SB Nation User Blog: NothinG

OT:Cool teamwork video to take your mind off the Rangers

NothinG — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:53:02 -0000

OT:Cool teamwork video to take your mind off the Rangers

Rangers schedule promising, not just in April.

NothinG — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:26:47 -0000

We will see how the Rangers perform in their beneficial schedule in April where we face only one team that posted a record above .500 last year. I wanted to break down each month that the Rangers are going to have this year based on their schedule.

I think most of us would agree that having more home games vs road games is an advantage. Here are the Rangers home and road games respectively by month:

April - 12 - 10
May - 15 - 13
June - 15 - 12
July - 15 - 10
August - 10 - 19
September - 14 - 13
October - 0 -4

It is an interesting schedule where the Rangers have more home games in every month except August and October, and as you see there are only 4 games in October. Isn't it usually a negative thing in sports to have 10 home games with 19 road games in a month. The month of August presents us with this many road games. I wonder if this is actually a disadvantage or not, since our pitchers will be able to avoid the heat of Texas, for the most part, in August. I think these home and road splits will help our team stay competitive until later in the season. Of course, these are just numbers, and the Rangers did go 40 - 41 at home last year, but in 2007 we went 47 - 34.

In the first month last year, we had 13 home games vs 15 road games, and the year before we started with a 10 and 15, home and away shedule which of course did not help (i don't think playing at home or on the road was the result of all the errors and poor play). I'm only saying, in years past the schedules have not favored the Rangers, and this year it does. We'll see how it turns out on the field.

Yesterday was a good start. Keep it up!

Request: Martin Perez

NothinG — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:29:33 -0000

Here is a Link to the video on ProspectTube. Here is another link of an interview on BBTiA by Jason Parks in regards to Martin Perez. Parks has a few shots of Perez's main grips he uses.

As this kid is 17 yrs old, I'm curious to see what your analysis of his throwing motion and mechanics are. Being highly rated in the Rangers' system when the system is so deep is saying something about this kid and his makeup. Thanks

MLB Network is scheduled to replay the 2008 HR Derby in which Josh Hamilton won over the NY Yankee...

NothinG — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 19:12:48 -0000

MLB Network is scheduled to replay the 2008 HR Derby in which Josh Hamilton won over the NY Yankee fans with his record-breaking performance.

It is on at 7pm tomorrow night--the same time as the BCS title game. I, for one, will probably be watching the HR Derby. At the very least switching back and forth between the two channels.

Red Sox Scout Salty

NothinG — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 17:56:35 -0000

Per MLBTR Link

According to Boston Globe reporter Nick Cafardo, Red Sox special assistant Allard Baird recently scouted Salty. Cafardo added that Saltalamacchia's defense didn't look solid on that particular night, though. Cafardo also notes that other scouts who have seen the catcher in winter ball thought his defensive skills were up to par.

I know, I know. What's new? DWL ball is on break until Friday. However, Salty did not play in the most recent two games played. He was playing pretty much every game. Looks like Salty was sent home or sent somewhere else maybe?

Also, the Red Sox might have a little bit of pressure on them since the Yankees are signing everyone.

I know this has been like beating a dead horse, but here it is. Kick it.

"No, Seriously, Next Year! We Swear!" the Rangers '09 Theme

NothinG — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:57:54 -0000

good job, ghtd36 and all the rest that provided themes. they were excellent.

As we continue to wait on any baseball news, hopefully good news on the Rangers front, maybe we'll get a new set of Sheets for Christmas, here are the results and final runoff for the top 3 based on the votes.

There were a ton of great lines, but as these 3 all were tied for first, we'll have a runoff vote between them. You've outdone yourselves in this time void of baseball

Also, hilarious mention has to go to
"You can't hit Tom Hicks with your shoes from home.".

2nd tier honorable mention, as voted on, goes to:

"Your 2009 Texas Rangers...they're still shitty"
"You could use some mediocrity!!"
"Millwood, Padilla: The Farewell Tour"

If you want to make a case for another theme, go ahead.

Poll

Which is the best suggested theme for the upcoming Rangers '09 season? Final 3 Runoff

"No one obsesses over the Rangers"

23 votes

"No, Seriously, Next Year! We Swear!"

57 votes

"Hey! At least we aren't the Mariners!"

29 votes

109 votes | Poll has closed

Salty and Cruz continuing to hit in DWL

NothinG — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 20:35:03 -0000

Going into the winter meetings, this makes Salty that much more attractive.
With Leones del Escogido in 12 games and 41 ABs

BA: .390
OPS: 1.439
HR: 6
Runs: 14
RBIs: 14

Also important, he has walked 12 times compared to 7 strikeouts.

Salty has been alternating as the Catcher with Miguel Olivo lately. The days he's not catching he is the DH. He has 1 error, but I don't know runners success rate against him stealing bags. He has 3 passed balls. I think these are Salty's most important stats. If he can improve defensively to at least become avg, I think that is a huge deal.

Nelson Cruz
You gotta like the fact that he is still mashing the ball.
with Gigantes in 22 games and 83 ABs

BA: .373
OPS: 1.132
HR: 8
Runs: 16
RBIs: 29

Cruz has, also stolen 4 bases with only 1 CS.

Do you feel comfortable with Cruz manning RF?
I'm starting to, but I'm still skeptical whether he'll be able to consistently hit in the Bigs..

Top 50 Prospects by MiLB

NothinG — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 15:06:01 -0000

MinorLeagueBaseball.com this week ranked the top 50 prospects with rookie eligibility. The Texas Rangers have 3 in the top 50 and I think you can make a strong case for two or three more (Smoak, Main etc) due to the stock falling on some of the other players on this list, but like any rankings system it is subjective. The Rangers rank as follows:

9 – Neftali Feliz

21 – Elvis Andrus

46 – Derek Holland

They’ve done a nice job of giving a bio and video on each player. Here is the link to the complete list.

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/minorleagues/prospects/y2009/index.jsp

Padres Trade Greene to the Cards

NothinG — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 14:49:32 -0000

Padres Trade Greene to the Cards

The Padres have dealt Khalil Greene for two relief pitchers from the Cards. It looks like this is a salary dump which, also, may give the Padres the chance to retain the services of Jake Peavy.

Armando Galarraga

NothinG — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 14:11:41 -0000

I thought it was a ridiculous move when we got rid of Galarraga. We've apparently let two really good pitchers go this winter, although we did get Hamilton in one of those deals. Below is what Armando Galarraga did in a spot start for Detroit while Willis is on the DL:

"Galarraga (1-0) gave up two runs and only one hit over 6 2-3 innings in his Detroit debut Wednesday in a win over Cleveland.

He gave up a first-inning home run Wednesday night, then retired the next 17 batters he faced in winning as a substitute starter for injured LHP Dontrelle Willis. Galarraga showed superlative command of a low 90s fastball set up by a pinpoint breaking ball."

I know you can't judge a pitcher solely on one start, but this was one 'Great' start. I'm shocked that we would give him up so easily. Another move that could haunt our management and specifically JD.