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Mark
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81st Post Mon Apr 14th, 2008 03:02 am | |
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| Then release Botts now and move on. The way they are handling him isn't doing the team or the player one bit of good. At this point, he is nothing more than a wasted roster spot.
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stemyn
Moving in the right direction
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82nd Post Mon Apr 14th, 2008 05:39 am | |
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| I bet there is a lot of talk going on by JD trying to get something for him. But he has no upside outside of being able to tear up AAA pitching.
____________________
I'm convinced that every boy, in his heart, would rather steal second base than an automobile.
Tom Clark
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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83rd Post Mon Apr 14th, 2008 03:01 pm | |
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Mark wrote: Then release Botts now and move on. The way they are handling him isn't doing the team or the player one bit of good. At this point, he is nothing more than a wasted roster spot. Again.. that's not how the business of Baseball works.. and you, of course, having observed it as a real fan, know that. They believe someone else may see the same potential and give them something for him... and it's not a wasted spot right now. It WOULD be if they release him and then bring Mench back up.... and who else at AAA do you see as worthy of a call-up (position players)? We are MI and C strong.. but right now, until Laird is moved, we don't need that, either..
Botts has proven again and again that he can tear the cover off of AAA pitching... SOMEONE is going to think they can harnass that and put it to use in the ML.....
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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84th Post Mon Apr 14th, 2008 03:39 pm | |
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THE NEWBERG REPORT
My softball team lost twice Sunday morning, first by two runs and then by one run. We were awful defensively, and incredibly unopportunistic with runners in scoring position. We got jobbed in a big way by the umpires at a critical point in Game Two, but when you play the way we did, you sort of make your luck, and we deserved to get beat.
I had a good day at the plate in the doubleheader (8 for 8), but was in a terrible mood heading away from the complex. I'd rather go 0 for 5 with two errors and win than play well and lose, even in something as inconsequential as a weekend softball league. I'd rather second-chair a trial win than get to run the show but earn a disappointing result. I hate losing. Hate it.
No matter how satisfied or frustrated I am about how I play is secondary to how my team comes out.
The worst part about yesterday morning, worse than the 10-8 and 9-8 final scores, was how we lost. The failure to catch and throw well, the squandered opportunities on offense.
And the games I play don't mean a thing. Can't imagine how JD and Wash and the 27 guys who have suited up to play these first 12 for the Rangers must feel.
The 26th and 27th players to appear, Luis Mendoza and Scott Feldman, did their jobs. Mendoza came out of Saturday's start with a 1.80 ERA, while Feldman threw a quality start on Sunday.
The Rangers' starters, in fact, have seven quality starts in 12 games (their five non-quality starts are matched in the American League only by the Twins), and a 3.19 ERA, which is three-hundredths of a run off the league lead. And yet no Texas starter has more than one win.
No American League team has a lower fielding percentage than the .973 mark owned by Texas, or a lower defensive efficiency rating (.6864), or more errors (13), or more unearned runs (11).
No American or National League team hits worse than the Rangers' .184 with runners in scoring position, or their .192 with runners on base.
This time last year, Texas was 5-7, in fourth place in the West, two games back.
Today, Texas is 5-7, in fourth place in the West, 2.5 games back.
But for some reason, even though there are some symptoms in common (particularly the defensive problems), things don't feel as dire in 2008.
And I think the reason is pretty obvious -- that 3.19 starters' ERA.
Granted, it's not going to remain that low, but the situational hitting won't remain as bad as it's been either, and the defense will continue to get better. Good things start with good starting pitching, and if you're clicking in just one phase, from a long-term standpoint you'd want it to be your rotation stepping up.
There's no bigger proponent than I am of the idea that the big picture is what's important here. It's about building a contender, a team that is positioned to compete at the top not for a string of weeks but for a string of years, even if that advent isn't likely to arrive for another season or two. It's less about this series, or this homestand, or this month, or this season.
But, for me, it's still about tonight, if that makes sense.
I can't do anything about how I'm wired.
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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85th Post Mon Apr 14th, 2008 08:40 pm | |
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heh...
News: The Tacoma News-Tribune reports that the answer to the Mariners' depleted bullpen might be R.A. Dickey, who left the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers in Colorado Springs late Sunday. It is unclear who the knuckleball pitcher would replace.Analysis: The knuckleballer and former No. 1 draft choice of Texas, who hasn't pitched in the major leagues in 23 months, was a spring revelation with a 2.25 ERA, only one home run allowed in 20 innings and the versatility to pitch in a variety of roles. He is still just a low-end middle reliever for the Mariners and the deepest of AL-only leagues.
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Mark
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86th Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 12:56 am | |
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Ric wrote: Botts has proven again and again that he can tear the cover off of AAA pitching... SOMEONE is going to think they can harnass that and put it to use in the ML.....
Maybe somebody WILL try to harness that. The Rangers never have.
His 250 at bats spread over 3 seasons is the equivalent of leaving him on the roster for three seasons and giving him one start per week.
If Davis, Whittleman, Mayberry, and some of the other prospects fail in their first 250 at bats, will we give up on them, too?
To my knowledge, Botts has done everything the Rangers have asked him to do. He's worked hard. He's made himself into a better fielder so that he is at least adequate now. He deserves much better than he is getting from the team.
This is why I was against the signings of Bradley and Broussard this offseason. They are in the way of younger players. I'm beginning to think that we might not see Davis all season because Broussard is here.
If I was in charge of this team, we would have started the season with Botts as the every day firstbaseman/DH and Cruz as the everyday right fielder. For Botts, it would be his first legitimate shot, and for Cruz, it would be his final shot. Tell both that it is time to sink or swim. At the end of the season make your evaluations. Then you would either release them or be proud of your new finds.
If we are hanging on to Botts right now just because of the potential of a trade, all we can expect to get is a lower minors fringe prospect type, probably a pitcher with a lot of warts.
Like I said before Ric, we do not agree about the team's handling of Botts.
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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87th Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 01:05 am | |
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Cripes, Mark... you and the masses would be hollering then.. that the Rangers were content to play for next year. BS. They have a shot at being the Rockies THIS year. I saw enough (MORE than enough) of Nelson Cruz last year. When the DFA'd him, I'm sure they WISHED someone would get him out of the organization.
I'd rather have a healthy Bradley than a no playing Cruz. I'd have rather seen Salty at 1 than Broussard.. but, I understand what they were doing there, too. If Laird nets the club Homer Bailey, the wait for Salty will have been worthwhile.
Botts has had 250 plate appearances. Nothing. There are guys in both leagues that sit all week, and are ready when they are called for an AB that means something. Botts doesn't have that 'something' that makes him ready for an AB like the bases loaded K the other night. Just because he doesn't get regular AB's means that they should suffer through with him? Nope. As a paying customer, that would irk me, IF the plan isn't to be playing for the future. If that is the plan, then why go after the players they did? Why sign Bradley? Why sign Broussard? Why not go with the kids? Because you have seen enough of the two of them to be done with it.
If I were Wash, I'd be wanting t put the best 9 I could out there every night. Why? Because his job depends on it. THAT's why you don't see Botts getting AB's. He didn't prove that he could handle himself given the number of plate appearances he has had.
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Mark
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88th Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 01:45 am | |
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Now Ric, you know me. I've been patient with this team with the youth plan. Nobody bitched louder than me during the Hart years because there was no direction, but I shut up when they finally showed that SOB the door. When they finally got rid of Showalter, I was even happier.
I didn't bitch about the Soriano trade, though I think they waited five months too long to do that deal. That wait took them from a position of strength to a position of weakness. They got what they could for him.
I didn't bitch about the San Diego trade, even though we now know that it was a horrible deal for the Rangers.
I was on board with the Danks for McCarthy trade.
The deadline deals last season were all good ones for the team that helped to rebuild the system. I'm sure that many people would have wanted to give Teixeira an ARod deal, but that would have been stupid.
I don't mind some losing as long as I can see the direction. We've been getting a few mixed signals about the direction. Catalanotto cost us a first round draft pick. Broussard and Bradley are not a part of the future.
Are you 100% certain that Cruz can't be Carlos Pena in another year or two? I am not. Some guys just take a little longer to get it together. Rebuilding teams can afford to wait a little longer on guys like that.
I'd love for this team to be the Rockies or Marlins, but there are some things to suggest that it can't happen. The fundamentals on this team are a little disappointing right now. The situational hitting is horrible. I want to see this team do the little things better. I like Wash and hope he is the guy to make it happen.
A word about Botts and pinch hitting: Sitting around for a week waiting for an opportunity to hit in a key situation is a job for an established veteran hitter. That's not Botts right now. His chances of succeeding in those situations are very small. I offer yesterday's strike three looking as evidence.
BTW, the Rangers are teeing off on Ervin Santana right now. This is great.
One last thing: I went looking around last night on the internet for the Bailey for Laird rumors. I couldn't find them. I found Laird for a lesser pitcher rumors. I found Bailey for Salty rumors. I found Bailey for a huge package rumors.
Where did you hear that? I'd like to read it.
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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89th Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 02:10 am | |
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| from the Cincy broadcasters... and if they continue to have catching woes, you'll hear it more and more.. and maybe Cruz, Botts and Laird.. would that be enough?? :)
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Mark
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90th Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 02:15 am | |
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works for me ;)
During all the reading that I did, I found that lots in the Cincy organization are frustrated with Bailey...."uncoachable, guy thinks he's got it all figured out."
But I'd still take my chances on dealing Laird for him.
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LEB
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91st Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 03:46 am | |
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Mark wrote: works for me ;)
During all the reading that I did, I found that lots in the Cincy organization are frustrated with Bailey...."uncoachable, guy thinks he's got it all figured out."
But I'd still take my chances on dealing Laird for him.
I agree with that one. The Rangers aren't realistically going anywhere this year and while Laird has some value, get someone who has a higher ceiling.
So far, both the Rangers and Cinci have to be pleased with the Hamilton for Volquez trade. Volquez has pitched 10 innings and allowed only one run so far. Hamilton is showing the awesome tools that could make him an MVP one day if he keeps his head screwed on right.
As for Botts and Cruz.....nice minor league players who haven't shown they can hit ML pitching. For as big as Botts is, he hasn't shown much power, either. Maybe one day they'll "get it" but nobody knows if that day will ever come.
John Danks got off to a good start vs Cleveland, giving up one run in six innings but was hammered by Minnesota in his second start.
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stemyn
Moving in the right direction
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92nd Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 10:06 am | |
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Just a note that I read elsewhere:
Mench is currently batting .179 in OKC and he has the most ABs on the team.
Cruz is batting .346, but just like Botts, that is against AAA pitching.
____________________
I'm convinced that every boy, in his heart, would rather steal second base than an automobile.
Tom Clark
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LEB
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93rd Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 01:58 pm | |
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| I think the Rangers have to have some serious concerns about Jason Jennings, too.
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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94th Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 11:25 pm | |
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| agreed. I thought not.. but I'd have to agree, now....
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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stemyn
Moving in the right direction
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95th Post Tue Apr 15th, 2008 11:48 pm | |
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| That is what I like about Ric, he admits when he is wrong. Unlike me with Botts. LOL
____________________
I'm convinced that every boy, in his heart, would rather steal second base than an automobile.
Tom Clark
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gumpbowl
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96th Post Wed Apr 16th, 2008 06:47 am | |
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| When are the Rangers going to be able to hit?
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May this be the best day of your life until tomorrow!!!!
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stemyn
Moving in the right direction
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97th Post Wed Apr 16th, 2008 09:31 am | |
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Hitting is not the problem. I was at the Ballpark today, and the team disgusted me. ME! A Rangers homer to the nth degree.
This team made plays today that my grandson's 10 and under team would be embarassed about.
Michael Young. How long have you been playing shortstop? Who covers second when a left handed batter is at the plate on an attempted steal?
Marlon Byrd. The third base coach is there for a reason. He knows you slipped, but he also know the ball got past the centerfielder and leftfielder. The coach's arms are going like a windmill for a reason. Not for you to coast into third and stand there.
Milton Bradley. Your throw to home in the 6th was not overthrowing the cutoff man. You were trying to throw home, even though you had no chance. It was so stupid you stood there in the outfield covering your face (he really did).
Kevin Millwood. Field the ball, then throw it.
Side note: Josh Hamilton is QUICK. Scoring from first on the double, he never slowed down. Moves very smoothly.
David Murphy is a Rusty Greer starter kit. He plays like he loves the game.
Last edited on Wed Apr 16th, 2008 09:41 am by stemyn
____________________
I'm convinced that every boy, in his heart, would rather steal second base than an automobile.
Tom Clark
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Bob Of Burleson
...And the smell of gunsmoke
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98th Post Wed Apr 16th, 2008 02:01 pm | |
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| Love your review, Stemyn. I agree completely.
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Soup
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99th Post Wed Apr 16th, 2008 02:18 pm | |
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Is this the earliest that the Rangers have ever been mathematically eliminated? This is unwatchable.
I saw this movie last year and couldn't believe it. Here's the premise... the Rangers suck until they are completely out of the race by the end of May. Then, when nothing matters they will begin to play pretty good... just good enough to give us a glimmer of hope for next year.
I hope a didn't spoil it for anyone.Last edited on Wed Apr 16th, 2008 02:19 pm by Soup
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Romo's backwards cap is gooberiffic!
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LEB
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100th Post Wed Apr 16th, 2008 03:02 pm | |
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| I can understand the cold bats. I can understand lousy pitching. But the mental blunders?
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