Saturday morning Rangers stuff

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 9, 2011 9:24 AM CDT

Not the best performances of the season from C.J. Wilson and Neftali Feliz, but they were good enough, and the bats stayed hot, as the Rangers spanked Oakland, 8-5.

Anthony Andro's game story talks about the Ranger offense keying the Rangers' fifth straight victory.

T.R. Sullivan's game story points out that the 105 degree game time temperature is the highest in TBIA history.

The S-T's notes talk about the Rangers' latest roster move, with Andres Blanco going to the d.l. with a "stress reaction" in his lower back, Omar Quintanilla having his contract purchased, and Scott Feldman moving to the 60 day d.l. The Feldman move is strictly procedural...as the S-T notes in discussing Derek Holland's start, Feldman still is likely to be activated from the disabled list next week, and could replace Holland in the rotation, despite Holland's complete game shutout in his last outing.

Sullivan's notes talk about the Blanco/Quintanilla transaction and the unusual nature of Holland's last two starts.

Alex Rodriguez is bowing out of the All Star Game, which means that Adrian Beltre will be the starter at third base.

Jeff Wilson writes about the Rangers playing the day after Shannon Stone fell to his death. Tim Madigan of the S-T has a story about Stone, with colleagues talking about what a great father he was. Evan Grant writes that the Rangers will keep throwing foul balls to fans.

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Comments

You really think one bad start from Holland now is enough to have him replaced in the rotation?

Cuban Julio is not better than tiny Cliff
-venturafearsnolan

by Gdawg on Jul 9, 2011 9:27 AM CDT reply actions

Did you read the article that was linked?

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 9, 2011 9:35 AM CDT up reply actions

I did now

Are you saying that you were just summarizing and that it wasn’t your opinion?

Cuban Julio is not better than tiny Cliff
-venturafearsnolan

by Gdawg on Jul 9, 2011 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions

I was saying the S-T said Feldman could replace Holland

I don’t know if that will happen or not.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 9, 2011 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions

I wonder if the Rangers are trying to handle Holland a bit more assertively

perhaps he’s just becoming complacent if he thinks his rotation spot is assured, etc, and losing focus. So the Rangers are trying to keep a fire underneath him. Just pure speculation

Go Rice Owls!
Would be a Matt Harrison fan, but I only like superstars

by JBImaknee on Jul 9, 2011 9:46 AM CDT up reply actions

Dutch does seem to respond better

when there is a bit of pressure to perform.

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions

So this is just AJM trying to get Holland to perform better?

Well played, AJM

"My parents actually loved to pimp me too." - LSJ

by chrisR on Jul 9, 2011 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions

I agree about the complacency.

/BigSteve

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"do you a jet ski rental place would work here" - Mike E, 5/10/2011, in response to me saying I would rather face the Thunder than the Grizzlies in the WCF.

by Aqua on Jul 9, 2011 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Feldman may pass him on thee left hand side.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jul 9, 2011 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions 2 recs

This thing you did here....

- "Well I screwed that one up," Washington said. -

by b.pate on Jul 9, 2011 11:57 AM CDT up reply actions

whoa - 105?

Go Rice Owls!
Would be a Matt Harrison fan, but I only like superstars

by JBImaknee on Jul 9, 2011 9:42 AM CDT reply actions

in the shade...

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 9:45 AM CDT up reply actions

HA! That all you got.

/AZ Rangers

I know you're still struggling to find your way in LSB but you'd probably feel more comfortable in one of the other threads that talks about
weather, fashion, video games, uniform colors, etc. . - Josey Wales 5/18/11

by RangerMad on Jul 9, 2011 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions

But its a dry heat out there ;}

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

You live arizona?

Gosh I miss that place…Iowa doesn’t compare to Arizona.

by DevilManHammy on Jul 9, 2011 10:21 AM CDT via mobile up reply actions

Lived in Tucson for a year

loved it

by RangerMad on Jul 9, 2011 11:32 AM CDT up reply actions

I realize offense is down league wide

From 2008, but feldman’s ERA wad in the low to mid 4s, no? And his FIP suggested he was living lucky and probably closer to a high 4 or low 5 guy. So why they dump holland, with 2 CG shutouts and the much higher upside, for a guy that at best will pitch about the same? holland has an era of 4.68. He has soaked innings and has only had 2-3 truly terrible starts. Can you really expect more from your #5?The only would seem to be that you think you need the lefty in the pen – which frankly I can’t argue with as Oliver has been terrible in my opinion.

I can see holland losing the spot to somebody they bring in by trade. But Feldman makes little sense. Hell, if you are going to do that, then give me Martin Perez.

Jack Daddy

by Jack Daddy on Jul 9, 2011 10:10 AM CDT reply actions

" which frankly I can’t argue with as Oliver has been terrible in my opinion."

LOLWUT.

Unless you fucked up and meant Rhodes.

"beiacte like you hjave to read tha at ovie and then you read the eholwe thin g an d but ibecause you dont want to and then if when ifo u dont read te lyrics but inot becaise ists a song but its like the wordfs sand stuff wehat you do, but you read it, but when you dont whic that is the point of thwat i am saying you are so god fdam dammnit fucking , becauset now our ost yobecuasee ttyou havent read i , and then yo go iwht poprocrn!!!" - TagDon'tTweet, 06/23/11

by vfn on Jul 9, 2011 10:13 AM CDT up reply actions

LOSSES!

"I'll text AJM a picture of my junk if he wants to use it" by ab03 on Jul 7, 2011 9:30 PM CDT

by Brad on Jul 9, 2011 10:15 AM CDT up reply actions

Its why I qualified it with in my opinion

Feel free to disagree. But if we’re playing each other i’ll gladly let you roll him out there in 8th against me. How can you be effective late inning lefty when you can’t pitch on back to back days?

Beauty of baseball. Everyone has an opinion. But yes, Rhodes has been many, mny times worse. There is a spot in this pen for d.o., just not the high leverage situations he’s had. And if the next 3 months prove me wrong, I’ll be tickled.

Jack Daddy

by Jack Daddy on Jul 9, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions

The facts outright disagree with you.

and that’s being polite.

There’s been one better pitcher so far in the bullpen this year, and he’s only thrown 6 innings (Big Game).

by vfn on Jul 9, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions

Oliver has been effective.

He had a couple of high profile meltdowns that overshadow the broader body of effective work.

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions

well to be fair

Oliver has had a disproportionate fraction of his bad outings in higher leverage situations. Though that is probably chance, it could possibly be real.

Go Rice Owls!
Would be a Matt Harrison fan, but I only like superstars

by JBImaknee on Jul 9, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I get the feeling Oliver's become the new Frankie

where the bad outings totally overshadow how solid he was to some people here.

by vfn on Jul 9, 2011 11:19 AM CDT up reply actions

He was really solid to some people here.

I know he loaned me $5 this one time.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jul 9, 2011 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

This could be a factor.

Maybe not, but it could be that the FO believes that Holland = Feldman in the rotation. 5th starter with a high 4s/low 5s ERA. But they may also believe Holland > Feldman in the bullpen. Especially with Rhodes and Kirkman not being effective.

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Variance from mean matters.

Especially given the other components of this team (offense, defense).

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 9, 2011 12:24 PM CDT up reply actions

Feldman replacing Holland?

They’ll regret that.

- "Well I screwed that one up," Washington said. -

by b.pate on Jul 9, 2011 10:22 AM CDT reply actions

Does seem like cutting a hole in the front of the boat

to plug a hole in the back of the boat.

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm actually kind of excited

To have Feldman back. But as the long guy.

Jack Daddy

by Jack Daddy on Jul 9, 2011 10:31 AM CDT reply actions

this

Young has sucked the last two weeks. --JW 6/16/2011

by shock00 on Jul 9, 2011 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions

Agreed. But...

I’m thinking JD is trying to figure out another LH bullpen piece. They gave Kirk a long look, and that didn’t work out. Rhodes is a LOOGY—at best. JD has gone on record with his disdain of trading for bullpen pieces. I don’t like it from the development aspect, but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Holland in the pen after the ASB.

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

i wouldnt be surprised either

we shall see what happens

Young has sucked the last two weeks. --JW 6/16/2011

by shock00 on Jul 9, 2011 10:42 AM CDT up reply actions

I would be surprised.

Because Feldman sucks.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"do you a jet ski rental place would work here" - Mike E, 5/10/2011, in response to me saying I would rather face the Thunder than the Grizzlies in the WCF.

by Aqua on Jul 9, 2011 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions

i'd be willing to give him a shot in the bullpen as the long man

see what he’s got

Young has sucked the last two weeks. --JW 6/16/2011

by shock00 on Jul 9, 2011 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

In that role, sure.

Has to be better than Bush was, anyway.

I like the bullpen as it is presently constructed with the way Hunter is pitching.

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"do you a jet ski rental place would work here" - Mike E, 5/10/2011, in response to me saying I would rather face the Thunder than the Grizzlies in the WCF.

by Aqua on Jul 9, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

hunter has given them a shot in the arm

good to see him pitching well and o’day back

Young has sucked the last two weeks. --JW 6/16/2011

by shock00 on Jul 9, 2011 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions

Probably not sucks...

…but I don’t see him as being very significantly better than Holland right now and then you get to future value…

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 9, 2011 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Aquaman,

You are almost predictable, but yes I agree I would rather have Holland starting and Feldman as long man, and if it doesn’t work out, they can always change it. The last bit of patience with Holland paid off!

by Philar on Jul 9, 2011 2:23 PM CDT up reply actions

A-Rod with a slight meniscus tear

http://bombersbeat.mlblogs.com/2011/07/09/a-rod-has-slight-meniscus-tear-surgery-possible/?partnerId=aw-6580538550641226007-1038

May miss a month.

"I'll text AJM a picture of my junk if he wants to use it" by ab03 on Jul 7, 2011 9:30 PM CDT

by Brad on Jul 9, 2011 10:48 AM CDT reply actions

Tara Reid is She-Ra

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Ian Kinsler

He is actually having a terrific year so far. 6 walks short of his career high in walks already.

"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 Jul 9, 2011 10:55 AM CDT reply actions

Everyone other than Sean Bass already knows this.

"I'll text AJM a picture of my junk if he wants to use it" by ab03 on Jul 7, 2011 9:30 PM CDT

by Brad on Jul 9, 2011 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

But he POPS UP!

My mind just says throw ball throw hard and strike. - Marteen

by Keynes on Jul 9, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Pop Up > GIDP!

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

No Rain--No Rainbows

No Pop Flys—No HRs

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't think that's true

There are quite a few folks who seem to think Ian Kinsler isn’t doing well this year.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 9, 2011 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Hopefully that will die out soon

He’s already got his BA up to .250 and he’s hitting for power, taking a lot of walks, and stealing a lot of bases.

Cuban Julio is not better than tiny Cliff
-venturafearsnolan

by Gdawg on Jul 9, 2011 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions

The IanElvis double okay combo is brilliant to watch most nights.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 9, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

*play

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 9, 2011 12:27 PM CDT up reply actions

a ton of folks still think he sucks....they all look at his batting average (altho its on the rise)

a coworker was trying to convince me that he sucks this year…….i told him to get the fuck out of my office lol.

Young has sucked the last two weeks. --JW 6/16/2011

by shock00 on Jul 9, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

He is arguably having the

second best season of his career and he is just now heating up. Very impressed so far.

"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 Jul 9, 2011 11:04 AM CDT up reply actions

yup, i love some kins

Young has sucked the last two weeks. --JW 6/16/2011

by shock00 on Jul 9, 2011 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions

What's not to love?

OBP—.368; SLG—.450 from a leadoff hitter K%—11.9%. WAR—4.0

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

I think his 2008

was his best. 5.1 WAR (b-ref) player in 121 games.

"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 Jul 9, 2011 12:13 PM CDT up reply actions

I think its his best season yet

If he keeps up this pace all year, it will be by a pretty wide margin. He’s been healthy and playing everyday and is having his second best year offensively. Its also looking to be one of his best defensive seasons. To date, he’s never been able to put all 3 of those things together.

Cuban Julio is not better than tiny Cliff
-venturafearsnolan

by Gdawg on Jul 9, 2011 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions

I would agree with you

IF he stays healthy (knock on wood). That 2008 season was pretty killer though despite only playing 121 games.

"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 Jul 9, 2011 12:14 PM CDT up reply actions

Kinsler

So the road split is no big deal?

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jul 9, 2011 11:51 AM CDT up reply actions

Considering his overall body of work, absolutely.

What is your suggestion?

Ever been in a boardroom, or a gang fight? Ever save a life? Ever won a court case against the odds? Ever held a dying buddy in your arms?.- jackanape on "perspective," 11/8/2010.

"do you a jet ski rental place would work here" - Mike E, 5/10/2011, in response to me saying I would rather face the Thunder than the Grizzlies in the WCF.

by Aqua on Jul 9, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions

None.

I remember when his numbers were further down, today’s the first I looked at them again.

Go Strangers.

by hightowersmith on Jul 9, 2011 12:16 PM CDT up reply actions

S.S.S.

"I'll text AJM a picture of my junk if he wants to use it" by ab03 on Jul 7, 2011 9:30 PM CDT

by Brad on Jul 9, 2011 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions

that ship sunk

by RangerMad on Jul 9, 2011 11:58 AM CDT up reply actions

In terms of his value to the team this year?

No.

by Adam J. Morris on Jul 9, 2011 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

The team in general has a huge Home/Road split issue.

BA: .289/.253
Runs: 278/170
OBP: .345/.317
SLG: .518/.366
OPS: .863/.683

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 11:59 AM CDT up reply actions

I blame Rudy

by RangerMad on Jul 9, 2011 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions

You looked at other teams?

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 9, 2011 12:29 PM CDT up reply actions

Everybody likes home cooking.

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Oui.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 9, 2011 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Promotion for Express game tonight

several lucky fans will have the opportunity to drive home in a brand new used car.

by deityofElvis on Jul 9, 2011 11:30 AM CDT reply actions

This one?

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 11:38 AM CDT up reply actions

thats too valuable to just give away

by deityofElvis on Jul 9, 2011 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions

Write off the Car, Not the Kid!

"Anyone that knows me, an' the game of baseball, know what Ron Washington is about."

by Atticus F on Jul 9, 2011 11:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Feldman...

has no business replaces Holland in the rotation. None.

Leave the kid alone and in the rotation for a full year. He’s doing fine.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Jul 9, 2011 1:30 PM CDT reply actions

Errrr, replacing.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Jul 9, 2011 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Feldman

I can’t believe there’s much thought to doing that.

Holland actually has the third highest WAR of our starting pitchers.

I think Feldman will replace Tateyama as the long man.

by Darrell McKown on Jul 9, 2011 2:07 PM CDT up reply actions

And I'm okay with that...

it just amuses me how much some people here hate on Holland.

Look at these #’s :

Wilson – 3.18 FIP 3.39 xFIP (BGL has been great)
Lewis – 4.98 FIP (ouch) 4.16 xFIP
Harrison – 4.25 FIP 4.15 xFIP
Ogando – 3.51 FIP 3.70 xFIP
Holland – 4.26 FIP 3.93 xFIP

So just like I said last week after his bad start, Holland has been perfectly fine as a #5 starter, in fact he has been than fine, I really don’t understand the argument against that. People here are praising Harrison (and rightfully so) and yet look at his numbers next to Holland’s.

Feldman – 4.73 FIP 4.69 xFIP (in 2010) and even in his good year of ’09 he had a 4.31 FIP 4.43 xFIP

And obviously Holland’s younger with much more upside than Feldman. There’s really zero reason to even think about replacing Dutch in the rotation with Feldman.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Jul 9, 2011 3:04 PM CDT up reply actions

The reason occured one week ago today.

I don’t agree with that it makes a Feldman switch necessary, but 3 of Holland’s 18 starts have seen him last 4 innings or less. There may be a thought that while Feldman is less likely to give you 8 good innings than Holland, he’s more likely to give you 5+ than Holland. I’m not sure I agree with that, but I can at least understand it.

FWIW, Harrison is similar, 3 out of 16.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 9, 2011 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

thanks bigsteve

by RangerMad on Jul 9, 2011 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions

I think you missed the point.

"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." - Jon Daniels

by GhettoBear04 on Jul 9, 2011 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Alright...

so 16% of the time Holland’s going to come out and lay a turd. I’m not sure what the #‘s are with the rest of the pitchers in the league, but that doesn’t seem that high to me. Everyone is going to have a poor start from time to time. Your example of Harrison’s poor starts indicate that as well.

And like you said, I think Feldman may be more likely to get through 5 (even if the #‘s show those 5 wouldn’t be as good as Holland’s 5), but Feldman will almost never give you 7, 8, or 9 shutout or 1 run innings. He’s just not that kind of pitcher. And I’d rather take that chance with that upside every time.

If this team didn’t already have 5 quality starters I’d be fine with Feldman going out there as your 5th starter. However, when there are clearly better options the team needs to stick with what it has had all year and put Feldman, like Hunter, in the ’pen imho.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Jul 9, 2011 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions