SB Nation Blog: NYTXFAN

Would You Take On Oswalt?

NYTXFAN — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:53:20 -0000

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.

Q and A with Tim(MLBTR) concerning the Rangers

NYTXFAN — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:12:44 -0000

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.

A very interesting Newberg Report

NYTXFAN — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:51:33 -0000

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 Sun

NYTXFAN — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 00:20:47 -0000

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.

Duran, Loe likely demoted

NYTXFAN — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:01:17 -0000

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.

Hello Everybody, Im new to Twinkie Town!

NYTXFAN — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:52:51 -0000

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.

Jayson Stark on Zito, Hammy/Volquez, and more

NYTXFAN — Fri, 02 May 2008 01:10:54 -0000

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.

Feldman getting the start?

NYTXFAN — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 01:49:04 -0000

What jumped out at me is this quote from Daniels: "Toward the end of Spring Training something clicked with his new [three-quarter] arm slot," Daniels said. "We'd like to give him more time, but he's the best option we have right now."

The best option? What is he high? Is he seriously the best option? I really dont think so. Shit, Murray, Hurley, or Harrison could make that start. I understand that giving Hurley or Harrison the shot would use an option and I dont think that the team wants to do that due to this only being a spot start. However, why doesn't the Pirate get a look? Anybody? Im lost here.

Top Five Minor Leaguers Im Focused On This Year

NYTXFAN — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 19:42:16 -0000

Part two to my lengthy posts on my top five to be excited about. And yes, Im leaving some key minor leaguers out of this post, guys some will say are much better to focus on, but this is my opinion. I'll jump right into it then:

Kasey Kiker- One of the most underrated minor league pitchers in my eyes. I dont even think he cracked the top ten on any proffessional journalists boards. I beg to differ on that. This is the year he becomes a top ten Rangers prospect. I feel he will be pushed this year to make people remember his name. He is lost in this deep farm system but definitely isnt forgotten. I think many shrug him off because of his height, yep his height. He is small in stature but doesnt pitch like it. Im not sure where he is starting this year but he should be in AA come the end of this year, and if he continues to improve during his promotions a trip to AAA come next year isnt out of the question.

JohnMayberry JR.- He could possibly become a legit power threat in a corner postion very soon. Still has some kinks to improve on like his average, OBP, and his plate discipline. I want to see him progress and improve and become a legit prospect that could possibly break this team in a year and a half.

Brandon Boggs- Im not really sure why he hasnt gotten a look yet. Is it his history with injury? Do the Rangers want to see him become more consistant? I could honestly see him coming to Arlington this year and becoming a fourth outfielder. Face it, this team needs to count on somebody else but Murph to be there fourth outfielder. Why not a guy who could back up center and probably play a corner spot if needed. Im looking forward to see where he goes from here.

Matt Harrison- Big man crush. Thats all I can say. I love his makeup and think he is a perfect fit for this rotation for years to come.

Eric Hurley- Why Im I excited? Point blank, he is the one pitcher this team has developed that has a realistic shot at being an above average starting pitcher. I said starter and not reliever. What isnt to be excited. For once we haven't traded our closest to the majors pitcher for nothing, have developed him correctly thus far, so what isnt to like about this situation. He handled himself perfectly in Spring training, probably earning himself a spot in the rotation if he could have dominated AAA last year.

I know what everyones thinking, "where's Davis, Andrus, Borbon, Hunter, Tea, etc." and in reality this farm is too deep for me to talk about everyone of them. I think its a make or break season for JMJ to finally establish and progress far more than he has, Harrison and Hurley are the closest pitchers to the majors so of course I couldnt be any more estatic then I am about them, Boggs deserves a legitimate shot at the majors if he picks up where he left off, and Kiker is one of my favorite pitchers in this system. As for everyone else of course Im excited about them. Im gonna be focused on all of them, but I think these guys making huge strides will make me more excited to be a Rangers fan.

Top Five Guys Im Excited To See Play This Year

NYTXFAN — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:58:19 -0000

Im sorry for the long read and I hope you will read it.

I guess this is an easy one for me. At the major league level I cant wait to see what these guys do. Will they improve, do horrible, exceed expectations, will they under achieve? So here it is the top five Im gonna be focused on this year and in order:

David"The Murph"Murphy- His 2007 year would be considered amazing to many. He didnt have terrific minor league numbers to support his play at the major league level but they weren't gaudy either. In 5 minor league seasons the Murph has a line of .273/.343/.407 with a 750 OPS. Mix that line in with his versitile defensive skills and he has terrific 4th outfielder written all over him. However, Im one that believes he can succeed as an average to above average outfielder. So far in 127 at bats he has shown above average defense and sports a line of .323/.377/.528 and a 905 OPS. To me that warrants a decent look to becoming a starter from this club. What I loved is that this kid picked up where he left off last year. He didnt lose steam like Marlon Byrd did. He didn't prove in spring traing that he was a fluke. Sure he could still prove that his offense is a fluke and he is nothing more than a good 4thOF, but he also could prove that he is making the most out of this opportunity where as guys like Cruz couldn't. He is making me feel like he should be the most important to watch because he could become a very important piece to this puzzled outfield. A guy we have lacked in left field since the days of Rusty. Next we have:

Josh"Hammy"Hamilton- The reason why I didnt have him as my first excited player to watch is because to me he has already answered many questions I asked myself when he was traded here. I once thought how could we once again trade a pitcher with a great upside for an outfielder with a past riddled with so many problems. The answer is quite simple. This guy is great, a beast if you will. He has overcomed his past and is becoming an offensive threat. He is becoming that guy Tampa had hoped he would become when they drafted him in 1999. A bold prediction from me is that he will end up pushing Hank out of the 4th hole in the lineup if he continues his offensive attack at the plate. My only concern is will he be able to stay a centerfielder. Can he beat the Texas heat and stay major injury free? Those are the questions that still have to be answered. I see him moving to right field and anchoring that postion for many years. The power is there, the arm is there. I could really see our outfield becoming a top five in the league based just on the first two players I mentioned. Nough said on Hammy because I think everyone will agree that he is as advertised and it will be fun to watch him this year even if we have another losing season. Next:

Brandon"BMac"McCarthy- You know when Texas made the trade sending Danks and Masset to the Sox for BMac I was really pumped up about it. Being from New York one station we get here is WGN which covered most of the white sox games. I remember seeing him pitch plenty of times and saying to myself "god this kid is good and can really pitch." I was excited that my team could pry a once untouchable player and get him for two pitchers that havent proved anything at the major league level. I wasnt happy that we lost Danks because he could be just as good in a few more seasons. But to get a pitcher that many thought could become an ace in a few years was just fantasic. My thoughts have changed now. BMac has shown that when he is one with his stuff, he can make batters look silly. But we've only seen glances of this since he has been here because he is fragile and injury prone all the sudden. But being only 24 years old, Im still impressed. When he comes back from the D.L. he needs to prove why he was considered an untouchable prospect and why Chicago consistantly turned his name down in other trades. I dont think he could anchor a staff now, but I do feel he has as much potential to become a great number 2 on this staff and an awesome #3 on a contending. A major part to this future and I wish him the past of luck and hope that when he comes back he comes back for good. Next:

Ian"Kins"Kinsler- He is quickly showing management why he is a good fit for the top of the order. He was a guy last year that I thought always tried to hit for the stars, but he has quickly changed my mind. He seems like a comfortable fit in the #1 hole, not always trying to blast the ball into the crowd, but will if he has to. A guy who can probably steal 30 bases, have more walks than Ks, and can probably get a good amount of extra base hits. The knock I had in the last couple of years wasnt him staying healthy. I thought his injuries we're very flukeish. I knocked him for his defense. His arm at times looked very weak, and his lack of getting to the ball frusturated me. However, when he came back last year after being on the D.L. he showed major improvement in his defense. He bought right into every thing Wash had taught and showed him and Im really looking forward to seeing him progress more. Another major core player that deserved the contract he just recieved and a player that will command a huge pay raise come the end of his current contract. A player many people keep saying could be traded for an ace pitcher or a stud outfielder, but a guy Im thinking could be the next F.O.T.F. Last on the list:

Mike"F.O.T.F."Young- No player since the days of Ryan and Gonzo have made me this excited. Young continues to be what I feel is clutch, continues to being an average S.S. that could excell as a future third baseman here, A durable and strong competitor, and a guy who I love to see come to the plate. Sure young has lost a little bit of power, but since when has he ever been a power threat? Sure Adam and co. will knock his defense but watching him play I think he isnt as terrible as some will say. He isnt a top 10 but isnt a bottom ten either. The face of the franchise continues to show that he is a team leader and guys look up to him. He shows true professionalism and grace on and off the field. I hope one day he could be another player to retire as a Ranger and become another Ranger that makes it into Cooperstown. Two things he needs to continue to do to accomplish that feat. The first is getting to 3,000 hits which I feel isnt as ridiculous as some would say. All he needs to get is 1695 more hits. I can honestly see him playing at least 8-10 more years in this league. Maybe not as an everyday player on the field, but he has options and could easily become a DH. He would need to average 169.5 hits in ten years to accomplish this feat and every year he is here makes me excited to see him do it. The next thing would be to continue to keep his average and OBP up. Dont let it slip to far because Im sure that those are stats that are looked at when deciding who gets in, of course it's not the only thing.

Guys who came close to my list would be Hank, Jennings, CJ, and Benoit. Feel free to add any other guys that you might be excited to watch. I think Im gonna do my top five minor leaguers next. Do you think I should.