SB Nation User Blog: peachygbc_1

Pitching ? / Splitter, Forkball

peachygbc_1 — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 01:08:22 -0000

I have a pitching question specifically regarding the splitter. Why don't more pitchers throw the splitter? Best of my knowledge it is the same as the forkball, is that true?

How do organizations decide to focus on certain pitches? I understand that every club wants its pitchers to develop the change. But why do some clubs focus on cutters, splitters and other clubs focus on the curveball vs. the slider? What goes into the thought process for what to throw more in a certain organization?

I really started thinking about this in regards to Blake Beavan. With his control and ability to throw strikes couldn't the splitter give him a true strikeout pitch? I really think Beavan is becoming an elite prospects and I think the splitter could take him to the next level.

Interested Ranger fan wanting to learn more. I figured what better place to learn some more specifics on pitches and pitching than the knowledge of the lonestarball community.

Bigger Question-When to trade?/Newberg trade idea cont.

peachygbc_1 — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:47:57 -0000

About a week ago I e-mailed Jamey and ask him who he would target in trades this year. Last year he picked Heath Bell and Zach Greinke. How have they been this year? So if Jamey targets Matt Cain, Chris Volstad, Josh Johnson or Peavy then I'm am listening.

Here is the bigger question to me. When do the Rangers make a trade? I think there is no doubt the Rangers will look much different on Opening Day 2010 than they currently do, because of trades. However, when should JD pull the trigger?

Before July 1? I love the move the Brewers made last year and traded well before the deadline for C.C. Why not target someone (Heath Bell) and have him making an impact before July 31. Not as many players may be on the market, but surely someone who could help will be.

Trade Deadline July 31? More people available. By now you have a good idea if your a contender. Maybe the price for a player will come down near the deadline.

Off-season: Now I think the Rangers are contenders in 2009. However someone like Francisco Liriano could be had in the off season, but not at the deadline with the Twins in the hunt in the Central division.

Personally, I take my assets and add a small piece or two this year. Bullpen help would be my target. Then I take my big pieces and go after a young stud pitcher. Liriano, Cain or whoever. We have enough pieces to get anyone we want.

Which of the three options do you think is the Rangers best course of action......discuss.

Ranking Salty?

peachygbc_1 — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:28:10 -0000

With all of the talk about the Ranger farm system being #1 in baseball it got me to thinking about where Jarrod Saltalamacchia would rank if he were allowed to be ranked in our system? After all he is still younger than Teagarden and Max.

My feelings are very mixed as to where I would rank him and would like to see what the lonestarball nation thinks about Salty. This is just not where he would rank among our catchers, but the whole (minor league) system. I think he would be in the top 10, and I'll go with 6 in my personal ranks behind Feliz, Holland, Smoak, Main, and Andrus.

Let's Discuss? Heck even throw Chris Davis in if you want.....

Credit Card Law ?/Keeping the little guy down

peachygbc_1 — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:07:28 -0000

Slow day for the Rangers, so I am looking for a little lonestarball help.

Basically, I have a rewards credit card and have not received my reward gift card to Lowes in which I earned points for and redeemed. I called the credit card company and they said since it is after 90 days they cannot review this and will not send me the card. Again, they confirmed that I redeemed my points and it is not their fault I did not receive the card and they will not do anything about it. Also, I asked the customer service if they can show me where I signed the paper/contract that says they notify the customer of the 90 day policy and he said he could not and that they again could not research anything after 90 days.

I know it is dumb to get a lawyer to fight this for a $100 Lowe's gift card, but it is principle and I am frustrated. Can someone give me some advice or at least the proper question to ask to make them feel uneasy?

Any help or ideas would be a huge help!!

Elvis Andrus Ready?

peachygbc_1 — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:14:56 -0000

With Michael Young either moving to 3rd base or traded to start the season, who will be the shortstop on opening day? We all know that Elvis Andrus will take over SS when he is ready. However, is Elvis ready to start the season at SS? If not who do we go with at short and how long do we wait for Elvis to be called up? If 2010 is the year we are expecting to compete then surely Elvis plays at least half the season, so why not all of it.

What does everyone else think?

Start the season with Andrus.

Sign a low-price veteran for the year.

Low price vet and Elvis comes up at the All-Star break or sooner.

Discuss?

Frisco Rotation/Lineup

peachygbc_1 — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:37:11 -0000

Getting ready to get my Frisco tickets for 2009 and just wanting to know what the Lone Star nation thought the Rotation and Lineup would look like for the Roughriders.

I'm guessing these are locks. 3B - Whittleman, C - Pena

What does the rest of the rotation/lineup look like?

Does Feliz and Holland spend another month in AA?

Can Smoak start in Frisco?

75 words, 75 words, 75 words, 75 words, 75 words, 75 words

Rangers Spring Training Trip Questions

peachygbc_1 — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 17:27:59 -0000

I am hoping to make my first trip to Surprise this year for some spring training action. I have to go the week of March 16-20. I am a teacher and that is Spring Break for me and I know most all schools. Here are a few questions I need help with?

1. About how much is it going to cost?

2. I am planning on flying, but has anyone drove it from D/FW area? How bad is it?

3. What is there for the wife to do?

4. Where do you suggest staying?

5. Any other info you think would help someone going for the first time?

Thanks for any help!!

Ranger Winter Meeting to-do list

peachygbc_1 — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:22:27 -0000

We are getting closer to the baseball winter meetings. As we all know lots of things get done at the winter meetings. What would be your top 5 things for the Rangers to do at the winter meetings? If you have a trade proposal include the names you what to see dealt and the players coming back. Let's discuss.

1. Talk with Boston........Salty & Byrd for Buchholz

2. Talk with Florida about their catching situation

3. Talk with Ben Sheets agent and find out what his market looks like (probably will be later in the off-season when he signs)

4. Talk with Cincy....see what it would take to get Homer Bailey

5. Don't talk to Ken Williams.......

Value of a Catcher?

peachygbc_1 — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 17:28:08 -0000

It is no secret that the Rangers have catchers on the market this off-season.

It got me to thinking what is the value of a catcher as opposed to the other positions on the field? I think that the catcher and shortstop are the two most important defensive positions, but both are viewed differently for offensive production. Is a catcher just as valuable as a starting pitcher? How would you rate the value of a catcher in today's game? Let's discuss.....

Backup Catcher and DH

peachygbc_1 — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:17:53 -0000

I really do not see the problem with your backup Catcher being your full-time DH as well. This most often comes up with Max, but why not let Salty have more at-bats in the DH spot this past season. If your catcher goes down and you insert the DH to play catcher in the field just pinch hit for the pitcher the rest of the game or just let the pitcher hit. It is just one game. If you need to call another catcher up if the starter is hurt then do it. I do realize this is not a good idea if you are in the playoffs or a must win game. However, during the regular season I do not see the harm in it. So what does this hurt during the regular season?