Washington on Feliz: "I'll be looking for his work ethic"
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 18, 2012 10:13 AM CST
Email
Print
Richard Durrett has a post up where he has some quotes from Ron Washington about Neftali Feliz and his transition from reliever to starter, and what Washington said he's going to be looking at with Feliz caught my eye:
Rangers manager Ron Washington was asked on Monday what adjustments Neftali Feliz needs to make to transition from a reliever to a starter and the skipper didn't hesitate with his answer.
"I'll be looking for his work ethic," Washington said. "We know he can throw the baseball. I'm going to just pay attention to his work ethic because there's a different mentality as a starter than as a reliever."
Feliz, you may recall, was a little heavier last year than in 2010, and there have been suggestions that his lukewarm response to starting last spring derived at least in part from the fact that there's more work involved in being a starting pitcher than there is in being a reliever. The fact that Washington "didn't hesitate" before identifying Feliz's work ethic as an adjustment Feliz will need to make in making the transition gives some credence to those concerns.
One of the things that I've wondered about, as far as the Rangers announcing early in the offseason that Feliz was definitely going to the rotation, was whether that move was motivated, at least in part, by a desire to put Feliz on notice in terms of what would be expected from him. Last year, it was clear he was going to work in the spring as a starter but would likely end up back in the bullpen, and I wonder if that didn't result in Feliz not coming to camp fully prepared to earn a rotation spot.
I wouldn't be surprised if the addition of Joe Nathan as closer, and the announcement that Feliz was going to be a starter, was to make clear to Feliz that there was no going back, that he couldn't coast through the spring and just go back to the bullpen if the team wasn't satisfied with his level of preparation for starting come spring training.
127 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Adam, you in the office all day?
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.
That's pretty dangerous.
You need to start driving somewhere around 3:00.
"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 18, 2012 10:22 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I've got a 4 p.m. meeting someone scheduled for me, though
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 18, 2012 10:27 AM CST up reply actions
Show up early....
JD’s like, "you want some f*&#ing pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, b*#&hes!"- RCCook
LSB: "Oh s#*t, JD. You crazy!"
Yes. Pretend it's a flight at LAX and you need to be there 3 hours prior to the actual time.
"I don't really like pitchers." - Nelson Cruz
Yeah, we're going to need you to take a long lunch or something.
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.
this not acceptable
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
Justin Verlander? I piss on Justin Verlander --AJM
Yeah....I luaghed...
JD’s like, "you want some f*&#ing pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, b*#&hes!"- RCCook
LSB: "Oh s#*t, JD. You crazy!"
Not quite as funny
but here’s the reason why you SHOULD support SOPA/PIPA:
by Pocket Ninja on Jan 18, 2012 10:21 AM CST up reply actions
Saw that on Fark this morning.
That and The Oatmeal were the most entertaining blackrouts I’ve seen.
I like pretty dark haired women and breakfast food. - Ron Swanson
by Axe Em Rangers on Jan 18, 2012 10:29 AM CST up reply actions
Oh wow., The Oatmeal
that was greatness.
"Napoli is Al Fucking Swearingen, pissing out the dull lump of Angel hubris from his penile shaft like a pus-slathered kidney stone." - TT from HH
by DonDrapersOPS on Jan 18, 2012 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
I agree about the Nathan signing
“When Cortez reached the new world, he burned his ships. As a result, his men were well motivated.” – Ramius
by OJsApprentice on Jan 18, 2012 10:23 AM CST reply actions 2 recs
How many of those guys were like "WTF, Cortez? That's some shit."
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.
The only Scottish Russian.
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.
It's the best accent ever.
He’s been Russian, Spanish, American & English with that accent.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
damn heh
"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker
Beware of Trolls: b.pate, jonthefon, K.S.B., Panorama, Robert L. Bishop, TideNTexas
You mean, like, abject failure ending in banishment to AAA?
Or rough patch-type failure?
"...out of the shadows of unprecedented success, the sun shines down upon this team waiting to thrill anew." - ghostofErikThompson
how will a couple of bad starts effect him?
cause Yu know he will be getting questions about starting and the bullpen. And if Nathan is struggling at the same time…
I think that's the point Adam is making.
If he struggles, they’re not going to beat around the bush about it. They’re going to say “suck it up, still a starter.”
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.
And whether or not Nathan does well will likely have little impact.
They are committed to Feliz being a starter. If they decide Nathan can’t close, Adams would probably take that role, or they trade for someone.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
Or Ogando, assuming we do sign Darvish.
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.
Adams. Exactly. Backup plans to backup plans kick ass.
"I don't really like pitchers." - Nelson Cruz
Ogando would, but yeah Feliz won't be going back there even if Nathan is struggling.
"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker
Beware of Trolls: b.pate, jonthefon, K.S.B., Panorama, Robert L. Bishop, TideNTexas
Yes. Even at his worst, I really can't see him being a horrible #5 starter.
And if he bombs and only lasts 3 innings, you have Ogando in the pen lined up to finish his mess and keep it (hopefully) close.
"I don't really like pitchers." - Nelson Cruz
Reading the comments on MLBTR articles make me bleed internally
Has anyone else experienced this phenomenon?
by assmaster on Jan 18, 2012 10:36 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Don't read comments on other sites.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
No.
I don’t read the comments on MLBTR articles or any other sites.
Defending Big D Check it out
Twitter
"You guys are talking about living forever like it’s a real thing, but I bust out a man shoving his head into a vagina, and it’s srs time?"
--iorange555 8/23/2011
yeah its bad........ i was watching channel 4 local morning show
one of them said “they better sign him or they have to eat the 51 million posting fee”
NO!!!!!!!!
"God dammit TAG I swear to God if you keep this "It was a close play" shit up all night I will send you cookies made from my own shit" -River Fenix 8/26/2011
"this is a big reason I decided not to convert to Islam now if it was 72 skanks? Different story, my friend" Bob Loblaw 9/2/2011
by I am Neftali Feliz on Jan 18, 2012 10:37 AM CST up reply actions
words of the wise and educated
“I don’t think Darvish signs with the Rangers. They just aren’t a glamour team. He’ll price himself so high just to get out of playing for them.”
-MLBTR contributor
by assmaster on Jan 18, 2012 10:45 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Assume for a second that Darvish signs
Who breaks the story? One of the national guys like with the posting or one of the locals?
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.
Bob
"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
by JDT217 on Jan 18, 2012 10:46 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I thought Ben broke the posting?
And it should be the local guys since the news is actually coming from the Rangers, and not from the league office.
How about the old Sullivan
“Rangers sign Darvish to 6 yr/65M deal fail to sign Darvish”
by ab03 on Jan 18, 2012 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Passan or Brown
Defending Big D Check it out
Twitter
"You guys are talking about living forever like it’s a real thing, but I bust out a man shoving his head into a vagina, and it’s srs time?"
--iorange555 8/23/2011
jjt thinks we should not sign Prince in favor of Josh
Sorry, don’t know how to paste links. I’m still new here.
Anyway be sure to check out the comments.
by Sam Elliott's 'stache on Jan 18, 2012 10:46 AM CST via mobile reply actions
Yeah, I'll be sure to check out the comments. That's a great way to get my day going.
"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 get your day going at 11?
#firstworldproblems
Defending Big D Check it out
Twitter
"You guys are talking about living forever like it’s a real thing, but I bust out a man shoving his head into a vagina, and it’s srs time?"
--iorange555 8/23/2011
I'm beginning a transitional phase.
"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
Getting out of the halfway house soon?
Defending Big D Check it out
Twitter
"You guys are talking about living forever like it’s a real thing, but I bust out a man shoving his head into a vagina, and it’s srs time?"
--iorange555 8/23/2011
Maybe. They just don't understand how much I love her.
"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
Looks like you ended up reading the comments
Perseverance isn't just the willingness to work hard. It's that, plus the willingness to be stubborn about your own belief in yourself."
---Merlin Olsen
I'm a glutton for punishment.
"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
JJT is not smart
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
Justin Verlander? I piss on Justin Verlander --AJM
Welcome!
Just make sure to never link anything from JJT
Dallas Stars Examiner
used to be under name hinduplaya
got it. thanks for the heads up
by Sam Elliott's 'stache on Jan 18, 2012 10:53 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
One of the main reasons I didn't like "We Were Soldiers"
was because you weren’t in it.
by OJsApprentice on Jan 18, 2012 10:54 AM CST up reply actions
AJM Trolling
They did exactly what the had to do and should have done which is the same thing they shouldve done after the 2009 season and then again after the 2010 season: announce the move to the roto, sign a closer, and prepare him as a starter in whatever ways they thought necessary during the offseason and ST. Finalizing the opening day roster is not the strong suit of this group.
You forget that Maddux said that Feliz pitched well enough to make the rotation out of spring training but they seemed to have penciled in Hunter from the get go which was dumb.
The only thing I don’t really get is why they didn’t send a coach down with him to a Winter League team for about a month (midNov-midDec). Guess they decided the risk outweighed the reward or that the playoffs obviate such a move as rest was more important.
Hunter was injured later the same day they announced Feliz would go back to closing.
Weird how that worked out.
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.
"Almost as if planned."
— Cookie Monster, on The Martha Stewart Show
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
yeah I remember
I was like damnit.. cause no way they were going to go back and if they would’ve just waited a little longer
"Look if you want a journalist hire a UT grad. If you want a doctor you pick a Baylor grad. If you need a vet you see an Aggie grad. And if you need a pizza you call a Tech grad." -BUBacker
Beware of Trolls: b.pate, jonthefon, K.S.B., Panorama, Robert L. Bishop, TideNTexas
Yes
I’m suggesting that the the team half-assed the move and wasn’t really committed to doing it. They were taking a look – after all it couldn’t hurt to stretch him out and have him work on his secs- but never announced the move or seemed to prepare him for it during the offseason.
I agree
but I don’t think it had to do with Hunter. I think they just overvalued the bullpen (and still might)
I think they
liked Hunter more than they should have.
Though it came later rather than sooner
at least they finally took the right approach. We’ll see if they stick by him when he isn’t going good. With 2 veteran inning eaters on the club last year, I thought 2011 was a perfect year to make the move. Now with CJ gone it will be harder for them to stick with a struggling Feliz with 3 young starters in the roto and possibly a declining/gimpy Lewis. Hopefully, Yu, Holland, and Harry kick ass, and Lewis is healthy (and finds his FB command) but that’s the rosy scenario.
Well
I wouldn’t be surprised if the addition of Joe Nathan as closer, and the announcement that Feliz was going to be a starter, was to make clear to Feliz that there was no going back, that he couldn’t coast through the spring and just go back to the bullpen if the team wasn’t satisfied with his level of preparation for starting come spring training.
So what happens if he does coast through spring? It’s not like they are going to send him down.
"A lot of people may not know this, but I happen to be quite famous." - Sam "MayDay" Malone
If he reports out of shape and has a terrible spring?
They could well send him down.
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
I think that after the team
committed to the move there is little risk that this will happen. Effective communication is the key to motivating young players, something that Texas doesn’t seem to do all that well with its young players during their first couple of years in the bigs. I’m thinking of Harrison, Borbon, Holland, Feliz, at the very least, maybe others (Salty, Tea, MaxRam, Davis…?) too?
I'm thinking
only about the JD era and Beltre is still in the minors. I think they probably have done a good job with him; he’s just doesn’t have a big league makeup IMO. I’m really talking about sending these kids out with very clear regimens during their first and second off seasons in the bigs, focusing on the urgent need to stay in shape, stay in contact with the staff (and having the staff f/u with them), work on their weaknesses, reminding them of their strengths.
Harry came into year 2 fat and both he and Holland came into their second years forgetting what made them successful in the minors: they were fastball/changeup kids. They staff had them working on 4th pitches and they lost their focus on what got them there. Adding a 4th pitch shouldn’t have been so much of a focus for either right away and even if it was I think the staff didn’t keep them on point, reminding them who they were, and why their two best pitches were good enough to succeed, while improving their third pitch over time.
It has worked out over time, as Harry has a cutter and curve and Holland has a curve, all of which are pretty good.
Seems like anecdotal evidence backs up what you are saying about adding the last couple of pitches
Establish yourself in the bigs with the first two+ and then add in the next pitch
X
Volquez, back in the day now?
Defending Big D Check it out
Twitter
"You guys are talking about living forever like it’s a real thing, but I bust out a man shoving his head into a vagina, and it’s srs time?"
--iorange555 8/23/2011
.
…something that Texas doesn’t seem to do all that well with its young players during their first couple of years in the bigs.
If the argument’s that Volquez is simply a mental case, then I suppose how the Rangers communicated with him might not’ve mattered much…
Garoon: Banned on LSB. Available Only Via Supplement.
I agree....
What would be Olt’s motivation right now to get better quicker if he’s being blocked by Beltre and possibly Fielder?
- sigh -
Trade
A burden should never be something out of your control.
"I'm a Cowboys fan. And I hope they miss the playoffs and get the better draft pick. This team sucks. We're saving ourselves the embarrassment too. That's a major +" by JDT217 on Dec 26, 2011
Basically
He’s saying that young players who are blocked by veterans at their positions don’t give a rats ass about getting better. Sucks to be Profar too.
"A lot of people may not know this, but I happen to be quite famous." - Sam "MayDay" Malone
The fact that the Rangers play baseball in a league and not on their own in barnstorming tourneys against amateurs.
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.
I'm only thinking through the experience of the young prospects
in the bigs, during their first and second off seasons, when they seem to get sidetracked in year 2…
How do we get him arrested
by can we get hatcher back on Jan 18, 2012 11:51 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Jon Morosi jonmorosi
@
Source: Rangers, Yu Darvish now “close” to reaching deal.
JD’s like, "you want some f*&#ing pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, b*#&hes!"- RCCook
LSB: "Oh s#*t, JD. You crazy!"
Probably came off the sixth year.
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.
I have no idea, to be honest.
It’s certainly possible.
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.
Jeff Gordon's Yu Darvish Panic Countdown
"Stay hungry, stay foolish." ~ R.I.P. Steve Jobs (1955 - 2011)
by pinoyintegrity on Jan 18, 2012 11:51 AM CST reply actions
getting some of those red sunglasses
and a sonic Coney Footlong with tots and a route 44 cherry limeade
"I’d love to walk in and hug everybody every day, but that’s not critical to us winning." The JeDi
Mmmmmm
Cherry Limeade.
Homerdroolslobber.jpg
"Napoli is Al Fucking Swearingen, pissing out the dull lump of Angel hubris from his penile shaft like a pus-slathered kidney stone." - TT from HH
by DonDrapersOPS on Jan 18, 2012 12:05 PM CST up reply actions
option... team w buyout
JD’s like, "you want some f*&#ing pitching? Here’s all the pitching you can stand. Now choke on it, b*#&hes!"- RCCook
LSB: "Oh s#*t, JD. You crazy!"
Why would Darvish want that?
If he only wants a five year deal, he’d be better off doing a straight six year deal than a five year with a team option.
by Adam J. Morris on Jan 18, 2012 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
Why does he get that choice?
For 50 million, we better not piss away a year of control.
Pre-board certified accountability partner.
Seriously, fuck off!!! I think BJs are over-fucking-rated. My goddamn opinion!!! Besides, I can't get off on them ANYWAY!! You think differently? Congratu-fucking-lations. Here’s a goddamn sticker, BJ-lover. /WildcatPhoenix
Adam J Morris, halfassedly pretending to be interested in my thoughts, goals, and overall self esteem since late 2005.
by Brian Thomas on Jan 18, 2012 1:03 PM CST up reply actions
Yep
"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.
by Conjunction on Jan 18, 2012 11:55 AM CST up reply actions
I don't really care
5 years is ok by me.
No.
I think all along the Rangers have been planning on punting the 6th year to make the Darvish team feel like they won but use it as leverage to get the overall guaranteed dollars down.
"I became an optimist when I discovered that I wasn't going to win any more games by being anything else." by Earl Weaver
it's now noon. FOUR HOURS TO GO!!! whoo
"Stay hungry, stay foolish." ~ R.I.P. Steve Jobs (1955 - 2011)
by pinoyintegrity on Jan 18, 2012 12:00 PM CST reply actions
Something to listen to as Yu Wait
Fitz and the Tantrums — News for (Y)U
"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.
man..these msgs..of course they are working hard
what the eff do they think they are doing in there..spanking the snow monkey?
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
