In yesterday's "Around the Horn" I discussed whether Varitek's resigning with the Red Sox makes a trade for one of our catchers more or less likely, leaving the question open ended. Today in the news, there are three at least two notes (from Jim Reeves and Jeff Wilson) voting strongly in favor of less likely. Given that Boston never seemed terribly excited about trading away Clay Buchholz anyways, I would have to agree.
Jim Reeves at the Star Telegram discusses Ian Kinsler's invaluable role in Michael Young's decision to accept the third base move. Good article; its nice to hear about Kinsler's dedication to the Rangers and his willingness to help Young figure everything out. It smooths over a multitude of worries I had concerning this situation and how it might be a recurring issue.
And that is all for today . . .
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Rangers and Byrd Agree on Extension
Marlon Byrd and the Rangers have agreed upon a one-year deal worth 3.08 million, according to T.R. Sullivan.
I'm glad. Marlon Byrd has been a great pickup for the Rangers: someone picked up off the scrap heap with a dwindling career who has reinvented himself with the Rangers. The Rangers have a knack for guys like this--recently with Gary Matthews Jr. and Mark DeRosa. Both Matthews and DeRosa were signed to lucrative contracts with other teams when free agency came their way. If Byrd keeps performing at his 2007 and 2008 levels, he'll be the next in line.
I'm glad. Marlon Byrd has been a great pickup for the Rangers: someone picked up off the scrap heap with a dwindling career who has reinvented himself with the Rangers. The Rangers have a knack for guys like this--recently with Gary Matthews Jr. and Mark DeRosa. Both Matthews and DeRosa were signed to lucrative contracts with other teams when free agency came their way. If Byrd keeps performing at his 2007 and 2008 levels, he'll be the next in line.
Jason Varitek Signs with Red Sox
It has just been reported that Jason Varitek has agreed to a one-year deal with the Boston Red Sox worth $5 million. That seems to be a lot less than he was initially asking for, but I suppose that's how it goes when you hit .220 in a contract year.
I wonder how this will affect possible trade discussions between the Rangers and Red Sox. On one hand, it makes a trade less likely and decreases our chances of receiving premium pitching like Clay Buchholz in return. On the other hand, Jason Varitek would make a great mentor to a young, fresh catcher like Saltalamacchia who would welcome the opportunity. In that regard, it may not threaten the Rangers' at all. With the pitching depth the Sox just added in John Smoltz and Brad Penny, Buchholz is much more expendable . . .
I wonder how this will affect possible trade discussions between the Rangers and Red Sox. On one hand, it makes a trade less likely and decreases our chances of receiving premium pitching like Clay Buchholz in return. On the other hand, Jason Varitek would make a great mentor to a young, fresh catcher like Saltalamacchia who would welcome the opportunity. In that regard, it may not threaten the Rangers' at all. With the pitching depth the Sox just added in John Smoltz and Brad Penny, Buchholz is much more expendable . . .
Around the Horn: Friday
All quiet on the Rangers front this afternoon. But we do have some interesting material from around the league:
Ken Rosenthal, in an article about high-caliber free agents still in waiting, suggests the idea that Sheets pull a "Clemens" and wait until the summer to sign with a team in the heat of a pennant race. For mostly selfish reasons, I can't say I'm on board with him there.
Over at Crawfish Boxes, a Houston Astros blog, they make the connection that 5 of the biggest flops in Astros franchise history have been Texans, dubbed the "Texas Effect." This is due in no small part to the Astros, in general, being littered with Texans; the Rangers native to the Lone Star State that I can think of are Taylor Teagarden, Chris Davis, and David Murphy. Any more?
Remember the Yankees' spending spree earlier this offseason where they spent $400 million to sign three type A free agents? I was a bit apprehensive that this affluent display had not quite reached its conclusion, and that the Steinbrenner family would set their eyes on other pitching options (notably Ben Sheets). Well, according to Major League Baseball policy, they can't. Fortunately, restrictions imposed by Major League Baseball prohibit any team from luring more than three Type A free agents in the same offseason. I'm not sure that the Yankees would have been aggressively pursuing Sheets anyways, given their recent problems with injury prone veterans like Carl Pavano, but they did just sign AJ Burnett for five years and $82.5 million . . .
On a similar note, NPR writes about the Yankees' utter defiance of the economic recession. The article includes some quotes from former Rangers president Mike Cramer, now a professor at NYU. It was the concluding sentences of the piece that won me over:
Ken Rosenthal, in an article about high-caliber free agents still in waiting, suggests the idea that Sheets pull a "Clemens" and wait until the summer to sign with a team in the heat of a pennant race. For mostly selfish reasons, I can't say I'm on board with him there.
Over at Crawfish Boxes, a Houston Astros blog, they make the connection that 5 of the biggest flops in Astros franchise history have been Texans, dubbed the "Texas Effect." This is due in no small part to the Astros, in general, being littered with Texans; the Rangers native to the Lone Star State that I can think of are Taylor Teagarden, Chris Davis, and David Murphy. Any more?
Remember the Yankees' spending spree earlier this offseason where they spent $400 million to sign three type A free agents? I was a bit apprehensive that this affluent display had not quite reached its conclusion, and that the Steinbrenner family would set their eyes on other pitching options (notably Ben Sheets). Well, according to Major League Baseball policy, they can't. Fortunately, restrictions imposed by Major League Baseball prohibit any team from luring more than three Type A free agents in the same offseason. I'm not sure that the Yankees would have been aggressively pursuing Sheets anyways, given their recent problems with injury prone veterans like Carl Pavano, but they did just sign AJ Burnett for five years and $82.5 million . . .
On a similar note, NPR writes about the Yankees' utter defiance of the economic recession. The article includes some quotes from former Rangers president Mike Cramer, now a professor at NYU. It was the concluding sentences of the piece that won me over:
"So even if the Yankees seem recession proof, they do stick to the economics law of supply and demand. They supply a great storyline for baseball, by demanding that every non-Yankee fan has at least one deep-pocketed nemesis team to root against."
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Around the Horn: Thursday
"People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring." --Rogers Hornsby
Truer words have never been spoken, especially since the ice storm that has hit North Texas and Oklahoma the last several days, there hasn't been much to do except stare out the window and wait for the baseball season to start (and update your new blog, of course).
Even Derek Jeter, in response to a question about Joe Torre's new book that makes inflammatory remarks about the Yankees, said "It gets to a point where it seems like we're always talking about the same thing . . . It seems like every year at this time it's the same questions about the same things. I think everyone is eager to get to Spring Training and start playing on the field." For once, Mr. Jeter, I think you are on the same page as Rangers fans.
Speaking of "the same questions about the same things," we have more on the quest for Ben Sheets from Dayn Perry over at Fox Sports, who writes that the suitors of Ben Sheets should be cautious, but perhaps not as cautious as has been hyped. He makes a good case by citing 2009 projections from the most reputable sources out there (Bill James, Chone, marcel, and ZiPS). None of these projections, however, take into account that Mr. Sheets is likely to pitch most of his games at Rangers Bandbox in Arlington . . .
We learned yesterday that Jack Benoit will likely be out until the All Star break. Coupled with the loss of Eric Hurley to a similar injury, leaves our relief situation looking pretty bleak: CJ Wilson (career ERA 4.83), Dustin Nippert (career ERA 6.40), Luis "Three Run Inning " Mendoza (career ERA 7.37), Willie Eyre (career ERA 5.23), Derrick Turnbow (career ERA 4.30), Josh Rupe (career ERA 4.57), Frank Francisco (career ERA 3.72). Admittedly, I don't expect CJ Wilson to repeat last year's masterpiece 6.02 ERA, but this bullpen wouldn't even strike fear into the heart of Mario Mendoza (see: career batting average).
Perhaps there is bullpen help elsewhere . . . T.R. Sullivan's article on Benoit's rehab and consequent surgey includes a list of the "best right-handed relief pitchers" that are still on the market. The only one one the list who caught my eye was Eric Gagne, who we might be able to get at a bargain price. On another note, former Ranger Eddie Guardado (LHP) is still unsigned as well . . .
And, in case you've been asleep for the better part of the offseason or wasted your time on the Cowboys, USAToday.com has a good refresher of the Ranger offseason thus far.
Truer words have never been spoken, especially since the ice storm that has hit North Texas and Oklahoma the last several days, there hasn't been much to do except stare out the window and wait for the baseball season to start (and update your new blog, of course).
Even Derek Jeter, in response to a question about Joe Torre's new book that makes inflammatory remarks about the Yankees, said "It gets to a point where it seems like we're always talking about the same thing . . . It seems like every year at this time it's the same questions about the same things. I think everyone is eager to get to Spring Training and start playing on the field." For once, Mr. Jeter, I think you are on the same page as Rangers fans.
Speaking of "the same questions about the same things," we have more on the quest for Ben Sheets from Dayn Perry over at Fox Sports, who writes that the suitors of Ben Sheets should be cautious, but perhaps not as cautious as has been hyped. He makes a good case by citing 2009 projections from the most reputable sources out there (Bill James, Chone, marcel, and ZiPS). None of these projections, however, take into account that Mr. Sheets is likely to pitch most of his games at Rangers Bandbox in Arlington . . .
We learned yesterday that Jack Benoit will likely be out until the All Star break. Coupled with the loss of Eric Hurley to a similar injury, leaves our relief situation looking pretty bleak: CJ Wilson (career ERA 4.83), Dustin Nippert (career ERA 6.40), Luis "Three Run Inning " Mendoza (career ERA 7.37), Willie Eyre (career ERA 5.23), Derrick Turnbow (career ERA 4.30), Josh Rupe (career ERA 4.57), Frank Francisco (career ERA 3.72). Admittedly, I don't expect CJ Wilson to repeat last year's masterpiece 6.02 ERA, but this bullpen wouldn't even strike fear into the heart of Mario Mendoza (see: career batting average).
Perhaps there is bullpen help elsewhere . . . T.R. Sullivan's article on Benoit's rehab and consequent surgey includes a list of the "best right-handed relief pitchers" that are still on the market. The only one one the list who caught my eye was Eric Gagne, who we might be able to get at a bargain price. On another note, former Ranger Eddie Guardado (LHP) is still unsigned as well . . .
And, in case you've been asleep for the better part of the offseason or wasted your time on the Cowboys, USAToday.com has a good refresher of the Ranger offseason thus far.
Joaquin Benoit Out For First Half
According to the DMN Blog, Joaquin Benoit has undergone shoulder surgery and will not be available until at least the second half of this season. Sigh. Both he and CJ Wilson had disappointing years last year due to injury after seemingly turning their respective corners in 2007. With both Hurley (rotator cuff) and Benoit out, and Wes Littleton gone (makes me rethink that trade a little bit), the first few months of the season should be . . . . interesting.
New Helmets
Wow. Perhaps this will be one of those "it has to grow on you" looks, but I think the designer of this helmet will end up on this show before it grows on many people. You can read some of what non-Rangers fans think of the new fashion statement here, with some pretty funny comments. Even Paul Lukas of espn.com is weighing-in on our new eye-candy, and includes a list of what he considers to be the ugliest uniforms ever.
Around the Horn: Wednesday
It appears that, while we are mired in the offseason funk between the Michael Young scandal and a possible Ben Sheets signing, the only Rangers news out there is just more of the same about the Michael Young scandal and a possible Ben Sheets signing.
Since I started this blog after and during these events, instead of "weighing-in" on them, I can just link to articles that I agree with:
Despite what I just said, I was thinking about writing a post weighing-in on the Michael Young situation, since I didn't quite agree with any assessment I had read. But then I found this article written by Evan Grant several days ago which saved me from writing the next article in a series of articles on this subject that scream "this offseason has been way too boring." The gist of the article is that both the Rangers and Michael Young reacted appropriately and in the best interests of themselves and the team. Check it out.
Also, Cal Ripken talks about Michael Young's transition to third base in the Dallas Morning News today. Ripken was one of my favorite players back in the day, so I particularly like this one.
Most of us know the pros and cons of signing Ben Sheets. Still, this article by Richard Justice of Yahoo Sports lays them out pretty clearly. Good article, and I agree with just about everything he wrote except the first line:
"Ben Sheets is about to make some general manager look really, really smart or really, really dumb."
In general, for teams with already semi-solid pitching staffs, this would be true. The Rangers are not this type of team, as we know. After many failed attempts to woo pitchers of Sheets' caliber, the fact that Sheets is "damaged goods" should be viewed more as an opportunity than a risk for the Rangers. Even if the worst became true and Sheets flops in a Chan Ho Park-like fashion, taking the chance at bringing a true ace to Arlington will not have been "really, really dumb" for GM Jon Daniels.
That is all. For now.
Since I started this blog after and during these events, instead of "weighing-in" on them, I can just link to articles that I agree with:
Despite what I just said, I was thinking about writing a post weighing-in on the Michael Young situation, since I didn't quite agree with any assessment I had read. But then I found this article written by Evan Grant several days ago which saved me from writing the next article in a series of articles on this subject that scream "this offseason has been way too boring." The gist of the article is that both the Rangers and Michael Young reacted appropriately and in the best interests of themselves and the team. Check it out.
Also, Cal Ripken talks about Michael Young's transition to third base in the Dallas Morning News today. Ripken was one of my favorite players back in the day, so I particularly like this one.
Most of us know the pros and cons of signing Ben Sheets. Still, this article by Richard Justice of Yahoo Sports lays them out pretty clearly. Good article, and I agree with just about everything he wrote except the first line:
"Ben Sheets is about to make some general manager look really, really smart or really, really dumb."
In general, for teams with already semi-solid pitching staffs, this would be true. The Rangers are not this type of team, as we know. After many failed attempts to woo pitchers of Sheets' caliber, the fact that Sheets is "damaged goods" should be viewed more as an opportunity than a risk for the Rangers. Even if the worst became true and Sheets flops in a Chan Ho Park-like fashion, taking the chance at bringing a true ace to Arlington will not have been "really, really dumb" for GM Jon Daniels.
That is all. For now.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Welcome: The First Post
Welcome to Texas Ranger Baseball.
My name is John Paul Cook and I am a graduate student in mathematics at the University of Oklahoma (you can see my OU website here). I lived in Dallas for most of my life before I moved up here for school, and I remain a die-hard Texas Rangers fan.
My original plan was to name this both this blog and this blog's URL "Hello Win Column," for the late great Mark Holtz's signature phrase that marked every Ranger victory. However, this name was already taken by a blog that was only posted to once in July 2006. I've emailed the moderator of the site to see if he will relinquish the name, but I'm not going to hold my breath. So, for now and possibly for always, the URL for this page will be http://texasrangerbaseball.blogspot.com/.
I got inspiration to build this site from the already-established Rangers blogs such as Baseball Time in Arlington, Lone Star Ball, and The Newberg Report. While I never frequented the comments section on any of these pages, I often found myself wanting to write and post my own thoughts and analyses of the Texas Rangers.
While I would love it if people were to actually follow and read my blog, I'm mostly just doing this because I love the Rangers. If my mother is the only one who reads my postings, that will be just fine with me (thanks mom).
If you have any comments, suggestions, questions, etc., please feel free to send me an email or post a comment.
My primary goal is to write at least one posting every day. For now, I am just going to keep that in mind and see how it goes. Hopefully I will have worked out a good system for how to do this by the time the season starts.
If there is actually someone out there reading, enjoy!
John Paul
My name is John Paul Cook and I am a graduate student in mathematics at the University of Oklahoma (you can see my OU website here). I lived in Dallas for most of my life before I moved up here for school, and I remain a die-hard Texas Rangers fan.
My original plan was to name this both this blog and this blog's URL "Hello Win Column," for the late great Mark Holtz's signature phrase that marked every Ranger victory. However, this name was already taken by a blog that was only posted to once in July 2006. I've emailed the moderator of the site to see if he will relinquish the name, but I'm not going to hold my breath. So, for now and possibly for always, the URL for this page will be http://texasrangerbaseball.blogspot.com/.
I got inspiration to build this site from the already-established Rangers blogs such as Baseball Time in Arlington, Lone Star Ball, and The Newberg Report. While I never frequented the comments section on any of these pages, I often found myself wanting to write and post my own thoughts and analyses of the Texas Rangers.
While I would love it if people were to actually follow and read my blog, I'm mostly just doing this because I love the Rangers. If my mother is the only one who reads my postings, that will be just fine with me (thanks mom).
If you have any comments, suggestions, questions, etc., please feel free to send me an email or post a comment.
My primary goal is to write at least one posting every day. For now, I am just going to keep that in mind and see how it goes. Hopefully I will have worked out a good system for how to do this by the time the season starts.
If there is actually someone out there reading, enjoy!
John Paul
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