Lone Star Ball : An SB Nation Community

"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 3, 2009 9:45 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

*have

"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 3, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well at least there is one person

who likes one thing about the team: sky likes Cruz.

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have I completely missed something

How are the Rangers overrated?

I’m not sure I’ve seen one report that sets this team up to actually compete this year.

(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 3, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Josh Hamilton is overvalued?

how much does he make this year?

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
"AMMIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABHH!!!"

by Longhorn on Apr 3, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He made $396,830 last year.

My guess is he’s closer to $500k this year.

(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 3, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

clearly

he’s overvalued with his type of production…

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
"AMMIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABHH!!!"

by Longhorn on Apr 3, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

They're all stupid 'naysayers' anyway

(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 3, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Joey's post on BBTIA

from Cot’s says that he will make $555,000 this year.

by bioaggie on Apr 3, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I treated the question as overrated, publicly perceived performance value vs. actual performance value

Just FYI. Hamilton’s a good player and of course I’d want him at his salary.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i was a bit curious there

’cause i understood the Ryan Howard pick…

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
"AMMIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABHH!!!"

by Longhorn on Apr 3, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract

by tyd3311 on Apr 3, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes, and while his .371/.530 OBP/SLG last year were sweet, it's not like he's a .420/.600 guy, and Texas is a bit hitter friendly

I’m just going off what I think his perceived value is by the majority of fans (not just Texas fans, thanks to his HR Derby performance and personal history), and he was a serious MVP candidate, yet played more like a borderline All-Star.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

While I wouldn't expect is OBP to change much

Maybe even slip a little, he was SLG around .600 before he ran out of gas last year.. guess we’ll see if it’s sustainable.

"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract

by tyd3311 on Apr 3, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"Borderline All Star" is a stretch

He was 4th in the A.L. in VORP last year. Even if you knock 10 runs off of that because of his defense, that would put him around 10 or so.

by Adam J. Morris on Apr 3, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

By Fangraphs WAR, he was at 4.1

4 WAR is an ok All-Star cutoff. Last year, 40 position players were at 4 WAR or higher, for example, about 20 per league.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Granted, but

His first half numbers were a smidge better than his second half (.310/.367/.552 vs. .296/.376/.498).

Even though I prefer high-OBP guys, I’ll trade nine points of OBP for 54 points of slugging.

by jwiscarson on Apr 3, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I was talking about his whole season as All-Star caliber, not whether or not he should have actually been selected as an All-Star.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hamilton is my master and I hate anyone who says anything bad about him.

But, if I’m honest, I don’t think that’s a stretch at all.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I somewhat agree

The variance with Hamilton is huge. He could be an MVP candidate, or he could be injured/worn out by July again. While I’d like to see him build on 2008, its possible that he’s so polished and given his age that 2008 is his peak, and our best hope is that he maintains it for a while.

by JBImaknee on Apr 3, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gimme a break

“The cocaine ate my insides as well as my stamina” mantra is just stupid.

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey now

Where in my post did I use the word “cocaine”? I wasn’t even thinking that.

Its pretty obvious that Hamilton ran into some stamina issues in July and August of last season. Do you want to debate that? He admits as much – it was his argument against playing in the WBC, remember?

Or are you disputing the point about him possibly not improving? He’s not your typical 3rd year player. He’s at his theoretical peak right now. Given that he’s a polished player with no obvious fixable weaknesses, its very possible, if not likely, that what we saw from Hammy last year was near 100% his potential. Which is great. But we’re not looking at a startling increase of productivity going forward.

by JBImaknee on Apr 3, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Stamina was a slight concern last year

With never really having a day off, its not shocking that he ran out of steam in his first full season in the Majors. He still finished the season great and was healthy the entire time. Even if he gets tired like last year, I’ll still love his 2008 numbers which would put him in the MVP race (top 10 at least).

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Apr 3, 2009 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Working on his swing

Didn’t I read somewhere that Hamilton said his struggles in July/August last year were a result of reworking his swing with Rudy? Stamina may have played a part, but I think changing his swing in the middle of the season played a part, too. If it was purely a stamina issue, he would not have rebounded with a strong September.

by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 3, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hamilton

I think he changed his swing in the middle to end of august due to the slump he had been in for several weeks

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 3, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I had the impression

that is was a proactive change to prevent slumps. which of course led to a slump. so, who knows. I can’t find the article anymore.

by NorCalRangersFan on Apr 3, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If I recall correctly

in the Rangers 30-in-30 special, he said he has changed his swing this ST to have less “moving” parts so that it will be easier to correct during the season.

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year

by RangerMad on Apr 3, 2009 1:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It was definitely last year

He said hes been using it since last September. I think the question is when did he start tinkering with it.

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 3, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

then is was

probably during his Aug slump last year that he changed it.

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year

by RangerMad on Apr 3, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah thats what im thinking

Probably started mid August and his September was a result of the work. Then this offseason he made the major changes and so far in spring hes been looking really good.

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 3, 2009 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not sure they meant overpaid.

I do think Hamilton’s a little overvalued by the average fan.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Dan (who organized this) DID mean overpaid, but some of us definitely ignored him.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 9:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I definitely meant overpaid

and I definitely was ignored.

But I’m not probably not the most welcome here since I’m the one who called Rangers overrated.

Maybe it’s just hearing from philkid over at BtBS but I feel like I heard substantial chatter about the Rangers winning the division and I can’t see that this season.

Well, that’s not entirely true. I could see any of the four teams winning the division, but I think the A’s and Angels are more likely.

If the Rangers pitchers show good progress, I see them being a force next year (and potentially years after), but I think I need to see the pitching first. I said this over a BtBS, but I’m willing to be a year behind on the Rangers.

by Dan Turkenkopf on Apr 3, 2009 9:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the Rangers' dramatically improved

infield defense should go a long way in helping the pitchers progress.

"A good start would be not giving up 900 runs again." -Jon Daniels

by Randy Richardson on Apr 3, 2009 10:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That may be overstating things

unless you mean dramatically improved from the worst by far to just below average.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 11:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What do we think the left side changes will do -- 20 more fielding runs?

And how about dropping from last year’s 3B production to the production of Andrus or Vizquel? At least ten runs, right?

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 4, 2009 9:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

John Dewan

said it could save 40 runs.

"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan

by Dirk Diggler on Apr 4, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Like Dirk just said, Dewan said it could be save around 40 runs

Our 3B last year had a combined UZR of -24.2 and SS was at -3.5. So if Young is an average 3B like he is expected to be and Andrus brings that glove of his (along with Vizquel’s defense), its not hard to see how big of a swing that Young to 3B move can be.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Apr 4, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Save 40 runs, right, but don't forget

that we’re also going to have to live with a big drop in offense at SS, and a lesser drop at 3B compared with last season. Big enough drops that it might cancel out the defensive improvements, especially if Andrus takes a while to get his legs under him with defensive gaffes and at the plate.

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

by t ball on Apr 4, 2009 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't really see it that way

I think the offense gets improved production from full seasons and/or improvements from Kinsler, Murphy, Salty, Hamilton, Cruz, Davis, and Blalock. That will more or less cancel out losing Vazquez’s great year and losing Bradley’s bat from last season to keep the offense about the same even with Andrus’ very questionable bat in the everyday lineup.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Apr 4, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fine, but we were talking about

specifically the left side of the infield, and the defensive runs saved above. If you want to argue that improvements elsewhere will mitigate Andrus’ bat, fine, but that’s a separate argument. The offense is not going to score as many runs this year, but it won’t be a huge dropoff.

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

by t ball on Apr 5, 2009 6:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't see how you can expect more value from Hamilton and Kinsler?

They, of course, could be better, but both are coming off career years.

I love Cruz, though.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 6, 2009 9:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow, didn't realize 3B was that bad.

-4 runs for Young actually seems a bit high, too. (For what you might expect for 2009 at SS.)

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 6, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm sorry guys

but holy fuck.

The A’s across the board? Really? If the Rangers were going out with that same pitching staff, people would be saying how the same old Rangers fielded a team full of young, unproven pitchers. I don’t see how simply putting on an A’s uniform is going to make that group of pitchers better. I guess if we had found a way to jam Holland and Feliz onto our staff they would love us too? Usually when a team loses its ace and closer before the season starts, that discounts their prospects. But not in this case.

It only makes them stronger.

Ridic.

by clark on Apr 3, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Its a weird division this year

where everyone is within 10 games of one another. I’d put winning percentages like this:
37% Angels, 28% A’s, 20% Rangers, 15% M’s.

Having 6 of 6 go A’s wreaks of Beane infatuation. Sorry.

by JBImaknee on Apr 3, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't speak for the other guys (so feel free to come on over to BtB and ask them)

But 1. I wouldn’t be bashing Neftali Perez or a couple other Texas prospects in the majors and 2. The Rangers haven’t gone with them, instead sticking with Millwood/Padilla/McCarthy/Benson.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Neftali Feliz

you hurt his feelings

(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 3, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can't wait to see this Neftali Perez guy. Bet he's freakin' awesome.

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If you've read philkid's FanPost, you're even more excited about his arrival.

by jwiscarson on Apr 3, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Other prospects like Max Gonzales? What about Derrek Germany? Taylor Sodafountain?

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Wilmer Times New Roman?

(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 3, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Michael Mainstreet

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Martin Feliz

(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 3, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Omar Provolone

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Alfredo Bootscan

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

mmmm....Alfredo Provolone....

by cstorm15 on Apr 3, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pedro Bourbon

by bigskinny on Apr 3, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Michael Shellac

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pedro Cerrano?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Julio Cognac

Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Thursdays 10 PM - 1 AM on FM 88.7 The Choice
"Computers can’t measure the size of a man’s heart."
- Hawk Harrelson, MLB Guru/Analyst

by Maximilian on Apr 3, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wingding Font is the one mentioned around here that I like best.

JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!

by rooster on Apr 3, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

lol.

good one

(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 3, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HAHHA

nice.

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Apr 3, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude.

I would pay double asking price if Tea changed his last name to Sodafountain.

by jwiscarson on Apr 3, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

HAHAHA!

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think i am going to customize my own neftali perez jersey from the rangers shop

what number should he wear?

by trgordon723 on Apr 3, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

101?

Check the stats, absolutely, but look at the face.
-Bruce Jenkins

by BHill on Apr 3, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

00

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

maybe we could add a letter in there too

like 101Q

by trgordon723 on Apr 3, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That should be the LSB Tee

just to show how undervalued our franchise is

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

agree

i was in a fantasy league where you got to choose 2 minor league players from your team before the draft, and i told the guy that i wanted neftali feliz as one of them. So he puts down N. Perez and i correct him and he changes it to P. Feliz. So i may have pedro feliz on my team.

by trgordon723 on Apr 3, 2009 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate people.

sometimes, anyways.

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Apr 3, 2009 12:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That would be awesome

I’d buy one.

-- Micah
Baseball Is My Boyfriend
I want to be the next Annie Savoy.

by baseballismyboyfriend on Apr 3, 2009 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

'i'

because he’s an imaginary player, he gets an imaginary number

by JBImaknee on Apr 3, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

best answer so far

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

His number should be "Elevendy"

a number that is greater than, less than, and equal to zero

When I see a solar eclipse I think "oh no, is the moon eating the sun?"

by Section 339 on Apr 3, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The correct spelling

of that fake word is ‘eleventy’.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the batman signal

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Apr 3, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

While those guys aren't great

Rookie pitchers with very little experience in the upper levels of the minors don’t tend to do that great right out of the gate. Millwood and Padilla are far from the greatest pitchers we can have, but both were still helping the team last year and I don’t see why you would expect their performance to hurt the team anytime soon. McCarthy’s only question is health. If he’s pitching, he’s performing better than Cahill and Anderson. I really can’t understand the love for the A’s rotation at all. Eveland, Gallagher, Braden??? What are you expecting out of them this year that they’re not only better than what the Rangers have, but are that much better to outweigh the offensive advantage Texas has.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Apr 3, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

further to that point...

we have a significant advantage in offense, and we’re closing the gap on defense and the bullpen (if for no other reason than their closer’s out)

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Apr 3, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

We might be closing the gap on defense.

But it’s sort of like closing the gap between continents as the steadily drift together.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

not even Gallagher now (see my fanshot)

got replaced by Outman. So all in all, the BTB projects the As to win the division (and one, to win the world series) with a rotation that has a collection 62 major league starts between them: Braden, Eveland, Anderson, Cahill, Outman. Wow!

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

as a question

would most people pick braden/eveland over padilla/millwood? (if cost is no object)

i mean…wow. that has a lot of potential to be a HORRID rotation

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I probably would.

Though it’s not cut and dry.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I don't have a problem

with people feeling pessimistic about the Rangers, but predicting the A’s to win with that rotation just doesn’t fly with me. I predict the Angels by a little, not a lot.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and their position players

are already starting to resemble the MASH unit that was our pitching staff last yr…

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is someone picking the A's to win the west unfounded?

It shouldn’t be. In which case, everyone picking them should be just fine. Surprising, but not “ridic.”

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wow

i don’t exactly think the rangers will win the division, but being the last place pick by the majority??
surely they are better than the mariners this season

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Apr 3, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

this appears to be a case

of uninformed group think. I expected better out of them, but this knocks them into the Reeves/JJT realm of sports analysis (still above Galloway, though…for now).

by clark on Apr 3, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Guess we'll see, huh? ; )

We didn’t list win totals, which would make a difference. I personally don’t think the Mariners and Rangers are that far away from each other, in the mid to high 70s.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well you have to admit

that the credibility of the panel is put into play when even one person picks the As to win the World Series…

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

Pick on that one person.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"pick on"?

how old are you?

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is kind of unnecessary.

I think everyone needs to take a step back and stop freaking out over this.

by jwiscarson on Apr 3, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

If we really cared at all

we’d make our comments on their site.

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

leaving the herd when ranting is not something most here would do.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the athletics in the world series with that rotation

is beyond funny.

even if you have gallagher instead of outman its still funny.

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And what has

Gallagher done in his ML career?

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year

by RangerMad on Apr 3, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

walked a bunch of folks

but when he’s not doing that, he’s been pretty average.

by FirebatM3 on Apr 3, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He had a few good starts when he came to Oakland

that had people all over Beane’s nuts saying how he just ripped the Cubs off.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Apr 3, 2009 1:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

gallager

wasnt bad with the cubs

my point was that hes better than outman…

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

oh

i sometimes forget that in this seemingly infinite and anonymous internet community people actually stop by and read comments like these. so i apologize for the vitriol in my above comments. However, I do think the defensive upgrades this team has made seem to have been discounted, and offensive firepower the team still possesses still stands out in a shockingly weak hitting division, and the pitching staff, at this point, is not far off from the other staffs in the league.

I am really curious to know what it is that all six of you like about the A’s that makes them unanimous favorites to win the division.

by clark on Apr 3, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and once again, further...

I think our rotation has the biggest upside (based on last year’s production – I know the Angels CAN get a lot better with healthy Lackey, Santana and Escobar). IF McCarthy stays healthy, IF Millwood and Padilla pitch like #2/#3 starters, IF Harrison shows improvement like he did in the 2nd half, IF Holland and/or Feliz makes the jump somewhat seamlessly, the rotation could make a huge leap forward.

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Apr 3, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How do you know LSB isn't guilty of uninformed group think?

I think you might be going a little off the deep end because your favorite team got slighted.

I disagree with some of their picks but I don’t find any, at least in the AL West, to be bashable.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

k

makes a little sense now…

There might be some rooting involved on my part ; )

Stability is key, and JD is a Beast.
Jindal - 2012
"AMMIITAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABHH!!!"

by Longhorn on Apr 3, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow.

Some of those are ridiculous. I don’t know how you can say that Hamilton is overvalued, or….THE RANGERS ARE OVERRATED?!?

My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.

by ghtd36 on Apr 3, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally, I think

this much of an overreaction over preseason rankings is a real sign that we’re ready for the regular season to start.

by jwiscarson on Apr 3, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i think it’s more surprise than overreaction.
i mean really, did the mariners improve themselves enough to go from 2nd worst team in baseball to third place in the division?

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Apr 3, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, they did score 14 runs yesterday

there you have it.

(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 3, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i'm sold!

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Apr 3, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The point is more that they weren't really as bad as their record suggested last year...

just like they weren’t as good in 2007 as their record suggested.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Using 3rd order W/L

In 2008, the Angels were an 84 win team.

The Rangers were a 79 win team.

The A’s were a 77 win team.

The M’s were a 65 win team.

I don’t see that the M’s have gained 14 wins on the Rangers this offseason.

by Adam J. Morris on Apr 3, 2009 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

that's what i'm saying

im not disputing tht the a’s an angels are at the top, but did the mariners improve themselves that much ??

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Apr 3, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thank you!

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008

by Rodney on Apr 3, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huh, that's about where I would have guessed, maybe a couple games higher for the Mariners.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm confused

A 61 win team should have won 65 games last year which means that they weren’t as bad as their record suggested. How do they make it to the mid 70s to high 70s win total this year and take 3rd place in the division because of that? They still were one of the worst teams in baseball last year and they’ve taken away from their main strength (young SP) by moving Morrow to the bullpen. But who knows. Maybe Branyan puts it together this year.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Apr 3, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I outlined the improvements below (I think it's below).

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The vitriol in the comments here

is more what I’m referring to. Sky and RJ are good about commenting here and backing up their opinions. I don’t think it’s so much to ask to take the post in context.

by jwiscarson on Apr 3, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Hey, can we keep the rationality to a minimum?

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah!

Uninformed…biased….JERKFACE!

My 2009 New Years Resolution: Quit feeding the trolls.

by ghtd36 on Apr 3, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

If the tables were to turn on all of you genius saber fucks, this would be a pretty good start

The Rangers will finish with a better record than the Mariners this year sir, and it won’t even be close.

by oc on Apr 4, 2009 2:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i have apologized for my vitriol above

but I am still waiting for the whole “rational answer” piece of the equation, both here and at BTB.

by clark on Apr 3, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Didn't mean you specifically.

Sorry if I singled you out. It was an overall feeling I got from all the comments.

by jwiscarson on Apr 3, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

FWIW, I commented on some of your posts before I saw the apology.

Not that you need apologize to me because you weren’t attacking me, but it does make my posts irrelevant.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think they may well have.

I’ve got the Rangers over the Mariners for a few reasons, but I don’t see any reason to get up in arms about someone having the Mariners.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i just fail to see how they improved and the rangers didn’t.

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Apr 3, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the Mariners are projected by computers as being do for more (positive) regression to the mean than most teams.

And meanwhile they greatly improved in the field and at first base, and could get a meaningful season of Bedard.

I don’t see any of that with the Rangers. I personally don’t think it’s enough to put the Mariners over the Rangers, but I see it.

Mostly I think the Rangers stayed about the same. I think the pitching is due for some regression, but I think the offense is, too. We did improve the fielding, but we’re going to get less offense I’ll bet at DH, shortstop and third base.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

the improved fielding might offset some of that lost offense.
i think the computers lower the rangers more because of bradleys bat leaving.

now on the bedard front, IF he returns to his old form then sure the mariners get a huge upgrade

"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg

by rentz on Apr 3, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some, maybe.

But that’s also part of why I’m taking the over on the projections. I don’t think you can assume our fielding will necessarily be that much better, though. Think it should be? Yes. But you should be able to see how it won’t and the Mariners could have the better record.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

How it won't should be "how it might not."

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Anyone...

who picks the A’s to win a division (even a very weak one like the AL West) hasn’t looked hard enough at that teams starting rotation. Picking the A’s to win the WS is just borderline stupid. The A’s will be lucky to win 75 games.

The Halos will win the West by default.

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

by slc ranger on Apr 3, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

this is kind of my viewpoint

if santana/escobar/lackey are healthy, there is zero question who the favorites to win the division should be.

if 2 of the 3 come back and start 20-25 games theres still almost zero question who the favorite should be.

that said, the a’s rotation has a lot of potential, but considering that eveland was a failed prospect going into last year, braden cant (or can he now?) throw his best pitch – the screwball, gallagher couldnt beat out outman, outman is seen as a back of the rotation guy at his best, anderson is polished but has little experience at the upper minors/majors, cahill has little experience + has control problems and duch has the injury problems i would think that the a’s rotation somehow has more questions than the rangers rotation, which is REALLY saying something

i mean is the a’s bullpen (or rotation for that matter) in that much better shape than the rangers?
is their hitting that close to the rangers?
is their defense that much better than the rangers?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

no, on all three accounts

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Apr 3, 2009 12:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

right

so why do they consistantly get picked/projected to be THAT good?

id love to see updated PECOTA with that rotation now

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

84-78

In first place by three games.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

when were they updated?

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 4:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"The A’s will be lucky to win 75 games."

I’ll take that bet.

How do you automatically assume that if someone picks the A’s it’s because they’ve looked at fewer factors than you, instead of more?

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The same way everyone assumes...

that Texas will be horrible because their pitching sucks. If the Rangers pitching sucks then what does that say for Oakland? As bad as Millwood and Padilla are as 1/2 starters I would easily take them over the A’s 1/2 guys right now. Have you seen who Oakland is starting on opening day?

I understand that Oakland has got the young pitching to come through for them in the past. However those guys have nothing to do with who is in their rotation now. Oakland has the worst starting rotation in the AL right now. I don’t think Cahill and Anderson are ready and I see them taking their lumps early on. They may start the season 15 games under by June 1st.

Everyone assumes Texas’ pitching will suck because it always has. Everyone also assumes that Oakland’s pitching will be good because it always has been. I strongly disagree. Oakland’s starters are going to be very bad this year and until anyone can logically show me otherwise I can’t see how they can be considered a contender, other than the fact that they are just in a crappy divison.

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

by slc ranger on Apr 3, 2009 6:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

"The same way everyone assumes... that Texas will be horrible because their pitching sucks."

I don’t think that’s the same thing, but neither is really defensible without a little more evidence.

Also, don’t you think there’s a good chance that you are underrating Oakland’s pitching, not that things like CHONE or PECOTA are overrating them? You don’t even accept that as possible?

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 6:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Look at Oakland's staff...

Cahill and Anderson have never pitched above AA. Eveland is the most experienced guy they have with 35 career starts and last year had a ERA+ of 93 and a WHIP of 1.48. Their opening day starter (Braden) last year had a ERA + of 98 and made 10 starts all year. Gallagher, Gonzalez and Outman, really?

All they can hope for is Duchscherer to come back healthy and do what he did last year, and I’m sorry but I don’t see that happening. Who knows when he will even be able to pitch this year.

They have a strong bullpen that will help some, but as it stands right now as far as A’s v. Rangers this is how I see it :

Starting pitching : Rangers (by a hair)
Bullpen : A’s
Defense : Push
Offense : Rangers

I find it funny that many pick the Rangers to finish 3rd or last while those same people are picking the A’s to win the West. I guess we shall see. It’s a long season, but I’m not drinking the A’s kool-aid.

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

by slc ranger on Apr 3, 2009 7:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying you are wrong.

I’m asking that you accept the posibility you might be and someone like Nate Silver isn’t.

by philkid3 on Apr 3, 2009 7:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I very well could be wrong...

happens all the time.

But I’m asking you or anyone else who thinks Oakland will win the West to tell me why. I want to hear a good reason for picking Oakland given their pitching staff. Since everyone knows that pitching is the key, right?

After all I’m pretty sure even Nate Silver has been wrong every now and then.

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

by slc ranger on Apr 3, 2009 7:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meh...

and damn you. I’ve fallen into the same trap as many others here have. I shouldn’t get all worked up about people thinking Oakland will win the West. Who cares. That’s their opinion and their entitled to it.

My opinion is that they’re not a very good team and will be lucky to win 75 games this year. I’m not budging on it either! So =P.

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

by slc ranger on Apr 3, 2009 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is an honest question

Has anyone gone back to previous years to determine how accurate these various prediction systems were? And I mean systematically – not the anecdotal arguments the Marcel people put out.

by JBImaknee on Apr 3, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes.

Can you point me to anecdotal evidence from the Marcel people?

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 9:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Isn't argument from authority...

a logical fallacy?

"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."

by benmor78 on Apr 4, 2009 12:18 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not

If he’s really, really amazing!

by brettgardner on Apr 4, 2009 12:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Nate Silver...

is dreamy.

"I know you're a bit dense but no, it doesn't. Obviously lying isn't a problem for me."

by benmor78 on Apr 4, 2009 12:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Defense is a push? Really?

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't assume Texas' pitching will suck because it always has. So that's not everyone.

I assume it will suck because Padilla, Benson, and Dickey are in the rotation without anyone projected to be better than league average.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 3, 2009 9:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dickey?

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 10:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah

He beat out Aaron Sele. Keep up.

by CS3 on Apr 3, 2009 11:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh, er, my bad. Not sure what I was thinking.

Beyond the Boxscore // Calling BJ Upton lazy is lazy.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 4, 2009 9:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Millwood one time didn't give Sky an autograph

He’s a dick

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Apr 4, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Engel Beltre clip:

"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 3, 2009 9:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

That guy

he has 2 Beltre clips and 2 Main clips, too. And a Hosmer clip for those interested.

Rangers Farm Probables

by shroomer on Apr 3, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Here's one of Tracy too:

"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 3, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

MLB Network - MLB Tonight

Anyone see last night’s clip on Andruw Jones? Had Magrane, Reynolds and Rojas talking about how much success he’d have in Arlington, and hinged it all on playing time. They all stated that it mattered how many games he was able to get in to, because his in success in Atlanta was helped by the fact that he played 150+ games. In LA he was hindered by not being in the lineup on a consistent basis.

Ruh-roh.

(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 3, 2009 9:58 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

If he hits

well enough to merit 130+ games, isn’t this move a good one? If he hits well enough to match Blalock’s production, wouldn’t the lineup be better with his right handed bat?
Now, if Wash just runs him out there because of his name and not production (granted, he probably will) , this is an awful signing. But, and I haven’t seen it stated anywhere here yet, what if he hits?

by bigskinny on Apr 3, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude

Sosa didn’t hit enough to merit any playing time aside from limited LHP pinch hits. Instead of what he merited, he played every GD game.

My Music Blog

by FuturePants on Apr 3, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

with Sosa, we had who being blocked...

basically just Botts, right? who do we have blocked in this scenario – a combination of Davis/Blalock/Max-Ram/Cruz/Byrd/Murphy – the situation is MUCH different

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Apr 3, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He certainly hit well enough v lefties to be in there against them.

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Apr 3, 2009 1:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

LHP < 50% of ABs

So point being that Sosa was playing too much. Like Jones will play too much. Like Broussard played too much. Like Hidalgo and Jordan played too much. On and on.

My Music Blog

by FuturePants on Apr 3, 2009 1:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

that was a stupid argument

and magraine touched on it for a second from the other side because Andruw Jones couldn’t make contact last year.

Honestly, Andruw Jones better not play in 150 games. Last year, he only played in 70 because he sucked so bad, but the manager only stuck with him that much because of his contract. This year he better be traded/released halfway through the year because we’ll need the spot for players like MaxRam and Borbon.

Bring on April 6th!

by NothinG on Apr 3, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep, saw that too

i liked the line from Rojas about Harold wearing those boots with shorts and running around the studio.

My cool sig.

by Ryin A on Apr 3, 2009 10:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

reply to mtex...jeeebus

My cool sig.

by Ryin A on Apr 3, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BA with a detailed article on Nolan Ryan and long toss.

Newberg embedded it in his report.

Link

The part that sticks out to me in light of NoName’s comments that swimming is really, really important for rotator cuff strength is this:

Some of the young arms assembled for the camp, a collection drawn from the Rangers’ treasure chest of prospects, like lefty Derek Holland, also remember hearing about workouts in a swimming pool and a laundry list of other conditioning methods. Some bounced questions off him, but most stood there in awe.

.

.

.

“I did everything,” Ryan said, shedding light on his routine throughout a 27-year career that led straight to Cooperstown. "I’m a big believer in running sprints. I worked out in the swimming pool a lot. We threw long toss, and I’m a big believer in long toss.

JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!

by rooster on Apr 3, 2009 10:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

So....

I am clueless about the accessibility of swimming pools to players as they train.

Do the Rangers have a pool at their ST facility? Will they install one at RBiA? How about in the DR academy? I realize it’s a bit more expensive to maintain a pool than to tell folks to do more long toss, but in the long run, if swimming as revealed by scientific work and through the experience of Ryan, wouldn’t it be a small expense compared to injuries and ineffectiveness from weak shoulders?

JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!

by rooster on Apr 3, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I used to do a lot

of long tossing.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

5cm isn't long...

"...my balls are really like a veiny flesh color" blueballlefty on Jun 4, 2008 7:44 PM EDT
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008

by Rodney on Apr 3, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

cm is not the correct abbreviation

for decimeters.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

decimeters

is not the appropriate unit for what we’re discussing

by FirebatM3 on Apr 3, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're just jealous

because my decimeters decimate your centimeters

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nolan didn't actually swim

in the swimming pools. nolan was basically doing light weight resistance training and cardio.

by SteveP on Apr 3, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he can't swim?

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Apr 3, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

he fears the water ever since he saw the video of snow monkeys bathing

by bking on Apr 3, 2009 3:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Over/under on Teagarden starts this year?

Is 75 too many?

"[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 3, 2009 10:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Barrin a Salty injury or trade?

Yes

by Adam J. Morris on Apr 3, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Is Teagarden a true backup?

Even just in terms of possible trade value…doesn’t he need more reps than the average backup?

"[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 3, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

4-2 lead late in the game

Do you bring in Teagarden as a defensive replacement?

"My mother always taught me that if the only thing you have to say is,
‘(Expletive) Dave Samson,’ then don’t say anything at all.
So I’m not going to say anything at all.
Is my mother the greatest or what?"
- Mariners GM Bill Bavasi, after signing Ichiro to a $90 million contract

by tyd3311 on Apr 3, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yep

nice to have that cannon behind the plate when people are trying to get runners into scoring position however they can.

by bioaggie on Apr 3, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

really?

I was just thinking that part of his value to the team was just that. Late in the game, if Rupe goes out there and walks the lead off man (as he is wont to do) I would much rather have Teagarden out there behind the plate, giving that guy on first something to think about. That seems like a huge asset to have available, and its not like, if the next hitter should hit a two run HR to tie things up, that Teagarden is incapable of doing some damage with the bat later on.

What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.

by clark on Apr 3, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not giving the ball to Rupe, either.

If a team is up by two runs late in the game, there should be a very tiny chance of losing with good late inning bullpen guys no matter who is catching. It’s not like Salty gives up 5 passed balls every game and throws the ball into the stands on attempted steals.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well it was kinda like that

in 54g/52gs: 9E, 6PB, 40SB, so yeah, I’d have to say i would do it.

by Goyogringo on Apr 3, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i agree with this

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not?

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 3, 2009 10:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

See above

I might if it was a one run lead, or tied game. I’d make defensive replacements in several other positions before catcher, not with the Rangers current personnel, but in general. I just don’t see Salty’s defense as being so bad it should jeopardize a 2 run lead in the last couple of innings.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So, you are concerned about dissing Salts?

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 3, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No

I am concerned about making unnecessary moves. Yes, Teagarden’s defense is awesome, but the odds of the opposing team scoring two runs in the last inning or two are very low no matter who is playing.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

?

by oc on Apr 4, 2009 3:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice picture

of a healthy Wilson there.

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

by t ball on Apr 4, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think if Salty's defense is that bad

he shouldn’t be the starting catcher.

That is my backwards logic of agreeing with you. At 4-2, you keep your best allround players in the game. At 4-3, you bring in your ‘d’ guys

by JBImaknee on Apr 3, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

so at 4-3 you'd bring Tea in?

Josh Hamilton puts his pants on one leg at a time just like you but once he gets his pants on he hits baseballs 420 feet.

by BigGuns on Apr 3, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe

My point above is that a two run lead in the 8th or 9th should be pretty damn safe no matter who is catching. If you think Salty’s defense is so bad that he can’t be in there in that situation, then he should not be the starting catcher, or you should just put him at 1B. Or you should immediately acquire much better pitchers, because they have a hell of a lot more to do with that lead than the catcher does.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

what if a run scores during the inning?

I think the idea of a defensive replacement is also to ease strain on the starter.

I think you’d want to bring in a defensive replacement in most 9th innings regardless of score. In fact, you should probably refrain from bringing in a defensive replacement when the game is close because you’d probably want Salty’s offense if the game went into extra innings.

That’s probably not coventional but that’s how I’d use them

Ceterum censeo Cat esse delendam - Cahill the Elder

by ab03 on Apr 3, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

At 4-3

last inning, how many teams would run? I think if you use TT as a defensive replacement, he’d come in during innings 6 or 7

by FirebatM3 on Apr 3, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Alot of teams would with Salty back there

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 3, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Twins, Rays and Angels

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year

by RangerMad on Apr 3, 2009 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i dont think its a question of if his defense is bad

say hes an average defensive player but teagarden is a plus-plus defensive guy — thats the difference imho

Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.

by knockoutking on Apr 3, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

depends on the opponent

and who is due to bat. Against the Angels I might actually start TT 12 of the 19 games.

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year

by RangerMad on Apr 3, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This is more pertinent to me

Start TT in games you feel will be close, or against teams that run a lot. Don’t just put him in there in the 8th inning.

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

by t ball on Apr 3, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably

If Salty is given 3 out of every 5 games that would leave about 65 games left for Teagarden. It’s hard to argue that Salty would be considered the starter if he were catching less than 3 out of 5.

JD: Adamant about 78 wins in 2009. Go Rangers!

by rooster on Apr 3, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can see 75 games...

but probably around 40 starts if Salty’s healthy, producing at the plate and not hurting the staff

"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"

by Walter Sobchak on Apr 3, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, Adam

I like the addition of the images into morning reports

(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 3, 2009 10:37 AM CDT reply actions 2 recs

how about some more catcher to Boston talk?