Some Wednesday Rangers things
by Brett Perryman on Jan 13, 2010 1:00 PM CST
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PrintRichard Durrett has a video interview with Josh Hamilton up on ESPN Dallas. Hamilton talks some about improvements he has to make with his approach.
Yesterday, Evan Grant and T.R. Sullivan each took looks at the 2010 team after this winter's additions. Grant's lineup looks like the one discussed after Vladimir Guerrero's addition, with Julio Borbon leading off and Ian Kinsler hitting fifth.
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BP chat notes
ScotMartin (TX): Assuming no further moves, how do you see things shaking out in the AL West? What’s the one key thing that has to go right for each team in order for them to win the division?
John Perrotto: It’s too early, in my mind, to make predictions but here’s what I think needs to happen for each team to win:
The Angels need to keep on keeping on and find a way to outdo their expected pythag by 8-10, which is why Mike Scioscia, in my mind is the game’s best manager.
The Rangers need Vlady Guerrero to have a bounceback year because they need more offense.
The Mariners need their pitching and defense to perform at a high level like last last season because they aren’t going to score a lot of runs.
The Athletics need their young pitchers to really mature because they’re not going to score a lot of runs either.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
This is why I love the Rangers chances this season
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
x
Man, I felt the same way last year….I really believed 90 wins won the West, but after the Angels won, what, 47 of 60(?), I felt like shitting in a bag, then putting that bag on someone’s face. I’m not really sure what that means, but I was pissed.
I thought the Rangers had a chance last season
and as the season went on, I really believed they could do it, but my preseason opinion of this team is much better than last year’s at this time. The Mariners offense still isn’t strong and the Angels have done nothing but lose players this offseason while the A’s look like the worst team in the division (though not by that much). The Rangers have their own offense problems to deal with, but I love the bounce-back potential with Davis, Hamilton, and Vlad plus I’ll take the Rangers minor league depth over anyone else’s in the West to help the ML team this season. The Rangers have great, talented players to call up for help if they need it plus have more than enough depth to pull off a midseason trade for more help.
Man, I’m pumped for the season to start already. I love this time of year.
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
More BP chat
Jay (Grand Prairie): What is the story with Hank Blalock? He seems to be Plan C for a lot of teams right now. Where do you see him landing, and for how much?
John Perrotto: Boy, you talk about someone who fell off the face of the earth. There was some talk early in the winter that the Pirates had interest but I haven’t heard a single word about him since. It would seem he’s going to someone’s camp as a non-roster player.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Adam asked the question yesterday...
Why do people in here still care about Hank F Blalock?
The War is over and Hank’s gone.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
B/c Hank was beloved here in Rangers land before he turned into Rob Deer.
How many times are you going to ask that question?
Because he was a long time Ranger
Who had a ton of fans around here. Im curious who will give him a shot. I hope someone does because there is nothing wrong with Hank other than he now sucks! He still had a decent career as a Ranger and we can still be fans of his even though is no good anymore.
Elvis has "shook up" Arlington!!
This part:
Because he was a long time Ranger
Who had a ton of fans around here.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Whatever you say, freak.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
Hahahah, wtf?
3 people answered your question the same way…..and you call one guy a freak? What is wrong with you? Seriously.
He hates Rodney
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
I'm pretty sure he hates me too though
And probably 50 other people on here. What a strange individual that Josey is.
I run a close second then
He always brings up the Sooners every time they lose with me.
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
the cowboys really stunk up the joint
against your sooners on big monday. that was a terrible basketball game
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
I know sad thing is
The Sooners have talent with several McDonald AA but they don’t play as a team. If they were to start playing together they could be pretty good.
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
He loves me.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
by Cecilio's Guante on Jan 13, 2010 4:20 PM CST up reply actions
You are in denial ryin
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
Wrong.
Rodney amuses me.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
Nice
Joe Pesci ha
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 13, 2010 3:31 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks for fixing that
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
What I find amusing
“Josey” is a pretty good guy all around, and for some obscure reason has taken on an online hardass persona. He shows some level of diligence, looking up factual data to reinforce even some pretty obscure points made – especially those that go against the flow. Now in truth some of those facts are either selective bias (cherry picked) or confirmation obsession, but even if his central point is seen to be wrong headed, he does offer data as it exists to support them.
Without his dislike for JD and Wash, would he have such an audience? I also think he respects Adam, Newberg, and some others far more than he lets on. For me, I welcome contrary opinions and don’t take part in follow ups when disagreement is plain. And without disagreements, we often don’t dig up enough information to learn more (even when I’m wrong or miss the mark, it’s OK with me to have learned or at least considered a differing point of view).
Basically, I’m not his judge, nor his jury, so I try not to be his executioner (even the NMLR bans were pretty much negotiated deals). Just some thoughts.
"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 Jan 13, 2010 3:32 PM CST up reply actions
He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts
for support rather than illumination. ;)
Your 2009 Snow Monkey Ambassador
by Parman on Jan 13, 2010 9:57 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
i think part of the appeal
in being josey’s judge/jury/executioner is that he seems to fancy himself as all three, and usually does so rather recklessly.
I will adit that there is a strange sort of intellectual insincerity from both sides though. He clings to contrary views, even when they require leaps of logic. He knows he won’t convince anyone that he’s right and he knows insults will be flung his way, but he still steps up to the plate day after day.
And we attempt to deconstruct his views in a deliberate, serious way, even though we know that we will never convince him to change his mind and that he’ll never give the same deference to the serious points we try to make. It’s sort of funny that this little dance has so much longevity.
by Smoakin in the Boys Room on Jan 13, 2010 10:09 PM CST up reply actions
Amazing how steriods testing has changed baseball
JD’s like, "you want some fucking pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, bitches!"- RCCook
Durrett's stuff
I don’t disagree with Kinsler and Hamilton being key to this offense, but I have a hard time picking a bat that ISN’T about as much of a key:
Borbon = how well can he play in a full year, and leading off?
Young just needs to stay healthy
Kinsler, Hamilton have to stay healthy and show some patience; hit more line drives
Vlad’s gotta show he’s got gas in the tank
Cruz = can he do it again, and maintain Wash’s confidence at the plate and in the field?
Davis = a return to 2008?
Catchers = any catcher will do; can either or both stand up to the challenge offensively, at least to a league average level of play?
Andrus = can he improve or will he sophomore slump it?
Bench = Greene, a catcher, Murphy, etc. = will they thrive in part-time roles?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
I've been thinking about everyone too
Borbon – little worse
Young – some regression
Kinsler – better
Hammy – better
Vlad – good amount better than the previous DH combos
Cruz – about the same
Davis – better
Catcher – about the same.
Andrus – little worse
Bench – will be misused. Too much Greene and Murphy not used correctly
Offense will be better. Perhaps a lot better.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
Meh
Why will the bench be misused? I don’t think that’s been a particular problem in the past, more of a lack of starters problem moreso.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
I think the scariest part
will be if Guerrero gets off to a horrid start and Wash continues to hit him 4th
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 13, 2010 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
I think Vlad is gonna have a big year.
He’s too good a hitter to fall off like some are thinking he might.
Oh i dont think
he will fall off. I think he is going to have an .850-.870 type of year. I was just saying that Wash loves vets too much sometimes.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 13, 2010 1:55 PM CST up reply actions
And, if Vlad gets off to a horrid start
He most likely will not be batting 4th, and the Rangers chances at contending will be greatly diminished.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Yeah, because Ron would never bat veterans who are doing nothing productive cleanup...
Morality you can fake. Fun you either have or you don't.
Vlad's not going to have that long of a leash
after the season he had last year. He’s expected to bounce back at least a little and you got to love how he’s done in the Ballpark in the past, but if he fails, his contract isn’t that big to prevent him from being cut. That would be the more extreme response though. More likely than not, he’d just be put on the DL and given some time off if he gets off to that bad of a start.
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
Like I said, that'd be the more extreme route to take
I don’t think its out of the question though for him to be cut at some point in the season if he’s not doing well. I think the team would try putting him on the DL first and seeing if there’s anything wrong with him or if he just needs some time off to clear his head or w/e. But if you’re talking about a guy who’s putting up a .270/.310/.440 line or worse and its the middle of June and there is nothing wrong with his health, why would you keep wasting a roster spot on a DH that can’t hit who isn’t owed that much money (you probably have to eat something like 2.5 million dollars)? He’s already seen one huge drop in his production from 2008 to 2009 and another big drop in 2010 would, at least to me, be a sign that the guy’s done. He’s not 26 or 27 now, he’s at least 35 years old this year and this could just be the end of his career.
And for the record, I expect him to at least match last season’s batting line but remain healthier. I was just responding to the hypothetical that Vlad starts off horribly and would Wash keep batting him 4th. If that’s the case, I don’t see Vlad being around for Wash to bat 4th.
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
Hmmm, it's an interesting point.
I agree with you in that it would be pointless to keep him if he’s doing that, but I don’t think that’s the route they would take based on what we saw last year.
Not really the same situations though
With Sosa, it was a losing team and he brought something to the table, on the field and off the field. He probably should have been cut, but the Rangers showed him some respect to keep him aboard since there was nothing to lose (now that we know more about Botts).
As bad as Jones was last season, he was one of the better offensive players at the beginning of the season and kept having a great game every now and then to give the team some value and probably dissuaded them from cutting him . He also wasn’t much worse than the other options up until the point that rosters were expanding, and at that point, there’s no need to cut anyone unless you need the 40 man spot.
A more comparable player would be someone like Broussard. He was making a couple of million less, but he got off to a horrible start and there were better options available so he was released.
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
Why will the bench be misused?
Murphy against lefties since Wash thinks he’s in some type of groove and too much Greene and his 2009 619 OPS. I like Wash and all but I just worry this might happen.
Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
Ok
Murph has no place to play unless someone gets hurt. Same with Greene. I expect Murphy to get 300 or so ABs, Greene much less.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
I'm fine with Murphy getting "overplayed"
since he’s actually a good hitter and pretty good defensive COF. As long as he’s not only playing against lefties, there’s no problem with him playing.
And like you said, who is Greene going to play ahead of? Kinsler and Young aren’t being benched past the very occasional day off and I’m pretty sure Wash has as big of a man crush on Elvis as all of us do. The only possible option is Davis who will hopefully play well enough to not let a guy like Greene play ahead of him.
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 disagree
Overplaying Murphy would be at the expense of Cruz, and the worst potential outcome of the Vlad signing could mean a Cruz/Murphy platoon in RF.
If Murphy finishes the season with more than 200 ABs, then something has gone horribly wrong.
I tend to agree with this
it means that either somebody got hurt, or Wash has again jacked with the lineup to put in “his” guys.
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
That's not what it means at all
Murphy playing more would probably come more at the expense of Hamilton over Cruz if you think that Wash can’t make the right call. Hamilton is going to be the LF next season and Murphy only played 74 inning last year in RF vs. 858.1 in LF. Wash likes him some Murphy in LF and will be looking to rest Hamilton this season to try and keep him healthy. Borbon’s also going to get some time off in favor of Murphy and I wouldn’t doubt that we see Murphy DHing once a week or so.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
In that scenario, Hamilton would probably shift to RF and Cruz would sit on the bench in favor of Murphy
You’re right that Hamilton needs rest, but it’s a legitimate concern that Murphy will eat into Cruz’s playing time based on how Wash used the two players in 2009.
Besides, the idea of bringing in a LH batter to get most of his playing time in favor of other LH batters (Hamilton, Borbon) seems incredibly inefficient. In an ideal world, we’d bring in a guy like Reed Johnson to backup CF and LF, and Murphy would get a majority of his playing time at DH.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to do that because we also need a RH bat to play 1b, and we brought in a RH DH who can’t play 1b. I’m really torn on this issue because it’s more important to sit Davis against LHP than Borbon, but adding a real backup CF allows the team to keep Hamilton in LF. It’s a conundrum.
Hammy, Vlad, Borbon, and even Cruz will get some days off
I think that is when Murph plays, mostly just like a 4th OFer. It is a small advantage having him as he does have some offensive capabilities, unlike most 4th OFers.
Just kinda rotate the OF through the DH spot when rest/breaks are needed, with Murph occasionally getting an OF start or a DH start.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Not to repeat what I said above, but...
It is a small advantage having him as he does have some offensive capabilities, unlike most 4th OFers.
You are right that we can rotate Hamilton and Cruz through DH some, although not too much because we really don’t want Vlad playing the field.
Assuming we can rotate Hamilton and Cruz through DH instead of sitting them, then there’s even less need for Murphy on this roster. Murphy is a corner outfielder who can only hit lefties; by occasionally starting Vlad in the outfield and keeping Hamilton/Cruz in the lineup, you almost eliminate any use for Murphy (which helps prove my point).
Murphy is not a good 4th outfielder for this team because he can’t hit righties and he can’t backup CF. We need a 4th outfielder who can do that. Murphy is just a corner outfielder who isn’t good enough to start everyday because he can’t hit LHP.
I don't know if Wash will want to rotate the OF that much
just to get Murphy some playing time. I think if Murphy plays, you’re looking at one regular sitting (for whatever reason) and that’s it rather than the OF rotating around.
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
There has to be some rotation on days when Borbon gets off
Unless, of course, you bring in a real 4th outfielder to backup CF.
See, this is my problem with simply labeling Murphy as the 4th outfielder. Just because he isn’t good enough to be an everyday starter doesn’t mean he’s automatically a good 4th outfielder. A good 4th outfielder for this team would be able to backup all three outfield positions.
Murphy can backup all 3 OF positions
Though you probably have Hamilton playing CF over Murphy since he’s the better defender.
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 disagree
Murphy would be a terrible backup in CF.
Plus, you’re talking about backing up Borbon, who struggles against lefties, with Murphy, who is even worse against lefties and shows no signs of improvement. That’s certainly not ideal.
Murphy’s best suited to be a platoon corner outfielder. However, the roster has no need for a platoon corner outfielder because we have full-time starters at LF, RF, and DH. I’m not sure why anyone could think that Murphy would be “good” at being our fourth outfielder or that he’s even an option as the backup CF next year. That’s not what Murphy is suited to do.
200 ABs is not hard to get
Two starts a week (7 ABs) will almost get you there. Add in a couple of DL stints and a random Cruz benching and Murphy has no problem getting ABs.
Vladimir Guererro - 2010 AL MVP
Talked to my buddy...
He said that Greene’s social anxiety issues are VERY REAL. Said that he’s the weirdest dude you’ll ever meet. Also said that he’s the best SS he’s ever seen play in his life but the reason he’s gone down hill the last few years is b/c his work ethic sucks.
The production...
from the catchers position better (and should) improve, at least a little imo.
Other than that, I pretty much agree with what you have there.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
I'm hoping for a big surprise from the catchers
In any event I think it would be difficult for them to suck again like they sucked last year. God they were awful. So I’m with you…I think we’ll see modest improvement. Hopefully more.
by Black Francis on Jan 13, 2010 5:06 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah...I remember one of the BA or BP guys last year
Predicted that Salty would make the All-Star team….wouldn’t that be a nice unexpected surprise if he could do it this year
Isn't that the problem with an offense coming off a disappointing season?
I think you can make reasonable assumptions that Andrus, Cruz, Kinsler, Young, Murphy, and Greene will all at least do their part (based on the role they have) and I don’t think its a stretch to say Vlad and Borbon have pretty good shots to be at least above average this season too. Past a few of the truly elite hitters in baseball, everyone’s going to have at least a little risk attached to them and I don’t think those guys are that much more of a risk than anyone to fail at their roles.
The real question marks are Hamilton, Davis, and the catchers. Hamilton’s got to show that his problems last season were only health related and that they’re in the past now and Davis has to show that he’s not going to let his head get in his way of doing what he’s done for the rest of his career. Then the catchers are just a huge wild card, but at least its just the catcher position and that’s not something you rely on for offense too 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
yeah EVERYBODY in baseball has question marks
even Pujols isn’t perfect – what with the plantar fascitis he had/has…
I just realized that it’s not only Hamilton and Kinsler that need to succeed for this team to succeed. So much has to go the way it has gone and so much has to reverse from last year’s trends.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 13, 2010 2:52 PM CST up reply actions
Speaking of Rich Harden
Saw this article about his groundball rate. It came out on the 12/22 but I was out of the country at the time so I’m not sure if it’s been discussed.
http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/harden-by-ground/
Remember Red, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies.
I worry about
Jules Borbon hitting LH pitching and who replaces him (Boggs?) when we face a particularly tough lefty.
Offense from 1B
Offense from C
Vlad being healthy and hoping the lack of plate discipline doesn’t catch him.
The dumbass manager.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
I think ppl
tend to forget that Guerrero also doesnt strike out that much at all. ESPECIALLY for a power hitter. I know OBP has been a problem for this team in the past but so has strikeouts.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 13, 2010 1:40 PM CST up reply actions
I don't know how anybody can figure out
what Vlad is going to be like in 2010 other than somebody who is not patient and swings at everything. He may be productive but he won’t be a disciplined hitter who works counts (which is my criticism in spending $ 5 million on him).
He is one of the most unique hitters I’ve ever seen and while baseballreference may say there are similar hitters in terms of production, I don’t know of anybody who has lasted as long as Vlad in terms of approach.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
I don't think anybody can figure how anyone is going to do before a season starts
Otherwise they wouldn’t play the game they would just simulate everything. Having said that, Vlad is a pretty incredible hitter, and speaking as someone who has torn a pectoral muscle, it’s hardly surprising to see that he had a down year last year. Also…$5 million on a 1 year deal with a mutual option for a 2nd year is hardly something that is especially risky.
if Vlad didn't have plate discipline in the past
then how was he above .400 OBP all the time? His batting average wasn’t .400, and he wasn’t intentionally walked every time to close that gap…I realize that last year his OBP dropped a lot, but that’s not a trend. At least not yet.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 13, 2010 2:54 PM CST up reply actions
I think that it was pointed out that the spread between his OBP last year and Avg was due to getting fewer intentional walks
I don’t think anyone would argue that Vlad is a disciplined hitter.
not disciplined but able to achieve a very effective OBP
I don’t give a shit what your discipline looks like if you hit for high average, get on base a lot, limit your strikeouts and slug at a high rate
now if Vlad’s truly declining in his OBP and SLG, but keeps the high average and limits strikeouts, I’d still love to have him…just would obviously prefer the former
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 13, 2010 2:59 PM CST up reply actions
I think he's going to have a monster year
If (and it could be a big if) he can avoid injuries. I don’t see a huge decline if he’s healthy.
I worry about .
The dumbass manager
ME TOO
My Bible Study is at:
http://billydpowell.synthasite.com
take a look. my hope is it helps people get into their Bible where the Holy Spirit can teach them the REAL truth, not my words, which are just stimulants.... 2 Tim 2:15 Study.....
by billydpowell on Jan 13, 2010 1:31 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I worry about
that dumbass Josey.
Who gives a shit what Josey says.............................
by Lil' Jonny Donuts on Jan 13, 2010 5:26 PM CST up reply actions
Callis Chat right now
chefjeff (seattle)
hey jim, how do you think the mariners will fare next season with the acquisitions of cliff lee, milton bradley, and chone figgins?
Jim Callis (2:11 PM)
I think the Mariners are the team to beat in the AL West right now.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
I think that Callis thinks wrong.
I doubt they finish ahead of the Rangers AND the Angels. Maybe one of them. Maybe not even one of them.
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 13, 2010 2:55 PM CST up reply actions
Even
with acquirnig Bradley I dont think that they have enough offense. I dont think that FG posts a UZR of +30 or whatever the hell it was either. He will probably be around +15 but +30 is obscene.
They will have good pitching and good fielding but I just dont see the offense. I know the same could be said about us but id take our lineup over theirs everyday.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 13, 2010 3:17 PM CST up reply actions
The great news for the Rangers
is that Bradley is going to be playing in the field. That’s going to hurt the defense and cause him to miss more time.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
I like the Mariners
Well I don’t like them but I think they’re going to be a good team. Their pitching carried them a pretty good way last year and I think it’s gotten better.
by Black Francis on Jan 13, 2010 5:11 PM CST up reply actions
Good Charles Barkley interview
A lot of good quotes in this interview, but I like this one best:
If somebody told me that they could stick something in my ass to get me making 100 or 200 million dollars, I’m gonna be the first in line.
http://tinyurl.com/yecm8vu
G G G E-flat_______ F F F D__________....
Heyman on Rangers and Astros ownership situations
• Astros owner Drayton McLane did sign a letter of intent to sell the Astros to a group headed by former U.S. Olympic Committee chairman Harvey Schiller and Mark Isaacson, as Houston TV station Fox 26 reported. While McLane has been quoted as saying there’s "less than a 50-50 chance’’ that a deal will occur for "various reasons,‘’ this is a serious group. The main reason why all ownership deals are having difficulty now is the economy: Banks are requiring more money down than ever and rich people aren’t quite as rich or risk-inclined as they were before the crash of 2008.
• There have been a few hiccups in talks between Rangers owner Tom Hicks and prospective buyer Chuck Greenberg (namely, Hicks has tried to change the deal a few times, according to sources familiar with the talks) but people believe that the deal will be consummated. Greenberg was the buyer willing to let Hicks sit on his board and Nolan Ryan run the team. One hint that a deal may be getting done is the activity around the Rangers lately, including the $5 million signing of Vladimir Guerrero. Hicks certainly can’t afford that.
• Dennis Gilbert, who hoped to buy the Rangers, is holding his seventh annual Scouts Foundation dinner at the Hyatt Regency in Century City this Saturday starting at 6 p.m. The dinner, which will feature appearances by Bud Selig, Tommy Lasorda and Tony La Russa, among many other luminaries, benefits scouts in financial need.
"He will not coddle them. Nolan Ryan doesn’t coddle." - Jeff Passan
"Hicks has tried to change the deal a few times"
What an ass. Probably wanted to up the price.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 13, 2010 1:51 PM CST up reply actions
Yep, and get more control
I was a Hicks apologist for so long, but even I am hoping that I never hear his name again after this deal is done.
Yep
if he is smart he will just fade into the background.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
by Michael Cave on Jan 13, 2010 2:01 PM CST up reply actions
Figures
that Drew would be one of the Hicks Fan Boys.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"Business as usual." - Tom Hicks on the Ranger off-season 11/19/09
Simply b/c he was willing to spend money for a long time, he was just really stupid with it.
Once he hired JD and got out of the way it was obvious to everyone other than yourself how this team started heading in the right direction…what he’s done here lately however is pretty embarrassing.
yeah it would've been nice to have had JD with Hicks' first round of cash
hopefully Greenberg closes the gap
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 13, 2010 2:57 PM CST up reply actions
Heard from somebody I'm very comfortable believing...
That Hicks was angling to become the second largest investor in the group…
Hicks can't afford something?
Last I checked Hicks Sports Group was busted but not Hicks himself. That motherfucker is still loaded.
by Black Francis on Jan 13, 2010 5:13 PM CST up reply actions
Still a mother fucker though
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
In case you missed it
Made this video… Here…
TCU Frogs- #3
"THAT WAS MY SPECIAL MONDAY MORNING TAPE, SPECIAL, FOR YOU!
It's fucking Monday afternoon, you should get out of bed earlier."
by FormerLSBUser on Jan 13, 2010 1:56 PM CST reply actions
I watched it in HD
Pretty cool.
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Thanks
TCU Frogs- #3
"THAT WAS MY SPECIAL MONDAY MORNING TAPE, SPECIAL, FOR YOU!
It's fucking Monday afternoon, you should get out of bed earlier."
by FormerLSBUser on Jan 13, 2010 3:20 PM CST up reply actions
Callis chat again
Trader J (Indy)
rank em – gibson, leake, crow, scheppers
Jim Callis (2:53 PM)
Gibson, Crow, Scheppers, Leake.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
x
Dave (Upta Camp, Maine)
Smoak or Tim Beckham ?
Jim Callis (2:56 PM)
Smoak.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
x
Alan (NJ)
Will Blake Beavan ever reach his pre draft upside?
Jim Callis (2:57 PM)
Stuff hasn’t been the same since he signed.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
x haha
LaPorta or Smoak?
Jim Callis (2:59 PM)
Smoak.
Jim Callis (2:59 PM)
Smoak.
Jim Callis (2:59 PM)
Smoak.
"JD gets complete blame or credit for what happens in 2010 and I think Nolan wants it that way. JD is paid to be a real GM and needs to start performing like one." - Josey Wales
Blake Griffin out for the season
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
Curse of the Clippers continues
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
at least they have Taylor, right?
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 13, 2010 2:57 PM CST up reply actions
No he plays for for the Suns
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
That sucks for them..
Pretty big blow to their Lebron chances too..
"You'll meet them again on their long journey to the middle." -Lester Bangs
now they can go get another top draft pick
A baseball game is simply a nervous breakdown divided into nine innings.
Semi-update on ownership situ
"Back on the scene, with a gangsta lean" RW
"When you have a weapon on your shoulder like he has, you can be cool." RW on Perez
And the little bastard threw it for a swinging strike three in a 3-2 count. He’s blessed. And ballsy.
I predict Hicks continues to be an ass,
Greenberg flips him the finger and MLB ends up telling the Rangers to cut payroll.
Vladimir Guererro - 2010 AL MVP
Grant
Really likes the idea of having two players at Shortstop. This is the second time he printed that lineup with two of them.
Go Rangers! Go Cowboys! Go FSU!
OT: Dirk is so money
F the haters
'Waiting for a girl and she gets me into fights
Waiting for a girl we get drunk on Friday night'
When Kobe goes off for 10 point on your ass
You had better win.
Josey Wales born on LSB July 18, 2006 Jumped the shark--That glorious day in 2008. RIP Josey Wales.
In the interest of quicker games Ron should just tell the ump he's pulling the Feliz card and the ump should rule the inning over.--Sherman McCoy on Sept. 4, 2009
it's tough when Terry's missing 3 out of 4 shots
and nobody is attacking the paint
"Hang-Dai, Wu...Hang-Fu$&ing-Dai"
by Walter Sobchak on Jan 14, 2010 12:20 PM CST up reply actions
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