Saturday a.m. Rangers stuff
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 15, 2009 9:40 AM CDT
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PrintJeff Wilson writes that Frankie Francisco had the worst outing of his career last night.
Frankie had allowed 7 runs all season before last night. He allowed 6 last night.
Marlon Byrd says, in the Wilson piece, that it is do or die time after a loss like that:
"It’s a game that can either kill a team, or we don’t even worry about it," Byrd said. "Around this time last year, we came back from 10 runs down against this team. They came back, ended up beating us, and it was a heartbreaker. It went downhill from there."
It’s a different Rangers team this season, one that has shown resiliency when given the chance to fold at various times this season. The loss Friday, though, is made tougher by the fact that the Rangers were a strike away from a 4-3 win.
Given Frankie's struggles in the second game when he makes back-to-back appearances recently, I wonder if the Rangers don't need to consider simply not using him on back-to-back nights.
Jeff (the writer) Miller says it was a playoff atmosphere out at TBIA last night.
Ian Kinsler was activated yesterday, and Nelson Cruz went to the disabled list.
And Evan Grant writes that Jarrod Saltalamacchia will likely be joining Cruz there, as he's dealing with arm strength issues and numbness, and invokes Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. If Salty has TOS, we're going to need some sort of investigation into what is in the water in the Ranger clubhouse.
The problem with Salty going to the d.l. is that the only catcher on the 40 man roster the Rangers have in the minors is Max Ramirez, who is only now getting back into action after being on the disabled list. The Rangers could try to make a move for a catcher who has cleared waivers, or they could bring up Kevin Richardson to be Taylor Teagarden's backup until Max is ready to come up.
Jim Reeves says the Rangers are in a pennant race, and has gone all optimistic on us, strangely enough, predicting at the end of his column that the Rangers will rebound from this loss and take the next two games from Boston.
Luis Mendoza threw a no hitter last night for Oklahoma. More importantly, Chris Davis went 2 for 3 with two doubles and a walk, and Justin Smoak went 3 for 3 with two doubles and a walk.
Up to this point, I've not advocated bringing Davis back up yet. But with Davis putting up a .328/.418/.560 line, Hank Blalock continuing to not get on base, and Nelson Cruz going to the d.l., it might be time for Davis to come back and see if he can give the Ranger offense a shot in the arm. It would be hard for him to do much worse than Blalock, who is hitting .255/.271/.445 since Davis was sent down on July 6.
Matt Purke is in town to get a physical, but also went out to TCU and got his locker and jersey, as negotiations go down to Monday night's deadline. I suspect he'll sign, although Jon Daniels says there is still a "gap."
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Ok lets start the day off on a positive note and keep it rolling.
Smoak with 3 hits and a walk last night.
Yep
Smoak 3-3, 2 2Bs, 1 BB, 0 K
Davis 2-3, 2 2Bs, 1 BB, 0 K
Everyone else: 3-25, 2 BB, 2 K, 0 XBH
"[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 10:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Davis had a good night too
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
never fear peeps the Dozer will save the day...
The I.Q. test has been abolished.
It is now the Gardner Scale.
Closer
Since apparently CJ and Frankie both have shown some issues on back to back days, maybe it’s time to rotate them in a CBC (closer by committee ) so they are always fresh.
Though then that leaves a gap in the 7th/ 8th innings.
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
That's what I would do
And if one shows signs of struggling…we can have a quick hook instead of blindly leaving them out there until they blow the save
by death of the cool on Aug 15, 2009 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
nuh uh
Eddie can pick up the slack.
In truth, if Holland were still in the pen, Holland/Feliz would be a great 7th/8th inning combo. But, Holland is adapting so quickly he’s much more valuable as a SP. If a CBC were used, that would leave Feliz as the main setup guy.
Neither Guardado nor Jennings can get lefties out, so you would have to use O’Day as a quasi-LOOGY in tandem with those two on the days that Feliz couldn’t go.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I'm about ready to cut bait with Guardado
He was fine earlier in the year, but he’s starting falling apart again late in the season.
As it is, we can’t use Jennings on back-to-back days, we apparently can’t use Frankie in back-to-backs, and we have to be careful with Feliz.
I’m ready to put Guardado on the d.l. until September 1 and get someone else up here who can help.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 15, 2009 10:02 AM CDT up reply actions
I like that idea.
Keep Guardado in the clubhouse where he apparently makes his largest contributions.
Mad Dog has been pitching well for a while, and really well of late. His numbers are even slightly better v. LH than RH.
Kind of risky to go with Mad Dog, but it’s kind of a what-have-they-got-to-lose moment with Guardado.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Who though?
Who from AA/AAA would you trust to bring up and throw into the fire of a pennant race, where every game is do or die?
"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.
Dozer!!!
Seriously, though?
Tough call. Moscoso or Madrigal, maybe? They’ve shown flashes.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 15, 2009 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Who would've thought the Rangers would miss Jason Grilli so badly, even for a brief period.
Not the Rockies.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
No doubt.
Any news on him lately?
"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.
None that I know, other than he went on the 15-day DL on Aug 2.
Maybe Evan or TR will think to ask about him today.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Exactly what I was thinking as I read the posts above
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
I think Mad Dog has blown his shot, and used up any trust
So…Moscoso, I guess.
"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.
preferably
but the primary objective should be to replace a noncontributor with a contributor regardless.
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
Mad Dog is pretty good against lefties.
.204 opposing batter avg by lefties.
But, that’s against AAA hitting. Hard to know if he would be just as effective in the ML.
Grilli is the guy they miss. .230 opposing BA by lefties, and probably enough fastball that Papi’s old, slow swing wouldn’t be able to catch it.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Given the success Maddux has had with D-Day
I’d really like to see him work with Pirate this year.
I know Arlington John’s had some rough sailing of late, but I’d like to have a lefty up in the pen that is;
A: Not CJ Wilson
B: Capable of pitching two innings if need be
C: Able to get another lefty out
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
What about AJ Murray?
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
We really need the core of
Grilli, O’Day and Mathis to step up too… It will be nice to see Grilli come back.
You know O'Day is a Gator right?
Your mortal enemy. :)
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
Yeah...
I’m going to two Rays games next week… and I’m sitting in the first row behind the bullpen in one of the games (the bullpen is on the field at the Trop, if you recall)… I’ll probably give him some shit, but its not like I have a leg to stand on as a Seminole right now.
I am from Orlando
and became a Seminole fan because eveyone either rooted for the Gators or Bulldogs. It was also ’79 when Bobby Bowden was bringing the ’Noles onto the national scene. He had a good run. It is about time for him to move on.
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
Yeah...
it’s still mostly like that…
Pretty much from Orlando up to Perry, FL you get the Gator Nation, FSU has the stranglehold on Perry to Pensacola. Stupid Gators winning two national championships so much lately doesn’t help.
But your point is right… Bobby does need to move on, and I’d like to see what Jimbo can do with the team, but my expectations were higher than what has been produced up to this point.
Life as a Seminole, Rangers and Cowboys fan has been a little rough lately.
Considering his splits against lefties
I can’t imagine why the Rangers keep him.
"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
Veteran presence.
Nothing more than that, clearly.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
what irrational hatred.
Seriously its not like everyone hated Eddie last year when he appeared to actually be pitching well. He has looked bad for quite a while now. And someone should tip him off to that lefty split.
the preceding post was a great success.
RW seems unwilling to use Mathis at all unless he has no other choice
yet is all too willing to use Eddie. If you use FF, Cj and Feliz in the 8th/9th, and rotate them to keep them rested, you still have DOD, Mathis, Jennings(make sure he starts the inning). Eddie does not need to be in close games, so that leaves who?
Getting an effective Grilli back would help.
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
Mathis isn't a vech'ran
Those other dudes are
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
veterans are a good thing
if they can still PLAY. If not, they’re just done and need to be put out to pasture(Eddie, Jones, Blalock).
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
I disagree, looking at his monthly splits since April
compared to Blalock, yes, anyone good, not so much. He is better in limited useage, not everyday. Just my opinion…only difference between him and hank is that Andruw does not abhor walks
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
x
209/.338/.627/.964 in July, 8 dingers in only 67 ABs, more RS (15) than RBIs (14) because of his ability to take a walk.
Yeah, he is off thus far in August, slugging only .250 and not walking as much, but it has only been 32 ABs.
"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.
Being a vet is cool
over-reliance on veterans when there are better-performing non-vets sitting around is like the Miles Davis version of uncool.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Veteran can sure be a confusing and ambiguous description
War vets – you know they have been to hell and back, and their party is over.
Baseball vets – you know they have had the talent to stay around for a while, but it’s hard to suggest to supportive managers that their party is over.
"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912) also -
"Telephone, n. An invention of the devil which abrogates some of the advantages of making a disagreeable person keep his distance."
~Ambrose Bierce
by Ed Coffin on Aug 15, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
Sure am glad Hack is carrying this club
• 1B Hank Blalock struck out in all four of his at-bats. He is now batting .216 with no walks since the All-Star break.
Post ASB Line:
27 111 11 24 5 1 4 14 0 32 0 0 .216 .216 .387 .604
"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.
Where is JW and Texas_Dawg to defend him
after that thing of beauty last night?
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
I'm sure they'll be around.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I hope not
Its not like they’ll ever admit to being completely wrong (like Texas Dawg saying Guardado failing was unexpected) and they’re a beating in every sense of the word.
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
Blalock
But those 24 hits were franchise-saving hits!
If you were a baseball genius and all-around Beacon of Optimism like me, you’d understand that.
Bill James, The Show, Jonny Donuts, This Thing, Nick Johnson. Dumbass.
Officially gay for Neftali Feliz
by RCCook on Aug 15, 2009 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
You forgot "That Glorious Night In July"
"Look out, Itchy! He’s Irish!"
Rock Flag & Eagle Radio: Monday - Thursday, 10 PM - 1 AM, on FM 88.7 The Choice, or online @ ktcu.net!
Also, don'r forget the new favorite -
“when the team made positive changes” (the team is 23-15 since they stopped platooning Hank)
It was a tough match-up last night and he was fitted for a Golden Sombrero. It happens but the sun came up today and he’ll be just fine tonight. I always show up to face the music.
Funny how AJM throws out Blalock’s line after CDavis went down and doesn’t include how he did from July 1-5.
Who do you think you’re fooling?
CDavis hit .143 with a .491 OPS v LH’s this year. We don’t need him if we’re trying to win meaningful games. The player to bring up is Brandon Boggs.
"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 15, 2009 12:37 PM CDT up reply actions
Since July 1
.260/.278/.494. That’s terrible.
He last drew a walk on July 10, in Seattle.
Since that game, he’s hitting .218/.218/.403.
He’s The Fart in the Room. He’s crapped the bed. He’s pissed his pants. He’s playing like the dogshit on MY’s cleats, and he and his stinky diaper are dragging This Thing down.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 15, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
I'm truly shocked
that Josey didn’t just slide into his routine about JD crapping his pants at the trade deadline and not getting a bat like Martinez.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Something I wonder
While’s it not Ranger- related, it’s a parallel situation:
The Rays, like the Rangers, are in the wild card race. They have a gaping hole in their lineup at catcher, which Martinez would have filled nicely.
Like the Rangers, they also have more prospects than they know what to do with, as well as the constraints of a limited payroll.
They also didn’t do anything at the trade deadline to address their lineup. So did their GM crap the bed as well?
Officially gay for Neftali Feliz
If it is that big of a problem, how come the GM doesn't do anything about it, adam?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
What took you so long
did you forget that bit was on your troll shelf?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Lord.
July 1-5?
Davis:
PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO
4 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1
3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1
Blalock:
PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB IBB SO
5 5 3 3 1 0 2 3 0 0 0
4 3 1 1 0 0 1 2 1 0 1
5 5 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1
4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3
So with a guy playing as poorly as humanly possible, Blalock managed only 3 more hits and an extra strikeout for fun.
Yay!
by brettgardner on Aug 15, 2009 4:53 PM CDT up reply actions
Hmm.
Format failure, but point is still clear.
by brettgardner on Aug 15, 2009 4:54 PM CDT up reply actions
Don't forget
If Davis is playing first those two close plays yesterday are outs (by virtue of his awesome stretching ability).
"it hurt me when he do dat"
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
There really is an illusion around Hank right now...
He’s been hitting enough HRs to make the casual fan think he really is pulling his weight… but without looking at the stats… his HRs haven’t come in key games, they’ve been in games we were going to win anyways.
i could be wrong too, but I think i recall most of them being fairly important
obviously hes sucked overall though.
the preceding post was a great success.
Davis' last 10 games has been unlike any that I can remember from him.
0.534 OBP
0.488 SLG
0.393 AVG
Walk Rate: 23%
K-Rate: 21%
It’s the spread between his avg and obp that’s unprecedented, even for SSS. The power is always there (this 10-game period is actually something of a power outage by his standards), but if he’s truly adjusting his approach to be a more selective hitter, I think we may one day think of Smoak as CDs sidekick.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I doubt Davis had any thing like 10 BBs to 9 Ks in his milb career
his time down there has been better than i could have hoped, the big indicators needing to be changed, have. Id rather him being doing this than OPS at 1100 honestly
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
It seems like
Davis getting back with Scott Coolbaugh as his hitting coach has really made a difference. Rudy is probably more to blame than anyone for Davis struggling, but I think most of us knew that already.
Max
Jason Cole saw him play in AZ. Sez he looked unready and weak still. Questioned sending him to OKC nevermind Arlington.
I thought I read that he was off to OKC.
Is he still in AZ?
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
yea, his lines against the lil' leaguers have been really bad
i hope he can regain form, he certaintly hasnt been right all year
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
Smoltz for BP?
to replace Eddie? anyone, anyone?
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
Smoltz wants to start
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
just a thought as a veteran replacement for Eddie
who wouldn’t cost us anything in terms of prospects
"I’m not in the meetings and not part of the discussions; it’s not my responsibility. . My responsibility is to go out and win tonight. My focus is to win tonight. The club has to look at more than just this year." -Michael Young
He's a veteran replacement who has been terrible
I’d rather have Grilli than Smoltz.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 15, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm still pissed off
I’ve waited too long for this team to be in a playoff race to watch the bullshit outing that Frankie had last night.
Cj should have pitched to ortiz, but I’m not sure it would of made much of a difference
This team will either rally around each other or fall on their face….not to mention the momentum that Frankie just gave Boston
Fuck…..I can’t even look at him right now
by death of the cool on Aug 15, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions
At the game last night
Best atmosphere in a long time. Worst heartbreak in a long time.
Blalock looks AWFUL. At no point did anyone in the stadium have any confidence in him contributing.
by BuckyB on Aug 15, 2009 10:07 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
im still drunk, and thinking about the game makes me want to vomit..
Keepin it Classy Gentlemen
There is, in fact, a manly and lawful passion for equality which excites men to wish all to be powerful and honored. This passion tends to elevate the humble to the rank of the great; but there exists also in the human heart a depraved taste for equality, which impels the weak to attempt to lower the powerful to their own level, and reduces men to prefer equality in slavery to inequality with freedom.
-Alexis de Tocqueville, 1835
by Hamiltons Homey on Aug 15, 2009 10:14 AM CDT reply actions
The first words outta my mouth this morning ...
as I passed thru an empty living room on my way to the coffee maker were a mumbled …
“fuckin’ Rangers”
I woke up and checked my cell phone for any texts/VMs
and it was still on the ESPN mobile gamecast, stuck on Frankie/Ortiz.
I’ve been looking for a reason to get a new phone, and someone just gave me great one.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
i woke up at 530 this morning for some gaddam reason
still with an overwhelming desire to vomit both from too much beer and the sickening feeling i still had from last night…
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
I stayed up until 1:30
I took my frustration out on nasty space bugs on an old galaga game on my ipod touch.
I always wake up early when I drink heavily.
That’s the only downside to it, though!
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
So...
If I say “Shiner”……does that make you gag? It does me….dammit.
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 15, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
i'm not sure when I finally went to bed,
but I still hadn’t drank enough to stop the pain
by kevinkinsler on Aug 15, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
kinda old Scheppers news
Last week we got the news that Texas Rangers draftee Tanner Scheppers is also considering Japan. Unlike Strasburg, we have some evidence that Scheppers is actually taking action to pursue Japan — he apparently has a work out scheduled for "at least half a dozen NPB teams" (hat tip to John Brooks). Scheppers is a little different from Strasburg — he isn’t nearly as highly touted, he was drafted and unsigned last year by Pittsburgh, and he’s spent the last season playing in the Northern League, with guys like current Hanshin Tiger Craig Brazell. Scheppers was also drafted from a professional league, so the Rangers get until next year to sign him. Still, if Scheppers’ goal is simply to get a bigger bonus out of the Rangers, a move to Japan is unlikely to achieve his desired result.
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
Such a weird ploy
I don’t know how the money is for dudes like Schep in Japan, but I assume there’s no way a potential TORP righty could make more over there than over here. Given the state of his shoulder, he needs to not dick around and start building up service time pronto- not sure exactly what this accomplishes.
Unless maybe he’s seriously considering playing over there.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
This reminds me that I don't know enough about playing in Japan.
If he signs over there, he signs a professional contract, I believe, and will no longer be eligible for the draft. So, he will in no way improve his draft standing for next year.
If he pitches over there on a contract, what is the process to come back to the US? Do players typically sign a multi-year contract? If he signs a one-year contract, what are the chances that he would actually be a starter for any Japanese team? I can’t imagine he could just go over there and get penciled into a rotation.
I’m really confused about when the whole posting thing has to be used, also, but I’m assuming it wouldn’t be applicable in his case under any scenario.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I checked Wikipedia
and it did nothing but confuse me further.
What a weird, wacky, weird system.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posting_system
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Still a good read, as convoluted as the system is.
I found this part funny:
Soriano disliked the intense Japanese practice schedule, and the Carp denied him a salary increase from $45,000 to $180,000 per year.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
well, im pretty sure it takes 9 years of service time over there to become a bonafide FA
of course the Japanese teams can post him so that a MLB team can pay them for his rights and then sign Schepps to their own contract. Im not sure if that applies to US players migrating over there to play.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
If the posting system does apply to him, then that's a really high-risk approach for his agent to take.
He would have to convince a Japanese team that they are going to get a big posting-day payoff somewhere down the line. But, he would also have no control over when that posting day may occur, which could cost his client millions upon millions if the Japanese team would rather keep a dominant Scheppers than get a big posting-day payoff.
The story linked at the head of this thread shows one guy from the states who has bounced from one team to another in Asia. He didn’t pitch much his first year in Japan, so maybe he was released from his contract by his first team and, thereby, made into a bona-fide FA no longer eligible for the posting process. This is totally me reading between the lines, and I have no idea whether I’m getting it right.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
It's complete bullshit
It’s a negotiating ploy…don’t worry your pretty little head about it.
"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.
You think my head is pretty?
That is SO sweet!
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Much needed levity this morning
"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.
If anyone's interested in getting an overview of the issues that what would be entailed in going to Japan,
Again, a high-risk, muddled move if Scheppers’ agent really wants to try it.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
How long do the Rangers retain his rights?
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
Until one-week before next year's draft.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Worse for us, worse for the team, worse for the player
then a reasonable deadline.
Fuck Bud Selig. I don’t know if this is his deal or not, but fuck him anyway. Cross-eyed dickbag.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
I was really, really hopeful they would sign him fast.
He was on record saying he wanted to pitch and get on with his professional career.
Even if the Rangers and Scheppers get a deal figured out, Selig could process it slowly if it is one of those way over slot bonuses.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
But there would be less reason for Selig
to process it slowly after the 17th, right?
I haven’t really thought about it much or read about it much… but the whole reason he waits until then to approve the above-slot deals is so that all of the players getting those deals are basically bidding blind and can’t use all of those deals as leverage, right?
Yeah. I know their primarily waiting for the bonus dollars of the other draftees.
But, I can never guess what’s going through Bud’s head.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I can, but when I do,
it’s tantamount to a felony. Because I imagine things literally going through his skull.
And I don’t hate the guy that much.
Yet.
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
replacement catcher
when Salty goes on the DL, why wouldn’t you bring up Pina instead of Richardson or Frostad?
None of those guys are going to hit, so why not bring up the one that reportedly has some ML caliber defensive chops?
IIRC, Pina has to be added to the 40 this winter anyway, so clearing a spot for him a few months early shouldn’t be a huge deal. Arias is an obvious choice to get the ax.
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
or trade for Barajas
so Cahill can can hold court on his virtues.
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
oh yes you did
"You can probably stick a fork in the Rangers' playoff chances for 2009." - AJM on 7/26 with the team 4.5 games out
Yep thats what I'd do
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 you only add Pina
if you are 100% certain you will add him to the 40 this winter. You would also have 4 catchers on your 40. I am not sure if that is a problem or not.
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
Because Pina isn't going to be added to the 40 man this winter anyway?
by Wonko.The.Sane on Aug 15, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Why not?
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's not good and won't get taken in the Rule 5
by Wonko.The.Sane on Aug 15, 2009 11:56 AM CDT up reply actions
Premium defensive catchers are things teams like
And from all accounts Pinas defense is outstanding
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.
tuff decision
It depends on the Rangers longterm plans. Since neither Salty or TT have grabbed the ML job, thier plans are in flux.
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
I think it depends more on how they view Max
IF they think hes not gonna stick at catcher then Pina would only make 3 true catchers on the 40
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
It could go either way
He probably wont hit enough to be a starter but he’s excellent defensively. I could see a team snagging him and using him as their backup catcher on the cheap. But I could also see him going unprotected and not being picked up
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Never mind a starter
I don’t see that he’d hit well enough to be a good backup
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 15, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
For me...
…if a team wanted to take him in the Rule 5 and stash him on their roster all season, they are welcome to him.
His MLE translations for this season are .227/.258/.348.
If he gets taken, it is either by a team that is going to play its starter 145 times a year, or a team that is willing to keep three catchers and just burn its 25th spot on a useless, limited upside prospect.
I have no idea why you’d do that.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 15, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions
So...
Better than post ASB Hack?
Sold!
"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.
by Rodney on Aug 15, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
That's what I thought
with a line like that he can play 1B for the Rangers.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
A little baseball piece of me died last night...
great game and atmosphere. I really though the Rangers were going to kick off the series with a big W. Damn did that hurt.
It’s just one game though. Really hope the Rangers can rebound and get the next two or at least a split. A BoSox sweep would probably kill me right now.
A question. What happens first. Blalock takes a walk, or hell freezes over?
I also like Tricer’s idea above about Pina being added to the 40 and getting the backup catcher spot if Salty goes to the DL.
Josh has raised his BA and OBP about 50 points in the last few games. Damn.
Finally, raise your hand if you thought MY would ever have another 20 HR season. Now put that shit down because you’re lying. He has been great at the plate this year.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
Sickels on Mendoza
Mendoza was throwing 93-94 MPH all night, with movement on the fastball. I thought his slider was sloppy and unimpressive in the first three innings, but in the fourth inning he started to tighten it up and in the late innings it was working really well. I only saw a couple of changeups, but the fastball/slider combination was very potent.
Smoak looked excellent tonight….I saw nothing to worry about. Full report on this game when I get my trip summary done.
http://www.minorleagueball.com/
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
Looking forward to his report on Smoak.
I guess that’s a clear signal Smoak will get an A from Sickels this offseason, which isn’t all that surprising since he graded him an A- last year.
He’s likely to be the only A, since Feliz probably will put in enough innings to not be considered a prospect. I can’t think of any other Rangers prospects that might get an A- Sickels. It’s unusual for Sickels to give A/A- to guys as young as Martin Perez.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
I don't think Feliz will throw 50 IP, so long as he's left in the pen for the season.
"When he came up with that ball, hop or not, he looked exactly like a homeless guy who had found a long cigarette butt – only to discover it was soaked with gasoline. He could not have thrown out anyone there, even though Cust moves at about the speed of soil erosion." - Ed C.
by inactive lsb user on Aug 15, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah. I was thinking he'd get 40 IP, tops, and that's if the Ranges get all the way to the WS.
I just don’t know if Sickels goes by MLB rookie status when classifying guys as prospect or not, like BA does.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
im looking forward to his look back on our system
we’ve certaintly had a bunch of ups and downs
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
A clear signal huh rooster
Could one say he would be giving a…..
….SMOAK SIGNAL?!?!
Done and done.
by SaltyGoesYard on Aug 15, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
You Smoaked it.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
Well, that's some good effing news on this miserable mf'ing morning.
"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.
Once in a blue moon...? From Yahoo Sports
Before Friday’s collapse, Texas (64-50) had won 72 straight games at home when leading after eight innings, a streak dating to September 2007. Despite what looked like a disheartening defeat, the Rangers claim they’re not dwelling on it.
"It doesn’t really affect us," said third baseman Michael Young, who had a two-run homer and three RBIs. "We have so much confidence in the back end of our bullpen. It’s a fluke when this happens."
Man I like MY's attitude....
and it’s true….it’s happened only twice this year….
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 15, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
He’s kinda had that looks since the AS break……he’s ready to win and tired of fucking around.
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 15, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions
He's always been described as the lead-by-example type, but I've always wished that sometimes
he could just loosen up a bit. Let off some steam.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
"Fuck me in the butt with my grandfather's penis."
-thedirkatron
No doubt the line of the night.
Way to not lurk and instead shit all over yourself during your first fanshot.
-FirebatM3 to Ryan2907. 6/3/09.
by SarasotaRanger on Aug 15, 2009 11:12 AM CDT reply actions
Looking at Penny's record, I now like our chances tonight--at least to score some runs
Penny’s had trouble with the Rangers, and AJ and MY own him.
So AJ sits tonight
is what you are saying?
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
Waking up this morning
The first thing I thought of was the incredibly horrible hangover i have after coping with last night’s drama. But I have to say, with Millwood pitching the way he was, and with Jon Lester pitching against us, I didn’t really think we had a realistic chance of winning last night. As hard as the rangers played, I am still very proud of this team. They could have rolled on their backs when Eddie gave up that 2run homer, but they stepped up and got Byrd home from second. This team is a very good team, and in all honesty WILL WIN THE NEXT TWO GAMES. its brad penny and junichi tazawa or whatever the fuck your name is. They will pull 2 out of three.
baseBALLIN!
In somewhat related news, the Red Sox traded for Alex Gonzalez
I guess he becomes their shortstop with Lowrie out
Guess they couldn’t get a deal done for Guzman
He starts tonight, if what I read was correct.
"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.
Couple things
First I think its time to sit down Eddie and tell him hes been a valuable piece to the club and we want to keep him around but we are putting him on the DL and going with someone who can get LHB out.
And second, could someone who was watching the game with sound please tell me why Millwood was pulled when he was? It was Maddux who went to the mound when he was pulled which is why im curious. I was at a restaurant bar having dinner and there wasn’t any sound. I immediately texted my friend asking WTF happened with MIllwood but never got a response.
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.
Excellent question
That was a bit of weirdness
Look at the comments under Jeff Wilson's blog post on dallasnews.com. What a bunch of rocket scientists.- Keith Law
Millwood told Maddux he was gassed, done.
"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.
Millwood said he was tired, and he thought the bullpen was the best option.
He’s quoted in one of the stories linked above, but I’m too lazy to go all the way through all of them to find it.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
OK Thanks
Haven’t read all the links yet. I figured Maddux just went out to talk and MIllwood said he was done but I didn’t 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.
rgvrtv
• Kevin Millwood said he couldn’t locate his fastball and that made things very difficult. When Mike Maddux came out in the sixth, Millwood told him he was tired.
I think over in EG’s blog Millwood says he thought they would have a better chance to win if he left the mound.
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/
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
That was a tough, tough game to be at last night
I’m hoping that we, not just the team, can put it behind us going into tonight. We need more of the vocal support we were throwing at times, and I worry that the Red Sox fans will show up in droves tonight…
Your uncle molests collies.
Pondering thought from Durrett
First, let me say that the more I think about Friday’s game, the more I wonder why managers don’t act like saves can happen in more than just the ninth inning. Here’s what I mean. Could the Rangers have brought in C.J. Wilson to pitch to David Ortiz in the sixth and then leave him out there for the seventh? Then bring in Darren O’Day for the eighth and Frank Francisco for the ninth. I’m not saying that would have changed the outcome, but if that out in the sixth is essentially a save, get someone out there who can get you the out then. Just a thought.
I do agree with Richard that games are won and lost in innings other than the 8th and 9th. Since the Rangers don’t have a “fireman” type of pitcher, I do think RW needs to be more flexible with his bullpen guys. He has occasionally done similar moves to what Durrett suggests. I don’t know if Ron didn’t trust his pen at the time or if he was “going for the win”.
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
This is why I would be in favor of the "save" stat being at the official scorers discretion
It would allow managers to deviate from assigned roles more and use the best guys in the most crucial situations
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 than one guy can get a hold
Why not just call the stat a save
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
If you can get a blown save in the 7th inning why couldn't you also get a save?
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.
Because technically you can...
if you finish the game.
Of course there really aren’t any 3 inning saves anymore. I agree it’s odd that a guy who pitches in the 6th or 7th who clearly isn’t going to finish the game could get a blown save though. Not sure there’s a way of fixing that. I’m ok with the hold stat rather than a save in that situation.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
I agree with you, but RW is quoted that Guardado's performance didn't lose the game last night.
So, good luck convincing him.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
That's what I was saying in the GDT last night
The game needed to be saved at that moment last night and Guardado was the worst option to save the game.
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
yes monumental fuck up on Wash's part again..
You have Ortiz coming up in a huge situation and you put in 85 mph meatball Eddie who serves up a fat one in Ortiz’s wheelhouse instead of C J who had only pitched 2 innings in the last week and in his last outing struck out 3 of th 4 batters he faced.
Why couldn’t C J have gone 2 innings he hadn’t been used that much lately instead Wash puts in scrubs in tight situations, if C J goes 2 last night then maybe you have O’Day avail. as a back up right as Francisco starts to implode.
The I.Q. test has been abolished.
It is now the Gardner Scale.
as bad as the at-bat was for Eddie
I was strangely relieved he didn’t walk him on 4 straight pitches. God knows he tried
by kevinkinsler on Aug 15, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
I saw a few things last night that were good and bad
Millwood letting Maddux know he was done is a tremendous thing. Can you imagine a starting pitching having that much trust in his bullpen and know so much about his arm that he will tell the pitching coach to yank him? Kevin’s not a pussy, so he wasn’t just tired and could care less about the win. He knew the pen had a better chance of doing the job and stepped aside. Kudos.
Eddie being Eddie. We all love his naked wrestling matches in the lockerroom after games, but he shouldn’t sniff anything with a left handed bat or a lead less then 4.
Frankie looked bad. I’m not talking physical bad. The noise and crowd was getting to him. I could not believe how many times he stepped of the bump to regroup. You’re at home GDamn it, use that noise as motivation and amp up that fastball to 97!! It was like he was wilting right before my very eyes. If I had no idea about baseball and parks, I would have totally assumed he was pitching at Fenway the way he was laboring out there. He was completly pressure cooked.
Here’s to the bats hanging 12 on Lester and Mathis pitching a 3 inning save!
And one more thing...
With Salty possibly going down to the DL, what about getting Pudge from Houston? We’d pick up the rest of his 1.5 mil, which isn’t that much for a 18 year vet, and we have someone with experience to tag team with Tea. It would show the guys we are getting veteran prescence to help out and Lord knows the people of DFW would love to have them some Pudgyness back. I don’t know if he has passed waiver or not, but Houston wouldn’t mind dropping him. They have Quintero and also Coste who can catch.
That's a neat idea.
If he’s cleared waivers, and why wouldn’t he, I’d like to see that happen.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
yeah, I was there
and multiple times I was concerned about the crowd getting to FrankFrank. He just seemed rattled by the gravity of the situation. It’s weird to think that the home crowd can have such a negative effect on a pitcher for the home team, but I suppose it can happen. CJ Wilson used to let crowd and the energy of the stadium help him get intense. of course, that always backfired when the situation was less critical, so he’s tempered himself a little better. Maybe that is something that Maddux will have to help the staff with during a pennant race, since few of our pitchers have been in such important games.
I hope the team can get over that one as much as they say they are. Definitely still a good chance to win the rest of the series, and with the way the Sox have shit the bed against the Yankees this year, they still have a lot of losses still coming in the next 7 weeks.
by kevinkinsler on Aug 15, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
I think it was more his lack of stuff
than the enviroment. He didn’t have any of his pitches working. Dustin Fuckin’ Perdroia was able to follow Frankies splitter down to his shins and knock it off the LF wall. Frankie had nothing last night and he knew it.
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
That wouldn't surprise me.
Imagine going into the game against the Boston Red Sox in the ninth, the lead in the wild-card race on the line, with your home crowd going nuts, chanting your name, expecting you to bring the high-velocity heat and other nastiness ~ and you know damn well you simply don’t have it.
That would be a shitty feeling.
Your 2009 Texas Rangers: "Can't take a fucking to save their lives" (lisa w, 2009).
I know these are major leaguers
and they are used to being in pressure situations, but last night, and any game in Bos, NY in Sept. in a playoff race is going to be like that. I mean nuts. I could seriously feel the intesity through my TV. Very very few Ranger games have had that feeling. He looked tired and wasn’t at all ready for that type of enviornment.
Ceej is an adrenaline junky. He thrives on it. Should have left him and his 0.9 home ERA in there for the 9th
we're from Texas
CJ says "Relax"
Went to the game last night for the first time in about a month
what an awesome game it was, ending aside. Playoff atmosphere. It probably helped that there were TONS of Sox fans there. And I gave them hell. Lots and lots of hell.
The ending was tragic. I hope Frankie gets it back together, because he looked decimated after the game. Very tough loss to swallow, but the overreaction is overbearing. We’ve still got two more games left against these guys and could still end up 1/2 game up on them when it’s all said and done. And then I believe we still have a couple of games left before the season’s over. I’m still a believer. And I can’t wait to get Kinsler back in the lineup, contrary to what some around here want…
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
So, I've become obsessed with this Japan baseball angle to Strasburg and a lesser extent Scheppers.
I wondered what the rest of you think about this idea:
Did Tazawa set a precedence for the role of player development in the industrial leagues? Since the Red Sox (it could’ve been the Rangers) brought Tazawa over here and he debuted well at AA, doesn’t it legitimize the quality of the industrial leagues?Strasburg could argue that it is just as valid for him to develop as a player in the Industrial League, that the level of play, at least by the premier players, is comparable to mid-level minor league. It’s certainly a better option for player development than a senior year at SDSU or the US Independent leagues.
Doing so for a year could establish him as a bona fide Japanese resident from the perspective of the US tax system. He may be able to earn as much or more than his draft bonus from whatever company hired him, so that even if he had a shaky first year and US teams weren’t knocking on his door with the FA dollars he would desire, he could go back to a second year and improve his FA standing by telling NPB teams not to draft him, as Tazawa did.
Trying to circumvent the residency rule of the amateur draft isn’t a new idea; I’m just trying to decide if Tazawa makes it more feasible to do so.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
One other thing about Tazawa...
If MLB is going to sign Japanese players as FA from the Industrial League, how can they justify not signing American players as FA from the same league. In other words, how can they demand that Strasburg reenter the draft when other players from the same league are regarded as Free Agents?
I guess they could say its the same as if he had decided to play in the US Independent Leagues, but that gets back to the argument about the legitimacy of the quality of players in the Industrial League as demonstrated by Tazawa.
Wonderboy, what is the secret of your power? Wonderboy, won't you take me far away from the mucky-muck now. -- Tenacious D
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