Eyre to the d.l., Mendoza up

by Adam J. Morris on Apr 23, 2009 2:19 PM CDT

As expected, Willie Eyre is heading to the disabled list after re-aggravating his groin last night. In a mild surprise, Luis Mendoza is being called up to replace him.

Mendoza is already on the 40 man roster, of course, and has thrown 10+ shutout innings in AAA so far this season. I'm a little leery of this move, though...I'm almost all alone on the Mendoza bandwagon right now, but one of the things I was hoping we'd see from the Rangers this season was Mendoza being left alone in Oklahoma for several months. Both his command and his confidence level were horrible last season, and I think that he would be best served by spending an extended time in AAA in the rotation, getting innings and working on both those things.

Instead, he's up in Texas, filling the role of bullpen long man with Scott Feldman moving to the rotation. And who knows...maybe he's in a better state mentally, and his command issues are behind him. I just know that the guy we saw last season had some really awful body language on the mound quite often, and looked like someone who didn't believe he could get the job done.

If Mendoza can command his sinker and slider, and keep his head straight, he can be a real asset out of the bullpen. If not...well, we'll probably see him head back to Oklahoma before too long.

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slider

There has been universal praise for his slider so far; most of his strikouts have come on the pitch. Haven’t heard anything one way or another about the state of his sinker…

http://minormoosings.blogspot.com/

by Goyogringo on Apr 23, 2009 2:21 PM CDT reply actions

Anyone have April 23rd

In the LSB pool for the date where the relationship between 40 man roster and the team’s pitching entered its typical chaotic state?

by JBImaknee on Apr 23, 2009 2:24 PM CDT reply actions

Are you implying that there was a time recently...

…where it was not in a chaotic state? Kris Benson on a 40-man sure smells like chaos to me.

Will there ever be a rainbow?

by Chad Crudup on Apr 23, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm on the bandwagon with you

I think Mendoza has something to offer.

Keith Law on Greg Golson, "He's similiar to Cameron and Hunter in that all three are black."
http://tinyurl.com/ranger-rage

by boomer1 on Apr 23, 2009 2:26 PM CDT reply actions

There's about 4 of us.

by octoberty on Apr 23, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm firmly off.

I’ve been fooled enough by Mendoza.

by brettgardner on Apr 23, 2009 2:33 PM CDT up reply actions

I've always snickered when I've watched that bandwagon pass me by

and then wreck on the side of the road while AJM stares under the hood wondering what when wrong

by JBImaknee on Apr 23, 2009 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Heh.

by brettgardner on Apr 23, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Laugh it up

by octoberty on Apr 23, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd love to have it shoved in my face

But I’m just not a believer.

by brettgardner on Apr 23, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions

By the end of the year you will believe in...

…the power of Mendoza!

Keith Law on Greg Golson, "He's similiar to Cameron and Hunter in that all three are black."
http://tinyurl.com/ranger-rage

by boomer1 on Apr 23, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

I am not on the bandwagon, but if I had a choose between

the Mendoza bandwagon and the Scott Feldman wagon, I go Mendoza. I am concerned with Feldman.

I thought it be all warm and shitty, but it just tasted like normal beer. It was still cold.

by RA Dickey on Apr 23, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions

Back in the late 80s...

…on Galloway’s show, when he’d reference a bandwagon that had fallen apart, he’d say, “The So-and-So bandwagon is up on blocks in that vacant lot in south Grand Prairie, right next to the Dee Dowis for Heisman bandwagon.”

The imagery, and the Dee Dowis for Heisman bandwagon (which he was the leader of), always amused me.

by Adam J. Morris on Apr 23, 2009 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions

Why don't we call it the Mendoza line?

by Inkara1 on Apr 23, 2009 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm a noted Mendoza bandwagon passenger.

Read this article: MILB.com Mendoza Profile. 98 mph. Jump on the bandwagon, folks, I’ll show you how.

Texas Rangers Prospects: Michael Main and Kyle Ocampo - TexasLeaguers.com

by NoNameOnCard on Apr 23, 2009 2:30 PM CDT reply actions

98?

I’ll believe it when I see it.

"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 23, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions

You're right.

I bet the OKC coach was lying.

Texas Rangers Prospects: Michael Main and Kyle Ocampo - TexasLeaguers.com

by NoNameOnCard on Apr 23, 2009 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Mendoze in 08

in Baltimore was hitting 97 and they were rocking the crap out of it.

by Jspsm on Apr 23, 2009 3:07 PM CDT up reply actions

I saw him pitch at the BPiA

IIRC, he hit 96 a time or two.

Rangers Farm Probables

by shroomer on Apr 23, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

Heh

Ok. Cause that’s obviously what I was saying. That Jones was lying.

"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 23, 2009 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

Well...

then what were you saying?

Texas Rangers Prospects: Michael Main and Kyle Ocampo - TexasLeaguers.com

by NoNameOnCard on Apr 23, 2009 3:30 PM CDT up reply actions

that

they have a fast gun?

"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 23, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions

Tada!

That’s all I meant.

"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 23, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

One thing he's got going for him

25 years old.

The guy’s always been a year or two younger than my current guess…

Maybe he’s on the Two Frank failed starter track. 98 mph won’t hurt. So long’s he locates 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

by hightowersmith on Apr 23, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions

"98 mph won’t hurt. So long’s he locates it."

Yah.

A 14 inch dick would be cool. So long’s it gets hard.

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 23, 2009 6:48 PM CDT up reply actions 5 recs

wreck this man

pure analogical gold there buddy.

If you take the worst pitching staff in baseball, then add Kris Benson and Jason Jennings, what do you have???

surprise!!! You have the worst pitching staff in baseball, that's what.

by tricer on Apr 23, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions

Greatness

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Apr 23, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions

It is cool, thanks.

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

by t ball on Apr 23, 2009 10:49 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Gabbard traded

to Boston for cash considerations…that’s kind of weird.

Excuse me stewardess, I speak Jive.

by Escher on Apr 23, 2009 2:38 PM CDT reply actions

There's a dude whose bandwagon I always gave the middle finger salute to

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 23, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

link?

by octoberty on Apr 23, 2009 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions

This

Keith Law on Greg Golson, "He's similiar to Cameron and Hunter in that all three are black."
http://tinyurl.com/ranger-rage

by boomer1 on Apr 23, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Front page.

"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 23, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Jamison D Newberg's email alerts

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 23, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Mine must be held up, still not in.

by octoberty on Apr 23, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

I got mine at 337 EST

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 23, 2009 3:46 PM CDT up reply actions

WTH?

Last one I got was " Eyre to DL"…

"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 23, 2009 3:53 PM CDT up reply actions

lately

I’ve been receiving his emails about 3-4 hours after the time stamp. It’s weird.

If you take the worst pitching staff in baseball, then add Kris Benson and Jason Jennings, what do you have???

surprise!!! You have the worst pitching staff in baseball, that's what.

by tricer on Apr 23, 2009 4:09 PM CDT up reply actions

You have yahoo email too?

"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 23, 2009 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

I do.

by octoberty on Apr 23, 2009 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions

yup

If you take the worst pitching staff in baseball, then add Kris Benson and Jason Jennings, what do you have???

surprise!!! You have the worst pitching staff in baseball, that's what.

by tricer on Apr 23, 2009 4:47 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm on the VIP list

You bitches need to upgrade your status…

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 23, 2009 6:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Hmm.

This is the first I’ve heard of the problem. I have SBCGlobal, which is a Yahoo sub, and mine arrive within 30 seconds of “send.”

by Jamey Newberg on Apr 24, 2009 9:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Mine always show

a pacific time zone stamp, which is odd, because none of my other emails do.

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

by t ball on Apr 24, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for all those VIP extras you sent out this month

I especially liked the autographed Nolan Ryan rookie card.

You really know how to take care of your VIPs, Jamison.

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 24, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I got mine at around that time CDT

by octoberty on Apr 23, 2009 4:13 PM CDT up reply actions

Rangers must have not liked

How he lost the game in Toronto last night.

Keith Law on Greg Golson, "He's similiar to Cameron and Hunter in that all three are black."
http://tinyurl.com/ranger-rage

by boomer1 on Apr 23, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

heh

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 23, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Something just occurred to me about that...

WTF were they doing with a Gabbard jersey available? Why did they even pack one for the road trip? They had a spare jersey available with a guy’s name who isn’t even on the 40?

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 23, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions

They picked one up

at a Toronto sporting goods store…

good discount.

by bhudson on Apr 23, 2009 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Jayme's email just now

Made me chuckle.

by brettgardner on Apr 23, 2009 2:38 PM CDT reply actions

Er..

Jamey.

by brettgardner on Apr 23, 2009 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions

If he can keep the walks under control he'll be a real asset and he'll be in the rotation within a month.

Cause the guy does a remarkable job of keeping the ball out of the air and in the park.

With our improved defense he could be a godsend… but the control thing is a huge “if” with him.

His .385 babip from last year was as fluky bad and probably had a lot to do with the fact that he just lost confidence in everything he was doing out on the mound.

I kind of wish he was starting right now, but here’s hoping he does well out of the ’pen.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

"I guess it’s tough to look good when you play on the same team as Marcus Lemon." -Trip Somers.
"Congratulations, Mr. Somers. You just made THE LIST." -The Newberg, after reading the above comment.

by thedirkatron on Apr 23, 2009 2:44 PM CDT reply actions

BABIP is not necessarily a fluke

if you haven’t proven yourself to be a major league caliber pitcher.

by Requiem on Apr 23, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Well, in relation to his balls in play data it's fluky high, yes.

With his ratio of gb’s/fb’s, and even given his pretty high 21% ld-rate, it should’ve been roughly 50 points lower assuming normal “luck”.

I don’t see what proving yourself to be a “major league caliber pitcher” has to do with babip relative to batted ball types.

He had the exact opposite luck with something like a .230 babip during his “breakout” ‘07 that had us so excited. (That should’ve been a big old sopping wet red flag, btw.)

Somewhere in the middle is where the truth lies, imo.

The 40 Trumps All!!!

"I guess it’s tough to look good when you play on the same team as Marcus Lemon." -Trip Somers.
"Congratulations, Mr. Somers. You just made THE LIST." -The Newberg, after reading the above comment.

by thedirkatron on Apr 23, 2009 4:58 PM CDT up reply actions

BABIP studies

have mostly been of major league caliber pitchers.

There’s been some anecdotal evidence and maybe a study or two which suggests that BABIP INCLUDING minor leaguers show that BABIP differentiates more depending on whether a pitcher is “major league caliber” or not.

IOW, if a AAA/AAAA pitcher pitches in the majors and has a BABIP of say .350 or .380, then, that BABIP might actually be his expected BABIP.

BABIP regressing to .300 (and I assume type of ball BABIP) is only valid for major league caliber pitchers because those have been mainly the population set that have been studied.

I haven’t seen much if any significant studies on BABIP in the minors. So, there is a lot of uncertainty as to how much a minor league caliber pitcher controls BABIP.

by Requiem on Apr 23, 2009 7:17 PM CDT up reply actions