Rangers Season Thread

[Slowhand]

Rangers 1-0 to start spring training. I'm excited to most likely be let down again, like every season. However, I'm rabid with Rangers fever at the moment so I'm starting a thread.

What are you hoping for out of this season and what do you think is realistically possible if all goes well?

Non-fans, GTFO.

[That_Is_My_El_Camino]

I'm feeling optimistic this year.

7-155.

[MrSS]

Always been a Ranger fan I would just like to see them be competitive. If they could start out strong and stay consistent they could have a shot. Like last year they started horrid then where in the top 4 in the whole MLB then fizzled out. Can't wait to see the Young and Hamliton (could possibly be the best white baseball player since Mickey Mantle) and the other young good players we have.

I can pray they could play like last years Rays and shock everyone.

[David]

Pennant run

[Slowhand]

I'm feeling optimistic this year.

7-155.

Let's not get ahead of ourselves.

[RyanB]

Hamliton (could possibly be the best white baseball player since Mickey Mantle)

LOLOLOLOLOLOL

The game was 12-7, I wonder if thats a harbinger of things to come. I hope Kris Benson makes the team so I can scream obscenities at his fat ugly wife.

The Rangers will start out middle of the pack and as the heat wears on the players they'll fade to the bottom like a dead fish. Only it'll stink.

[90GT50]

I'm not expecting much, but hopefully they don't suck too bad.

[MrSS]

LOLOLOLOLOLOL


Hey now I did say could be all the good players now are black or latin I haven't seen any whities lay a bat on a ball like he has in a long long time(that weren't enhanced) or play the out field with that arm. We will see more as time comes.

[Vertnut]

Please don't use Hamilton's name in the same sentence as Mickey Mantle. Just like last year, it raises the expectations to a level he cannot attain and makes Ranger fans look silly.

If the Rangers play anywhere over .500 ball, I would consider it a pretty good season.

[RiceStang]

Well, they did finish 2nd in the AL West last year. If they can find a way to go over .500 against the Angels and the A's, they have a shot to at least win the division.

[Big Studly]

Please don't use Hamilton's name in the same sentence as Mickey Mantle. Just like last year, it raises the expectations to a level he cannot attain and makes Ranger fans look silly.

If the Rangers play anywhere over .500 ball, I would consider it a pretty good season.

thank you....

I am sure Mike Schmidt, Yaz, Mattingly, Boggs, Molitor, Yount, Brett and Bench would all have something to say about the ".....since Mantle" comment.

[regaltip]

.500 would be nice... Since sterioding stop with the Rangers they have sucked. Maybe they should start up again?

[0 GT 2]

85-77

[RyanB]

thank you....

I am sure Mike Schmidt, Yaz, Mattingly, Boggs, Molitor, Yount, Brett and Bench would all have something to say about the ".....since Mantle" comment.

Ripken Jr. Brooks Robinson....hell he isn't even Chipper Jones yet!

[Badass2000gt]

90-72 and make a wildcard spot. :yikes:

[Vertnut]

90-72 and make a wildcard spot. :yikes:

That's going to be tougher than a Russian role-call. But, I think 90 wins could win the West next year.

[BP]

Please don't use Hamilton's name in the same sentence as Mickey Mantle. Just like last year, it raises the expectations to a level he cannot attain and makes Ranger fans look silly.


Hell the media is already comparing Justin Smoak to Mantle and Teixeira. They might as well call Young the next Lou Gehrig.

They'll be a vastly improved team this year, hopefully Washington can pull his head out of his ass though and win some games. I don't know how many times he put his closer in early for a blown save but it was 10+ games and he never figured it out. The 8th inning calls for a setup man, not a closer, unless it's a close situation. Take those games out and it was an 89-73 season last year. Still six games out of the playoffs but better!

[bert89coupe]

Please don't use Hamilton's name in the same sentence as Mickey Mantle. Just like last year, it raises the expectations to a level he cannot attain and makes Ranger fans look silly.

If the Rangers play anywhere over .500 ball, I would consider it a pretty good season.



you mean turn into a drunk, end his career too early cause of injuries then die at an "early" age? I'm sure he can do that

[bert89coupe]

Ripken Jr. Brooks Robinson....hell he isn't even Chipper Jones yet!



you do realize that Mantle played and Hamilton plays the OUTFIELD, right? Y'all keep on naming infielders for some reason

[Vertnut]

you mean turn into a drunk, end his career too early cause of injuries then die at an "early" age? I'm sure he can do that

No, I mean they guy that played 18 seasons, was a 16-time All Star, won 3 MVP's, and a Triple Crown. He was 63, and a drunk until a few years before his death. How many "drunks" and other abusers do you figure are in the league? Is that a prerequisite now? I don't understand your point. Mantle played two years longer than he should have. One of (if not THE) greatest switch-hitters of all time. His knee was destroyed VERY early in his career, and bothered him for the rest of his playing days. The man played with excruciating pain for most of his career.

Now...you were saying?

[Kenny_Stang]

Bastard, I was supposed to start this thread... :grumpy:

Anyways, I'm thinking 5-10 games over .500 and be in contention for the division for the majority of the year.

I'm really interested to see how Elvis Andrus does as SS and how Michael Young adjusts on 3rd. I saw Andrus a couple of times in the minors, and liked what I saw. I'm just looking for steady improvement over last year, I think this team is finally moving the the right direction, and it's been a long time coming if you are a Rangers fan.

[MrSS]

I really want to see Elvis Andrus play to see if all the hype is real. They made the face of the franchise move to get him here. I don't play fantasy baseball but I saw he was in the top 3 for SS and hasn't even played. But as far as that goes all the Rangers infield where in the top 3 except Chris Davis who they had at 4.

[BP]

I really want to see Elvis Andrus play to see if all the hype is real. They made the face of the franchise move to get him here. I don't play fantasy baseball but I saw he was in the top 3 for SS and hasn't even played. But as far as that goes all the Rangers infield where in the top 3 except Chris Davis who they had at 4.

Fantasy numbers only count offense, something the Rangers have always had plenty of. Andrus and Jones are going to help more on the defensive side and hopefully make the pitching look better.

When you score 901 runs and give up 967 it's hard to expect to have a winning season. The defense and pitching needed help badly but unfortunately I think they lost something in the catcher position on both accounts.

It'd be great to see Pudge come back. Pedro has his fastball back and he'd be relatively affordable right now. Adam Eaton is on the market and the Phillies are paying most of his salary. At $400k it'd be worth a shot again and a whole lot cheaper than what they gave up for him the first time. Ben Sheets is also still out there.

[Hollywood]

No, I mean they guy that played 18 seasons, was a 16-time All Star, won 3 MVP's, and a Triple Crown. He was 63, and a drunk until a few years before his death. How many "drunks" and other abusers do you figure are in the league? Is that a prerequisite now? I don't understand your point. Mantle played two years longer than he should have. One of (if not THE) greatest switch-hitters of all time. His knee was destroyed VERY early in his career, and bothered him for the rest of his playing days. The man played with excruciating pain for most of his career.

Now...you were saying?

:stupid:

Excellent ownage. Never thought i'd enter a thread with someone dissing Mickey Mantle.

[Slowhand]

Excellent ownage. Never thought i'd enter a thread with someone dissing Mickey Mantle.

I know, right? That's blasphemy as an American citizen. I HATE the Yankees with a deep burning passion and even I've got more respect for that man than most that have played the game.

[0 GT 2]

Back to the Rangers. Jones started spring training 1 for 9 with a walk and 8ks. Hopefully he's just setting it up to add to the drama...

[Slowhand]

Back to the Rangers. Jones started spring training 1 for 9 with a walk and 8ks. Hopefully he's just setting it up to add to the drama...

LOL. Jesus. Awesome.

[bert89coupe]

No, I mean they guy that played 18 seasons, was a 16-time All Star, won 3 MVP's, and a Triple Crown. He was 63, and a drunk until a few years before his death. How many "drunks" and other abusers do you figure are in the league? Is that a prerequisite now? I don't understand your point. Mantle played two years longer than he should have. One of (if not THE) greatest switch-hitters of all time. His knee was destroyed VERY early in his career, and bothered him for the rest of his playing days. The man played with excruciating pain for most of his career.

Now...you were saying?



LMFAO, calm down old man or you'll give yourself a heartattack and won't be able to enjoy the upcoming great longhorn season with me on here. It was a fucking joke, nothing more. I love mick(even though he was a yankee) as much as the next guy.


I thought you had to be actually serious to get owned?


bunch of sensetive people

[Vertnut]

LMFAO, calm down old man or you'll give yourself a heartattack and won't be able to enjoy the upcoming great longhorn season with me on here. It was a fucking joke, nothing more. I love mick(even though he was a yankee) as much as the next guy.


I thought you had to be actually serious to get owned?


bunch of sensetive people

All last season I was seeing threads comparing Mantle with Hamilton, and it started about May! I'm thinking,"Shit, man. A guy has two good months, and he's compared to a legend?" It could have been Ted Williams and I would have had the same response.

Oh, and I'm ready for some Longhorn football!:biggrin:

[bert89coupe]

All last season I was seeing threads comparing Mantle with Hamilton, and it started about May! I'm thinking,"Shit, man. A guy has two good months, and he's compared to a legend?" It could have been Ted Williams and I would have had the same response.

Oh, and I'm ready for some Longhorn football!:biggrin:




lol, now, go read something more important, my longhorn baseball thread :D

[RyanB]

Can't wait to see Hamliton (could possibly be the best white baseball player since Mickey Mantle)

you do realize that Mantle played and Hamilton plays the OUTFIELD, right? Y'all keep on naming infielders for some reason

I see where he said white baseball player? He's 10-12 years away from being mentioned as the best white baseballer since Mr. Sliced Whitebread himself, The Mick.

I forgot you came in here trying to impress with your wicked smarts, my bad yo!

[bert89coupe]

I see where he said white baseball player? He's 10-12 years away from being mentioned as the best white baseballer since Mr. Sliced Whitebread himself, The Mick.

I forgot you came in here trying to impress with your wicked smarts, my bad yo!



well, speaking of being smart. I said outfield, as in position, not white, as in color of his skin. Maybe you were just having an off day, but you, and studly, were putting infielders in y'alls comparisons. So, what's your point?

[bert89coupe]

I see where he said white baseball player? He's 10-12 years away from being mentioned as the best white baseballer since Mr. Sliced Whitebread himself, The Mick.

I forgot you came in here trying to impress with your wicked smarts, my bad yo!




oh, and their will never be a thread where i try to impress anybody with my wicked smarts lol

[RyanB]

well, speaking of being smart. I said outfield, as in position, not white, as in color of his skin. Maybe you were just having an off day, but you, and studly, were putting infielders in y'alls comparisons. So, what's your point?

The point is the comparison was White Baseball Player X and White Baseball Player Y. Not outfielders, not centerfielders, not switch-hitters. "Possibly the best white baseball player since Mantle".

And honestly, I was only considering position players and not pitchers. Otherwise the list of greater players since Mantle would be tripled.

[bert89coupe]

The point is the comparison was White Baseball Player X and White Baseball Player Y. Not outfielders, not centerfielders, not switch-hitters. "Possibly the best white baseball player since Mantle".

And honestly, I was only considering position players and not pitchers. Otherwise the list of greater players since Mantle would be tripled.



true, but is it really fair to compare infielders to outfielders? I guess that's my question

[SlowLX]

above .500 this year and pennant before I die of old age...maybe a world series before my grand children die

[RyanB]

true, but is it really fair to compare infielders to outfielders? I guess that's my question

Why don't we let ESPN decide with a Mount Rushmore of infielders vs Mt. Rushmore of outfielders :rolleyes:.

I'm just saying you should include everyone when you're talking best X person. Just like Best lefty pitcher should include starters and relievers, although the gap there is admittedly larger.

And to answer your question, yes it's fair to compare Pulhols to Berkman.

[Slowhand]

Why don't we let ESPN decide with a Mount Rushmore of infielders vs Mt. Rushmore of outfielders :rolleyes:.

I'm just saying you should include everyone when you're talking best X person. Just like Best lefty pitcher should include starters and relievers, although the gap there is admittedly larger.

And to answer your question, yes it's fair to compare Pulhols to Berkman.

Jesus Christ, dude. ESPN is getting absurdly ridiculous with shit like the Mount Rushmore bologna. It's almost as bad as watching CNN these days.

[bert89coupe]

Why don't we let ESPN decide with a Mount Rushmore of infielders vs Mt. Rushmore of outfielders :rolleyes:.

I'm just saying you should include everyone when you're talking best X person. Just like Best lefty pitcher should include starters and relievers, although the gap there is admittedly larger.

And to answer your question, yes it's fair to compare Pulhols to Berkman.



Doesn't Berkman play first base now? At least some times he does.

Comparing pitchers is a little different, but they're all on the same part of the field. Not so much for the others, obviously.


We could go back and forth all day on this you know. lol

[stinginstang]

Doesn't Berkman play first base now? At least some times he does.

Comparing pitchers is a little different, but they're all on the same part of the field. Not so much for the others, obviously.


We could go back and forth all day on this you know. lol

Berkman plays first base exclusively now.

[openroadracer3]

This year i can see them finishing 2nd or 3rd in the West but look out and get ready for pennant fever in 2010.


1) Michael Main -- 6'1", 175 lbs. (1st Round, 2007) -- DOB: 12/14/1988

2009 Projection: It seems clear that the Rangers believe that Main is clearly the best pitching prospect to come into their system in the past decade with the possible exception of Martin Perez. Main will undoubtedly start off in Bakersfield, but he'll likely move up to Frisco before the end of June. At this point, it seems that there is a solid chance that he'll compete for a spot in the Rangers rotation at some point in 2010.



1) Derek Holland -- 6'2", 185 lbs. (2006 25th Rounder DFE) -- DOB: 10 / 9 / 1986

2009 Projection: Holland will likely open the season in the Oklahoma City rotation and will arrive in Arlington by July. He projects as a legit number two starter.



2) Martin Perez -- 6'0", 165 lbs. (2007 Int'l F.A.) -- DOB: 4 / 04 / 1991 2009 Projection: Tough case. In many ways -- mentally and in terms of talent -- Perez needs to be challenged with an assignment to Class-A Hickory, but he pitched 61.2 innings in 2008 and there are some concerns about pushing him too far, too fast given his lack of physical maturity. He may stay back in Surprise for a few weeks before reporting to the Sally League, but he's certain to spend most of the year in the Hickory rotation.



2) Neftali Feliz -- 6'3", 195 lbs. (Int'l F.A., 2004) -- D.O.B. 5/02/1988 2009 Projection: I honestly have no idea. I would think that he'll return to Frisco to begin the season and I hope to see a pitcher with a much better grasp of the nuances of pitching as well as a consistent arm angle with his secondary pitches. If so, the sky is the limit. His talent is just so off the charts. It would not surprise me to find him pitching out of the Rangers bullpen at some point next year.



3) Neil Ramirez -- 6'3", 190 lbs. (Supp. 1st Rd., 2007) -- DOB: 5/25/1989 2009 Projection: Ramirez's development suffered a minor setback when he missed out on fall instructionals after fracturing his arm in a non-baseball related incident. I expect that he will join Pimentel, Boscan and Martin Perez in the Class-A Hickory rotation in April and will probably join Blake Beavan in Bakersfield before the end of the year if he gains better command of his plus stuff.



3) Tim Murphy -- 6'2", 200 lbs. (2008 3rd Rounder) -- DOB: 5 / 07 / 1987 2009 Projection: I suspect that the Rangers will challenge Murphy with an assignment to Bakersfield to begin the season and he could find himself in Frisco before the year is over.



4) Miguel de los Santos -- 6'1", 180 lbs. (2006 Int'l F.A.) -- DOB: 7 / 10 / 1988 2009 Projection: An assignment to full-season Class-A Hickory is likely.



4) Wilfredo Boscan -- 6'2", 175 lbs. (Int'l F.A., 2006) -- DOB: 10/26/89 2009 Projection: Boscan will undoubtedly earn an April assignment to Class-A Hickory and could move up to Advanced-A before the end of the year. Boscan's biggest developmental hurdle is going to be physical -- will he fill out and mature physically and can he stand up to the rigors of a full season? Otherwise, there''s no telling how fast he could come because his stuff is so refined and his mental maturity is clearly beyond his years.



5) Blake Beavan -- 6'7", 210 lbs. (1th round, 2007) -- DOB: 1/17/1989 2009 Projection: Beavan will face the daunting challenge of pitching in the Cal League where I would expect him to struggle, at least initially. How he responds as the season moves along will be the key. The Rangers will be looking to see his mid-90's velocity return before August and for him to take a step forward with his nascent change.



5) Juan Grullon -- 6'2", 185 lbs. (2007 Int'l F.A.) -- DOB: 3 / 04 / 1990 2009 Projection: No idea. It will be interesting to see if he jumps ahead to Spokane in June when short season leagues get going.



6) Kasey Kiker - 5'11", 190 lbs. (1st Rounder, 2006) - DOB: 11/19/1987 2009 Projection: Kiker should open the season in the Frisco rotation. It's high time that he goes out and proves that he can withstand the rigors of making every start over the course of a five month season. His inability to do so thus far suggests that he may be destined for relief duty if and when he reached the big leagues.



6) Wilmer Font -- 6'4", 235 lbs. (Int'l F.A., 2006) -- DOB: 5/24/1990 2009 Projection: I suspect that the Rangers would like Font to show up next March in good enough shape that he can be considered for an assignment to Class-A Hickory next April where he'd likely spend most of the year pitching mostly out of the bullpen in an effort to manage his innings. An assignment to Spokane beginning in June is more likely.



7) Omar Poveda -- 6'4", 200 lbs. (Int'l F.A., 2004) -- D.O.B. 9/28/1987

2009 Projection: Poveda will begin the season in the Frisco rotation and will probably spend the entire season in the Texas League, turning 22 after the season ends. Though few believe that Poveda is a future ace, it's hard to put any ceiling on a guy like this who continues to improve every year while pitching as one of the youngest players in his league.



7) Robbie Ross - 5'11", 185 lbs. (2nd Rounder, 2008) - DOB: 6/24/1989

2009 Projection: I don't think he'll get the Blake Beavan treatment and go straight to Hickory in spite of not having pitched professionally in his draft year. Ross figures to stay back in Surprise and report for duty when Northwest League play begins in mid-June.



8) Geuris Grullon - 6'5", 185 lbs. (2005 Int'l F.A.) - DOB: 12/20/1989

2009 Projection: I would expect Grullon to move on to Spokane and see more action as a starter next year as the Rangers try to bump up his innings count. There is so much ability here that I would bet on the Rangers being patient with Grullon about his considerable lack of polish.



8) Tommy Hunter -- 6'3", 260 lbs. (Supp. 1st Rd., 2007) -- DOB: 7/03/1986 2009 Projection: Hopefully, the 22 year old will be afforded the luxury of spending an entire season in Oklahoma. If he is able to hone his change and learn to trust it in the right situations, he should be ready to slide into the Rangers rotation by opening day in 2010 when he'll be three months short of his 24th birthday.



9) Joe Wieland -- 6'3", 175 lbs. (4th round, 2008) -- DOB: 1/21/1990 2009 Projection: Given his advanced approach, polish, maturity and confidence, I think you can probably bank on seeing Wieland beginning the season in the Class-A Hickory rotation.



9) Michael Ballard - 6'2", 215 lbs. (14th Rounder, 2006) - DOB: 2/06/1984 2009 Projection: Ballard should begin the season in the Oklahoma rotation. I suspect he'll convert to relief work at some point in the relatively near future and he could become a solid LOOGY for the Rangers. Given the opportunity and good coaching, Ballard will figure out a way to get guys out...eventually.



10) Thomas Diamond -- 6'3", 245 lbs. (1st round, 2004) -- DOB: 4/06/1983 2009 Projection: I hope to see Diamond start the season in the Oklahoma rotation and he probably will. If he'll just pound the strike zone this year like he did before he got to Frisco, he'll be ready to contribute in Arlington by the end of the summer. Oddly enough, Diamond is something of a 'sleeper' for me in 2009.



10) Zach Phillips -- 6'1", 200 lbs. (23rd rounder, 2004) -- DOB: 9/21/1986 2009 Projection: I don't see room for Phillips in the Frisco rotation at the beginning of the season, so I suspect he'll repeat Bakersfield where he'll have to learn to work around his limitations.



11) Carlos Pimentel -- 6'3" 190 lbs. (Int'l F. A., 2006) -- DOB: 12 / 01 / 1989 2009 Projection: Pimentel will almost certainly spend the season in the Class-A rotation where his fly ball ways probably won't hurt him too much. If he improves as much between last season and next as he did between his first two years as a professional, he could find himself in High-A by the end of the year and Frisco on opening day in 2010.



12) Kyle Ocampo -- 6'3" 195 lbs. (13th Round, 2007) -- DOB: 9/09/1988 2009 Projection: I would expect Ocampo to open the season in the Clinton rotation and he's a candidate to become next year's breakout pitching star in the Rangers system.



13) Michael Schlact -- 6'8", 215 lbs (3d Round, 2004) -- DOB: 12/9/1985 2009 Projection: Depending on how the big league club's rotation shakes out, Schlact could begin the season in the Oklahoma rotation. More likely, however, he'll return to Frisco for at least a month or two.



14) Kennil Gomez - 6'2", 175 lbs. (Int'l F.A., 2006) - DOB: 4/08/1988 2009 Projection: I fully anticipate that Gomez will open the season on the Advanced-A staff, having thoroughly proven that his ability is too much for Class-A hitters. I expect that the Rangers will attempt to manage his innings a bit more in 2009, so he may spend some time in the bullpen before rejoining the rotation.



15) Jake Brigham - 6'3", 190 lbs. (6th Round, 2006) - DOB: 2/10/1988 2009 Projection: The Rangers are hoping that Brigham will be ready to begin to throw off a mound competitively by the end of spring training. Should he return to Spokane when NWL play begins in mid-June, he would be age-appropriate for the circuit.

[BadCompany V.P WS6]

I went to school with Blake Blevin and hung out with him recently. Smart kid and he throws hard and straight FTL. He bangs one of my good friends lol.

He said they have been working with him and his delivery on how he releases the ball and his recoil. All of which he has actually lost velocity on his straight ball. (96mph to 92-94mph)

[stinginstang]

straight ball. (96mph to 92-94mph)

I think they call that a gopher ball. I don't want anyone to make fun of your baseball terminology.

[BadCompany V.P WS6]

LOL Sorry, I was on the phone typing this out.

Sorry, FAST BALL.

Either way, you know what I meant. Had a brain fart :smashfreakB:

[stinginstang]

LOL Sorry, I was on the phone typing this out.

Sorry, FAST BALL.

Either way, you know what I meant. Had a brain fart :smashfreakB:

Ok - all baseball sins have been forgiven. :biggrin:

[openroadracer3]

I went to school with Blake Blevin and hung out with him recently. Smart kid and he throws hard and straight FTL. He bangs one of my good friends lol.

He said they have been working with him and his delivery on how he releases the ball and his recoil. All of which he has actually lost velocity on his straight ball. (96mph to 92-94mph)

maybe they are trying to get a little movement out of his fastball.

[Slowhand]

maybe they are trying to get a little movement out of his fastball.

Probably. I made a change in my release in high school and while I lost some velocity, it picked up more than enough movement to make up for it.

Either that or he was having control issues. In either case, the lost velocity is certainly worth it if he's still throwing 92.

[FWT03Term]

My only comment at this point is that I am concerned about protecting Hamilton in the batting order. I don't think we have "the guy" like we had in Bradley last year. Murphy could potentially do a fine job but Bradley's shoes will be hard to fill in this regard.

[BP]

My only comment at this point is that I am concerned about protecting Hamilton in the batting order. I don't think we have "the guy" like we had in Bradley last year. Murphy could potentially do a fine job but Bradley's shoes will be hard to fill in this regard.


Andruw Jones isn't good enough for you? What about Nelson Cruz, Kinsler, Chris Davis or a healthy Blalock?

Bradley had the best season of his career here. He's only had 400+ at bats twice before and is a career .280 hitter thats good for 15 home runs and 60-70 rbis.

Cruz is the real deal. He's like an 11 year younger Juan Gonzales, only without the steroids.

[droppedlime]

Maybe they will actually let Davis play the whole year since he is numero uno at first this year. This dude kills the ball for being a rook last year.

[95snake]

Ill be there alot this season supporting them.

[openroadracer3]

Probably. I made a change in my release in high school and while I lost some velocity, it picked up more than enough movement to make up for it.

Either that or he was having control issues. In either case, the lost velocity is certainly worth it if he's still throwing 92.


a 92mph fastball is fine if he has control and can spot it.... along with some decent offspeed stuff. hell, look at jamie moyer for example. lol

what hs did you throw for? my son in law pitched for south garland 3 or 4 years ago.

[Slowhand]

a 92mph fastball is fine if he has control and can spot it.... along with some decent offspeed stuff. hell, look at jamie moyer for example. lol

what hs did you throw for? my son in law pitched for south garland 3 or 4 years ago.

Jamie Moyer? The oldest fart in the league? :D

Coppell. Pussied out Junior year after a couple of injuries and being burned out. Really wish I hadn't these days, but hindsight is 20/20. :dunno:

[FWT03Term]

Andruw Jones isn't good enough for you? What about Nelson Cruz, Kinsler, Chris Davis or a healthy Blalock?

Bradley had the best season of his career here. He's only had 400+ at bats twice before and is a career .280 hitter thats good for 15 home runs and 60-70 rbis.

Cruz is the real deal. He's like an 11 year younger Juan Gonzales, only without the steroids.

Wow...another student of the game. If you don't realize Bradley's impact in that lineup last year then this is a waist of time. He did one of the best jobs protecting the biggest bat in the lineup that I have seen in a few years. The Red Sox had it a few years back with Ramirez and Ortiz. There are not too many other great recent examples but I'm sure I could think of a few.

Andruw Jones? He has not proven he can still hit a baseball in two years. Has he even made the team yet? He sucks so far this spring. Kinsler is not the power threat we are talking about here. Davis could be the man but will have to hit for some average also. Blalock or Murphy could be the guy but I don't see anyone filling Bradly's shoes in that role as good as he did. I hope someone does though.

Do you even know what I'm talking about in "protecting Hamilton"? Your Kinsler example makes me wonder.

[openroadracer3]

Jamie Moyer? The oldest fart in the league? :D

Coppell. Pussied out Junior year after a couple of injuries and being burned out. Really wish I hadn't these days, but hindsight is 20/20. :dunno:

Jamie Moyer is a good example of what control can do for you.:biggthumpup:

coppell is in a tough district for baseball. i played 3A level ball (shortstop) in east texas and we used cowpatties for bases.:biglaugh:

[SlowLX]

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[bert89coupe]

Wow...another student of the game. If you don't realize Bradley's impact in that lineup last year then this is a waist of time. He did one of the best jobs protecting the biggest bat in the lineup that I have seen in a few years. The Red Sox had it a few years back with Ramirez and Ortiz. There are not too many other great recent examples but I'm sure I could think of a few.

Andruw Jones? He has not proven he can still hit a baseball in two years. Has he even made the team yet? He sucks so far this spring. Kinsler is not the power threat we are talking about here. Davis could be the man but will have to hit for some average also. Blalock or Murphy could be the guy but I don't see anyone filling Bradly's shoes in that role as good as he did. I hope someone does though.

Do you even know what I'm talking about in "protecting Hamilton"? Your Kinsler example makes me wonder.


IF Blalock can stay heathly, he would be the guy for that role. Of course for the last two years, that's a big IF.

[0 GT 2]

Wow...another student of the game. If you don't realize Bradley's impact in that lineup last year then this is a waist of time. He did one of the best jobs protecting the biggest bat in the lineup that I have seen in a few years. The Red Sox had it a few years back with Ramirez and Ortiz. There are not too many other great recent examples but I'm sure I could think of a few.

Andruw Jones? He has not proven he can still hit a baseball in two years. Has he even made the team yet? He sucks so far this spring. Kinsler is not the power threat we are talking about here. Davis could be the man but will have to hit for some average also. Blalock or Murphy could be the guy but I don't see anyone filling Bradly's shoes in that role as good as he did. I hope someone does though.

Do you even know what I'm talking about in "protecting Hamilton"? Your Kinsler example makes me wonder.

What came first, Bradley's effectiveness or a solid lineup? One batter can protect another but when that hitter beast's too you have to look further down the linuep. Ramon Vazquez and Marlon Byrd are two hitters that come to mind that are often over looked.

Andruw Jones won't fill any holes this year, which is fine since the Rangers paid dick for him.

Davis can fill the void, but if the Rangers want to be a legitimate contender (or over .500) they will need the guys who people don't mention to produce, that's what winning teams have that is seldom talked about.

Andddd.... Kinsler will go 30/30 this year, so he'll be in the league of Chase Utley and Hanley Ramirez, not bad company.

[Strychnine]

hitler

http://www.dfwstangs.net/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif http://www.dfwstangs.net/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

[Vertnut]

What came first, Bradley's effectiveness or a solid lineup? One batter can protect another but when that hitter beast's too you have to look further down the linuep. Ramon Vazquez and Marlon Byrd are two hitters that come to mind that are often over looked.

Andruw Jones won't fill any holes this year, which is fine since the Rangers paid dick for him.

Davis can fill the void, but if the Rangers want to be a legitimate contender (or over .500) they will need the guys who people don't mention to produce, that's what winning teams have that is seldom talked about.

Andddd.... Kinsler will go 30/30 this year, so he'll be in the league of Chase Utley and Hanley Ramirez, not bad company.

Kinsler might be the first 30/30/30 guy, if he keeps making those silly errors...

[0 GT 2]

Kinsler might be the first 30/30/30 guy, if he keeps making those silly errors...

you'll get remembered as long as you're the first at something, haha.

[BP]

Do you even know what I'm talking about in "protecting Hamilton"? Your Kinsler example makes me wonder.

I guess not. Having 3 batters after him capable of hitting 25+ home runs and 80-90 rbis should be enough but I guess not.

Offense is not going to be their problem anyways. Hamilton is going to get his 30-35 home runs and 120-140 rbis regardless of who bats around him.

[bert89coupe]

What came first, Bradley's effectiveness or a solid lineup? One batter can protect another but when that hitter beast's too you have to look further down the linuep. Ramon Vazquez and Marlon Byrd are two hitters that come to mind that are often over looked.

Andruw Jones won't fill any holes this year, which is fine since the Rangers paid dick for him.

Davis can fill the void, but if the Rangers want to be a legitimate contender (or over .500) they will need the guys who people don't mention to produce, that's what winning teams have that is seldom talked about.

Andddd.... Kinsler will go 30/30 this year, so he'll be in the league of Chase Utley and Hanley Ramirez, not bad company.



plus, it's not like Jones can't find his stroke again. He's only 31, seems like he should be older but i guess that happens when you enter the league at age 18

[stinginstang]

plus, it's not like Jones can't find his stroke again. He's only 31, seems like he should be older but i guess that happens when you enter the league at age 18

the only thing that makes sense for Andruw Jones to fall off the planet like he has is steroids.

[FWT03Term]

What came first, Bradley's effectiveness or a solid lineup? One batter can protect another but when that hitter beast's too you have to look further down the linuep. Ramon Vazquez and Marlon Byrd are two hitters that come to mind that are often over looked.

WHAAAT? WTF does all that shit even mean? I guess you are referring to protecting every hitter in the lineup when only the guy they would like to intentionally walk every time up needs protection!!! Off topic anyway.

Kenny, please bring back last years Ranger thread or start a new one so we can get this thing on the right track again goddammit.

[0 GT 2]

WHAAAT? WTF does all that shit even mean? I guess you are referring to protecting every hitter in the lineup when only the guy they would like to intentionally walk every time up needs protection!!! Off topic anyway.

Kenny, please bring back last years Ranger thread or start a new one so we can get this thing on the right track again goddammit.

That's not exactly what I'm saying, but you're close.

[FWT03Term]

That's not exactly what I'm saying, but you're close.

I do agree that as usual, offense will not be the weak link regardless.

[0 GT 2]

I do agree that as usual, offense will not be the weak link regardless.

That is kind of funny that a Rangers thread was started and pitching hasn't been addressed 66 posts in. Apparently Sheets had surgery at the team doctor's medical center that is part owned by Hicks. They expect him back by the break and all signs are pointing to him signing with the Rangers.

Hopefully the team ERA will dip below 5 this year, but that might be a little much.

[mustang_marc]

That is kind of funny that a Rangers thread was started and pitching hasn't been addressed 66 posts in.
Speaking of pitching. The Rangers won 9-1 today. Check out this line from Brandon McCarthy.

IP H R ER BB K HR
4.0 1 0 0 0 3 0

If he could actually pitch this year and do what was expected of him when we traded away Danks, it would be HUGE!

[0 GT 2]

Speaking of pitching. The Rangers won 9-1 today. Check out this line from Brandon McCarthy.

IP H R ER BB K HR
4.0 1 0 0 0 3 0

If he could actually pitch this year and do what was expected of him when we traded away Danks, it would be HUGE!

I've given up on Milwood, I would have liked to see him sent packing since the season was basically a wash anyways. Our season is going to depend on how the young arms can do, rather than the old guns.

That being said if they had a "Padilla is my homeboy" shirt I'd probably buy it.