Your Texas Rangers!: Official 2009 Thread - Page 27 - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

alexamenos · 08-16-2009, 02:58 PM

kid is getting interviewed now....

alexamenos · 08-16-2009, 03:02 PM

true story...years ago I was at a game sitting down the 3rd base line....some old japanese dude had just bought a beer and settled into the row in front of me. First pitch gets fouled and nails the guy, causing him to spill his beer all over himself. He gets up and leaves momentarily, cleans himself off and comes back with another beer. He hadn't been in his seat more than 4 or 5 pitches before another screaming foul ball nails him again. He leaves and never comes back.....

alexamenos · 08-16-2009, 03:07 PM

Teagarden has some pop.

mavspwnage · 08-16-2009, 03:10 PM

holy mother....Teagarden destroyed that Benny from Sandlot style. Geez

mavspwnage · 08-16-2009, 04:04 PM

WIN!!!! what a game! wild card leaders!

jthig32 · 08-16-2009, 04:04 PM

That Frankie guy..what a failure....

mavspwnage · 08-16-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

That Frankie guy..what a failure....

absolutely terrific bounce back. He was outstanding. Still too bad that we could have swept and lead by 2.5 games instead of just .5 games But I won't complain after that performance by Frankie.

dalmations202 · 08-16-2009, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

That Frankie guy..what a failure....

Love the sarcasm.......his 93 fast ball still scares me though. He was throwing 95+ before the injury sometimes hitting 98. Now 93 was the best I saw in the 9th.

I can't wait till he is fully back though.

mavspwnage · 08-16-2009, 04:07 PM

Is this what playoff baseball feels like? I had forgotten.

mavspwnage · 08-16-2009, 08:53 PM

New article!

Look out Cowboys, you may have competition

Flacolaco · 08-17-2009, 10:48 AM

The Stars are now officially getting dragged into this:

http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/st...17/daily3.html

And so now, as far as I'm concerned, Tom Hicks can officially go eat a d*ck. He better sell his baseball team, or the Stars, or Liverpool, or something.

jthig32 · 08-17-2009, 12:34 PM

*sigh*

Flacco posts the one thing that can get depressed about the Rangers right now.

This financial situation is going to continue to fester and prevent the Rangers from making any free agent moves this offseason. I can feel it.

Flacolaco · 08-17-2009, 12:36 PM

Sorry, but if any one of free agents Loui Eriksson, Steve Ott, or James Neal get away next summer, I am going to have to stab him in the neck.

And I'd like to see the Rangers add the right veterans they'll need to make a significant run at this thing next year as well.

tcat075 · 08-17-2009, 01:49 PM

What veterans do you suggest the Rangers add? Please don't say John Smoltz.

jthig32 · 08-17-2009, 01:58 PM

Wat?

Kirobaito · 08-17-2009, 02:08 PM

There isn't a free agent to be that I really want the Rangers to go after. I think they're pretty much set.

C Salty/Tea
1B/DH Smoak/Davis
2B Kinsler
3B Young
SS Andrus
OF Cruz
OF Hamilton
OF Borbon
OF Murphy
IF Vizquel/Vallejo

SP Millwood, Feldman, Holland, Hunter, Nippert, with Feliz, Harrison, McCarthy, and Hurley also possibilities.
RP Francisco, Wilson, O'Day, A.J. Murray, and those not making the starting rotation.

I don't see where there's room to really add any free agents. At least, nowhere that I wouldn't rather have a young guy taking those at bats/innings. We have the team, I think. Now we let it roll and see where it takes us.

Who would you propose we go after?

jthig32 · 08-17-2009, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirobaito

There isn't a free agent to be that I really want the Rangers to go after. I think they're pretty much set.

C Salty/Tea
1B/DH Smoak/Davis
2B Kinsler
3B Young
SS Andrus
OF Cruz
OF Hamilton
OF Borbon
OF Murphy
IF Vizquel/Vallejo

SP Millwood, Feldman, Holland, Hunter, Nippert, with Feliz, Harrison, McCarthy, and Hurley also possibilities.
RP Francisco, Wilson, O'Day, A.J. Murray, and those not making the starting rotation.

I don't see where there's room to really add any free agents. At least, nowhere that I wouldn't rather have a young guy taking those at bats/innings. We have the team, I think. Now we let it roll and see where it takes us.

Who would you propose we go after?

Unless Davis proves himself before this season is over and Smoak accelerates himself, you're going to need a DH presence from somewhere next season. This steam is sorely in need of a righty bat that can get on base.

Also while I don't think they're going to go sign anyone to play catcher, the duo you listed is hardly cemented in stone as every day players on a playoff caliber team.

I think in a perfect world you would go sign Ben Sheets this offseason if you're really serious about contending. Nippert is not a rotation pitcher, and there's very little chance Feldman is going to keep up this level of performance long term. Ideally you'd like to go get someone this winter that pushes most of the rotation back a spot.

And really, money doesn't just apply to free agency. The Rangers are going to be in a position over the next few years that they have to start converting multiple prospects into one or two established players. That requires money as well.

Five-ofan · 08-17-2009, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

Unless Davis proves himself before this season is over and Smoak accelerates himself, you're going to need a DH presence from somewhere next season. This steam is sorely in need of a righty bat that can get on base.

Also while I don't think they're going to go sign anyone to play catcher, the duo you listed is hardly cemented in stone as every day players on a playoff caliber team.

I think in a perfect world you would go sign Ben Sheets this offseason if you're really serious about contending. Nippert is not a rotation pitcher, and there's very little chance Feldman is going to keep up this level of performance long term. Ideally you'd like to go get someone this winter that pushes most of the rotation back a spot.

And really, money doesn't just apply to free agency. The Rangers are going to be in a position over the next few years that they have to start converting multiple prospects into one or two established players. That requires money as well.

See I actually think Nippert could be a rotation pitcher for the exact reason we dont really expect feldman to continue his success at this rate, he strikes out a ton of people. Plus hes developed a pretty wicked change. Theres a ton of guys who were big time prospects, struggled for a while and then found it around 26 or 27.

Murphy3 · 08-17-2009, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Five-ofan

See I actually think Nippert could be a rotation pitcher for the exact reason we dont really expect feldman to continue his success at this rate, he strikes out a ton of people. Plus hes developed a pretty wicked change. Theres a ton of guys who were big time prospects, struggled for a while and then found it around 26 or 27.

You've got your head way too far up Bill James' booty.

Five-ofan · 08-17-2009, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murphy3

You've got your head way too far up Bill James' booty.

Really? Thats all you got?

tcat075 · 08-17-2009, 02:35 PM

I think a DH/5th OF who was good, patient hitter (OBP >.380) might be helpful to this club. Kinsler may still be that, and Young gets on base, but besides that, the offense is full of young players, and you need a few vets who will be consistent even if the younger players have trouble adjusting to the majors and slump.

If you say there won't be room for this player, I beg to differ. Borbon and Smoak will likely get the Andrus treatment next year...they'll play a majority of the games, but every four or five games, their backup will take their place (just like Andrus and Vizquel). If this guy is an OF/DH, then he can backup both Borbon and Smoak.

(as in, Smoak starts at 1B, when he's not playing, Davis starts at 1B instead of DH, this guy plays DH. when Borbon isn't playing CF, Josh plays CF and this guy plays RF/LF.)

I'm not sure that player is actually going to get signed this offseason, but it would be an addition worth aiming for.

Besides that, I'd like to point out that no one is mentioning Grilli's name when the 2010 bullpen is discussed, despite the fact he's pitched exceptionally for us. 3 runs and 9 hits in 17.2 innings. We'll see if he can keep it up when he returns in a few days, but if he can, you've got to try to retain him as a MRP.

EDIT: In other words, this OF/DH guy would be a Milton Bradley replacement. Adam Dunn is one guy who comes to mind who can do that. Nick Johnson, too, though he plays 1B. Josh Willingham, perhaps. Those types of players.

Murphy3 · 08-17-2009, 03:15 PM

If they can find a guy with a .380 OBP, he'll be hitting in the top three or four spots in the lineup. Those guys aren't easy to find.

I wouldn't be surprised if the Rangers tried to add another arm if they have the money. Perhaps they sign Ben Sheets.. If they don't go the Sheets route, then I think they'll add another bullpen arm. You can never really have too many of those. The output of a bullpen can swing drastically from one year to the next.. So add another arm.

Murphy3 · 08-17-2009, 03:16 PM

Why is there very little chance that Feldman will keep up this level?

I agree about wanting another right handed bat. Perhaps that is JSmoak.

Flacolaco · 08-17-2009, 03:18 PM

Feldman makes me nervous. He's been getting results, but he dangles himself out on the precipice and flirts with catastrophic failure in the process too often when I watch him. Maybe I only turn the tv on at bad times.

Murphy3 · 08-17-2009, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flacolaco

Feldman makes me nervous. He's been getting results, but he dangles himself out on the precipice and flirts with catastrophic failure in the process too often when I watch him. Maybe I only turn the tv on at bad times.

A couple of times lately, he's struggled with his control a bit which is an anomaly for the guy. But, in general, he does a pretty good job of staying out of trouble.

jthig32 · 08-17-2009, 05:17 PM

I like Feldman as a back of the rotation pitcher. A sub-4 ERA is not something he's going to maintain, I don't think.

Murphy3 · 08-17-2009, 07:15 PM

With guys like Feldman, you kinda throw out stats such as BABIP and K/9 innings. There aren't many pitchers in the league that induce more poorly hit balls. I also believe that as he gains more confidence in his off speed stuff, he'll strike out more batters.

There aren't alot of guys that can move their fastball in and away from both lefties and righties as well as Feldman can.

alexamenos · 08-17-2009, 08:00 PM

Yeah, feldman probably leads the league in broken bats / 9 innings. As I understand from more knowledgable people than myself, he can't strike anyone out because all of his pitches are in too tight of a speed range...guys can foul him off all day long. Give him a good change-up and he can be a number 3 in a very good rotation.

jthig32 · 08-17-2009, 08:11 PM

So Murph, you're saying you see Feldman as a mid-to-top of the rotation pitcher on a playoff contender?

I think this is very likely the best season Feldman will ever produce.

chumdawg · 08-17-2009, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

I think this is very likely the best season Feldman will ever produce.

Why do you think that?

jthig32 · 08-17-2009, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumdawg

Why do you think that?

I just don't think he's a sub 4.00 ERA pitcher. Not in the AL, anyway.

I think he's a quality 4-5.

chumdawg · 08-17-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jthig32

I just don't think he's a sub 4.00 ERA pitcher. Not in the AL, anyway.

I think he's a quality 4-5.

You didn't at all answer the question. You simply restated it.

Why do you think he's "not-sub-4.00," "not likely to keep this up," whatever? I'm not arguing the other side...I'm just curious why you have the opinion of him that you do.

jthig32 · 08-17-2009, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chumdawg

You didn't at all answer the question. You simply restated it.

Why do you think he's "not-sub-4.00," "not likely to keep this up," whatever? I'm not arguing the other side...I'm just curious why you have the opinion of him that you do.

The main reason is he just doesn't miss enough bats. Strikeout rate is a very reliable predictor for future success. His low rate doesn't mean he *can't* sustain his success, it simply means it's very unlikely.

Honestly if he's a league average 4-5 pitcher for another five years it's a huge success for him, considering where he was drafted and how late in his career he completely changed his entire pitching style.

ocelot_ark · 08-17-2009, 08:48 PM

Kevin Richardson, congrats on your first big league hit. But MORE impressive is your wife. That chick is smokin' hot.

Murphy3 · 08-17-2009, 08:54 PM

I'd say Feldman is a middle of the rotation guy. His fastball is good enough to where he could be a 2, but I don't see that happening. I can see him repeating the same type of success that he has had this year in upcoming years though. I would be surprised if he had a major jump in ERA to the mid to upper fours. That could happen on an individual season basis, but I don't see that happening for him on the whole as we talk about the next 4-5 years of his career.

mavspwnage · 08-17-2009, 10:31 PM

Frankie took it to Mauer like he stole his lunch money. Ballgame! One game lead on Boston.

Murphy3 · 08-17-2009, 11:20 PM

Sometimes eyes are more important than James strikeout rate. I know what James is saying, but Feldman has an uncanny ability to put the ball in a place to where the batters cannot make good contact.

It's also important to be able to look just a little bit further into someone's stuff and see that he looks as if he is a guy that could miss more bats very easily as he gains confidence in his secondary stuff.

I know what James is saying, but ...he's a bit stuck on numbers. He doesn't have the opportunity to watch the guy actually pitch that often.

Five-ofan · 08-17-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murphy3

Sometimes eyes are more important than James strikeout rate. I know what James is saying, but Feldman has an uncanny ability to put the ball in a place to where the batters cannot make good contact.

It's also important to be able to look just a little bit further into someone's stuff and see that he looks as if he is a guy that could miss more bats very easily as he gains confidence in his secondary stuff.

I know what James is saying, but ...he's a bit stuck on numbers. He doesn't have the opportunity to watch the guy actually pitch that often.

I think the same thing about feldman, but when only 2 pitchers in the last 100 years or so have won 100+ games with a <4.5 Krate over their first 50 starts or whatever the number is, its very scary to count on a pitcher with a sub 4.5 krate. There have been ALOT of pitchers over that time frame.

Murphy3 · 08-17-2009, 11:23 PM

You've got to remember that Feldman is in his first full year as a starter. He's also just in his second year back throwing non-submarine. I suppose Bill James has a list of stats for guys such as this as well. Feldman has just begun to gain confidence in his secondary pitches. He still rarely uses them even though they do look as though they are legit major league pitches.

Sometimes you've got to look just a bit farther than the stats. Feldman is a guy that is just scratching the surface of what he can do. I don't think that means that he'll end up being a #2 long term. But I do believe that it'll mean that he'll strike out more batters as he matures as a starter. He'll also be able to go more innings while using fewer pitches.

This is just my humble opinion. I suppose I could just quote a stat without actually looking deeper into the situation..but hey, that'd be the easy way out.

Hell, why even have the guys pitch? Can't we just simulate the whole damn thing?

Five-ofan · 08-17-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murphy3

You've got to remember that Feldman is in his first full year as a starter. He's also just in his second year back throwing non-submarine. I suppose Bill James has a list of stats for guys such as this as well. Feldman has just begun to gain confidence in his secondary pitches. He still rarely uses them even though they do look as though they are legit major league pitches.

Sometimes you've got to look just a bit farther than the stats. Feldman is a guy that is just scratching the surface of what he can do. I don't think that means that he'll end up being a #2 long term. But I do believe that it'll mean that he'll strike out more batters as he matures as a starter. He'll also be able to go more innings while using fewer pitches.

This is just my humble opinion. I suppose I could just quote a stat without actually looking deeper into the situation..but hey, that'd be the easy way out.

Hell, why even have the guys pitch? Can't we just simulate the whole damn thing?

do you even bother reading posts or do you just start bitching about them? I said I agree with you about feldman as far as watching him and expecting more from him then his K rate would seem to indicate. I just said that the fact that only 2 pitchers in the last 100 years or so had had success with that indicator meaning that its definately a red flag.