Friday morning stuff

by Adam J. Morris on Mar 16, 2007 9:57 AM CDT in News

With the news that Sammy Sosa will make the Rangers' Opening Day roster, today's Rangers news seems to be all Sammy, all the time. Richard Durrett has a piece on it.

So does Jan Hubbard. And Barry Rozner of the Chicago Daily Herald has a column on Sosa, as well.

In other news, Eric Gagne apparently impressed yesterday, with Durrett saying that Wes Littleton marveled at Gagne's change, calling it a "Bugs Bunny pitch."

T.R. Sullivan has a lot of interesting blog notes, including the fact that Laynce Nix is hurt (again), and the Red Sox really want Akinori Otsuka...

And the Philadelphia Daily News says that the Rangers are looking to move Rick Bauer or Scott Feldman for a backup catcher, and suggests that Chris Coste (who won't have a job, now that Rod Barajas is in Philly) could be sent to the Rangers for one of the Texas extra bullpen arms...

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Wow

That Rozner piece on Sosa is pretty damn harsh, even though I agree that Sammy knows how to look out for Sammy.

by tricer on Mar 16, 2007 10:08 AM CDT reply actions

Otsuka, Cruz

I am even more worried about the Rangers outfield now that Cruz is slow coming back from that beaning. Head injuries are bad things. Maybe Boston wants Otsuka badly enough to give up Pena, Murphy or Crisp plus a lower prospect?

by t ball on Mar 16, 2007 10:15 AM CDT reply actions

WMP for Aki

Seems like a good match.

It's Coagulicious!

by trza on Mar 16, 2007 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions

What happened to Trot Nixon?

Do they not have him anymore? It would've been a good vet-for-a-vet match. He's a good player as long as the pitcher is a righty.

by Dustin on Mar 16, 2007 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions

nevermind

It appears he's looking out for CLE now.

by Dustin on Mar 16, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Nixon

He's in Cleveland now. And like Cat, he really shouldn't be batting against lefties, ever.

by RCCook on Mar 16, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

J. Ellsbury

With Coco Crisp under contract for another three years with the team holding an option for '10, maybe Bos might consider Ellsbury expendable and would be willing to give him up for Otsuka. Ellsbury could be ready to go next year and that might mean we could forgo shelling out for a big-name FA CF'er this offseason.

by Rangerchick on Mar 16, 2007 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

oops

Meant next offseason...

by Rangerchick on Mar 16, 2007 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Ellsbury

might be ready by June or July... great second half at Double-A last year

by Brandon Wilson on Mar 16, 2007 10:56 AM CDT up reply actions

Center Field

How about Ellsbury for Otsuka? I have my doubts that the Rangers will pay what it takes to get a big time free agent centerfielder next year. Even if they did, they might be better off with the young guy.

by Brandon Wilson on Mar 16, 2007 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions

Do they really give up their No. 1 prospect

for Otsuka?
What else would it take?

Troy I.

by tdi1985 on Mar 16, 2007 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

your probably right

It's Theo Epstein, not Wayne Krivsky... I was thinking about how the Nationals got Felipe Lopez and Austin Kearns for two pitchers nowhere near as good as Otsuka...

by Brandon Wilson on Mar 16, 2007 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Coste seems like a good option...

Too bad he was a rookie at 33 last year. But if he calls a good game (which seems to be a priority for the new management) and can put up the same decent numbers as last year, then I'd take him over the plethora of catchers we have in camp.

"I've learned that before I open my mouth, I should look both ways for midgets." - Denny Crain

by mtex on Mar 16, 2007 10:46 AM CDT reply actions

Robbie Hammock

Maybe we could try for him. Hammock calls a good game, plus he offers a modicum of hitting and he's also versatile in that he can play the corner IF and OF spots in a pinch. Right now he's ARI's 3rd-catcher behind Montero and Snyder. ARI has some bullpen issues so maybe they could use a Bauer or Benoit.

by Rangerchick on Mar 16, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Hammock

I've always liked him. Good utility guy.

by RCCook on Mar 16, 2007 1:08 PM CDT up reply actions

Jose ?

"The Angels haven't decided whether they prefer Mathis or veteran Jose Molina as their backup catcher, but they have alerted other clubs that Molina might be available this month. Molina will make $1.45 million this season."

http://tinyurl.com/27dose

"When you're riding in a time machine way far into the future, don't stick your elbow out the window, or it'll turn into a fossil."

by Ed Coffin on Mar 17, 2007 11:37 PM CDT up reply actions

I wouldn't let Jose Molina on this team

if he paid the Rangers 1.45 million.

The man once slugged .219. TWO NINETEEN!

About the only thing you can say for him is that he's pretty good at throwing out baserunners, but he'd need to be able to quick-snap pickoff guys on first about twice a game to make up for his offense.

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:) - Obligatory smiley showing I don't mean whatever mean
spiritedness is likely contained in the preceding post

by jtts on Mar 18, 2007 3:20 AM CDT up reply actions

.219

Holy Brad Ausmus, Batman, he should start for the Astros.

by t ball on Mar 18, 2007 6:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Is it really so damn hard to find a backup catcher

I like camo because it makes you blend in. But when you're not in the woods, it does the opposite. Its like, hey, there's an asshole.

by Brian Thomas on Mar 16, 2007 10:54 AM CDT reply actions

I don't think it is a major issue right now

we do have options, but I think they want a more experienced option to help mentor Laird through the whole season.

Troy I.

by tdi1985 on Mar 16, 2007 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions

They already have one

His name is Don Wakamatsu...

I like camo because it makes you blend in. But when you're not in the woods, it does the opposite. Its like, hey, there's an asshole.

by Brian Thomas on Mar 16, 2007 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions

waka waka

He can't hit, though, and neither can Laird. I think they do need somebody.

Did you get my e-mail?

by Dustin on Mar 16, 2007 11:17 AM CDT up reply actions

Laird can hit

Why would you say that?

Milk, milk, lemonade, around the corner fudge is made.

by LoneStarBallUser on Mar 16, 2007 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

I was exaggerating, in part

His line against RHP is very, very ugly.

by Dustin on Mar 16, 2007 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, that's too bad

I may be leaving Friday instead of Thursday now, it's up in the air.

Shoot me another one if things change.

I like camo because it makes you blend in. But when you're not in the woods, it does the opposite. Its like, hey, there's an asshole.

by Brian Thomas on Mar 16, 2007 11:21 AM CDT up reply actions

Only

if you don't want to "notice" when he comes in.
Why are you trivializing the position? It's probably the hardest on the field to play proficiently.

Hokie Hokie Hokie Hi Tech Tech VPI Go Hokies!

by jackbnimble on Mar 16, 2007 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions

the key word is backup

And if we waste Scott Feldman, who has options, on some spare catcher whose equivalent could be found for nothing but his salary, I'll be annoyed.

I like camo because it makes you blend in. But when you're not in the woods, it does the opposite. Its like, hey, there's an asshole.

by Brian Thomas on Mar 16, 2007 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Agree

totally and probably in 12 to 18 months we will have some replacement/backup quality catcher ready to compete from within the org. Does it intrigue anyone else that Wash seems to be less than exuberant about Laird?

Hokie Hokie Hokie Hi Tech Tech VPI Go Hokies!

by jackbnimble on Mar 16, 2007 11:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not too exuberant either

He seems like the right-handed half of a catching platoon.

by a bebop a rebop on Mar 16, 2007 11:50 PM CDT up reply actions

Ellsbury for Otsuka

= No.

This offense doesn't need ore rookies, anyway.

by hightowersmith on Mar 16, 2007 11:01 AM CDT reply actions

Ellsbury

I don't think he would start the year in Texas if the Rangers traded for him. He still needs a year in AAA, IMO.

by RCCook on Mar 16, 2007 11:12 AM CDT up reply actions

Yes

Who cares about this year.

If you can get him, you get him. Talk about a Jeff Bagwell for Larry Anderson deal...

by JBImaknee on Mar 16, 2007 12:50 PM CDT up reply actions

You misunderstand me

The Red Sox will not do that deal.

by hightowersmith on Mar 16, 2007 1:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Not quite

I don't think Ellsbury has anywhere near Bagwell's upside.

He's a solid prospect, but he looks like Johnny Damon with a bit less power. That's a solid player, especially in CF, but not a star.

by RCCook on Mar 16, 2007 1:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Would you trade Otsuka for Hurley?

'cause Ellsbury is a far better prospect than Eric Hurley.

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:) - Obligatory smiley showing I don't mean whatever mean
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by jtts on Mar 16, 2007 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

maybe, maybe not

I think Ellsbury is a tad overrated, and Hurley is still a little under the radar nationally.

by t ball on Mar 16, 2007 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions

Wow

According to responses, nobody got the point.

The Red Sox wouldn't do that deal. That's what I'm saying.

by hightowersmith on Mar 16, 2007 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions

I can see why they're confused

Your statement about not needing another rookie made it sound like you wouldn't make the trade.

by Dustin on Mar 16, 2007 2:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I was agreeing with you

The Rangers wouldn't trade Hurley for another team's Otsuka so its foolish to think that Ellsbury, a more highly thought of prospect, would be traded for Otsuka.

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:) - Obligatory smiley showing I don't mean whatever mean
spiritedness is likely contained in the preceding post

by jtts on Mar 16, 2007 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions

Ah yah

That makes sense.

by hightowersmith on Mar 16, 2007 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions

don't forget

that in LSB threads all comments eventually turn to at least two or three other topics in the replies and knee-jerk reactions are required.

by t ball on Mar 16, 2007 3:59 PM CDT up reply actions

ellesbury for otsuka

To answer the rhetorical question posed above, no I wouldn't trade Hurley for Otsuka if I'm the Rangers. If I'm Boston however, I would strongly consider it if I'm convinced that Aki is a reliable lock-down closer.

Look at it like this: Ellesbury is blocked for the next several years in CF in Boston, and there are also long term contracts on both the corners and a potential corner outfield solution backing them up. There is no room, plus look at Boston's team - they have 4 guys that have been or could be legit aces in the rotation, with nice depth behind them. They have a top tier offense with two top 5 run producers and solid complimentary pieces. The team is set to be world series contenders, IF they can come up with a solution for the back end of the bullpen.

If I'm Boston's GM and I have a chance to solidify the one weakness on my team with a proven high-pressure performer, PLUS add in a comforting factor for my high-profile pitching import and I can do both of those things by dealing a prospect that is blocked and probably a couple of years away from meaningful contributions on the big league level, then hell yeah, I'd seriously consider it.

by tricer on Mar 16, 2007 6:21 PM CDT up reply actions

Why is Ellsbury blocked?

To play devil's advocate, don't you think that if they believe in him enough and think he's ready at some point they won't dump Crisp? Teams trade away high-salary losers all the time, and Crisp isn't making so much that some other team won't want him, especially if the Sox pick up a little bit of his salary.

I think they would move Pena or Murphy before Ellsbury.

by t ball on Mar 16, 2007 7:31 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd say he's blocked because...

...they have at least 4 outfielders on the major league club that are better than him. At least in terms of contributing to a ML championship contender in the next couple of years.

Ellesbury could be special, but of the hot-shot CF prospects I have read about in the last couple of years, there have been a lot more of them fizzle in the bigs than sizzle. My point being that he is no lock, and to move him for a crucial piece of a world series contender is not outlandish. Not at all.

by tricer on Mar 17, 2007 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions

Makes too much sense for Otsuka to go to Boston..

which means it probably won't happen. If there is any weakness on the team, it is their bullpen with a glaring weakness at closer. What a story they would have with uniting 2 of Japan's greatest pitchers together. Not to mention Otsuka helping Matsuzaka get through the language barrier and teach him about the majors. If I'm the Red Sox, I'd be drooling over Otsuka right now.

by slimshadty12 on Mar 16, 2007 2:56 PM CDT reply actions