In lieu of the recent transactions that have been made, I have a few comments:
1) Why bring up Luis Mendoza? You remember, he of the 8.67 ERA (dead last in the majors for pitchers with at least 50 IP). He seems to be having some success at AAA Oklahoma (approximately 10 scoreless innings pitched), but after last season's train wreck he's going to have to spend a lot more time in AAA to convince me that he's ready. I imagine he'll be kept on a short leash and optioned back down at the first sign of repeating last year's debacle.
2) A great option would have been signing Juan Cruz (check out his stats if you aren't familiar . . . or just know that he has a career 3.99 ERA coming off of three straight solid seasons in the bullpen), but the Rangers apparently couldn't compete with the high-octane, payroll-driven financial behemoths: the Kansas City Royals. There's nothing else to say.
2) With all of this bullpen trouble going on, it makes me wonder why we traded Wes Littleton to the Red Sox (he's now with the Brewers, having been claimed off waivers). Granted, at this time the Rangers didn't know that Eric Hurley and Joaquin Benoit were out for the year, so he was a little bit more expendable at the time. That having been said, however, he has had some success (albeit not last year) in the big leagues, which is more than can be said for most other options to which the Rangers could have turned.
Opposing hitters have posted a modest .239/.317/.349 line against him in his career (all major league appearances have been with Texas). A look at how opposing hitters have perfomed against the other Rangers bullpen options this season:
Josh Rupe: .290/.380/.432
Kason Gabbard: .257/.364/.374
Luis Mendoza: .324/.387/.493
Willie Eyre: .301/.374/.474
Scott Feldman: .280/.357/.443
The obvious arguments against Littleton are that he was out of options and, with young stars on the way, it wasn't worth hanging onto him. But what about now?
Showing posts with label Scott Feldman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scott Feldman. Show all posts
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Tuesday: What the Tuesday Morning Box Score Won't Tell You (and Some of What It Will)
Despite the fact that I usually leave game recaps to Jon (who is much better at them), for particularly interesting games I had an idea about writing an article entitled "What the Box Score Won't Tell You (and Some of What It Will)". I'm going to reserve these articles for games in which the box score just doesn't do the game justice (which, if you want to get technical, is every game, but I'll save this for the extreme circumstances). This game, though the Rangers' fourth loss in a row, was certainly exciting and had a multitude of notable moments. For those who haven't had the chance to read-up on the game yet, here are the links: Recap, Boxscore
So, without further delay, here is the first edition of . . . .
What the Tuesday Morning Box Score Won't Tell You:
**Marlon Byrd got away with a defensive miscue in the first inning (that was not ruled an error) and led to a run
**Aubrey Huff, a Texas native from Mineral Wells, reached base all 5 times even though he struck out once
**On a similar note, Jason Jennings struck out 3 in the seventh but didn't strike out the side
**Koji Uehara (Baltimore's starter) collected the first three strikeouts of his American baseball career
**Elvis Andrus and Taylor Teagarden had key RBIs on groundouts to key a 3-run 6th inning
**The ever-so-atheltic Eddie Guardado fell down while fielding a comebacker in the 8th yet still threw the runner out
**Home plate umpire CD Bucknor upheld his notoriety for a consistently inconsistent strike-zone, frustrating pitchers and batters alike (especially Ian Kinsler, who was nearly ejected)
**Ian Kinsler led off the ninth inning with a clutch double, but followed with a not-so-clutch baserunning blunder on Michael Young's lineout to the wall
**Nick Markakis saved the game for the Birds when he slammed into the wall catching Michael Young's 9th inning screamer with Ian Kinsler on second base and no outs
**Marlon Byrd struck out to end the game with the tying run on third and the winning run on second
And Some of What It Will:
**Chris Davis busted out of an 0 for the season slump with a 3 for 4 performance and 1 HR
**Michael Young slugged his first HR of the year en route to a multi-hit night
**Andruw Jones had a double and a HR in a solid offensive outing as the DH/cleanup
**Rangers pitchers had 9 strikeouts
**There were only 12,184 fans in attendance
**Vicente Padilla and Scott Feldman soiled the sheets
So, without further delay, here is the first edition of . . . .
What the Tuesday Morning Box Score Won't Tell You:
**Marlon Byrd got away with a defensive miscue in the first inning (that was not ruled an error) and led to a run
**Aubrey Huff, a Texas native from Mineral Wells, reached base all 5 times even though he struck out once
**On a similar note, Jason Jennings struck out 3 in the seventh but didn't strike out the side
**Koji Uehara (Baltimore's starter) collected the first three strikeouts of his American baseball career
**Elvis Andrus and Taylor Teagarden had key RBIs on groundouts to key a 3-run 6th inning
**The ever-so-atheltic Eddie Guardado fell down while fielding a comebacker in the 8th yet still threw the runner out
**Home plate umpire CD Bucknor upheld his notoriety for a consistently inconsistent strike-zone, frustrating pitchers and batters alike (especially Ian Kinsler, who was nearly ejected)
**Ian Kinsler led off the ninth inning with a clutch double, but followed with a not-so-clutch baserunning blunder on Michael Young's lineout to the wall
**Nick Markakis saved the game for the Birds when he slammed into the wall catching Michael Young's 9th inning screamer with Ian Kinsler on second base and no outs
**Marlon Byrd struck out to end the game with the tying run on third and the winning run on second
And Some of What It Will:
**Chris Davis busted out of an 0 for the season slump with a 3 for 4 performance and 1 HR
**Michael Young slugged his first HR of the year en route to a multi-hit night
**Andruw Jones had a double and a HR in a solid offensive outing as the DH/cleanup
**Rangers pitchers had 9 strikeouts
**There were only 12,184 fans in attendance
**Vicente Padilla and Scott Feldman soiled the sheets
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Wednesday: Baseball Prospectus Scouting Reports in Review
For anyone not familiar with Baseball Prospectus' annual publication, they break down every single player in the majors by team and provide original statistical analysis as well as witty, dry, and sarcastic commentary for most of the players (for instance, in the 2007 edition they referred to Jason Botts as "an honorary member of the Giambi clan" when discussing his defense at first base). It is an indispensable reference book for any stat-head baseball fan.
I thought it might be fun to look at what some of the earlier editions remarked about some of the younger players who are now with the big league club. Perhaps the most intriguing part about reading these reports is their variance from year to year, which chronicles their travels through both minor league ball and their first few major league years. I chose only players who were with the Rangers in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and will be (as of right now) in 2009, and I tried to pick the most interesting cases out of those criteria.
Joaquin Arias:
2007: "Part of the very light payoff for Alex Rodriguez, Joaquin Arias has the physical tools to be a fine shortstop . . . That doesn't mean he's going to be a useful major league player . . . "
2008: "When the Rangers traded Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees in early 2004, they had their chance of one of two athletic infielders in the Yankees' system. The Rangers chose Arias, passing on Robinson Cano. Whoops."
2009: "The problem is that his shoulder injury might effectively be the difference between a future as a second-division starter and that of a utilityman . . . his bat won't carry him anywhere as a regular but short."
Nelson Cruz:
2007: "Constantly being traded for reseve infielders can sap a guy's confidence . . . he's the best defensive fit for the job, but his bat may prove a bit light for a right fielder in Texas's low-gravity ballpark."
2008: "Over the last two seasons, Cruz has hit 35 home runs and slugged .580 at Triple-A, but he's been given two sizable opportunities with the Rangers and proven each time that he's probably yet another Quadruple-A talent."
2009: "Cruz's up-and-down career hit one of its upswings . . . the Rangers saw the error of their ways and brought him back in August, well after he'd belabored the point."
Taylor Teagarden:
2007: "He entered the year as a top prospect, highly regarded on both sides of the ball. With the [Tommy John] procedure, his ability to cut down the running game is thrown into question, but he's a very good handler of pitchers."
2008: "A frustrating prospect, Teagarden has been a Three True Outcomes hero . . . When Teagarden is behind the dish, he's one of the top defensive catchers around. If he can stay there, he's Mickey Tettleton with defensive chops."
2009: "One of the best defensive catchers in the minors, Teagarden calls a game like a veteran, is agile behind the plate, and absolutely shuts down the running game. If you really want to get dreamy and optimistic, think Mickey Tettleton with Gold-Glove level skills."
Scott Feldman:
2007: "Rangers pitchers must all have Tommy John baseball cards in the spokes of their bicycles. Another survivor of the procedure, Feldman has regained his control."
2008: "[Feldman] has spent the last two years splitting time between Triple-A and the majors . . . there's no reason to expect a great leap forward."
2009: " . . . got 13 quality starts in 28. This does not mean that he has a great future ahead of him as a rotation regular, but now he's a handy utility pitcher on a staff that always seems to need something."
Eric Hurley:
2007: "Hurley is beginning to look like the real thing . . . It wouldn't be surprising to see him in Arlington as a late-season call-up this year and battling for a rotation spot in 2008."
2008: "Hurley is seen by many as the top prospect in the Rangers' organization, but that's only because somebody had to be . . . He's still a very good prospect, but his ceiling is no higher than a solid third starter."
2009: "Once one of the top pitchers in the system, Hurley seems to be frozen in time, having made little progress the past two years . . . he's on the verge of being lost in the shuffle."
Josh Rupe:
2007: "Rupe was one of the Rangers pitchers who did the best job of keeping the ball on the ground in 2006. Nonetheless, this [3.10 ERA] is about as good as it's going to get for him. That means . . . a far higher ERA."
2008: "Rupe has big-league potential and a complete inability to stay healthy."
2009: "What does that make in today's era of over-managed pens? Mop-up Apprentice, first class? . . . He didn't have an exploitable split. He's still on the 40-man. No, there's no explanation."
Chris Davis:
2007: "[Davis] is a hulking first baseman who was among the Northwest leaders in homeruns. He'll have to keep it to move up because that's all he does well."
2008: "Davis put to rest any concerns about his California League showing in the first half being a league-based fluke . . . One of the top power prospects around, Davis's future will be dictacted by what he doesn't do: make much contact or play good defense."
2009: "Davis's game-breaking power didn't merely pound pitching . . . enjoy the bopping to come."
I thought it might be fun to look at what some of the earlier editions remarked about some of the younger players who are now with the big league club. Perhaps the most intriguing part about reading these reports is their variance from year to year, which chronicles their travels through both minor league ball and their first few major league years. I chose only players who were with the Rangers in 2006, 2007, and 2008 and will be (as of right now) in 2009, and I tried to pick the most interesting cases out of those criteria.
Joaquin Arias:
2007: "Part of the very light payoff for Alex Rodriguez, Joaquin Arias has the physical tools to be a fine shortstop . . . That doesn't mean he's going to be a useful major league player . . . "
2008: "When the Rangers traded Alex Rodriguez to the Yankees in early 2004, they had their chance of one of two athletic infielders in the Yankees' system. The Rangers chose Arias, passing on Robinson Cano. Whoops."
2009: "The problem is that his shoulder injury might effectively be the difference between a future as a second-division starter and that of a utilityman . . . his bat won't carry him anywhere as a regular but short."
Nelson Cruz:
2007: "Constantly being traded for reseve infielders can sap a guy's confidence . . . he's the best defensive fit for the job, but his bat may prove a bit light for a right fielder in Texas's low-gravity ballpark."
2008: "Over the last two seasons, Cruz has hit 35 home runs and slugged .580 at Triple-A, but he's been given two sizable opportunities with the Rangers and proven each time that he's probably yet another Quadruple-A talent."
2009: "Cruz's up-and-down career hit one of its upswings . . . the Rangers saw the error of their ways and brought him back in August, well after he'd belabored the point."
Taylor Teagarden:
2007: "He entered the year as a top prospect, highly regarded on both sides of the ball. With the [Tommy John] procedure, his ability to cut down the running game is thrown into question, but he's a very good handler of pitchers."
2008: "A frustrating prospect, Teagarden has been a Three True Outcomes hero . . . When Teagarden is behind the dish, he's one of the top defensive catchers around. If he can stay there, he's Mickey Tettleton with defensive chops."
2009: "One of the best defensive catchers in the minors, Teagarden calls a game like a veteran, is agile behind the plate, and absolutely shuts down the running game. If you really want to get dreamy and optimistic, think Mickey Tettleton with Gold-Glove level skills."
Scott Feldman:
2007: "Rangers pitchers must all have Tommy John baseball cards in the spokes of their bicycles. Another survivor of the procedure, Feldman has regained his control."
2008: "[Feldman] has spent the last two years splitting time between Triple-A and the majors . . . there's no reason to expect a great leap forward."
2009: " . . . got 13 quality starts in 28. This does not mean that he has a great future ahead of him as a rotation regular, but now he's a handy utility pitcher on a staff that always seems to need something."
Eric Hurley:
2007: "Hurley is beginning to look like the real thing . . . It wouldn't be surprising to see him in Arlington as a late-season call-up this year and battling for a rotation spot in 2008."
2008: "Hurley is seen by many as the top prospect in the Rangers' organization, but that's only because somebody had to be . . . He's still a very good prospect, but his ceiling is no higher than a solid third starter."
2009: "Once one of the top pitchers in the system, Hurley seems to be frozen in time, having made little progress the past two years . . . he's on the verge of being lost in the shuffle."
Josh Rupe:
2007: "Rupe was one of the Rangers pitchers who did the best job of keeping the ball on the ground in 2006. Nonetheless, this [3.10 ERA] is about as good as it's going to get for him. That means . . . a far higher ERA."
2008: "Rupe has big-league potential and a complete inability to stay healthy."
2009: "What does that make in today's era of over-managed pens? Mop-up Apprentice, first class? . . . He didn't have an exploitable split. He's still on the 40-man. No, there's no explanation."
Chris Davis:
2007: "[Davis] is a hulking first baseman who was among the Northwest leaders in homeruns. He'll have to keep it to move up because that's all he does well."
2008: "Davis put to rest any concerns about his California League showing in the first half being a league-based fluke . . . One of the top power prospects around, Davis's future will be dictacted by what he doesn't do: make much contact or play good defense."
2009: "Davis's game-breaking power didn't merely pound pitching . . . enjoy the bopping to come."
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Around the Horn: Tuesday (Afternoon)
We already knew that Eddie Guardado was going to skip out on playing for Mexico in the World Baseball Classic. Yesterday, TR Sullivan posted that Luis Mendoza will not play for Mexico in the Classic either. Too bad for Mexico, they could have used someone who posted an 8.67 ERA and a 3-8 record last year in the majors. Also too bad for Team USA.
Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd will be introduced to new roles: Blalock as the DH, Byrd as the self proclaimed "I don't know -- fifth outfielder?". Baseball Time in Arlington revisits exercising Blalock's club option, and TR Sullivan thinks that Byrd's knee surgery may be more of an issue than previously let on. Kason Gabbard will also try out new digs in the bullpen, as the starting rotation is already set to be Millwood, Padilla, Feldman, McCarthy, Harrison. I imagine we will have Jason Jennings sighting in the rotation at the first hint of the need for a sixth starter to step in.
Michael Young is sure that "Andruw is going to have a monster year." To be honest, I'm not going to be impressed with anything less.
Frankie Francisco is heading into camp as the top choice the closer's role, from which he will receive considerable competition from CJ Wilson. I like this move, Francisco was dominant when took on that role last year. I was never comfortable with Wilson as the closer anyways; he is much more powerful as a setup/LOOGY type.
Spring Training Updates: TR Sullivan, Jeff Wilson
Last, but not least, one of the highlights of my day yesterday was reading Jamey Newberg's article on why the Rangers are going to be better in 2009. I have to admit that I wasn't too terribly optimistic about our chances for this season, but this article changed my mind.
Hank Blalock and Marlon Byrd will be introduced to new roles: Blalock as the DH, Byrd as the self proclaimed "I don't know -- fifth outfielder?". Baseball Time in Arlington revisits exercising Blalock's club option, and TR Sullivan thinks that Byrd's knee surgery may be more of an issue than previously let on. Kason Gabbard will also try out new digs in the bullpen, as the starting rotation is already set to be Millwood, Padilla, Feldman, McCarthy, Harrison. I imagine we will have Jason Jennings sighting in the rotation at the first hint of the need for a sixth starter to step in.
Michael Young is sure that "Andruw is going to have a monster year." To be honest, I'm not going to be impressed with anything less.
Frankie Francisco is heading into camp as the top choice the closer's role, from which he will receive considerable competition from CJ Wilson. I like this move, Francisco was dominant when took on that role last year. I was never comfortable with Wilson as the closer anyways; he is much more powerful as a setup/LOOGY type.
Spring Training Updates: TR Sullivan, Jeff Wilson
Last, but not least, one of the highlights of my day yesterday was reading Jamey Newberg's article on why the Rangers are going to be better in 2009. I have to admit that I wasn't too terribly optimistic about our chances for this season, but this article changed my mind.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Around the Horn: Thursday
If you haven't heard by now, the Rangers have all but passed on Ben Sheets, who is likely to require flexor tendon surgery. The surgery, depending on who you talk to, could keep Sheets out for the enitre first half or for the entire season. Considering that John Hart is still on our staff, I'm surprised we didn't try to sign Sheets to 5 years and $65 million. Is anyone else looking forward to another season with Millwood as our ace? Richard Durrett gives his projections for the starting rotation given this latest development: Millwood, Padilla, Harrison, McCarthy, and Feldman.
The Rangers are also working towards installing LED technology throughout the Ballpark, most notably the left field scoreboard. I have to admit it looks pretty snazzy (see below). I was always a fan, however, of the old-fashioned manual scoreboard. I'm not sure whether this is an actual or projected image, but you can't argue with its appearance:
The Rangers are also working towards installing LED technology throughout the Ballpark, most notably the left field scoreboard. I have to admit it looks pretty snazzy (see below). I was always a fan, however, of the old-fashioned manual scoreboard. I'm not sure whether this is an actual or projected image, but you can't argue with its appearance:
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