SB Nation User Blog: Haeger Champ

BoSox adding Smoltz

Haeger Champ — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:22:03 -0000

MLB.com's Mark Bowman reports it, I saw it on MLBTradeRumors. Well... it'll be interesting to see what this does to their rotation (and pitching depth).

75 words is all I need in order to post a fanpost.

Braves deal for Javier Vazquez

Haeger Champ — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:36:54 -0000

linkage

Jo-Jo's name was tossed around in the Teix deal. I think I'll take the 5 we got. My guess is this proves the Braves are out on Peavy. Are the Cubs the only possibility there? Seems like Kenny Williams is stripping down the White Sox - at least to some degree. I wonder if he'd part with Danks ;)

I don't think Vazquez is the exact type of pitcher we're looking for - but that was not a terribly expensive package for the Braves to land a quality arm. I guess the problem is the younger/more controllable you get with good arms the more they'll cost.

Teagarden Untouchable?

Haeger Champ — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:25:06 -0000

"I don't think Texas will trade [Taylor] Teagarden" - Gammons

I think most believe TT is the best catcher in our system and he is the one we would most like to see land the everyday job sooner than later. But does anyone think that he should be "untouchable" - in the sense that Clay Buchholz and Derek Holland are untouchable? I for one do not. If we can land a premier pitching prospect by giving up the best of our 4 catchers, I say go for it. We can make something work with Salty, Laird and Max. Is there anything about Teagarden that screams "sure thing"? I don't think so. Very solid behind the plate. Some real pop in his bat. But nothing that makes me think we'd be trading away Pudge or Johnny Bench. And maybe I'm in the minority, but his durability is a bit of a concern for me - in the long run.

Given the choice, I hold onto TT and probably Max while dealing the others. But if we're able to land a highly coveted arm, I'm alright dealing everyone's favorite longhorn.

Agree or Disagree?

Yankee/Pirate deal reconfigured

Haeger Champ — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 16:07:35 -0000

Yankee/Pirate deal reconfigured

I'm gonna go ahead and say this deal looks significantly better for PIT.

Manager Situation...

Haeger Champ — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 22:07:10 -0000

For those of you who think Ron Washington is in over his head... For those of you who think we need someone with skins on the wall to attract FAs or bring (more?) credibility to our franchise...For those of you who want to knee jerk from today's gut wrenching loss... Here's your chance.

Who would you like to see managing the Texas Rangers in 2009? (please limit your suggestions to viable candidates).

2009 Rotation?!?

Haeger Champ — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:55:33 -0000

Maybe I'm drinking the Kool-aid, but I really can see the Rangers being competitive (and I don't just mean in the West) next year if they can piece together a solid rotation. I'm mildly concerned about what they'll do at 3B, C and RF/DH - but I think there are multiple solutions to each of those situations (including internal options) that leave us with a top offense again next year. A few things need to happen with the bullpen, but again, we've got a lot of options. If - somehow - some way - JD, Nolan, and company can trade for, sign, develop, and nurse to health a solid (top 15) rotation the Texas Rangers could be a real force in the AL. Agree or Disagree?

Either way, here are a few more questions:

Who from our current rotation do you hope/expect to be a part of the 09 rotation (and at what 'spot')?

Who from the minors do you expect to be ready to contribute at some point next year?

What would you like to see the Rangers do at the trade deadline and in the off season to put the 09/10 Rangers on course for contention? (Please - no calls for Hicks to spend $120M, no trades for Santana and Halladay... only realistic options you could see the club pursuing).