a new desktop image today. Looks awesome.
There’s no crying in baseball but pedicures are fine! --- BigGuns
by RachelB on Apr 20, 2009 9:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Is the TT between
Frankie and Andrus? Who is that above Frankie?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 20, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes and thats B-Mac.
"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 20, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who's above TT, to BMac's right?
Hard to see in the one with MY mid-air, but plainly visible in the other.
There’s no crying in baseball but pedicures are fine! --- BigGuns
by RachelB on Apr 20, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
excuse me
to the right of BMac, on his left. :-)
There’s no crying in baseball but pedicures are fine! --- BigGuns
by RachelB on Apr 20, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe Benson....
"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 20, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Future Shock:
Marcus Lemon, SS/2B, Rangers (Double-A Frisco)
Despite signing for $1 million out of the 2006 draft, Lemon has ended up buried in a loaded Rangers system. He’s not especially toolsy, but Chet’s kid is solid across the board and knows how to play fundamentally sound baseball, consistently reaching base at a healthy clip, and entering the year with career averages of .281/.367/.399. On Sunday, Frisco DH’d him just to keep his hot bat in the lineup, and though a 1-for-5 showing snapped his multi-hit streak at four games, it extended his overall season-starting streak to nine contests, as he’s 18-for-33 (.545) with four doubles and a triple. His range isn’t spectacular, but he makes every play that he gets to, and while he’s not a superstar in the making, I’d certainly take a shot at him in an:y trade talks with the Rangers.
"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 20, 2009 10:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Bleh, AJM beat me to it...
"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 20, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TR sums things up nicely
No marathon here.
This is a sprint, a heads-down, arms flailing, feet pumping sprint to the end of April. There is a definitely feeling somehow that this is a one-month, do-or-die season around here. Apocalypse Now. Win or else.
We have a unique franchise, unlike any other.
http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
by RangerMad on Apr 20, 2009 11:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Poor John
John Buck looks like he is going to cry in the photo above.
by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 20, 2009 1:15 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I noticed that too
-- Micah
Baseball Is My Boyfriend
I'm a fan, and I'm a girl, but please don't call me a fangirl.
by baseballismyboyfriend on Apr 20, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Better him than me
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Apr 20, 2009 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Padilla's velocity
Its definitely down about 4 to 5 mph, and its missing its upward movement too.
This is not a problem for him early in the count. In fact, it shouldn’t be much of a problem for him at all. What’s wrong is that every once in a while, he decides that on a 1-2, 2-2, or 3-2 count, he can blow a batter away with his fastball up in the zone, and its just not getting there, and a 90 MPH fastball, up and out over the plate, is going to wind up in the seats. He needs to stop throwing the fastball up when he’s got two strikes.
He should stay with one of his curves, which was what he got Teahan in the second on, Aviles in the third on, and Aviles again in the 5th on. His last two strikeouts were on Change-ups, to Billy Butler and Mark Teahan. Contrast that to the homers he gave up: Mike Jacobs hit a 3-2 fastball, up and out over the plate, out to left field (the other way), David DeJesus hit a belt high fastball on the inside corner over the right field wall, pulling it. In his previous start, where he was still suffering the loss of velocity, Padilla gave up a homer on a belt high, over the middle of the plate fastball, which sat at 90 mph.
by iblum on Apr 20, 2009 1:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm hoping...
that Padilla is just experiencing a case of early season dead arm rather than an injury. I was concerned after his last start and thought he might go on the dl then.
by Redcaps on Apr 21, 2009 7:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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