Friday morning Rangers stuff
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 24, 2009 9:05 AM CDT
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PrintThanks to a Joe Nathan blown save, the Rangers are now 3 1/2 games back of the Angels in the A.L. West.
Despite that, both papers today have columns urging the Rangers to be buyers.
Jennifer Floyd Engel says the Rangers owe it to Kevin Millwood and Michael Young to be buyers, and ends with this:
Of course, the Rangers should not give up Justin Smoak, Neftali Feliz and Derek Holland for a player they can not afford to re-sign. But what about one as the centerpiece of a deal for, say, Lee? What if it guarantees them a playoff spot this year?
The Rangers have to at least think about it, or else President Perry needs to use his executive privilege and make it happen.
How in the world could getting Cliff Lee guarantee the Rangers a playoff spot this year?
Tim Cowlishaw, meanwhile, says the Rangers need to make the plunge now because there's no guarantee they'll be in a better position next year.
Jeff Wilson has a story up about the issues involved with relegating either Chris Davis or Justin Smoak to a full-time DH role in 2010, when both are expected to be in the majors, and has this to say about the timetable on Davis's return:
Rangers brass insist Davis will return to the big-league club this season. The thought is that the move could happen sooner than later, and there’s little doubt that Davis will be an impact player in 2010.
Anthony Andro has a story up about the worst offenses in Rangers history, in an effort to provide some perspective to what the Ranger offense is going through this year.
There's also a flu update, with Jon Daniels saying that he doesn't expect to make any moves to respond to the flu bug going through the team, although Frankie Francisco is not expected to be activated this weekend, when he's eligible to return to the d.l.
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looks like he's trying to walk through the wall
Grieve: The Yanks have struggled so far. - Lewin: Yeah, cry me a bag of money.
Dykstra has all the money!
ElectricOkra.com
He would, too
if he weren’t on tv… too many questions would be asked
by BuckyB on Jul 24, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
hah
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 10:08 AM CDT up reply actions
It looks like one of those videogame glitches
Where the guy runs up to the wall and then stands there flailing his feet while the ball sails over the fence.
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
hahaha - RBI III on Sega Genesis
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
that was one of those moments where being a dad is freaking awesome:
daughter: “Wait wasn’t that a homerun?”
me: “Sure was sweetheart”
daughter: “Well why didn’t he keep it?”
me: “Cause it was hit by a Red Sox player and that guy likes the Rangers as much as your dad
does”
She laughed and said “that’s funny…He didn’t want it”
by corbsclinton on Jul 24, 2009 9:34 AM CDT up reply actions
If I'm thinking of the right kid.
Then he’s not really a kid at all. He just graduated HS I think.
CJ says his fever has dropped from over 102 to 98.6
So that’s good I guess
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
Little Ball of Hate comes on strong this am
"It is merely to note that, while being the No. 1-ranked farm team by Baseball America is nice, the end game is to win a World Series, or more realistically to reach the playoffs.
You need a lot of home-grown talent. You also have to know which chips to part with, when and for whom for other pieces. I get the feeling nobody trusts the Rangers to do the right deal, or that every deal is going to be a lopsided mess, or that every good prospect will be traded away, only to be rued later.
If so, that is a GM problem. Not a reason not to do a deal."
Ouch.
"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?"
The Danks trade was 3 years ago....
Why do people live so far in the past.
by death of the cool on Jul 24, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Because that was the
last time she looked up from the Cowboys and checked on the Rangers. Someone should tell her about the Teixeira trade that Jimmy Johnson would have been proud of.
"Thank God for Feldman." - Ron Washington to Eric Nadel, August 2008
you were right the first time
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 24, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
JD is definitely on the main stage this year and the next 7 days
should me most interesting.
"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?"
I would go out on a limb
and say the playoff-contending Rangers’ players are on the main stage… I could be wrong, though
sorta
JD is certainly on the main stage – specifically right before the deadline…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
Twice this season
Jamey has told everybody how “smart” JD is.
There was once on the podcast and once in his report that I can recall.
I’m looking forward to seeing JD dazzle the fans, the players and his superiors with said intelligence within the next 7 days because this team is in contention, has glaring specific needs and the number one minor league system according to Baseball America!!
"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 24, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
The guy went to an Ivy League school
You only get in there if you got great connection or are in fact intelligent in some way.
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
Let's see some of that intelligence in play at the trade deadline!!
This is where GM’s earn their stripes and also how they can get the players in the room to not treat them like dogshat on their cleats.
If JD makes the right trade, he might even have the onions to sit next to Nolan at a home game. I saw JD sitting down low at the Seattle game so I know the crap about “wanting to monitor the minor leagues from above” was a load.
"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 24, 2009 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions
You think the players treat him like dogshit
when hes put together a team that is 11 games over .500 right now?
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
I'm not in the room so I can't say
but I saw how Young, the unquestioned leader of the team treated him and I heard what Mench said in the off-season.
"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 24, 2009 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah Kevin mench
The same kevin Mench who is in the minor leagues
IN JAPAN
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.
And the same MY
who"s been badly outplayed by the rookie who displaced him (defensively speaking).
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
I don't think Young treated him that bad
I think Young had every right to be upset and since he wasn’t the one to go to the press with everything I think he handled everything like a professional once all was said and done
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.
More directed towards Josey's brags
towards MY treating Daniels like dogshit.
Your view is more to the truth of the matter, I think, but it’s funnier that JW bales on about how awesome it was that Young punked little JD, when moving Young to 3rd for Elivs has been an awesome move that seems to have made the whole team better.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
So lets
day JD does all of his due diligence and calls Washington about Nick Johnnson. They insist on Perez in any deal. JD doesnt make the deal, he doesnt make any deal because the guys he calls about (holliday, johnson, et al) the GMs all want Perez. JD very INTELLIGENTLY refuses to deal him. So he failed huh?
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 24, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
No, because in that situation
Nolan would have sent JD to bed and not allowed the trade.
Yay Nolan!
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Cave
JD needs to fix his offense and if a reasonable trade for NJohnson can’t be made, you go to another team.
JD has a boatload of prospects, postional logjams and a team in contention with glaring needs.
There are no acceptable excuses not to make a trade 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 24, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Acceptable excuses
I think having no money is a pretty acceptable excuse.
And since you will most likely say “get the other team to pay for it” that probably means giving up one of the top prospects we aren’t going to give up.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
No money is not an acceptable excuse
when it was JD who greenlighted $ 9 million for Broussard & Jennings last year, the $ 11-12 million he gave VP or the $ 16 million extension he recommended the team gave Face.
C’mon now, stop protecting JD. You and several others from LSB have said a $ 68 million payroll is more than enough money to spend if you wanna win.
Let’s see that Ivy League degree go to work!!
"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 24, 2009 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
You really are a dumbass
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
by boomer1 on Jul 24, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey, the Rangers are for sale...
a mensa such as you should have no problems coming up with the money to buy the team. I’d say to put your money where your mouth is, but not even the Waltons have that much money.
Yes it is
That 9 million for broussard and Jennings first of all has absolutely nothing to do with things this year.
Padillas 11 million dollar contract is not a bad contract at all
And Youngs contract was not given out knowing this type of economic crisis would be here right now.
If we can’t trade for someone due to financial reasons that is on the owner not the GM especially when we only have a 68 million dollar payroll.
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.
Yes there are
a team asked for too much and you didnt bend. Some of the best moves are the ones are not made. Basically, you are advocating making a deal to make one. Overpaying just to make a move is not a good strategy.
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 24, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Josey
Say JD goes out and gets the player you want and said player tanks is it JD’s fault? Never mind in your little mind everything is JD’s fault.
Tell me what would this team look like with MY still at ss this year and who knows who would be at third.
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
Why did JD suddenly get religion on defense?
JD said the move of Elvis was “an organizational decision” and last month RG said that Nolan wanted to make this move last year.
Solely crediting JD with fixing the defense this year while disregarding the presence of Nolan Ryan as nothing more than a coincidence seems to be a little much.
"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 24, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Yet anything that goes wrong Nolan has nothing to do with
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.
So something like this
is an “organization decision” that was only possible with Nolan’s brilliance, but something like finding a player for the stretch run this trade deadline is COMPLETELY on JD’s shoulders with no input from Nolan? Is that what you’re saying?
by behindthebag on Jul 24, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
yes that is what he is saying
Whatever works for his argument is good and he discounts what doesn’t work for him truth be damned!
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
Daniels
has consistently tried to acquire strong defensive players since the day he took the GM job, genius.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
If JD hasn't earned his stripes yet with his deadline deals
Then he can’t do anything to please you. Over the past couple of years, he’s traded the following players (most of which were going to be FAs soon):
Tex
Mahay
Gagne
Coco
Mench
Nix
And he’s received:
Salty
Andrus
Feliz
Harrison
Jones
Gabbard
Cruz
Lee
Murphy
Beltre
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 24, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
lofton/maxram
might as well throw that up there
"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)
forgot about that one
Add that to the list too
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
Gdawg
JD is on the main stage and we’ll find out in a week just how “smart” he really is.
"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 24, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
So you are discounting all those trades?
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
NOWHERE TO HIDE!!!!
Purgatory's kind of like the in-betweeny one. You weren't really shit, but you weren't all that great either. Like Tottenham.
by TheJeezus on Jul 24, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
Josey Donuts
You are a moron
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
gdawg
you and the other Lewinskys luvs you some JD but let’s see what he can do when his team is truly in contention.
Really looking forward to the next week.
"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 24, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
Lewiskys?
That’s a timely reference. Have you been in a pop culture coma for the last ten years?
Purgatory's kind of like the in-betweeny one. You weren't really shit, but you weren't all that great either. Like Tottenham.
It was Monica's birthday the other day
(referenced on Why Today Does Not Suck) and I betcha that thing didn’t age (now 32) nicely.
"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 24, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Always thought she was kind of attractive
Not Presidential-worthy, but nothing to be totally ashamed of either.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
She's the kind of looker..
that “non-violent” sexual predators tend to go after – cute, not hot, but with real self-esteem issues.
“You think I’m pretty?? Really??? Here, let me have that cigar…”
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
She is/was a fat chick
who might look decent if she dropped 40 lbs..
Gennifer Flowers?
Now that was a toolsy player and with her speed/power combo platter of skills, I suspect she has aged quite well.
"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?"
OT: sunny in philly
new commercial
Dennis: Charlie, you are a ‘philanthropist’
Charlie (to date): Hi, I’m a full on rapist
by kevinkinsler on Jul 24, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions
I get the feeling nobody trusts the Rangers to do the right deal, or that every deal is going to be a lopsided mess, or that every good prospect will be traded away, only to be rued later.
I don’t get that impression at all. It seems to be more that trading for one guy isn’t a guarantee to reach the playoffs. It’s also that NOBODY out there seems to be trading top prospects anymore. I wonder if Boston fans are as indicting of Epstein’s refusal to part with Buchholz.
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
And
Baby Jesus’s ears. She went all DATron on that mofo. Does she kiss her mother girlfriend with that mouth?
Purgatory's kind of like the in-betweeny one. You weren't really shit, but you weren't all that great either. Like Tottenham.
coming from the personality that wanted Manny Acta
over Trey Hillman and Ron Warsh.
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
I wanted Acta
though I think Wash is much better at managing big league personalities/people skills right now, and is probably a better overall manager right now. I think Acta is going to be a good one though. Hillman is a very distant third.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Andro's article
makes you realize a little bit how much we take Rudy for granted, imo (you being me and normal, sane folk… not you Rudy-haters).
I think Rudy gets too much credit and blame.
These hitters aren’t patient because most of them weren’t trained to be that way 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?"
I don't know his minor league numbers
but Murphy was in the Boston system for a long time and he saw with Theo, Bill James et al in the front office, he better become a patient hitter that takes walks.
Josh (who took a unique route to The Show) & Salty didn’t seem to spend a lot of time in the minors and this may have caught them 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?"
And before somebody takes a run at me
I’m just trying to formulate a guess as to why both Hamilton & Salty have become so impatient 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?"
Hamilton is the frustrating one
But with Salty I think its simply a case of he was too passive last year and has just been more aggressive this year. I know thats what it looks like watching the games. Rarely anymore do you see him take a strike down the middle without lifting the bat off his shoulder like was so commonplace last year. This year he seems to be attacking more and more. And while the overall results aren’t there and his striekouts have increased significantly there have been positives in my book. He has regained some of the power that he was lauded for when we traded for him. Now if he can just start laying off those god-awful breaking pitches in the dirt I think his patience will return and he will be a very nice player down the road. And remember hes only 23 years old so he has plenty of time.
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.
Salty had some really good OBP numbers
in the minor leagues and last year. I think he is someone who is a better hitter when patient.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
Yep
Although I think a hitter can be too patient at times and it hurts them which I believe is what happened to Salty last year
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.
Without really looking into it
That probably isn’t that bad a theory.
If a player is rushed through the minors because they can hit minor league pitching really well, there is no need for these guys to develop patience while they are at it. It’s only natural that if consistent promotions are given to players mashing the ball despite K’ing 20% of the time and rarely walking that these guys will keep doing that. No one walks off the island, and no one walks out of Sally League. Of course, eventually impatient hitters will be exposed in the majors because pitchers are smart and will stop throwing them strikes. In the minors, the pitchers don’t care – it may be better to throw a good strike and give up a home run to an elite hitter than throw crappy pitches in the dirt and risk them not swinging.
I’m convinced that they ruined Chris Davis by doing this. The argument “so and so is never going to walk much” is just ludicrous and lazy. Obviously someone who can bat .310 while rarely walking has a great eye for the baseball – don’t tell me that these guys can’t figure out which pitches will be balls or strikes. So get that OBP above .360.
Go Rice Owls!
So JB
do you leave Davis in OKC the rest of their season and bring him up in September with a we’ll see approach to playing time?
"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 24, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
That'd be my preference
Of course, I may be driven completely crazy by the daily “Chris Davis is hitting .361 in 70 ABs and has only struck out twice in his last 20 PAs!” updates.
I really don’t think he’s a “solution” to this team’s offensive woes. He obviously wasn’t the sole cause earlier this season, but he was an utter disaster, and I want more than a couple of good weeks in AAA to figure that out. Now, if in mid-August he’s still crushing the ball down there maybe I bring him up. If Hank were to get injured, or something else at the big league club forced a move, he’d be my first option (probably above Smoak at the moment). But I see no reason to rush him back. Rushing him is what got us in this position in the first place. The guy wasn’t ready when he got to the majors, and everyone was deluded by his very hot end to 2008.
Go Rice Owls!
x
Of course, I may be driven completely crazy by the daily "Chris Davis is hitting .361 in 70 ABs and has only struck out twice in his last 20 PAs!" updates.
Who is doing those?
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 24, 2009 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
You haven't been paying attention to the GDTs lately
have you? :P
"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
Don't be so defensive
You’ve only had one that I can remember…
Scott Lucas had his today. Jamey hyped him a few days ago. Obviously by “daily” I’m exaggerating a bit…
Go Rice Owls!
Don't be so defensive
His post didn’t seem defensive to me. Scott Lucas and Jamey cover the minor leagues daily, so I can’t imagine why you’d be surprised to see one of the Rangers’ most important assets covered in detail there.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Please
While I obviously don’t know for certain, I suspect AJM’s comment was about himself, otherwise he probably wouldn’t have responded. I wasn’t talking about Adam in my original post (though he did do it once, but I think that was at least half in jest).
And yeah, I get what I pay for when reading Scott and Jamey. They cover the minors. I’m not “surprised.” I just think the Davis hype is silly after only 70 ABs, or whatever he has.
Go Rice Owls!
Lucas' post
have little if any hype, I think you’re just being cranky. Isn’t the entire point of Davis being sent down working on his pitch recognition and striking out less? He’s making better contact so far, with a lower K rate. That’s progress, why shouldn’t we be following that? No one is making fanposts screaming for Davis to be called back up immediately. All the posts seem mostly informative, FYI type stuff.
You’re overreacting, and I’ve chosen to rant and overreact on that point.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
We're probably both overreacting by now
FWIW, my original statement was meant to be just a silly little joke to tease the Davis-lovers out there. There was no real anger or bitterness behind it.
Go Rice Owls!
Why must you hate Davis so
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
I don't hate Davis
I just don’t think he is as good as his 2008 numbers suggested, and I was annoyed that the team kept throwing him out there so long this year. He should have been sent down on May 15th or so. Incidentally, had they done that, it would make a lot more since to bring him back up by now, and a “good” Davis would be a big boost to this team right now.
Also, I don’t think players who strike out a lot and don’t walk are very good bets. And I get annoyed when people try to pidgeonhole that perspective into the “Hate people who K” category. I could care less how much people strike out if they walk.
Go Rice Owls!
But still,
Nolan kept rollin’ him out there, night after night…
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"you gonna lose your horse. seriously." FX2
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Excellent post, JB
"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 24, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Hank was a very patient hitter in the minors
and his first two full seasons as a Ranger. What happened?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
Blalock has a .335ish obp
in close to 4000 plate appearances in The Show.
I fully expect him to be near that number by October 1 with good health and his name in the line-up every day.
Random Thought – Would the Rangers leak out that Davis is coming back sooner than later to make other teams think they’re not going after NJohnson?
Davis had 277 very conclusive plate appearances in The Show this year (should have been sent down at the end of May) and three weeks of feasting on OKC pitching isn’t going to change anything.
"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 24, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Josey
Serious question. Why is it that Davis’ poor showing this year is so indicitive to you that he won’t produce anything this year and should stay down in the minors yet Blalock is all of a sudden going to become Barry Bonds lite at taking walks to get his OBP back up to his previous career norms?
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.
Davis
did not thru a single slump this year, if you recall, there were stories back in spring training covering his slow start. Davis was terrible in April, May and June. Pitchers found his weakness, exploited it and Davis never made the adjustment.
With Blalock, it’s quite simple. He has a sustained track record and is not hit in decline. I attribute his lower obp this year to him not being as patient (because he was trying to hit 5 run homers to get out of the platoon) early on. Playing every day suits him well and I’m hoping that helps him v leftys the rest of the 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 24, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Again with the double edged sword
Why does Hanks last two years against overshadow his entire career against lefties yet Davis’ season last year is ignored in reference to this year?
And your platoon argument is crap. At least the early on part is. Through the teams first 44 games of the season Hank played in 37 of those. Thats almost 85% of the time. You want to know what his OBP was in that span? .280.
And actually as I look at it the only time hank has sat for more than one game in a row was the first Astro series when we played in Houston and couldn’t use our DH. That was right after that 44th game I referenced above where he was hitting .245/.280/.545
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.
So why did Hank
suddenly start carrying the team on 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 24, 2009 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
It's called a hot streak.
The Rangers have a lot of streaky guys.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
It cracks me up that there are
seriously passionate Ranger fans in here who are wincing every time Hank does something good at the plate and then making excuses for his success (or kicking dirt on his accomplisments since 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 24, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
We love what Hank has done
but we’re realistic about the predictive value it has.
Stop protecting Blalock.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I don't wince at all
I want the Rangers to be the best they can be no matter who is hot. You must wince a lot everytime Elvis makes a play that MY couldn’t make at ss.
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
I love seeing Tiny E
playing well (his bat is still very worrisome) and will have no problems admitting I was wrong at the end of the season. To have a 20 year old do what he’s done is astounding and bodes well for the Ranger future.
I’ve also been right so many times with cutting edge opinions that I am more than a little secure.
"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 24, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Cutting edge opinions?
What does that even mean?
by brettgardner on Jul 24, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
So JD was right in moving MY?
Is this what you are saying?
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
73-89
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 24, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I also had Cleveland going to the World Series
to meet the LA Dodgers.
Funny I follow the AL much closer and had Cleveland going to the WS last year to meet the Phillies (who I picked to win it).
How the hell does Eric Wedge still have a job?
"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 24, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Carrying the team?
He had a 2-HR game on July 1 and since then he’s had 17K, 4BB and has managed to drop his OPS 19 points.
Purgatory's kind of like the in-betweeny one. You weren't really shit, but you weren't all that great either. Like Tottenham.
I think Cruz and Murphy might take exception to that.
Both have OPS’ higher than Hank’s for the month of July.
2005
What happened to Hank’s obp.
2003….350.obp…….615.PA
2004….355……………713
2005…..318…………..705
2006
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
What was Hank's obp from 2006-2008?
"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 24, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
damn...wrong button
What happened to Hank’s obp.
2003….350.obp…….615.PA
2004….355……………713
2005…..318…………..705
2006……325……………..646
2007…..358……………….232
2008……338………………281
2009……299………………304
Looks like he is on the decline Josey. And what happened in 2005 and 2006?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
Hank's shoulder bothered him for a very long time
before he decided to fix it. Looks like it started bothering him around the 2005 AS Break.
"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 24, 2009 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
It must bother him a lot
against lefties.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Jul 24, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hank was also
bumping around The Show when he was 21-22 years old.
"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 24, 2009 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions
re: mailbag
Wasn’t worth the time. And I really hate some of these riduculous trade proposals.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
sometimes sullivan
has an okay mailbag. not today. the best response was to the last question, however.
“What did Blalock ever do to you?”
conclusion: sullivan is josey wales.
I had the flu way before having the flu was cool
by TagDon'tTweet on Jul 24, 2009 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions
TDT
I have been hit with a lot of insults in here and most don’t jar me but a comparison of me to TR Sullivan!?!?!
I am pawing at the ground looking for my mouthpiece.
"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?"
well watch out
because i’ll bight your ear right off
I had the flu way before having the flu was cool
by TagDon'tTweet on Jul 24, 2009 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I would like to kill that rally monkey....
and eat it for dinner.
fuck that team
by death of the cool on Jul 24, 2009 9:34 AM CDT reply actions
it'd be nice if Chuck Morgan
could run the “Faces of Death” scene where they beat the monkey’s head in with a hammer and eat its brains the next time the Angels are thinking rally in Arlington.
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
by willamos2 on Jul 24, 2009 9:37 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Excellent idea.
"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
i'd even accept a Planet of the Apes scene with
Heston kicking some ape-ass.
It would probably be lost on a lot of people though.
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
How bout just a "Damn dirty ape" drop????
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
Heh: Meno Fail
• I suppose that Nolan Ryan’s take on pitch counts (for young pitchers) is supposed to reassure somebody. I am not reassured.
"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)
the link got messed up
but Neyer was linking back to adam’s post from the Ryan/DMN chat
"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)
What's he supposed to be reassured about?
I haven’t seen seen any evidence to make me believe Nolan wasn’t telling the truth or that he’s trying to destroy young pitchers’ arms.
That's funny
At least Adam’s little pet cause can continue to keep him busy in the coming weeks.
Go Rice Owls!
Angels want Kazmir?
Any interest in getting involved to not only get Kazmir, but to block the Angels from getting him?
http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/07/23/rays-want-to-deal-could-move-kazmir-to-angels-to-clear-room/
I'd love for part of the "new look" to be a return to the red uniforms of the 1990s. - Ian Kinsler
I really like Kaz
But I wouldn’t be willing to trade a wad of prospects for him.
But it sure would suck if he got traded to the Pit of Evil, ‘cause then I’d have to hate him.
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
I think we have our own mini-Kaz
in Kiker
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I think
not you think. or we do. I think this.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
If we have a mini-Kaz, it'll be Dutch
Kiker is a mini-CJ.
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
for me it's the consistent lines like this:
5 innings pitched, 1 hit, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Ross might be more Kaz like
Than any other prospect we have.
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
Kiker has been the Kaz of the Texas LG thus far
you do have a point there
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
yea, i think he might be done earlier in his career
i have no want for him
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
No.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?
by thedirkatron on Jul 24, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
Did yall happen
to see Skip Bayless on ESPN First Take. He said that the perfect game wasn’t impressive and that Tampa Bay didn’t care. Wow
Thinking about Carlos Lee
The price and the player are both right.
Not this year’s Carlos Lee – a reprisal of the 2006 deal would be wonderful.
Nick Johnson, 30 y.o.
91 G, 331 ABs
57 BB, 56 K
.302/.412/.417
Carlos Lee, 30 y.o. (2006)
102 G, 388 ABs
38 BB, 39 K
.286/.347/.549
It took Mench, CoCo, and Laynce Nix, but Washington doesn’t have the need for outfielders.
Can these teams get together on a AA starter, and a reliever like Madrigal, and maybe Moreland? Is that an overpay?
Anyway, the Lee deal crossed my mind this morning – to this day it just looks like a steal, and his kind of offense would still be a great contribution.
"[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
Whos gonna be out Nellie Cruz coming back along with Johnson
Plus Johnson won’t be a type A FA like Lee was and doesn’t come with the power numbers Lee did.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
The Lee/Johnson comp
is age, plate discipline, and contract status.
Johnson slides Blalock back to the bench…it has nothing to do with Cruz.
He has no significant platoon split, although he’s slugging better against LH. If you want, you can sit him (or rest him) against RH, and play Blalock there. He also lets you take your time with Davis and Smoak.
You can find ABs for Nick Johnson on this team.
"[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 24, 2009 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Wouldn't we rather
DH Blalock again full time, Johnson at 1b full time, and platoon Byrd/Murphy? I think JD should include A-Jones in a trade in order to handcuff Ron, imo
Yes
If NJohnson came to Texas, both he and Blalock would 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 24, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Johnson in the texas line up
An Hank in the Nats line up. :)
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
Johnson
Has been a terrible defender at 1B this year and is basically as injury prone as Bradley was. He should be our DH if he comes aboard, not our full-time 1B.
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
I agree with this
Plus if its true Blalock feels more in the flow of the game by playing a position then I would let him stay out there.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
I was under the impression
that NJohnson was a good defender.
If not, DH him and let Blalock (who has been adequate) play 1B.
"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 24, 2009 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Johnson
is not a good defender. Thought a sabermetrics guy like you would know that. Oh well….
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 24, 2009 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Fair.
"[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 24, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
DH
In this scenario it’s either Blalock or an OF (usually Jones).
So, more room to play the hot hand. Marlon Byrd, for example, is maybe not so hot.
"[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 24, 2009 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
You get Johnson, we can ditch Jones. Which would be awesome, just so Ron won’t be able to bat him cleanup.
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
I don't see how a sub .350 and a .410+ OBP are similar
Sure you could find ABs for Johnson on this team but I don’t see the Rangers going after him. Not unless we get back a guy like nellie Cruz only better since we won’t be getting draft picks when he leaves this winter
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.
Like Justin Maxwell maybe?
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
I don't want to trade Moreland
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
yes but I want to trade Moreland
less than anybody not named Smoak, Davis, Feliz, Main and Perez in the minors…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
That's a lot of names.
Can’t hold on to everybody.
by brettgardner on Jul 24, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
Erm... sure you can.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?
by thedirkatron on Jul 24, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
You can
But we all know that not every prospect in the top 25 is going to hit.
That doesn’t mean you wildly trade any of them for anything, but most of them will lose value rather than gain it.
by brettgardner on Jul 24, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Which is a good reason to try and keep as many as possible
No one knows for certain which ones you’ll hit on and which one’s you’ll miss on.
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
But if you have a better onclination of who's going to be good than the guy you're trading with
You stand better odds of dumping guys at tehir peak value, and let them Diamond-out on someone else’s roster.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Well
if you trust your internal scouts, then you have a good idea.
People used to be surprised at the Braves throughout the ‘90s for always bringing up great pitchers, but the ones they traded away ended up sucking. I don’t think that was coincidence or a Mazzone factor. It was John Schuerholtz knowing that Rob Bell was going to suck and Millwood was going to be good.
The worse thing that can happen is to be the Angels, holding onto Casey Kotchman, Dallas McPhearson, and Brandon Wood; not trading them for guys who can put you over the top, but also not playing them at the big league level since you don’t really have space.
Go Rice Owls!
Angels are in first place
the worst thing you can do is be the Atlanta Braves, and trade 5 players away for a run at the playoffs and have 4 of those 5 players quickly become ML studs
Just saying
(above) JB claims that the worst thing that can happen is to be the Angels who held onto too many guys.
I’m arguing that that isn’t nearly as bad as being in the Braves position and trading away players for the push, only to look back 2 years later and realize that you gave up entirely too much. The Braves would be in position to make another 10 year run (imo) had they not made that trade
Oh I see your point
above, I was projecting what the Braves could be looking at next year
I believe Salty, Harrison, Elvis, and Feliz are in the category (lowering my standard for stud since all are 24 or less years old).
I understand your qualms, but I still think that the position of the Braves is worse than the position of the Angels
but we don't have many clogging up the minors
only guys that are temporarily blocked until Byrd, Jones and Hank walk after this year.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm fine with 20 of the 25 losing value and hitting on the other 5
over the next year or two, rather than trading 5 that could all hit or miss and getting an over-the-age-of-30 that may or may not be on the roster after 2010 or even 2009 just to make a run at this year
stay the course, unless you’re bowled over
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
True enough.
But just because some will lose value isn’t a good reason to deal guys, imo.
As long as you don’t hold onto guys when a great offer comes along or keep quick-burning candles too long and/or allow them to languish away in AAA forever for no good reason and basically just never trade anyone ever (AKA, the Angels way) I see no reason why we can’t keep our studs and attempt to build with them.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?
by thedirkatron on Jul 24, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
We're not disagreeing.
I’m not for trading for the sake of trading, but keeping every prospect out of fear is an equally stupid model, in my opinion.
by brettgardner on Jul 24, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
I think the key is trading them only when the time is right.
And knowing whether the time is right is important.
Trading top prospects for a guy when you don’t know for certain that he’ll put you over the top is stupid. That is why Halladay is probably a bad move – the team needs an OBP guy a lot more than a top pitcher right now.
But next season, maybe the team is in a position where having that Ace going into August, September and a known October visit would be beneficial. I may trade a big name then. That is what St Louis just did, and it is hard to argue with that.
Go Rice Owls!
that's my ONLY thought with Halladay
we get him this year AND next year. Hopefully, we’ve patched some offensive holes going into next year, and we could sure as hell use a true Ace after Padz is gone
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Why not go for Lee then?
Sure, he’s not quite on Halladay’s level, but he’s still a true TORG under control for another year.
Cheaper in terms of prospects and dollars, plus he’s stated he’d be amenable to a long term deal whereas Doc’s stated he doesn’t want an extension and is instead dead set on testing the market.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?
by thedirkatron on Jul 24, 2009 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions
A) you know I don't like him
B) what would he cost? I’d certainly be down for the right price, but I just don’t think he’s a TORG, so I don’t want to pay anything near that
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions
why dont you think he's a TORG?
he’s pitched like one by almost all indicators the last year and a half…
He hasnt been just overused and abused despite being 30. I think you have to feel pretty good about his health and his durability. He has a great contract through this season and next. He’s likely a little less expensive than he should be at this point.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
No, sorry. I didn't remember that you don't like him.
I remember some rather spirited anti-Cliff rhetoric being bandied about last time I dared uttered his name in the same sentence as TORG, so I’ll assume you were one of said, erm, bandiers, and leave it at that.
It’s hard to keep people aligned with certain opinions all the time.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?
by thedirkatron on Jul 24, 2009 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions
I've got the memory of an elephant
but I understand.
I’m just not sold on Cliff Lee, mostly because every time I’ve actually watched the guy pitch, he’s gotten shelled.
He’s definitely worth it if we didn’t have to give up too much though
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 3:08 PM CDT up reply actions
ACE and TORG are slightly different i think
there are like 6 or so true Aces in the LG. I think TORG is something slightly below that, a guy who is a great #2 or a borderline true #1. There just arent many true #1s in the lg.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
I like TORG, plus I think there's a difference.
A pure ace is a notch above a TORG.
A TORG is, to me at least, a guy you feel comfortable fronting your rotation.
An ace is a true dominator.
A guy can be a TORG w/out being an ace, imo.
Like,
Cliff Lee, James Shields: TORG.
Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum: Ace.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?
by thedirkatron on Jul 24, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
And Sonnanstine is a...
The 40 Trumps All!!!
Everyone needs to drive a vehicle, even the very tall. This was the largest auto I could afford. Should I therefore be made the subject of fun?
by thedirkatron on Jul 25, 2009 6:25 AM CDT up reply actions
really? I dont think you ever know when you trade someone if he's gonna put you over the top
the Tigers thought for sure they were going to the top when they dealt for Cabrera two years ago. If you have to be sure you are going to the playoffs with a player recieved in a deal, you are never going to make any deals.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
I think the Angels did fine holding until a good deal came their way
what’d they give up for Teix? Sure, half a year of him but the playoffs is all they needed – Kotchman and what?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Perryman with a great read this morning...
What are the system’s trade assets right now?
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/07/rangers-trade-bait.html
"[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
That is pretty good.
Although not groundbreaking. Does anyone with more prospect savvy want to hazard a guess at projected velocity for Perez? I’m trying to understand why he’s gone from good prospect to untouchable for so many people who know Rangers prospects. I understand he has excellent secondary pitches for his age, but his current velocity doesn’t necessarily scream TORP to me.
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 24, 2009 10:00 AM CDT up reply actions
TORP
don’t have to throw 100 mph to be effective. He throws low-mid 90’s as a lefty with 2 plus secondary pitches that he can command. I always hate the misconception that if a guy doesn’t throw 95+ he is just a 5th starter at best.
Oh and hes only 18 dominating Low A which helps
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.
Does Perez have
2 plus secondary pitches for his age and level or 2 plus secondary pitches relative to ML quality of pitches?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
From everything ive read
its 2 plus pitches right now that project as 2 plus ML pitches. I could be misinterpreting that but thats how ive read things
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.
if you interpreted it wrong
that could only be a good thing
by kevinkinsler on Jul 24, 2009 10:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Roy Hallady's average velo is in the 92 range
Jussayin’.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
he's essentially doing what Feliz and Holland did in A ball last year
except he is a full two years younger than both of them… And he throws plenty hard to be a TORG already with projection for more velocity left in him.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
I guess I should clarify.
Throwing 90 doesn’t seem like TORG, throwing 94 does.
But, anyways, thanks for explaining. I guess the follow-up question would be: if the Rangers were trading for a pitcher this year (Lee or Halladay), would you rather they include Feliz or Perez?
The thing that I worry about with keeping Perez is that he’s so far away. Holland has started his learning curve, Feliz will start it this year too. Granted they will still be learning the ropes into next year, but if we’re talking about another year or so until Holland and/or Feliz are average to above average pitchers in the majors, how long are we going to be waiting for Perez to be contributing at that level?
by GhettoBear04 on Jul 24, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I keep Perez
He is just the complete package. I think he starts next year in Frisco with sometime in 2011 as a realistic timetable for his big league debut
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.
he throws 94+
i dont know what he sits at all the time, but i know he has thrown 94 and can throw that.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
at freakin' 18
can you imagine if he adds muscle or tweaks something (in the right way) that adds even more velo?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
"how long are we going to be waiting for Perez to be contributing at that level?"
I just don’t think that you can afford to think like that in baseball, particularly when you’re in the 20s in payroll.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think he's THAT far away
he’ll be at AA within the next year, and we all know when you hit AA, anything can happen. Not that I expect him in 2010. 2011 is just fine by me, with Feliz, Holland, Kiker, Beavan and Main coming in ahead of him
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I personally think he catches
and passes Main up
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
I kinda hope you're right
and that Main still catches fire and makes it by 2011
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
yep, i agree
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Random thought
Hicks stated earlier this year that he wouldn’t trade a first-round pitching prospect again after the Danks trade
Does anyone actually think the team has serious apprehension about dealing the Kiker/Beavan/Hunter types (even though a supp)?
If he means what I hope he meant – that we won’t trade our top arms of the system, do we believe that Holland/Feliz/Perez are untouchable? Or do ya’ll think that JD has talked him down from these stances?
Just curious, because I haven’t heard anything from Rangers’ officials discussing which players are and aren’t available
I think believing ANYTHING Hicks says about personnel is useless.
He’s learned his lesson and will do whatever his baseball people tell him to do, money aside.
If JD and Nolan have signed off on a deal, Hicks will go along.
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
I think that was just Hicks sounding dumb
I doubt seriously there’s an edict not to trade any players based off of something a relatively innocuous as their draft position. I took it more to mean that the organization had undervalued some pitching prospects in the past, and if has to overcompensate and overvalue them in the future, that will be the case.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Agreed - nuance has never been Hicks' forte..
When he speaks, he always (and I’ve said this for years in spite on my reputed Hicks love) that he sounds like someone who just shouldn’t talk to the public.
Quotes like that are kind of like Santino Corleone “letting people outside the family know what you’re thinking”.
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
This sort of statement
Tim Cowlishaw, meanwhile, says the Rangers need to make the plunge now because there’s no guarantee they’ll be in a better position next year.
seems to me like the sort of conclusion that someone with a 95 IQ and limited interest in baseball is almost guaranteed to draw for the Rangers’ situation.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:39 AM CDT reply actions
Heh
Isn’t he technically your coworker these days?
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
someone just got uninvited to the Cowlishaw Family Spring BBQ next year
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
I doubt if he could consider me his coworker. At any rate, I’m not so much commenting on the guy as the comment, that I’m unimpressed and disappointed when someone like Cowllishaw or Sturm comes up with something like that, because I think it’s a sign that they have put almost zero thought into it.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
BP
There are no guarantees this thing is back in contention 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 24, 2009 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
So let's just
give away any hope for years past this one for whatever we can get?
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
That would suit Josey's agenda very well, indeed
he could then squawk about how Daniels had squandered the minor league bounty of magic beans.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
tball
If JD makes another Danks / Ichabod trade, damn straight I’m going to squawk.
"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 24, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions
You squawk when he makes good trades
What’s the difference?
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
You'll twist anything that happens
so you can squawk, I have full confidence in you.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
No, you don't give away any hope for years past this one, BP
You make a freaking trade that helps fix this offense that was built by JD because you have a chance to win in an AL where there are no obvious juggernauts. You don’t have to give up Smoak, Holland or Feliz to do that.
How many times have the Rangers had better than a 52-41 record after 93 games in the last 38 years? 6 ? In how many of those years were they in the same league as the late 70’s / ’90s Yankees.
Don’t take it for granted that this opportunity will automatically happen next year or 2011.
"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 24, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
You do have to give up Smoak, Holland, or Feliz if you want a team to pay the remainder of a contract
Which is a huge deal for the Rangers right now. And no rental player is worth any of those prospects listed above in my opinion. Ill take my chances that during the 6+ years those three are in the majors for us we will make the playoffs as opposed to possibly this year after giving them away.
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.
You and I aren’t talking about the same sort of deal. I have no problem with the Rangers making a trade at the deadline to help their lineup, as long as it doesn’t involve those guys. It’s the “do whatever you have to, no matter what blank faces (because that’s all someone like Feliz or Smoak or Perez is to a lot of these commentators) you’re giving away to help yourself” mentality that bothers me. My stance is that the Rangers have built enough depth in their second level guys that they can likely afford to give a few of them if necessary.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Would you move Davis for Nick Johnson?
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 24, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
no
"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)
What about Cruz
for NJohnson, Beimel and Lannan?
Cruz is older than Blalock and screws this thing up because he doesn’t hit lefthanders. It would also allow the Nats to move Dunn to 1B.
"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 24, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
You're funny
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
Huh
Cruz is older than Blalock and screws this thing up because he doesn’t hit lefthanders
Blalock can hit left handers?
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.
More specifically
Cruz is an OF that can’t hit leftys.
"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 24, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
As opposed to our other 2 lefty hitting OFs who are such left killers?
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
and he's also one of our most valueable players with a four years of team control... In other words,
you are trading away a guy who is producing and will likely keep producing at a 15 million dollar + level getting paid 400K this year and next…. then on into arbitration.
You better get more than a damn rental 1b who is making 10 million +. I dont think you understand player value. At all.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Yes
bc the Rangers don’t have enough mid-3 era relievers who can’t strike people out
so let’s give up the leading WAR man on our team
Only if the Nats
threw in Beimel and Lannan.
"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 24, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
do you really think it would be a good trade?
really?
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
No
I don’t see the value in that. This is a horrible time to deal Davis, too.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
Nick Johnson....
I would look to do Moreland instead of Davis…..Moreland’s stock is up while Davis stock is down. You would have to throw another piece with him….maybe Moscoso or even Kiker.
by death of the cool on Jul 24, 2009 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Wait a minute
So the struggling offense was “built” by JD and all responsibility falls on him, but the stellar defense (MY moving to 3rd to make room for Elvis) was built on “organizational decisions” only possible with Nolan’s presence?
Funny how that works huh?
by behindthebag on Jul 24, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Do you think Nolan had anything to do with this offense
after seeing it score 901 runs last year? I don’t.
Did Nolan see big-time problems with both the defense & pitching staff last year? Yeah, I think he did. In the previous 3 years (2006-2008), the Rangers probably had the worst combined pitching & defense in baseball.
That’s why I ask why we’re supposed to believe that JD suddenly got religion when it came to defense when it didn’t seem to matter from 2006-2008?
"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 24, 2009 12:30 PM CDT up reply actions
You are a piece of work
No matter what JD does you will not give him any credit. If the Rangers win the WS 3 years in a row it will be because of everyone else. Your act is getting tiresome. You speak out both sides of you mouth.
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
If you and your kind
ever want Little Boy Donuts to be accorded respect from the local media, players or fans of the team such as myself, your boy needs to not only make a trade that makes sense but also helps the team win games, at the major league level, this year.
There’s nowhere to hide and he has 7 days, thank gawd he’s got an Ivy League degree!!!
"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 24, 2009 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions
Huh, I would have sworn...
That guys he traded for like Andrus, Harrison, Salty, Murphy, etc WERE helping the team win games, albeit not consistently enough.
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
Nope
Ivy league blunder boy only lucked into those trades, all of which need to be disregarded when considering the fact that Nolan’s edicts of pitching and defense are the REAL reason this team is where it is at.
Now only if JD can pick up his slack and trade the farm (and the future) for someone that will help this team now and bolt during the offseason.
by behindthebag on Jul 24, 2009 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions
Let me know when these players JD acquired at the deadline
give us a team that finishes the season above .500.
If JD really wants respect accorded to him by the players in the room (so they don’t treat him like dogshat), by his superiors (all trades are now approved by Nolan), by the local media such as JFE or RG or BAD Radio (who had the audacity to ask if the team wouldn’t have been better off with a fern in his office) or fans such as myself, he’ll actually make a trade that not only makes sense but helps the major league team win games, this year.
I’m so excited and I know the LSB Lewinskys must feel the same way because we have a GM with an Ivy League degree and Baseball America says we have lots of prospects in the pipeline.
"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?"
LOL
Well when they finish better than at least 30-39 the rest of the way and finish above .500, will you admit that his deadline trades have been a success? (I won’t hold my breath)
Also, if all JD has to worry about is pleasing tard’s such as JFE/RG/BAD/MY/yourself, then he’s got nothing to worry about considering none of the above are taken seriously.
by behindthebag on Jul 24, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
If his goal is to please those 'tards'...
not to mention the Menchs and Mench sycophants of the world, he’s got his eyes on the wrong prize.
FWIW, I do hope he manages to add a solid bat without breaking the prospect bank, but the media types that you mention won’t be happy unless it’s a Joey Galloway-type deal.
OT: I wonder if Shrek is throwing his Japanese GM under the bus these days after getting demoted.
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
If Nolan was the baseball genius you think he is
He would’ve known that the 901 runs last year was a fluke and the offense would suck. Therefore it’s on Nolan for not making JD change his diapers and fix the offense.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Jul 24, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions
Yes Josey
It’s all JD’s fault that he didn’t overpay for a hobbling and broken Milton Bradley that was a key clog to this team last year. Also JD’s fault that Hambo has been injured all year, as well as the entire offense taking a “hack at everything” approach that OBVIOUSLY JD has enforced.
Also shocking that it was Nolan, and not JD, that was able to acquire defensive stud’s like Andrus, CD, Cruz, Hambo, Borbon etc well before he even came here!
by behindthebag on Jul 24, 2009 1:33 PM CDT up reply actions
"no guarantees"
I wonder if he gives any credit to the front office or if he just thinks the rangers are in it totally because of luck
"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)
maybe cowlishaw
should do the Evan Grant thing and get out of newspapers. There is no gaurantee that they’ll be around next year
by kevinkinsler on Jul 24, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
He seems to have done a pretty good job of
hedging his bet, with a national TV show and an ongoing relationship with 105.3.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
Looks like Holliday is headed to St.Louis
The Athletics and Cardinals are close to completing a trade that would send outfielder Matt Holliday to St. Louis in exchange for third baseman Brett Wallace, outfielder Shane Peterson and right-handed pitcher Clayton Mortensen, league sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Tim Kurkjian.
Wallace, nice.
If so
congratulations to Beane. I didn’t think that his gamble would pay off, but I think that this package does trump the other one. Think it’s possible that STL has soured on Wallace?
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
What did OAK give up to get Holliday again?
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.
Primarily
Carlos Gonzalez and Street
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
And Greg Smith
That was it, IIRC.
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
When is Street a FA?
Sorry this stupid government computer won’t allow me to go to Cots site
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
I think after next season
but that’s without checking
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions
After next year it looks like
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
after next year
'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
Seems early to sour on him
but I agree, I’m hating that Beane got that deal.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
St. Loius is overpaying for Holliday
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland - 2009 Rangers Minor League POY
oh yeah
unless they know something about brett wallace (and it can’t be that he can only play 1st – you should be able to get better value than 2 months of someoen for a top 25 prospect).
"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)
They call him Brett Walrus
for a reason. Chances are, the Cards don’t believe in Wallace’s ability to stay @ 3rd.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
so?
that justifies trading him for 2 months of holliday and draft picks? what’s the point of draft picks if you’re just going to trade away your prospects before they reach fruition.
was this their plan all along when they drafted wallace? It was pretty clear he wasnt’ going to stay at 3rd.
"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)
Well they really don't have a place to play him
I suppose they see the value of Holliday and believe they can resign him.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
I think that this could be part of the thinking
Again, though, that is a pretty long assumption to make if you’re STL, considering how often Boras keeps his clients in the same spot and all of that. The only way that this seems like a decent trade in terms of assets is if the Cards have also spotted something offensively, where they think there are major questions over whether Wallace can be a difference maker.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions
The Cards
probably sees their window closing. It’s a lot like what happened with the Braves during the Teixeira trade.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
I think that's really all it is
Holliday and Pujols in the lineup together will be huge for them and that division can easily be theirs now.
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
x
what’s the point of draft picks if you’re just going to trade away your prospects before they reach fruition.
Well, if you trade your prospects for valuable parts, then I think it makes some sense.
The Cards are in first place in their division, but the race is tight, and they have a glaring hole that Holliday would fill. I think it is a reasonable move for them.
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 24, 2009 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions
You don't think they're overpaying?
Especially considering that their third baseman right now is — ugh — Joe Thurston?
"I love winning." - rockin_rangers, on May 16, 2009
well i think we can assume he's not playing third base for any extended period of time in the majors
"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)
They may be overpaying
But I think that given their situation — with Wallace not likely to stay at third base, and with Pujols at first, and with them needing a big middle of the lineup bat to be a team that could be scary in the postseason — it makes sense.
by Adam J. Morris on Jul 24, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
The pegs fit
but the value isn’t even close.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
yeah
i mean, on what planet do they think they have to give up more prospects than wallace to get holliday.
"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)
The value isn't close
But if they were only getting Holliday with Wallace, and they thought that they needed someone at Holliday’s level to hit behind Pujols, and that making that move would give them a strong chance this year; the move makes sense.
Go Rice Owls!
Why didn’t St Louis do this deal in the offseason? Holliday’s salary? Do you really think that Arizona took Oakland’s deal over this sort of package?
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Well, Arizona definitely wouldn't have
but Colorado maybe…
Joking aside, I had the same question. Of course, Wallace wasn’t really tradeable in the offseason, was he?
Go Rice Owls!
I guess he wasn't when they did the deal
He would have been early in the season, but yeah the Rockies would have wanted to get the deal done.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
uh
well they do have a pretty good guy named Pujols at first….
theres not many places you could move him
'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
I definitely think that this is a sign that they don't
But still, you have to manage your assets wisely, and I’m not sure that they’re doing that here. When Milwaukee gave up LaPorta with a similar mindset, they at least got Sabathia.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
They're in to win.
With Carpenter and Wainwright heading their rotation, all they have to do is get in.
this is logic isn't far from advocating the trading of smoak
"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)
Not recordwise, they're not
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
I don't see it, except perhaps by a hairsbreadth
Unless its because their top 2 starters are better or because of playoff experience. They’re leading their division and likely to win that, and we’re a bit behind and 50/50 at best to win ours.
If we were to win either the West or the Wildcard, I like our chances in the playoffs better than their chances of knocking off the Dodgers.
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
Well
We don’t have a Carpenter or Wainwright.
by brettgardner on Jul 24, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Neither will they soon
hence the idea of going for broke now.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
Right...
But what does that have to do with the Rangers?
by brettgardner on Jul 24, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Nothing right now
but it’s a good demonstration of the cost required to fill that last missing piece when your window is closing.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
actually
it would be more like us trading feliz for a big bat (not that one exists on the trade market as such).
"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)
you're saying because they have pujols
they don’t have to worry about keeping bats?
"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)
big assumption on their part
"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)
Probably not couple, but last year
Is he gonna be in a position to turn down a pretty sweet extension offer?
Regardless
they lack quite a bit, especially on offense. I think we’re the better team right now.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
But
A comparison of the two teams isn’t really helpful—it should really be who’s got more of a chance in their division/league.
I don’t really have an opinion one way or the other.
by brettgardner on Jul 24, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Are they getting the Oakland A's Holliday?
if so, then yes.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
Since he's on my fantasy team, I've paid close attention
Since he started taking walks on May 17th he has a .900 OPS.
Grossly overpaying.
Wallace is apparently a stud (at the plate, at least). Mortenson projects as a No. 4 or so. Peterson, I know little about.
"I love winning." - rockin_rangers, on May 16, 2009
Ugh, ugh, ugh
That is annoying. I didn’t think the Holliday thing would work out for Beane this well.
Some thoughts: 1) The Cards have to think that they have a chance to sign Holliday long term – I can’t see them making this move for just two months without any desire to keep him past this season.
2) This is why you have prospects. Holliday may actually be the perfect guy to hit behind Pujols, and they desperately needed an OF. This easily makes the Cards favorites to win that division, and it gives them a strong team for the playoffs. Wallace is a steep price, but he’s just a prospect.
3) I don’t care too much that the A’s get Wallace – they made a mistake by not drafting him last year, and Jemile Weeks was really just a supplemental round talent that equates to the picks they would have gotten for Holliday.
Go Rice Owls!
Weeks
Maybe an overdraft (maybe), but hitting superbly in the Cal League.
I was thinking the same thing though after seeing Beane get Wallace.
"[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 24, 2009 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
how does he project out to?
'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
Wallace for Holliday
Nice, probably better than the A’s would get with comp. picks
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
I say probably
Because you just never know what player may fall that should have been top 5-10.
but yes, its pretty damn safe bet.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
TR's Mailbag
Such a waste of my time. They used to be good, now TR just puts like two sentences in their, which basically show his, “I cant believe you are so stupid you know nothing about baseball” attitude…
by FormerLSBUser on Jul 24, 2009 10:45 AM CDT reply actions
Well, that tidbit about Feldman averaging the highest # of pitcher per batter in the AL was interesting.
It might be the first interesting fact I’ve picked up from a TR mailbag in two years.
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
*pitches per batter
"After intense analysis, I have come to the conclusion that Neftali Feliz throws fucking hard." - John Sickels
Another LAA comeback win? Seriously?
From now on, only the Wild Card standings are worth paying attention to. The Angels are obviously cheating with the means of an invisible Christopher Lloyd.
it's my fault.
I reverse-jinxed them last night. I will never again comment about them being down 2 with 1 out in the 9th vs. JoNathan
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
So now that it's official...
…Holliday to STL for Wallace, Mortenson and Peterson…
…I think the Halladay-to-Philadelphia talks will heat up.
"I love winning." - rockin_rangers, on May 16, 2009
What frustrates me here
is that Beane’s gamble, by all rights, shouldn’t have worked out. But the same team that basically made his reputation for him (at least as far as trades go) are bailing him out. So we’re going to get to hear another five years of “Beane made that deal so it’s a great deal because Beane is a genius and always makes great deals” from a surprising number of analysts instead of more of those “maybe things are passing Beane by a little bit” like we’d started to see recently.
I don’t have anything against the guy, really, but it’s sort of like all of those people who hate Brett Favre because of how ESPN obsesses over him more than Favre himself.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Same here
I find it very annoying for the same reasons.
But it gets to why you should probably never trade away really good players in the offseason. Not in this type of deal at least. Maybe Beane’s smartness was figuring that part out – he was able to acquire Holliday pretty cheaply before the season, and even if he didn’t really need him, it was a good 4 month investment
Go Rice Owls!
He was bailed out
not that it would have been a disaster or anything, but if this had worked out the way it should have, he would have come out a little behind. He lucked into a team that fell in love with a player in a perfect fit – and I would guess a team whose manager has too much say in this decision.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
so did St. Louis overpay for him?
what would be our equivalent of this deal?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions
Smoak = Wallace?
I dunno, kinda hard to find a comp for Wallace in our system, unless you think Whittleman’s recent run is for reals, or you consider Wallace a firstbasemen
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
yeah I'm more concerned with talent
vs. position. I think Smoak + would be overpaying for half a year of Holliday – so unless they re-sign him, or you’re wrong about the Smoak = Wallace comp, I think the A’s win
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jul 24, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
He's a notch below Smoak, I'd say
Wallace made the Texas League uncomfortable, but Smoak totally violated it and didn’t call it back, even after the Texas League left a voicemail that didn’t come out and say it but hinted towards the Texas League being late.
But it’s tough to find another positional comp in our system. Maybe Moreland?
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
THAT is a genius simile....
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
I think Smoak is better than Wallace
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
The closest thing would be Smoak
but most would consider Wallace a little behind him. But comparing him with anyone else, Moreland or something like that, it’s not even the same zip code.
by Brett Perryman on Jul 24, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions
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