Saturday afternoon linkaliciousness

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 11, 2009 2:51 PM CDT Comment 58 comments

More photos » by Tony Gutierrez - AP

Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus is not one of the 13 best rookies in the American League, according to Jayson Stark. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

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Some this and that this Saturday...

Following up on the universal derision, Joe Posnanski thinks the Royals screwed up in trading for Yuniesky Betancourt. But he also has an good explanation as to why guys like Betancourt get so many opportunities to fail.

Rany is about to have a mental breakdown:

Eight years ago this July, the day the Royals traded Jermaine Dye for Neifi Perez, I came on Kevin Kietzman’s show and the first words out of my mouth were, "I have never been more embarrassed to be a Royals fan than I am right now."

I wouldn’t say I feel as embarrassed at this very moment as I did that day. But in every other way, this moment is perhaps the lowest point I have ever reached as a Royals fan. I have never been more disheartened than I am right now. I have never been more disillusioned as than I am right now. I have never been more angry than I am right now.

It's almost like the Royals are openly mocking me. I might have been the one analyst in the world who was curious to see what Jeff Francoeur would look like in a Royals uniform, but on the day that Francoeur was traded – to the Mets for Ryan Church in a my-garbage-for-your-trash deal – the Royals found a way to trade for one of the few starting players in baseball who is worse than Francoeur is. According to Fangraphs, only eight players with at least 200 plate appearances have a lower Wins Above Replacement rating than Francoeur's -0.6 (yes, negative). One of those, naturally, is Yuniesky Betancourt.
Betancourt, in fact, ranks fourth-worst, ahead of only Brian Giles (whose career is, if not dead, then cryogenically frozen), the overmatched Emmanuel Burriss…and – I have to laugh – Jose Guillen.

And there's much more in that vein from Rany...

Dan Szymborski doesn't get it either.

Gordon Edes' story on the trade has this unintentional comedy:

With Ronny Cedeno (notes) playing well and Betancourt not delivering offensively or defensively – the 27-year-old Cuban has a brutal .278 on-base percentage and a declining range factor – Zduriencik stocked up on a couple of young pitchers by moving Betancourt to a team in desperate need of a shortstop.

Ronny Cedeno has a .152/.209/.283 line in 138 ABs this season, and although he has been above average defensively, if a 492 OPS is "playing well," I'd hate to see what is playing poorly.

The Mets have not only added Jeff Franceour, they also claimed Angel Berroa off of waivers.

The BP Prospectus Hit List has the Rangers ranked #7 as of Friday. Yahoo has the Rangers ranked 5th.

Jayson Stark does the first half awards thing. Most glaring omission from the Ranger standpoint? He makes Andrew Bailey the A.L. first half ROY, mentions 12 other A.L. rookies in the mix, but not a word about Elvis Andrus.

There's an interesting story out there linking pre-season shoulder strength in pitchers to in-season shoulder injuries. It sounds like doing strength tests on pitchers' shoulders in spring training may be able to help manage workloads in order to head off injuries during the season.

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Comments

Did Elvis just slip Stark's mind?

If a full 12 AL rookies are mentioned and Elvis gets left off the list, that has to be just an accidental omission on Stark’s part. I can’t imagine that a person would intentionally determined 12 rookies (in the AL!, not even in all of baseball) have been better than Elvis.

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 3:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Maye it is because Elvis isn't playing like a rookie SS.

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY

by RangerMad on Jul 11, 2009 4:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

You might be on to something

He acts like a smooth, reliable veteran presence over there, people forget that he was in Double A last year and can’t even go drink beer with Hank Joe yet.

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Elvis

I’ve read/heard a couple of pieces talking about the top AL rookies so far this year that have failed to even mention Elvis. Usually they are prefaced with something like: “well, it’s a pretty thin crop with few legitimate contenders”. I don’t get it. I guess people like Stark just flat out refuse to even consider defense.

"Was this really necsarry?" - cowpoke/hurler hurley

by trza on Jul 11, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hamilton announces he’s rarin’ to go, might explain flames running up forearms.

Really?

by GregoryM on Jul 11, 2009 3:08 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Brown's power rankings usually always have "funny comments" attached.

Rarely, if ever, are they actually funny.

LOL Sorry the Sooners will score more that 14. - boomer1

by venturafearsnolan on Jul 11, 2009 3:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I have read them before.

But I just thought that one was worse than his usual fare.

by GregoryM on Jul 11, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yesterday,

I heard that Francoeur had been traded (but didn’t know where) and just assumed it was KC, since Dayton Moore loves low OBP guys and they had previously been linked to Frenchy. I was surprised to learn that it was the Mets, and thought – “good for you Dayton Moore, for having the self-control to pass that up”.

Not a couple of hours later, I found out that KC had acquired Betancourt. I’d be pretty pissed off if I was a Royals fan, too.

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

by Randy Richardson on Jul 11, 2009 3:17 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Maybe it's a slow news day or two

but seeing as the KC Royals mean very little to the Texas Rangers, we seem to be overly concerned with what happens to them.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

" I don’t feel like arguing with laxtonto about it for the same reason I wouldn’t argue with him if he said the earth was flat. He’s a person who is happy with his head up his ass so why should I make him sad?"

by Josey Wales on Jul 11, 2009 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hah.

by brettgardner on Jul 11, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Personally,

I find it unendingly interesting that a GM can assess his team’s needs – KC is desperate for some OBP guys – yet the GM goes out and acquires some of the lowest OBP guys in the entire game. It’s staggeringly stupid. It’s safe to say that KC is not a “saber-friendly” team.

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

by Randy Richardson on Jul 11, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KC doesnt seem to be a sanity friendly team

by BEW on Jul 11, 2009 4:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think it's the combination of a team with a collection of generally excellent bloggers

And a front office that very well may be drawing roster ideas out of a hat.

That combo begs attention even from the fans of other teams.

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 3:51 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I’m interested in it partially because the trade involved the M’s, which obviously impacts us indirectly. Also, it involves baseball and this is a baseball-related Web site.

"Was this really necsarry?" - cowpoke/hurler hurley

by trza on Jul 11, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why is tweeter taking over the world?

by tyd3311 on Jul 11, 2009 3:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Gooooooo yankees

A. Rodriguez homered to deep left, J. Damon scored

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Jul 11, 2009 3:20 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Stark is an idiot

But hey it is ESPN.

2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009

by boomer1 on Jul 11, 2009 3:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I sent him a short civil email asking him to explain why he excluded Andrus' name.

Let you know if he replies.

Rangers Farm Probables

by shroomer on Jul 11, 2009 4:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks Shroom

2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009

by boomer1 on Jul 11, 2009 5:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I've always had a soft spot for the Royals.

This is a damn shame. I wish they’d be good again but it’s looking like they’ll suck forever.

613photo

by Black Francis on Jul 11, 2009 3:31 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Me, too

I saw George Brett hit 3-HR’s in a game at the old Arlington stadium. One of those cool baseball memories.

Rangers Farm Probables

by shroomer on Jul 11, 2009 4:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's my namesake.

My dad didn’t like “George”.

by brettgardner on Jul 11, 2009 4:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really?

That’s kind of cool. The first year I really paid attention to baseball was 1985. I still remember watching them win the 7th game. I’ve always kind of had a soft spot for them as well.

"Was this really necsarry?" - cowpoke/hurler hurley

by trza on Jul 11, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

My dad’s family is from KC. I go up there infrequently, but it’s always been pleasant when I do.

by brettgardner on Jul 11, 2009 6:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I was at that game.

Wanna say July ’79.

"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."

by Josey Wales on Jul 11, 2009 6:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pics?

"We're One Nation Under a Groove"
- Ayjayem

by Chase Irwin on Jul 11, 2009 8:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

I’ve never met a Royals fan I didn’t like.

"You'll meet them again on their long journey to the middle." -Lester Bangs

by BAC on Jul 11, 2009 5:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yankees up 3-0

I feel dirty rooting for them.

by lildrummerboy on Jul 11, 2009 3:39 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

JD missed an opportunity here

If the Royals were willing to give up Cortes and Derrick Saito for Betancourt, just imagine…

Greinke, Gordon, Soria for Andrus?

by BuckyB on Jul 11, 2009 3:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

The sad thing is,

the Rangers would have to say “no” to that deal, because Hicks can’t afford to take on more payroll.

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

by Randy Richardson on Jul 11, 2009 3:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha, I'm pretty sure MY could have given him a loan

if Hicks had brought this proposal to him

by BuckyB on Jul 11, 2009 3:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes he can.

by Mike E on Jul 11, 2009 5:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Greinke

I’m pretty sure the Rangers could have gotten that package for Arias…

"I dont care to debate with a troll." - Sharky

by RCCook on Jul 11, 2009 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

And it’s entirely possible that Arias could outperform Betancourt as a ML shortstop right now.

by Outworlder47 on Jul 11, 2009 4:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seattle picked up Hannahan

for an AA arm of no particular note, Justin Souza.

by Outworlder47 on Jul 11, 2009 4:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BTB analyses the trade

here

this acquisition could have a huge impact on a very tight AL West race, with Hannahan adding possibly 1 to 2 wins to the Mariners from here on out.

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY

by RangerMad on Jul 11, 2009 5:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

A huge impact?

I doubt it.

by tyd3311 on Jul 11, 2009 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Unless he can get on base frequently and then drive himself in, I have a hard time thinking it'll make a huge impact

Of 13 Mariners hitters with more than 100 PA, a whopping four of them have greater than a 100 OPS+, and one of those (Griffey is sitting right near the 100 mark. They’ve got all of three hitters who could even remotely be considered “good” at this juncture.

Every team can use another good middle reliever, but until the M’s get some hitters that don’t royally suck, all the middle relief in the world won’t save them.

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 5:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think the point is that...

…the M’s defense at 3B without Beltre is so bad, he’ll save 15 or so runs defensively the rest of the way.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 11, 2009 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Crap, I read that to say "Hanrahan" as in reliever Joel Hanrahan

Hence my comment on middle relief. That’s what I get for not clicking on the link.

My revised opinion is that it’s probably not a bad trade for the Ms. I don’t think it does enough to “tighten” the race in the M’s favor as the author says, but still good work by Jack Z to improve the defense midseason.

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well we can forget about the stinking yanks

helping us out, the pussies!!!!

Larry Parrish Was Da Man!

by TRFAN on Jul 11, 2009 5:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Fuck the Yankees and the Angels!!!

Death cage match!

2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009

by boomer1 on Jul 11, 2009 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

They’re rolling over and giving up.

by Outworlder47 on Jul 11, 2009 5:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

This quote is so awesome on so many levels.

"He could be the best defensive shortstop in the game hands down … and offensively he can swing it," former teammate Willie Bloomquist said.

And That Happened: Sports with a Hint of Sarcasm

by philkid3 on Jul 11, 2009 5:29 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Arias

…by moving Betancourt to a team in desperate need of a shortstop

Would Arias not have been a viable option for KC? Not proven? No arm? Just wondering what we could have extracted from Dayton Moore.

by mc80aea on Jul 11, 2009 5:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

He's not the best defensive shortstop in the game with the ability to "swing it" on offense

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Arias

He’s got a 574 OPS in AAA.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 11, 2009 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So what you're saying is that he's only slightly worse than Betancourt....

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 6:20 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

angels

seem to have the very annoying habbit of absolutely owning the yankees and red sox in the regular season over the last couple years.

by selppuc on Jul 11, 2009 5:34 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

7 run 5th. nice

we're from Texas
CJ says "Relax"

by eclou on Jul 11, 2009 6:04 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

BTW whoever predicted the Halos would score 12 without Rivera, well....

we're from Texas
CJ says "Relax"

by eclou on Jul 11, 2009 6:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

how many teams can lose despite jacking 5 longballs?

we're from Texas
CJ says "Relax"

by eclou on Jul 11, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sadly, as a longtime Rangers fan, I am wholly unfazed by occurrences like that

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 7:14 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs

'twas I.

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

I left when it was 4-0 yankees… they go on to score 8, and lose by SIX RUNS?! Are you freakin kidding me NY?

the preceding post was a great success.

by DSheppard on Jul 11, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

So the Yankees love sticking it to the Rangers

I wish death upon that franchise. Derek Jeter is the only guy I can stand on that team.

by Slick-ish24 on Jul 11, 2009 6:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate Jeter more than any other player in baseball

2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009

by boomer1 on Jul 11, 2009 6:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Seeing Ichiro the last two nights

puts him up there with Jeter.

Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY

by RangerMad on Jul 11, 2009 6:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I hate the Yankees as much as anyone, but how can you not be Mariano fan?

Dude is the most quietly effective machine in the game this side of Pujols. That Posnanski SI piece on Mo was outstanding. Never seeks the limelight or finds his way into the tabloids, just throws that cutter night after night racking up save after save.

"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman

by WestTxAg06 on Jul 11, 2009 6:45 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs