The Rangers and Lance Berkman
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 29, 2011 10:27 AM CDT
Email
Print
Per the Twitterverse, Ben Rogers is saying on ESPN 103.3 that the Rangers have interest in St. Louis Cardinals 1B/OF Lance Berkman, who cleared waivers last week, and thus can be traded to any team.
The Rangers were interested in Berkman this offseason, and of course, Berkman said after signing with the Cardinals that he thought the Rangers were an "average" team that had pitchers performing over their heads last season, and that he passed on them even though he could have made more money with Texas.
The Cardinals are now out of the race, and thus are in a position to trade Berkman. That said, they aren't going to just give him away, as they apparently have an interest in re-signing him to return for 2012.
That being said, Berkman seems like a good fit for the Rangers, particularly with Nelson Cruz grabbing his hamstring and coming out of the game last night. First off, much to my surprise (I thought he was close to done last year), he's been a terrific hitter in 2011:
Yes, he's playing in the weaker league, but he's still drawing a bunch of walks, he's hitting for power, and he's a switch-hitter. If Cruz is going to miss significant time, Berkman could slide into the lineup and more than fill his shoes with the bat.
And come playoff time, he gives the Rangers some options in case Mitch Moreland (.258/.309/.395 since June 1) continues to struggle, or if Adrian Beltre or Nelson Cruz have hamstring problems again. But a potential October lineup of:
Ian Kinsler -- 2B
Elvis Andrus -- SS
Josh Hamilton -- CF or LF
Adrian Beltre -- 3B
Lance Berkman -- 1B
Michael Young -- DH
Nelson Cruz -- RF or LF
Mike Napoli -- C
Mitch Moreland/David Murphy/Craig Gentry -- Other OF spot
Is pretty tasty.
The rub is the cost, of course, and I don't know that I want to part with real prospects to get a bat for a month plus the playoffs, particularly if Cruz isn't on the shelf for a long time.
Its intriguing, though...and with August 31 being just two days away, we should know one way or the other pretty quickly.
75 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Don't forget that Texas would theoretically recoup a couple first-round picks in the winter.
I’m gonna write about this tomorrow. I still think STL and TEX coming to an agreement on the return is a longshot, but the draft pick comp would be a meaningful factor.
I assume you build with Moreland...
Moreland plus Nera?
Or quantity? Moreland plus Hurley and Strop and a low-A arm?
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Aug 29, 2011 10:32 AM CDT reply actions
Moreland probably wouldn't get through waivers.
And he can’t be a PTBNL.
Hurley and Strop could be PTBNL’s as long as they don’t come up between the date of the trade and the end of the season.
NeRa could be traded without any procedural hurdle.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 29, 2011 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Moreland could be a PTBNL
Since the Cards are in the N.L.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 29, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
No.
PTBNL can’t be in bigs.
I suppose if Texas options Moreland first, they could do it. But then if he doesn’t get to STL on waivers, he has to stay off the Rangers’ active roster the rest of the season and post-season.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 29, 2011 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions
When did that rule change?
I know Brett Butler and Brook Jacoby were PTBNLs in the Len Barker deal, and continued playing in the majors after the deal.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 29, 2011 12:04 PM CDT up reply actions
Not sure which CBA it was.
But pretty sure it’s been in place as long as I’ve been paying attention to the rules.
by Jamey Newberg on Aug 29, 2011 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
and
I would be perfectly fine with this
"I always thought that there was going to be life after baseball, and so I designed that in my life I would have other interests after baseball that I would be able to step into. And I didn't realize the grip that baseball had on me and on my family."
Nolan Ryan
That's a bit silly.
Are we so overrun with bats capable of playing 1B that we can risknot having him the rest of the year?
The Texas Rangers have been synonymous with explosive firepower ever since they emptied 130 rounds into Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow in 1934. - Alyssa Milano
well
napoli, and young….they might not play as good D but both hit better
"I always thought that there was going to be life after baseball, and so I designed that in my life I would have other interests after baseball that I would be able to step into. And I didn't realize the grip that baseball had on me and on my family."
Nolan Ryan
I think you try Beltre, Strop, and probably a lower pitcher and hitter
I doubt they would trade Moreland unless you plan on resigning Berkman or running with Napoli/Young 1B next year
Formerly Rangers121032
We want...#1 Josh #2 Barnet #10000000 Rhadigan
No way would I do Moreland and Ramirez for Berkman
I probably wouldn’t do just Moreland or just Ramirez.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 29, 2011 10:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I think Berkman would be just a Type B f.a.
by Adam J. Morris on Aug 29, 2011 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions
According to MLBTR's Elias
he’s a type A right now
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/elias-rankings/
They’re estimates, but they’re pretty good
Go Rice Owls!
Would be a Matt Harrison fan, but I only like superstars
now, that is for the NL
If he goes to the AL, he’ll be at the borderline. Though I don’t know how Elias deals with numbers in different leagues (since it is a rank-order statistic)
Go Rice Owls!
Would be a Matt Harrison fan, but I only like superstars
I was just looking for that
He’s on there as an A, but it’s borderline, even with a switch in leagues. He’d have to have a pretty good rest of season to ensure the Type A status.
I think that means you might be able to offer slightly less than otherwise, but damn would it be awesome to have Berkman in this lineup too.
A .405 OBP in the middle of the lineup would be fantastic.
Assuming the price is reasonable of course.
This would basically have to be a trade of prospects not currently on the 40 right?
Of course, we do not really know who the Rangers have already slid through wavers.
I should mention that Chavez is nowhere in that potential October lineup
Formerly Rangers121032
We want...#1 Josh #2 Barnet #10000000 Rhadigan
I'm not trading Mitch Freaking Moreland for one month of Lance Berkman.
First of all, Cruz shouldn’t be out more than 3 weeks…He is coming back.
So what happens to Berkman when Cruz comes back? This team is filthy with DHs.
Berkman was kind of spare last year with the Yankees and can’t play defense.
WE DON’T NEED MORE OFFENSE. WE NEED PITCHING. WE HAVE OFFENSE COVERED.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."
"You want false modesty? F that."
Couldn't agree more!
Hard to even fathom the thought of trading Moreland for 1 month of Berkman (with or without draft picks) came up.
by John08Patriot on Aug 29, 2011 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions
You can't have any idea how long Cruz will be out with injury
Beltre was only supposed to be out a few weeks and it is now nearing 2 months.
Also even if we don’t trade Moreland, (which doesn’t seem likely anyway), Berkman is still an upgrade over Moreland at 1B right now, so I don’t see Cruz’s eventual return impacting Berkman’s playing time at all.
Moreland is not going to be traded for a number of reasons
The waivers issue for one and I’m also not sure why the Cardinals would want Moreland. Pujols insurance?
Agree with not dealing Moreland for Berkman...
Though Mitch wouldn’t clear waivers anyway.
Disagree that we don’t need more offense. Getting a bat like Fat Elvis is the only realistic way to improve right now. There won’t be any SP’s better than our top 4 available that would make it through waivers.
Offense is never "covered."
If you can improve, you improve. First base hasn’t been a strong position this year.
"By MLB.TV, we can see J. Hamilton's homer, M. Young's clutch, and N. Feliz's explosive. All about Rangers things can be our interest" --South Korean Rangers fan
I'm a Web & TV Sports Producer at WFAA. Feel free to email me about anything.
by Conjunction on Aug 29, 2011 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Berkman
made his bed in the off season let him make tee off reservations while the Rangers are in the playoffs. F him
I soloed in the Mile High Club!
What Berkman said in the off-season means nothing to me and should mean nothing to
sophisticated baseball fans.
Berkman wasn’t the only person that thought the Rangers took a step back when they lost PS Koufax. We were most fortunate to get what we have from Ogando, Holland and Harry.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."
"You want false modesty? F that."
by Josey Wales on Aug 29, 2011 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Berkman
He signed with the Cards over a week before Lee signed with Philly.
Saying Lee’s deparature was part of the reason he didn’t sign with Texas doesn’t fit with what actually happened.
by Darrell McKown on Aug 29, 2011 5:03 PM CDT up reply actions
I can die happy now
Adam finally showing the love for one of my Rice guys…
I’m hoping that this is something that the Rangers really look into. I wouldn’t mind someone in the Rangers 3rd tier of prospects (a Robbie Ross, for instance). I don’t know if the Rangers would want to offer him arbitration – I wouldn’t be against it, but maybe since St Louis supposedly really wants to re-sign him the Rangers could agree to not offer him arbitration if he’s a type A as a part of the deal.
Go Rice Owls!
Would be a Matt Harrison fan, but I only like superstars
Well, Rendon may turn out to be pretty awesome
but Lance Berkman has had a just outside the HOF career so far…
Go Rice Owls!
Would be a Matt Harrison fan, but I only like superstars
meh?
He has 30 home runs and a 400 OBP…
Go Rice Owls!
Would be a Matt Harrison fan, but I only like superstars
at the right cost...our lineup would be a fucking monster !
NO This is why i dont come here so much anymore. it has become a destination for certain types which i am not.
Love the rangers, not this -- Mark from OC on Arrested Development
Actually...
if he’s a type A, I’m interested.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
and over the last two weeks
7/30 with a .491 OPS
He’s been good for us, but I wouldn’t really miss him on the playoff roster. He’d most likely be a bench player, and I’d much rather have Gentry as that bench player.
I really can't believe folks are willing to deal Moreland for, literally, 2 months of Lance Berkman.
"I have thought a lot about why people get so hostile online, and I have come to believe it is primarily because we live in a society with a hypertrophied sense of justice and an atrophied sense of humility and charity, to put the matter in terms of the classic virtues." --Alan Jacobs
I agree
Although the cost in non-40 member prospects may be high.
by LBBRangerFan on Aug 29, 2011 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Something built around Ross
Maybe Ross and Mendez
"The Rangers system just happens to be stupid with depth." - Jason Parks, 7/14/11
2011-07-25 17:44:05 - benjihana: Ahh my backdoor!!!
NO MENDEZ.
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.
1 person has mentioned trading Moreland
no one who has half a brain has taken that seriously
If Berkman can be had for a song I don't mind adding him for depth but he doesn't have a position here.
"Dying ain't hard. It's living that's hard."
"Don't become the '82 Milwaukee Brewers."
"You want false modesty? F that."
He's not a big improvement over anyone defensively.
"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates
Define big improvement...
Moreland isn’t awful at 1B and Berkman isn’t great.
How could he be a big improvement?
"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
He's the primary 1B.
If you’ve got Moreland/Torrealba/Murphy on your bench to pinch hit…
With the lineup AJM (in almost any order) has above… that’s a great lineup. Might even make us better than Boston in offense adding a .400 OBP guy.
"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
Career 1000+ OPS v. RHP
And he’s holding that up this year.
Mitch or Murphy doesn’t give you that.
My mind just says throw ball throw hard and strike. - Marteen
by Keynes on Aug 29, 2011 11:44 AM CDT via mobile reply actions
If he's type A
I’d trade anybody but the top top prospects. I’m glad Moreland is undoable since he’d half to pass wavers. In the case of Moreland, I don’t see how you trade a guy who is only 25 and holding his own already. Most guys his age are still trying to figure it out in the minors. He’s got fantastic plate discipline for his age (or any age really), and I suspect that translates to much better #s when he hits his prime years. And… He can hit it a country mile. He’s what we wished Chris Davis was going to be.
Unlikey, but if Berkman inked a 1 year deal, I’d consider trading better minor league talent.
I doubt this deal gets done, but who knows. Maybe this is a kernel of a larger multi-player deal. I don’t know St. Louis’ farm system well, but we seem pitcher heavy and position player light in our top prospects. If they’re the opposite, maybe we do some horse trading.
MARK IT ZERO!!!!
minor leaguers who are 25
are either fringe prospects or org guys
by TheHuntforRedOctober on Aug 29, 2011 3:58 PM CDT up reply actions
Stl. doesn't want Berkman
He’s a last year arbitration player. He’ll likely be non-tendered and sign a 1 year deal somewhere.
MARK IT ZERO!!!!
I think you meant Murphy.
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.
Ar age 25
Not in baseball
Michael Young at 25 vs. Moreland at 25 Kheep in mind Moreland season notfinished)
AVG. 262 cs. 273
OBP 308 vs 335
OPS 690 vs. 773
HRS 9 vs. 16
RBIs 62 vs, 47
Ks 112 vs. 78
BB 41 vs. 36
Michael had 573 ABs, Mareland has 411 so far.
MARK IT ZERO!!!!
My mistake
That was MY’s age 24 stats… My’s age 25 stats are about identical to Moreland, though Moreland is ahead in HR, and trending better in walks and K rate. Anyway, my point is, on average, it’s between 28 anbd 32 that a player is really in his prime, and Moreland is looking good for 25. Ocassionally you get a Pujols or a Tulowitzki who bust out early, but those are rare. Moreland is on pace to be a very good/non-elite 1B.
MARK IT ZERO!!!!
I accept that that is a player's prime
but you said most people are figuring out the minors at his age and that’s not true. Most people are out of the minors if they are going to become anybody of significance. There are obvious exceptions but those people are the exceptions, not the rule.
I don't think this will happen
but if it did….Face isn’t dropping to 6th. 5 hole is as low as he will go in order and he deserves to hit there or higher.
I would love to see Berkman mash in Texas
if he came over I hope that Elvis and his 330 OPB would drop to the bottom of the order.
"Yata He"
I'd probably set the order as
Kinsler
Young
Hamilton
Beltre
Berkman
Cruz
Napoli
Andrus
(other OF spot)
But in any order, that looks like a monster lineup. Last year we were missing one starting pitcher. This year we were thinking it was the bullpen that needed help, and we got it. With all the injuries, adding one more bat would be a great move if the price is right.
"The Rangers system just happens to be stupid with depth." - JParks
"It’s unusual that Sickels is higher on a low-A prospect than those of us who follow the Rangers’ system closely." -rooster on Jan 1, 2011 12:10 PM PST talking about the son of Judeska and Chesmond
My father in law is a diehard cards fan
Albeit not very sophisticated, but he thought they need a ss badly.
by RabbMD on Aug 29, 2011 9:16 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Lone Star Ball
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Get a grip: Reds’ Todd Frazier loses bat, still connects for home run (Video)
- Eric Hosmer redefines the Baltimore chop with infield double (Video)
- College player makes impossible over the fence catch to save tournament game (Video)
- Security!: Camden Yards guard collides with Royals’ Mike Moustakas
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
