Friday morning Rangers stuff
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 7, 2009 11:02 AM CDT
157 comments
This weekend's series? Kind of a big deal...
Jeff Wilson said the Rangers badly needed a win and a long outing from their starting pitcher yesterday, and got both.
The Rangers are probably sending Doug Mathis down today to get another position player up, but Ron Washington says it won't be a catcher, and the team is hopeful Jarrod Saltalamacchia will be back on Saturday.
Wilson also has a depressing story up about the Ranger offense, that includes this "get real" quote from Washington:
"All I hear people asking me is, 'Can we take more pitches? Can we start working the count?’ " manager Ron Washington said. "That’s not something that happens just by talking. We have to have the personnel. And it’s not going to happen at this time of the year.
"At this time of the year, if you’re not in shape, you’re in trouble. If you haven’t figured things out by now, you’re in trouble."
Josh Hamilton thinks that his hitting will improve, particularly now that he's stopped taking some medication that he thinks was having adverse effects.
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You would think that you had a paid subscription to this site.
by txranfanted on Aug 7, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not to get technical, but my 'Friday morning Rangers stuff' can only stay fresh for another 49 minutes
by oc on Aug 7, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You can, of course, hop on a plane to Hawaii
by Telegraph on Aug 7, 2009 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nonsense, I hear a gallon of milk is five bucks out there
by oc on Aug 7, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, then keep flying until you get to China
by Telegraph on Aug 7, 2009 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
They pee in their milk, don't they?
"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 7, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought that was coke.
Some kind of joke, if I remember the story correctly from childhood.
by Athos on Aug 7, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Well played.
"You got a guy coming up there who can’t hit water if he fell out of a boat." - Tom Grieve on Richie Sexson, 5.8.2008
"I’ve been a Rangers fan all my life and I can tell you there’s been plenty of fucking crying in baseball…" - WhipSmart, 6.3.08
"When it comes to Jeff Mathis, the story ends with us putting one in his earhole." - AJM, 7.7.08
by lisa w on Aug 7, 2009 12:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, it's only 9:12 out here
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.
by lonestarJon on Aug 7, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Start your own website
I’m sure folks will flock to it.
"I saw a soldier try to dig a foxhole with his bare hands. He didn't notice that he'd torn off all his fingernails. I got him out of there quickly; not for his sake, but for ours. Fear is poison in combat...destructive, contagious." - Band of Brothers
by DJCahill on Aug 7, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love how that's always your go-to line for any kind of criticism.
by brettgardner on Aug 7, 2009 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well if folks are full of ideas
how a website should be run, they ought to run their own website.
"I saw a soldier try to dig a foxhole with his bare hands. He didn't notice that he'd torn off all his fingernails. I got him out of there quickly; not for his sake, but for ours. Fear is poison in combat...destructive, contagious." - Band of Brothers
by DJCahill on Aug 7, 2009 1:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Or
It could be that oc really enjoys this site and AJM’s analysis, and just has an idea on how it could be improved.
If I disagreed with something the President did, the best recourse for me wouldn’t be to run for President myself.
by brettgardner on Aug 7, 2009 1:52 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Gardner 2012. Why the hell not?
"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!
by Maximilian on Aug 7, 2009 1:59 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Good reason
Not old enough. That’s clearly the only reason, though.
by brettgardner on Aug 7, 2009 2:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No one who posts on LSB
could ever run. Just think of all the fodder for dirty campaigning to be uncovered here.
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by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 3:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think you should consider it down the road..
You can campaign on the “no pandering here – I can go all-asshole at any time” theme. :-)
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It works for
Rahm Emanuel, maybe you’d make a good chief of staff.
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by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. What's up, Adam? It's not it's a workday or anything.
We’re trying to get through this Friday without an AM thread? For shame…
by jam0152 on Aug 7, 2009 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
gotta agree with Washington
you are what you are. It doesn’t really even bode well for next year in my opinion as most of the hackers will be back.
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
by willamos2 on Aug 7, 2009 11:05 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Yep, Ron is right
people keep looking for some simplistic scapegoat (fire Rudy!) but it’s not that simple. The Rangers have a lot of aggressive hitters, and they have a lot of young hitters trying too hard.
I wouldn’t mind a change from Rudy, but even if that happened, what hitting coach could turn this bunch into walk machines? Please, people. Life and baseball are more complicated than that.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't really see anyone hoping this turns into a bunch of "walk machines"
Most of us are just hoping for some incremental improvement in pitch selection and approach, which will most likely lead to more walks, but also to less empty ABs.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 11:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the Wash & Rudy divorce is heading to the final hearing.
This is all but done folks.
"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 7, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm
you think by personnel he meant the players or coaches?
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Both?
We already know Wash and Rudy came to loggerheads last season, and their approaches seem to clash. Can the players change their approach under Rudy is more the questions, IMO.
"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 7, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think personnel was a clever word
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True.
“Always leave them guessing” kinda way, and doesn’t point the finger at anyone in particular.
What is missed in Wash’s skills, imo, is not upsetting the apple cart ala Buckhead, and not playing out every game in the media. This team is a serious contender, and to call anyone/anything out may upset the club, and cost a win or two along the way.
"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 7, 2009 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rudy
Not that I’m advocating his firing, but it’s unusual for a hitting coach to have been with the same team for four managers- Oates, Narron, Buck, and now Wash.
A change in scenery might be good for everyone involved.
Officially gay for Neftali Feliz
by RCCook on Aug 7, 2009 11:41 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's where I stand...
The message is just not getting through so, unless we think Rudy is the best technician by a mile, it’s time to change messengers.
…along with a few of the recipients, of course…
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 11:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think so
i just think the team sees successes like derosa or even people like GMJ or Andruw jones where they can get some good production on the cheap and they don’t want to lose out on that.
plus, even if he is lacking in approach, he’ still probably great as an instructor. I feel like ideally they would want to retain rudy in some way but i doubt they could sell that to him.
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I've been on the fence
because I think there is a very good chance our next batting coach will be worse than Rudy.
Although after June this year and after seeing Davis turn it around instantly in the minors, I wouldn’t be too upset if they gave him the heave ho.
"I saw a soldier try to dig a foxhole with his bare hands. He didn't notice that he'd torn off all his fingernails. I got him out of there quickly; not for his sake, but for ours. Fear is poison in combat...destructive, contagious." - Band of Brothers
by DJCahill on Aug 7, 2009 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like Coolbaugh is being groomed
Also, with the ownership situation, and Rudy’s contract expiring after the season, he may bolt on his own.
I do agree with your first statement.
"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 7, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope Coolbaugh
doesn’t put 2009 OKC Hitting instructor on his resume.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 12:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And
what evidence do we have that Coolbaugh has a philosophy any different than Rudy’s? The organization seems to employ Rudy’s lingo and philosophy.
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by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 12:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What evidence to the contrary?
I have no ideas about him, but he has moved up steadily, and has seemingly turned Davis around quickly.
"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 7, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, to play devil's advocate
maybe he’s known the younger players longer than Rudy and gets through to them, and that might be one more argument for him. But I agree with Cahill that the odds of getting a better hitting coach are long, and a lot of players would be mightily pissed if the team didn’t resign him.
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by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That's why I hope someone money-whips him..
rather than us “running him off”.
Personally, I’d simply show the HRs vs runs scored rankings at ANY hitter who bitched about us making a change. Whether it’s his fault or not, it would be asinine for ANYONE to look at our stats and have a beef.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope he just chooses to retire or take a break for a little while
I think that would be the best for everyone.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Aug 7, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think it would be a little humorous
when our offense loses its power completely on its way to transitioning to a OBP machine, and we turn into an Athletics-esque offense in transition while we’re trying to make a playoff push.
Many people will rue wishing for Rudy to walk out the door, imo. Taken for granted, it’s not an easy job.
by BuckyB on Aug 7, 2009 1:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many homeruns would we lose if Rudy walked?
by cstorm15 on Aug 7, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
How many walks would we gain with this same lineup
if Rudy walked?
by BuckyB on Aug 7, 2009 2:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
You assume I've picked a side on this debate
by cstorm15 on Aug 7, 2009 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
No, I wasn't arguing
I was kind of making a point that we have no idea about the effect of Rudy staying or leaving.
by BuckyB on Aug 7, 2009 2:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Many people will rue wishing for Rudy to walk out the door, imo. Taken for granted, it’s not an easy job.
It seems like you have some idea about the effect of Rudy leaving…
by cstorm15 on Aug 7, 2009 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Never careful enough with my words, i suppose
change it to “no idea about how Rudy leaving will specifically effect stats throughout the team”
I think there will be an overall negative effect, this is true.
by BuckyB on Aug 7, 2009 3:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
a lot of players would be mightily pissed
Who? My, yes. Who else?
As for Coolbaugh, he has worked with Davis, TT, Andrus, Borbon, Smoak, Max, and Boggs. Not sure about Salty. Certainly a number of important players are familiar with him.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But which of those players has he gotten max production out of?
Davis – sure.
Any other players he’s worked with that you are just amazed by the progress they made under Cool?
by BuckyB on Aug 7, 2009 1:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hmm
Frisco 2007 – Davis, Boggs, TT, Max
Frisco 2008 – Davis, Andrus
OKC 2009 – Borbon, Smoak
Amazed, no. I was just pointing out that he has worked with a number of the young players and has that on his side if JD wants to change hitting coaches.
Also, he managed the El Paso Diablos, a Texas League team, in ’03 and ’04. He should get bonus points for that just due to the bus rides they hade to take.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 2:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
A lot of TX players speak up praising Jaramillo, it’s not just Young. I’m sure if he didn’t come back they’d get over it and move on, but it’s not a change you make lightly.
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by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
it’s not a change you make lightly
I agree.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 3:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
none
I think the org. employs Rudy’s swing lingo down through the organization. I am not sure they employ his philosophy.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 12:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Can you point out
any players or coaches with a different philosophy? I see no evidence that anyone at a lower level is espousing a different philosophy. Baseball orgs are top down, not everyone for themselves. They went to great trouble to make sure everyone was on board with the pitching philosophy, why would they not be doing the same with the hitting?
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by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 3:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Swing mechanics
yes, I think that is passed down through the organization. I don’t think they pass down an aggressive approach at the plate.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 3:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would hope not...
If they don’t preach pitch selection 24/7 in the minors, these young kids would get eaten like pez at the higher levels.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
loggerheads
what happened last season?
by blakethegr8 on Aug 7, 2009 1:12 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
loggerheads
what happened last season?
by blakethegr8 on Aug 7, 2009 1:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
clarification
between rudy and wash
by blakethegr8 on Aug 7, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
What are loggerheads?
"Ho visto il tuo agire, non solo rendono per me. Basta un sacco di fluff".
by scoop16 on Aug 7, 2009 1:17 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
x
—Idiom
at loggerheads, engaged in a disagreement or dispute; quarreling: They were at loggerheads over the distribution of funds.
"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 7, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm always interested in the origins of archaic phrases. This is the best I could find -
If people are at loggerheads then they are quarrelling or arguing with each other. The phrase is several centuries old and can be found in Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”. Logger was the name given to the heavy wooden block fastened to the legs of grazing horses to prevent them straying. Sometimes the loggers became entangled, with resultant strife; horses being basically impracticable they were likened to a block head if they became entangled and this is the explanation of the saying according to some sources.
Other sources suggests that the origin is nautical. Loggerheads were long handled devices with a spherical cup at one end. These cups were filled with hot tar or pitch which was thrown at enemy sailors. They, of course, responded and both sides were truly at loggerheads.
There is yet another nautical suggestion, this time involving whale boats. In these boats the loggerhead was a channel through which ran the harpoon rope. The channel became very hot when the rope was running out; it had to be cooled with water. The heat generated was likened to that found when people argue
"Ho visto il tuo agire, non solo rendono per me. Basta un sacco di fluff".
by scoop16 on Aug 7, 2009 1:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See? Apparently you DID know how to look it up yourself..
Just picking on you. :-)
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 1:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sooo
what happened between rudy and wash last year?
by blakethegr8 on Aug 7, 2009 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
See...this is silly
if these guys just decide to randomly change their approach at this point in the season they would be even worse
by Horns130 on Aug 7, 2009 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
yup
people dont seem to realize how difficult it is to hit a frickin baseball. You cant just change how you go about hitting it mid-season, or for that matter mid-career, guys can tweak stuff about their swing, stance, or whatever in BP and training, but to actually change the way you face a pitcher in a live game is really, really tough. Thats something that they’ve pretty much built into their system of hitting from years of experience and that experience almost cant be reversed because their is no way to simulate the experience of being in the batters box facing a pitcher in a live game.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on Aug 7, 2009 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
BS
It is called desire. They have to want to take pitches and work the count. Ian Kinsler, .250 career OBP, .313 this year. Byrd -.339/.318. Blalock – .331/.283. I have seen each of them work counts and either get the BB or a good pitch to hit. They can do it if the want to.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 11:47 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ian Kinsler
has a .350 career OBP…
Keepin it Classy Gentlemen
by Hamiltons Homey on Aug 7, 2009 5:11 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ron isn't saying they can never get better.
He’s saying it’s pretty hard to improve in the midst of the season. The idea that professional hitters can’t work on approach in the offseason is silly. The fact is that most of the team is swinging more freely than they have historically, which means that they certainly managed to get worse in the offseason. If that’s the case, why can’t they get better, or even return to their norms, next offseason?
by Athos on Aug 7, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we are who we thought we were?
I had the flu way before having the flu was cool
by TagDon'tTweet on Aug 7, 2009 12:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Josh thing still seems wierd to me
I would agree that it’s not an obvious conclusion to draw: “Oh, he must be on behavior-changing medications.” But the teams doctors probably should have started wondering after he lost 20 friggin’ pounds!
Again, I just hope that the problem has been diagnosed, addressed, and is no longer a problem.
Go Josh and Go Rangers! Beat them m’fing Angels!!!!
by jam0152 on Aug 7, 2009 11:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I'm sure they did start to wonder..
But unfortunately, the process of figuring out WHAT was causing the weight loss is probably more trial-and-error than “aha”.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Plus I doubt they got his weight for every single day
Hamilton’s a big guy and could have easily lost some of that weight without anyone thinking anything was out of the norm. I think it was Kinsler who said he would lose something like 10-15 pounds throughout the season just from playing everyday and not being able to work out as much.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Aug 7, 2009 12:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
ADD medication
Given the way some type A high school and college students abuse the stuff, I wouldn’t be surprised to see ballplayers trying it to help their performance like they did with “greenies.”
by other_shoe on Aug 7, 2009 11:07 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I take it...
and I read that 75% of MLB are taking them. That’s insane.
They help me greatly though.
by cmkelly29 on Aug 7, 2009 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Its scary to know the team doctors could be morons.
Its legal crack! I think that was an obvious mistake to put him on that shit. I used to take it to study in college. I would be up for days.
Rocky Mountain Ranger
by Strangers on Aug 7, 2009 12:46 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
As CM says, it can really help people who need it,
but abuse is a problem.
I wouldn’t be surprised if some doctors have a very hard time telling true attention disorders from the effects of spending your late teens and early twenties on a minor league baseball team.
by other_shoe on Aug 7, 2009 1:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
People with ADD are more drawn to drugs for this reason
crack, meth, etc helps with ADD. Medication is a safer way to deal with it. But they do have similar effects.
by BuckyB on Aug 7, 2009 2:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Smartest thing Wash has said in a long time.
I’m sort of impressed.
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.
by lonestarJon on Aug 7, 2009 11:08 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ha, if jon says he's impressed with something Wash said
well, that’s just never happened
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on Aug 7, 2009 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm gonna call BS on all this
The idea that you cannot learn and grow and change behavior is preposterous. That is a big cop out on Washington’s part. How much better are the Rangers pitching this year with Maddux tutoring them and with a pitch to contact philosophy?
by texasdoc on Aug 7, 2009 11:12 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
ugh
its kind of a universal law, once you reach this part of your career as a hitter, your habits, relexes or whatever are set. Its really, really hard to teach the yuniesky betancourt’s, Jeff Franceour’s, and Pablo Sandoval’s of the world how to be patient, its just not how they have trained themselves to hit a major league baseball… Reacting to a pitched ball is about the toughest thing to do in sports, it becomes even tougher when you are confusing how you’ve always learned how to hit with another approach. Its one thing to fix the mechanics, timing, and power of a swing, but a totally different thing to teach someone how to lay off pitches.
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on Aug 7, 2009 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Now I call BS..
There is no way most of these guys made it up through the ranks with this degree of selectivity.
They have by and large regressed, with Hank being the poster child. When he first arrived, he could and would hit to all fields. So, if he can change for the worse, are we to believe he can’t undo 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
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree that hitting
a pitched basball is a difficult task. Our team (read:Rudy) does not prioritize a patient approach. Making a conscious decision in each at bat to work the count into your favor and wait for a pitch well in the zone is a task that can be done with no regard to timing or swing mechanics. Also, we as a team do not shorten swings or defend the strike zone well with 2 strikes- the monster hacks are the same on 1-2 as they are on 2-0. When I watch Hamilton or Byrd or Kinsler hack away at a no count breaking ball that starts low and away and ends up in the dirt, I refuse to believe that the pitch looked good and favorable to them as it headed toward the black of the plate low and away. They DO however look like they’ve been taught to swing away and swing hard at the first pitch because pitchers like to throw first pitch fastball strikes and get ahead in the count to the rest of the league. It appears the rest of the league has figured that out and pitches accordingly.
by texasdoc on Aug 7, 2009 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
That sounds less like Rudy's fault
And more like the player’s fault.
Rudy preaches seeing your pitch and hitting your pitch. That could be interpreted as waiting for the perfect pitch to hit and giving it your all (which should lead to more called strikes and walks, etc), or, it could be interpreted as swing at the first pitch you see that is reasonable.
I would approach it the first way, but the Rangers generally seem to be approaching it the second way.
Additionally, the Rangers can’t be seeing these crappy pitches and going, “That’s my pitch, time to smoke it!”.
.The way they’re swinging at these awful pitches, it’s like they “think” that they may be seeing their pitch next and gear up to swing regardless — like expecting a first pitch fastball for a strike. I can understand this situation in a slump — you get up there and want to make something happen, and then it just tailspins, but these are ML players and they need to be able to break the tailspin.
An alternate example would be Murphy. He seems to be radically improved upon from last year. He sits and waits for a pitch to hit — not a strike to hit, an actual pitch to hit. He takes strikes that would be tough to hit, and has been taking his walks. Even with his 0-23 at the start of the year, he didn’t start hacking away. He took his walks, and kept waiting for his pitches.
Of course, maybe Murph is the only guy listening to Wash and everyone else is listening to Rudy, but I’m more convinced it’s the Rangers approach than their instruction.
Personally, I’d tell a number of the players to absolutely wait for the first strike before swinging. Atleast then, those first pitch curveballs in the dirt would stop being so damaging and we might rack up some more pitch counts on the opposing starters. But that’s almost more of a managerial command than a batting instructor’s role I’d think.
by Trickman on Aug 7, 2009 12:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Here's a quote to support that..
“Hamilton has said often that he’s not the type of hitter to take too many pitches. His philosophy, which dates to his Little League days, is to hack at the first strike because there might not be another. "
Geez, heaven forbid they don’t throw him another strike and he has to walk.
Surely that quote is wrong.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Walks don't add zeros onto your paycheck
Bryan Smith (12:17:17 PM PT): Justin Smoak and Josh Hamilton. The AL West might just have found their Bash Brothers, v. 2.0.
by bigsteve on Aug 7, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I read that Ron quote...
As kind of throwing people under the bus… Is it just me?
To me, it reads like “Our guys don’t want to take pitches. It’s not going to happen. They haven’t figured it out yet, it’s not gonna happen…”
Reading too much into it? I know he’s always been a big proponent of working the count and being patient…
by N41D on Aug 7, 2009 11:24 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
That's slightly harsher than I read it, but...
no doubt it’s a shot across the bow at some of the harder heads.
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
A generalized observation
Is actually pretty useful. As much as I dislike the phrase "throwing x under the bus: (casting blame), if the truth is stated by the boss, it’s then up to the personnel to make their own self-indictments or not. Those who always work on their craft will react well. Those who are insecure or in denial won’t do jack, but might regress further our of anger or embarassment at thinking the manager’s comment is about them. Might help, might hurt, and isn’t neutral. That’s OK by me.
"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 7, 2009 12:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Heh, Wash as politician ..
Might help, might hurt, and isn’t neutral.
"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 Chase Irwin on Aug 7, 2009 12:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that's a fair reading.
He’s calling them out on it. We’ll see if they keep free-swinging to spite him or they start making efforts to improve.
by Athos on Aug 7, 2009 11:28 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
meh
i didn’t see it as calling them out as much as it is, lets try to improve with what we got.
we think of free swinging as this horrible thing that no team can ever win with but wash might just think that it doesn’t help but its not the end of the world. I took it as analogous to a football coach saying, “we can’t all of a sudden be expected to be a running team if we don’t have the personnel. we just have to win as a passing team.”
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's right though...
by Too Legit To quit on Aug 7, 2009 11:32 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
The Lebreton column
is greatness. It needs to be linked here but I don’t know how.
Anyway, I have thought the same things for years. The NFL is handled with kid gloves by the media(ESPN) because they don’t want to kill the goose(NFL) that lays the golden egg(ratings).
I was a Ranger fan when being a Rangers fan wasn't cool.
by JTodd on Aug 7, 2009 11:30 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
here ya go...
http://www.star-telegram.com/303
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really need...
at least 2 of 3 from the Halos this weekend or any chances of winning the West are probably out the door.
Have to hope the Yanks will beat up on the BoSox this weekend. 3 of 4 or even a sweep would be great. I hate cheering for the Yanks.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
by slc ranger on Aug 7, 2009 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Pavano to the Twinkies, for PTBNL
"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 7, 2009 11:31 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
if only we had money
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
we don't need an extra pitcher?
he’s not bad.
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:37 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
oh wait, he is kind of bad
but his FIP is actually pretty good for a back of the rotation guy. I guess even if we had a regular budget, it migth be silly to spend that much on a 4-5. just sayign we coudl use him
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who do you bump from the rotation to make room for him?
Holland, I assume?
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 7, 2009 11:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
he's a good pick up for the twinkles
im not sure if he’d have room here though. He’s not a terrible pitcher though
"The House That Ruth Built, 85 years old, goes out as The House That Hamilton Knocked Down"
by blalock84 on Aug 7, 2009 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well
we have pitchers going down every other day. i think he could find enough starts without actually displacing anybody
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
"he's not that bad" lol than what is he?
he’s certainly not that good. We have our Pavano in Mathis and Moscoso.
by Too Legit To quit on Aug 7, 2009 11:44 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
he's better than them
clearly better than them. i would say that he’s at least on the level of hunter if not better.
"I just want to comment on how it’s become like a common thing in the [MLB] for guys to fall in love with [the Rangers’s] sloppy seconds." (thanks cstorm)
by ab03 on Aug 7, 2009 11:49 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
words fail me....
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
by bking on Aug 7, 2009 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Pavano
has been better since the start of the year, and he is playing in front of a really poor defense, and he’s a groundball pitcher. In most years, he’s exactly the sort of guy we target, but this year it doesn’t make much sense. Let’s keep running out the kids.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Aug 7, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
We have to have the personnel.
Is this another way of saying, ‘we reeeeeally miss Milton’
by oc on Aug 7, 2009 11:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
that's what i read into it
So how is this fixed for next season? I assume that Byrd/Blalock/Jones are gone…to be replaced by Smoak/C. Davis/Borbon, but is that really a significant improvement.
I almost think you have to go get a true DH that can murder LH pitching and get on base at a high clip. Maybe platoon him with C. Davis if Davis shows he can handle RH pitching, but in reality, Chris Davis is the wildcard in my mind. If he can’t hit, he has no value with Smoak being just about ready.
Nick Johnson? Vlad?
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
by willamos2 on Aug 7, 2009 12:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Smoak makes for a great improvement to this team
He is the patient bat that this lineup could use. Replace Blalock with Davis and you’ll have a much more productive, but still aggressive bat. I wouldn’t expect much of a change from Byrd to Borbon in terms of patience, but you are probably more likely to see a higher OBP due to a higher BA which all works out the same.
I think the biggest boosts to this lineup next season will be a more productive Kinsler and Hamilton. Kinsler takes walks and that isn’t a problem for him like with Blalock. The problem has been that he has made significantly worse contact this season. When he gets his BA back up to at least .270, he’s also going to end up with an OBP of around .350 if not higher. Its basically the same problem with Hamilton. He’s taking fewer walks this year, but when he gets his BA out of the .230 range then that OBP is going to look a lot like last season’s. Getting a productive Kinsler and Hamilton plus some various improvements throughout the rest of the lineup would take this lineup back to being one of the top producing offenses in baseball. Although I still wouldn’t expect them to lead the league in walks or not lead the league in Ks, but they’ll be productive enough elsewhere to make up for that.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
by Gdawg on Aug 7, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Vlad
He’s quite the selective hitter. Not. I know he’s good or at least has been. I had just rather get away from the hackers
by BEW on Aug 7, 2009 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
And honestly
Vlad seems to be pretty much done. Heck, he’s only hitting around .400 against TX this year.
(note: made up the average, don’t feel like looking it up)
"we’re a bunch of knee-jerking yahoos who like new and shiny things." -- FirebatM3 July 10, 2009
by Oddibee on Aug 7, 2009 1:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
who would have thought
that we would miss milton? I never really liked the guy (just ’cuz, no real reason), but damn, I want him back now.
sort of a “don’t really appreciate someone until their gone” type a thing.
I had the flu way before having the flu was cool
by TagDon'tTweet on Aug 7, 2009 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I liked him when he was in
the batters box last year. Other than that, not so much so.
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Rays should have gotten MB to DH instead of Burrell.
He would have been great for that lineup.
"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!
by Maximilian on Aug 7, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Are all of the SBNation blogs really slow for y'all?
Every other site seems to work, but Blogging the Boys doesn’t seem to running up to snuff, just as this one.
by jam0152 on Aug 7, 2009 12:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I just got a 503 error
Now this:
<www.lonestarball.com>
Oops, your comment couldn’t be posted. Please wait a few seconds and then try again.
"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 7, 2009 12:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not Rangers related. Not even current:
“In Rainbows” is the best Radiohead album since “Kid A”
by jam0152 on Aug 7, 2009 12:42 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
how many albums
were in between?
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
by clark on Aug 7, 2009 12:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Amnesiac, Hail to the Thief, a few EPs like Pyramid Song and 2+2=5, and a few singles.
Plus Thom’s done The Eraser and Splitting Feathers.
All easily outdone by In Rainbows.
by jam0152 on Aug 7, 2009 1:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
It sounds a lot like The Bends
Any you’re right – this isn’t timely. I downloaded it in Nov 2007. Took you this long?
Remember Red, hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
by WyoRanger on Aug 7, 2009 1:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I played Jigsaw Falling Into Place last night on my radio show. Great album.
Nothing will beat Idioteque for my money.
"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!
by Maximilian on Aug 7, 2009 2:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just wonderful, definitely...
"[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 7, 2009 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
From BBTIA
TotalZone Minors have been updated.
Julio Borbon still grades out as a good-excellent CF.
I’m a white boy who doesn’t think a black man is good enough to manage my baseball team. - LSJ
"I really think that" - LSJ, on being asked by AirJordan
by FirebatM3 on Aug 7, 2009 12:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
If I could post comments, I woulda posted that earlier.
Nice to see, for sure.
"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 7, 2009 12:48 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we are lucky
it will last until about midnight tonight. :)
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 12:58 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Giambi released
by the A’s. There’s a patient guy. JK, I want no part of that.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 12:48 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
x
"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 7, 2009 12:52 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
burnt, at that.
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
by t ball on Aug 7, 2009 3:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nice.
"He is operating at another level," Byrd said. "What [Thome] did for us in 2003, Michael is doing for us right now. He’s not our team leader for nothing. Sure, he’ll talk to guys when he needs to, but all his talking is done on the field. People think Josh Hamilton is our superstar; no, Josh is a talented player, but Michael’s our star. He’s carrying the team. And I don’t think there is any thought in his mind that he has to do this or that. He’s just going out there and doing what Michael Young does."
"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 7, 2009 1:01 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My since the ASB
.405 .463 .757
Elvis Andrus - 2009 AL Rookie of the Year
Mitch Moreland -Tom Grieve Rangers Minor League Player of the Year
Martin Perez - Nolan Ryan Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Year
by RangerMad on Aug 7, 2009 1:02 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I think it's pretty obvious who has been carrying This Thing
and his name is not Hank F Blalock.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
by Dirk Diggler on Aug 7, 2009 1:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
per Olney's blog
The lingering Rangers
Meanwhile, the Rangers continue to persevere, pulling out the final game of their series in Oakland and drawing to within two games of the Red Sox in the wild-card race, as Jeff Wilson writes. The Rangers need heroes to emerge from their young players, and Tommy Hunter is doing that. And they’re doing all this without much help from Josh Hamilton.
Why Hunter won, from Jason Paradise of ESPN Stats & Information:
A. He threw strikes 68 percent of the time (MLB avg. 63 percent).
B. He had all his pitches working. Opposing hitters were 1-for-10 versus non-fastballs with three strikeouts, and he threw his fastball for a strike 71 percent of the time.
C. Oakland’s left-handed hitters went 1-for-12 with three strikeouts versus Hunter.
Greatest Inventions Ever? 1. TiVO, 2. Boobs, 3. Baseball
by willamos2 on Aug 7, 2009 1:21 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hey...that sounds strangley like Norm's Ranger segment 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.
by Rodney on Aug 7, 2009 1:26 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
hammy
always blames teh drugs
" This is the inning that propels us to the playoffs. Mark it down."
- Rohn Warshington on Jul 27, 2009 9:19 PM EDT
5th inning against the Tigers
by gossamer on Aug 7, 2009 1:25 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
OT: Billy Mays have cocaine in his system.
apologies if it’s somewhere else on here. I just saw it on the news.
I had a feeling there had to be something else to the story, he looked too damn healthy.
Go Rangers!
The I.Q. test has been abolished.
It is now the Gardner Scale.
by BigGuns on Aug 7, 2009 3:54 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Who cares? Why drag this great man through the mud?
I, for one, miss Billy Mays the man, and that sweet, soothing voice.
by jam0152 on Aug 7, 2009 4:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Who cares? Someone must it was one of the lead stories on CNN...
There was a fanpost on him when he died and a bunch of us were wondering why someone who looked in such good health would of died so suddenly. We now know. Just reporting news here no reason to get your knickers in a twist. :)
And yes he was indeed a great man. I would never of suspected drugs to have played a part in it.
The I.Q. test has been abolished.
It is now the Gardner Scale.
by BigGuns on Aug 7, 2009 4:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
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