New Year's Day Rangers things
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 1, 2012 11:04 AM CST
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PrintHappy new year, everyone...
Richard Durrett talks about Buster Olney saying the Rangers have the 2nd best lineup in baseball, behind only the Boston Red Sox (with no other A.L. West team appearing in the top 10).
T.R. Sullivan answers ten questions about the coming season, while noting that the two most significant moves the Rangers made last offseason -- signing Adrian Beltre and trading Mike Napoli -- occurred in January.
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Feels likea double-reverse Danks for McCarthy
My mind just says throw ball throw hard and strike. - Marteen
Detroit definitely
As good as Prince Fielder would've looked in a 4XL Rangers' uniform, we all know you win with pitching. -- JJT
The truth about MLers from a MLer, Todd Coffey:
"In my heart of hearts, if it's the right contract, I would look to definitely come back to the Nationals."
Would you trade
Holland for Garza? Detroit will do Turner+ to get him.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Jan 1, 2012 12:24 PM CST up reply actions
It really is a new year.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
by Brad on Jan 1, 2012 12:25 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
Maybe it's just proximity effect...
All I could think reading that Turner is available tweet was, ok Detroit is signalling willingness to deal him for Garza.
But how many available pitchers garner a return of Turner? That’s not a huge market, I don’t believe.
If I’m JD I pick up the phone.
Go Strangers.
by hightowersmith on Jan 1, 2012 12:32 PM CST up reply actions
I wouldn't deal Harrison for Turner
take another look at how good he was in the second half.
"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
Sports Producer, WFAA-TV/WFAA.com. Lover of feedback.
Extremely seriously
"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
Sports Producer, WFAA-TV/WFAA.com. Lover of feedback.
Harrison's under control for 3 years
he’s 26, has very good stuff and was an excellent starter last year. I can’t see him being worth less than any pitching prospect not named Matt Moore, Shelby Miller or Julio Teheran.
"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
Sports Producer, WFAA-TV/WFAA.com. Lover of feedback.
You vastly overrate Harrison
Turner is one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. Wont turn 21 until late May. Already has a small amount of ML experience. And has 6 more years of control
Trevor Cahill was just traded for Jarrod Parker
Are you valuing Harrison more than Cahill, or saying that the return for Cahill wasn’t enough?
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 1, 2012 3:57 PM CST up reply actions
It was Parker +
And yes, after looking at their peripherals and considering where they’ve been pitching, I think I’d value Harrison over Cahill.
"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
Sports Producer, WFAA-TV/WFAA.com. Lover of feedback.
Don't disregard Cahill's experience
He’s been an effective major league starter for a lot longer than Harrison
We'll see how he does outside of Oakland now
He had a great ERA in 2010, his FIP of 4.19 in 2010 and 4.10 in 2011 don’t show a guy who has been that effective. He’s been better than Harrison in 09 and 2010, but he wasn’t near as good last year and also hasn’t had a season as good as Harrison’s last year if you don’t put too much emphasis on his 2010 ERA .
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
I dont think you can put too much emphasis on his FIP either
His FIP in 2010 was high due to his extremely low BABIP. But as a GB pitcher his BABIP should be expected to be lower than normal. Maybe not .236 low but I dont think you can just automatically regress it to league average either.
I thought GB pitchers had
higher babip
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 8:52 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I believe they have some influence over it
And with a really good defense behind him he can keep it pretty low.
If he was in Texas I think he’d have a very good BABIP
Ogando and Lewis tied for teh rotation's lowest BABIP
They had a .265 BABIP last season, both are definite flyball pitchers. CJ, the team’s best GB pitcher was at .287.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
Looking at the 21 pitchers who had GB rates over 50% last year
The average BABIP was .294.
Several pitchers who had low BABIPs have been able to keep low BABIPs for most of their career. Guys like Hudson, Chacin, Hamels, Lester, and Romero.
I dont think its out of the question for him to be a steady .270ish BABIP guy going forward
I would bet almost any amount of money he wouldn't
Like I mentioned above, GB pitchers generally don’t have low BABIPs. Flyball pitchers are the ones with the lower BABIPs. It also just makes sense logically as a flyball pitcher is more prone to HRs and those don’t count as a ball in play. And Cahill’s career BABIP is at .271 with a ridiculously .236 BABIP mixed in there. I’m also pretty sure Oakland’s stadium helps a pitcher’s BABIP.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
His FIP was high
because he didn’t strike out a lot of guys with a moderate walk and HR rate. His extremely low BABIP helped out his ERA greatly. And his BABIP should not be lower as a GB pitcher. Flyballs are generally converted into outs more than groundballs. This article here actually talks about his BABIP and how being a GB pitcher should generally lead to a higher BABIP.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
I know the premise
But there are pitchers who have shown they are GB pitchers and have been able to maintain lower than normal BABIPs
I think we will see how much the Coliseum helped Cahills this year since hes moved to another park but I dont think its out of the question for him to be a .270 ish BABIP guy for the future
Who has done that?
A normal BABIP is typically around .290. With a good defense behind you, that can lower a fair amount, but I don’t know of many GB pitchers who have been able to maintain that low of a BABIP without being legitimately great. Over the last 5 years, there is one pitcher who had a GB rate higher than Cahill’s with a BABIP below .280 and that was Tim Hudson.Check out the list here. Jhoulys Chacin has had a low BABIP with a high GB rate, but that is mostly fueled by his one full season with a .265 BABIP.
If you keep going down that list, the only sub .280 BABIP guys there are CJ (thanks to his 2010 season), and beyond that, you aren’t looking at any GB pitcher with a BABIP below .280.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
FIP has nothing to do with BABIP
It even tells you that in the name, Fielding Independent Pitching.
Really?
More team control for Cahill, and Cahill is younger.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 1, 2012 5:05 PM CST up reply actions
Yeah, he's younger
but Harrison’s got better stuff and is coming off some really impressive showings. He was worth 3 fWAR during the last three months of 2011. That’s more than Cahill’s registered in any one season. And he did that while pitching half his games in Arlington.
Cahill’s controlled for one more year than Harrison (2015 vs 2014) but will be paid 5.5M and 7.7M in 2013 and 2014, respectively. If Harrison commands that in arbitration, he’ll be a damn good pitcher (CJ got 7 million on his last arbitration year after coming off an excellent season). Based on what Cahill’s shown, i’m not as convinced he would be — and he’s guaranteed that cash.
I could definitely see an argument for Cahill, but I’d take Harrison.
"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
Sports Producer, WFAA-TV/WFAA.com. Lover of feedback.
You can not use CJs arb as precedent for anything
CJ was a reliever for his first two arb seasons which depressed his salary and thus kept him from getting what was probably a more accurate last arb salary.
And Harrison probably will get 5.5 and 7 in his last two arb seasons but that doesn’t mean he’ll necessarily be a “damn good pitcher”. hes probably going to get 3 mil for 2012 in his first arb season and then jumping to 5 mil should be very easy even if he only has a mediocre season. From there again all he’ll need is a mediocre season to get to 7 million in 2014.
7 mil for a 3rd arb season for a full time starter isn’t really that great. John Danks was probably going to get 9 mil this season in his final arb season which is closer to what Harrison will likely be looking at.
If you want to make the argument Harrison has shown he can pitch in Arlington and would take that over Cahill thats fine and a pretty good position to take. but as far as trade value Cahill definitely has Harry beat due to a combination of age, contract status/team control, and performance.
And if Harrison can be Danks
he’s a lot more valuable than Cahill.
"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
Sports Producer, WFAA-TV/WFAA.com. Lover of feedback.
Maybe he can
he’ll probably do some nice things in the NL. But he’s never been all that good, and his stuff doesn’t suggest there’s a whole lot of hidden potential.
"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
Sports Producer, WFAA-TV/WFAA.com. Lover of feedback.
3 years of Danks during arbitration
Cost roughly 18.5 mil
Cahills next three years costs 16.7 mil. And he has another year guaranteed under control at a very reasonable 12 mil salary plus a very reasonable club option for 13 mil in 2016.
I dont think its as clear cut as you think it is
And yeah, it was Parker +
But the + part doesn’t have much value, and the A’s also gave up Breslow.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 1, 2012 5:06 PM CST up reply actions
The return was light.
And Harrison is unquestionably the better pitcher, 3 years older or not.
"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
How is Harrison "unquestionably the better pitcher"?
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 1, 2012 5:21 PM CST up reply actions
His 2011 was better than any year Cahill has put together thus far, and Cahill's peripherals point strongly to a league-average starter.
Cahill’s a fraud.
"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
And prior to 2011, Harrison had done basically nothing
I’m not a big Cahill believer but to say its unquestionable Harrison is better is hyperbolic.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 1, 2012 5:29 PM CST up reply actions
Really?
Really??? Should I be in love with Cahill’s escalating walk rate (3.55 last year, w00t!) and mediocre K rate? The guy gets ground balls. Wonderful. He and Jake Westbrook can go 69 all winter.
"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
Needs more REALLY???????
Josh Hamilton: "I just show up, look at the lineup and play where I’m told. If they want me to catch, I’ll catch."
Jon Daniels on relationship with #Rangers Young: "I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." 2/19/11
Really?
"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
Damn.
"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
Double Damn
Josh Hamilton: "I just show up, look at the lineup and play where I’m told. If they want me to catch, I’ll catch."
Jon Daniels on relationship with #Rangers Young: "I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." 2/19/11
You are basing a lot of your opinion off of one season
I’m comfortable with you saying that Harrison has had a better season than Cahill ever has. But saying he’s undeniably a better pitcher is a quite a stretch.
Etch it in marble.
/drinking a bit
"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 guess you haven't looked at Harrisons K rate lately
Last 3 years in the majors (k/9)
Cahill: 4.53, 5.40, 6.37
Harrison: 4.83, 5.29, 6.11
It's the combination of escalating BB rate and mediocre K rate that's the problem
Not just the mediocre K rate in isolation.
"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
But Harrisons one year drop in BB rate will be maintained?
Cahill had a similar one year dip in his BB rate in 2010 and then it rose again in 2011.
But apparently Harrison is going to hold the drop of over 1.5 BB/9 he made last year
Oh, come on. You're better than this.
Harrison’s 2011 BB rate is consistent with what he put up in the minors. So is Cahill’s. Harry’s 2010 BB rate wasn’t a “one-year dip” at all; it was an aberration, and one largely attributable to a mechanical breakdown connected with his eventual injury.
"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
Harrisons walk rate in the minors rose every year and at every stop up through AAA
06 A+: 1.77
06 AA: 1.98
07 AA: 2.62
08 AA: 2.74
08 AAA: 3.32
08 ML: 3.33
09 ML: 3.27
10 ML: 4.48
11 ML: 2.76
But yeah thats what he always did in the minors right?
Look both guys are probably low-mid 3’s per 9 inning walk guys and both will likely K 6-6.5 per 9. Cahill gets a ton of ground balls and Harrison was able to suppress home runs last year. if that continues he will be a very good pitcher for us but stop acting like he is far superior to Cahill. And when you factor in age and Cahills very friendly contract its pretty easy to see that Cahill is more valuable in trade than Harrison
Oh, so what you're saying is that, with the exception of the year he was injured (in 2010), he never once put up a BB rate like Cahill did in ...
‘07, ’08, ’09, and ’11. This isn’t even about whose the more valuable trade piece at this point. Harrison is simply the better pitcher, and the difference in team control is one year. Whatever. Even if it’s a statistical push, it’s not really a push, since Harry is an LHP.
"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
What im saying is that his walk rate in A ball doesn't mean shit when talking about his walk rate in the majors
His rates have been right around 3.3 BB/9 which isn’t bad but likely much closer to what he will do going forward.
Cahills three seasons in the majors have had 2 seasons of 3.63 and 3.55 respectively and then one season at 2.88 sandwiched in there.
If you believe that a roughly 0.2 BB/9 advantage makes up for being 2.5 years older and under team control for a year less (while likely being more expensive during that time) then fine I guess we are done here.
But I suspect you will be a little lonely on that limb
Harry's great stuff
doesn’t translate into Ks. So how can it be so great?
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 6:24 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
While its not the final word or anything
I have a lot more confidence in a lefty pitcher with low K rates over a right pitcher with low K rates when the lefty can throw a mid 90s fastball.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
The Newberg has Cone and Deglan below Engel Beltre
This makes me have a very sizeable sad.
My mind just says throw ball throw hard and strike. - Marteen
There were a few WTFs there.
NeRa at 8 is a big one.
"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!!!
"It appears I made a mistake. I did not know what pegged meant" - Schultzy, 11/13/11
Doesn't seem like scouting reports have that much separation between Perez and Ramirez.
As good as Prince Fielder would've looked in a 4XL Rangers' uniform, we all know you win with pitching. -- JJT
The truth about MLers from a MLer, Todd Coffey:
"In my heart of hearts, if it's the right contract, I would look to definitely come back to the Nationals."
I don't think so. I think Ramirez and Perez are both thought of as #2 on a good team.
The separation isn’t like one is a TORP and the other a 4-5. Much of what I’ve read is that maybe Perez is a 1b and Ramirez is a solid 2 at their best. That doesn’t seem like much separation to me.
As good as Prince Fielder would've looked in a 4XL Rangers' uniform, we all know you win with pitching. -- JJT
The truth about MLers from a MLer, Todd Coffey:
"In my heart of hearts, if it's the right contract, I would look to definitely come back to the Nationals."
Ah. I I'd read that Ramirez is regarded as a first-division #3 at best.
Perez, as you said, a 1b. That seems fairly significant…
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
From what we've read about their stuff
the only notable difference seems to be their handedness.
"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
Sports Producer, WFAA-TV/WFAA.com. Lover of feedback.
But going back over a bunch of bookmarks, I see the #2 projections for Ramirez.
So, yeah: never mind.
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
I don't think
anyone maintains that Perez is a 1 anymore due to his command and inconsistency. A #1 typically has plus to plus plus command and Perez will never have that. I think the consensus about his ceiling is that he can become a #2 if his command and consistency improves.
As for Ramirez, I think caution is in order as last year was essentially 1/2 year of breakout stuff. However if you dig into his #s you’ll see that he was essentailly a 5/100 guy the last 2 years (5 IP/100 pitches) and rarely was able to pitch into the 6th inning. In addition, his changeup emerged flashed plus to everyones surprise, and we’ll have to see if he maintains a feel for that pitch in 2012; the sudden emergence of a pitch can augur an equally sudden loss of feel for it in short order.
So for me Ramirez’s realistic ceiling based on his performance so far is a #3. He still has a lot to learn about pitching to be considered a realistic #2 and he has to show that for an entire year. He’s gone for bullpen arm to roto arm in the last 2 years but he still has much to prove.
As for Newberg’s alarmist comment about NeRa’s shoulder, unless he has a doctor’s note, it should be ignored; a dozen pitchers get shut down temporarily each year from shoulder fatigue and is a normal part of their development arc, including last year. For a more prominent example, for those who don’t follow the minors, Kirkman was shut down in 2010 for 2 weeks due to shoulder fatigue last September. Its usually not a warning. It is what it is: “fatigue”.
So you see zero possibility Perez has a light bulb go off in terms of command?
Is this a mechanics thing, a mental thing, a combination of both?
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
Never say never
just being a realist. He has 400 innings and 4 years now so I think it is unlikely that the command in the zone of both his change and FB go from average to plus. More likely to see one or both go from ave to AA in the next year or two. For me, that is not a #1. Maybe he becomes a 1b in the majors down the line if he develops AA command of 3 pitches, that would be another “formula” to produce like some kind of #1. But if that happens it likely happens gradually after a couple of years in the majors.
Sounds fair enough.
I have to say, I’m in no real rush to see him pitch in the majors, outside of September call-ups.
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
this
I hope both NeRa and Perez spend a full season in the minors. I’d rather see Justin Miller, Scheppers, Kirkman, Tateyama, Eppley, Yan, Hamburger, Fernandez or even Miggie or Brigham come up to fill in for a few innings of middle relief in cas of injury, April -July, and just let those two percolate. If either one is just absolutely dealing for 4 months, then, yeah, no reason not to have them fill in if there is an injury in the pen in August but otherwise, see ya in September.
The nice thing about
the Texas system now is that we no longer have to rush guys like they did with Holland, Harrison, Hunter, et al. They arrive when they are ready.
I hope that you're right.
I keep bracing myself for news that one of the young guys has been called up early. (Or, at least, what I’d consider early.) If the promotion pace for Holland, Harrison, Hunter, Feliz, et al. was really a sign of necessity, rather than development strategy, I think I’d be a happier camper.
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
I don't think they had to rush Holland
I think they brought him up when they thought he was ready.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 1, 2012 5:07 PM CST up reply actions
Well. "Afraid" might be too strong a word.
“Concerned about”?
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
guy basically
jumped from LowA to the Majors, so yeah, to say he was ready in 2009 is crazy.
Maybe he wasn't ready to step in and dominate right away
but I think he was ready to get challenged by the Majors. The Holland we saw last year was at least partially the product of making mistakes in 2009 and 2010 that he could learn from.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
I think you could make the argument
That with more time in the minors he would have had less mistakes to overcome in the majors and we could have still seen that 2011 Holland only instead we could have possibly had a Holland who has possibly 5 years of team control as opposed to 4 left.
It would have taken a lot (roughly 4 more months in the minors) but spread out over a couple years could have been done without affecting his 2011 performance
You could make that argument
and considering the nature of the argument, we’ll never know the answer. But, I think that his time in the Majors watching his mistake pitches get launched over the OF wall helped him a lot. Leaving him in the minors for longer I think would have just led to him dominating the minors more and not being challenged by hitters there.
And as nice as it would have been to get another year of control for him, the Rangers (and I agree with this) don’t let that dictate their promotions/demotions. If they feel the best thing for the player and team is to have a player on the ML roster at a certain day, they aren’t going to mess with that to try and sneak an extra year of control on the player.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
My main concern
Was he was never really faced with adversity above Low A ball and never had to face adversity in upper levels. I think that may have led to his tendency to groove pitches too much at this level thus far because he was never faced with constantly giving up home runs on those pitches in the minors and its taken him 3+ years now before it looks like hes finally realized he cant do that to these type hitters.
Martin Perez hasn’t had the success in the minors Dutch did but I think he will be more ML ready when he comes up because he has faced more adversity and had to work through more trouble spots than Dutch did.
He never faced much trouble in the minors
but the question is would he have faced any problems in the minors? He was a lefty throwing 95 regularly and I think at the time, was working into the high 90s. He also had pretty good command of that fastball. Its more than possible that he would have gone a whole season in AAA without having any more trouble than he did in A ball.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
Nope
Makes for some fun discussion though when the Cowboys are STBF.
Josey Wales: "And if you think intangibles really do exist, how in the F could you vote Ellsbury as the MVP?"
Adam J. Morris: "If it weren’t for my horse, I wouldn’t have spent that year in college."
STBF??
Seen this a couple of times. What’s it stand for?
by Professor Ch@os on Jan 1, 2012 9:56 PM CST up reply actions
shit the bed fantastic[ally]
Just don't piss her off, otherwise she'll get all Dien Bien Phu up in your Boxer Rebellion - caknuck
btho Iowa State
I think the one that really jumps out to me is Loux at 24.
Must be thinking of him as most likely a RP. A lot of good things have been said about Loux to the point that it seems like he’s just a tick, not a whole step, behind Ramirez.
As good as Prince Fielder would've looked in a 4XL Rangers' uniform, we all know you win with pitching. -- JJT
The truth about MLers from a MLer, Todd Coffey:
"In my heart of hearts, if it's the right contract, I would look to definitely come back to the Nationals."
Yeah those two look kinda bad
Although I can understand them a little bit. I can understand someone being skeptical of Ramirez’s rise this past season and be leery of putting them too high based on it. All the reports say hes a changed guy and much more dedicated to the game now which seems like he wont fall off a cliff but after his first few years in the system I can understand being cautious after such a breakout season.
And with Loux, college pitchers who are 1st round selections should be expected to pitch well in High A and I can understand waiting until hes shown his stuff in AA to really put him up on the lists. i think 24 is a bit too low though but again i can understand being cautious with ranking him especially when you factor in his injury history.
Jamey leans more towards tools
and ceiling than actual performance. That is why guys like Loux and Ross are so far down on his list.
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 12:09 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
But
He did exactly what you’d want to see a college guy do in A+ … striking out 10+/9 – get ground balls and not allow that many hits – and pound the zone with his stuff
Considering the injury history, I’d say that A+ was the test he had to pass, and if he’s not higher than a #24, then he’s definitely a helium guy for this year, b/c if he does okay on his arrival at AA, he’ll be right where you want him to be
I agree with yu
he likely exceeded expectations this past year. But Newberg downgrades him because he was a college guy, injury history and a wrong last name. :-)
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 12:29 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Speaking of Loux. I'm trying to recall what Thomas Diamond's fastball was like in comparison to Loux.
Diamond had a definite TORP ceiling. Loux is being billed as more of an innings eater.
But, I would love to hear how much difference there is the minds of those who have seen them both. And, I would love to hear whether anyone felt Diamond had been miscast by the Rangers’ scouting, a bit overrated perhaps because of his trouble with command, before his injuries.
As good as Prince Fielder would've looked in a 4XL Rangers' uniform, we all know you win with pitching. -- JJT
The truth about MLers from a MLer, Todd Coffey:
"In my heart of hearts, if it's the right contract, I would look to definitely come back to the Nationals."
He took some time off with shoulder fatigue last year I think.
Went down to AA for a while afterwards.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
hmm I guess I didn't put too much thought into that when it happened
Figured he was just tired from the extra workload and stress of pitching at a higher level and making the jump from A to AAA
thanks for the info
You think it had anything to do with the jump in innings from 09-10?
he jumped from 67 innings to 140 innings in just 1 year I wonder if that contributed to the fatigue after about 80 innings in 2011
Absolutely.
And for me personally (and I don’t have near the depth of experience) I didn’t put a ton of thought into it either.
I don’t really know if it will be an issue going forward and when we did our community rankings I didn’t factor it in.
Of course I’ve also used a very unscientific method of trusting my gut and I think Ramirez is going to have a better ML career than Marteen.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
Saw him in aa around that time
Command was off, got knocked around
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Nah, he got past it.
But the fact that there’s some instability in there has to cause at least a little bit of pause.
And it’s not like #8 in this system (third P) is an indictment.
by Jamey Newberg on Jan 1, 2012 12:30 PM CST up reply actions
Don't the poor results for Perez worry you?
There’s obviously a ton of projection there, but it would have been nice to see him handle the competition a bit better – by the numbers
Just curious if you’ve heard subjective reports of his time there that make you more comfortable with that performance
Yes.
Talked to some folks unfazed by the poor results.
Well, unfazed is pretty strong. When command softens it’s never good, but nobody’s giving up on the kid.
by Jamey Newberg on Jan 1, 2012 1:28 PM CST up reply actions
That's nice to hear
It’ll be interesting to see what he does this year
Happy New Year, by the way
Been a long time since that Kevin Mench high-A report I did for you a decade+ ago … (Thomas May) … lots more fun to be a fan these days.
some people just can't let go
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 12:01 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
Beltre has swagger that boosts ranking
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Can anyone let us know where Olney has the Rangers in his Power Rankings.
As good as Prince Fielder would've looked in a 4XL Rangers' uniform, we all know you win with pitching. -- JJT
The truth about MLers from a MLer, Todd Coffey:
"In my heart of hearts, if it's the right contract, I would look to definitely come back to the Nationals."
He has the Rangers 3rd.
The Angels as 9th.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
Just two sentences on the Rangers
the second of which is really the only one I care about.
The Rangers probably have more depth than any other organization, and they will be needed this year as they sort through new rotation and bullpen alignments.
Yu Darvish is not yet signed, but rival executives don’t believe he has much leverage and will eventually work out a deal.
"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!!!
"It appears I made a mistake. I did not know what pegged meant" - Schultzy, 11/13/11
The first part confuses me
How will our depth be needed this year as we sort through new rotation and bullpen alignments?
3 returning starters (2 of which we have under control for at least 3 more years) from last years squad who barely missed any starts last year. A new 25 year old who we will have for 5-6 years. And our closer converted to starter who we have for 4 more years.
Our pen is pretty loaded with veterans with very little room for young guys to break through barring injury.
Is he talking about trading some of that depth for positional help? otherwise our depth really isn’t needed much for a couple more years when we start losing some of these guys
The depth is valuable...
When you consider how high variance guys are. If someone doesn’t perform like you hope, there’s someone else who might. Also if we’re not as fortunate with injuries as we were last year.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
Well
I dont think either Perez or Ramirez would be legit options for the rotation until at least June or so and even then I dont know if we are in a position where we can be relying on young prospects in a pennant race as poor performance/injury replacements.
I guess the depth is good if we have some minor injury issues pop up where they need to miss a start or two but given how tight the division seems to be lined up between us and LA I dont really feel comfortable rolling with a rookie during the summer if someone goes down for a month or two
Olney doesn't specifically cite minor-league or prospect depth.
I assume he’s talking about things like having Lewis, Darvish, Holland, Harrison, Feliz, Ogando, Feldman all able to start if necessary — and the flexibility to mix-and-match with the bullpen, as well, plus a guy like Young at DH alongside Napoli and Moreland and Torrealba and , allowing a lot of infield combinations if needed.
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
Happy New Year everyone
I love you all (well, most of you)
by liamluong on Jan 1, 2012 12:04 PM CST reply actions 3 recs
Alright
We’re all going to die in 12 months and 20 days. Who has their countdown ready?
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 12:24 PM CST reply actions
so I should just forget about my New Years resolution?
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 12:32 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
My resolution is to survive the Mayan apocalypse.
I’m quite resolved to it.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
Me, as well.
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
Nah...I'm pretty confident we're gonna see 2013....
"I never argue with people who say that baseball is boring, because baseball is boring. And then, suddenly, it isn’t. And that’s what makes it great." - Joe Posnanski
by GhostofSteveFoucault on Jan 1, 2012 12:34 PM CST up reply actions
I have my /sarcasm tag hidden pretty well in the original post don't I?
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
The question is what's going to CAUSE the world to end...
My money is on a Yellowstone super volcano eruption.
by Wemedge on Jan 1, 2012 12:46 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
That would be so badass.
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 12:48 PM CST up reply actions
You don't think it's going to be
radiation from unprecedented solar storms causing the earth’s core to heat up?
"I never argue with people who say that baseball is boring, because baseball is boring. And then, suddenly, it isn’t. And that’s what makes it great." - Joe Posnanski
by GhostofSteveFoucault on Jan 1, 2012 12:55 PM CST up reply actions
CA coastline falls into the Ocean
Massive tidal waves wipe out most of the coastal life on the Pacific and trigger a round of volcanic blasts that fill the sky with ash for 40 years, killing off most plant life on the planet … If I had to guess
I certainly hope not.
I don’t want to die by drowning. Too boring.
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 12:57 PM CST up reply actions
I prefer the term 'Too lazy'
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 1:00 PM CST up reply actions
I'm sure I'd be a goner as well
By the lack of sunlight in my scenario (and lack of a food chain)
But our property would likely be ocean front or still a few thousand feet above sea level, unless things just got plain crazy and it turned into Water World
I'll see you in Arizona bay
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
Don't worry
If that happens, I will jump into the Volcano to plug it, thus saving you all
Whatever and wherever it is, I want to be there and be one of the first to go.
I don’t wanna have to survive in the midst of chaos.
- off season -
Shouldn't that be...
11 months and 20 days?
by Rangers Fan Mike on Jan 1, 2012 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
Shit.
=|
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 12:52 PM CST up reply actions
There*
*in the spirit of correcting people.
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 12:53 PM CST up reply actions
he factored in a Ranger's WS victory adjustment
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 12:58 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I think you mean 11 months and 20 days.
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.
Searching for Fielder news...almost nothing out there except this gem from Hardball Talk....
Fielder "wanted the Cubs" because he has superb career numbers at Wrigley Field, and the two Chicago airports provide easy access (i.e. direct flights) to his Florida home. But, as we’ve addressed already on this blog, the Northsiders are in full rebuilding mode under new president Theo Epstein.
Yeah….because DFW airport doesn’t have that…..
"I never argue with people who say that baseball is boring, because baseball is boring. And then, suddenly, it isn’t. And that’s what makes it great." - Joe Posnanski
by GhostofSteveFoucault on Jan 1, 2012 12:40 PM CST reply actions
prince should have to pay for 2 seats on airplanes
by jonathan rigby on Jan 1, 2012 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
We've got fun and games!
I live to play the devil's advocate.
by AfterSchoolSpecial on Jan 1, 2012 12:50 PM CST up reply actions
That shirt-tie combo is turrble.
The shirt looks like it was taken directly out of the wrapper and never dry cleaned.
fuck I’m bored.
"Sometimes you just want to sit back and watch somebody throw 100." - Jeff Passan on Neftali Feliz
"Baseball's all that's real" - JB
Grill? Ya, grill!!!
Blue cheese infused burgers, giant marinaded Mexican-Grocery chicken wings, and 3 lbs of sausage with green peppers & onions. Yummy!
Tomorrow, zee shrimpies bubble in cilantro/butter sauce on zee grill…BWAHAHAHA!!!
We’re not about sending messages. We’re about winning ballgames.-Wash, 04/03/11
Hell to the fucking no. -Wash, 10/07/11
Kyle Blanks
seems to have fallen from favor in SD, worth a flyer? Wouldja trade Mark Lowe for himj, something less than that?
Big Boy RH Power and good minor league plate discipline. Limited defensively to DH or 1b, but he seems like a good fit for the current roster and might be available at a discount since Alonso, Rizzo, Quinton all ahead of him.
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
Blanks really is an OF.
"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
you know he is 6'7" 300 lbs, right?
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
no
"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
he played some out there when SD had Agon
but he ain’t no OF.
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
the guy is Massive
Sat behind dugout of the missions for a game in frisco close to on deck and the dude is just massive
He couldn’t buy a hit that game and I could hear cursing and things being thrown in the dugout
"I'm against picketing, but I don't know how to show it." - Mitch Hedberg
lol, Kyle Blanks just ate Brandon Boggs weight in chicken wings watching football
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
is he high fiving Eckstein?
I look like a behemoth next to him
Just don't piss her off, otherwise she'll get all Dien Bien Phu up in your Boxer Rebellion - caknuck
btho Iowa State
I like this one better, from gaslampball
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
That quicker than quick part...
…not so accurate.
If we cant get a extension with Napoli I wouldn't mind trading a nobody for him
Stash him in AAA for another year (assuming he has options left) and then giving him a shot at 1B/DH in 2013
Moreland insurance
who is the 1b on roster if MM isn’t ready for opening day? or if the wrist injury saps his power and he has 600 ops after 2 months?
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
In 2012?
Young/Napoli
2013?
Depends on Napoli if hes here or not. if not then Young can always play there but other than that the next possibility is probably Olt
Im talking about Moreland insurance
if MM is still hurt or isn’t performing do you think they roll with Young/Napoli and pick up a 3rd C?
Blanks seems like a good low-cost insurance policy for Moreland. Dont you think we need one, absent a Prince signing?
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
Yeah in 2012 our Moreland insurance (if we dont sign Prince obviously) is Napoli and Young
The catcher we picked up recently (Martinez maybe?) probably comes up as the backup and Torrealba becomes the primary starter.
I would much rather have a guy like Blanks on the roster compared to some waiver wire catcher
If Napoli is playing most days at 1b and we have to carry a third C, I think we lose a lot of flexibility and offense.
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
if it os for two weeks
them there is all kind of things they could do. The problem is if he is out for two months or so. If that were to happen then they would need another 1B
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 6:58 PM CST via Android app up reply actions
I dont think so necessarily
Napoli becomes the everyday 1B, Yorvit the primary C. When napoli needs to catch to give Yorvit a day off Young plays 1B and it opens up DH for someone like Kinsler or Hamilton or someone like that.
I’d be fine with Blanks but like I said I think if we did it it would not really be for 2012. I think the FO is prepared to roll with Napoli/Young at 1B if Moreland cant go for next year and all Blanks would be is like double injury insurance because it would take a injury not only to Moreland but another injury to someone else that either forces Napoli or Young to play everyday in the field (Napoli at C and Young somewhere else in the IF) for a spot to open up for Blanks.
I'm glad I read this twice.
At first I read it as “if we can’t extend Napoli then we should trade Napoli for a nobody”. I was lie wtf, really???
by elchicodelgado on Jan 1, 2012 6:59 PM CST up reply actions
I WANT BASEBALL SEASON TO BEGIN!!!
Josh Hamilton: "I just show up, look at the lineup and play where I’m told. If they want me to catch, I’ll catch."
Jon Daniels on relationship with #Rangers Young: "I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." 2/19/11
Good god the Fangraphs FAN projections for Lawrie are fucking optimistic
I fuckin love the guy and I’m not projecting 6 WAR. They’re far more confident in his SSS UZR last year than they should be
Just don't piss her off, otherwise she'll get all Dien Bien Phu up in your Boxer Rebellion - caknuck
btho Iowa State
Why is NY even trying to run the ball/
Seriously why not pass it 95% of the time tonight with the way our secondary has played thus far
so the WR can catch their breath after running around uncovered all over the field?
"I think we just have to wait and see how things shake its way out," -- Wash
interesting
NBC starting a 24hr sports network. Wonder if it will replace MSNBC
by RangerMad on Jan 1, 2012 10:13 PM CST via Android app reply actions
It's not really replacing anything, all they are doing is chaning the name of Versus.
Everything about the channel except the branding remains the same.
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