Thursday a.m. Rangers things
by Adam J. Morris on May 7, 2009 8:12 AM CDT
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PrintFive wins in a row, and first place in the West. Not bad.
Scott Feldman, who the organization has been so desperately trying to keep out of the rotation, was the star yesterday, with 6 innings of very solid work against the A's. Jeff Wilson says that Feldman is staying in the rotation, with Kris Benson going into a long relief role.
Wilson also has some notes up that include an update on Josh Hamilton, and an interesting stat on Ian Kinsler -- he has the third-worst road batting average in the league so far this year.
Chris Davis is optimistic that he's found the mechanical problem with his swing that has been causing him problems, and he and Rudy Jaramillo worked on fixing it prior to yesterday's game. Davis was 1 for 3 with only 1 K yesterday, so maybe he's getting things turned around.
Brandon McCarthy is pitching today, and his goal is to get to the 7th inning, something he hasn't done yet this year.
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Feldman looked really really good last night
Looks more and more like he could easily give you 180 innings and a 4.50 ERA over the course of a season. probably not this year since he didn’t become a starter until recently but close.
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.
no pitcher should be judged
while pitching against this A’s team. Going from a team like this to most any other baseball team is like making the jump from Hickory to Bakersfield. Even their supposed studs are slumping right now.
and this is not to take anything away from Feldman. He did exactly what he should have done last night. The A’s are just a 5 run pitching staff with a 3 run offense.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Wow thanks Debbie Downer
I guess we’ve played alot of shitty teams over the last couple weeks then huh?
Our starters ERA since this stretch of 20 straight days with a game started is 4.03 in over 90 innings.
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.
stick to your strengths
bitch about the bullpen, please
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
heh
¡Prefiero morir de pie que vivir siempre arrodillado!
by inactive lsb user on May 7, 2009 9:14 AM CDT up reply actions
my utter correctness about the bullpen
has only strengthened and proliferated my cocksure opining.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
haha
just because you are correct once doesn’t mean you are always correct.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on May 7, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Feldman was about two inches away from giving up zero runs last night.
The Suzuki double was just off the tip of Cruz’s glove. Literally, it looked like less than two inches separated Suzuki from a double and the third out.
The A’s suck, yeah, but there is merit in holding a sucky team down to their level of suck. Feldman was two inches away from abusing a wimp, which is the type of tone the rotation should set for the rest of the team.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Also
If Davis had tried to throw to 2nd on the grounder right before Suzukis double who knows. Maybe we turn a DP. Or at least we hold them to one run most likely on the double
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.
I like this
but there is merit in holding a sucky team down to their level of suck.
The Rangers of recent years typically fail at that very thing…
Bad memories there
And also remembering the crappy pitchers we’re supposed to tee off on.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
I understand your argument because of the A's
However, Feldman pitched well last night with location, movement, and varying speeds. Just because he faced the A’s doesn’t discount a good performance. It can discount a line score but his performance was top notch last night.
one more baseball related article
i just found this on neyer’s blog but apparently in the new moneyball movie bill james will be a cartoon character
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/sweetspot/0-2-25/Co-starring-Bill-James—-sort-of-.html
Sodebergh’s reasoning, "It needs a gimmick. It needs something to make it not Masterpiece Theatre. His writer voice is so big, I thought to literalize it is going to actually harm it. I need to make his voice funny and when he comes on you’re happy to see it."
interesting to say the least
go here to view my blog: http://dirtfromd.blogspot.com
i am completely intrigued
by this movie. it could be a trainwreck, but i am still intrigued.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
how could you not be
this cartoon bill james only adds to it. not to mention the former players playing themselves
this could be amazing or an all time disaster that shouldnt see the light of day. but sodebergh legit enough for me to give him a chance
go here to view my blog: http://dirtfromd.blogspot.com
by studcrackers on May 7, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Rob Neyer
He sez the Twins could really use a new middle IF’er. I wonder if teams like this ever inquire about Jose Vallejo. Seems like a guy who would draw some interest.
what about arias?
not really surprised to see casilla slump, werent his minor league #’s fairly mediocre before being called up last year?
go here to view my blog: http://dirtfromd.blogspot.com
casilla
yes, he has has always been a fairly mediocre MI
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 May 7, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Arias
if off to a slow start, but he is historically a pretty sure bet to hit .300 (albeit an empty .300), so we should let him get his numbers up unless some team is willing to overpay. The Twins always have intriguing arms in their system. If they want to talk about Vallejo, then I would ask about Anthony Slama, because he has a ridiculous K rate and come on, that’s a great name.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I doubt Arias gets you Slama
Vallejo, like I mentioned below, may start the discussion however
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.
hah
i should have read a little lower. i’m not sure if i am willing to trade vallejo straight up for slama. Slama is at an advanced age for his league (Jan ’84 birthdate) and with that K rate, he reminds me a little of Moscoso.
I have no idea what Slama throws, but I know he was drafted in the 39th round back in ’06 and that BA had him as the Twins 30th prospect after his statistically dominant ’08 season, which leads me to question his pure stuff. If you trade a good, young everyday player at a premium position for a reliever, that reliever better have dominant stuff and be a potential closer.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
But Vallejo will never be an everyday player here
A 1.01 ERA over 70 innings is good regardless of age or level. It does raise the question why he isn’t in AAA. His walks are a bit high but that K rate is eyepopping. I wouldn’t mind getting him in here and putting him at AAA right off the bat and then if he continues to strike guys out he could be similar to Frankie in 2004, come up and be a power arm out of the pen.
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.
the worst thing we can do is discount a player simply because he is blocked in our system. Vallejo has the tools to be a top 100 prospect this year. I agree that Slama’s numbers are incredible, but until I read a scouting report on his stuff, I don’t like the idea of using one of our best trade chips on a 25 year old reliever who has pitched only 13 innings in AA ball.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I agree
You don’t throw vallejo into a deal as a throwin ala Adrian Gonzalez. And I too would love to see a scouting report on this Slama guy to see what hes all about. But this is exactly the type of trade we need to start making with some of these logjams at positional player positions. Trade them for areas of need and not give up much in terms of talent.
Vallejo simply doesn’t have a spot here. Now while we still have a couple years of options to let things play out if we could address an immediate or near immediate need I think you have to look into it.
One thing i do believe however is Joaquin Arias will not get you a guy with the K numbers this Slama guy has.
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.
i completely agree about Arias
and i never said that he would. and i agree that we need to start trading from areas of strength to address areas of weakness. if they believe Slama has dominant stuff and can step in and help our bullpen by July then yeah, I’d make that trade.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Vallejo
Do you think he would be better as a piece of a larger package or could we get something decent for him in a one for one swap. Maybe a decent young relief prospect?
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.
No idea, that's why I brought it up
I don’t know what the Twins have that we’d be interested in trading for, or whether Vallejo alone would get anything decent. He’d be perfect on that fast indoor carpet – flashing the leather and stealing bases. Arias might draw their interest as well, but he’s sorta damaged goods.
no way
I settle for nothing less than liriano and either baker or slowey
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
add Mauer as a throw in and you've got me convinced.
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
How about Vallejo for Anthony Slama
Heres his stats courtesy of milb.com
22Ks in under 14 IP while allowing less than a hit per inning. Last year in the FSL had an ERA a tick over 1 (1.01 to be exact) in over 70 innings out of the pen.
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.
I think a bullpen arm is likely what we shoot for here
but i’d want one that could help us now and next year or something like that
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
I'd like to trade them Arias for whatever we can get
Get him off the 40 man and try to bring back a decent bullpen arm.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
.228/.245/.250/.495
3 of 4 SB ain’t gonna get you too much, sadly.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
I doubt the Twins are looking at this season's numbers that much
If they have any interest in him, its because they liked what he has done in the past. A few weeks in the minors wouldn’t have changed their minds one way or another.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
Arias will be off the 40 next year anyway
Hes out of options so he will be put through waivers after next spring. Id rather trade a guy who can bring something decent back, which Vallejo probably can
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.
I'd rather keep the better player though
This team’s biggest need right now is a bullpen arm. You don’t need to trade Vallejo right now to get that. Wait for Vallejo to have an 07 Duran season in Frisco or something similar before looking to trade him.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
Ok
But Arias isn’t going to get you a decent bullpen arm. Vallejo could and one that you could have for several years under control.
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.
I think he could
He’s been better with the bat recently and I’m not asking for Nathan in return. The defense is there and since they are looking for a 2B, the arm isn’t much of an issue.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
From Athletics Nation
Thought this was pretty good – an A’s fan recaps his ballpark experience of last night’s game stream-of-consciousness-style:
shorter of breath and one day closer to dammit giese that was fast let’s see if you can get to 200 pitches by the 4th omigod the drunk guy to our left has been on diamond vision 4 times and it’s only the 3rd inning here comes stomper doing the macarena with the microphone lady and the descent into hell is complete wait did crosby just turn the double play error-free wow i gotta smoke pcp before games more often closing eyes and wishing for june is it me or does giambi’s bat speed resemble what you might expect from jason robards nostalgia for 2006 or at least 1996 we were all so young then and life seemed full of possibility and then cust kicked the ball maybe he is nostalgic for all those good times out in right field inning over again and again and again buries head in trembling hands you know your team has offensive issues when the fans are cheering for ball 3 like it’s a walkoff grand slam blank expression of regret and mordant sadness maybe we can just trade the whole team for the sharks instead of moving all the way to san jose can patrick marleau play second bangs empty head against hard wall hoping for a return to sanity or at least a merciful end to the agony young pitching i can live with but the way we hit reminds me of that elliott smith song where everybody dies well at least there is no line for the bathroom oh wait that’s the east side club groan of resignation that’s it i’m pulling the plug on the scoreboard it’s not like we are using it anyway come on zook you can do it when francisco throws it it looks as big as a chair arrrrrggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh sound resembling the sound dwight howard makes in that video game ad when he pulls his hamstring that’s it ties last night’s blanket over railing & around neck climbs to top of mt davis and bellows it’s all for you matt holliday and jumps just like the maid in the omen except no sinister carmina burana soundtrack
stream of consciousness, ADD-style
The scoreboard comment reminds me of Harry Doyle.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
For some reason
those thoughts kind of made sense, dare I say, flowed.
¡Prefiero morir de pie que vivir siempre arrodillado!
by inactive lsb user on May 7, 2009 9:17 AM CDT up reply actions
For the life of me
I can’t place the Elliott Smith tune…
"[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 May 7, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Elliott Smith
and Biggie sure did write a lot of songs about death and dying. It is a very weird and somewhat uncomfortable thing to listen to them now, and yet my iPod has multiple albums from both artists.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
That was my thought...
The only one I could think of that addresses “everybody” is “Everybody Understands.”
"[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 May 7, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Michael Main
I don’t supposed you’ve happened to see him pitch lately and provide some insight into what’s going wrong with him.
I propose a 5-year moratorium on trading any young Ranger pitchers who throw over 90 mph.
that's so messed up
it’s almost poetry…
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
Dykstra has all the money!
ElectricOkra.com
Two trivia questions:
(1) How many games have occurred this year in which Washington has not made a curious decision?
(2) How many games have occurred this year in which Andrus has not made an outstanding play?
I’m happy the Rangers are in the driver’s seat. The team in 1st place always controls its destiny. I don’t understand why frankfrankkkkk was brought in, though. I realize it probably won’t make a difference this season that he has been brought in on three consecutive days. But, why take the chance? The Rangers want to keep Holland stretched out, and Oakland hadn’t hit him hard anyway, despite the fact he had only thrown one offspeed pitch. Holland was dominant with his fastball. It probably doesn’t matter that frankfrankkkkk came in. But, again, why take the chance of injury or wear-down by overusing frankfrankkkkkk under these circumstances?
As Josey said:
I view the use of our bullpen like I view making it home after driving home drunk and making it safely.
Yes, I made it home but it was not a good decision that should be repeated.
BTW, I really like this quasi-tandem starting system the Rangers have with Feldman and Holland. If only Feldman and McCarthy could be separated a bit in the rotation, Holland could be coupled with both of those guys, who typically go 5-6 innings, thereby giving holland 3-4 innings every 3-5 days. Unusual, sure, but I think effective performance and learning experiences in this case.
Also, the hitting ability displayed by both Andrus and Saltalamacchia on their home run swings is really impressive. Both guys were able shorten their swing by bringing in their hands mid-swing and still make solid contact.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Feldman is the Rodney Daingerfield of Ranger pitchers.
He wasn’t great last year by any means but he had Game Scores of 50+ in 12 of his 25 games which is right where Millwood & Padilla were.
Typically, the Rangers win close to 70% of the games where they get Game Scores of 50+ from their starting pitcher.
There was no reason whatsoever for him to lose his spot in the rotation this year, most especially to Kris Freaking Benson.
This year in three starts, he’s thrown down a 56, 53, and 57 (last night’s game). He was so dominant v. the WSox that if Holland gets Thome out, Feldman would have received a 65.
Yes, last night’s performance came against a feeble Oakland team that is collectively bad but there are some serious individual talents over there and when you factor in how good Feldman was v. the WSox, we have something here.
Nothing great but a very solid # 3 starter.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Oh great.
Now I expect Feldman to do some kind of double front flip knee-grab off the mound during every game.
She say she are the manager.
by rockin_rangers on May 7, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Feldman's stuff is improving, and already a lot better than people give him credit for
He doesn’t use it often, but the curve ball is a nice looking pitch and everytime I saw him throw it last night, it was on the outside black and crossed the plate near the knees.
And I’m obviously no scout, but that has to be plus (or plus-plus?) movement he gets on both his cutting and his running fastballs. And he’s pouring those things in there consistently 91-94. Watching Salty recieve the ball from Feldman these last two starts, Scooter hits his target very consistently, no lunging across the plate to catch a misplaced pitch that I’ve seen.
So in summary, he locates well, all his pitches have great movement and nobody seems to square the ball against him, and now he looks like he is learning how and when to throw his breaking ball. Plus he has a rubber arm, above average velocity, and no health issues. I just don’t see how you can watch this guy pitch and think that he needs to be moved from the rotation. I think there is still some development left and he might end up as quite a bit more than the fringe back rotation guy that most here have him pegged as.
Doctor please. Some more of these.
I'll say it again, dare I say:
Brownish light, with out the assholeness?
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
brown, 'hole
I had to read that twice to figure out what you meant.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Agree wholeheartedly.
We have no book on Feldman the 3/4 starter other than last year and this year.
He’s been pitching like this about as long as Strop has been a pitcher, but we alll look at Strop and see lots of developmental potential.
Why not Feldman? He just turned 26, has some history pitching but with a vastly different delivery, and has shown some real potential with atleast 3 pitches (cutting fastball, running fastball, curveball).
That’s three average pitches that run in 3 different directions. He’s got the pitches to keep a batter off-balance and guessing so that they’re either missing, hitting the ball off bad parts of the bat, or watching it for (mostly) strikes.
I’m genuinely excited by Feldman. He showed he could do it off and on last year, and is showing he can still do it so far, with what seems like much more consistency.
Him getting bumped for Benson was a truly awful decision, and i’m glad he’s back in the rotation.
I agree with the improvement thing
I don’t remember the 92 mph with that much movement last year. I think adding the cutter has made him extremely tough. He can move the ball both directions now with velocity and life.
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on May 7, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Honestly
the rotation is not looking too bad right now with how everyone is pitching. I really wonder where the difference lies. Millwood looks like he is on a mission. The only one that looked lost for a while as padilla. Could the rotation be a strength? Dare I say it?
Padilla pitched like he was on a mission his last time around
The time before that, he didn’t show up with the stuff he wanted, it looked like, but he did a remarkable job at finding a different way to get people out.
So, yes, so far the rotation has been a great strength. But, as a Rangers fan you have to ask: how much longer will it last?
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
As long as health continues
No reason it couldn’t continue all year. What is particularly amazing is that Jennings and Benson are throwing well enough to start and there is no place to put em. I don’t recall a time like that- including our 90’s heydays.
I wouldn't say Benson has thrown well enough to start.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
He reminds me a lot of Jennings last year
Some better results, but with how he’s throwing the ball, its only a matter of time before he starts giving up 6 runs over a few innings. Maybe out of the bullpen, he’ll be better or at least decent.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
I will concede
that having him on the roster doesn’t excite me. But he has a career MLB WHIP of <1.4 and has had one good start and one bad start for us, and by definition that’s better than most ragtags we’ve tossed up to the mound this decade.
Exactly:
“how much longer will it last?”
That is the worry we will always have. At some point there has to be a time where the Rangers as a whole turn the corner. Could it be Maddux? Could be it Ryan’s conditioning program (overblown in the media i think)? Could it be that there is a lot of talent on the way and pitchers want to cement their spots in coming years?
by Michael Cave on May 7, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
I can't figure out what the difference is.
Statistically, they are walking quite a bit fewer. Their BB/9 is down to 3.54, which ranks as 8th lowest in the majors. That’s also lower than the last two years which were 4.20 in 2007 and 3.90 in 2008.
I don’t know why they feel comfortable throwing strikes. Hitters swing at 65.9% of the pitches that are in the strike zone and make contact with 90.7% of the strike-zone pitches they swing at. That’s the second highest contact rate in the majors. That contact rate is higher than last year. Plus, their K/9 is lowest in the majors and lower than last year. They are middle of the pack in ground ball outs.
They are performing like they really believe in pitch to contact and reducing the number of walks.
I don’t know how they’re keeping their ERA in the 3.0-3.5 range. I would have to say the defense is to blame for some of the pitcher’s confidence.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
The team's defense
is much better than last year. They were dead last, in 30th place, by most measure last year and are in the top 3 for UZR and UZR/150 right now for this year.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
It's almost Tampaesque
circa 2008 how much better their defense might be this year.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Well, in terms of overall performance
he hasn’t yet, he’s made some awesome plays, but he’s below average overall.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
But is his below average
still above what FOTF would be? Plus MY has got to be a vast improvement over the 3b position from last year at this point.
Who is leading the charge then from worst to third? In general I do not understand the defensive stats as well.
Godwin's Law Version 2.0 (Rangers Edition)
"As a Ranger discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Danks, Volquez, or Young approaches one."
by LBBRangerFan on May 7, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Group effort on the charge
Andrus over Young is great. Young over our 3B last year is great. I think Davis is the best 1B in baseball right now according to UZR while Broussard/Shelton/Botts/Cat were crap last year. On top of that, our OF looks even better defensively than it did last year.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
Gotta give Davis credit at 1B
his stretches and sweeps have made as many plays as Young or Andrus. Andrus’ miracle play would never have ended in an out w/o Davis’ stretch (whether or not he was actually on the bag, notwithstanding)
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
Dykstra has all the money!
ElectricOkra.com
Thanks
It is just weird that 3rd and SS could be worse and the team would be making a dramatic improvement.
Godwin's Law Version 2.0 (Rangers Edition)
"As a Ranger discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Danks, Volquez, or Young approaches one."
by LBBRangerFan on May 7, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
He's made some costly errors
But his range is amazing and over the past couple of weeks, he has been saving at least a couple of hits each game and maybe even more.
Young at 3B is huge too and also thanks to Andrus being here and READY FOR THE SHOW. Again, not perfect, but compared to last year, its a huge plus.
Also, just like SSS applies to hitting stats, remember that it applies just as much to UZR. I’m not too worried about the stats coming around and showing Andrus to be as great as he has been.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
By the end of the year
I certainly expect the Andrus-Young left side to be a plus. But right now they’re not, though I think it’s rapidly improving. Young is on pace to be even worse than last year’s 3B crew and Andrus is about what Young was at SS. That will improve over the course of the season.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I think that is mostly because of the earlier struggles
by Young to field 3B and the stupid errors on Andrus. Right now, both are playing average-great at their positions (Andrus being the great).
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
This is where
stats-based people bother me if that is what you are basing your below average claim on. Stats don’t measure things like pysche. If I’m a Rangers pitcher this year, I feel much more comfortable pitching to contact with a better defense behind me than last year. Last year, ground ball not hit directly at SS was a hit. This year, Andrus gets damn near anything in the vicinity. That makes a difference.
"calmer than you are dude" Walter (Big Lebowski)
by Arlington Stadium Legend on May 7, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm sure the pitchers feel better
and they should, because the aggregate defense is much, much better than last year, and Andrus has already saved a game with his defense. His errors haven’t been disasters and his great plays have been crucial at times. And his range is a big plus and everyone should feel confident that as he settle in the mistakes will be fewer.
I haven’t broken it down, but I suspect that the numbers from the last couple of weeks are better than the early season numbers.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Do defensive stats take into account balls that are stopped, but not converted to outs?
There are times when Andrus stops balls that used to get into the outfield, but is unable to convert it to an out. Plays like that prevent runners who were already on base from advancing or scoring.
by NorCalRangersFan on May 7, 2009 11:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Don't know
I think every defensive stat has a flaw, and I take them with a grain of salt. But overall, our eyeballs, the pitching numbers, and the defensive stats all point to improvement this year, and I’m quite happy with that.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
According to UZR our defense has been worse at both SS and 3b this year
oh, the flaws of defensive stats…
the preceding post was a great success.
it seems to me that UZR over small sample sizes
is really a bad stat to even look at, alot of guys arent were they usually are over a course of a year
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
like I said
SSS.
FWIW, BP’s defensive stats on the player pages show ANdrus as a well above average SS and Young as an average 3B.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
Defensive stats are tough to hang your hat on ...
given how subjective they all seem to be. More often than not they are used to confirm what somebody already believes rather than as a legitimate measure of a player’s value. I’ve been able to watch just about every game this season. Andrus has made a ton of plays that Young would not have made last season—so many that I think the positives far outweigh his errors at this point in the season. And Young has made some plays I know our third basemen would not have made last season. The defense on the left side of the infield is vastly improved. I find myself hoping that the batter will hit a hard grounder that way just to see Andrus and Young perform.
this
even when we walk a guy i get a little excited over the chance to see elvis turn something spectacular
a #3 is very high for him
he is NOT a #3 on a playoff team
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 May 7, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
That's what I was thinking.
I’ve been thinking that Feldman’s best years might resemble Paul Byrd’s best years. He was a really good BROP.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I think you are limiting what he can be just b/c of what you were told he was
but looking at his stuff, who throws harder with more movement on our staff right now? Occasionally Paddilla reaches 93-94, but he doesnt have the Cutter/running FB combo that Feldman has. If Feldman can ever upgrade his breaking pitch in the slightest, he’s got the chance to be a much better pitcher than people think
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
its like feldman is a 22 year old pitcher
he is what he is, and while yes, hes a good 4/5 pitcher he is NOT a #3 pitcher on a playoff team — in a normal year
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.
completely agree
i find myself saying that more and more to you. either you have gotten rosier or I have gotten more sardonic.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Holland
How did he look last night? I listened to the game and it seemed he had a dominant 2 innings.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Looked really good
I wish we would scrap this “give him chunks of innings every 3 or 4 days” bit and make him a regular reliever. Give him an inning or two every couple days. If you want to implement a rule of no back to back days fine. Then when you deem him ready to step into the rotation you send him down to OKC for a couple weeks to build his stamina back up.
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.
It's getting to that point
I assume their eyes will open sooner than later to quit coddling a guy that is showing he needs more innings.
"So, is there any tread left on the tires? Or at this point would it be like throwing a hot dog down a hallway?"
by lost in space on May 7, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Holland looked fantastic.
This kid can pitch and I love the role he’s in right now. I’d like for Feldman, McCarthy and Harrison to be split up because anything more than 5 IPs from them is a bonus.
It seems like there will be lots of these kinds of opportunities for Holland whenever Feldman, Mac and Harrison pitch but I don’t think Holland will be available today.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
I see he didn't throw much off speed stuff,
but I guess in a 1 run game you don’t want play around, especially if they aren’t hitting your fastball. Still would like to see that off speed stuff, he’ll need more than a fastball to start. I believe he has it, but would like to see him use it.
I thought it be all warm and shitty, but it just tasted like normal beer. It was still cold.
Holland
I thought his change was supposed to be pretty well developed. I think I’ve only seen him throw it once.
Doctor please. Some more of these.
Which is worrisome
since the changeup is a “feel” pitch and not throwing it in games for so long may hurt it a bit.
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.
Loved seeing
him on the mound last night, but you are right in stating that he needs more work than he is getting. We want confidence and he has it, but he needs to see batters multiple times and use his cerebrum. 2 innings will not accomplish that. He better slide into the rotation in the next month or two.
According to Josh last night....
The Rangers say that Holland has the best change up in the system. If it is better than Poveda’s, it’s a plus pitch. Holland = 2 plus pitches + average thrid pitch + plus command = #1 starter. Although Holland’s slider is said to be slightly above average.
I propose a 5-year moratorium on trading any young Ranger pitchers who throw over 90 mph.
the comment on Holland's changeup
I think that was a reference to BA’s tools list, which had Holland with the best change in the system, but many of the trusted voices here thought that was a ridiculous assessment of the pitch.
Doctor please. Some more of these.
yea
from what ive read everywhere its nowhere near poveda’s change
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 May 7, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
it may not be
but its still a real solid pitch from what i saw in AA last year.
I’ve actually yet to see poveda in person though.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Changeup
Holland has a pretty awesome change when mixed in with that mid 90s fast ball.
From the little I’ve seen so far of him in the majors he’s relying mostly on fastball /slider it seems.
His slider is the pitch still needing work
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I'm with you...
If that pitch is as good as we have heard he should be using it more.
It’s a concern for me. I really want to see him mix up his pitches more than he’s doing right now. Still early though, I could be overreacting.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
According to gameday, his fastball was 93-95.
He threw 16 pitches in two innings and only one was an offspeed pitch.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Feldy did geat last night
As did Holland.
These 3-5 run games where we can hit a bomb and a few singles and/or doubles to score a few more are going to be the difference between a win and a loss quite a bit this season — and I’m glad our 7-4 record with 1-run games is on our side.
But, I’m still confused about one thing — why is the bigger number on the left side of that record? I don’t think I’ve seen that in a while…
She say she are the manager.
I wrote you guys a song.
First place, first place.
Your Texas Rangers are first place.
There’s Frankie and Elvis and Kinsler, too -
I love the Rangers and so should you!
First place, first place.
Best in the West and first place.
Up past midnight twice this week -
To see them do some amazing feats.
This first place team may also still suck.
by FuturePants on May 7, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
sung like a true fan
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
Quality Starts
It seems that whether we complain about the starting rotation or not, they have done a fantastic job of providing the team with a quality start the majority of the time.
Does anyone have the info on how many the team has thrown this year compared to this point in the season last year?
I seem to remember that whatever the Rangers did last year, it was always 6 IP and 4-5 ER each time through the rotation.
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
Well Josh I believe mentioned last night
That the starter has failed to go 5 innings only twice so far this season
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
that's awesome.
I’d only remembered one instance that McCarthy went 4 innings, but couldn’t place any other game.
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
I believe it was Padilla in Detroit or maybe Benson
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.
The two were Padilla and Harrison
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
FWIW
In 2008 through 27 games the Rangers had 12 quality starts and avg. 5.1 innings per start while throwing out a conglomeration of Millwood, Padilla, Jennings, Gabbard, Feldman, Ponson, and Mendoza. Millwood had an average of 6.1 innings per start.
Through 27 games this season the Rangers have had only 9 quality starts – mostly from Millwood and McCarthy. Starters have avg. 6 innings per start – Millwood has had an avg. of almost 7.2 innings per start already.
This information may not provide any real use, but it’s nice to assume the strength Maddux has given this far into the season.
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
when i saw the # of qs's this morning
for our starters i almost couldn’t believe it, it feels like we’ve gotten much better production from the rotation than that would suggest
the other point to take in is
that there were quite a few 6 IP 4 ER performances, or 7 IP 4-5 ER performances, but not technically quality starts
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
Davis
Has he found the mechanical problem with drawing a walk?
Could he run it by the entire lineup?
"[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
Hopefully he learned how to hit a fastball in those mechanics
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.
Just think
This win streak has been performed with mediocre offensive output at best. And we are 3 games over .500 with Hamilton having done squadoosh this year.
please define squadoosh
I’m unfamiliar
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
Nice use of squadoosh
Or is it squadouche?
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.
From what
I’ve read on LSB I suppose all words sounding like “oosh” should have the douche spelling- you are correct to note that
sounds kind of dooshey
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
Use the latter in reference to ARod.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Davis
has been the ultimate hackmaster (leads league in K’s I think) and Hamilton has been hurt. MY has come up big in a couple of late inning situations but he has looked awful swinging at outside sliders when he, you, and the cameraman knew one was coming. Our plate discipline has been awful, which is surprising since we have had great pitching and no need to press. Hopefully we’ll remember that OBP means something, but I do think it is wonderful to be pulling this off with those shortcomings at the plate. And I could not have dreamed Elvis would look so comfortable at the plate. Now that he has cured his “Knoblauchs” he is slick, slick in the field.
cured his "Knoblauchs"?
Please explain
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.
I think he
is talking about the little throwing problem he was having.
But weren't we warned of that
Before the season we were cautioned that the kid is going to make some great plays but is also going to botch some routine ones because he has mental lapses it seems. I don’t think its a case of the Knobluachs more of just a young kid having a brainfart every now and then
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.
koblauchs = steve blass disease
far from that w/ andrus
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 May 7, 2009 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
FIrst Place drought?
From Yahoo!’s recap
David Murphy and Chris Davis each drove in a run for the Rangers, who have won six of their last seven road games and moved into first place for the first time in three years.
Is correct? (not counting our opening 3 games of this season) Has it been that long?
Yes and no
We were in first place earlier this year technically. But I think they mean so far into a season. Its been since June 2006 we were in first this late in the season.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
Nate Gold
Someone was just asking about him yesterday. According to TR’s article,
The Rangers have signed first baseman Nate Gold to a Minor League contract and assigned him to Triple-A Oklahoma.
"A good start would be not giving up 900 runs again." -Jon Daniels
by Randy Richardson on May 7, 2009 10:37 AM CDT reply actions
just long enough for Smoak to improve?
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
Holland
Very nice game yesterday, and got the top WPA number from the team for his effort:
http://www.fangraphs.com/wins.aspx?date=2009-05-06&team=Athletics&dh=0&season=2009
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Buster Olney top 10 under the radar strong starts
3. Elvis Andrus, Rangers. The shortstop slammed his second homer Wednesday night, and Texas won and moved into first place. Andrus has done everything the Rangers have asked of him so far this year, and if you haven’t started to take Texas seriously in what is a mediocre AL West, you could start today.
the preceding post was a great success.
Buster Olney is correct about baseball-related things
as often as my non-existent dog in my non-existent backyard
Manny being Manny
4/10/09 - Josh Hamilton's last walk.
"You know a pitching prospect isn't any good if John Daniels doesn't trade him away but keeps him insteaad." - http://crops.mlblogs.com/
"You probably can throw Neftali Feliz on that group of overblown Rangers pitching prospect failures." - http://crops.mlblogs.com/
idk why this cracked me up
but it did
go here to view my blog: http://dirtfromd.blogspot.com
by studcrackers on May 7, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
personal doctor
Ramirez is expected to attribute the test results to medication received from a doctor for a personal medical issue
Why don’t players use the team’s doctors?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
La Times
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-manny-ramirez8-2009may08,0,6324894.story
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
No doubt
I’m kinda bummed because I’ve always been a Manny fan, but it doesnt surprise me at all
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I've always been a Manny fan too
This doesn’t change anything for me.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
oh. my. lord.
has everyone in the game used steroids?
"Elvis Andrus has just preformed a MIRACLE!"
-Eric Nadel, 5/4/09
by Jason Brynsvold on May 7, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
maybe not everyone
but it wouldnt shock me if 75% had
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
If David Eckstein
has then he’s using the wrong ones
by texasdoc on May 7, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
David Eckstein is too cheap to buy steroids..
he won’t even buy his own computer, he goes to the library to use the one there.
A Rod you put the Bitch in Tits.
Pretty much.
You are better off assuming they all have.
4/10/09 - Josh Hamilton's last walk.
"You know a pitching prospect isn't any good if John Daniels doesn't trade him away but keeps him insteaad." - http://crops.mlblogs.com/
"You probably can throw Neftali Feliz on that group of overblown Rangers pitching prospect failures." - http://crops.mlblogs.com/
just read the LA Times article
well, the headline and first paragraph anyway… I’m a busy man.
But DAYUM… Can’t even convey how huge that is. On top of that, the Dodgers were looking damn near unstoppable. This could create a shuffle in the entire NL now.
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
Dykstra has all the money!
ElectricOkra.com
Rangers vs Angels
Guess the Rangers will not be playing the Angels until Vlad “The Ranger Impaler” Guerrero comes back, what a screwed up sked.
When will this Rangers Pitching Nightmare Ever End, Year after year after year, it just goes on and on........
Manny suspended 50 games!!!
Holy Shit!
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
reply is not your friend
:)
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.
Haha.
I wasn’t down to the bottom of the thread when the news broke.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
Not shocking
when you look at him when he was younger and factor in how he has played after turning 33-34 years old.
He is, along with Pujols, the best right-handed hitter I’ve ever seen.
Sucks, because I’m also a Dodgers fan. Wonder how he’s going to play when he gets back …around the AS Break.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Returning July 3rd.
Bascik says Manny works his ass off, much harder than anyone knows, BTW.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
Yes we can! November 04, 2008
I've always heard that about Manny
and it only makes sense.
You become a hitting savant by working your ass off every single day.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
FX2
No doubt he has been money this year. He’s 9-9 in save opportunities and hasn’t given up a run yet. I’m not trying to take anything away from his beastly status, but is anyone a little concerned about his last few outings? Specifically the walk to Betancourt to brin up Ichiro, and the leadoff walk to Cabrera last night with Giambi, Holliday, and Cust coming up?
These seem like mental meltdowns to me.
FrankFrank
has been awesome. All these one run games and no blown saves. I think a night or two of rest would do him good. It’s been awhile since we had a 10-2 blowout win (or loss).
He has been overworked...
…but has been able to push through it. It would be nice for our offense to catch fire and have some blow-out wins to give him some rest. Washington knows how important a good start is for him to keep his job, so he is going to pitch Frankie until his arm falls off.
by death of the cool on May 7, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Anyone remember all those painful losses on the West coast?
Staying up until midnight just to watch the Ranger break your heart….and then going to be angry.
These last few nights have been so wonderful!
by death of the cool on May 7, 2009 11:23 AM CDT reply actions
I had the best dream last night
But all I really remember was being in a room with 5-6 old rangers. The only ones I can remember are Jeff Russell and Charlie Hough and I was telling them that I had the complete series of Topps baseball cards from when they were playing for the Rangers. They told me that they would sign them and thats all I remember. I wish I could remember who the other guys were. I guess the joy from last night’s win seeped over into my dreams.
My dream had me playing Legos with Matt Damon...
you win.
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
Dykstra has all the money!
ElectricOkra.com
MattDamon!
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
Steve Foucalt, Mike Henneman, Greg Harris
Mitch Williams and quite possibly Adrian Devine had to be in that room as well.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
Norm says Manny wasn't banned for steroids
but something else on the list of things not to use.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
That list sucks
I don’t know if that is really the case here, but there are many people that are outed as steroid users for something that wasn’t even steroids.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
-The Outlaw
see
bonds, barry
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.
A subjective comparison
Watching Feldman, I thought of Moscoso.
Neither pitcher has overpowering velocity, both pitchers seem to get better results from their deliveries, and both have good command of secondary stuff.
Also, neither pitches past the 5th inning consistenly.
Their peripherals and ages aren’t similar, but Guillermo’s K numbers may be a mirage as well, considering they’re related to his delivery and not actual mph. We’ll see.
"[Font} doesn't turn 19 until the end of May and his heater can already hit 99 on the gun. That's baseball porn." - Jason Parks
I haven't read through...
all the GDT and post game stuff (so if this was already talked about I’m sorry), but would anyone else have stuck with Holland in the 9th yesterday? Fx2 had pitched in two straight games and it only took Derek 15 pitches or so pitches to get through two innings. In addition Giambi and Cust were 2 or the first 4 guys to bat in the 9th. I think I would have rather given Frankie a day off and let Holland try and close it out.
Thoughts?
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
Sickels on Max Ramirez
An actual eyeball report, bit of a rarety…
http://www.minorleagueball.com/2009/5/7/868148/hit-and-run
**Max Ramirez is hitting just .232/.270/.319 through 18 games for Oklahoma, with a 4/27 BB/K ratio in 69 at-bats. From watching him last night, and comparing him mentally to when I’ve seen him previously, he appears to be playing rather “tight” and is pressing. Certainly his plate discipline hasn’t been as good this year. I will concentrate on getting a good read on him tonight.
"[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
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