New Top 20 Prospects column
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 10:02 AM CDT
154 comments
The folks at MLB.com posted the latest installment of my weekly ranking of the top 20 prospects in the Rangers’ farm system this morning on the official Rangers website, www.texasrangers.com.
Here’s a direct link to the column:
There's also an attached Martin Perez video, though the voiceover is about two months old.
Please note that the column is set up to allow fan comments at the bottom of the page.
Hi, Fin.
-- Jamey
7 recs |
154 comments
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The next youngest player in the Texas League is two years older.
Looks like we may have our own version of King Felix in a few years!
After Fuentes blows a save and an Angels loss to the Indians:
"Angels still in first place" - UCI Halo
"Hey you know who would have gotten those 3 outs in the 9th?
Darren O’Day." - FirebatM3
LOL
by hinduplaya on Aug 13, 2009 10:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
any reason
Mauro Gomez is in all caps?
I would just love to see Max rake for the rest of the season, what a lost year for him.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Aug 13, 2009 10:23 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hmm.
Weird. No idea why I did that.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Holland and Feliz and Tommy Hunter head the current wave of Rangers pitching prospects. Perez fronts the next wave.
So, who’s in the next wave along with Perez?
Kiker
Beavan
Poveda
Kirkman?
Hurley?
Moscoso?
Diamond? [finally!?]
Phillips?
Then there’s the wave after that …
Main
Boscan
Scheppers
Then there’s the wave after that …
Font
Ross
Wieland
Purke
Then there’s the wave after that …
by shroomer on Aug 13, 2009 10:27 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kiker at #4?
Seriously, are you even trying anymore? He’s been terrible over his last three starts and is walking 4.4 batters per 9 innings this season. C’mon. He doesnt have great stuff. He doesnt have great size. He doesnt have good control. #4? Really? A “sensational season?” What has been so sensational about it?
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 10:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Kiker
He’s too short to be a good prospect
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Aug 13, 2009 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Being short doesnt help
I’ve said this many times, how many 5’10’’ pitchers with average stuff make it in the majors? Kiker isnt a bad pitcher but he isnt anything special and I doubt he ends up being much of anything for the RAngers.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:27 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But if you're 5'11'' or 6' with average stuff, you've got a great shot.
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 Aug 13, 2009 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not really
Pitchers with average stuff never have a great shot to make it. Being 5’10’’ with average stuff stacks the odds against you. Same thing applies to guys who are in that range. Why are you so slow with stuff like this? You are always late to the party and always end up looking foolish. Go back to the gameday threads.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How does his average stuff strike so many people out then?
He does lead the Texas League in Ks you know
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 5:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Because AA hitters arent major league hitters
Big difference in the levels, BigSteve. It’s not uncommon for guys with average stuff to have success in the minors and not be able to compete in the majors.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
By the time a pitcher gets to AA ball
his height really doesn’t matter. It is mostly about performance.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2009 5:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough
His performance isnt good enough. If this is the best he can do while facing AA hitters, he isnt going to make it against major league hitters. It’s okay to take the Texas hat off on occasion. Kiker walks way too many guys and his fastball is in the upper 80s. How many 5’10’’ pitchers can you name that have success with average stuff?
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are assuming that
his stuff remain avg. I think he is allowed to improve his stuff.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2009 9:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
x
Why do you think he’s got average stuff? What reports are you working on that say he only has average stuff?
You were given a long list of pitchers in the past who are about that height and you dismissed all of them because they weren’t exactly the same height or you just ignored them.
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 Aug 13, 2009 6:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong again simpleton
Every pitcher listed in that thread had above-average to dominate stuff. Kiker doesnt fit in that category. He fits in the 5’10’’ pitchers with average stuff category.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Again
What scouting reports are you reading that say he only has “average” stuff?
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Baseball America
didnt give him a glowing review. Only one of his pitches was labeled as being above-average (changeup) and I read this season that it was only average. Plus, his fastball this season has been in the 80s? Give me a break.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
His fastball has touched 96 this season
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So
Touching 96 doesnt mean shit if you consistently range in the mid-upper 80s. Bulllpen arm at the very best. Deal with it, Steve.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who cares if hes a bullpen arm
If he is the next CJ Wilson is that a bad thing?
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 7:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No
But he isnt the next CJ Wilson.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fastball
Ive seen him pitch several times and ive never seen him hit above 91-92 usually sitting at 89.
Then again I can say the exact same for Beavan, but he’s a big guy so he’s better.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Aug 13, 2009 6:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Fin, let's talk about Robbie Ross
Remember those bad things you said about him in your review of the Erlin draft pick? Yeah, you were CLEARLY right.
"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman
by WestTxAg06 on Aug 14, 2009 7:51 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Kiker
0.5 HR/9, 8.8 K/9, and a .222 BAA even after his rough stretch. The BB+HBP numbers are a bit concerning, but he’s been good. The past 3 starts have raised his ERA by 0.75, but it’s still just 3.50.
by Outworlder47 on Aug 13, 2009 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Umm...right.
I’m not saying I agree with him at 4, but there’s a drop-off after 3 and somebody has to be there. He’s been good enough to make the Double-A All-Star game. It was around then that we got this quote:
“So far, so good. He’s now a Texas League All-Star. And he’s only 21 and developing just fine,” Micucci said.
“The velocity on his fastball was probably higher when he started out, but the command wasn’t where it needed to be. Now it’s in the low 90s — he’ll touch 94 on occasion — but the command is much better, which makes his secondary pitches better.”
Or from BTiA:
His fastball has hit every tick on the radar gun between 84 and 96 mph, though he’s been at 88-90 mph fairly consistently for the past month. It has enough movement to fool hitters when he locates it on the edges. He has a tendency to leave it up just a bit, but this really hasn’t hurt him too much in the Texas League.
…
His change-up is a very solid 78-81 mph offering with great deception.
One thing Kiker obviously does well is mix his pitches. He’s got a great idea on the mound and does a great job of keeping hitters off balance.
So while he doesn’t have the best stuff in the Ranger’s system, he’s still not chopped liver. Especially when you consider how well he’s striking people out. And while the walks and HBP’s are bad, it’s not going to hurt him as much if he can keep his HR/9 that low.
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 13, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
shut up, newberg
you clever dog.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Aug 13, 2009 2:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What does that mean?
Do you think I’m Fin?
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 2:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it was intended as a joke.
As in: the only way Fin’s shtick makes sense is if you’re writing it pseudonymously, as a parody of your own stuff.
Your 2009 Texas Rangers: "Can't take a fucking to save their lives" (lisa w, 2009).
by Snark on Aug 13, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
That’s what I was getting at. It’s pretty clever, and only possible on the internet, to create such an antithetical character and then to develop an antagonistic relationship with that character. The thing about Fin is that his baseball knowledge seems to fluctuate…sometimes he seems clueless, but sometimes he takes a nugget of truth and blows it out of proportion, which makes me think its someone smart doing shtick.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Aug 13, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good lord, that would be genius.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 3:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It really would. FJM-caliber stuff.
I’m still suspicious…
Your 2009 Texas Rangers: "Can't take a fucking to save their lives" (lisa w, 2009).
by Snark on Aug 13, 2009 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yea
on fin’s last report i kinda did the same thing. i thanked Jamey, i mean Jimmy. its a perfect rant on the average joe fan who thinks he knows something about baseball and thinks they can write a few words about it and people will flock their way.
kinda sounds like local columnists but whatever. i have always thought it was jamey because it sounds like something he would do. plus he calls him out all the time. never remember him doing that before.
if it is not a bit and real. God bless us all.
by mo on Aug 13, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe that Noveau Bergeron guy up in Toronto is responsible for this bit...
He’s probably still bitter about the Young deal and looking to get back at Newberg and the rest of Rangers fandom.
"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman
by WestTxAg06 on Aug 13, 2009 5:30 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Do you have any idea what an epic volume of epicness Nouveau-Bergeron would've unleashed if the Halladay deal with Texas had gone down?
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 7:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm still pretty taken aback by how many peeps didn't put 2 and 2 together on that one
Hilarious and shocking.
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
by Brian Thomas on Aug 13, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That made it so much better
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 Aug 13, 2009 8:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Crap, I never thought about that
That alone might have made a reasonable trade for Halladay well worth the cost. Noveau Bergeron’s work is legendarily awesome.
Like the others, I still can’t believe some people didn’t figure out the translation of Nouveau Bergeron.
"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman
by WestTxAg06 on Aug 14, 2009 7:09 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Jamey calls me out
because he likes to look down on people. I made a few comments about his reports being weak and he decides to mention me every time he posts on this site. I guess that’s easier than acknowledging that his rankings can be iffy. Oh, well. The more times he mentions me the more hits Crops gets. I can live with that. I received a few nice emails backing up my latest prospect rankings. I guess Jamey doesnt like a new face on the market.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's shakin in his boots
Crops got 2 more hits! Oh noes!
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Aug 13, 2009 7:00 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
So you think because you post people click your link?
Never touched it.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel, 1981
by TxStCa on Aug 13, 2009 8:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, Jamey is clearly afraid of the competition
He has a well known problem with other Rangers bloggers horning in on his territory. That’s why he posts on Adam Morris’s site, made Scott Lucas a Newberg Report contributor, and promotes work by Grant Schiller, Joey Matschulat, and others.
And he’s certainly well known for looking down on people.
Geez, dude.
"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman
by WestTxAg06 on Aug 14, 2009 7:25 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Well, tough to tell the difference
I mean, I can’t count the times I’ve read “If Main doesn’t rebound next season he will be joining Beltre on the bus off the farm.” from you.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
by DJCahill on Aug 13, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thank God you are back
to keep Newberg from mailing it in.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
by DJCahill on Aug 13, 2009 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Chad Tracy and the Rule 5 Draft...
Hey Jamey,
If you’re around, I was curious about a few things. I noticed that you have Chad Tracy at 19 this week. Although I don’t necessarily agree— but I do have a respect for your need to change it up for these reports— I was curious to know where you saw him in terms of the Rule 5 Draft. How would you rank your preference of guys to be added? In my opinion, the guys who’ll be considered include (in alphabetical order):
Fabio Castillo
Adalberto Flores
Craig Gentry
Beau Jones
Michael Kirkman
Matt Nevarez
Zach Phillips
Manuel Pina
Pedro Strop (who has to be added or can become a free agent)
Chad Tracy
John Whittleman
Although I don’t think anyone would pay the $50,000 to check them out during 2010’s Spring Training, I suppose Michael Ballard, Brennan Garr, Renny Osuna, David Paisano, Cristian Santana and Glenn Swanson are also worth mentioning.
So who do you add?
Scott Baio. Ric Ocasek. Rick Fox. Brian Austin Green. My heroes have always been mediocre.
Greg Golson doesn't do extra base hits.
I'm tired of the suspense; why won't they just tell us what they mean by 'Male Enhancement?'
by YourNameHere on Aug 13, 2009 1:53 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that is such a tough list
no names really jump off the page, and yet there are 7-8 guys I’d hate to see go for nothing.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Aug 13, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So who do you add?
Not Cristian Santana.
"[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 Aug 13, 2009 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many spots on the 40
do you think will be available?
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2009 4:29 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hopefully you didn't misunderstand...
I don’t think all of those guys will actually be added. Those in the list are guys I think will be considered by the Rangers, and, if not added to the 40-Man Roster, by other teams in the Rule 5 draft. If I had to guess right now, I’d say Pedro Strop, Michael Kirkman and Zach Phillips will be added. Manuel Pina is a possibility as well. I agree with clark (above), that there just doesn’t seem to be any guy that really sticks out.
Scott Baio. Ric Ocasek. Rick Fox. Brian Austin Green. My heroes have always been mediocre.
Greg Golson doesn't do extra base hits.
I'm tired of the suspense; why won't they just tell us what they mean by 'Male Enhancement?'
by YourNameHere on Aug 13, 2009 4:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My take...
Strop will get added. He’s done plenty of improving, his stuff is undisputed, and he’s improved most all year.
Pina will get added (might get added this year if Saltalamacchia’s arm doesn’t revive).
If they added Poveda this past winter, they’ll do Kirkman.
I’ll be surprised if they pass over Phillips, but I could see anecdotal scouting tipping the scales against it, not to mention his BB rate. But a young lefty in AA, who appears to be figuring out a late-inning role, and coming off his run through the Cal League…I’d probably add him, cause I think he’d get picked.
Castillo’s not a threat to get picked. Maybe if he was lefthanded, but still probably not.
"[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 Aug 13, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yah, that first line got written too quickly, heh.
"[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 Aug 13, 2009 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Kirkman
and Strop are definites. Pina and Phillips would be next on my list. After that is is a toss up.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2009 5:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gentry is a big possibility
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 5:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I like Gentry.
I hope he gets some consideration to be added but I doubt it. It is possible that he goes to OKC next year and is in the mix as an injury replacement if needed.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 13, 2009 5:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
In order of who i'd protect
Kirkman
Phillips
Strop
Pina
Gentry
Whittleman (this could rise if he keeps his hot streak up throughout the end of the season)
B Jones
Tracy
Paisano
Osuna
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 5:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Why would the Rangers protect Kirkman?
Why would you?
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cause hes a pretty decent LHP whos handled the jump to AA fairly well
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 6:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are teams in the habit
of giving roster spots to guys who are only considered decent, especially guys who have only been decent at the AA level? Who would you remove from the roster to add Kirkman?
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't have to remove anyone
They are called free agents. We have several this winter that open up spots
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 6:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What about guys like Smoak
that will require roster spots, not to mention Scheppers or Purke who might get mlb deals?
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smoak won't require
a spot if they don’t bring him up in Sept. Which I doubt they do. He’s still got things to learn at AAA and Washington going to have a hard time with playing time for Davis, Hack, and AJ. There’s no room for Smoak, plus the 40 implications mean he won’t be added.
by Hull Fan on Aug 13, 2009 6:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we are in the hunt in Sept
the Rangers would be foolish not to being Smoak up. Great bat to have on the bench, plus great experience for Smoak.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:04 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They would be stupid to bring the kid up to sit on the bench
If we are in a playoff hunt there is no way in hell a rookie with absolutely no ML experience and who struggled in AAA is going to get playing time ahead of guys like Hank, Jones, and Davis.
So screwing your roster up and giving away valuable service time so he can “experience the ML lifestyle” for a few weeks would be a monumentally stupid decision
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 7:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Service time?
You dont know much do you, Big Steve?
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That bat is hitting .220/.325/.340 in AAA
The Rangers will not call him up
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 Aug 13, 2009 8:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
There is no way in hell Purke gets a ML deal
Scheppers might but if he does I imagine they will wait until after the rule 5 draft to do so.
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 7:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take a go as well...
1) Pedro Strop (If he’s not added, he can elect free agency)
2) Michael Kirkman
3) Zach Phillips
4) Manuel Pina (As hightowersmith noted, he could be added during the season if Saltalamacchia is out a while)
5) Beau Jones
6) Fabio Castillo
7) Matt Nevarez
8) John Whittleman
9) Craig Gentry
10) Chad Tracy
11) David Paisano
12) Adalberto Flores
13) Renny Osuna
Castillo and Nevarez might have been above Jones and possibly Pina if they hadn’t spent the last month convincing teams not to spend the money to take a look at them.
Scott Baio. Ric Ocasek. Rick Fox. Brian Austin Green. My heroes have always been mediocre.
Greg Golson doesn't do extra base hits.
I'm tired of the suspense; why won't they just tell us what they mean by 'Male Enhancement?'
by YourNameHere on Aug 13, 2009 6:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forgot about the Strop electing FA if not added
In that case hes #1 for me and the guys above him drop down a peg.
Re: Whittleman. With our dearth of 3B prospects in the upper levels, if he keeps up his recent pace the rest of the year wouldn’t you protect him? He is still considered young for his league and if anything else he would be a viable replacement if heaven forbid something bad happen to Young and he has to miss an extended period 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.
by bigsteve on Aug 13, 2009 6:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not sure I agree...
From what I’ve heard, John Whittleman has an incredible ability to not swing at any pitch that isn’t in the strike zone. The thing is that such a quality lowers, but does not mitigate, what is needed when the ball is in the strike zone. Unfortunately, he doesn’t do much under those circumstances. On top of that, his hot streak seemed to have ended with the end of July.
With regards to the organizational weakness at third base, I don’t see how adding Whittleman to the 40-Man Roster will improve the situation; you’d just be stopping, in my opinion, a pretty marginal prospect from leaving the organization. I don’t think it’d be too hard to find a capable utility infielder for 2010 should an injury befall Michael Young, Elvis Andrus or Ian Kinsler.
Unless the scouts and coaches in the organization think that Whittleman can be much more than I do, if the Team thinks that there’s a chance that Fabio Castillo or Matt Nevarez could get picked, I’d rather protect one of them more than Whittleman, even if he’s slightly more likely to be selected.
Scott Baio. Ric Ocasek. Rick Fox. Brian Austin Green. My heroes have always been mediocre.
Greg Golson doesn't do extra base hits.
I'm tired of the suspense; why won't they just tell us what they mean by 'Male Enhancement?'
by YourNameHere on Aug 13, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who
would take whittleman? how many backup 3b are there in the league? most bu inf are middle infielders. and he definitely can’t hit ML pitching right now and his defense needs alot of work too. no way anyone takes him to be a bu corner guy.
usually guys who stick from rule v are backup MI, of and pitching.
by mo on Aug 13, 2009 10:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whittleman has had one good month this year
If someone wants him because of that, then they can have him. Unless Billy Beane still loves a minor leauge walk machine, he’s got no value 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
by Gdawg on Aug 14, 2009 12:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
you mean that single in-season
hot streak that lasted all of 2 weeks….he won’t homer again all season.
by Goyogringo on Aug 14, 2009 6:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some guy Jamey killed
And left in a ditch somewhere. :)
Officially gay for Neftali Feliz
by RCCook on Aug 13, 2009 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not before
torturing him for his login password so he could pretend to be Fin, to divert suspicion from the heinous murder.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
by DJCahill on Aug 13, 2009 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Some noob
Jamey pwns him every week, cuz he’s an uber-n00b…
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
by Brian Thomas on Aug 13, 2009 7:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey
Taking a break from your busy jumbo-tron filming schedule? Are you here to hit me with insults like the rest of your cronies? I see you dodged my Kiker question. Again.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I see
more of the same. Kiker at #4. You wrote that. That’s your issue. Not mine. Dodge all you want.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is great
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Aug 13, 2009 7:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Din-din?
What are you, eight years old? I’m not going to get sucked in to your smokescreen. I didnt rank Kiker #4. I feel good about that decision. I bet you are second guessing yours.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sure
for minor league fantasy baseball.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
Sickels is in Tulsa tonight scouting Kasey Kiker amongst others.
If Sickels gives him a positive review will you re-think your position?
by shroomer on Aug 13, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good for Sickels
Why do I care what Sickels has to say based on watching one game?
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just curious
how many times have you seen Kiker pitch?
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 Aug 13, 2009 8:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Twice in person
Once on television. Plus, I’ve read all first hand accounts that mention his average at best fastball readings.
By the way, he sucked again tonight.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 9:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Apparently you haven't read all of them
Since MJH doesn’t think his fastball is average at best. And even if he does only stay in the 89-91 range, that’s still not bad for a lefty.
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 Aug 13, 2009 9:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Does MLH
suggest that Kiker has an above-average fastball?
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 9:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fin, I'm through sabotaging your screen name. Let me know when you're done with mine so we can switch back. And then Miles can kick someone's ass.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 7:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Whoops. Sorry. What I meant to say is: JAMEY, I'm through sabotaging your screen name. Let me know when you're done with mine so we can switch back. And then Miles can kick someone's ass.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 7:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is almost as funny as ranking Kiker #4
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
C'mon, Fin. Play along! Or are you as humoreless as D.A.Tron??
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or as above-it-all as LBrooks??
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 7:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
C'mon, guys. I feel like a failure when my reply count sags.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 7:59 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Cahill? Isn't this a good spot for you to drop in a Juan Moreno or Scotty Heard rip?
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
don't forget Arias
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
by tricer on Aug 13, 2009 8:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Right. And John Hudgins and Chuck Smith.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 8:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
as an aside
I think you’d like these guys…
http://www.myspace.com/astallaslions
It’s like Incubus, but good.
"[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 Aug 13, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Somehow I get the sense that that wasn't very complimentary of my taste in music.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 10:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Enlighten me, Finnigan.
What music should I be listening to?
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 10:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not Fin
but if it’s not generally loud and angry I’m not interested. Tool, Mudvayne, Disturbed, and the like.
There are exceptions of course. Coldplay, John Legend, Trapt, Taproot, then there’s all the classical stuff that’s amazing. BSG the soundtracks are greatness.
Regardless listen to whatever you like and ignore anyone who would tell you you’re wrong. the only person you’ve got to please while listening to the radio or cd player in the car is you.
by Hull Fan on Aug 14, 2009 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Do you know how I know you're gay?
You like Coldplay.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
by DJCahill on Aug 14, 2009 5:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
your on the right track
I think Hull Fan is female. Chicks that dig Cold Play don’t deserve to be mocked, but yeah, guys do.
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
by tricer on Aug 14, 2009 8:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bands that are mockworthy
I realize it’s a trendy piece of cornponia to mock Coldplay, but they should be way, way down on the lamo band list, dontcha think?
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2009 10:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah no I don't do girls.
Coldplay is what ever guy hates and yet would change places with their members in a heartbeat. What can I say the piano gets me every time.
by Hull Fan on Aug 15, 2009 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I generally disagree w your loud and angry musical predisposition,
but I must obnoxiously butt in to your butting in to say this:
There is one, and only one, mayor of Greatloudandangrymusicville, and that is Muthafrickin Rage Against the Mutha Frickin Machine.
Rage has chunks of Mudvayne and Metallica in their muthascratchin fuckin stools.
Rage is Lennon. Everyone else is Ringo.
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2009 7:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rage is one of my favorites without a doubt
But I’ve heard much angrier and louder stuff then them.
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 Aug 14, 2009 10:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I said they were the best of the loud and angry, not the loudest and angriest...
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2009 10:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rage
One of my all time favorite bands. I think I saw them live more than any other act (back when they were together)
They put on an awesome show, especially when you stood back and watched the pit chaos
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Aug 15, 2009 8:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fuck Rage
Leave your political bullshit at the door. I don’t give a damn about how you think the country should be run. Get on the stage and sing. I can’t stand them. At all.
by Hull Fan on Aug 15, 2009 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Safe music
is for pussies. Rage rules. Coldplay are the Nick Swishers of the music world.
by Finnerty.Fan on Aug 15, 2009 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh
Dude, that came out bad. I think the Fin/JN snark thread brought it out in me. Late night posting, too…
But I really like what I heard from those guys, and I thought of the Incubus comp.
But yeah, not into Incubus.
"[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 Aug 13, 2009 10:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, sorry, but I don't hear it at all.
Maybe the first song I heard was not very representative of what they are, but I think you just compared Tommy Hunter to Julio Borbon.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 13, 2009 10:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Incubus
I only know their singles.
I guess I hear some common ground with the lead singers.
Plus the big crescendos, but ATAL do it with cleaner guitars (comp “Pardon Me While I Burst Into Flames” w “You Can’t Take It With You”).
Both bands also do this airy, very minimal arrangement (ATAL “Go Easy”) for stretches, before opening up.
But yeah, I don’t have a lot to work with far as either band. Gut call.
"[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 Aug 13, 2009 11:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I miss the War Against Silence.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Aug 14, 2009 10:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
TWAS...great name drop
We frequented the same Sound Warehouse (Preston/Forest).
"[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 Aug 15, 2009 2:53 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What happened to LBrooks?
Is he still around? Different name now?
by Houston27 on Aug 13, 2009 8:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh.... snap?
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Aug 14, 2009 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Most likely
Kiker signed an autograph for his daughter or played catch with his son. That plays huge into his rankings.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
by DJCahill on Aug 14, 2009 6:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus, a few dudes who knew him as a kid signed up for my newsletter. HUGE points.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 14, 2009 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And the triple point score
for knowing the meaning of all REM lyrics.
It’s fairly obvious how Kiker got to #4, I’m surprised the question was even asked.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
by DJCahill on Aug 14, 2009 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Plus I heard he hates him some Marcus Lemon.
Which is like music to The Newberg’s twisted little evil as fuck ear drum bones.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Aug 14, 2009 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, but everybody hates Lemon
Not following your point.
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2009 7:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He also has been petitioning HBO for years to bring back
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2009 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I couldn't get into that show.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Aug 14, 2009 9:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me either, it sucked
Should’ve put “gem” in sarcastic quotation marks. OK, it didn’t suck; it just wasn’t that good.
Jamey used to rave about it almost as often as he claimed Ramon Nivar played with his hair on fire, or some other random complaint he had about progresso pasta sauce. I forget.
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
by Brian Thomas on Aug 14, 2009 10:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Carnivale
It didn’t suck, it was just very very complicated and hard to follow.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Aug 15, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm fine with complicated and hard to follow, but you've got to give me some reason to care. That show didn't.
This isn’t a class assignment.
I’m not going to continue on just because it’s challenging.
I watched a few episodes, realized I didn’t care one single bit for any of the characters or care how any of the current storylines were progressing and decided never to watch again.
The 40 Trumps All!!!
by thedirkatron on Aug 15, 2009 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It did kind of go nowhere
It was one of those shows I kept watching because I had already invested time into and wanted to see a resolution, then it got the axe
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
by rentz on Aug 15, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
This is epic
In the spirit of the great Outlaw, I think it’s time to declare a victory for Newberg in the Great Newberg/Finnerty War of August 2009. Fin, it’s time to tip your cap, move on, and let the healing process begin.
"andruw jones hits 3 HRS at LA of Anaheim last nite after hitting zero at LA of LA as Dodger in all of '08. thats nuts." SI_JonHeyman
by WestTxAg06 on Aug 14, 2009 7:43 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Ummm, in what way did Newberg get the best of him?
I thought it was pretty clear that Finerty clearly got the best of this exchange. Do you think Kiker is a good choice as our #4 prospect? If not, then how do you figure Jamey gets a victory here?
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
by tricer on Aug 14, 2009 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It wasn't so much of a declaring Jamey the actual winner as it was an ode to Josey
Right in the middle of an argument in which a participant is calling names and baiting everyone who disagrees with him, declare victory and make an odd comment about a “healing process” beginning.
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
by WestTxAg06 on Aug 14, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
So what qualifies as the Glorious Night in this exchange?
Did Fin ever leave the website for an extended period of time?
Gracchus (about Obama): I think he knows what America is. America is the mob. Conjure money for them and they'll be distracted. Take away their freedom and still they'll roar. The beating heart of America is not the paper of the Constitution, it's the power of the media. He'll bring them debt - and they will love him for it.
by Aquaman56 on Aug 22, 2009 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
My card scores the round
for Finnerty, 10-8, but no knockouts.
"I don't condone steroids or any other type of growth hormones or anything else, but I could care less, and, for the most part, I don't think the fans give a (bleep). The people that care about it are the people that probably don't like baseball," - Jim Leyland
by DJCahill on Aug 14, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Watching that exchange
was like watching old people fuck. Ugly all the way around and I don’t really know that there were any winners.
I also can’t tell if Jamey was drunk, trying to be funny or if he simply lost his poise.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
by Josey Wales on Aug 14, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
not really trying to pick sides here...
but fin IS being quite the doosh. Why would you want to compete with someone about who has the better website? what are you 12?
not to mention WHO you are having your pissing competition with…jamey newburg, really? the dudes wife probably plays tennis with Katie Hamilton…
that would be like me saying “okay, im going to be the biggest smartass on LSB.” everyone knows its dirkatron. ;)
by mikeyoungfuturehof on Aug 17, 2009 12:50 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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