It's that time again and this year is more interesting than the last few because of changes to the CBA, hard spending limits, and an ownership group that will spend. It's also interesting to see how many kids feel they're worth more than their slot and go back to school rather than sign.

A few specifics to remember. For the Rangers first 13 picks they can spend $6,568,200. From BA:

Teams can spread the money among their picks in the top 10 rounds in different ways so long as they stay under the total budget. For example, the Astros could sign their No. 1 pick for $5.2 million and spread the extra $2 million among other players. However, if a team fails to sign a player, it cannot apply the budgeted amount for that pick to other players and loses that amount from its overall budget. Also, bonuses for players signed after the first 10 rounds do not count against the overall budget, unless they exceed $100,000.

Can you see the problems with this hard cap? How teams manage their dollars is almost as important as who they select. This draft will be unlike any before it.

This draft by all accounts is historically bad in college position players. In comparison prep position players are supposedly above average. There's also no clear consensus number one player, which sucks for the Astros but since they're coming over the the AL West next season isn't a bad thing for Ranger fans.

Baseball America's Draft Page

Minor League Ball

The two above are generic links for draft talk. Sickels' site has a lot of good info including a recent series of posts regarding the success/failure rate of high school prep pitchers.

Newberg's Ranger specific draft post

The Newberg post is more Ranger oriented and is a good primer for some names who will most likely be available when the Rangers select in the first few rounds.

In that vein the last few years it's become rather obvious that JD and company have a type. In its simplest terms: tools, upside, projection. They don't mind taking a chance on talent knowing that talent doesn't always blossom. They appear to prefer prep players to college players but keep a decent mix to fill out rosters. Stuff matters more than results for college guys which has netted them Grimm, Lamb, Tepesch, and even position players like Gentry, Cone, and to some degree Olt. This is supposedly a good prep class and the JC group offers some nice options as well. They took 6 JC guys last year but only 1 the year before. I anticipate that number closer to 6 than 1 this time around too.

The last two drafts have been similar but for different reasons. 2010 there was no money and they went college heavy to fill out rosters on the cheap. They went after guys who were taken above where predicted to sign fast and below slot.

2011 they also didn't spend much money because they dropped close to 20 million in LA. This draft was more prep and JC oriented. I expect this upcoming draft to more resemble 2011. In the last few years they've thrown big dollars at the LA market but since there's now a cap come July I expect them to max out as close as possible on both the draft and J2 market.

You always want BPA but I imagine as things move along they've got these guys in tiers as well as a positional analysis. Despite the depth of talent in the organization there are some holes, corner power bats, both outfield and 1st/3rd base. Olt and Guzman alone aren't enough. Catcher is practically a black hole and there can never be enough pitching. They will take a small lefty prep pitcher. They like kids who have a clue already with a breaking ball. Whoever it is that you want in the first round they will not take and remember tools and projection because those two words are going to be said a lot.

So tell us who you want. Who you want to avoid? What you know specifically or in general about this draft class. What do you think of the new CBA limits on spending?

For me some of the names I hope to hear from the Rangers are: Dylan Baker RHP, Kolby Copeland OF, Cody Poteet RHP, J.O. Berrios RHP , Max White OF, Hunter Virant LHP, Teddy Stankiewicz (North Richland Hills) RHP, Jake Thompson (Rockwall) RHP, and Wyatt Mathisen C.

Updated. 7/9/11

MYR-5:00- Gomez?

HIC-6:00- Tepesch!!

FRS-6:00- Bleier

RRE-7:00- Tomko

SPO-8:30- S Perez!!

AZRL-pm- Mavare?!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hickory 3pm Buckel rainout makeup!!

MYR-6:00- Boscan

HIC-7:00?- Mendez!!

FRS-7:00- Wieland!!!

RRE-7:00- Jackson

SPO-8:30- Payano!!

AZRL-pm- ADLS?!!

Oh how I long for the day when three out of five pitchers in Round Rock are not scrubs. ~~~~~~~~~~~ p>HIC-6:00- Buckel!! MYR-6:00- MDLS!!! FRS-7:00- Pimentel? RRE-7:00- Hurley!! SPO-8:30- D Perez!!! AZRL-pm- Blackwell!

If you're not checking shroomer's page daily I'm wondering what you're doing in this thread.

Now for my burning question. JD, Preller, Nolan, and the oil men have spent over 15 million already in signing bonuses this summer but usually there are a few kids who are drafted that sign late. I know they are following several and told them they'd get an offer come early August depending on what they saw of their summer ball. My spreadsheet of greatness says we've signed 25 out of 50 so far. Two questions, how much more money will they drop in this draft? Who will sign? Which btw is vastly different from who I want to sign.

I get the feeling the ship has sailed on Fisher due to the signing of those two LA kids. But there are still some intriguing players who may yet be bought out of their commitments. The desire to bring in up the middle guys, pitchers, and catchers has me projecting three more for 28 total.

Woodruff - Kids with his arm don't usually fall to the 5th round you buy him out because you won't get a better player at that spot next year.

Pentacost/Fish - (one or the other but not both) They love them some catchers and both are far more talented than where we took them in the draft. Fish has Tettleton power as a catcher and Pentacost was a 2nd round talent before injury. Also because one signs so late they're basically a full year behind which slots them just right after Deglan, Alfaro, and Edmonds.

Sneed - My random flyer. Kid has said everything right from the get go and his parents have supported his baseball dream by moving so he could play. Supporting him to fulfill that dream and take the money seems reasonable.

Which will cost 3.8 million dollars. Am I high, low, too much or too little money? What say LSB?

The Rangers have a type and they appear to have honed in on a particular draft strategy, more guys less money than fewer players but a few high dollar ones. L. Martin has shown they'll spend but maybe being in the back of this draft they missed the highest prices they loved and instead went with the lets draft what we know and draft lots of it with the projection that pure numbers will win out in their favor. As long as they sign these guys I'm willing to give it a chance. Ask me again in August and I'll be much better able to tell you how I feel. With that caveat let's start with what's easy and build from there.

1) Biggest difference between having money and not having money? Only 6 college seniors taken this year versus 12 last year. It shows the depth already in Spokane and AZ that they don't need roster filler. Also shows they're going to have to pay more money to sign some of these guys.

2) Nolan on the broadcast said they had 20 guys in their top tier and then 70 guys basically grouped together. I wanted Daniel Norris but if the price he's believed to want is in fact 4 million then the Rangers not believing he's worth 3 times as much as the amount Matthews will sign for (935k is last year's slot) so they chose a different direction. If that's true I can't get mad at passing on him especially if that 3 million is spent elsewhere in this draft or in LA which is supposed to be pretty darn deep this year too.

3) Picks 41-49 are basically fliers. I include 22 Costen, and 37 Greager in the basically no chance camp. Now that I've heard Scott has a duel football/baseball scholarship to UCLA he goes in this camp too. We'll watch them in summer ball to see if their fastball gains a few mph, pitch sequencing improves, new breaking ball, better batting eye/selectivity...and what not but these are kids with commitments to legit schools who won't be bought out unless they are shown serious bonuses. I don't expect any to sign but the Rangers may hope something happens with them this summer that brings both sides to the table. One of these players may also be a fall back position if say 1.8million (totally made up number) isn't enough to get Derek Fisher in the fold. If even one signs this could be a great draft class.

4) Picks 1-5 will sign and probably for around slot, maybe slightly less for a few. I'm going under the assumption that in so doing the Rangers saved money to buy other kids in this class later. Here in the next couple of weeks I expect all of them to report to AZ or Spokane. If the Rangers are right and there are distinct tiers of talent then taking the player who's cheaper and will get into your program for an extra entire summer of development may not be a bad way to go. Then it comes down to your development staff, personal make-up of the kid, luck, and whether their projections are remotely accurate. Are you guys counting the development staff as a net positive or no different than most of the rest of the league?

5) The true quality of this draft class comes down to five names. 5 Woodruff, 6 Fisher, 9 Harlin, 14 Faulkner, 24 Fish. Its kinda unfair to lump them all together but these guys have commits to above average colleges who are going to want to be shown the money. There are differences though. Faulkner is probably the easiest to sign. Says he wants 8th round money which is about 100k more than his draft slot. Have to believe Rangers know this and are okay with that. Woodruff and Fisher are the two best who want the most money and are most determined to get it or go to school. Without them this class isn't nearly as good unless Rangers pony up for the last round fliers or Latin America. I gotta believe that Rangers have the money and will get both of them. If they sign they'll do so for the two highest dollar amounts. That leaves Harlin and Fish. Fish wants to sign and I bet it happens. They brought him in for a workout and he impressed folks. A $ figure had to be discussed. He's far more concerned with that than the round he was selected in. Those four sign Harlin is gravy. Its good gravy but I just don't know enough at this point to say what he's likely to do. You need 4 of the 5 to make this class and strategy work.

6) The junior college guys: 11 Sadzeck, 15 Eickhoff, 26 Bores, 27 Devore, 29 Sawyer all have a chance to go back to school and get redrafted next year. Sadzeck could go to UT, Sawyer is committed to Oklahoma. It's about $ versus fear of poor future performance and potential injury. 3 of the 5 has to be considered a win with Sadzeck obviously the one the Rangers think the most of.

7) 2 wildcards and a slam dunk. 39 Trumon Jefferson, 40 Josh Peterson, I can't find any real info on Jefferson. Peterson is committed to King College with the goal of becoming a minister. I won't even hazard a guess about Peterson, baseball may or may not even be in his future. Does King College have a team? If the other two are like our dunk of 28 Saqoan Johnson who didn't get noticed by much of anyone until late in his senior year which is why he doesn't have a college commit then they may well sign, especially if the Rangers do the standard we'll help pay for college in the future. More info is needed. Johnson I'll sign. Has made his intentions clear. Two of three I think you're ecstatic. Just Johnson seems the most likely outcome. They are lottery balls, the more the better.

8) 15 college juniors. At least half have to sign or they screwed up. Some like Maloney seem pretty sure bets. Others like Merek of TCU or Robinson of Miami may think they can up their draft status by going back. 10 call it a win, 9 is a push and 8 or less there are communication problems with players and their intentions.

9) 3 high school names I'm not counting on but could be interesting. 7 Pentecost (Kennesaw) 19 Harsh (Kennesaw) , 35 Sneed (Dallas Baptist) neither are name colleges but both are followed by scouts and they'll get more than a look if they go that route. Pentecost likes the Rangers but is currently recovering from TJ surgery. Money for them may depend on the decisions of others in this class.

Right now I count 13 as givens. Top 5, 6 seniors, Maloney, and Johnson. 25 total is not enough unless all of Woodruff, Fish, Harsh/Harlin, Fisher sign. 27/28 at a minimum to make this athlete, tools, projection meme they seem bent on work. The flame out rate just to make it beyond Low A Hickory is enormous so you've got to basically have 8 players for every one who makes it beyond Frisco. (read pure guesstimate, anyone has a firmer grasp of the numbers game feel free to post).

Please post any news stories or articles you come across updating us on what's going on with these guys. Thanks.

One final update here so I can focus on my draft fanpost today. Decent day on the hill. Can't wait for Spokane and AZ to get started. There's a hellva lot of talent on those two clubs. Is it time to have a real discussion as to whether Tepesch, Loux, Ross, or Mendez deserve three !!!? Why are Ranger prospect fanboys holding back their love? Buckel or Jackson I can understand. They're still so young and far away let them move up to another level but these four? Make your case, why or why not.

The title is my tease for draft/prospect talk later today but know it is moves like this that keep the Rangers at the forefront of talent acquisition which their peers without the oil/gas moneybags to front them must fear. They can take chances that the vast majority of teams cannot because they've got a growing history of development to back them up which makes money men willing to put more money into development. See the vicious circle and weep LAoA, Oak, and Sea.

HIC-6:00- Mendez!!

MYR-6:00- Loux!!

FRS-7:00- Pimentel!

RRE-7:00- Hunter!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~6/8

MYR-6:00- Grimm!!

FRS-7:00- Brigham!

Both Hickory and Round Rock have the day off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~6/7

HIC-10am- Tepesch!!

MYR-6:00- Wieland!!!

RRE-7:00- Hankins

Frisco has the night off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/6

HIC-10am- Buckel!!

FRS-12:00- Perez!!!!

MYR-6:00- Boscan!

RRE-7:00- Jackson!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/5

MYR-1:00- Ross!!!

RRE-1:00- Ramirez!!!!

FRS-2:00- Bleier!

HIC-4:00- Jackson!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/4

HIC-6:00- Thompson!!

MYR-5:00- Loux!!!

FRS-7:00- Erlin!!!!

RRE-7:00- Hunter!!

~~~~~~~~~ 6/3

HIC-6:00- Mendez!!

MYR-6:00- Grimm!!

FRS-7:00- Pimentel!

RRE-7:00- Tomko¡

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 6/2

HIC-6:00- Tepesch!!

MYR-6:00- Wieland!!!

FRS-6:00- Brigham!

RRE-7:00- Hankins?

bigtill2002 and I are in a debate further down the board about the state of the Dallas Stars but he asked me who I thought the Stars should target as far as defensemen so possible deals for Ribiero and/or bringing in someone should they shed salary seemed like a whole different discussion. One everyone should comment on.

I can't say for sure what kind of value Mike Ribiero has around the league. Supposedly the length of his contract is an impediment to some. Others don't wish to deal with his off ice issues and since I don't know the details of whatever has him on the outs with the team I won't speculate here but it seems pretty obvious that Nieuwendyk and company want to move him. The notion of using him to bring back a defensemen or clear up money to sign a defenseman is certainly defensible. He doesn't fit the system like Richards. He makes more money than Morrow or Robidas and he doesn't have an NTC to worry about. So who needs a center?

Minnesota

Nashville

Atlanta

Columbus

Phoenix

Florida

Los Angles (?)

Edmonton

Calgary

Ottawa (if they move Spezza like he wants)

New York Rangers

Of that list, some teams can be scratched from the get go. Be it his history, his off the ice issues, his contract or whatever Minnesota has said repeatedly they're not interested. Michael Russo, the Wild beat writer is very plugged into their management and has shot down any inkling of a Ribiero to Minnesota trade despite the fact that they desperately need a center.

Florida seems to be going younger and Ribiero at age 30 can't be a good fit for them. Mathias will be given every opportunity to grow into a top six center role and Mike would make that team better than they probably want to be for the next year or so.

Ottawa is only a possibility if they move Spezza. There was a twitter rumor of a deal with Ribiero and Glennie going to Ottawa for Spezza and they flat out said no. I'm sure other parts were involved but the number of teams who are willing to take on his 7 million dollar cap hit, and 8 million dollar actual salary cannot be many. Spezza may want to leave but I'm becoming skeptical it actually happens.

The NYR would prefer Brad Richards. Most of the league would too but they're tight to the cap already and unfortunately the one piece I'd like to see come back Bobby Sanguinetti has been traded to Carolina. Any deal with New York probably has Michael Roszival coming back and I have to imagine by now that Dallas has no interest because I have no doubt an offer has been on the table. Without Staal, McDonagh, or Micheal Del Zotto, Ribs to the Rangers should be dead.

To take the next step forward Los Angles needs someone better than Stoll as their 2nd line center. Jarrett Stoll's best season in the NHL was five years ago with Edmonton when he scored 68 points. He's an excellent all around, defensively repsonsible center who's paid too much money for what he brings to the ice. Michal Handzus is basically the same player making 4 million for only one more year but has a NMC in his contract. The Kings need to be better here but Brayden Schenn isn't ready. Frolov does not appear to be in their plans to re-sign (he's a UFA looking for a raise). Andrei Loktionov will either be back in Windsor of the OHL or with their AHL team but as a 19 year old there's no way he's NHL bound this year. So LA needs a center and Ribiero could be a good fit.

Problems, one Jack Johnson, Drew Doughty, and Wayne Simmonds are all RFA next season. How much money does LA have to spend, knowing all three are going to command huge to moderate raises starting next year? Second, we're in the same division. Does LA want to trade prospects to Dallas to see them shine for another organization? Does Dallas really want Ribiero in a Kings jersey for the next three years?

Thomas Hickey, D

Vyacheslav Voynov, D

Colten Teubert, D

That seems to be the order of their defense prospects. Now that they've added Forbort one of those guys seems expendable. Hickey is least likely to move. He's going to star on that blue line of theirs probably starting sometime this upcoming season. Voynov held his own against men in the KHL as a 16 year old. He was excellent for Manchester of the AHL this last season as a 18 year old. He probably needs another year there to grow and adapt to the NA game but he has the all around skills to be a solid 3/4 in the NHL very soon. Again I doubt he'd be the piece LA would be willing to part with. Teubert on the other hand, may be available but isn't what the Stars need. He's 6'4" 201 lbs and a defensive defenseman in the mold of Marc Fistric. He also probably needs another year or two to develop.

The Kings have some nice pieces I'd love in a trade but bad salary coming back (stoll) and defensive prospects two years away doesn't help Dallas immediately. I can't imagine LA's 2nd and kid like, Nicolas Deslauriers, who's three years at least, away as being a likely return for Ribiero. I'm counting LA out.

Edmonton is trying to go young, cheap and build around Taylor Hall and Sam Gagner. Mike Ribiero doesn't fill their need of an under 24 center to replace Cogliano.

Calgary has a lot of parts but not a lot of good ones. Langkow and Stajan aren't going to win them anything. Problem is their salary dumps like Regehr are the wrong kind of defensemen. Ian White would be a good pickup but Calgary isn't dealing him when he was the centerpiece of the Phanuef trade. Mark Giordano would be ideal but he's cheap and far too good for Calgary to trade away when they need to shed salary. Bouwmeester isn't available and there's not much else there that Dallas would want.

That leaves the four most likely suspects: Nashville, Atlanta, Columbus, and Phoenix.

Nashville dealt Arnott and now have Legwand and Colin Wilson as their 1/2. They have NHL ready defense and prospects. This should be the match, yet it hasn't happened yet. Their five million under the cap and their biggest RFAs are Hornqvist, Franson, and Parent. That's doable for five million so how much extra money do they have to spend? Assuming some money has to come back Marcel Goc or Joel Ward would be good 3rd line guys in Dallas.

Ribiero and Skrastins for Joel Ward, Cody Franson, and a 4th in 2011? That's not a bad deal for Dallas. I'd pull the trigger because I believe Franson is a good young defenseman with a solid future in the NHL. Whether Nashville agrees is the question.

Atlanta is making moves to compete. I thought the Byfuglien deal was terrible but I'm not in charge over there. They're 10 million under the cap with several RFAs to sign.

Oduya as the salary coming back, plus Center prospect Eric O'Dell, and 2nd in 2011? Atlanta could use Ribiero but whether they have the budget or wherewithal to trade for him...

If Dallas needs something to sell the fans, Columbus is twice as desperate. Now that Hitch is gone they may open their game up a little bit more and a guy like Ribiero feeding the puck to Nash should be a winner. If it doesn't have to be a complete dollar for dollar trade then I'd want Chris Clark coming back. Klesla makes too much money for too long for a guy who can't stay healthy and isn't all that offensively inclined. I would hope Dallas wouldn't take him back. Mike Commodore is even worse. He's not what this blue line needs. Outside of John Moore and David Savard there's not much in the Columbus prospect cupboard Dallas would want. I just have a difficult time imagining them trading either or those two or Nikta Filatov.

Chris Clark and David Savard for Ribeiro straight up. Its interesting. Clark with Ott and Wandell would make a pretty good checking line, opening up some salary for Talinder or someone like that but still this isn't a wow deal and Dallas may need to wow to justify to the fans dealing Ribs.

Finally Phoenix, the team who most needs his services and the coach who can handle him. They aren't going to sign three of their big UFAs because of money but they have to build on their season or hockey in the desert could still die. Jim Vandermeer is a better version of Karlis Straskins. On a one year deal for 2.3 million, moving him makes sense for Phoenix and does improve Dallas' blueline. If Dallas could somehow pry

Vandermeer, Maxim Goncharov D, and Jonas Ahnelov D, for Ribiero and Sergei Korostin then that's mighty tempting even if its a deal more for the future than the present.

Couple other possibilities,

Ribiero for Kaberle and a 2nd. I had to be talked around on this deal but Kaberle fills a need and even more importantly can be dealt at the deadline for a very nice pick/prospect combo in the future. That may be the best deal now and future wise as far as total return package for the center but fans have to understand Kaberle won't stay here and dealing him at the deadline is better than watching him walk for nothing. Will Nieuwendyk trade him if they're sitting in 8th or 9th? Will fans be upset if he does? This deal is good in theory but in the real world has warts that may be too much to overcome.

Ribeiro and Skrastins to Buffalo for Tim Connolly, Mike Weber, and Marc-Andre Gragnani.

Don't know that Buffalo wants to make a deal but Ribiero is far more likely to remain healthy and signed longer than Connolly. They have several options to fill their blueline cheaply too so they wouldn't miss Weber as much. For Dallas Connolly is ultra talented but since he's a UFA to be he's a buffer if they think Benn needs more time before becoming a fulltime NHL centerman. He's also a guy you could flip at the deadline if healthy and they're ready to hand Benn the reins. Mike Weber is far more defense than offense but he has a mean streak and can skate. Gragnani is a bonafide power play specialist that has put up huge numbers in the AHL. His defense has come a long way too. Still the best thing about him is that if he struggles defensively you can put him on the 4th line as a winger because he's played quite a bit on the wing and use his offensive skill set opposite Brad Richards on the powerplay still getting great production but not bringing down the blueline.

Of these deals, assuming Joe Nieuwendyk has the guts to trade Kaberle at the deadline to make the most of his value, that Toronto deal is arguably the best along with the Nashville one. The Phoenix one might take an extra year for the two prospects to develop but their high sides are extensive and if Dallas is willing to take the long view just might be the best deal three years from now. Columbus and Atlanta would have to add something tasty and I can't picture them giving up Savard or O'Dell respectively.

If y'all have another scenario or better possible deal out there, post so we can debate. I just don't feel the market for Ribiero will return what his value should be.

***Added Frankie Piliere's twitter account. He's been on a roll with information on this Saturday. Don't know for sure it will pan out but I'd imagine his sources are pretty, pretty, pretty good. Grandel for 3ish million and Mets targeting O'Connor?***

I figured draft discussion is going to ramp up now, especially as news leaks out and who's going where becomes clearer. So this is a grab bag fanpost for the next two and half days so we can get our discussion in one place rather than a comment here or there in various threads. Besides if Piliere's right that's worthy of its own thread and discussion anyway. See link below.

I think its safe to say Harper, Tallion, Machido, and Grandel are going 1-4. Which one ends up a Pirate or an O doesn't really affect to the Rangers. After that though, well who the heck knows. Ask 15 experts and you'll have 15 completely different draft boards 5-25. Money also plays a part.

2008 Draft Bonus' and slots There was a drop-off of "slotted" bonus' last year but supposedly the numbers this year should be similar to or slightly higher than 2008 so this is a good guide for the type of money 15, 22, 45, and 49 will cost.

If you need a good primer or three check out:

Frankie P's insider info on the top 15 finally becoming clear

Andy's fantastic draft page

Sickel's latest mock

So with that in mind call your shots. Three questions with the caveat that the Rangers have a budget and 15 has to be signed.

1) Who do you want at 15 and 22? Heck 45 and 49 too if you follow down through the top 50.

2) Who do you absolutely not want? Who is going to drive you to commit Faggicide if selected?

3) Who do you expect the Rangers to take?

I'm going to assume Piliere's info is legit. He's in the industry and he certainly knows the Rangers and their tendencies. For me if Choice is gone and Whitson is on the board at 15 I'd grab him and never look back. Assuming Texas has talked to his agent about a deal. I've never heard anyone speak about him demanding big money though. So the 2nd best (debatable) HS arm that won't cost a fortune falling into Texas' lap at 15 would be ideal. Many have him as a top ten talent.

At 22, if he's there you have to take Wimmers. Affordable with a good projectable body and three pitches he can throw for strikes. Yes Texas needs some bats but I like several guys who should be available at 45 and 49. Wimmers is too good a talent at an affordable price to pass. Though if someone wants to try and change my mind and take Vitek, well feel free to make your case. If there really is money to spend then pony up for someone who falls or a high school kid like Robbie Ross a few years ago who wants above slot later. If the Rangers can get a couple of really good affordable guys early they can money whip later.

Austin Wates, OF, Virginia Tech Reggie Golden, OF, Wetumpka HS (AL) Jarrett Parker, OF, Virginia Jedd Gyorko, SS, West Virginia Ryan LaMarre, OF, Michigan

Are a few of the names who may still be available late in the supplemental round.

This isn't the post I set out to write initially but well I couldn't let it go. Sorry for the length but I hope it provides useful information about how shortcutting this won't work.

Fixing the defense won't be easy or cheap in terms of talent traded to make the backline respectable. Anyone looking for some overnight immediate and substantial upgrade is going to be disappointed. Its not going to happen. At least 4/6ths of the defense needs to go and perhaps even 5/6ths. Doing it on a budget where you can’t money whip a FA stud like Volchenkov, Kubina, Michalek, or Martin makes it even harder. I’m not calling out Kritter because I’ve seen this thought process by several others on various Dallas boards and her quotes here were just succinct and handy to use. They’re here to illustrate some logic fallacies and debunk one straw man argument.

Quote:

My thought is they need to trade for a young-ish (i.e., under 30, and ideally still RFA age), big-time defenseman. Yes, that will cost a lot in terms of player/draft pick assets, but it will definitely address the need in the near future instead of possibly addressing the need in 3-4 years. I get that a player like that may not have been available, or they weren't willing to pay the price available, at the deadline, but I think it's the much smarter way to get the type of player they're looking for.

The list of true number one defensemen in this league is smaller than you think and those who fit the under 30 label reduces it further. In addition those assets are not on the block. Established 1st defensemen who are cost controlled are not moved, ever. Boyle wasn’t under 30 and made too much money. Dallas isn’t going to trade for a 6 million dollar defenseman. If that were the case Visnovsky would be here rather than Anaheim. But just to prove my point here’s the list.

 

Team	Name	Age	salary	signed thru
Atlanta	Tobias Enstrom	26	3.75	2013
Anaheim	none
Boston	none
Buffalo	none
Calgary	Jay Bouwmeester	26	6.8	2014
Carolina	Joni Pitkanen	26	4	2011
Chicago	Duncan Keith	26	5.53	2023
Chicago	Brent Seabrook	24	3.5	2011
Detroit	none
Edmonton	none
Florida	Keith Ballard	28	4.2	2015
Los Angeles	Drew Doughty	20	ELC 2011
Minnesota	none
Montreal	none
Nashville	Shea Weber	24	4.5	2011
Nashville	Ryan Suter	25	3.5	2012
New Jersey	none
NY Islanders	none
NY Rangers	Marc Staal	23	RFA
Ottawa	none
Philadelphia	none
Phoenix	Keith Yandle	23	1.5	2011
Pittsburgh	Kris Letang	22	RFA
San Jose	none
St. Louis	Erik Johnson	22	RFA
Tampa Bay	Victor Hedman	19	ELC thru 2012
Toronto	Dion Phanuef	24	6.5	2014
Vancouver	none
Washington	Mike Green	24	5.25	2012

Of this list Hedman hasn’t reached that point but since Tampa won’t trade him it doesn’t really matter. The bolded names of Ballard, Staal, and Phanuef I would debate are even number ones. But let's say that's true. Ballard is probably on the block but for 4.2 million I'd rather pay Robidas and I'm no fan of Robidas. Staal isn't the true puckmover we need and the price would be Benn or Neal going back the other way and if you're going to give up those assets then I want a better all around guy than even Marc Staal. Phaneuf was just traded for. Burke isn't going to move him after 25 games in a Leafs uniform.

Letang will only be moved if Gonchar signs a long term deal and even then they'll probably trade Goligoski first. Either way the price for them is Neal or Benn. Again, if I'm trading one of them I want a true bonafide stud, not a guy who's still trying to earn that label.

Seabrook may be traded because of the cap but I doubt that will be the case before his current contract expires after next season. They'd be much better off dumping Versteeg and Byfuglien than moving their other stud on the blueline.

So this whole idea of finding a stud under 30 defenseman that Dallas is somehow going to trade for is a non-starter. It won’t happen.

The second list of players are young guys trying to establish themselves on the above level. Some are more solely puck movers and while adequate in their own zone are never going to be labeled as complete defensemen.

 

Team	Name
Atlanta	Bogosian
Boston	Wideman
Buffalo	Myers
Calgary	Giordano
Colorado	Quincy
Edmonton	Gilbert
Los Angles	Johnson
NY Rangers	Gilroy
Ottawa	Lee
Philadelphia	Coburn
Philadelphia	Carle
Pittsburgh	Goligoski
St. Louis	Pietrangelo
Tampa Bay	Foster (UFA)
Tampa Bay	Meszaros
Toronto	Gunnerson
Vancouver	Ehrhoff
Vancouver	Edler
Washington	Carlson
Washington	Alzner

Everyone has played at least a few games in the NHL this season. And I didn't even get into Franson, Blum, Shattenkirk, Sanguinetti, McDonagh, Weber, Sibisa, Bulter, Subban and dozens of other prospects that could be targeted.

These bolded ones are generally either having a down season or players that may have to be moved because of money. Who's better than whom, well that's a matter of opinion and probably even NHL teams would debate the upside of lots of these guys.

I don’t think there’s anyway in the world Atl let’s go of Bogosian, Buffalo Myers, Calgary Giordano, Colorado Quincy, NYR Gilroy, or Van Ehrhoff. Prying Calrson or Alzner is going to take a very nice payment as well.

So yeah the options are rather limited. Once you accept that the idea of rebuilding seems far more likely. Because of that list perhaps five of them turn into true number one studs. The rest become twos and threes and some will wash out completely.

Quote:

Most of the players can be good in particular, lower-minute roles, but this team has failed to acquire or draft/develop truly top-end talent.

Okay wait. Daley has yet to be average so far in his career. Keeping him in a lower minute role and paying him 2.3 million for the privilege is poor money management. If he can’t fill a 3-4 spot then he doesn’t need to be on this roster. Why would you want to keep him? Why would it be a good idea to keep him instead of trading for a younger player with better potential? A pick is better than Daley even if it never works out. At least a pick won’t cost 2.3 million of NHL failure in all likelyhood. A new younger guy’s mistakes might be a learning curve for improvement. With Daley what you see is what you get and that’s not very good.

Skrastins is that older vet who finds work but really again I’m going to ask if keeping him for leadership purposes may be the first reason he should go out the door. I’m not blaming him for the failing of everyone but at this point the defense needs a fresh start and anyone associated with the old crew and its leadership probably needs to go.

As for drafting, well Niskanen’s a failure, does that mean they shouldn’t take another defenseman? Larsen’s done pretty well for himself over in the SEL and as long as he stays healthy, really what more can Dallas ask of him then what he’s proving in his current league. You want to question whether Dallas should have taken Kulikov instead of Glennie, I can understand but lets not kid ourselves that had we done so he’d be in the NHL right now. He’d still be playing for Drummondville of the QMJHL this season.

They've focused on offense rather than defense because for whatever reason where they've been drafting they prefer the forward to the defenseman available there. Yes that needs to change some. They have to take a couple of defensemen in this draft but its a matter of cycles. I don't think they've given up on d-prospects as a whole.

Quote:

Until they upgrade the defense, and that's going to be very expensive in terms of assets in trade or FA (and no draft pick will help for several years, and none are guaranteed to help, and I don't think they risk that - it's what they've attempted to do with this group).

So they should just stop drafting these players? Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water. Because Niskanen is a failure they shouldn’t try to draft or acquire other young puck moving defensemen? They’re not all created equal and they don’t all come fully matured at 20, 23, or even 25. You also can’t compare a defensive defenseman like Fistric to a player like Kulikov because they play completely different styles and types of games. People who believe Folwer won’t save this franchise are entirely correct. That doesn’t mean that drafting that type of potential franchise defenseman is a bad thing or that developing him for four years before he’s NHL ready should in any way contradict what’s going on at the NHL level. You have to have a good scouting and drafting system. Players like Eriksson, Neal, and Benn don’t show up on the roster otherwise. Drafting also doesn’t preclude finding NHL ready players through other means. You need the combo platter of NHL talent, prospects and picks. Otherwise you're trying to cheat the development curve and will probably fail. Part of that is targeting guys who’ve played in the AHL. Guys able to step into the NHL now. Thirty or more of those guys show up on various teams throughout the season. Most won’t make it as more than 4s but if you trust your scouting department and believe in your coaching then acquiring a guy in that mold is a solid first step.

And at this point does anyone really want to see another year of this group of defenseman or would you rather watch some young kids and maybe a guy like Coburn or Goligoski? They may not be better as a group but I’d bet money they’ll improve. Can the same be said about Daley, Skrastins, and Niskanen?

Quote:

Forgive me for not being excited about a potential draft pick when this defense is made up of mostly draft picks.

Comparing the car you buy off the dealership lot to the car on a NASCAR race track is hardly fair. Dallas is going to get a good pick. The 8th or 10th overall pick is far more likely to make it than the 22nd, 24th, and 33rd selections. And again because Niskanen and Daley didn’t develop the way you want doesn’t mean the method of drafting and developing is flawed it just means those two didn’t reach their potential. In case you’re unaware the AHL and NHL is littered with guys who had amazing potential they never reached. You still have to draft and develop these guys, especially in a salary cap system. Youth failing is a direction. Daley and Skrastins failing is just wasting everyone’s time. If the team is going to be widely inconsistent and again not good I'd rather watch the Islanders plan than the Minnesota one. Young player development is preferable to the hodge podge.

Trading what we’ve got, be it Morrow, Richards, Robidas, Ribeiro, Daley, Skrastins and Niskanen for a combination of picks and younger players is how its going to work. They’re not going to nor should they dump everyone listed above. They’re also not going to limit themselves to all NHL players or all picks and prospects. They’re going to try and walk the fine line of getting both so they can hopefully improve next year and in the future. Once everyone accepts that the question becomes will they try to muddle along and hope things improve. Will they embrace the rebuild? Will they redistribute money and hope it works out and do you trust this management group to get it right? Because if they try and plug holes without really making any major changes this team will continue to finish 16th-24th in the league on a regular basis. No one here wants that.

31) Landry, Shon McNeese St U SS R/R 5'09" 175 1986-02-14 5S

-Signed-

http://forum.newbergreport.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8614&p=159562#p159562

*Shon Landry batted a team-best .349 with five home runs and 33 RBI in a season shortened by a broken collarbone. Now healthy, Landry leaves Tuesday to join a Single-A short-season team in Spokane, Wash.

Landry broke the collarbone by running into a wall April 26 at Texas State. With the injury fully healed, Landry said he returned to hitting in a batting cage about a week ago.

"I'm 100 percent healed," said Landry, a first-team all-Southland Conference player this season.

 

32) Williams, Reggie Brooks-DeBartolo Collegiate HS (FL) CF S/R 6'04"190 1989-09-15 HS

      -Wants overslot to sign- Committed to U Miami

http://minormoosings.blogspot.com/2009/06/draft-day-3.html

Long and athletic at 6-foot-4, 190 pounds, Williams is a switch-hitter with speed, rating as a 70 runner on the 20-80 scale for most scouts.

He led the state of Florida with 59 steals this spring in just 20 games while hitting .604. Williams' bat will be the question, as he's drawn some Gary Matthews Jr. comparisons both physically and in terms of his future potential. He hasn't shown much present power despite being an older prep senior (he'll turn 20 in the fall) as he hit only one home run this spring.

 

33) Rhoad, Kyle Eastern Michigan U CF R/R 5'10" 190 1985-11-10 SR

-Signed-

http://www.emueagles.com/custompages/baseball/2009/teamcume.htm

34) Prince, Jared Washington St U OF R/R 6'03" 195 1986-05-25 SR

-Signed-

http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/wast/sports/m-basebl/auto_pdf/2009BaseballStats.pdf

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=4961152&content_id=4757981

http://forum.newbergreport.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8614&p=159562#p159562

Prince went to bed Wednesday and night and stuck his phone in the other room.

He had seven text messages and several voice mails when he woke up on Thursday at 9 a.m.

"I think everybody else found out before I did," the 2005 North Kitsap graduate said.

Prince hit .343 with seven home runs and 38 RBI this year at Washington State. It was his best season since his freshman season in which he led the Pac-10 in hitting and was named a freshman All-American. His sophomore and junior campaigns were complicated by a shoulder injury. Prince didn’t make an error patrolling the outfield — he made only one in his four years — as the Cougars finished second in the Pac-10 and advanced to postseason play for the first time in 19 years.

 

35) Butler, Timothy Greenbrier Christian Academy (VA) RHP R/R 6'02" 1751991-03-13 HS

-Committed to Radford

http://tiny.cc/8lS68 goes by Eddie Butler local kid here in Chesapeake that pitches for a powerhouse Virginia Independent School that is ranked as the #20 high school team by BA.

http://www.ruhighlanders.com/news/2008/12/2/BB_1202083854.aspx?path=baseball

Raccuia’s take – "Eddie has an electric arm and stuff, and we truly believe he has a chance to win a lot of games for us. We wanted a front-of-the-rotation guy, and I think he’ll be able to fill that role sooner than later."

• Member of the 2008 VISAA State Championship team (Division II) at Greenbrier Christian coached by Gary Lavelle.

• Nominated to play in the 2008 United States Scholar-Athlete Games.

• On the State-by-State Follow Draft List for Virginia by Perfect Game in 2008; Ranked the 17th-best prospect in Virginia by Perfect Game.

 

36) Carasiti, Matthew Berlin HS (CT) RHP R/R 6'03" 205 1991-07-23 HS

-wants overslot to sign- Committed to St. John’s-

http://blogs.courant.com/school_zone/2009/05/carasiti-named-state-gatorade.html

Scouting video: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=4961152&content_id=4441355

http://www.examiner.com/x-12483-St-Johns-Red-Storm-Examiner~y2009m5d31-Connecticut-player-of-the-year-favors-the-draft-over-St-Johns

Good Article: http://www.dailypress.com/sports/highschool/hc-hsfeat0527.artmay27,0,7327641.story

There's no confusion about where Carasiti wants to pitch this summer. "I want to sign with a pro team," he said. "I've had that dream since I was little."

Where he ends up depends on where he gets drafted. "The earlier the better, obviously, but the cutoff round for me probably is the sixth," Carasiti said. Said Jim Carasiti: "Scouts ask, 'What will it take for Matt to sign?' It's like a chess game. We just have to wait to see how it plays out."

Carasiti throws a four-seam, two-seam and split-fingered fastball, a changeup and a slider. He says half his strikeouts have been with his splitter as he looks to lead Berlin on a long run next month in the Class L tournament.

 

37) Nading, Charles U Nevada Las Vegas RHP R/R 6'06" 220 1987-07-09 SO

* Jason Cole: Just got off the phone with Nading and it sounds like there's a decent chance that he'll sign. He's very very raw, but he's 6-foot-6 and has a good fastball.

PG: from back when he committed to OSU

This year’s top "Out of State" prospect is RHP Chad Nading, a 6-5, 190 lb right handed pitcher from Anchorage, Alaska who has signed with West Coast power Oregon State. Nading is the most heralded baseball prospect to come out of Alaska in memory and his presence in Cedar Rapids this weekend is a testament to how serious he is about his baseball future.

He’s a big kid, if nothing else. he is only a sophomore due to his transferring around, so he’s got eligibility left.

 

38) Hutting, Anthony Tesoro HS (CA) OF L/L 6'00" 185 1991-04-07 HS

-Wants overslot to sign- Committed to Cal State Fullerton

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/reports.jsp?content=hutting

http://www.ocvarsity.com/players/detail.php?playerID=50285&rosterID=26437&seasonID=8

 

 

39) Henry, Jabari Olympia HS (FL) RF R/R 6'00" 198 1990-11-11 HS

-Committed to Florida International University

http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/Articles/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=586

The tool that stands out the most for Henry is the bat. Henry has above average power in a very compact swing. In the opening game of the High School season, Henry took a Steven Ewing (listed above) offering deep to center field for the only run in his teams 1-0 win. He has shown an ability to hit top level hitting and will be watched extremely closely over the next few months. Jabari profiles at the next level as a power hitting left-fielder.

Perfect Game’s 23rd ranked player in the state of Florida...124th ranked player in the nation...projected as a top-10 round pick in the 2009 MLB Draft.

 

40) Vail, Taylor Cabrillo Col 3B L/R 6'02" 200 1986-09-05 J1

-Signed-

http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/sports/ci_12576443

"You look at his swing and you can see there's something there," said Butch Metzger, the Rangers' NorCal scout. "Then you talk to the guy and go, Jesus, he's 22. What are we going to do with this guy? As a scout you have to convince people making the decisions to do something there. Fortunately, we were able to draft him and have a place for him. He's going to get into a situation where he can get lots of at-bats, and if he does well, because of his age, they'll push him along."

 

41) Garrett, Forrest Norcross HS (GA) LHP L/L 6'02" 168 1990-09-24 HS

-Wants overslot to sign- Committed to LSU

http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=112668

Forrest Garrett is a 2009 LHP with a 6'3'', 180 lb. frame from Norcross, GA. Garrett has a very projectable build to go with his already outstanding current ability. He has good effortless arm speed and he pitches in the high 80's to low 90's with command. He uses a 3/4 arm angle, with good arm speed and his velo comes easy for him. He has an outstanding change up which might have been the best change at the National. He also has a very good curveball. Very good pitchability and projects large. Very interesting 2009 lefty, one of the best in the nation.

 

 

42) Zagarac, Shane St Joseph's Col LHP L/L 6'03" 225 1985-08-15 SR

-Signed-

* The left-handed pitcher recently completed his senior season at St. Joseph’s College of Indiana where he went 5-4 with a 4.09 ERA in 11 starts for the Pumas. Zegarac led St. Joseph’s and was fifth in the GLVC in strikeouts with 72 in just 61.2 innings. A durable pitcher, Zegarac tossed three complete games with two shutouts.

 

43) Bonadonna, Joseph U Illinois Champaign CF R/R 5'08" 170 1985-09-06 5S

-Signed-

http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/bonadonna_joe00.html

 

44) Christman, Tyler U South Carolina Sumter RHP R/R 6'02" 180 1989-08-26 J1

-Draft and Follow this Summer- 

http://njcaa.org/colleges_college_stats.cfm?sid=7&collegeid=1779&category=Stats&slid=3

http://www.theitem.com/article/20090612/ITSPORTS01/706129982/-1/ITSPORTS

"They’re doing a draft-and-follow on me," said the former Sumter High School and Sumter P-15’s standout. "They’re going to watch me over the summer and see how I do. They have until August to sign me."

Christman said he has no idea what he is going to do at this time. He is going to see how things shake out in regards to how many drafted players the Rangers sign.

"I know they drafted a lot of pitchers," he said. "If, say, 10 of those don’t sign, that could open up some more money for me. It could be soon or it could be in August."

 

45) Anderson, Dale Col Southern Idaho C R/R 6'01" 215 1990-05-02 J1

Video: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=4961152&content_id=4674533

 

46) Grundy, Jerad Johnsburg HS (IL) LHP L/L 5'11" 180 1990-09-11 HS

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=4961152&content_id=4757981

http://forum.newbergreport.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8614&p=159562#p159562

*The Texas Rangers selected Grundy in the 46th round, much later than anticipated going into the draft. Grundy, a 6-foot left-hander who throws in the low 90 mph range, signed with Miami (Fla.) in November, so many teams did not use an early pick because they thought he would not sign.

"All the scouts knew it was going to be hard for me to back out of Miami," Grundy said. "Scouts categorized me as an ‘extremely tough sign.’ "

With an 80 percent scholarship to Miami, one of the nation’s elite programs, Grundy likely will not sign.

"I learned a lot about the process for next time if I don’t sign now," Grundy said. "Now I know how everything works and how to handle it."

 

47) Higgins, Tyler Mt Pleasant HS (MI) RHP R/R 6'02" 1991-04-22 HS

-Committed to Michigan

http://www.themorningsun.com/articles/2009/06/12/sports/preps/srv0000005574398.txt

"We were all paying attention to the draft on the computer and when my name came up everyone started cheering," Higgins said. "It was a great feeling to get drafted by a professional team. I didn't really care where I went, but for now I am a Texas Rangers fan."

 

48) Frenzel, Cole Dickinson HS (ND) 3B L/R 6'02" 1990-03-13 HS

-Committed to Arizona U

From PG: Frenzel was a big surprise at this event. He has good arm strength (91 from OF) and good raw power at the plate. He received National Showcase invite from performance at SS West.

http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=7960&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

Also PG: Cole Frenzel is a 2009 SS/3B with a 6'2'', 205 lb. frame from Dickinson, ND. Frenzel showed good hands in the infield and a strong arm. He has a strong LH bat and projects very well. He has good strength in his swing and shows good power potential. Interesting bat to watch as he continues to develop. He has signed with Arizona.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/prospects/ask-ba/2009/268051.html

Frenzel likely will become the 14th player to be drafted out of North Dakota, and he could go earlier than Elgie did. But he probably won't get picked high enough or draw enough of a bonus offer to make it worthwhile to pass up college. Major league teams figure to let him develop for three years with the Wildcats before making a run at him in 2012.

* From everything I’ve read he has top five round talent but seems pretty dead set on attending college. He’ll play 3B at Arizona and should be a big time slugger when he’s draft eligible again. I don’t think there’s a way in the world he signs unless Texas offers seven figures and in this economy with the other selections taken before him that won’t happen. Too bad he’s a great hitter.

 

49) Kendrick, Catlan Northgate HS (GA) RHP R/R 6'04" 180 1991-06-24 HS

-Committed to Kennesaw State U

http://www.eastcoastgrays.org/

Cat played with the Grays last year at Coastal Carolina, East Cobb and Jupiter. He is very projectable at the pro level due to his size and how loose his arm was. In Jupiter, he carved up a strong Central Florida Renegades team for 3 innings where he was 89-91 on the gun with a good slider and an unhittable split. When he fills out in his frame and gets a little stronger, there is no telling how high his ceiling will be. Cat will play with the Grays 18u team this summer while the Rangers follow his progress at Coastal Carolina (6-/25-6/28) and the WWBA 18u at East Cobb (6/30-7/6).

http://ksuowls.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/120208aac.html

"Catlan has a great arm and body and throws in the low 90's. He has a tremendous upside and great character."

http://www.times-herald.com/sports/Kendrick-latest-of-Northgate-s--No--13--draftees-67868

 

50) Melendez, Ronald Cowley County CC CF R/R 5'10" 170 1989-09-29 J1

http://www.cowleytigers.com/baseball/baseballstats/StatsOffensive.htm

Melendez, a freshman from Jacksonville, FL, batted .367 with four home runs, 14 doubles, and 38 RBI. Melendez also stole 18 bases and scored 51 runs in 59 games.

 

-Wants over-slot to sign- Committed to U Miami

11) Gunter, Johnny Chattahoochee Valley CC RHP R/R 6'04" 230 1988-03-10 J3

-Say’s he’ll sign-

http://forum.newbergreport.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8614&p=159562#p159562

* Johnny Gunter had just got off the phone with a representative from the San Diego Padres, who told the Chattahoochee Valley Community College pitcher the team would select him in the 12th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft Wednesday, when he walked into his family’s living room to tell his father the news.

"I was just telling my dad about the call when, all of a sudden, I hear, ‘The Texas Rangers select Johnny Gunter, Chattahoochee Valley, right-handed pitcher in the 11th round,’ " Gunter said. "I wasn’t even watching the draft on TV. I just walked in the room when it happened."

Now, Gunter said, he is looking forward to working his way up in an organization led by one of the best right-handers in history, Nolan Ryan.

"Nolan Ryan was a gritty, hard-working kind of pitcher," Gunter said. "I feel like I’m that kind of player. I can’t wait to get in there and work on getting better."

Gunter said his conversation with the Rangers was brief, and he expects to be offered a contract and given a reporting date after the draft ends.

 

12) DiFazio, Vincent U Alabama Tuscaloosa C R/R 6'00" 215 1986-05-15 SR

-Signed-

http://www.rolltide.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/difazio_vincent00.html

TR Sullivan on DeFazio: The Rangers used their 12th-round pick on catcher Vin DiFazio from the University of Alabama. He lost his uncle, also of the same name, in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. His uncle was his first baseball coach.

DeFazio then contracted a viral nerve disorder that limited his strength and mobility. It caused him to miss the entire 2007 season. He hit .329 in part-time action for the Tide this season. If he reclaims the form he showed while attending Indian River Community College, DeFazio could be an excellent pick.

 

13) Jamison, Justin Strongsville HS (OH) RHP R/R 6'08" 1991-01-10 HS

 -Committed to Ohio State

I can't find anything out about this kid other than he's committed to home state school Ohio State.  While their baseball program isn't great a lot of kids up there dream about playing for that school.  I imagine the Rangers would have to offer a pretty good contract to buy him out.  I wouldn't be surprised if he signs or not.

 

14) Bell, Chadwick Walters State CC LHP R/L 6'03" 200 1989-02-28 J2

-Draft and Follow this Summer- -Committed to Tennessee

Told Jason Cole, he was going to pitch this summer and that the Rangers plan to follow him before offering a contract.

http://www.ws.edu/athletics/Mens_Baseball/Players/2008/BioBell.htm

 

15) Campbell, Keith Everett CC RHP L/R 6'02" 190 1987-10-12 J2

http://baseballnwblog.com/2009/05/11/baseball-nws-pre-draft-analysis/

* Good arm strength—coming off Tommy John surgery. Not drafted in high school.

http://media.www.clipperonline.info/media/storage/paper1338/news/2009/04/24/Sports/Pitchers.Continue.To.Throw.Quality.Outings.For.Trojan.Baseball.Squad-3724637.shtml

Campbell likes to overpower hitters with his fastball that consistently reaches the low 90s miles per hour.

"For me I like to dominate the plate and go with a little swagger out on the mound," Campbell said. "Just showing [the opposing hitters] that I'm better than them and my fastball is going to beat them."

 

16) Revell, Michael Florida HS (FL) 3B L/R 6'00" 189 1989-09-06 HS

-Wants over-slot to sign- Committed to Chipola JC in Florida 

* Was committed to FSU but has since backed out. So he may not be as strident on his money demands because of that. Or he’s going to JC in order up his draft stock, reinforcing his money demands.

 

17) Strong, Paul Marina HS (CA) LHP L/L 6'02" 195 1990-08-18 HS

-Wants over-slot to sign- Committed to UC Irvine

http://www.ocvarsity.com/articles/strong-sometimes-lot-2357324-last-renfrow

His fastball can touch the low 90s, though he’s in the high 80s with greater frequency. He throws three pitches for strikes – fastball, curve, changeup.

"I’m going to UC Irvine, but we’ll see what happens in the draft," Strong said. He said he has no set number that Major League clubs must hit to lure him away.

Marina coach Paul Renfrow said. "He wants to go to college, though. He’s a smart kid. … He wants to go to UCI. … It would take a lot."

* Gillespie said incoming recruit Paul Strong (17th round by to the Texas Rangers), would have to be offered money significantly more than players chosen in those rounds are offered, in order for him to sign.

 

18) Schaaf, Michael Arthur Hill HS (MI) RHP S/R 6'07" 235 1991-06-18 HS

-Committed to St. Peter’s College (NJ)

From TR Sullivan: Michael Shaaf, the Rangers' 18th-round pick, was a three-sport star at Arthur Hill High School in Michigan. He was considering playing quarterback at Michigan State or Rutgers but appears to be headed to St. Peter's College in New Jersey for baseball.

 

19) Boyd, David J M Tate HS (FL) 3B R/R 6'03" 180 1990-12-30 HS

- Draft and Follow this Summer- Committed to FSU

 http://www.powershowcase.us/profiles/2009-PLAYER-profiles/profile-fl-boyd.php

http://www.pnj.com/article/20090610/SPORTS/906100353/Boyd+could+be+picked+in+MLB+Draft+today

http://forum.newbergreport.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8614&p=159562#p159562

Tate coach Todd Boyd, Jayce Boyd's uncle, said the money figure they were looking for was based largely upon how much a full scholarship to Florida State University is worth. Jayce has already signed with FSU and could end up playing with the Seminoles next year.

Now, Jayce will work with the Rangers and his advisor to determine the best place for him to play this summer. The Rangers will evaluate his play during that time and decide how much money to offer him sometime within the next couple of months.

 

20) Werniuk, Jerome Neil McNeil HS RHP R/R 6'06" 215 1991-09-10 HS

-Committed to Lemoyne

#7 out of Canada: Jerome Werniuk is a hulking 6-foot-6, 220-pound righthander. Because of his size, he has difficulty repeating his delivery and his fastball is just average right now. If it all clicks for him he has a chance to be special.

Video: http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=4961152&content_id=4757981

 

21) Matlock, Christopher Central Missouri St U RHP R/R 6'02" 190 1986-07-04 SR

-Expected to be easy senior sign-

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=4961152&content_id=4757981

 * Chris Matlock , who is the MIAA single-season (14) and career (25) saves record-holder, also owns the MIAA record for consecutive scoreless innings at 40.2.

He was also a selection to the first-team Daktronics and ABCA All-America squads as a relief pitcher. Only one reliever is selected to the first-team. Matlock also was the MIAA and South Central Region Pitcher of the Year, and earned first-team honors in the league and region, and ranked third in the nation with 14 saves.

He had the nation’s best strikeout-to-walk ratio of 79-to-4 (one of which was an intentional walk).

Coach Myers Says: Chris is a returning All-American closer from last season. He is a highly competitive person that enjoys the late inning challenges. He can locate 3 pitches really well, hold runners, and field his position.

 

22) Brown, Samuel North Carolina St U RHP R/R 6'05" 215 1987-06-10 JR

-Signed-

* BA: The Wolfpack has several other pitchers who could go in the first 15 rounds, such as righthander Sam Brown, a tease who was a seventh-rounder out of high school in 2006 and an 18th-rounder last year as an eligible sophomore. He has low-90s velocity from a low-three-quarters slot.

 

23) Lima, Daniel Barry U SS R/R 6'01" 192 1987-02-21 SR

-Signed-

http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/L/daniel-lima.shtml

 

24) Blackwell, Shawn Clear Creek HS (TX) RHP R/R 6'05" 195 1990-11-15 HS

-Committed to Kansas

* From PG: SCOUTING PROFILE: Blackwell has a long-limbed build with loose, easy actions and projects well. He throws from a tricky over-the-top release point, which forces him to clear his head in order to get his arm through, but his arm action is more natural than most young pitchers with his release point. He does a good job staying on line and getting over his front side on release. Blackwell’s fastball is routinely between 88-91 mph and pretty straight, but he does a solid job of spotting his fastball off the center of the plate. His out-pitch is a mid- to upper-70s curveball that has 12-to-6 shape and a hard, sharp bite that freezes hitters. Blackwell also throws an occasional sinking changeup in the mid-70s that could develop into a nice pitch for him with more use. When Blackwell is in sync with his curveball, it is a definite out-pitch, even when hitters know it is coming. Blackwell’s fastball velocity has been pretty steady for the last three years, but it’s easy to project him gaining a bit more speed when he gets stronger.-DAVID RAWNSLEY

http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=6db810ac1494d783

Blackwell said he doesn’t have a magic number that will tip the scales either way, but any pro contract would have to include eight-semesters of college tuition so he could go to school when his career is over.

"I’m hoping it isn’t going to be a hard decision," Blackwell said. "Basically, I’m really hoping I get offered the money I want where it is a no-brainer, or the money isn’t enough so it’s an obvious decision to go to Kansas.

"If (the money) is close, it’s going to be a hard one to make."

25) Cooper, Riley U Florida RF R/R 6'04" 215 1987-09-09 JR 

-Wants over-slot to sign- Plays both football and baseball at U Florida

- Draft and Follow this summer-

* Florida's most complicated case is outfielder Riley Cooper, a premium athlete with tremendous speed who doubles as a wide receiver on the football team. He made little contact this spring with the bat, striking out 41 times in 89 at-bats. Cooper plans to play for Cotuit in the Cape Cod League this summer, rather than attend summer school like most football players do, so he’s likely to be a summer follow.

 

26) Castner, Kevin Cal Poly San Luis Obispo RHP R/R 6'04" 230 1987-08-03 SR

According to Cole: Agreed to terms last year but failed physical with bone spurs so the Rangers reduced his offer and Castner went back to school. He’s healthy now and will sign.

 

27) Barrett, Aaron U Mississippi RHP R/R 6'04" 200 1988-01-02 JR

For a guy who pitched at an SEC school there is absolutely nothing out there on him.  If someone has got something google missed please do let me know.

 

28) Law, Derek Seton LaSalle Catholic HS (PA) RHP R/R 6'02" 1990-09-14 HS

-Committed to Miami Dade College

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?topic_id=4961152&content_id=4757981

http://forum.newbergreport.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=8614&p=159562#p159562

Derek Law already has signed to play with Miami Dade College. He doesn't know whether he'll change his mind and turn pro. 

"What the Rangers said, they want to do a summer follow and see me a couple more times, so I'm not 100 percent positive on what I'll do," Law said.

A thigh injury to Law caused his stock to drop, Seton-La Salle coach Shawn Trainor said.

"And the weather this spring was going against him," Trainor said. "He was only pitching once every seven or eight days and never really got in a rhythm."

 

29) Watson, Charles (CC) Cleburne County HS (AL) LHP L/L 5'11" 1851990-09-18 HS

- Committed to Mississippi State U

http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/2188747/

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/?p=404

Watson is listed at 6-feet but that could be generous—either way he is undersized. Lefthanded, Watson’s fastball was 87-88 mph as he pitched from a ¾ arm slot. Hitters have a hard time picking up the ball from Watson’s hand as he creates deception with a short arm stroke.

"With his size, arm action and arm slot, you have to see crazy movement or high velocity to jump on a guy like that," an American League scout said.  Then the scout used a common phrase heard in the scouting community. "For me, he’s a college guy," he said.

 

30) Fogle, Bryan Erskine Col RF R/R 6'02" 235 1988-01-14 JR

Couldn't find anything on him.

True Blue LA

I'll keep it short up front.  This is just a brief collection of comments, links, video, and scouting reports of the 2009 Rangers Draft.  I certainly didn't include everything and tried to limit stuff on the first five picks b/c there's too much.  This is by no means complete but I wanted to keep this for myself and follow along as signings are announced and figured more than a few of my fellow LSBers would appreciate it as well.  Almost nothing that follows is my own words.  I've tried to be faithful and post a link or at least the name/website of whoever is commenting.  I know I left some attributions out because I have no idea who made the comment.  I apologize now.

 

 

1)    Purke, Matthew    Klein HS (TX)  LHP    L/L    6'03"    175    1990-07-17    HS

Comments: When conversations arise about the top prep lefties in the class, Purke is on the short list. With three excellent offerings and command of them, to go along with a projectable frame, Purke's name comes up early and often. There might be a small concern about his durability because he's a little too slender, but that won't be enough to keep him from being taken high up on Draft day.

http://www.baseball-intellect.com/scouting-matt-purke/

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/reports.jsp?content=purke

BA scouting report on Purke

Purke rivals Tyler Matzek as the best lefthanded pitching prospect in this draft. He already throws a 92-95 mph fastball and could throw harder as he adds strength to his 6-foot-3, 180-pound frame. He backs up his heater with a hard slider that ranks among the best in the prep draft class. He doesn’t have much experience throwing a changeup because he hasn’t needed one. Last summer, Purke needed just nine pitches to work a perfect inning at the Aflac All-American Game and started the gold-medal game for Team USA at the World Junior Championship in Canada (albeit taking a 7-0 loss against Korea). Matzek has moved ahead of Purke for most clubs because he works with less effort. Purke throws from a low three-quarters angle that adds life and deception, but he has slinging action in his delivery. It’s not violent, but it’s not smooth either. Purke’s stuff, track record and strong makeup combine to make him an upper-first-round talent, though teams still were trying to gauge his signability. If he follows through on his commitment to Texas Christian, he’d be eligible again as a sophomore in 2011.

 

1A)    Scheppers, Tanner    No School    RHP    R/R    6'04"    195    1987-01-17    NS

Comments: Pitching in intra-squad action at Golden West C.C., Scheppers was creating a ton of buzz on the West Coast. The former Fresno State standout, whose Draft status took a hit because of a shoulder injury last year, was throwing free, easy and hard in early looks. With a plus fastball and the potential for a plus curve, if Scheppers continues to show he's healthy while pitching for the St. Paul Saints, he's going to shoot up Draft boards everywhere.

http://www.bbtia.com/home/2009/6/10/texas-rangers-day-one-mlb-draft-recap-the-purke-supremacy.html

Scheppers has expressed a willingness to sign as quickly as possible and begin his professional career, although that isn't necessarily an indication that he will, in fact, do so; his price tag could run as high as $4 million, although it isn't my expectation that Texas will meet those demands, forcing Scheppers to strike a compromise in the vicinity of $3-3.5 million. Make no mistake, however -- Scheppers is a top-10 talent, and Texas will be forced to part ways with top-10 money to seal the deal. Will they do so? My best guess is yes, but understand that this is neither a cheap nor a risk-free proposition. From a pure value standpoint, however, Texas could do no better, and if Scheppers fulfills his immense potential at the major league level, this will go down as one of the great supplemental-round steals in amateur draft history.

 

2)    Mendonca, Thomas    Fresno St U    3B    L/R    6'01"    200    1988-04-12    JR
-Says he’ll sign-

Comments: Mendonca fits the profile as an athletic, left-handed power hitting third baseman. He takes advantage of a friendly home park, but the power should translate OK. Couple that with good defense at the hot corner and you're looking at one of the more interesting college infield prospects in the class. Only his tendency to strike out will hurt his status some, but he still should go well.

*Batesole said he expects Mendonca to sign a pro contract even though they have bargaining leverage of returning to school for another year.

"Ever since I was little I've wanted to play pro ball," Mendonca said. "Now I've got to take that opportunity and run with it."

The 2008 College World Series MVP also noted Texas' recent success with developing hitters, a list that includes Mark Teixeira, Michael Young and Ian Kinsler.

"Hopefully, they'll help me fix all those strikeouts," Mendonca joked.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/reports.jsp?content=mendonca

Hardball Times on his defense: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/is-tom-mendonca-the-second-coming-of-brooks-robinson/

This is Joey M’s fervent support for Mendonca and a good recap of the first four picks. http://www.bbtia.com/home/2009/6/10/texas-rangers-day-one-mlb-draft-recap-the-purke-supremacy.html

 

3)    Erlin, Robert    Scotts Valley HS (CA)    LHP    L/L    6'00"    1990-10-08     HS
-Says he’ll sign.-

Comments: Erlin was getting more and more buzz in Northern California as the spring wore on. He's not the biggest guy in the world, but with an outstanding delivery, good makeup and above-average command to go along with a fastball that touches 90 and a curve that can be a plus pitch, he's an intriguing high school lefty. He'll need to improve his change-up at the next level and his size will probably give some teams pause, but an organization willing to look past that might take this sign able southpaw fairly early.

* Robbie Erlin had been quoted in his local newspaper saying he was turning down the Mustangs’ scholarship offer to turn pro after going in the third round to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2009/reports.jsp?content=erlin
Jason Cole’s Q&A with Erlin:  http://rangers.scout.com/2/871125.html

 

4)    Doyle, Andrew    U Oklahoma    RHP    R/R    6'03"    215    1987-11-12    JR
-Says he’ll sign-

* BA had him a 3rd rounder (He’s a Tommy Hunter clone)

#87 ANDREW DOYLE, RHP, OKLAHOMA
Doyle has solid stuff and a craftsman’s approach to pitching. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder has the arm strength to dial a four-seam fastball up to 93-94 mph when needed, but he prefers to throw 89-91 mph two-seamers on the corners, allowing their sink to create groundouts. His slider isn’t a swing-and-miss pitch but it is an out pitch, generating off-balance swings and more groundouts. His changeup gives him a third pitch that induces weak contact. Doyle has an easy delivery and is always around the plate. He doesn’t have the sexiest arsenal, especially compared to flamethrowing but erratic teammate Garrett Richards, but Doyle does have 15 wins in two seasons in Oklahoma’s rotation. He projects as a possible third-round pick and potential No. 3 starter in the big leagues.

 

5)    McBride, Nicholas    Ragsdale HS (NC)    RHP    R/R    6'04"    1991-05-13     HS
        -Committed to East Carolina

* From Jeff Simpson of Perfect Game USA: "Nick McBride was in control the entire game with a fastball that sat at 88-91 range and touched 93.   He has a lean athletic build and he looks to be around 6’4" and 180 lbs.   Nick has the type of body that should fill out well and his fastball projects to be an above average pitch down the road.   While he was not forced to throw many off-speed pitches, Nick would occasionally show off a curveball in the 73-76 range.   Nick showed a fairly tight rotation on some of his curveballs, but scouts would like to see more velocity on the pitch."

http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/Articles/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=771

Excerpt:  Approximately 30 scouts were on hand last Wednesday to see the highly anticipated match up between Randleman RHP Daniel Tuttle and Ragsdale RHP Nick McBride. Tuttle entered the game as the consensus top prep pitcher in North Carolina, but it was McBride who stole the show in a 12-0 Ragsdale victory, throwing a six-inning perfect game with 14 strikeouts. While the score is indicative of a blowout the game was actually much closer as Ragsdale was leading 1-0 after three innings.

Nick McBride was in control the entire game with a fastball that sat at 88-91 range and touched 93. He has a lean athletic build and he looks to be around 6’4" and 180 lbs. Nick has the type of body that should fill out well and his fastball projects to be an above average pitch down the road. While he was not forced to throw many off-speed pitches, Nick would occasionally show off a curveball in the 73-76 range. Nick showed a fairly tight rotation on some of his curveballs, but scouts would like to see more velocity on the pitch.

BA: McBride, an East Carolina recruit, showed an average (87-90 mph) fastball and mid-70s slider at his best this spring, coupled with a projectable 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame.

Jason Cole:  As a fifth-rounder, I think he will end up signing. But it sounds like it'll be an above-slot deal. Just a feeling I got from talking to him.

6)    Sierra, Ruben    San Juan Educational School    CF    L/L    6'02"    172     1991-03-10     HS   
-Has Signed-

http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=124003

Little Ruben's BA write up

Like his father, Sierra passes scouts’ eye test, standing 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds with room to fill out. As that happens, Sierra will likely have to move from center field to right field. He certainly has the arm strength for right—his throws from the outfield have been clocked at 92 mph. His other tools are impressive as well. He runs a 6.4-second 60-yard dash and can put on a show during batting practice. It’s a different story, however, against live pitching. As a lefthanded hitter, Sierra has a tendency to bail out—his step is toward first base—causing him to become exposed against pitches away. Despite his natural tools, Sierra sometimes looks like he’s just going through the motions. Still, teams that value tools and projection are dreaming on Sierra, and he’s seen as a player who will greatly benefit from getting into pro ball, getting better instruction and playing every day.

7)    Lane, Braxton    Sandy Creek HS (GA)    CF    S/R    5'10"    190     1990-12-30 HS
       -Committed to Oregon for both baseball and football

http://blog.oregonlive.com/behindducksbeat/2009/06/braxton_lane_baseball_or_footb.html

 

8)    Tullis, Braden    Skagit Valley Col    RHP    R/R    6'02"    200    1990-01-23 J1
-Signed-

http://www.idahopress.com/sports/?id=23990

While at Skagit Valley College, Tullis said he worked on placing his fastball on the corners of the plate and developed a changeup — a pitch he didn't have in high school...

* Braden Tullis, 19, is a 6-foot-2, 205-pound right-handed pitcher who spent this past season as a freshman at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, Wash. He was the school's No. 1 pitcher — after starting the season at No. 4 — and finished the season 9-2 with a 1.56 ERA.

http://prospectsparadise.blogspot.com/2009/05/juco-update.html
Excerpt: Tullis is very intriguing on the mound. He sports a fastball that touches 91 mph, sits in the high-80s, and has armside run and sink. He is an outstanding athlete (he’s the fastest player on his team), and he throws all 3 of his pitches for strikes. He obliterated competition this year, allowing just 2 runs in 55 innings.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/draft/draft-tracker/2009/267921.html

The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Tullis went relatively unnoticed at Timberline High in Boise, where he pitched and played the outfield. Tullis is a great athlete, who also played linebacker on his school’s football team and ran the fastest 60-yard-dash for Skagit Valley this year. Though he’s played outfield in the past, his future is on the mound. Over his first 28 innings, Tullis is 4-0, 0.33 with 27 strikeouts and 11 walks. He’s getting it done with a fastball that’s sitting 88-91 mph and has good armside run and sink. "He’s got a lot of movement, which you can’t teach," Skagit Valley coach Kevin Matthews said. "He has a real good feel for the change and he’s working on his breaking ball. He throws all three pitches for strikes and all are quality pitches."

 

9)    Blash, Jabari    Miami Dade CC South    RF    R/R    6'05"    218    1989-07-04 J2

*  BA #121 Prospect:

Blash played some high school baseball in the Virgin Islands, enough to try to use baseball to go to college in the U.S. mainland. He attended Alcorn State for a year but wasn’t academically eligible, due to transcript issues. He redshirted that season, then wound up transferring to Miami-Dade JC, where he didn’t even earn a starting job when the season started. He’s quite raw and has holes in his swing, owing in part to his large 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame. He also has big-time tools, and several observers called him Florida’s best five-tool prospect. Blash has plus raw power, with 10 homers in just 102 at-bats this season, and above-average speed (he runs the 60 in 6.7 seconds) and throwing arm (it’s a right field arm, if not the cannon reported earlier this spring). Some scouts dream on Blash’s frame and see a future Jermaine Dye, who also was a JC player.

 

10)    Lemke, Thomas    Northwest Christian School (AZ)    RHP    R/R    6'07"    1990-11-05    HS
-Draft and Follow this Summer, looking for overslot money-

* "Summer could be interesting," said Lemke, whose initial conversation with the Rangers Wednesday led him to believe the club will send front-office personnel out to see him pitch at least a couple more times so they can evaluate him further.

17th Prospect out of Ariz:  Pitching-Heavy High School Crop Disappointed

Righthander Thomas Lemke stares down at hitters from atop the mound. He has a great pitcher’s frame at 6-foot-7 and 205 pounds, but has gone backward this season. Sitting at 89-92 mph in the fall, his fastball was down to 85-88 this spring. He doesn’t use his height well, and his fastball comes in flat. Scouts also question his passion and say he looks lethargic on the field. He’s reportedly asking for $500,000, so teams will likely let him head to Nebraska and check back in three years.

Barring a major run or collapse Dallas will in all probability finish with the 6th-13th pick in the 2009 Draft.  Dallas has their 1-3 round picks, 5th, 6th, and a 7th round conditional pick from Colorado. Which I assume means it could be this year or next. Dallas dealt their 4th rounder in the Brad Richards trade and their 7th rounder to Chicago for Doug Janik.

With that said, this is supposed to be a pretty deep draft with a lot of center/forward talent in the top fifteen. Outside of Hedman there's not a generational defenseman but supposedly there are plenty of solid defenseman who will be available in the top 75 picks. There's not a lot of consensus about goalies other than there are no sure fire, can't miss 1st round talents. Still though one or two good ones will be available later in the draft.

So you're Les Jackson for this little exercise. What does Dallas need? Most draft picks take three to four years before hitting the NHL. There are exceptions, see Backes, David or Simmonds, Wayne for example but three years is a fair developmental time. Thus everyone screaming defenseman, you're not wrong but that may not be the way this draft goes down.

Continue reading this post »

Since the bats were silent and that game sucked let's turn our eyes toward the positives going on down in the minors tonight.  A very nice group of pitchers are on the mound and well

 

Down in Clinton Quintero had a solid start:

6ip, 6h, 2er, 0bb, 2k

and uberly loved catcher C. Santana was 3-3, with a HR and 2 RBI.  Oh, and J. Ortiz had another solid inning in relief, for his 3rd save of the season and a line of 16g, 21ip, 12h, 6r, 4er, 0hr, 10bb, 16k and 1.71era.  Not bad for a 17 yo in full season ball.

Reclamation project Zach Parker, formerly of the Rockies,  6ip,  3h, 0r, 1bb, 6k for the Roughriders.  Beau Jones had another perfect inning of relief, as did Laughter.

Vallejo was 3-5 and don't look now but Manny Pina was 2-4 and now sporting a .304 average in AA.

Neil Ramirez went 2ip, 0h, 0r, 1bb, 3k for Spokane.  He was followed up by another great outing by Z favorite Wilfredo Boscan 3ip, 1h, 0r, 0bb, 5k.  This pitching by committee thing seems to be working in Western Washington.

O'Campo not doing so well in AZ, though the four Ranger errors may be the cause of his struggles.  4ip, 4h, 5r, 2er, 2bb, 5k.  The rooks are down four nothing in the 5th.

And in the other late game the Blaze in Lancaster where pitchers go to die, Greg Swanson is on the mound.  His line so far: 3ip, 7h, 3er, 1k.

So it appears more is going right down on the farm tonight than in Arlington.  Oh and David Murphy, get healthy soon.  4th outfielder my ass.

 

 

 

 

In an ideal world Padilla and Millwood would be healthy and carrying us to a pennant chase.  I'm willing to put money that just won't happen.  This team has made huge strides as the season has gone on.  Hell on Sunday three rookies hit in the winning runs, helping us take 2 of 3 from the Central leading White Sox.

So as a fan what should we expect post deadline as a realistic Ranger rotation?  Well there are three scenarios.  First, Padilla gets healthy and is dealt.  The second is JD realizes playing the kids in the short term may lead to some lumps but in the long term will push this team forward in the later part of 2009 so he trades both Millwood and Padilla.  The third is status quo.

I'm not a fan of the status quo.  Its led to the worst pitching staff in baseball.  More of the same doesn't build toward anything next year.

It appears Feldman will head to the bullpen or pitch till he hits 130 and then the Rangers plan to shut him down to avoid any possibilities of dead arm next season.  That opens one spot.  I like Matt Harrison, but would rather see him return to AAA to work on mixing his pitches and growing confident in his secondary stuff.  At this point I'd like to see what Dustin Nippert's got.  Yeah he kinda struggled against the Chi Sox but I'm giving everyone a pass for pitching in 99 degree heat in the middle of the afternoon.  Regardless he's out of options and has pitched well as a starter the last month or so in AAA.  He also has the best "stuff."  The Rangers should give him every opportunity to show why he was once one of the best prospects in baseball.  We've had a tendency to give up on pitchers early.  I hope we don't make that mistake with him too.

If I could dump Millwood for anything decent right now I would.  Hell the Rangers should eat like 5 million on that contract just to buy a better prospect.  He's done nothing but decline since he arrived and whatever club house leadership he has is mitigated by the abysmal showings on the mound.  Unfortunately, that's what going to keep him here and in this rotation.  He has negative trade value.  The only silver lining may be that he won't reach his targets to where his option is forced to be picked up by the club.

I'm also in the minority of liking Padilla when he's healthy.  I really hope he gets that way and is packaged with someone for a really nice trade.  It's not that he's bad but because we can't dump Millwood, I'd move Padilla to ensure there's a spot for Hunter and or Harrison next season.

So it should look something like this:

Millwood, Hurley, Mendoza, Nippert, and Harrison until McCarthy is ready to go then send Harrison back down.

Ideally, it'd be Padilla instead of Millwood but I gave up fantasies long ago.  So what does everyone think the Rangers should do and what will they actually do?

I always enjoy the minor league threads.  Generally shroom, or jparks chime in on a guy I've never heard of and I learn something so with that in mind.

 

AZL Rangers

Joseph Wieland (2008 4th Rounder) went 4 full innings with no hits, no runs, no walks, while striking out three.

The rookies beat up the A's AZL team 8-1, led by Erik Morrison (46th round Kansas Jayhawk 2B) going 3-4 with 3 singles, a walk, and one strikeout.  First baseman Michael Ortiz went 3-5 as well.

 

Tonight

 

Neal Ramirez goes to the mound for Spokane in the late game at 9:00pm.

Feliz is on the bump for Clinton.

Evan Reed starts for Bakersfield.

And maybe most interesting of all, Tommy Hunter makes his AAA debut for the Redhawks.

Frisco has the night off.  So if any of you are listening online or following the boxscores tonight please post your observations.  I can't remember a better time to follow the minor leaguers.