SB Nation User Blog: Stephen Rushin

FanGraphs 2010 Fan Projections

Stephen Rushin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 02:50:08 -0000

FanGraphs is doing an off-season fan projection project. Once 30 fans have registered their projections for a player, the fan's averaged projection will appear on the player's FanGraphs page. So far, no Ranger players have the requisite 30 fan predictions, so their composite projections aren't available on their player pages. I'd be interested in seeing what fans expect from some Ranger players.

Here is the info page:

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/the-2010-fan-projections

Rosenthal: Rangers Looking to Trade Millwood, Sign Dye?

Stephen Rushin — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:07:53 -0000

Rosenthal: Rangers Looking to Trade Millwood, Sign Dye?

Rosenthal and Morosi say that Baltimore is now pursuing Millwood. But this part caught my eye:

"According to one source, the Rangers' motivation in moving Millwood would be to clear money off the payroll to sign free agent slugger Jermaine Dye."

So there you have it. According to some source, Texas wants to trade Millwood so we can have the payroll flexibility to sign a 35 year old "outfielder" who posted a .793 OPS last season, is abysmal defensively, and posted a .590 OPS after the all-star break.

Josh Johnson Available?

Stephen Rushin — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 02:36:15 -0000

Cransick says that Johnson will not be signing an extension with Florida, as the negotiations have reached an impasse. The Marlins are now going to explore trade opportunities.

He is asking for a contract comparable to Greinke's 4 year, 38 million dollar deal. He had a 3.06 FIP last season and a career 3.49 FIP. He has a career K/9 around 8, walks around 2.5 per 9 innings, and he is only 25 years old. He is easily the best pitcher on the market now. I'd be willing to trade some serious prospects to acquire Johnson.

UPDATE: The Sun-Sentinel says that Johnson's days with the Marlins are numbered. His agent also says he will be traded.

Christina Kahrl Explains Her Vote for Elvis Andrus for ROY

Stephen Rushin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:24:15 -0000

Christina Kahrl Explains Her Vote for Elvis Andrus for ROY

Really well written explanation on why she chose Andrus. Great write up. Sorry if this was posted somewhere else.

Granderson Available?

Stephen Rushin — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:50:19 -0000

Granderson Available?

According to Joel Sherman, Granderson is available as the Tigers are in cost-cutting mode.

If the Rangers really are uncertain if Borbon can play CF, then I'd hope they are in on Granderson. He is about a 4 WAR player who plays good defense in center and is reasonably patient at the plate. He is under contract through 2013. He would be a terrific addition. I'd also have some interest in Jackson, although I'd imagine his perceived value is much higher than his real value.

Rangers Seeking Right-Handed Bat

Stephen Rushin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:55:13 -0000

Rangers Seeking Right-Handed Bat

As I think most people predicted, the Rangers are primarily targeting a right-handed bat this off-season. But I think some of the quotes are pretty funny. Namely:

"'I would say we're looking for a middle-of-the-order bat,' Daniels said."

Followed by:

"Other right-handed bats on the free-agent market that could be of interest to the Rangers include Vladimir Guerrero, Gary Sheffield, Troy Glaus and Fernando Tatis."

Awesome. The Rangers finally feel they have most of the pieces necessary to contend. What they really lack is a true "middle-of-the-order" bat like Fernando Tatis, or a quickly declining Sheffield/Dye. Not that Tatis (for instance) would be a bad guy to add to the bench. But, surely this organization doesn't view Sheffield, Tatis, or Glaus as the kind of final piece necessary to put them over the top.

I really hope Daniels and company have their sights set a little higher when it comes to improving this ball club over the winter. Otherwise, we might be in for 2005 redux.

Sports Illustrated Features Rangers

Stephen Rushin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:42:00 -0000

Sports Illustrated Features Rangers

I'm not sure if this has already been posted, but CNNSI has several Rangers stories on the front page of their website right now. Pretty neat stuff... one article discusses Holland and Feliz and a separate article goes over the Rangers playoff hopes.

McCarthy and Wilson impressing in Surprise

Stephen Rushin — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 21:42:00 -0000

McCarthy and Wilson impressing in Surprise

According to Washington, CJ Wilson and Brandon McCarthy have been the most impressive pitchers in camp thus far. I think Jeff Wilson is right; these two are the most important pitchers for the Rangers in 2009. I know Adam also pointed this out in the most recent podcast: McCarthy is probably the Rangers best shot to develop a top of the rotation starter, at least until Holland and Feliz reach the majors. Here is to hoping he can stay healthy and remain impressive.

TR Sullivan: Rangers seriously interested in Sheets?

Stephen Rushin — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:43:33 -0000

Link

Pretty interesting read. It certainly seems as if the Rangers have a sincere interest in Sheets. The Rangers would probably have to trade some payroll, but Ryan certainly sounded receptive to the idea of moving some players via trade if it facilitates signing Sheets.

Ryan also made it sound as if the Rangers were receptive to trading virtually any player. This may lend some credence to the notion that the Rangers were quietly shopping Young.

I know Sheets has been discussed in pretty great detail on this blog, but after reading this article, I honestly feel as if the Rangers may make a significant effort to sign Sheets.

Obviously health is an issue, but I would be pretty ecstatic to add a pitcher with who has averaged a 133 tRA+ over the last five years.

EDIT:

On another note, Steve Phillips just posted a blog entry on ESPN saying that Wood was going to sign with either Texas or Cleveland. (2 years, 12-14 million) If we got Wood for 2 years 14 million, I would be really happy.

A's pursuing Furcal

Stephen Rushin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 20:51:26 -0000

A's pursuing Furcal

The A's seem to view the division as winnable since they are looking to add Furcal soon after adding Holliday. To me, this is only further evidence that Beane didn't just acquire Holliday to flip at the deadline; rather, the A's appear to think the Angels aren't that dominate of a team, especially after the possible loss of Teixeira and K-Rod. (not to mention their 89-73 ExWL record last season)