Wednesday a.m. Rangers things
by Brett Perryman on Mar 17, 2010 10:42 AM CDT
176 comments
The big story coming out of yesterday's game is CJ Wilson's performance. Jeff Wilson, Richard Durrett and TR Sullivan each look at Wilson's solid outing Tuesday and his push for a rotation spot. Mike Maddux, among others, appears to be impressed. Durrett also has his Surprise Six from Tuesday.
Tim Cowlishaw has a piece on Chris Davis and his excellent spring, which once again has his arrow pointing upward.
Wilson also shares his newest edition of his "Rangers Spotlight" piece, this time on Mitch Moreland.
Durrett has a quick chat with Justin Smoak up this morning.
To complete the conversation on the club's three young first basemen, Ben Rogers takes a look at the good quandry facing the Rangers in determining how to best use each of them.
David Brown takes a statistical look at the Rangers' impressive glut of lefties.
Jason Cole has a free piece up on Michael Ortiz and his path to professional baseball and where his career currently stands. This is a great read on a guy most know little about.
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I have been a doubter
of the CJ to the rotation move. I’m beginning to think I was wrong
I've led the "Why Not Give Him A Chance, See The Gambler
Circa ‘92" parade from the get-go and CJ isn’t letting me down.
Obviously, Nolan greenlighted this and Maddux appears to be very impressed as well. Dare I say that CJ is an early favorite to win the job?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
The thought that he could be another Kenny Rogers
makes my pants get tight
That's not what CJ said
when he was on RG’s radio show a couple of weeks ago.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
CJ talked about his conversations with Nolan thinking he
could do this.
He also said that Wash & JD told him he had to be at least the second best starter in ST to win the job.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Ben & Skin just talked about CJ becoming a starter
and how Nolan was on board with this and that the feeling camp is that JD wasn’t on board with this because CJ is Plan B as the closer.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't really see how either one of them can be wrong here.
CJ is a good closer.
Fx2 was on the DL 2-3 times last year.
X-Ray still has ? marks but does have previous closing experience.
Feliz was not going to be the closer heading into camp.
So CJ was the only logical answer should something happen with FrankFrank.
Don’t see how JD can be blamed for anything regarding this topic.
But I hope CJ proves him wrong for sure.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
And Scheppers was never going to be the closer heading into camp.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
Exactly
"You promised me, Eckstein, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I noticed that during the most trying periods of my life, there have only been one set of prints in the sand. Why, when I have needed you most, have you not been there for me?" David Eckstein replied, "Because my little legs had gotten tired, and you were carrying me." And I looked down and saw that I was still carrying David Eckstein.
Then he grounded out weakly to second.
well cj i assume is plan b for closer
and Franky Frank always gets hurt.
i think they have the people to compensate, if you trust a Feliz or Scheppers as a rookie to close, i think thats expecting a lot.
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
I'm not confident at all in Frank2 (he wasn't very good or healthy June 1 forward)
and I think it is a major concern for This Thing.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:24 AM CDT up reply actions
I agree that it is something to keep your eye on.
Good thing is we have 3 or 4 people who could step in in case of emergency.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
I also wonder
if CJ makes the rotation if Harrison could be used as a long reliever.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:27 AM CDT up reply actions
If he can dial up 96 and 97 in short bursts I don't see why we would put him as a long reliever and not a setup man
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.
From the current reports about where everyone stands
Harrison is probably no worse than 6th or 7th on the rotation depth chart. If that’s the case, he’s going to be in OKC getting ready for that hole in the ML rotation to open.
By 2028, Mark Teixeira will be in the HOF.
"I am one of the biggest Texas Ranger fans out there but I'm also one of the smartest. Deal with it."
-The Outlaw
if franky is healthy all year and we fall out, he's gone baby gone
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
Agreed.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
actually
FF may be gone if we are in it.
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
I might be asking the Twins what they'd give
us for Frank2 right about now.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions
that's not a bad idea...doesn't hurt to ask
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
Yep
Nothing like trading your closer when you are in the middle of a playoff race
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
What if that closer isn't very good?
The Twins are desperate to be good this year because they’re in a new building and trying to sign Mauer.
Up in Minnesota, “It’s Time” as well.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 12:00 PM CDT up reply actions
I don't think they see FF as being all that great.
He’ll probably be seen as “the guy who threw a chair”.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
Why?
The chair incident is rarely mentioned now.
"Ok, post your favorite moment of the Tom Hicks era
Mine is today when he sold the team." - t ball
Because the closer for the Rangers never gets mentioned.
We don’t have any pitching remember? The only thing the Minn. media will pick up on is that incident. And the fact he hit the DL twice last year.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
I doubt very much that's the case.
FF has an ERA+ the last two seasons of 142 and 121. That’s pretty good. If he’s solid again this season, I would imagine that would be the focus of any team that might be interested in him.
"Ok, post your favorite moment of the Tom Hicks era
Mine is today when he sold the team." - t ball
That is pretty good as a reliever.
But again, if you’re not healthy then you can’t put up those numbers.
But going back to my original point about the chair, I really don’t think people outside of Texas believe a good pitcher can come out of the Rangers. Hopefully the next few years will change that. Minn media will focus on the chair, injury, and the NYY blow up game.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
The Reds, White Sox, Padres, Tigers and several other teams would probably disagree with you.
Texas has a history of providing good pitching talent that other teams capitalize on. See, e.g., Danks, Volquiez, Chris young, Armando Galaraga.
"Ok, post your favorite moment of the Tom Hicks era
Mine is today when he sold the team." - t ball
23, 25, 26, 26. The age those guys were traded.
FF is going to be 31 this Sept. With each of those guys the teams were able to get their hands on them early and mold them how they wanted. With FF, you get what you see and that is a guy injured twice last year and on the wrong side of thirty.
I’m glad FF is on our team, but he’s not going to get us much from Minn.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
I have no idea how much he'll get in trade.
My point was that I don’t think Minnesota will simply disregard his performance because a) he threw a chair, and b) he pitched in Texas. I’ve seen nothing to suggest that either of those eventualities is realistic.
"Ok, post your favorite moment of the Tom Hicks era
Mine is today when he sold the team." - t ball
They will disregard his performance
because of his age, injury, throwing the chair, and he pitched in Texas. If you can’t see all those adding up to a red flag, I don’t know what else to put out there for you.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
Well, you're changing your argument.
You’re now adding in age and injury. Those may be factors that weigh against a team wanting to sign or trade for FF. The other two should not be and likely won’t be.
"Ok, post your favorite moment of the Tom Hicks era
Mine is today when he sold the team." - t ball
I'm adapting, not changing.
I twice tried to come back to the point that the media will pick up more on the chair incident and that he pitched in Texas then anything else. I think the age and injury will balance out his performance, leaving the media to talk about the more juicy points about his chair and him pitching for the team where pitchers go to die.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
Are you saying he's not very good now?
If he’s not very good during the season, then you aren’t gaining much by trading him. If you think he’s not very good now and that you have to trade him now before its too late, well then I just don’t agree with 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
I think Frank2's value right now
is higher than it will be if he’s exposed in the season.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions
Isn't that true of everybody on the team?
Any player can have a bad season and lower their value. Unless you have some legitimate reason to believe a collapse is likely, why deal scared? Isn’t that the same thinking that resulted in AGon and Chris Young going to SD in your favorite trade?
"Ok, post your favorite moment of the Tom Hicks era
Mine is today when he sold the team." - t ball
We have a legit reason to believe
a collapse is likely…Frank2 wasn’t very good or reliable after going down with his injury in May.
AG getting traded for 5 bags of shit was the result of GM incompetence.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Young was also supposed to be an injury risk.
That same thinking made him expendable. Why is Frankie any different? Is it because if looked at both cases in the same way, you have to admit you’re following the same thought process as JD did in the Young trade?
"Ok, post your favorite moment of the Tom Hicks era
Mine is today when he sold the team." - t ball
It is not the same thinking whatsoever.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions
From August 10th until the end of the season (after his DL stint)
He had a few blown games including a 6 ER/.2IP outing and a 4 ER/.2IP outing. Still, he had 25Ks in 21.2 IP with only 7 walks and 2 HRs allowed. Hitters only managed a .699 OPS against him in this time. Letting a few bad outings cloud your judgement on a RP is why so many people hate seeing CJ out there for no reason. Look at the bigger picture and remember that he still has that dominant stuff in 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
That should be pretty obvious
If he is exposed in the season, then his value will clearly not be as high. That’s how trade value works between the offseason and the regular season.
But we shouldn’t be talking about when the best time to trade him is. We should be talking about where this team stands and if Francisco can help them make the playoffs. Let other teams try and pry him from our hands and worry about a potential deal. Until that day comes, FX2 is our closer on a team that wants to make a playoff run.
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 doubt that.
too much financial upside to actually making the playoffs.
"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
maye i just dont think FF is that great and generally is hurt
if he was effective and healthy and feliz, scheppers and perez, lets say perez just shoots through and destroys AA and AAA and its the deadline…
i might find a package with FF and Moreland for a playoff run and see if i can get some real value goin forward and use the FF money on a true stud rather than a wounded good player in 2011.
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
Feliz will be thrown into the role if Francisco gets hurt
If CJ makes the rotation
My only grief with it,
is I think he will have stamina issues over the season, and we don’t get the full payoff from the move, because I doubt he re-ups here.
"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
He's still here next year though
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
by Kinslerhomer on Mar 17, 2010 11:11 AM CDT up reply actions
yep
and 2011 he is gone
"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
he'll be traded before that
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
probably
"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
Why would you trade him
if he turns into a reliable starter and you’re expecting to contend?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:31 AM CDT up reply actions
he'll be out of contract
perez, feliz, holland and scheppers will all be up by then, he’s the player union rep (we always trade or get rid of that guy), restock the system if he shows awesome value as a starter, restock the system if he returns as a RPer b/c FF will be gone, he has shown little interest in sticking around past his arb, seems to conflict with JD.
lots of reasons. bottom line is money.
hell maybe he turns into sandy koufax, and we spend 60M on him. who knows. he seems like a “im goin to the yanks or dodgers if im good enough” kinda guy, “the rangers dont have pitchers of my caliber sign as FA’s” was the sentence or something like that. whether intended or not, im sure it was a shot across the bow.
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
I guess it depends on how good he actually becomes as a starter
but if he gives us 180 IPs with an ERA between 3.75-4.25…I keep him and possibly look to deal depending on where the team is at the 2011 trade deadline.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Do you honestly expect anything like that?
by brettgardner on Mar 17, 2010 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions
CJ as a starter is a complete mystery to me...
totally uncharted waters.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Right
So you should probably expect to be underwhelmed.
by brettgardner on Mar 17, 2010 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
A million trillion times this.
He was injured for part of last year because of overuse. The only comparisoin between CJ and Rogers is that fact they are left handed and would punch out a camera man if in the wrong mood.
CJ appears to be very head oriented and if he were to slump or miss the plate a few games, he would be worthless. It’s much easier and faster to get over bad outtings in the pen where you can be hidden. In the starting roto, you know your day is coming up and you have to be ready for it. Ready or not.
I really don’t like CJ in the rotation for this team. It’s just not a good fit right now.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
maybe not expectations to be underwhelmed
just dont set yourself up with unnecessarily high expectations that will likely be crushed. im eing reasonable, but if he’s starting, it better be b/c JD/Nolan/MM feel its more of a contribution to the team.
im skeptical. hoping for the best.
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
Damn you can tell you
are a Ranger fan. I’m tired of assuming I’m going to be underwhelmed.
by corbsclinton on Mar 17, 2010 12:45 PM CDT up reply actions
I'm starting to think
that maybe a possibility
by corbsclinton on Mar 17, 2010 11:45 AM CDT up reply actions
Based on
the fact all most all pitchers started out as starters. If he can continue to throw around/under 12-15 pitches per inning and command 4 pitches I think the odds are better he pulls it off than failing. There is less behind the his arm is going to fall off at 100 innings train of thought.
And a RW guy feeling…
by corbsclinton on Mar 17, 2010 12:41 PM CDT up reply actions
For no other reason
than my suspicion is he will go Teixeira on us, and refuse to sign before FA, and I doubt this franchise can compete with Boston, NY, etc.
If he doesn’t resign before FA, you are better off getting something for him rather than draft picks.
"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
"Imposter!"
/Torii
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
For the "Josey Was Wrong" Crowd...
Rogers actually made the switch to full-time starting in ’93.
He went directly from 81 appearances & 78 IPs in ’92 to 33 starts & 208 IPs in ’93.
I wonder how many IPs we could expect from CJ if he was named a starter?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
I just don't see him getting his pitches per innings down enough to be satisfactory.
For me…for this season. We’ll see.
CJ had 47 pitches in 4 IPs yesterday.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm just as excited about CJ than you are.
But don’t base it all off of one ST game, you know that.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
Actually
CJ is averaging 11.11 pitches per inning in his 3 games this year, 9 innings total. That is 10th on the team behind Oliver, Nippert, Madrigal, Geary, Moscoso, E Reed, Eyre, Mendoza, and Beltre. Only Nippert (6.4) and Mendoza (10.4) are starting candidates and ahead of him.
Okay, that is goood.
But it’s still only 9 innings. But that is indeed very encouraging.
My point was that in CJ’s start before yesterday he couldn’t throw a 1st pitch strike to save his life. To be successful you have to start out 0-1, you keep starting out 1-0 you’re going to get shit on.
I am very much in CJ’s corner, don’t let this post think otherwise.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
jeez, I took some benadryl last night and I feel like shit....my typing shows.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
beenadrilll is gooood...
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
I feel like someone slipped me a roofie.
Slept like a brick though.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
they should rename those floor-ees..
(Wife) "So what do you want to watch on the T.V.? UFC or porn?"
(Husband) "Hmm... well, porn, I guess."
...or rapies.
She say she are the manager.
by rockin_rangers on Mar 17, 2010 12:20 PM CDT up reply actions
Fear the strep
"Big whoop, wanna fight about it?"
by lost in space on Mar 17, 2010 12:23 PM CDT up reply actions
i think I"m good. I have superman-like defense systems.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
Agreed
I meant to put a BEWARE OF SMALL SAMPLE SIZES label on there.
I completely agree with the first pitch strike issue. He’s not an overpowering kind of pitcher and will need to work ahead of the count. I think he only threw a first pitch strike to one batter in his debut in ST. To be truthful, I don’t trust that start much more than I trust yesterdays. Small sample sizes can be damn fluky.
I’m personally in the keep him in the pen corner.
Mine is not off one game in ST either.
I won’t shut up about it, but CJ & Rogers remind me a lot of each other at similar ages.
I can also remember wincing when Bobby V would talk about Rogers eventually becoming a starter because he was good in the pen. I thought there was absolutely no way Rogers could be stretched out enough to become a reliable starter but he did and ended up having a career where he won something like 225 games.
That’s exactly why when the subject was broached I thought, what the hell do you have to lose?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions
A pretty good setup man
That’s what we might lose.
Yeah.. and he's had several 8 pitch innings in his career
what’s your point? Kris Benson had a few scoreless innings to kick off ST last year.. that didn’t give me any illusions of him being unhittable going into Opening Day and the 2009 season.
CJ still needs to conquer a lineup twice through the order IMO
He didn’t face anybody last year twice in the same game and yesterday one of the two guys he faced twice roped a double off him.
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.
Ive been thinking for awhile
It’s
1) Harden
2) Feldman
3) Lewis
4) Hunter
5) BMac/CJ
With Holland and Harrison in the minors, and the loser of BMac/CJ in the pen.
"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 have a feeling
I have a feeling McCarthy will be traded if he doesn’t make the rotation. No inside information, just trusting the gut like Ron Washington.
That rotation looks okay on the surface
but there are no reliable 7 IP workhorses in it and I actually think BMac should be paired with Harden.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:14 AM CDT up reply actions
Like a lot of this team
there is potential for upside, and potential for failure due to injury or inexperience.
"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
Neftali
listening to the game yesterday made me think he’s going to start the season in OKC. Anyone else?
Go Rice Owls!
*raises hand
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
And I should say....
although I think the team will start him out in AAA. I selfishly want him in the back end if this truly is “the year.” He simply makes the Rangers a better club with him owning the 7th or 8th. Like Josey said below, I wouldn’t be surprised if he turned out to be our closer (somewhere Z pounds his head into a wall)
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
What people in here also need to remember
is that both JD & Wash are on the clock this year (“It’s Time”) and a lot of decisions are going to be made for short-term gain instead of long-term gain.
I agree that Feliz has the potential to be a very good starter but on this team, this year we may win more games / save jobs if Feliz is used as a hammer in the bully.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I think he makes the big club
and eventually becomes the 2010 closer.
Wash loved using him as a nuclear weapon in the 6th/7th inning last year and he may begin the season doing that again but will be closing games by early May.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions
Thinking about it
I actually wouldn’t mind seeing Feliz sitting in AAA for a month or so. Let the big league club figure it out and let Feliz continue stretching out in the minors. He can sub in for an under-performing starter if the need arises. If we trust our rotation and don’t need him, send him to the pen and we’ll have one of the most dominant pens in the league.
This is very likely
The first month or two is always a feeling out process for most teams. Send him down to work on his secondary pitches with less pressure, see how the roto settles in, and bring him up for the BP if everything looks good. Of course, they could also do the same thing with Harry, if need be.
"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.
yup, him and holland both i wouldnt be surprised if they were in AAA,
which is ok, i actually wouldnt be too surprised either if neftali was in the BP if CJ makes the rotation b/c of IP going forward.
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
Nothing to do with listening to the game (I didn't)
But I also think this.
With a spot in the bullpen looking like its going to CJ or McCarthy
It does seem like its getting more and more likely they’ll start Feliz in the OKC rotation.
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
Based on what?
Feliz was a bad-ass the first time thru the line-up and then the wheels shot off which is probably the same thing Wash has always seen him do.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
Based on how the roster is shaking out
by brettgardner on Mar 17, 2010 11:36 AM CDT up reply actions
If you have 12 pitchers on This Thing...
Starters / Harden, Feldman, Lewis, Hunter, CJ
Relievers / Frank, Feliz, BMac, Ray, Harrison, Oliver, O’Day
Who would you put in place of Feliz in the bully?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
I'm missing Nips but is the big club better off
with Feliz in OKC and Nips in The Show?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
It is
If they want to keep him a starter. It’s at least an argument. Not a slam-dunk either way.
by brettgardner on Mar 17, 2010 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
Yes
Nippert has done a good job as the long man and can also fill that emergency starter role (if you don’t want to or can’t go to OKC to get someone). If you don’t stick with him in the bullpen, you lose him to some other team. Starting the season with Feliz in the rotation vs. the bullpen just lets you develop him as a starter more and can pick his spot to come back to Majors.
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
Based on the other roster members
And how Feliz hasn’t seemed to impress too much to make sure he sticks on the ML team. If the rotation includes CJ or McCarthy with the other one going to the bullpen, then you’re left with a bullpen of FX2, Oliver, O’Day, Nippert, Ray, and then McCarthy. If you’re going with McCarthy, then Snyder probably gets the last spot in the bullpen. If its going to CJ, I still don’t think its a guarantee that Feliz gets that last spot with other options to try out first.
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
the Davis,Smoak, Moreland logjam
How is Smoak’s defense compared to Davis?
I know Davis is an excellent 1B, so if he is hitting he should be starting there. Any chance either Smoak or Moreland can develop into a RF? I saw Moreland playing out there, and he looked a bit akward…but I am not sure how many times he has even played the OF.
If we can move 1 to the OF, and use the other to deal or DH….then we are ok.
by death of the cool on Mar 17, 2010 11:32 AM CDT reply actions
Defense really doesn't matter at 1B
and Smoak is probably the better natural hitter.
Smoak is a guy who can give you OBP and will probably develop more power. I doubt Davis’ OBP is ever all that much.
"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
Moreland has a cannon
he was actually a RP as well in Mississippi. big arm, no real range to speak of.
there is a decent write up on him in FWSt today check it out
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
Not to get all Cowlishaw up in here
but with all of our rotation candidates, I don’t see how Colby Lewis can be guaranteed anything.
I think the only locks should be Harden and Feldman, and after that, let the best three win. If that’s CJ, Harrison and Hunter, so be it.
What is this, Horseville? Because I'm surrounded by naysayers.
"best three"
The best three from Spring Training?
by brettgardner on Mar 17, 2010 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions
If you liked him enough to give him that contract
then you clearly should be confident in his ability to be a starter at least to start the season. He’s not a rookie right now either. ST for him is about working out the kinks and getting ready for the 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
I think his contract
pretty much guarantees he will be starting in the rotation, so I wouldn’t worry about it. My guess is he can’t lose the rotation spot in spring training.
"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 really don't see the problem with giving him a chance in the rotation
As a veteran and letting the young guys with options fight for the remaining spots….
by death of the cool on Mar 17, 2010 12:10 PM CDT up reply actions
Heh
"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.
Started last week
It morphed out of a convo 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.
Oliver sliding into CJ's role
per Maddox. Not quite sure that’s a one for one but O’day/Oliver/FX2 backend of the bullpen is fine with me. I’m not sure Feliz really has a role then which is fine with me. Gawd that’s going to be a helluva rotation in OKC
Wasn't that
kind of a given? Once they signed Oliver, and talked about CJ getting a chance to start, I always assumed Oliver would be in the back of the bullpen.
"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
ideally, hes ur loogy to make us actually have one
replacing a hardly effective eddie G from 2009 team.
give the SP job to Harry, BMac, and Holland and Feliz to fight out the spot, but i understand giving CJ a chance to start, i just think it could be a health endurance thing. if i had to choose a highly effecty lefty setup guy all season, or some1 who might not make it 6 IP and im scared may hurt himself trying, to pitch in a rotation with harden who i think is the same way, makes me kinda nervous.
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
I think the original plan
was having CJ, O’day, and Oliver all working towards the end of the game with Frankie closing.
by corbsclinton on Mar 17, 2010 2:50 PM CDT up reply actions
Hamilton missed a game b/c of a root canal which got me thinking
that is strictly a matter of concerning oneself with their own health. is something as little as a root canal that he knows he’s needed fixed for a while when it could easily been just a filling and is now a root canal b/c of not taking care of it promptly a sign of an individual who doesnt take very good care of himself and doesnt spend a bunch of time thinking about how to take cae of himself. I know its a simple root canal, but sometimes the little things are more of an indication of the mindset and character of players than the major things. i love josh, but im stating to get the feeling he just doesnt spend a bunch of time taking care of himself or thinking about taking care of himself. maybe and hopefully im wrong, but if im a GM something as simple as that might be a red flag in the back of my mind when im thinking about who i want longterm. im scared unless we get a good yea out of him he just maybe ends up broken and ineffective, most likely due solely to his own doing.
i certainly hope not. its a mountain out of molehill, i know. i’m just saying….
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
I go a year at a time with Josh until he puts two years together where he's
healthy and we also don’t see whipcream on the belly, bending over road-beef pics on the internet.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
by Josey Wales on Mar 17, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
This is true and pretty funny,
two things I normally don’t get out of your posts.
"Big whoop, wanna fight about it?"
by lost in space on Mar 17, 2010 12:34 PM CDT up reply actions
Road-beef pics....lol.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
I think you are over thinking this one.....
Millions of people who take care of themselves get root canals….
peoples teeth are different….
by death of the cool on Mar 17, 2010 12:11 PM CDT up reply actions
Is that true?
I’m hardly an expert, but my understanding is, if you go to the dentist twice a year and get your cavities filled when you have them, that you won’t get a root canal. Maybe I’m wrong.
My wife went twice a year until she was 18
Then once a year after that. She has had to have two root canals done. Her family just has a history of weak/bad teeth. She doesn’t drink coffee, not many sodas at all, no drugs. Just bad teeth.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
My Mom & her side of the family are much the same
She is a fanatic about her teeth, to no avail.
"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.
Yup. I feel terrible for her.
I quit going to the dentist when I was 18, went back when I was 28 for the first time, and had only one small cavity. Easy fix. She hates how mich time she puts into her teeth and still they need to be worked on every year. It’s getting expensive too, even with the insurance. Wisdom teeth coming out this year…
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
I think it's more indicative of how drugs have effected him
I think I remember reading that either coke or heroin (or maybe both) has a tendency to make bones weaker and more brittle — wouldn’t that apply to teeth as well?
So it might be simply another sign of how much damage his body has taken from drug abuse that allows him to develop cavities faster than normal rather than a sign of not taking care of himself now.
Completely wrong
He has had problem teeth since he was a child, as he is on record saying.
"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 for the clarification
I didn’t know that
That could be true
but smoking crack definitely isn’t good on the teeth either
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
this is true, it rots them
If the Rangers don't make the play-offs this year I'm gonna go all Epic Bearded Man on your ass.
Speed is the drrug that rots your teeth
(see bikers)
I can't help it. I’m an asshole.
-brettgardner on Jul 7, 2009 10:55 PM EDT
x
@mlbtraderumors White Sox Release Daniel Cabrera, Jason Botts http://bit.ly/bC07qJ #mlb
"I was going to say, 'You’re gay for Elvis.' But then I realized that I, too, am gay for Elvis." ~Adam J. Morris.
Japan's calling... They want their white boy back.
Good luck to ya Botts.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
All he needs is a few hundred more at bats!!!!!
Go Rice Owls!
by JBImaknee on Mar 17, 2010 12:40 PM CDT up reply actions 4 recs
Rec!
"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
For all the folks who don't believe in
AAAA players, there is your poster child.
"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
That story on Ortiz is crazy
Hard to believe a kid can get drafted not even playing one full year
Gotta like the dedication as well
Fuck Mike Estabrook
So it turns out Warsh loved him the nose candy, eh?
I am Jurickson Profar son of judeska and chesmond.. And I was born ready! ready to play baseball!!- Jurickson Profar 2/15/2010
Oh Shit Wash!!!
"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.
Hyman reporting he failed a drug test last 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.
Linky
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/baseball/mlb/03/17/washington/index.html?eref=sihp
"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 thought about fanshotting this as soon as I saw the Heyman article.
But I figured it would turn up on the front page in due course either way.
I am Jurickson Profar son of judeska and chesmond.. And I was born ready! ready to play baseball!!- Jurickson Profar 2/15/2010
AJM always steals the thunder
The bastard.
"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.
Whoa!!!!
Wash did coke!!
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
Fire his ass now!!
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
This pitcher doesn't pass the "smell test."
I am Jurickson Profar son of judeska and chesmond.. And I was born ready! ready to play baseball!!- Jurickson Profar 2/15/2010
So all those dumbass decisions have
a little more light shed on them.
What in the hell is this team waiting for?
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Ranger players, especially veterans, weren’t surprised that Daniels couldn’t find a deal"
"The Influence continues." Josey Wales (1/18/10)
Supposedly happened last July...
Maybe the repeated usage of Guardado around that time was drug-induced?
I am Jurickson Profar son of judeska and chesmond.. And I was born ready! ready to play baseball!!- Jurickson Profar 2/15/2010
More like the play of CD and Hank.
He must have read LSB and seen Josey bashing CD non-stop. Hell, that drove me to coke for a month or so.
Cocaine…Is a helluva drug.
"grilled cheese punches like a bitch" -Gdawg
"i feel like k-rod after a save." -by reagan on Jan 23, 2010, that glorious day Hicks was out of our lives.
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