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Around SBN: Tiger Woods, Tony Romo Grouped Together At Pebble Beach

Thursday a.m. Rangers things

The flu edition.  The Rangers are apparently waiting until tomorrow morning to travel to Kansas City, rather than going today as planned, so that the players can spend a full day away from each other in the hopes of not getting anyone else sick.

Jeff (the writer) Miller writes that this was a bizarre game, with Dustin Nippert making a spot start, Doug Mathis getting a not-cheap 3+ inning save, a suicide squeeze, bunches of steals, and Josh Hamilton and Nelson Cruz hugging inadvertantly after a play in the outfield.

Jeff Wilson says that efficiency and throwing strikes was key to Mathis being able to finish out the game, needing just 44 pitches to go the last 3 1/3 innings.

Jon Daniels isn't happy with the offense:

"I’m not going to beat around the bush, I’m concerned about our offense," Daniels said. "We’ve been spoiled in the past, but we need to perform at a higher level. Right now, we’re too easy to pitch to.

"We can definitely improve on the quality of our at-bats. It needs to improve if we’re going to have a chance not just to contend, but to win."

Also in the story, Daniels has some quotes that makes it sound like the Rangers aren't adding salary.

There's also an update on four of the Rangers unsigned higher draft picks...the Rangers' third and fifth rounders are unsigned, but Daniels expects deals to be done by August 17.  Little progress has been made on talks with Matt Purke and Tanner Scheppers, but that's to be expected.  MLB has ruled that players who pitched in the independent leagues last year aren't subject to the August 17 deadline, so Scheppers' situation could drag on into the fall and winter.

Jim Reeves says that Josh Hamilton is struggling to get his swing back after surgery.

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one of the nicest moments of last night

the rangers fan sprinting to the grass and throwing the green HR back. I didn’t notice last night but the next 5 kids closest to the ball had on red shirts/jerseys.

that’s what i’m talking about.

"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)

by ab03 on Jul 23, 2009 9:31 AM CDT reply actions  

yeah, i got a kick out of that too

would’ve been even better if it had hit Nick Green as he was rounding the bases (it apparently came pretty close)

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Jul 23, 2009 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

kid had an arm

"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)

by ab03 on Jul 23, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

and

he’s a lefty.

Sign him up!

Get off the bandwagon, put down the anvil.

by Escher on Jul 23, 2009 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

hold on a sec

I think I might know that kid.

by cashman on Jul 23, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

Link

Rocky Mountain Ranger

by Strangers on Jul 23, 2009 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

Link fail

"What is that — five out of six? The numbers say what they say. They own us." -- Torii Hunter, 07/01/09

by NorCalRangersFan on Jul 23, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

that was pretty awesome

we were eating at a bar, and I looked up and saw it happen, and said, “that’s awesome.” My friend didn’t know what happened, just that we gave up a HR, and just about slugged me before I explained.

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 1:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Offense

If he’s concerned, and the team’s not adding salary, two words come to mind.

Chris Davis.

"[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 Jul 23, 2009 9:32 AM CDT reply actions  

Chris Davis

had a .202 average / .256 OBP in 277 plate appearances this season and was horrific from Day 1 (actually before if you count spring training). Those stats are not a fluke. Quite simply, Chris Davis helped kill this offense the first half of the season.

AJM’s constant Davis updates are kinda cute but he’s not the answer this year.

"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 23, 2009 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

Right now, in the heat of a pennant race?

Yes.

277 plate appearances with a .256 obp is not a fluke, bg.

"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 23, 2009 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think he should be up here

But I also don’t like having Blalock at first.

by brettgardner on Jul 23, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

bg

I’d love to have Nick Johnson over at 1B.

He’s a natural 1B, I think he’s good defensively plus he gets on base v. left & righthanders with equal aplomb and you could have him share time with Hank in an attempt to keep him healthy.

In the off-season, I look to deal him because I have Smoak & CDavis in the minors.

"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 23, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

Sharing time with Hank would Johnson healthy too

Johnson is not exactly known for his ability to stay healthy.

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 23, 2009 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions  

and because of his injury history

won’t net any draft picks

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 23, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

Johnson should come relatively cheap then

and he’s exactly what this team needs.

"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 23, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

ajm

Thought he had a really expensive option for next year?

"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 23, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

But I thought making Hank share time was another brain-dead move by Wash.

It seems to me that Hank “sulks”, for lack of a better word, when he doesn’t get regular PT in the field.

The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano

by bking on Jul 23, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

I thought Hank was also pretty good vs. lefthanders and righthanders equally

Did you see what he did against them in 2007 and 2008?

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

Gdawg

C’mon now…you’re going to be disciplined by others in here for responding to me and both of us know you care waaaaaaaaay too much what others think about you to continue this banter.

"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 23, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

But did you see what Blalock did against lefties in 2007 and 2008?

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions  

bking

I guess some concepts move too fast for you.

I’d make Hank the full time DH (with some time at 1B) and not dick around with him like this team dicked around with him from Opening Day to July 1.

"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 23, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

I love how

you view Chris Davis’ at bats this year as ample evidence he’s not fit for the lineup, but Blalock’s 1000+ plate appearances against lefties with a .595 OPS is somehow not enough for you.

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

by t ball on Jul 23, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

Blalock's career OPS v leftys

is much better than Davis’ OPS v leftys this year (somewhere around .520 or somesuch?).

The Great Hank Blalock War of June 2009 is ovah. Move forward, we have a division title to win.

"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 23, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

We have a title to win

which is why you leverage Blalock smartly by limiting his appearances against lefties. Blalock is awesome against righties and they should right that hot streak as long as they can.

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

by t ball on Jul 23, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

Blalock doesn't hit well when put into a platoon, tball

Did you see what happened in June?

We’ve been over this time and again, he needs to play every day if you want him to be effective. That is the gist of The Great Hank Blalock War of June 2009.

Yes, he should probably hit lower in the order v leftys (and possibly ride pine against the toughest leftys) until he starts to show his 2007-2008 form but he is the hitter who has “sorta contriubted” by carrying this offense in July and needs to be in the line-up every day.

"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 23, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

"Sorta contributed"

Except, as I showed you yesterday, he hasn’t contributed at all against lefties in July.

Face it—he sucks against them. He’s a platoon player with power and a wide strike zone.

by brettgardner on Jul 23, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

Did Blalock hit a two-run HR

off Kazmir in a 3-1 game earlier this month?

Did he hit a two-run HR off Bedard in a game the team was trailing 3-0?

To say he hasn’t contributed at all against leftys in July is simply false.

"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 23, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah

Those are 2 of his three hits since Davis went down.

Three.

by brettgardner on Jul 23, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

Chris Davis in 2008 hit lefties to the tune of a .916 OPS

Given that, I wouldn’t dismiss Davis’ ability to do much better than that if he was brought up and given everyday ABs rather than getting time off to let Blalock play at 1B.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:31 AM CDT up reply actions  

Josey, your "selective" use of stats is baffling

Blalock career line vs LHP – .227 / .279 / .372 / .651
Davis career line vs. LHP – .215 / .267 / .448 / .715

Rangers runs per game with Davis – 5.0
Since he got sent down – 4.1

Record with Davis 45-35
Record without Davis 7-6

Excuse the small sample sizes of the entire season or career #’s

If you want some slack, bring your own rope.

by rangerfaninva on Jul 23, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

Texas Ranger record in July with

Hank Blalock playing every day.

11-6.

"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 23, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions  

+1

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah right, the only time you move too fast for me is when you change the details..

Like now…

You said, and I quote, “and you could have him share time with Hank”. But now, when called on it, you switch to “make Hank the full time DH”.

The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano

by bking on Jul 23, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

bking

Hank would be in the fucking line-up every day, either at 1B or DH.

Got it?

Every fucking day.

"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 23, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

The anger is strong in this one.

Gracchus (about Obama): I think he knows what America is. America is the mob. Conjure money for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they'll roar. The beating heart of America is not the paper of the Constitution, it's the power of the media. He'll bring them debt - and they will love him for it.

by Aquaman, Esq. on Jul 23, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

Aquaman

bking earned the wrath with blatant gotcha-on-a-loophole stupidity.

"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 23, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions  

quick request

I guess it wouldn’t be you if you did this, but can you stop referring to our names in the reply title line? I know you’re talking to me when you reply to me. it really annoys the shit out of me. and I’m not trying to be an ass. it’s a request. if you don’t want to, that’s fine.

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions  

So, if we discount 2008.........

…………..then why does Josh Hamilton get to play every day?

No, I’m not saying Davis is the answer. No, I’m not comparing Davis to Hamilton.

But I am saying that while the world was waiting for Hamilton to get healthy, we are also waiting for Hamilton to become a productive player. He’s currently at .237/.285/.418 for the year with an OPS+ of 82. That’s awful.

by Hard8 on Jul 23, 2009 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Davis when on IS the answer

if he gets it straightened out, I don’t see why we don’t bring him back up. He has the better defense and a higher offensive ceiling than Hank does at this point. And if he gets his swing back, which it seemed apparent that it was off, I don’t see a reason not to.

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hey

i love what he is doing in AAA right now. He will get another chance at the majors this yr however i dont think it will be until September.

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

no Ks in his last 4 games

his K rate is down to 17%. I agree with you. He doesn’t come back up unitl Sept or Blalock is traded.

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yup.

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

Who gives a

rat’s ass what Chris Davis is doing in AAA?

He wasn’t worth a damn this year in The Show and should not see the light of day in a game of importance until next April.

"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 23, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

posts like this

make me glad that you got a beating from Dave Barnett last night. I hope you get 3 more this weekend.

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

RangerMad...

For only the second time in the last 10 years, the Texas Rangers have a legitimate shot at making the post-season so it’s time to put the blinders on and not look back.

Davis, whose future I like (I used to love it), will eventually be back but it’s time to move forward and concern ourselves with those who are here, in The Show, helping the big club win games.

"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 23, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Sorry to disappoint you Josey

but LSB also discusses minor leaguers in the Ranger’s farm system. Feel free to ignore those posts and move on.

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

Discuss Davis all you want

but expecting him to suddenly find it and become a contributing member of a team in The Show contending for the post-season this year seems pretty foolish to me.

Those 277 plate appearances in The Show this year were very conclusive.

"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 23, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

What about the 317 PAs from last season?

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

Apparently didn't carry over, Gdawg.

"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 23, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

kind of like Blalock's ABs vs. lefties last year

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

then maybe the 277 from this year won't carry over

after his demotion and call up again

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions  

????

I worked all day yesterday, do tell.

I'm Ron Burgundy?

by Ryin A on Jul 23, 2009 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Jason Botts would still be killing AAA pitching

if we hadn’t sold him

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Jul 23, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

doubt it

"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)

by ab03 on Jul 23, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm all for bringing Davis up in mid-August or September

I see no real reason for bringing him up before then.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions  

cause we don't score runs?

"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)

by ab03 on Jul 23, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

The extension on Scheppers is probably a good thing

though I’d like him to be suited up today if possible. But it eliminates most of the uncertainty about whether Scheppers will eventually be a Ranger.

I hate the slot system/signing deadline.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 9:32 AM CDT reply actions  

I agree

especially since (hopefully) a new owner could make the money less of an issue.

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 9:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

I disagree

He needs to get to fall instructs and the fall league. If he doesn’t he could start next year in high A or even extended.

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Did anyone get a screen shot or picture of the celebration line last night?

With the players holding their gloves over their face and fake high fives? I thought that was pretty funny actually.

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 Jul 23, 2009 9:33 AM CDT reply actions  

That was pretty funny...

Our clubhouse seems like a fun place to play…..and for sure when you sweep the red sox…..

Suck it Red sox fans.

by death of the cool on Jul 23, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

"Our" clubhouse...

which player are you?

I didn’t see the line last night, but that is quite funny.

Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador

by Parman on Jul 23, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hey Pot

Black!

Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador

by Parman on Jul 23, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

So tell me

Not to be a douchebag too. What do I care? It doesn’t change the fact that what you said is classic douchebag.

by brettgardner on Jul 23, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

The Rangers are "my" team...

as well as any other person in here that is a fan.

That makes this “my” city

“my” stadium

and “my” clubhouse.

and I can’t wait until “we” play agin….

by death of the cool on Jul 23, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

gagree

100%

Adam Lambert is indeed a rock god,so suck it.

by red shoe ranger on Jul 23, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

+1

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

No

it makes the stadium and clubhouse the team you cheer for, not your’s. I get what you are saying, it’s just a pet peeve of mine. From pic sizes, to spelling, to whatever, we all got them.

Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador

by Parman on Jul 23, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

it's a stupid one that got put to bed a long time ago on the internets

you’re not winning this one

"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)

by ab03 on Jul 23, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

Tom Hicks' Texas Rangers!!!!

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

Flu prevention 101

"You want to give me poo poo?" - Josh Lewin 7/1/2009

by TXRangersFan on Jul 23, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions   1 recs

Thanks - That's funny.

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 Jul 23, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

Via Facebook...

…CJ says he is getting the flu, in a roundabout way.

by FuturePants on Jul 23, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions  

At this rate, we should consider sending some blankets to the Angel and Mariner clubhouses

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

Ohh, genocide humor - me likey...

The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano

by bking on Jul 23, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

if only they could somehow contract smallpox

'Howard makes me fear the NKoreans less... If they shot anything at us, he’d be there to block it." - Aquaman56

"Also Ian’s season is following the same pattern as Ricky Martins Career. Both needed another hit, bad." - SaltyGoesYard

by MayurP on Jul 23, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

someone needs to cough into greinke's soda today

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

by rentz on Jul 24, 2009 8:01 AM CDT up reply actions  

Via C.J.'s dad,

C.J. has the flu.

There’s no crying in baseball but pedicures are fine! --- BigGuns

by RachelB on Jul 23, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yuck.

"You got a guy coming up there who can’t hit water if he fell out of a boat." - Tom Grieve on Richie Sexson, 5.8.2008
"I’ve been a Rangers fan all my life and I can tell you there’s been plenty of fucking crying in baseball…" - WhipSmart, 6.3.08
"When it comes to Jeff Mathis, the story ends with us putting one in his earhole." - AJM, 7.7.08

by Lisa W on Jul 23, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

check out this pic

The 2009 Texas Rangers offense: sigh...

by Kinslerhomer on Jul 23, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

hahha

flu prevention FAIL

by FormerLSBUser on Jul 23, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

Did anybody else notice last night..

The players aren’t doing the hip bumps anymore? They’re doing like a mock – in the air – fake hip bump. Guess somebody told ’em to stop trying to kill each other out there.

There’s no crying in baseball but pedicures are fine! --- BigGuns

by RachelB on Jul 23, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

and missing on the high fives

I think it’s a “no touching!” thing alltogether to make fun of the flu epidemic.

“no touching!” reminds me of Arrested Development, and that makes me smile.

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'll be at the games tomorrow and Saturday night.

My friend scored me a box of face masks, so I’m going to decorate them for the different players and wear them during the game.

Lemme know if I get on TV, guys!

There’s no crying in baseball but pedicures are fine! --- BigGuns

by RachelB on Jul 23, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions  

NICE!!!

I get it now.

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

My friend got some pictures, one is on Facebook.

This link might work.

There’s no crying in baseball but pedicures are fine! --- BigGuns

by RachelB on Jul 23, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

what the hell were they saying?

that was awesome.

what also was awesome was the Wolfpack dance they did in the bullpen the other night.

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:04 PM CDT up reply actions  

nevermind.

obviously anti-flu shields

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions  

Was working out of town last night

and had no idea Padilla had been scratched. I get into the car at the top of the 7th and hear that Nippert started. It took Barnett 10 effin’ minutes to mention the damn score. Hello, Dave Barnett — you’re on the radio! Mention the fuckin’ score once in a while. Anyway, fun ride home listening to Mathis shut the Sox down.

Bad news is of course the offense still sucks.

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

by t ball on Jul 23, 2009 9:36 AM CDT reply actions  

I was listening to portions of the game last night

and I can confirm it was a beating to listen to him describe a game with a very deliberate and slow working Clay Bucholtz pitching.

"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 23, 2009 9:39 AM CDT up reply actions  

AL West - reposted from the after game thread

Contrary to popular belief, the AL West is probably one of the strongest divisions in baseball right now.

The third place Seattle Mariners would be tied for the lead in the AL Central, and this division is a collective 59-43 against the might AL East.

There's more to the picture than meets the eye.

by tricer on Jul 23, 2009 9:37 AM CDT reply actions  

Houston Astros

What in the hell do they think they are doing?

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

by t ball on Jul 23, 2009 9:39 AM CDT reply actions  

x

My friend, who I always talk shit to about the Astros, now texts me the final box score from every win. It’s annoying and I hate the Astros.

by FuturePants on Jul 23, 2009 9:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

They're are pulling a "LAA."

Jumping jehovafat, I hate the Angels. How in the hell are they winning?

Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador

by Parman on Jul 23, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

the NL Central is really just god-awful

the 1st place team there has 2 good SPs and Albert Pujols. When your 2nd best hitter is Ryan Ludwick and your closer is Ryan Franklin, you should not be in 1st place!

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Jul 23, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions  

The NL Central is a joke

which is why I get really annoyed whenever I hear anyone say the AL West is the worst division in baseball. The NL Central is easily the worst. And the AL Central may well be worse than the West.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions  

That's their standard deal.

They suck until after they play the Rangers, then they clean up in the second half. They’re obviously pacing themselves during the first 3 months of the season.

by Athos on Jul 23, 2009 12:28 PM CDT up reply actions  

problem is

we have their number this year. they’re not gonna crawl their way out of it this year…

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

I'm sorry

but the high-sox look isn’t working for Nippert. Kinsler makes that work, but Nip, you have the wrong body type. You look as if you’re channeling Kam Loe, and that, my friend, is a bad idea.

by jcAustin on Jul 23, 2009 9:39 AM CDT reply actions  

High Socks

Always a good decision

"Let me tell you something my friend. Hope is a dangerous thing. Hope can drive a man insane." ---Red, The Shawshank Redeption

by drizzle on Jul 23, 2009 2:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

What the Rangers need is somebody who not only gets on base but

mashes leftys.

Candidates who may be available-

Gary Sheffield
Johnny Gomes
Nick Johnson
Matt Holliday

"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 23, 2009 9:40 AM CDT reply actions  

Would I trade Max Ramirez and something else for Holliday?

I’d consider it strongly but I’d have to figure out how to shoehorn him into this OF.

"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 23, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

DH?

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

Im on board

with Holliday. I think he would be a great fit however there is no chance the Rangers trade for him. Adding salary plus the team he is with.

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 9:42 AM CDT up reply actions  

Jonny Gomes...

Jonny Gomes? JONNY FRIGGIN GOMES?!!!! BWAHAHAHAHA!!!! You want to talk about a guy who swings out of his shoes and has historically struck out a lot… He would fit right in here, I guess

Way to not lurk and instead shit all over yourself during your first fanshot.

-FirebatM3 to Ryan2907. 6/3/09.

by SarasotaRanger on Jul 23, 2009 10:11 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions  

Jonny Gomes

is probably cheap (number one priority of this owner), punishes leftys and gets on base plus he wouldn’t need to play defense.

"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 23, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions  

In all fairness, he's having a pretty good year and has a pretty good career OPS,

but he strikes out alot and has a meh career OBP. He’ll regress to his mean this year. I CERTAINLY wouldn’t look to him as the answer. He’d just be another lefty/righty situational platoon player.

Way to not lurk and instead shit all over yourself during your first fanshot.

-FirebatM3 to Ryan2907. 6/3/09.

by SarasotaRanger on Jul 23, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

Would you rather have Sheffield?

He usually becomes a cancer when the team is losing or he’s not playing but he’d probably be an upgrade to AJones, is cheap and also has a lot of great pennant race experience.

"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 23, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

he's got pretty nice stats

for a guy that’s done

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions  

Sheffield

I’m not sure if this is still the case, but I know when he was with Detroit, he had a no-trade clause which specified eight teams to which he would agree to be traded.

Oddly enough, the Rangers were one of those teams. So it sounds like he might at least consider playing here.

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

by RCCook on Jul 23, 2009 7:50 PM CDT up reply actions  

Bucholtz

I am kinda glad we didn’t trade for him…..just so I don’t have to look at him pitch all the time.

His small troll face was kinda freaking me out…

by death of the cool on Jul 23, 2009 9:41 AM CDT reply actions  

no doubt

He is definitely channeling Dirkatron with that mug he is throwing down….

Adam Lambert is indeed a rock god,so suck it.

by red shoe ranger on Jul 23, 2009 9:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

And his pace

was just about one of the slowest ive ever seen

by Jetske22 on Jul 23, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

This.

At one point during the game, I said, “Damn, we might as well have Padzilla in this game!”

"You got a guy coming up there who can’t hit water if he fell out of a boat." - Tom Grieve on Richie Sexson, 5.8.2008
"I’ve been a Rangers fan all my life and I can tell you there’s been plenty of fucking crying in baseball…" - WhipSmart, 6.3.08
"When it comes to Jeff Mathis, the story ends with us putting one in his earhole." - AJM, 7.7.08

by Lisa W on Jul 23, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

Can you imaging having both of them in there?

"What is that — five out of six? The numbers say what they say. They own us." -- Torii Hunter, 07/01/09

by NorCalRangersFan on Jul 23, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

That game would still be going.

Top of the 7th.

"You got a guy coming up there who can’t hit water if he fell out of a boat." - Tom Grieve on Richie Sexson, 5.8.2008
"I’ve been a Rangers fan all my life and I can tell you there’s been plenty of fucking crying in baseball…" - WhipSmart, 6.3.08
"When it comes to Jeff Mathis, the story ends with us putting one in his earhole." - AJM, 7.7.08

by Lisa W on Jul 23, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions  

he looks like a serial rapist

kinda like he’d be that guy’s brother from Little Children

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

sick of the

JHam alibi’s. Dude has sucked all year. Pre and post injury.

Adam Lambert is indeed a rock god,so suck it.

by red shoe ranger on Jul 23, 2009 9:41 AM CDT reply actions  

Concur, red shoe ranger.

It’s the big elephant in the room that nobody wants to discuss.

"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 23, 2009 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

Huh?

Who hasn’t discussed it? It’s been discussed a lot, here and everywhere else that talks about the Rangers.

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

by t ball on Jul 23, 2009 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

He's basically self-destructed this year

By fucking with his stance/timing mechanism in the spring, and then running repeatedly into walls and repeatedly coming off the DL ahead of schedule. And of course there’s also the fact that for a guy as insanely talented as he is his plate approach absolutely sucks, and has gotten worse this year (which may or may not have something to do with the absence of Milton Bradley behind him).

I still love the guy and his insane talent, but it’s a damn good thing he and his agent stalled on that contract extension.

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 9:48 AM CDT up reply actions  

Per Hamilton

time to move him down the line-up, especially when we go up against RH pitching?

Blalock has a .907 OPS v. RH pitching this year.

"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 23, 2009 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions  

You could argue

that having Blalock after helps Hamilton against righties.

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

by t ball on Jul 23, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

simply put

we win more games when he’s in the lineup.

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions  

Now that the Rangers are closer to the Red Sox in the Wild Card

is AJM going to post the Wild Card standings now instead of the AL West standings? :)

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 23, 2009 9:52 AM CDT reply actions  

It must be printed somewhere in updated journalistic style books

to not post wild card standing until after August 1.

I was looking for those in the DMN this morning and couldn’t find.

"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 23, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

I posted them earlier this year...

…and had people act like I’d pissed on the Virgin Mary.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 23, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions  

Adam

There are a lot of idiots in here.

Trust your instincts, tell the masses to go to hell and print the freaking wild card standings.

"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 23, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

I really don't care one way or another

I’m not exactly waiting on AJM to tell me the standings. If I want to know the current standings, it takes me all of 5 seconds to find out.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

standings don't matter on may 3rd

this is probably one of the most intellectualy challenged arguments you have ever taken up on here. No logic can possibly support you.

"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)

by ab03 on Jul 23, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Cliff Lee

The Rays are interested in Cliff Lee and are wwilling to give up SS Reid Brignac. The Indians want pitching and are interested in RHP Wade Davis. Davis is 23yo and pitching in AAA with good numbers. Sickels had him as rhe Rays #2 prospect, B+, and projects him to be a Gil Meche type of pitcher.

Davis seems to be not quite the level of Holland or Feliz but above anything the Rangers have in the high minors. If the indians are set on acquiring a pitcher that they can plug into thier rotation now then I don’t see a match with the Rangers.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 9:53 AM CDT reply actions  

Probably for the best.

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

Holland is pretty much a future Cliff Lee at best

I would consider dealing Dutch in a Lee trade. Of course the Indians would have to agree to pay the rest of his salary this year in return for more prospects they way they did for the Casey Blake trade.

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 23, 2009 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions  

Note I said consider

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 23, 2009 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

MJH just put up a post on it. He suggests a Lee/Martinez for Holland/Smoak package and then says they two probably wouldn’t be that much of an upgrade to justify it. I’m inclined to disagree myself.

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 23, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

What about Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez? If anyone could overwhelm the Indians with a package for those two, it would be the Rangers, of course. Derek Holland would likely head the deal. Justin Smoak would likely be part of the package, even with Matt LaPorta in the CLE fold. Throw in Blake Beavan or Omar Poveda and tell the Indians that they have to pay the salaries of their veterans for the rest of the year. Who says no?

Remember, last year Cleveland was willing to pay the remainder of Casey Blake’s salary so that they could extract better prospects from the Dodgers. Would they do it again?

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 23, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

$$$$

Won’t get done.

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

????

are you saying the Indians won’t pay the money they have budgetted this year?

Signature! I don't need no stinking signature!!

by DerekSTheRed on Jul 23, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

The remainder of Blake's salary was

a little less than $3M. Lee and Martinez are owed ~$5M for the rest of the year. Both have option for next year and I can’t see the Indians paying any of that. Also, the Indians attendance is down 4000/gm.

The question for me is: Will Hicks be willing to take on another $15M for 2010? He is already counting on payroll be cut due to the losses of Padilla, Blalock and Byrd.

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions  

I just don't see why we need to give up that much for a SP right now

I’d love Halladay here for the playoffs, but I keep seeing this pitching go out there each day and give up 3 or less runs. The bullpen is now looking pretty strong too. The problem is that this damn offense can’t give them any kind of consistent support. If you can get a great bargain on some of these pitchers, that’s great. Otherwise, the team should really only look to add a bat to the mix and even that just doesn’t seem too likely to happen given the team’s current make up and what’s out there. Who knows though, Maybe JD can pleasantly shock us again by trading for this year’s Carlos Lee, whoever that may be.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions  

Cliff Lee scares me....

I have no stats to back this up, but he just seems like a pitcher that could become very average very quickly…..like Barry Zito.

maybe I am just remembering how we pounded him at the start of the year

by death of the cool on Jul 23, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions  

no, i dont think he's like that

its seems like all his peripheral numbers match up with a solid TORG… I actually think he’s a bit undervalued at this point and would love to trade him… I know Dirk was campaigning for this to happen earlier in the year and i would be ok with trading either Feliz or Holland for him, not Perez though.

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 23, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions  

I still think Pavano is a more likely Rangers target

Significantly less money. Plus, if you put his FIP/peripherals in front of the Rangers D, he’d be a pretty decent pitcher.

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

by Dirk Diggler on Jul 23, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions  

Just trying to let this sink in....
Plus, if you put his FIP/peripherals in front of the Rangers D, he’d be a pretty decent pitcher.

What a statement to make compared to last year.

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 Jul 23, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm thorougly

enjoying that aspect of this season.

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

by t ball on Jul 23, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

Who gets kicked out of the rotation

if the Rangers acquire Povano or any other SP?

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions  

Holland/Harrison, probably.

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm sure one of Holland/Harrison/Hunter

Would get bumped — I don’t see a problem with that really either.

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

by Dirk Diggler on Jul 23, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

I still would

rather have the Rangers acquire a hitter. Honestly, if they were to acquire a pitcher i would wish it would be an ace type such as Lee or Halladay

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't think there's any sense in accquiring a big-name rental pitcher if we can't support him, myself

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

You gotta be realistic though

Lee/Halladay cost too much money for the Rangers — that’s been obvious for a while now.

I’m all for a hitter too (I’ve suggested Garko from the Indians too — his splits vs LHP would make for a nice platoon with Hank at 1B).

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

by Dirk Diggler on Jul 23, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

This offense needs more than just a platoon wizard though.

Garko can’t hit righties worth a damn.

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions  

I'm suggesting guys like Pavano and Garko

by working under the assumption that no big salary can be taken on — therefore you’re not likely to get a major impact hitter or pitcher.

Think smaller and you might get a more realistic scenario.

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

by Dirk Diggler on Jul 23, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

True

If we get a bat, we’re probably looking more along the lines of a LaRoche or Hinske type addition.

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

Oh i know

acquiring a pitcher like those two is probably not going to happen. That is why i really think that the Rangers need to focus on adding a hitter.

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

Anybody want to revisit the Josh Willingham idea?

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

He's just getting expensive

starting to get into his arb years. I dunno, maybe.

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

by Dirk Diggler on Jul 23, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

Not at all

go call JD, tell him to get it done :-)

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

I get the feeling

JD is more worried about this organization’s off-season Baseball America ranking than he is about the current major league team. Just a feeling.

JD is about to be tested and with this team in post-season contention, there is nowhere to hide.

He will either be exposed for what I suspect he is or he will come out of it with some stripes that he’s finally earned.

"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 23, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions  

JD put this offense together, for sure and it needs to be fixed.

Nolan made sweeping changes with the organization’s approach to pitching that JD had nothing to do with (or didn’t have the onions to implement) and he’s simply along for the ride.

Per defense…I go back and forth. JD put together those gawdawful defenses of 2006-2008 and I’m supposed to now believe he’s the sole architect of this year’s defense. Why did he suddenly get religion on defense this past off-season? Supposedly Nolan wanted Tiny E here last year and I heard JD recently say the elevation of Andrus to The Show was an “organizational decision.”

What’s done is done and we can all see that JD is much more effective with Nolan Ryan making the final call.

If JD really wants to earn some stripes, he needs to do something at this year’s trade deadline to help the major league club, even if it means damaging what he loves most, this organization’s Baseball America ranking next January.

"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 23, 2009 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions  

What sweeping changes?

Pitch counts? Nolan’s own words in the chat pretty well de-bunked the idea that there were sweeping, dramatic changes there.

Millwood getting in shape? He’s not pitched any better this year than last year.

The defense is much better this year. I guess if you want to put that on Nolan, because you think that he’s the guy who wanted Andrus playing shortstop and Daniels — the guy who traded for Andrus — just shrugged and went back to making copies, that’s fine. Doesn’t seem real credible to me, but then, a lot of your theories don’t.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 23, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

Like my theory on Hank Blalock?

"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 23, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yes.

You weren’t right about him.

by brettgardner on Jul 23, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions  

You and your facts

Don’t you know the war is over!!!!!

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions  

Blalock also had the biggest hits

in the first two games of the Boston series.

He was terrible against Minnesota and not so coincidentally, it happened with four days off.

"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 23, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions  

Did Blalock lead the way offensively

in the first two games v. Boston?

"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 23, 2009 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions  

He also had

A doughnut last night. What do you read into that?

This is just a pathetic line of argument that you have. He’s a streaky platoon player with lots of power and lots of strikeouts. There’s mountains of evidence to support that, and an anthill to support your theories.

by brettgardner on Jul 23, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions  

So we can confirm that Blalock

did indeed lead the way in the first two games v. Boston.

Thank you, no further questions.

"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 23, 2009 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions  

You sure do make one shitty lawyer

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions  

SO, just to sum up since I'm slow...

Hank can’t play well when he’s platooned.

He can’t play well when he’s rested for more than a day.

Yet Hank hasn’t shown the ability to play every day for a few years now, and also has shown that he’s not productive against lefties.

So, how exactly do we manage to accomodate the fragile guy with the fragile psyche that apparently can’t handle not being a key cog??

He’s a streaky, semi-one-dimensional guy, period. His streakiness helped a ton lately, but let’s not pretend he’s going to keep it up and lead this offense.

The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano

by bking on Jul 23, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

I think you're just especially slow today, bking.

Play Hank every day and if he’s carrying the offense (he has been since July 1) and the team is winning (it’s 11-6 since playing every day) you keep putting him in the line-up and worry about other things.

Was that too fast?

"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 23, 2009 2:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

You keep ignoring the mountain of evidence that Hank isn't an everyday player..

It does amuse me that he seems so unable to cope with not being an everyday player.

BTW, I ignored my Evelyn Wood training and read yours nice and slow, in case you were still concerned for my cognitive skills.

The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano

by bking on Jul 23, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions  

Hank

817 OPS from Opening Day until Davis was sent down
838 OPS from the day Davis was sent down to today

Yeah, your theory on Blalock makes a ton of sense.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 23, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree Nolan didn't put in any sweeping changes...

But he put a kind of mind set in the rotation/bullpen… Suck it up, get in shape and bust your ass. That carried over into the one part of the team where hustle, effort , and hardnosed playing can go; defense and baserunning. Plus, it’s hard to discredit anything a guy like Nolan Ryan says. You listen hard to what he has to say.

by AceJC on Jul 23, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

so

2006-2008 pitching…terrible…Daniels’ fault
2009 pitching…improved…Nolan’s changes

2006-2008 defense…gawdawful…Daniels’ fault
2009 defense…scrumtrulescent…credit Nolan and the organization

2009 offense…needs to be fixed…Daniels’ fault
2006-2008 offense…high powered…who gets the credit for that, Daniels right?

by Panorama on Jul 23, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions  

Almost right..

the 2006-2008 defense was WASH’s fault.

The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano

by bking on Jul 23, 2009 3:26 PM CDT up reply actions  

And Josey

is chasing rabbits.

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

by t ball on Jul 23, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

And JD needs to earn some stripes

"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 23, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions  

This is rich
If JD really wants to earn some stripes, he needs to do something at this year’s trade deadline to help the major league club, even if it means damaging what he loves most, this organization’s Baseball America ranking next January.


…so I can have some fodder on how I would have done it differently. It really is a lose-lose proposition what Daniels does because 1. If is doesn’t work out it’s JD’s fault or 2. If it does work out it’s because of Ryan’s leadership.

And I recall someone being against “Tiny E” starting the season in The Show.

If you want some slack, bring your own rope.

by rangerfaninva on Jul 23, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

Adam

You gave me crap for the Dick Motta Wounded Tiger Theory reference (that was dead on).

You just referenced a really bad Starship song from the mid ’80’s.

2009 called and wants you to lose your Don Johnson wardrobe.

"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 23, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yeah, remember 2006 when the team was barely in contention

And JD sold off the entire team instead of making a push to compete.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

So Jon Daniels is more concerned with the BA Ranking...

Because the Rangers are financially strapped and can’t necessarily afford to go out and add any real legitimate pieces without sacrificing a far superior package of prospects that may not necessarily make sense?

I guess I don’t follow that line of thinking…

by N41D on Jul 23, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions  

N41D

We’ll see after the trade deadline.

"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 23, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

Lee does not cost too much money

i mean he’s owed maybe 2 million the rest of the season, if we cant find a way to make that work, we cant trade for anyone

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 23, 2009 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions  

Well, that's the thing

I keep hearing they can’t take on “any significant salary.” $2M is significant enough that I don’t think it’d happen unless CLE picks up the rest of his salary this year.

Next year — sure they could afford him. It’s this year that doesn’t make any financial sense IMO.

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

by Dirk Diggler on Jul 24, 2009 8:14 AM CDT up reply actions  

Rangers Home ERA this year

3.98

Unbelievable.

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Jul 23, 2009 10:07 AM CDT reply actions  

But... but... the jetstream...

/Joe Morgan

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

actually

the pitching staff is on pace to give up 103 HRs this season (compared to 101 last season). I guess they’re just doing a better job of keeping guys off base (along with the defense of course).

Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball

by willamos2 on Jul 23, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

yep

its amazing how a good defense makes what used to be known as a hitters paradise into not so much of hitters paradise. I’ve never felt like TBiA was really that much of a hitters park.

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 23, 2009 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions  

The Rick Helling theory of pitching in the Ballpark.

Don’t worry about single shot homers but don’t give free passes on walks so that there are guys on base when homers are hit.

by Redcaps on Jul 23, 2009 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

Think about what we can do

with a league average offense.

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 Jul 23, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

Hmm, I hadn't thought about that...

“Good point”

The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano

by bking on Jul 23, 2009 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions  

and an Ace

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

by Walter Sobchak on Jul 23, 2009 2:12 PM CDT up reply actions  

Fucking Cardinals, this would really really suck.
Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle hears that the Cardinals might be readying themselves to part with prospect Brett Wallace for Matt Holliday. The Cardinals need a bat to protect Albert Pujols and Holliday has a .310/.416/.492 line since May 5th despite a well-documented drop in power. He’s walked 41 times in that span and continues to play above average defense in left field.

link

The 2009 Texas Rangers offense: sigh...

by Kinslerhomer on Jul 23, 2009 10:10 AM CDT reply actions  

Well, Holliday going back to the NL is the best thing for him

Still would hate to see the A’s get Wallace for him.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

That would suck

because of two reasons. One, i want the Rangers to get Holliday but i guess it would cost us Smoak so rethinking that. Two, I think Wallace will be a very good player.

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions  

I don't see why the Cards make that trade really

If the trade market is so thin that the Cards would trade someone of Wallace’s caliber for Matt Holliday, then Texas needs to start selling.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions  

ha ha ha ha

this is funny

The Cardinals need a bat to protect Albert Pujols

There is nobody in the leadue that can bat behind Pujols and make the pitcher want to throw him a strike. Maybe the reincarnation of Babe Ruth but that is about it.

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions  

Wallace for Holliday

If I’m the Rangers, you have to consider trying to intercept that deal. Offer the Cards Nelson Cruz + something else possibly useful (Omar Vizquel, some bullpen arm?, a Beavan/Poveda type pitcher). Yeah Cruz < Holliday, but he’s also not gone in 2 months. And if you’re the Rangers, you get Brett Wallace plus block the A’s from getting a guy we don’t want to see in Oakland.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions  

No way I make that deal

Wallace isn’t that good to give up Cruz+ while we’re trying to win the division.

On a slightly unrelated side note, Cruz has 15 SBs (only 2 CS) on the year. Its crazy that he has a good shot at 30-20 this year. If you put him and Kinsler back-back in the lineup, you could have some fun with those 2.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions  

How would you put them back-to-back?

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

by RangerMad on Jul 23, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions  

Right now, probably 3rd and 4th in the lineup

Really, the most important thing would be to get those 2 bats up in the same inning as many times as possible. So it could be 1st and 3rd with Young at 2 and Hamilton at 4.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions  

See, I would think that Cruz isn't enough for the Cards.

I guess it comes down to how you see Nellie long-term. I like Nellie, but if I could get a 3b prospect as good as Wallace for him I’d do it in a heartbeat.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions  

I agree

Probably would look at Cruz, Poveda, and Marcus Lemon/Vallejo

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions  

If the Cards called you today

and offered you that trade (you can pick the infielder), would you do it?

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yes

You are obsessed with bodily wastes A turd being held under my nose, this team being a steaming pile, Jonny Donuts having a stinky diaper, the front office pissing themselves, the team crapping the bed…

I think you should seek counselling.

(AJM to Josey Donuts)

by Michael Cave on Jul 23, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions  

Cruz is locked up for much longer which adds a lot of value

If the Cards situation is like the Braves from a couple of years ago where the GM just wants one more run, then I’d choose Holliday. Otherwise, I think giving up 4 cheap-affordable years of Cruz during his prime years is a lot considering he looks like the player we hoped for now. You’re also adding in some good talent if you’re adding in Beavan/Poveda+.

I’d love to have an actual 3B prospect in our system, but Young’s entrenched there for a while which puts a damper on things. Plus, I don’t see Wallace as a Smoak kind of prospect. He isn’t a can’t miss elite bat. I feel like you’re giving up a whole lot to add a 3B that isn’t going to have a chance to play for a while all while you need Cruz to try and win the division.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions  

He's also 29 years old

And the thing about Wallace is that acquiring him makes trading Smoak or Davis more palatable, and he’s a pretty good trade chip as well.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions  

Age isn't really a concern for me

A hitter can have his peak years up through 32/33 which lines up perfectly with what Cruz is under contract for.

I really don’t want to trade a significant piece of this team for a trade chip. So if you trade for Wallace with thoughts of trading him later on, don’t give up a key part of your team. I guess we see things differently on where this team is now. I think trading away significant pieces from this team right now will have to return a player that can either step in and be great for us this season or we better be blown away with prospects. Its also why I don’t see it as there being much of a gain in trading Smoak or Davis just because we’d have Wallace. Trading one great player for a prospect so you can trade another prospect and still potentially have one great player, well it just seems like a lot of work without gaining much.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

I am admittedly confused by the 2009 Rangers

I go between thinking they should trade all of their older players (Millwood, Blalock, Padilla – I’d trade him regardless -, Byrd, Vizquel, half the bullpen and even Cruz) and thinking that they should go out and try to get someone.

The problem is the Rangers are sitting at somewhere like a 35% playoff probability, and it is a very steep curve where they are. A big trade acquisition (like Nick Johnson or Roy Halladay – neither of which would happen) would probably boost that to a 60% or 70% playoff probability. Of course, two hot weeks with the Angels going cold could give them that without giving up any prospects. Two bad weeks and they are out of the race. Or still in it, if the Angels also lose.

How should the team face this uncertainty? Well, making trades – either to build the team (double downing on that 35%) or dump salary for prospects (sacrificing that 35%) is a way to control that uncertainty. Given the dearth of good players available and the number of teams in contention with good prospects available, I still lean towards this team becoming sellers. The only thing keeping me from really advocating that is the PR disaster that would be. It’d turn thousands of fans into Josey’s calling for JD’s head. It is sad when the smart move is the wrong move for business reasons.

Go Rice Owls!

by JBImaknee on Jul 23, 2009 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions  

Cruz' value is almost astronomical at this point

he might be one of the most valueable players on this team when you consider his contract and how he is likely to produce over that period of time.

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 23, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions  

Doug Mathis

In 17 innings as a reliever he hasn’t allowed an earned run. Not one. Wow

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 Jul 23, 2009 11:32 AM CDT reply actions  

Shhh!!!

After the show I want Greg Oden to tuck us both in and tell us stories about the old days. - Will Ferrell

by JukeboxJoe on Jul 23, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions  

just like last year

Mathis looked a whole lot better last season in his few bullpen outings over times when he was starting.

By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.

"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw

by Gdawg on Jul 23, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions  

Yup.

Looks like a fairly usefull peice as a mid/long guy. Just don’t let him anywhere near the rotation.

"You know, I’m playing entirely too much." - Andruw Jones

"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels

Hello Win Column

by LSJ on Jul 23, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions  

that sinker is a darn good pitch when he's dropping it on the corners like he was last night

"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"

by blalock84 on Jul 23, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions  

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