Yeah I realize this might get taken down but if I were AJM and Ben I'd leave it up.  Ever since joining I have seen this same act of crap before.  LBrooks, Sharky, H.H., and the guys that already are banned.  Anyway, I am having a difficult time biting my tongue every time I read LSB.  It has become a Josey Whales blog.  If you don't believe me look at every thread on this site.  Every one get hijacked by this douche  and what makes it sad is everyone buys into his shtick.  I am personally done with it and I think if the "Authorities" around here won't do anything then maybe the people should.

Hey Ab03, I believe, can we get an updated version of the troll list to just banish him.  I think everyone would love that grease monkey app again if they don't have it already.  I personally didn't have a need for it, but now I do.  I wouldn't call myself perfect and I've made a lot of mistakes on this blog before, but I have changed.  This is something Josey will never do. 

God it pisses me off.  I can't even read a post about Nolan and JD having different personalities, supposedly, without Josey ruining the whole thread.  It turns away from the points that matter and go into stuff like this:

I'd love to see JD eventually become successful

but he has a pretty solid track record of incompetence when it comes to making moves that will help the major league club win and it’s difficult to imagine that changing all of the sudden.

Or this :

You don't understand, Gossip Queen.

I’ve been dead-on with so many other opinions / predictions on the Rangers that I’m not worried about missing on Tiny E.

 

And those aren't even the worst.  So time for a poll.  Time for Josey to go bye bye with a grease monkey app, or time to go bye bye via administration. 

One last word,  LSB is becoming less fun and educating for me with a guy like Josey around.  It's time he goes.

Update:  Here is a refresher on the troll script thanks to AB03  http://www.lonestarball.com/2009/5/3/863636/ignore-script

and the script here: http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/22456  Ab03 updated it so it no longer shows the troll post or any replies after it.

Thanks

With all the rumors and deals flying I felt compelled to start another thread.  One where we can focus on talking about all topics here.  It does get confusing when three or four different threads are going concerning similar stuff.

So everyone, post away.  Keep it here and just rec it.  Also lets rec the community prospect lists.

Update on Milly

WEDNESDAY, 10:02am: Millwood update: Zrebiec says the Rangers originally wanted David Hernandez and a low-level prospect for Millwood, and were willing to pay $3MM of the $12MM owed to the veteran.  Meanwhile Zrebiec's colleague Peter Schmuck says Chris Ray could be involved and the Rangers would pick up most of Millwood's salary, in one scenario.

Not sure what to make of this whole Millwood thing yet.  I wanna see how its played out by us.  The potential buyers are definitely keeping an eye on it as well I assume.

I don't see us a major player for Bradley given what has already been said, but our name still is getting linked to him.

So I just got back home to Rochester from NYC and thought I would offer my thoughts on the game. This was only my third Rangers game in 26 years of my life.  The first two were against Toronto.

Not really sure where to start.  First off Yankee stadium is really nice compared to the old stadium. The old stadium was worn down and very tiny in terms of how many people would come to a game.  The new stadium seemed very spacious.  But enough of the that.  On to the festivities.

I got to the game in time for batting practice.  It was fun.  I had gotten the chance to get Andy Pettite's auto for my father.  Funny story here.  Back when I was younger, we attended a Red Wing and Columbus game.  Back then the hype was surrounded by Andy Pettite and Andy Stankquitz(Not sure on the spelling).  We would always go and try and get autos so this time was no different.  We got close to Pettite and was trying to get him to sign.  He was basically being a dick and wouldn't even look over.  Then some nice kid that played SS came over and said "Hey kid.  What's your name? Andy can't sign today cause he is pitching but I will!"   Okay but who the hell are you.  Turns out he would become one of the best SS and Yankee players I would ever get to know in my life.  Mr. Derek Jeter.  

Anyway, once I saw the Rangers come out for practice I decided to get closer to them.  And I did.  I got to talking with Eddie G a little first.  Nice guy.  Then I immediately saw Neftali.  I screamed to him "HEY Neftali, where's the backpack?"  Half the team turned to me and started chuckling.  Very funny.  That's when I saw BGL and said, "BGL your my hero."  He turned and smiled.  Very cool guys on this team and it makes me happy to be a fan.  Next, I saw Mike Maddux and asked him if anybody was gonna sign some autos and he didn't even acknowledge me.  I kept telling them to come over and sign something for the lone Ranger fan in attendance but it didn't work.  I then got asked to my seat.

Believe me when I say it, NY has very very few fans of the Texas Rangers.  I felt very alone.  Of course I clapped when my guys came up to bat the first inning, but then was shut up quick due to a 4 run Yankee first off Milly.  I believe he had three walks in the first few innnings and I knew it wasn't gonna be a great night for him.  However, Joba hadn't pitched in 8 days so I figured it was gonna be rough for him also.  And it was.  The Rangers offense picked him apart in key two out situations.  Very nice to finally see the offense take control.

Still have a man crush on Davis.  Very nice to see he had a decent game offensively.  I told him that at the end of the game.  He smiled and walked in the dugout.  Many fans were suprised with his defense, but I wasn't.  He plays a huge defense at first.  It really reminds me of Tex.

Just some quick player thoughts.

Elvis is awesome.  I Heart this kid.  He is gonna be a huge part to this team winning.   Borbon, even though not in the field, looked good on offense.  He makes things happen on the bases.  Pudge still has it in him.  Mike Young is still my favorite Ranger.  Hammy looked very wierd in right, almost like he shouldn't have been there.  He needs work in right.  Byrds diving catch shut the fans right up.  I jumped up started screaming and clapping.  Oh that feeling is great.  But he is gone next year unless he wants to take a bench role cause Borbon is deffinitly the future here. Kins is the new pop up imo.  Cruz is a threat but chased some breaking balls when up to bat.  Still something that he needs to fix. 

On to pitching.  Millwood is a terrible ace on this staff.  He cannot carry us at all.  I like him, but he just looks worn out.  Not a good sign going into a playoff race.  Next, Feliz.  FUCKING HEART HIM.  He is increadibly good.  He throws so effortlessly.  Yankee fans couldn't believe it.  He would go from a 98 MPH to an 80 slider.  Crazy good.  I could see him taking over closing duities in Frank has a stretch of bad games.  He could handle it.  He puts the ball where players can hit it but they just can't do it.  Just an awesome piece to our pitching puzzle.  I was a little suprised at the amount of time he was out there, but he handled it just fine.  O'Day looked great and I wish Wash would keep him out longer then he does.  He is defenitly a go to guy.  Not impressed with Grilli at all.  I just don't like what I saw.  Frankie Frank seemed like he was pitching to the dirt a lot and not the batters.  Leading to a terrible 9th inning that had me on the edge of my seat.  I thought oh shit!  It's happening again.  They are gonna come back and win from a big deficit like they did last year.  I was on the edge of my seat.  They pulled it off though.  My parents left early and were watching the replay in said it looked like he was safe at secong but I haven't seen it yet, but it was an out so eat it.

All and all, what a great game for me to see. They showed promise in the bottom of the order(Davis, Elvis) and at the top(Borbon, Young, Hammy), showed increadible defense(besides Hammy in right), and the pitchers showed why this team can contend(besides the meltdown, O'Day and Feliz seemed lights out). 

I love this team......I Love Rangers Baseball.  I might add more thoughts but I just wrote a story so my head is all jumbled at the moment.

http://trsullivan.mlblogs.com/

Well, Bummer.

2. Did the Rangers look? Yes. Sheets lives here and is from Louisana. He is also a No. 1 starter. That mandates the Rangers consider him. The Rangers also need pitching. That mandates Sheets being interested in them. It's a perfect match. They had two weeks to get it done. Both have little in the way of alternatives. And it's still not done.

3. The Rangers can't afford him? Don't go there. Budget? Economy? No. The owner of this team has been willing to commit when he feels it's necessary. Millwood, Padilla, Zito, Kinsler, Young, amateur draft, international signings, ballpark improvement. Times are tough but Hicks would commit to Sheets if he felt the need. It's obvious he doesn't.

Something just doesn't feel right. This just isn't going to get done.

That part right there,"Times are tough but Hicks would commit to Sheets if he felt the need. It's obvious he doesn't." 

WHAT THE FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  THIS TEAM NEEDS PITCHING.  ALWAYS HAS AND ALWAYS WILL.  THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH SIGNING THIS GUY FOR TWO YEARS TO HELP THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR MINOR LEAGUERS.  I CAN'T TAKE HICKS.  ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. And yes I know the caps were on.  thats me shouting.

Merry Christmas everyone.  Hope you all enjoy spending the day with family and loved ones.  It's been a pleasure to know such intellegent people and it's even better to be part of, imo, the best community around. 

So on this Christmas Day, share the love and remember 2010 is our target year for a championship, and don't settle for anything less.

From Big Badd Bubba J aka NYTXFAN....Dots dont count as words like in the old version.

Sorry guys if this was posted, but I have to address a big issue I have with this article as well as some other points of interest:

http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081201&content_id=3697780&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

My issue right here: "The Rangers have had extended conversations with the Red Sox but have been told that Clay Buchholz is not available. The Red Sox have other pitching of interest to the Rangers -- Justin Masterson and Michael Bowden among others -- but so far the two teams have not been able to match up. That's likely because the Red Sox want Saltalamacchia or Teagarden rather than Laird."

R u fucking kidding?  Is JD really asking Boston to trade Buchz for Laird?  If so, I'm sorry, but I would be jumping on the "fire JD" bandwagon real fast.  How can you not give up a Salts or Tea for him?  That doesn't even make sense and JD really needs to trade either or for him if that's on the table.  Laird will never get a Buchz type pitcher.  He might be enough for a good bullpen arm, but definitely not a stud pitching prosepct.

"The other area of depth is the outfield. Byrd, David Murphy, Nelson Cruz and Josh Hamilton were all regulars at some point last year, while Brandon Boggs and Greg Golson -- recently acquired from the Phillies -- provide depth. Julio Borbon, the top outfield prospect, is close to being Major League ready."

F'N AWESOME!!!  When have we ever had quality depth in the outfield?  Well, not since the playoffs days at least.  I remember a few years back when we were all bitching about how this team had no outfield, remember.  Do you remember the Mench hidalgo, laynce Nyx outfields we used to put on the field? 

"Daniels still think there's a "good chance" the Rangers will make a move involving at least one of their catchers before the winter is over."

Good to hear Mr. Daniels because is we don't I think I will vomit.

Aw fuck: "We're OK bringing back all four guys if it comes down to that and the right deal is not out there," Daniels said." There goes the good chance.

"The biggest question is what kind of pitching the Rangers can get back in a trade. The Rangers look for both starting and relief pitching."

I think I could live with a nice bullpen arm for Laird.  Someone dependable and cheap.  I could also live with a maybe not so near to near ready prospect for the other catchers, but starting pitching not so much.  Like Adam said in the front page news, our rotation might be set.  Right now it's crowded with competition so I could live with a high upside minor league arm who might be ready in a year or two, but if we can get a stud now, then you do it.

Anyway, a lot of good spicy stuff in there so talk it up and sorry if it was posted already.

Here is an interesting post from mlbtraderumors.com where a writer tries to predict the Tigers off season.  Of course it includes a blurb about Texas maybe being a potential partner for a trade.  The Tigers need a SS and a veteran catcher(according to Jim Leyland).  

"The Tigers could also look to the Rangers for a shortstop. They have Elvis Andrus and Joaquin Arias in the pipeline, as well as Michael Young, whose five-year, $80MM extension just begins kicking in for 2009. To get a catcher and a shortstop from Texas, I would imagine, wouldn't happen without the inclusion of Rick Porcello."

Let the discussion begin.  If I remember correctly, Mr. Porcello was someone that many people wish was drafted by Texas.  We needed a highly touted pitcher that could possibly make an impact within a few years at the major league level.  However, that didn't happen and we drafted both Blake Beavan AND Michael Main before Rick Porcello was even drafted.

If I were the Rangers, I'd be intriged with that name if the Tigers were willing to talk.  I might even give them their choice of catcher.  SS is a different story because you have Elvis who is less than a year away before he make a debut and Arias hasn't exactly shown that he can man SS.  Young wouldn't be taken unless we kicked in some cash because the Tigers want to get younger, not older.

I'm actually torn about it really.  Lets say the Tigers want Tea and Elvis, do you do it?  Or Salts and Elvis, do you think Detroit does it? Do you see Leyland  trading for maybe two experienced players like Laird and Young?

Realistically, what package do you see both teams agreeing on? Discuss.

Did any one see this?  Reeves wrote it and Im sure it's been posted and talked about.

There’s also no question that Daniels will try to add a young starter from outside the organization with a trade, probably from the Rangers’ abundant depth at catcher. They were highly interested in Florida’s Chris Volstad at the trade deadline and were willing to deal Gerald Laird and a solid prospect. They’ll look for similar opportunities this winter.

He is young, fits JD's mold.  It's a shame it didn't happen.  He seems to have a bright future in baseball, but of course not with us.  When does a pitcher besides Nolan have a good future with us.  Anybody?

Well, my time at the Yankees game on Weds. was jaw dropping.  they beat the O's en route to a 13 to 2 win.  I'll tell ya what, for being a day game at 1 o'clock, I was very suprised to see so many people turn out to see a game.  In one word, WoW!  If anybody ever gets the chance to see a game there this year I highly recommend it, even if you aren't a fan of the stupid Yanks.  Amazing time I had, but on to the results.

Its amazing that when I proposed a trade it either was majority no, or majority yes.  Nothing really in the middle.  You know its hard to actually make both teams happy with a trade, thus making it difficult to find trading partners.  Especially ones that are contenders.  We didn't match up with every team.  So during our activity me as GM, along with lonestarballers across the nation, completed 3 out of 10 trades.  I think that's actually pretty damn good.  We get slight salary relief but nothing major. 

We aquired Alan Horne, Austin Jackson, Donald Veal, and Homer Bailey.  We traded away Padzilla, Cruz, Eddie"G Money", The ByrdMan, and Lard.  A decent package of pitchers and out of the four players acquired I think the outfielder Jackson becomes the biggest star out of the bunch.  However, Veal and Bailey should rebound on whats been a mildly dissapointing season where they have seemed to loose what they once had.  I think Horne becomes a solid #3 pitcher, even on a contending team.

So for 2009, I believe Horne gets a shot in Sring Training to oh and ah people, but ultimately starts the year in AAA.  Same goes for Jackson, although I think he gets sent back to AA until there is a spot for him in AAA, because I'd imagine Borbon would be there.  Veal and Bailey get a deep look in Spring training and I think both guys make the team with one going to long relief with Mr. Rupe.  If I had to take an educated guess I'd say it would be Veal.  Of course, all our players will struggle some, but I think this turns out to be a very special SP unit.

Our SP contains the oft-injured Millwodd anchoring a rotation with ? marks.  It would be nice to see BMac rebound so huge that he nails down the #2 slot, which to me isn't all that far away.  Hurley slides in behind him, followed by Mr. Harrison, and Homer"Duh"Bailey.  Of course you have Feldman, Veal, Hunter, and Neftali all waiting in the wings.  Ultimately, I believe, this is how your 25 man roster and position battles turn out come the start of 2009:

SP

Millwood

BMac

Hurley

Harrison

Bailey

RP(closer will be by committee next year, due to CJ being the only lefty in the pen and him being needed for more than just the 9th inning-take a guess on who comes out on top, Im guessing Fx2)

CJ Wilson

Frank Francisco

Warner Madrigal

Hunter

Veal

Rupe

Nippert

Your outfield looks like this:

"The Murph"/Boggs tandem

Hammy

Bradley

Your infield stays intact except for the Catcher spot:

Davis

Kins

Young

Blalock

Tea/Salts

Your bench is as follows:

MaxRam

Duran

Metcalf

Bold Predictions for the 08 offseason and 09 season:

I think we keep it fairly quite in the offseason and do all are promoting within.

Bradley signs a 2 year extention this offseason. 

You know MaxRam's bat will force him into the lineup either at DH, 1st, or catcher. 

Bradley wont be playing everyday in RF so you basically will see the outfield the same way as you do now, except hammy gets more reps in RF preparing himself for the switch in 2 years for Borbon or Jackson, whoever comes first.

The SP hold up and your #2-5 starters remain on the field without hitting the DL(Of course we'll have the occasional spot starts to give these kids some rest, and of course a blister or what not that causes them to miss a start here and there).

Millwood gets traded and brings a bigger return then Pads did the year before.

"The Murph"/Boggs Tandem replaces Kins at the top of the order, followed by Young, Hammy, Davis. Kinsler becomes your much needed #5 bat.  Bradley slides into the sixth spot.  Followed by MaxRam, Blalock, and Tea.

Our bullpen is making news by being the best in baseball. 

Our offense scores more runs than opponents score on us. 

Guys that see promotions to the bigs are as follows: Diamond, Arias, Mayberry and Feliz.  Please don't ask me how they fit into the 25 man roster that I put into place because honestly so much could happen by then making it nessesary for them to be put on the 25 man(Injury, trades, etc.).

So there you go, your new 25 man.  Hope you guys enjoyed our activity and be ready because I plan to do the same come Winter Meetings.  Any ideas and or suggestions are welcomed.

Thanks,

B3J

Quick review everybody:  We traded Pads, Lard,Cruz, Byrd, and Eddie G for minor leaguers Horne, Jackson, Veal, and Bailey.  Impressive haul if you ask me.  Three very good prospect pitchers(Bailey shouldn't count), and a CF prospect who holds a high value.

Breaking news: The Texa Rangers trade Hank Blalock to the Phillies for Antonio Bastardo, and Julian Sampson.

This last one is hard because I dont see us as a fit with Philly and Im rushing it.  So vote and come Friday or late thursday I'll have a final break down on our activity.

Im off to NY in less than 24 hours to see the Yanks and Orioles so enjoy everybody.

So the Mets trade got shot down, which is nice.  I really dont want Davis to get traded, he is a beast in the making.

The second trade is official.  The Rangers trade Gerald"OMFT"Laird to the Cincinnati Reds for Homer"Duh" Bailey.

On to todays trade. 

Breaking News: the Texas Rangers Trade RF Milton Bradley and German Duran to the Arizona Diamondbacks for minor leaguers Jarrod Parker and Brooks Brown.

Duran could be a possible stop gap at second if they let Hudson go after this year, but who knows, Duran could take advantage of playing everyday.  He should hit for average, right?  Bradley is the big RF bat they lack right now.  They have the pitching to go deep into the playoffs, but do they have the offense?

At first glance, you might say why they hell would they trade their #1 prospect and another top 10 for a half a season of Bradley and a possible utilty infielder?  Bradley is getting the 'Backs two picks if he leaves and with an already stacked system their GM isn't afraid to make a deal for an impact bat.

Would you do it?

This one comes from Boomer and it got me thinking. 

Breaking news:  The Rangers trade Gerald Laird for Homer Bailey.

Now I think Bailey would get lit up but he is worth the flyer.  I dont see Laird fitting in long term here and I doubt he has a big bounce back type year that makes us go " Damn it, we shouldn't have traded him."

We  Get a pitcher who is major league ready, but hasn't seen any success at this level. 

Well guys Im leaving for NYC to see the Yanks and Orioles game on Tues.  The tickets for the game I have is on Weds.  So I guess I didn't plan these diaries occordingly.  So 2 trades today and 2 trades tomorrow. 

 Well we just traded for Donald Veal and gave up not one part of our future and in doing so can now get Boggs and The Murph more playing time.  We also gave up Eddie G Money which to me isnt a huge dissapointment because of his age.

quick review, we have lost Pads, cruz, G Money, and the Birdman and recieved Alan Horne, Austin Jackson, and Donald Veal.  Not bad at all imo.

Breaking News:  The Rangers trade Milton Bradley and Chris Davis to the Mets for Fernando Martinez, Eddie Kunz,  Nathan Vineyard, and Brant Rustich.

The mets could live without getting Bradley, but do they want to? Church and Alou are both injured and they are throwing out Tatis and Chavez, not ideal if you ask me.  Bradley is a big bat who can still play right field.  He seems to be more durable then we Rangers feel.   I think we have been taking it easy on him because of his history.  Davis is the future 1st baseman for them and should be demmed expandable once Smoak signs.  Of course though I don't want Davis gone because he is a beast in the making, but this is a fun activity people, take it with a grain of salt.

We get a future closer, a high cieling arm in Vineyard, and a pitcher who will most likely be a starter but could dominat in the pen, Rustich.  Of course we also get another amazing outfielder in Martinez.  What an outfield we would have if we aquired him. 

I think Bradley could net the three pitchers by himself and I guess I added Davis to the mix because he should be able to get Martinez.  Davis is Major League ready, unlike Martinez.

Im voting no on this one, but I would like everyones input so Im throwing it out there.

Well yesterdays fantasy trade went how I expected with almost everybody saying no.  And that is the way it should have gone.  I just like to make sure everyone here is on the same page about our future.

Breaking news: The Rangers trade Marlon Byrd and Eddie G for Chicago Cubs' Donald Veal.

I definitely know they don't trade Veal straight up for either player, but I think this trade works nicely.

Chicago gets the right handed hitting outfielder that can cover center they've been looking for and another arm for the pen plus possibly two picks for G Money.

And we get a potential above average pitcher, that's a lefty I might add.

Remember, JD tried to get Gallagher and Murton for Byrd.  So remember that when voting.  Now they are in a pennant race and could use him and Eddie Money.  I did think about adding Boggs, but he isn't a lou Pinella type player.

Allright, lets jump right into it then.  A very close vote on yesterdays proposed trade.  However, 38% over 34% of lonestarballers said no.  That stinks but in reality, Chicago isn't pressing for a third baseman so I could see why many voted no.

We move onto the NL for the remainder of our activity.

So todays trade will, won't and would never happen, but I think its a very good conversational piece so that's why Im gonna suggest it.  Both players are looked upon as future building blocks for both orginizations.  It involves the LA Dodgers.

Breaking news: The Texas Rangers trade Josh Hamilton for The Dodgers Clayton Kershaw, Andrew Jones, and cash considerations.

Discuss because this is a fun one.  I do not advicate ever trading or thinking of trading Hammy, but in order to get a pitcher like Kershaw, Im afriad Hammy would have to be the one involved.  I just dont think Kinsler gets it done by himself and he is our next best major league trading chip. 

READ ME BEFORE YOU POST AND VOTE.  The Dodgers do not need a center fielder but could use a huge upgrade over Jones.  They have a slight logjam in the outfield but by throwing in Jones they can slot Hammy in center.  They would need to pay his salary however.   We get a replacement in center until Borbon is ready.  And if Andrew busts, then we could always use The Murph and Boggs there.

Well, when I went to sleep it looked like we had a trade in the books.  When I woke up, 43% of lonestarball voted no.  So that's that.   Lets move on.

We have one last AL team before we move on to the NL, and it's the Chi Sox.  Let's face it, we aren't a good match because of the hatred between these two teams.

But I'll try another one and guys, these are only trade proposals, so stop being all anal about it and just have fun.  Remember, constructive critizism, not hatred.

Breaking news: the Texas Rangers trade Hank Blalock , Eddie Guadardo, and Joaquin Arias for Jack Egbert and Josh Fields from the Chicago white Sox.

At first glance, I like it.  Crede has been below average for the Sox and they could use an upgrade at 3rd base.  They eventually want to use Fields, but Im afraid they just aren't fond of him anymore and are willing to trade him, or else he would be playing there right now.  Arias steps in next year for Cabrera.  Their in house replacement,  Alexei Ramirez, is no sure thing so I could see them adding another young SS for competition reasons.

We get their third best prospect and a major league ready third baseman.  Jack Egbert would be a candidate for a late summer, early fall call up next year.  Josh Fields steps into the 3rd baseman role, finally.

Chicago might be willing to do this because they want to stay in first place.  They get an extra pen arm, which are being way over valued right now, an upgrade for 1.5 seasons in blalock(if they pick up the option), and they get a future replacement for Cabrera.

Now go on you know the deal vote, and vote wisely.

So as of 8:26 pm my time, 77% of lonestarball voters determined Bostons would say no to the proposed offer from JD of TT/Eddie G for Clay B. 

So Boston called back and said, "I don't think so.  Add Elvis Andrus and you got yourself a deal.

JD accepts.  Does lonestarball? 

I also think we could get a lower high cieling prospect back, but none come to mind.  I'd say Oscar Teieda, but I think that's asking a lot.

Well now, 58% said no to yesterdays deal, so it isn't gonna happen now is it.  This next one I think makes sense for both teams.

Breaking news: The Texas Rangers trade minor league catcher Taylor Teagarden and Eddie Guardado for minor league pitcher Clay Buchholz.

Face it, straight up will never happen even if T.T. is probably the 2nd best catcher in the minors.  That's why you add Eddie G in this deal.  Eddie is gone after 2008 and I doubt we get compensation for him.  So basically you are trading the 2nd best catcher in the minors for a top 5 pitcher in the minors.  Both are major league ready which will entice both teams.  Boston needs an offensive/defensive whiz like Mr. Teagarden  to replace Varitek.

This deal makes even more sense for us.  We get an "Ace potential" pitcher to plug into an un healthy rotation.  We figure out our log jam at catcher by penciling in Laird as your starter(as hard as that is for me to write) and Salts McGee as your back up, at least for next year.  Salts needs major defensive work, but Boston isn't going to jump on this offer if Salts is added.  Next we have MaxRam who will find his at bats through first base/DH/3rd catcher.  Come 2010, your starting catcher and backup will be Salts and MaxRam, which I think we can all live with.

Even though I love this kid T.T., to get such an awesome pitcher back he has to be included.  So Go on vote on this one.

Also I'd like to add that their is big risk on both sides of this trade, sorta like the Hammy/Volquez trade of last year.  Both have tremendous potential. 

Baseball America's projected 2011 lineup for your Texas Rangers:

WTF is Kins doing in the DH role?  WTF is Salts doing playing 1st base(even though we were gonna try him there)?  And why is Young back at second?  I mean this was written last year but I got a kick over it.

Anyway, check out the SP.  AWESOME!  I'd love that rotation and I wish it was here right now.

Kiker as the closer is interesting.  Small, intimidating pitcher.  I like it.

Awesome outfield!

Im drooling just thinking of how good this team can be.

Sorry had to edit so please vote again.  Jay was slick and called me out.  Oops!

Well after thinking more about how I wanted to do this I figured that if the majority of the community voted yes than I've made the trade.  And by the way.  Im only trading with teams that are contending, so we will see how far we get in 9 days. 

So our first trade-Liriano for Blalock/Bradley/Elvis won't happen because it got nixed by our lovely community.

However, The Texas Rangers have traded Vincente Padzilla to the Yankees for Alan Horne and  Austin Jackson.  Remember I'll review where everybody fits and our new 25 man after our last trade proposal.

Breaking news: The Texas Rangers trade CJ Wilson and Milton Bradley for  Andy Sonanstine, Eduardo Morlan, and Nick Barnese .  Sonnanstine jumps right into the rotation.  Morlan is the gem of this deal.  Remember Tampa is stacked, so take advantage. 

If Im Tampa Im not doing any deals, Im standing pact.  However, they need another  young quality pen arm, CJ fits the bill, and they really need a DH/RF to replace Gomes and Gross.  If Tampa does want to go all the way, then this deal makes a ton of sense. 

And for us Rangers fans, we shouldn't except anything less for Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bradley who are proven quality ball players.

So for fun I decided to do a poll for the next ten days to build some suspense up to the trade deadline.  The poll is based on Ten trades I would make if I were GM.  And I'd like ur opinion too.  After ten days we will go and look at what our new 25 man roster could look like.  Any major prospects we get back Im gonna slot into the 25 man.

I'm gonna count last nights poll, but I honestly think a deal could be done without giving up either Andrus or two of the pitchers I listed so I'm gonna edit that trade.  Right now I'd say I think Minni would listen with just a package of Bradley, Blalock, and Elvis. to be honest.  They don't need a package of prospects back, but rather offensive help right now.  So that's the trade I would do-Blalock, Bradley, and Elvis for Liriano.  Now on to my second trade-

Breaking news, the Rangers trade Vincente Padilla and Nellie Cruz to the Yankees for Alan Horne and Austin Jackson. 

Desparte times call for desparate measures.  The Yankees need some stability in their rotation and Pads can do just that.  He is working deeper into games, and could benefit from a catcher like Posada that can call a game.  I wouldn't expect anything less then those two prospects back for Padzilla.  I think Cruz being a throw in gives the Yankees an option to not re-sign Abreau this winter.

With the news coming out of Minnesota that Liriano is un happy with still being in the minors, or at least his agent is, would you make a package that Minnesota couldn't resist making.  Liriano is definitely the type of pitcher this team lacks and we could match up pretty nicely.

Lets say we throw in one or both of Blalock/Bradley, and two top five prospects.  They need a righty DH/RF and also they could use an upgrade from Lamb at third, even though Buscher has done alright but could benefit from the minors a little longer.  Right there they get two upgrades for their current roster with power bats.  Bradley could walk and they could recieve two picks so I think that would intice them.  Blalock has a relatively cheaper option that is worth picking up and if he could regain full value then he is worth two picks.

This is where it gets tuff, the two top five picks.  They are gonna demand a pitcher back.  Feliz, Id imagine is untouchable and Hurley shouldn't go anywhere because this team needs a home grown talent.  This team owes it's fans at least that.  So beyond that who could we include.  It is gonna be hard for Minni to tell its fans that they traded Liriano for anything less than a teams top pick, right?  But this farm is sooo deep.  I think they want a more high cieling, developing pitcher.  A guy like Beaven, Main, Kiker, or Font could be included.  Hell my man crush Harrison could be part of a deal if they are looking for a more quicker option for their rotation.  I think they are looking for more of a A, AA type pitcher though because they have a good major league staff.

The other minor leaguer would have to be Andrus.  They badly need an upgrade for the future at SS.

So after all that, her is the poll.  Would you trade Blalock and Bradley, two of Beaven/Main/Kiker/Font, and Elvis for Liriano?  Cruz could slide in right for the remainder of the year as a last audition, and Vazquez and Duran can man third until a better option comes along.  Maybe we could even snag Buscher away from them.  I like him because I've gotten to see him rip it up in Ra Cha Cha.  Also we wouldn't be selling the farm for a useless fix but rather a major key piece that this team has always lacked, a true ace.

Did anybody see this?   http://trades.mlblogs.com/archives/2008/07/hes_not_a_big_name_anymore_but.html

I wonder who is interested and how he will be traded.  Will he be a throw in on some type of deal?  Maybe a one on one type deal?

Thoughts?

Second attempt to publish

Second attempt to publish   Blah frinken da!   Did I mention I have a man crush on Matt Harrison?  Ten more words, that should do it! Well I was wrong!

Apparently Oswalt can be had, http://tinyurl.com/5xxj8s.

For you lazy bloggers, here is the blurb on it:

Astros: Roy Oswalt would consider going elsewhere, but there are very few teams that could make a trade for the right-hander and that would get his required approval.

Houston doesn't have the pieces to acquire pitching unless it parted with Hunter Pence, and that's highly unlikely.

So why not through a poll up before tonights silver boot matchup between Texas and Houston.  Who here would make a run at Oswalt?

I'll say I would, if and only if, Davis,Hurley, and Feliz aren't included.  Oswalt, 30, is locked up for the next three years(possibly four).  He will make 14, 15, then 16 Million for the next three years of service.  His fourth year is an option year which he can opt out of and take a reduced buyout. 

So Im not really sure the 'Stros could look for a tremendous bounty.  Yes, he is controlled for three years.  Yes he is a great pitcher.  However, his age and option year on his contract raise red flags.

http://uweblogsports.blogspot.com/2008/06/q-tim-dierkes-of-mlbtr.html

I’ll have to say the only thing I can agree with him about is this is his view on Jon Daniels. Everything else seem silly to me.

For example, when asked about trading pitchers Millwood and Padilla, and if their contracts stand in the way, he replied with “if the Ranger’s don’t want to eat any salary then they’ll get worse prospects.” Really? I don’t think so. Their contracts are more than affordable for a contending team to take on. Yes, their injury history is a bit of a concern, but not the contracts.

Anyway, check it out guys and talk about his other answers here. I generally like him and what he has to say so I don’t want this to become a bash thread. Thankyou DShep.

Check it out.  He seems to think that it will be hard for Texas to make any sorta impact trade based on how stacked our system is.  You know what though, I totally agree.  Teams know we are stacked.  A bullpen arm for example, will cost us more in terms of players and or upside then it would for lets say toronto, who aren't exactly stacked in the minors.

I also noticed that Benny Broussard was signed by the Cubbies.  I didn't notice that here but thought I'd pass it along.

Also, is it another young GM mistake by not placing Benoit on the 15 day DL and keeping Tejeda for a while longer?  The way Jamey puts it, it may very well be.  The Rangers were hoping to use Benny by this weekend and if things don't go well, then I guess once again we could possibly loose an extra arm that we could have used.

Basically, I think JD can build a very useful team, can stack a farm system with quality depth, and has the right tools around him to develop them.  I don't think he knows that well how to manage his roster.  That is part of his job right? 

http://www.newbergreport.com/article.asp

Hey Guys- Im going to the Red Wings Game on Sunday.  Yep, Im taking my dad out for our father's day rituial.  If there is any body in particular that you want me to focus on let me know.

Also, I heard Howie Clark got DFA'd.  That sucks because he truly is a first class player, even if he didn't have the stats to prove it.  What's the current status on him.

Let me know guys, and I love comin here and check'in your community out.

http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080528&content_id=2788004&vkey=news_tex&fext=.jsp&c_id=tex

Makes sense, I mean Duran hasn't been impressive offensively, but he sure has opened up eyes with his versitality.  Also, I think he is a huge part of the future being our utility guy who plays more on the field then he does warming up the bench.  This basically says it all, "However, his recent slump left the Rangers in a bind, as manager Ron Washington acknowledged on Monday that Duran would benefit from daily playing time. "  True dat playa.

Loe on the other hand I was really hoping to see flourish into a long man role this year, but he still needs a lot of work.  He can also benifit from being sent down.

Metcalf can only play the hot corner so this move is very surprising.  Maybe they have him playing more at third and Vazquez playing more positions around the infield.  Not sure where they are going with this.

Glad that the Milly is back.  Hope all is well and hopefully he adds an extra boost to a depleted rotation that really has only seen consistant starts from Padz.  Ponson follows that but he, I would think, is still on a leash. 

Here is the million dollar question, Is Duran being sent down a mistake?  I mean it can only benefit him in the long run, but bringing up Metcalf to replace him is silly, imo.

Whats new everyone?  Im a true die hard Rangers fan, but don't worry Im not here to cause problems.  Im here for one reason, the Red Wings.

I live in Rochester and have been to a crap load of games this year.  I would gladly talk in depth with your triple A affiliate with who ever would like my input. 

I've been a Rochestairian for 25 years and Im very proud of the Wings.  It is really the only thing in Rochester that hasn't threaten to leave. 

Anyway, I see Fransico pitch the other night and honestly, he is a beast.  I would love to have his arm and ceiling for my Rangers. 

I also saw Humber, and Im not sold on him.  I really think he ends up in the pen in his ML career.

 I also saw the Wings committ to a ton of errors the last couple of games.  Not sure what's going on with them. 

Casilla, I dont think is really ready to be a major leaguer but he has the makings of one.

Howie Clark is one of my all time favorite Wings.  A very classy, hardworking player.  A wise choice to bring him back.

So give me a holla if you want any updates seeing how I get to see them on a daily basis.

Read the whole article guys(http://tinyurl.com/5q3bb8) was entertaining!-it

On Zito:

Rumbling through the jungle

• Baked Zito -- the appetizer: An official of one pitching-starved team said this week: "I think I could trade for Barry Zito right now. But who the hell would want to?"

Jonny Boy is that you?

So we posed this question: How much money would the Giants have to pay of Zito's remaining $112.5 million or so to get somebody -- anybody -- interested?

"The Giants would have to eat 80 percent -- I'm talking $80-90 million," the official replied. "But they'd never do that. If that's what they'd have to eat, they might as well just let the guy keep being horse[feathers]."

A year and a half ago I  strongly wanted us to make apush and appairently we did.  He just took the bigger pay day.  Can't blame him can you.  But maybe taking a flyer on him now wouldn't be a complete waste of time,  I mean maybe we could still get a prospect back.  He has shown some great skills at times, a sick nasty curve, and he has been a durable work horse.

On the Hammy/Volquez trade:

Most even deal of the winter -- Josh Hamilton from Cincinnati to Texas for Edinson Volquez. Who got the better of this deal? Maybe nobody. Hamilton leads the major leagues in RBIs (32), and leads the AL in extra-base hits (17). And Volquez leads the NL in ERA (1.23), and trails only John Smoltz and Jonathan Sanchez in strikeout ratio (10. 1 per 9 IP). When was the last time any trade looked this rewarding for both teams?

Google that up boys, see when the last trade in M.L. history has worked out for both teams.  I'm interested and lazy so I won't.  Would volquez be doing that in Arlington?  I'd at first say no because of two things.  One, our team is horrible on defense, and secondly, we have no offense to support him and win.  (I lied, Texas is much better offensively than Cinni).  Defensively they arent that far apart(http://tinyurl.com/3u2tgx).

Now, of course offense doesn't make a pitcher pitch with a 1.23 era our have that type of K ratio, but Im sure having a good offense and defense does a lot more for the pitchers confidence.   I believe thats what he lacked in Arlington. 

I didn't want to bring up the trade, but I would have really liked to have kept Eddy V.  Of course I really like Hammy, but pitching is what takes you deep in the playoffs.  Im just really suprised that this team hasn't grasped that concept.  We will forever be known as "the team that gets by with shaky, injury prone pitching, but wow Bill, what a fantastic offense they have."  Get my point.  Any way Im pleased with this trade. There are way more risks with young pitchers than there is with young positional players.

• The next big thing?: It's 10 years ago now since the Yankees handed a $1.52-million signing bonus to a 16-year-old Dominican pitcher by the name of Ricardo Aramboles. It's believed that no Latino pitcher (non-Cuban division) has topped that bonus since. But there's so much buzz about a Dominican right-hander named Michel Inoa, it looks as if Aramboles' record is in serious danger this summer. More than a dozen teams are in on Inoa, who is already hitting 94 on the gun -- at age 16.

And I really hope JD is one of those guys, seriously bidding for this kids services.  And honestly, Im sure he is.  I think we have one of the best chances to land him to be honest.

Player of the month -- Chipper Jones
There are cases to be made for Chase Utley, Albert Pujols, Derrek Lee, Hanley Ramirez and Manny Ramirez (among others). But how can we not award this honor to a guy who hit .410, rolled up an 1.145 OPS, bombed eight homers and essentially won four games for his injury-wracked team single-handedly? The only other players to emerge from last 10 Aprils with an average this high and this many home runs: Barry Bonds in 2004 (.472, 10 HR) and Vladimir Guerrero in 2000 (.410, 8 HR).

Beastly Chipper, but no mention of Hammy here?  What?  Im flabergasted. 

Well thats it for me right now.