Thursday a.m. Rangers things
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 20, 2009 10:52 AM CDT
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PrintJeff Wilson writes that this is now two games in a row that the Rangers have let slip away after a big early lead, dropping the Rangers out of the Wild Card lead and pretty much putting them out of contention for the A.L. West division title.
Evan Grant has a bunch of notes up this morning, addressing, among other things, the possibility that Kevin Millwood is starting to wear down because of the heavier workload he's had this season, and the fact that Hank Blalock is last in the A.L. in OBP, with only Wily Taveras in the majors having a lower OBP. There's also talk about Julio Borbon -- surprisingly, Grant says that Borbon is currently considered the Rangers' 5th best defensive outfielder -- and Matt Purke, with Grant asking folks to quit taking shots at a kid for deciding to go to college.
There was a huge walkup crowd for yesterday's game, which featured Pudge Rodriguez returning to the starting lineup, and the ovation Pudge got before his first AB was one of the really neat moments of this year.
Andruw Jones is getting some reps at first base, and it sounds like they might try running him out there again against lefties.
Derek Holland says he's found his groove.
Jim Reeves has a column about the Rangers being in the playoff hunt ahead of schedule.
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Posted this in Jamey's thread but I'll put it here too
Jorge Arangue tweet:
For those still following, #Rangers sign DR RHP David Perez for 425k. Perez is 6’4", 180 lbs
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
Anybody know anything about him?
"[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 20, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
heh
I know he’s 6’4" 180 lbs and right handed. Glad I could help.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Aug 20, 2009 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I've heard he's a pitcher and hails from the Dominican Republic
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
But does he eat with his right hand or left?
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 20, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
Dude
He doesn’t eat with his hands. He uses a fork and a spoon.
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
Uhm
You don’t know that for sure no do you?
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 20, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
now
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 20, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Nope
Forgot to start that one with “I bet”
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
I'd wager he's also...
…the wealthiest member of his family… or will be when the check clears.
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Aug 20, 2009 11:20 AM CDT up reply actions
If it clears.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Aug 20, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah we better check with "MLB sources" first
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Aug 20, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
Who wrote the check
Major League Baseball or the Texas Rangers?
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
hahaha
"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 20, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
Maybe he requested cash.
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
Latin signings can happen anytime.
They signed Richard Alvarez last December for $800K, IIRC.
The next Perez or Feliz might not sign until this Winter.
Is that mainly a timing issue?
With rule 5 and such? These LA kids have 5 years correct before being rule 5 eligible. Signing this inter would give them 5 full seasons. The July 2nd guys get 4 and some change. I winder what this guy will be?
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.
Birthday issue
He wasn’t eligible on July 2nd. Per Jason Cole -
When he became eligible, the Rangers were eventually able to ink Alvarez, signing him for a bonus of approximately $800,000 on December 1st. Alvarez was arguably the club’s most talented haul in last year’s Latin market, but his signing wasn’t covered because it occurred during the offseason.
.
Money clearly played a large factor in Alvarez’s signing with Texas, but he also enjoyed the atmosphere around the organization.
.
"During the tryouts and that lengthy process," Alvarez said, through a translator, "I liked the feel of Texas’ workouts and the people and the coaches. Everyone around it. It was more like a family and a team I could learn and grow with."
I love reading stuff like that
Really shows that the Rangers know what they are doing in LA
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Blalock
Last in the AL in OBP among qualifiers for the batting title.
In case anyone’s not clear: HANK HAS THE WORST ‘NOT-MAKING-OUTS’ % IN THE LEAGUE.
There’s no defending that any longer. I don’t care how much “presence” he has.
Officially gay for Neftali Feliz
0 for 3 last night with one being rocket to 2B and a walk (second walk in two games).
A black cloud is following him right now but he’ll be okay. A day off v the next lefty wouldn’t hurt.
"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 20, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
It's amazing how blindly stubborn you are.
That black cloud is a hurricane of failure.
Way to not lurk and instead shit all over yourself during your first fanshot.
-FirebatM3 to Ryan2907. 6/3/09.
by SarasotaRanger on Aug 20, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
He was pretty good in 2004
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 20, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
You keep bringing politics into non-political threads
stop it, jackass.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Yeah not really
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 20, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
Clever...
…or dull.
Yeah, dull.
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Aug 20, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
On the day that it comes out...
..that the Bush administration asked Tom Ridge, head of the Department of Homeland Security, to raise the security alert level on the eve of the 2004 elections.
Now that is timely…
Link
by GhettoBear04 on Aug 20, 2009 11:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Too bad it's 2009.
Way to not lurk and instead shit all over yourself during your first fanshot.
-FirebatM3 to Ryan2907. 6/3/09.
by SarasotaRanger on Aug 20, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions
Actually I think he’ll stay down exactly because it’s a road trip.
But also because this is the cost of rebuilding… The FO really wants Davis locked in long-term.
If he’s up when rosters expand, it’ll be about 200 PAs in OKC. Maybe they’ll wait even longer.
Unbelievable how acute Blalock is making the 1B issue.
"[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 20, 2009 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Davis stays down until the very end of the month
He’ll be up in time to be playoff eligible but unless there is someone currently on the roster we don’t want on the playoff roster or we want to roll out with a short bullpen we don’t have room for Davis right now
As much as we want I think the chance of Hank getting waived are <1%
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.
What is the reasoning for not waiving Hank?
The only one I can think of is to not effect the chemistry with his buddies in the infield, in which case the Rangers could just pull an Eddie on him. As long as they don’t get caught.
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
The main reason is that there IS a chance Davis wouldn't be productive when recalled..
There is no doubt in my mind that they are just hoping to survive with Hank in the lineup until Sep 1. No doubt at all.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
If that is the reason, then there is no change from now.
Hank isn’t productive in the lineup now.
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:29 AM CDT up reply actions
This might be the best brief summation...
…I’ve read on the subject.
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Aug 20, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
And they didn't DFA anyone to call them up, did they??
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
If Davis gave us what he was giving us, it would be an improvement over Blalock.
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
But...
If Davis isn’t brought up until 9/1, he wouldn’t be eligible for the playoff roster would he?
He could be if they put someone on the DL.
Do a quick search on here for the last couple of days – someone laid out the rules about playoff rosters (which have apparently changed in the last few years) and did a pretty good job of explaining it.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
Yeah, someone could get DL'd
Someone like another 1B who can’t hit at all and has the worst OBP in the AL
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
Hank
As bad as hes been he is one of the longest tenured Rangers, its the only team hes ever played on, he still has a pretty solid fanbase, and the guy we would be replacing him with has awful earlier this season. People, the majority of fans, don’t give a flip what Davis has done in the minors and most probably don’t know what hes done. All they know is when he was up earlier he was awful. So if waiting 10 days avoids the public backlash and clubhouse drama then its worth it to wait
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.
Fanbase?
Who? The Hank’s Homies? Fuck those guys.
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
No
Outside of LSB there is a big fanbase of certain players. They may recognize they are struggling but they are big fans. Given the fact that Hank has been a Ranger for 7 years now and has had some pretty magical moments (although very early in his career) he has alot of fans
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.
Right
Dumb fans (Josey Donuts, among them). Fuck those people. Blalock sucks and needs to go.
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
bigsteve is a big believer in cowtowing to the hoi polloi
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
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 20, 2009 1:49 PM CDT up reply actions
You are correct...
…there are still some folks wearing #9 jerseys out at the temple…all they remember is the last time the ball got squarely in the way of Hank’s bat and traveled over the RF wall.
I hate it that it’s entirely possible that my favorite team makes decisions based more on simpleminded fans and clubhouse tenure rather than putting their best team on the field.
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Aug 20, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Decisions based on Sentiment
See: Acquiring Pudge Rodriguez. Stiff price for a backup.
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions
Meh...
…that one doesn’t bother me too much. Somebody had to be the backup catcher.
I doubt we will feel any bite in the ass from anything we gave up in that trade.
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Aug 20, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Doesn't bother me much, either.
But it was a sentimental grab for the FO, I have to believe.
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
What is the stiff price?
2 players the Rangers were going to lose when they were not on the 40 over the winter? I would say very good trade.
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
Vallejo was already 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.
Yes, but
trading him creates room, and given his crappy 2009 he might have been waived to make room with the team taking the chance others wouldn’t take the risk on rule 5.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
And I really don't think there was much might in it.
Vallejo was going to be removed from the 40 over the winter. He was not one of the Rangers top prospects anymore.
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Insurance costs money...
Don’t look at Pudge as a backup and the price seems more understandable. Our options were apparently John Buck, Henry Blanco, and Kevin Richardson – none of whom could outhit Hank.
it was a seller’s market, and we were driving without coverage.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
Now hold on. Pudge wasn't a "stiff price".
He won’t hit everyday like he did last night, I’m not delusional. But did you see the walk up ticket sales he generated? He will continue to do that the rest of the year. That helps offset the price we paid. Think concessions and etc. And let’s please not go into the players we sent. Those guys were no problem to lose for Pudge.
So
You’d rather Tom Hicks make more money vis a vis ticket sales than think about the consequences of trading prospects for a guy with a .275 OBP?
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't characterize either of those guys as true "prospects"
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.
Baseball America disagrees
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
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 20, 2009 1:51 PM CDT up reply actions
It was less than
the Indians paid us for Kenny Lofton. A lot less.
It was not a great move, but a WHOLE lot better than keeping Kevin.
And just the emotinal investment from the fans for this move pays for the additional cost.
" I have no faith in the GM making a move to help the big club but I’m on board."
Josey Wales on the 2009 Rangers. A team with 18 active players acquired by the current GM.
Ok, first it's not "a guy"
It’s Pudge Rodriguez. Any self respecting Ranger fan would love to have him back. So he comes back in a time we need a back up/veteran catcher and we give up two “prospects” if you can even call them that. Not sure if you saw, but a .275 OPS for this team has you batting 5 or 6 most of the time.
God I hope we wouldn't ever trot out anyone with a .275 OPS
But anyways, I have to admit; while I wasn’t crazy about the deal, seeing Pudge in a Rangers uniform last night was pretty sweet. That doesn’t mean I like the deal, though. He’s an improvement over Kevin Richardson, sure, but I don’t think the trade is a win because Tom Hicks sold 10,000 walk up tickets last night.
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
The trade isn't likely a win..
Bu trading from a position of need seldom is. Fact is – we needed a ML-caliber catcher in case something happened to TT. No way a team in the playoff hunt can roll with a rookie like TT and a AAA journeyman like Richardson as their catchers.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
OBS Fail
It’s not a coup or anything, but it’s a good deal. We needed someone. Do you really think getting Blanco, Bard, or (can’t think of the other guy we were talking to) would really increase our wins any more then getting Pudge? I think trading for a Ranger legend and the getting the buzz of a game like last night going it worth it.
Well
Whos to say Davis will be better than Hank. I mean I believe he will be, most on here believe he will be, but what guarantee do we have? Davis stunk this season in the majors. Hes done nice since going down but you act like its a guarantee Davis is going to come up and rake. There is a doubt there. And so I think waiting the 10 days till you can bring Davis up without causing undo drama is the right move as much as I hate seeing Hank out there struggle like he has
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
Davis doesn't have to rake.
But there is a near 0% probability that Davis will be worse than Hank F. Blalock.
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree but...
Davis this season: 202/256/415
Hank since Davis went down: 231/253/410
While I don’t think Davis will be as bad as he was I don’t think 6 weeks in AAA is enough to offset the probable drama that would happen if Hank were waived
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.
As much as we might want to see it..
They’re not DFA’ing a guy like Blalock unless they are SURE it’s an uprgade. It’s the same reason they didn’t replace him at the trading deadline with guys like Glassbody Johnson.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
Yeah, and i still say Josey is the leader of Hanks Homies
the guy is one of the worst hitters in the bigs, time for him to go
Larry Parrish Was Da Man!
I loved me some Blalock
From when he hit for the cycle in back-to-back minor league games to when he took Gagne long in the all-star game. But the guy just has to go. It’s just embarrassing to watch these days. How the hell does a 1st baseman have the lowest OBP in the AL???
by GhostofGaryHogeboom on Aug 20, 2009 10:59 AM CDT reply actions
here's how:
the GM traded AG when he knew (or sure as shit should have known) that Tex would never stay here
defeatist pussy lives here
by sam in so cal on Aug 20, 2009 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow
So, with all the good that JD has done, you decided to answer a question about Hank’s suckitude with a shot at JD. Dude, get over it.
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
Sam isn't the brightest crayon in the box.
Josey has a lot of followers.
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
by boomer1 on Aug 20, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 3 recs
So did Charles Manson
Officially gay for Neftali Feliz
by RCCook on Aug 20, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 6 recs
Bravo...
…a rec for you
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Aug 20, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
IMO it was inexcusable to not have a suitable replacement.
last i checked you need 8 guys in the field. smoak was/is a suitable replacement, but what did the GM plan to do in the interim period. the answer is apparently nothing.
i don’t think this is “outside the box” thinking.
JD has done good. i understand and appreciate this maturity. he has done a lot more good than bad – especially recently.
neglecting 1st base though isnt one of his better moves.
defeatist pussy lives here
by sam in so cal on Aug 20, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
He's neglected first?
Are you just completely writing off Davis for the rest of his career?
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
Or how about
Smoak? Yeah looks like they’ve done nothing at the position.
"You build 1000 bridges and suck 1 dick, you are not a bridge builder, you are a cocksucker." SaltyGoesYard
by Pocket Ninja on Aug 20, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
Teixeira had three years to go before he was a free agent
The Rangers shouldn’t have traded Gonzalez so that they could have him to replace Teixeira three years down the road?
They shouldn’t have traded him, but because of Teixeira being a f.a. three years later isn’t one of them.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 20, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
JD made a great trade
but wasn’t the consensus (or at least the very popular opinion) that TEX should have been traded a year earlier?
at that time AG steps in seamlessly?
defeatist pussy lives here
by sam in so cal on Aug 20, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Tex was traded at just the right 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.
I don't recall any such consensus
Trading a VERY productive guy with 2+ years on his contract just because you MIGHT not sign him is asinine and pretty much unheard of.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
that was not the consensus.
A Gon was the correct player to trade, it was the return that was horrible.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
traded a year early?
uhh what
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
"Taking steroids is only gonna make him whiff on those sliders in the dirt with more fury." -thedirkatron
by knockoutking on Aug 20, 2009 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions
That Texeira trade was a disaster
JD really crapped the bed on that one.
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
Thank you for pointing that out
now I don’t have to.
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
wait?
so because JD was shrewd enough to make one great trade and have one great draft, he gets a pass on trading one of the top five hitters in baseball for a bag of nothing?
JD is breaking even at about this point, which is a huge improvement for the kid.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Whos giving him a pass?
The Gonzalez trade has absolutely nothing to do with Hank playing 1B right now thats all he was trying to say
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.
Top five hitters
Yup – disregarding anything you say in the future.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
you can play too
give me five better hitters.
or we could say position players, considering he is a gold glover on defense.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Using THT's predicted OPS
Gonzalez is 2nd only to Pujols right now this season. I’d still rank him after Mauer as well, but after those two he’s having the best season perhaps. But that’s only 2009, I’m not sure I’d say he’s that high overall, but yeah, maybe top 5, definitely top 10 right now.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
okay
give me five better than him please, keeping in mind he is the only hitter in his entire lineup and plays in the most pitcher friendly stadium in the majors.
I’ll give you Pujols, Mauer, and I guess Hanley, but any one else is debatable. Perhaps it is I who will be disregarding your future comments.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Ichiro?
he’s not even in the discussion. The other guys are, but all hit in much better lineups, and of those guys, only Fielder has a better OPS this year (hitting in a much better lineup and in a much more hitter friendly park). Top ten isn’t even debatable, and top five is still certainly within reason.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
OK I;ll give you Ichiro
but that still puts him well outside the top 5. I ’ll give him top 10 if he does it again next year, but 1 great year putting someone in the top5 in the league is pretty obsurd
Gonzalez ranks 12th in baseball in wOBA
11th in WAR
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
He probably is one of the top ten right now
not an outrageous thing to say.
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Right now, yes
But he’s having a career year. OPS is 100 points higher than its ever been. And that slots him in at 7th. He’d have to keep that up for a few years before I even consider him one of the top 10 hitters in baseball.
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions
Gonzalez
tied for 2nd in EQA with Fielder. If you are talking about who are the best hitters right now, I don’t see how you could say Gonzalez isn’t in the top 10. Who are ten above him right now?
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I pretty clearly said "Right now, yes"
meaning he is in the top 10 right now. I was pointing out that before proclaiming him one of the best five hitters in the ML (which is not qualified with “right now” since we are talking about the overall value of the player), he would need to consistently put up top 10 numbers, year after year.
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
Even then
I’d say he’s at least on the cusp of the top ten. He’s been damn solid for several years in a terrible park for hitters.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
I tried to get a report from baseball-reference for OPS+ over the last three years
but since I’m not a subscriber, I couldn’t see the guys at the top of the list.
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
OK - right now, like this exact moment - OK
But this year, right now, is an aberration of his previous production. He’s good but he’s never been close to this good.
If we’re just talking about the last few years, I’d say A-Rod, Pujols, Hanley, Teix, Manny, Sizemore, Youk, Cabrera.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
I'm just saying not top five
And I can figure out a few more. Howard, Berkman, Wright, Dunn.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
I might put Wright in there
Howard behind Agon for sure, Berkman, Dunn closer, but still behind for me.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Not the Wright of this year
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
Right on Wright this year
but over the last few years, and I expect him to rebound.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Wright is currently experiencing
what its like to play in a horrible hitters park. A Gon has been experiencing that for years.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Isn't EQA park adjusted?
Wright belongs in the discussion.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
"JD is breaking even at about this point"
I’d say the state of the franchise, both in terms of talent and in terms of the level at which they’re competitive with the rest of the division and the AL, is now much better than when he took over. Therefore, I don’t think it’s fair to say that JD is breaking even. Has there been some moves that he made that were bad? Yes. But, in my opinion, the moves he’s made that worked out overshadow the poor ones.
"Does this effectively hide my thunder?"
I agree.
Who are you comparing this guy to? It isn’t any past Ranger GM. The guy has this team playing in a playoff race, a farm system that is the envy of 90% of the teams today, and he’s doing it with an owner who is strapped for cash. Cut him some slack.
Despite all the things working against JD (the payroll issue, mainly)
I don’t even think we need to quantify it by saying “eh, cut the guy some slack.” The things he’s done so far stand on their own (The Tex trade, buying Lofton and Gagne on the cheap and flipping them into players, drafting, etc etc). Even without the slack cutting, I think he’s done a pretty good job. Not excellent, but pretty good, and getting better.
"Does this effectively hide my thunder?"
Oh no I was agreeing with you.
I was commenting on others needing to get off his case about doing a poor job. He easily has done a B to B+ job overall in the time he’s been here. All things considering.
Give me chemistry over stats any day. Do you think 34,000 fans were screaming their asses off over Pudges .275 OBP?
I hear ya
I was just claifying what I was saying…I think a B is a fair grade…but, like I said earlier, I think he’s getting smarter and wiser by the day. After all, the only thing he knew how to do when he fell ass backwards into this job was to make the donuts (roll eyes).
"Does this effectively hide my thunder?"
eh
he had more talent to work with than many people seem to remember. he’s had some good drafts and some less than good drafts. the biggest difference is probably his team’s increased presence in LA, which has worked out wonderfully, both in signings (Perez) and in trade acumine (Feliz). Hitting on Hunter and Holland have really helped. But remember that guys like Kinsler, Young, A-Gon, Tex, Danks, Volquez, Feldman, Wilson, Frankie etc were here when he went to work, so it wasn’t a completely empty cupboard.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I'm definitely now saying he had nothing to work with when he took over
I’m just saying that, at least in my mind, the good/great moves he’s made here outshine the bad/terrible ones. Also, it seems like he’s learning more everyday…at first, it seemed his ratio was close to 1:1 good to bad. Now it’s feels more like 4:.5.
"Does this effectively hide my thunder?"
Actually he traded AG because they thought at that time they could resign Tex.
Once they found out differently they traded him and got the core of this team for years to come.
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
If only that would put a cork in the AG debate....
If only…
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
the AG debate
has never really been whether he should have been traded, but for whom. he sold inexplicably low. the debate has been corked, but it still happened.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
i'm pretty sure
it was two cycles in three games. gawd, how the legend grows over time…
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
I just want to say
this season has been the most fun to watch in years, even more than 2004. Probably since 1999, for me. All of these young kids stepping up and performing beyond reasonable expectations for rookies, Andrus foremost among them, but also Holland, Feliz, Hunter, Borbon…the great plays on defense, Perez moving up to AA at 18. Wow.
Even with the disappointment of some of the minor leaguers, and Davis’ meltdown, and Blalock’s decline into the surreal, I’ll look back fondly on this year no matter what happens in the next few seasons. Even with the losses the last couple of nights there were moments that were just great to watch.
Great time to be a Rangers fan.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
x
I was thinking about this today, and even this late into the season, the number of games that I haven’t watched (or listened to) at least 3 innings’ worth is less than a dozen. I usually watch a lot more than the average person, but I have really stepped it up this year. It’s been exciting.
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
Me too, except for one thing
That Purke snafu is still sticking in my craw. It has really ruined my Ranger week..
Sunday night I was knee-walking drunk on 18 yr old Clan McRanger single malt. We clearly appeared to be better than Boston, and its been a decade at least since a reasonable person could feel that way (and none of you killjoys chime in about no Youk and their myriad injuries!).
Then God speaks to Purke’s parents, tells them it is God’s plan for him to get Porcello money, even though he has Shelby Miller talent. I’ve been a negative Nancy since.
Hopefully, couple more games and I can get back on the bottle.
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
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 20, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
That did suck
big green donkey dicks to be sure. But this morning when I considered the big picture and read about Holland feeling his oats a bit I felt good. Plus, after any loss here most posters seem to be ready to hang themselves or DFA half the team. I always feel an urge to counter that a bit. God apparently has a plan for Purke, but Purke is too stupid to realize that plan was to pitch for the Rangers. According to Leviticus he should be dashed on the rocks or something.
And speaking of on the rocks, why on earth would you base the decision to drink 18 yr. old anything on your mood? If you’re pissed, it will improve your mood, if you’re sanguine, celebrate. It’s a good thing you don’t live around here, I’d drink too much.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Clan McRanger
Metaphor for the high I was on.
I’m more of a vodka guy when it’s this hot.
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
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 20, 2009 2:22 PM CDT up reply actions
the stuff about Wash "explaining" sac bunting to Borbon rubs me the wrong way
it’s like he’s saying, “you WILL make an out when I tell you to — put the idea of advancing the runner and getting on base yourself out of your head” … because we wouldn’t want that
Sac bunting and bunting for a hit are two completely different things
Bunting for a hit can put the ball in spots where you may get on base but they can make a play on the other runners.
Sac bunting is done to advance the runners at your expense. If you can beat out a sac bunt more power to ya but thats not the point.
I can imagine a guy like Borbon who has probably done alot of bunting for a hit may need to be reminded of the purpose since he has yet to play a dozen ML games
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.
a bunt single by Borbon
might as well be a triple with his speed
by blueballlefty on Aug 20, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions
A bunt single when you have guys on 1st and 2nd might also get the runner going to third out
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 would like to see the percentage of guys that get thrown out going to third on a bunt
I would imagine it is really really low, seeing how there usually isn’t any one covering, the guy at second may get thrown out but not third
by blueballlefty on Aug 20, 2009 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
If the guy bunting is trying for a hit
A team can put a play on. With Borbon he likes to drag bunt which would allow the 3B to stay back and by draggin it you get it closer to the 1B and he can throw to 3B pretty easily.
Or they can try the wheel play with the SS going to third and if he pushes it to the 3B he can toss it back to third for the out.
I don’t know the percentages or where to find them but I imagine they are low to begin with but the first time it happened people would be up in arms
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 understand your argument
I just think the guy at third may get thrown out twice a year, where borbon gets on base probably half the time which gives you an extra baserunner and extra out to get the runner in from third
by blueballlefty on Aug 20, 2009 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
The issue is him not getting the ball in play
When he tries to bunt for a single, he has a greater chance of fouling off to reach 0-2 and have to hit. If he sac., then he can take the time to aim to first base or the pitcher and make a higher percentage play to get the ball in play and advance the runners.
If a runner is forced at 3rd...
…then that is a fielder’s choice, not a bunt single.
I have no objection to man walking on the moon.
by Chad Crudup on Aug 20, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions
OK but you get my point
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.
Wash was probably just saying that Borbon is getting too aggressive in sac bunting attempts.
Your percentage of getting the bunt down goes way up when you do it to sacrific. Bunting for a hit has a lower chance of being hit in play because you are also focusing on getting out of the box quickly, placing it, and placing it in a certain spot. For a sac., you’re are committed to solely getting that ball down on the ground as far away from the catcher as possible. Wash was seeing Borbon missing the bunt or bunting foul in sac bunt attempts because he was trying to get on base as well.
for Friday's video, please use this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcjO3m2rKoc
(even though the date is wrong – 8/22/1989 as we all know)
i was there with my Dad, one of the best memories i have re: my dad/the Rangers.
defeatist pussy lives here
Old news
J.P. can take Roy Halladay and shove him up his ass. I’ll take Derek Holland. - AJM
Rangers can no hit curve ball. Straight ball, they hit it very much. Curve ball, bats are inept.
Forgive me while I step out of the room to laugh.
2009 Texas Rangers: Why The Hell Not Us?--ghtd36 on May 13, 2009
I can't wait to see what happens when Manny get plunked in retaliation.
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions
Hole in the lineup vs. Hole in the glove
Which is more important right now at 1B? Blalock is not a bad fielder. Obviously Davis is the right choice to be back at 1B – why has it not happened yet? Are the Rangers not wanting to pull the Padilla treatment on Blalock? Is he too good of friends with MY?
Chris Davis proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he
cannot hit LH pitching this year and his every day presence in the line-up and the least productive month in the history of the franchise were not coincidental.
Somebody sucking it hard right now that’s under the radar but waaaay up in the order is David Murphy.
"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 20, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
Blalock has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he cannot hit anything
At this point, Davis deserves the chance to redeem himself. Hank does not.
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
Agreed
Davis spent his time down on the farm, refound his hitting ability, and deserves a chance to be in the lineup again. Blalock is not going to accept a minor league assignment to improve so he is as good as done at this point. Davis certainly can no do worse than Blalock has done.
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions
Worst case scenario
Davis does exactly what Hank is doing right now (though I’m not sure that’s possible). If he does, that still helps the team determine whether he’s a part of the club’s plans going forward.
Hank’s not in the long term plans, nor is he helping the short term. There is no justifiable reason to play Hank the rest of the way over Davis, and Josey cannot find one if he tried.
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
WTA
26-18 since the positive changes were made says it all.
"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 20, 2009 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I love how you keep dodging the fact Davis was up in May when we went 20-9
Yet keep touting out record since he went down
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.
Fixations
Lots of ’em. The most prominent is trying to be significant.
"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 20, 2009 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
You are too smart for us Ed.
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
The most asinine post I've read all day
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
No, no.. can't you see???
The fact that Davis has gone down, regained his eye, his stroke and his confidence means nothing. The fact that he’s shown it over 175 PAs means nothing. Players just don’t go down and fix things – it never happens.
However, Hank finally taking a couple of walks and apparently damn hear killing the 2B with the awesomeness of his power means that he’s only a day off away from putting this Thing on his back again.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
bking
Blalock had an 8 game hitting streak before the Boston series (where he was awful on Friday & Saturday). During the 8 game streak he hit into some very bad luck as well.
In the last game of the Boston series he was robbed of a hit and then hit another ball to the fence in CF. He hit a triple and took a walk on Tuesday and then took another walk last night after hitting that rocket.
During the last 6 weeks that CDavis was here, pitchers were throwing balls right down the middle knowing he wouldn’t do anything with it. A .143 average / .491 OPS v LH pitching for the year plus being on a pace to K 266 times if he would have played 162 games?
CDavis hasn’t earned the right to do Jack Shit other than spend October-January in a batting cage.
"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 20, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
So because Davis can't hit a fsatball down the middle he shouldn't play
Yet you want Teagarden to be the everyday catcher even when Salty was here. Have you seen Teagarden swing at pitches down the pipe? Its brutal to watch
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.
Hell, release Davis
If he’s not good enough to out-play Hank F. right now, he has no business being on the 40 man roster.
Then we can give Hank that 3 year, $30 million deal you think he deserves, and go to battle with him in 2010-12.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 20, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
You just made me throw up a little in my mouth with that scenario.
Please don’t put that picture in my head again. It was like imagining my grandparents doing it doggy style. Not cool.
1st time i met my grandparents-in-law
they give us a tour of the house. I look in their bedroom and there is a mirror on the ceiling. I glanced down as fast as i could, but she saw me looking.
" I have no faith in the GM making a move to help the big club but I’m on board."
Josey Wales on the 2009 Rangers. A team with 18 active players acquired by the current GM.
actually at one point he said 3/$36 million
If you want some slack, bring your own rope.
by rangerfaninva on Aug 20, 2009 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I said 3 years/ $ 30 million
after the 2007 season but reneged after the injuries last year but don’t let the facts get in the way.
"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 20, 2009 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions
I said I'd have no problem making him that offer
“if he’s healthy this year and is as productive as he appears to be”
You may read it differently but that statement was qualified with an “IF”.
At the time, Hank F was on his way to 40+ HR’s but it’s obvious he’s not going to get there so I wouldn’t make him that offer.
"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 20, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
I believe he also had 10 HR & 24 RBI
thru about 32 games or somesuch.
I thought he was going to return to his career obp of .330+ with 35-40 bombs.
That type of player is worth 3 years / $ 30 million.
"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 20, 2009 12:21 PM CDT up reply actions
Funny that a Bill James disciple such as you cites RBIs
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
And that is why JD is the GM and you are not sir.
Give me chemistry over stats any day. Do you think 34,000 fans were screaming their asses off over Pudges .275 OBP?
So why does JD continue to stand down on this issue?
"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 20, 2009 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
Did you not read my answer yesterday?
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 read your answer and we agree on many salient
points but I was asking Ace JC.
"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 20, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions
Because until Sept 1.
Hank is the best overall option. He considers MY’s stance and probably the rest of the team. The team isn’t in total failure mode and he isn’t crippling the team. Just a black eye. JD also IMO doesn’t want to upset Hanks following with a DFA and will just let himride off into the sunset at the end of the year.
Give me chemistry over stats any day. Do you think 34,000 fans were screaming their asses off over Pudges .275 OBP?
Which one?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
I hope he gets that contract
Far away from this team and you happen to follow him as well……
Bill Simmons: "I will tell you right now, if the Boston Red Sox traded Clay Buchholz for Justin Smoak, I will run around my neighborhood naked...celebrating for an hour. I love Justin Smoak"
Whoa there
Hank is Carrying This Thing with his Timely Hits (pay no attention to the fact that his one recent extra base hit came with none on and 2 outs and he didn’t score). And the team is 26-18 since That Glorious Day. Extrapolate that out to 165 games and you end up with 97 wins. Hank can Carry This Thing to 97 wins! And yet, now you are saying he’s not even as productive as you expected?! Imagine how many wins we’d have if he was as productive as you expected. You’ve got to admit that even with his slightly diminished production, the 97 win pace he’s got us on recently has to be worth at least 3/30. Don’t back down. Stick to your guns!
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
You're like the fat chick friend hot chicks like to hang out with sometimes
so they feel skinnier. I always feel smarter when you’re here, so thanks for stopping by.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
So, again, you're saying that Hank can fix his slump with a day off..
even given his epically bad OBP, but that Davis can’t get straightened out in almost two months of raking at AAA. Gotcha.
While we’re on the subject of “epically bad”, you really should take an introspective look at how hard you are clutching at those straws in Hank’s defense.. It’s really sad when a bromance degenerates into borderline stalking.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
Do I hear crickets???
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
I hear seagulls
(but I work in SF, so that makes sense)
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 12:01 PM CDT up reply actions
Josey said Hank needed to play everyday
to get his stroke back. I actually felt the same way. He has certainly disappointed me.
before CD went down .241/.287/.530
playing fulltime………….. 231/.253/.410
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 do believe that can officially end his backing of Hank.
I was pretty sure that was what he was backing all of his statements around was Hank getting F/T PT. Looks like those numbers show otherwise. And getting key hits was only an arguement after he was the black hole. I’m done.
Give me chemistry over stats any day. Do you think 34,000 fans were screaming their asses off over Pudges .275 OBP?
Really? You think that will end it?
You don’t know Josey very well.
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions
If Hank F looked as poorly as CDavis
looked…well, all season but especially at the end when he was 4 for 28 with 11K’s, I’d have concern but he hasn’t.
I’d consider backing down but he’s showing signs of coming out of it so no, I haven’t given up the ship and it would appear JD is in agreeance or is being forced to stand down.
"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 20, 2009 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions
"agreeance"?
I actually had to look that up. Turns out it is a word.
Definition: the act of agreeing
Example: Usage of the site constitutes agreeance with these terms.
Usage: considered obsolete and a bastardization of ‘agreement’
So, now you are bastardizing the language along with the facts.
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions
NorCal
“Agreeance” is a term from The Ticket used quite a bit down here.
I think the guy from Limp Bizkit was on stage at some function discussing the war and said “I think we can all be in agreeance this war is bad” or somesuch.
The Ticket uses “agreeance” as a drop.
"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 20, 2009 12:32 PM CDT up reply actions
Must be a Southern thing
I wouldn’t understand.
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 12:36 PM CDT up reply actions
Agreeance is pure Ticket schtick..
like JW said, they heard some idiot say it and adopted it as a catch phrase.
The one I want to see make a return was the whole “haze gray and underway” opening.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
Ahem
Josey, Hank is right now 6-40 with 9K’s. To put it in the same terms as CD near the end, Hank is 3-27 with 7 K’s. How can you not see the similarities?
Give me chemistry over stats any day. Do you think 34,000 fans were screaming their asses off over Pudges .275 OBP?
I just pulled this streak from his vaunted July "carrying the team"
Jul 22, 2009 to Jul 29, 2009
5-29, 13Ks
.172 /.172 /.276 /.448
Looks like CD has company with his “historic” swan song.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
I'll see your July 22-29
and raise you a May 16-31 from “Crush” that reads 3 for 44 (.068) with 24K’s and that was the moment Wash was told to make sure CD continues to plays every day while Hank F goes to a heavy platoon.
Wonder why that didn’t play well in the room with the vets?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
So, THAT'S your retort???
We point out the fact that Hank F has been putting up numbers in line with the daming numbers you have been trumpeting for CD, and instead of admitting just how big of a boat anchor Hank has been, you wanna play SSS poker??
Really? REALLLLLY??
Everyone in the room has agreed that CD had a horrible run up here this year. Every one of us has agreed that he needed to go down, and sooner than he did.
Every.single.one.of.us.
Yet, you still can’t stop digging and simply admit to the elephant in the room – that Hank has been basically just as bad.
He needs to go as soon as possible, and CD has done everything he can do at this point to earn another look. The only thing standing in the way of Hank being out of a job is apparently a management desire/need to make it work with a minimum of clubhouse turmoil and risk.
You would think if MY was as solid a leader as he’s reputed to be, he’d be in JD’s office demanding they make a move.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
bking
why does JD continue to stand down on this issue?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
I answered that in the post you just replied to...
and in about 10 other posts over the last 2 days.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
So JD is afraid to upset the vets?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
I figure it could take 200 or more at bats here before Rudy fucks up his swing again.
That should get us through the year.
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Least productive month in the history of the franchise?
I’d like to see some stats on that.
So is it your position that Davis will never be a major league player? I’ve seen you hint that maybe he could come back next season (although I assume you still want to resign Blalock to 3/30), but the way you talk about Davis you seem to take the position that Davis will forever be the player who had that bad June 2009. What exactly is Davis going to have to do to merit major league time at first base? Also, just how badly does Blalock have to suck before you’ll agree he needs to be cut?
Also, do you believe Blalock is a clutch player?
What reason is there to believe...
…that Davis will hit better in April in the majors than he would hit right now in the majors?
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 20, 2009 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions
To help prove Adam's point
Here are some splits for Davis….
Majors:
AVG: .202 OBP .256 SLG .415 OPS .671
Against Lefties
AVG .143 OBP .205 SLG .286 OPS .491
Yeah, we all admitted he sucked at the beginning of the year and that it was probably best that he got sent down (even he admitted it). But when he got down there, he said he went back to work on the things he did last year and started hitting again:
Minors:
AVG .329 OBP .256 SLG .415 OPS .966
Against Lefties
AVG .250 OBP .292 SLG .477 OPS .769
Now compare that to Blalock
Majors:
AVG .237 OBP .274 SLG .482 OPS .756
Against Lefties:
AVG .241 OBP .246 SLG .473 OPS .714
Chris Davis went down to the minors and worked to get back to where he was. His SO to BB rate is much better (33 to 24) and he’s performing like he should be back. And right now, he is an upgrade to Blalock at 1st Base whether some people like it or not….
Bill Simmons: "I will tell you right now, if the Boston Red Sox traded Clay Buchholz for Justin Smoak, I will run around my neighborhood naked...celebrating for an hour. I love Justin Smoak"
What about his presence in the lineup in the best month record wise in over 25 years?
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 carried This Thing that month
The W-L record is all you need to know.
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
That's funny
We had 8 other guys in the lineup during that time yet Hank gets credit for carrying the team. Mi no comprende.
There were many casualties, Ace JC.
"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 20, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Common sense seems to be one of them.
Give me chemistry over stats any day. Do you think 34,000 fans were screaming their asses off over Pudges .275 OBP?
mostly due to trades and unruly fans i believe
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
"Taking steroids is only gonna make him whiff on those sliders in the dirt with more fury." -thedirkatron
by knockoutking on Aug 20, 2009 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions
I think it had more to do with a pitching staff leading the majors in ERA that month.
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Sorta like the Rangers having one of the best ERAs in the majors since the ASB has to do with our current run?
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.
Wow what a novel idea!!
The idea that it takes more than one person to “Carry” a team to a terrific month.. News to some folks…
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
26-18, that's all you need to know
Let the healing begin.
"You dont know much do you, Big Steve?"
--Finnerty.Fan on Aug 13, 2009 5:13 PM PDT
"his every day presence in the line-up and the least productive month in the history of the franchise were not coincidental"
CD not hitting somehow caused the rest of the lineup to forget how to hit. He was so terribly overmatched that he actually created a “black hole” at home plate when the Rangers were batting, sucking in all learned skills and natural talent into oblivion. Gotcha.
"Does this effectively hide my thunder?"
He also fails to note that Blalock hit worse than CD that month
CD .220/.273/.402
Hank .179/.254/.339
If you want some slack, bring your own rope.
by rangerfaninva on Aug 20, 2009 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
but but but
He was being jerked around by the manager and platooned. Once he starts playing everyday he will be a monster.
uh huh. Look at the stats RangerMad posted above. Hank has been worse as an everyday player than he was in a platoon
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 meant Andruw
Only because he has played so little 1B in his career. 11 innings at 1B in the majors and 5 games at 1B in the minors. So when he doesn’t get to a ball that Blalock would have got or he makes that inevitable first error, everyone is going to be screaming and shouting for improved defense at 1B.
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions
oh okay
right now he might count for both…
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
Andruw's bat is much better than Hank's bat right now.
by Mark from OC on Aug 20, 2009 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Fixed!
Anyone, even my sister’s Andruw’s bat is much better than Hank’s bat right now.
by FuturePants on Aug 20, 2009 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
15 games over and one back in the wild card
never felt so bad.
I’m not panicking and I realize we’re ‘a year ahead of schedule’ – but it still sucks a big one and it’s got me reeeeeal nervous.
Jones
he has a lower BA and a MUCH lower slugging against lefties 13 of his HR’s come against righties and 4 against lefties, with similar PA’s
vs. lefties
Blalock 114PA’s 6HR’s 32K’s 0BB with a slash of .241/.246/.473
Jones 130PA’s 4HR’s 20K’s 27BB with a slash of .218/.377/.416
I don’t really see how jones helps you that much, he does get on base at a higher rate but then we have to watch him jog around the bases, he is a little better but not much
The Most Disappointing Thing About The Last Two Games
Has been the pitchers’ inability to keep the big inning from erupting. So much of the team’s success this season has been because the pitching and defense has found a way to get out of jams. In the last two games (and really, the last three, even though we scored a lot on Monday night), the team has looked flat, and the pitchers can’t avoid that one terrible inning. And in each case, the pitcher in question has lost significant command of the strike zone. I don’t know if it’s just the law of averages finally catching up to them, the heat/workload finally taking its toll, or the length of the season wearing on their ability to focus, but it’s unsettling.
Gary Sheffield, anyone?
I posted that suggestion in Evan’s postgame discussion last night. It makes sense to me.
Entering play yesterday, Sheffield was .290/.382/.473 in 87 games this year. His splits against LHP and RHP are pretty similair. He has played some 1st base in the past (not a lot, but he could do about as well as Hank, I’d wager)
I read somewhere on Yahoo! Sports that the Mets will probably dump Sheff before the season is over. Why not trade a spare part along the lines of what you gave for Pudge?
If you are bringing up Davis at the end of the month anyway
Why trade for a guy who will want to play everyday or cause problems in the clubhouse?
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 the manager......
….would be MUCH more likely to play a veteran like Sheffield over Hank than he would play Davis over Hank. When Davis comes back up on Sept 1, I envision him getting the Brandon Boggs treatment from Wash. Just going with my gut on that one.
Dropping Hank and bringing in a cancer like Sheffield would not be good for this club
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
The players have made it pretty clear they don't want bad teammates
The whole team was behind getting rid of Padilla. I don’t think they’d appreciate replacing one clubhouse cancer with another.
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions
We have Davis coming up and we already have a vet DH (Druw).
Plus I think Sheffield is a douche and would be a total cancer to our team. Just not the mentality of a player I would want in our clubhouse right now with all the young guys. AJ and Byrd I’m ok with, they have fun, but take their job seriously. Gary just seems like a prima donna.
They pulled him back from waivers after a claim was made
You can’t trade for him until they put him on irrevocable waivers. Don’t see the Mets doing that if they pulled him back in the first place
Plus if I recall correctly the 2'nd attempt through waivers if he is claimed he can't be pulled back
and the club claiming him has to keep him on roster for 12 months?
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions
According to EG, Wash said "Millwood was still sharp heading to the sixth and he had no intention of pulling him before the inning despite the presence of an eight-man bullpen".
He was still sharp? Really?
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
That also makes me throw up in my mouth. Alot.
Wash can not have possibly said that. Please let it be false
Ron NEVER throws his players under the bus
"What ... 92 miles per hour?" Feldman scoffed. "That's not gas. Feliz throws gas."
by NorCalRangersFan on Aug 20, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions
I can appreciate that quality in a manager
But don’t commit an obvious lie. You face the music " I made a mistake. Millwood was tiring and I left him out there too long."
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Obvious lie???????
Any chance he just got his innings confused?
Nah, he can be both stupid and a liar I guess..
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
Oh he said it.
I was watching that postgame conference, too. He also said that Milly was only at 70 pitches to start the sixth, when he was at 91. Either he was misinformed or he was lying.
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.
he misremembered
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
He lost a whole inning
Is Wash too young to have Premature Juvenile Altzheimer’s ?
"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 20, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions
Yeah
I remember looking up at his pitch count (94) shortly after the inning started and thinking ‘GET HIM OUT NOW!’.
"There is the Vegetarian Hot Pocket for those of us who don't want to eat meat, but would still like diarrhea." Jim Gaffigan
by Suicide Prince on Aug 20, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
He walked 3 in the 5th
But, the hitters will tell Ron when a pitcher is done.
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
Wash
What the article doesn’t mention is that Wash was watching the game in a parallel universe last night where Millwood got out of the inning and the Rangers went on to win.
Officially gay for Neftali Feliz
by RCCook on Aug 20, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 2 recs
LOL
"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 20, 2009 12:08 PM CDT up reply actions
clearly RW does not live in the same world as we do.
Scout: He was a first-round pick right? Got a huge bonus?
KG: Oh yeah.
Scout: Well, he spent a lot of it on milkshakes.
-
"Taking steroids is only gonna make him whiff on those sliders in the dirt with more fury." -thedirkatron
by knockoutking on Aug 20, 2009 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions
The result was terrible
but I really enjoyed being at the game last night. Loved seeing Pudge come up to bat and hearing nothing but the roar from the crowd and being able to be a part of that standing ovation. Wish that I could’ve recorded the game, too, but really glad I was there for that moment. I understand that Pudge is the back-up and shouldn’t have to be relied on too much but it was really cool being able to see the opposite field double/same old Pudge last night.
"There is the Vegetarian Hot Pocket for those of us who don't want to eat meat, but would still like diarrhea." Jim Gaffigan
by Suicide Prince on Aug 20, 2009 12:17 PM CDT reply actions
I going tonite to see Holland pitch. Looking forward to it.
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions
Enjoy it
I will be very happy if we can split with MIN now.
I was hoping that I would get to see Holland this year but that doesn’t look like it will happen. Then again, I was hoping to see him in Frisco and that didn’t happen either.
"There is the Vegetarian Hot Pocket for those of us who don't want to eat meat, but would still like diarrhea." Jim Gaffigan
by Suicide Prince on Aug 20, 2009 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
How about this?
Hank to the DL (player fail)
MaxRam call-up and platoon at 1B/DH
Chris Davis call-up and platoon at 1B
KRich to waivers
is a fan of Derek Freaking Holland!
Richardson was already DFAd two days ago
MaxRam won’t be up until after September if at all.
Davis will come up before August 31st if they DL Hank or Jones with an “injury” or he will come up on August 31st to be playoff eligible
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.
Exactly...
They WANT to wait on CD until Sept 1, whether for chemistry reasons or due to some misguided idea that Hank will come out of it, but 11 days is starting to look like a long damn time.
I expect a Jones injury any day now. Sightings of ball bearings on his locker floor cannot be confirmed yet however.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
Didn't see many comments on this
do folks buy this in Grant’s piece?
Maybe the Rangers continue sitting him against lefties for the time being and maybe they use him as a DH some against right-handed pitching with an outfield rotation of Marlon Byrd, Josh Hamilton, Nelson Cruz and David Murphy who are all considered better fielders than Borbon at this point.
I’ve missed games lately, and haven’t seen Borbon played the field, but is Borbon really a worse fielder than Murphy, or is this just propaganda from the Gut?
"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
I've seen a couple of "oh no you didn't" plays from him...
But I think he’s a very solid fielder working through some jitters. And no one else on this team runs down that gapper from Pedroia.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
I had heard some reports
that he was a plus OF in the minors. I have no idea if that is the standard overrating of all fast players, or if he is that good, and RW is just playing vets instead.
"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
I think it's a bit of the latter
But I haven’t really seen any sign that Wash is afraid to play him. I think it’s just the Byrd man-love pushing him to LF.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
He is good now
but wait until Pettis works with him at Instructs and ST.
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
His arm is a little weak but he is learning new position, I think?
I'm tired of hearing about team chemistry. You are telling me these fuckers wouldn’t like to have a teammate that could actually help the team win, instead of being down 2-4 spots.
by diamond_dave on Aug 20, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions
OT: Plaxico gets 2 yr sentence in plea
Van damn, that’s harsh.
He didn’t hurt anybody but himself. I could see it a little more if he was waving it in some dude’s face or making threats w/ it, but just for possession? With no priors?
Pretty harsh.
Neftali Feliz says sit your 5 dollar ass down before he makes change...
We'll show you Obama's birth certificate as soon as you show us Sarah Palin's high school diploma...
Especially considering what some other NFL players get
That’s worse than Vick who did terrible things to defenseless animals. That’s worse than Stallworth who killed a guy. I guess the American justice system just has to put their foot down on the idiots who shoot themselves in the leg.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
I've met folks who think that even OWNING a gun makes you an evil person...
so talk to them.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
Talk to the folks in NYC...
Gun control laws are pretty illogical anyway, and this is a poster child for that.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
How much is Pudge making?
Should the Rangers really be paying alot for a back-up catcher when MLB won’t even approve enough money to sign their top draft pick? I’m not trying to rip on the deal but I was thinking Pudge would be the starter since everyone has been saying Tea isn’t a starting caliber catcher.
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