JD needs to be on the phone, NOW!

I read something today about JD not really looking at addressing the team needs just yet. I wonder if that changes after tonight? Hopefully Kela will be back soon and that'll be a nice shot in the arm.

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hello 9 game lead. Astros fans rejoice

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Hard to believe it's still that large considering each team's recent schedules. Win tomorrow and the series against the Twins and it'll be back to double digits.

I would not be opposed to adding two fresh, new bullpen members.

I guess 6 run leads are our weakness somehow? Haha

Turned the game off.......and missed the fireworks. How bout Bush does not pitch in the 9th anymore.

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Got to make a move to improve this bullpen.

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This isn't on the BP IMO.

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6 run 9th....

And it's not on the bullpen?

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Did you miss the quote that Dyson has pitched in 41 of 79 games? That means he has NOT pitched in 38 games.

The BP had to cover 4 IP. I think Banny was trying to use guys longer than they should have been in.

Losing sucks, but it happens.

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Overworked? Ok....then use someone else out of the bullpen...oh wait...you can't rely on anyone else.

Yep. Still on the bullpen.

AJM with some interesting stats on Twitter regarding Dyson:

In last 10 appearances, Dyson has only struck out 2 batters.

In last 10 appearances, he's thrown 141 pitches and only has induced 6 swinging strikes.

That's twice in a week that the back of the bullpen has pissed itself with a big lead. Unreal.

Right. The bullpen is overworked because most of them suck. The starters and offense are pulling their weight.

One of the issues with Dyson lately is that his misses are big. Guys aren't going to chase some of the wild **** he's throwing up there. The other is I'm seeing a little more discipline from hitters just to take some of the stuff lower in the zone and counting on it to sink out of it.

Between those 2 facts, he's getting worked deeper into counts where hitters are eventually seeing pitches they have a better chance of working with.

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JD needs to be on the phone, NOW!

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For what?

You get about 7 RPs. Adding another RP just means you chew up a different arm.

Our need is SP. You have Nick Martinez and Chi Chi who are going to give you about 5 IP before they start getting beat, and Griffin fits about 100 PC into 5 IP (Avg 5.1 IP/GS). So, you are looking at needing 4 IP for 3 of 5 GS.

Perez has gone almost exactly 6.0 IP / GS. Hamels is at 6.1 IP.

So, you are looking to manage a bunch of IP almost every game by the BP. We had like 22 games in a row, then a day off, then 17 games in a row.

You keep up the pace on the BP, and we'll start losing them.

Darvish won't be back until after the ASB (mentioned on post-game).
Colby out 2 months.
Derek? I have no idea.

Losing a game here or there because of the BP is manageable for now.

We NEED a RP... but I wouldn't jump on it for another couple weeks. Let's make it to the ASB and assess things. Kela should be back. That will be 1 more arm.

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Right. The bullpen is overworked because most of them suck. The starters and offense are pulling their weight.

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Yep, which is why we need to make a move to pick up a couple of reliable BP arms.

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JD needs to be on the phone, NOW!

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For what?

You get about 7 RPs. Adding another RP just means you chew up a different arm.

Our need is SP. You have Nick Martinez and Chi Chi who are going to give you about 5 IP before they start getting beat, and Griffin fits about 100 PC into 5 IP (Avg 5.1 IP/GS). So, you are looking at needing 4 IP for 3 of 5 GS.

Perez has gone almost exactly 6.0 IP / GS. Hamels is at 6.1 IP.

So, you are looking to manage a bunch of IP almost every game by the BP. We had like 22 games in a row, then a day off, then 17 games in a row.

You keep up the pace on the BP, and we'll start losing them.

Darvish won't be back until after the ASB (mentioned on post-game).
Colby out 2 months.
Derek? I have no idea.

Losing a game here or there because of the BP is manageable for now.

We NEED a RP... but I wouldn't jump on it for another couple weeks. Let's make it to the ASB and assess things. Kela should be back. That will be 1 more arm.

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We've had one of the best starting rotations all year and one of the worst bullpens. You think we should add another rotation arm, while not even addressing the bullpen? Wtf are you smoking?

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We've had one of the best starting rotations all year and one of the worst bullpens. You think we should add another rotation arm, while not even addressing the bullpen? Wtf are you smoking?

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You don't have to get all hostile.

Why is it we have had a great starting rotation?

Because the BP has allowed only 25% of Inherited Runners to score. 31% is the average for all MLB teams.

Only Cleveland, NYMets, SFG, Oak and Houston are better.

A BP that can come in (like Ramos did) with 2 on and 0 Outs and allows only 1 ER, is a big help for Martinez' ERA. 2 ER, instead of 3 ER in 5 IP.

We don't have a great starting rotation because 6 fewer inherited runners crossed the plate over the course of 80 games.

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We don't have a great starting rotation because 6 fewer inherited runners crossed the plate over the course of 80 games.

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We don't have a great starting rotation because Holland, Darvish & Colby are on the DL and we're sending out 2 AAA guys.

Fewer inherited runners help the SP numbers, as does pulling a pitcher after 5.0 IP when he is at 84 PC.

You leave Martinez in and how many runs does he end up sending around?

And I'm not saying the SP hasn't had a great season. They have put up great numbers and Banny has ensured the team is positioned to win.

The cost of that is more stress on the BP, which given up more ERs than it should.

But many of those GS have been by Colby (15), Griffin (7) & Darvish (3). Two of whom are on the DL now and 1 is just returning.

Looking forward... Griffin, Martinez & Gonzalez going 5.0 IP is more problematic than the BP situation.

I'd still go after a rotation piece. I feel like a starter is a known commodity. For the most part those guys have been in the league for a couple of years and put up good #'s. Bullpens arms are different. I feel like theirs more opportunity for bust, though it will cost you less.

I said before the game that I'd love to see the Rangers add Chris Sale. Sale has a career 2.90 era and is averaging 7+ innings/start. I know it costs a lot, but I don't know that this rotation gets you deep in the post season. I'm confident w/Hamels and maybe Martin. Other than that there are a ton of unknowns. Will Holland turn it around? Will Colby be pre-injury Colby? The guy is 37 and gets one year deals for a reason. I like him, he's a warrior, but there's no guarantee that he'll pitch like he has, and we won't know anything about his performance until after the deadline.

Profar wasn't going to get you much before he got called up, now he is worth something, and he isnt going to play middle IF on a daily basis for the Rangers. He's worth more to another team. As for Gallo, there's still a lot of unknown there. Ridiculous power, but he was a strikeout machine the only time he really got AB's. And he's a guy that's going to learn a new position if he's going to be a Ranger. We can't move Prince and Beltre is signed through 2018.

What is the goal of the trade deadline move? I think this team will make the post season as is. I don't think they make hay in the postseason with this rotation, and they damn sure aren't beating the Giants or Cubs with this rotation.

It doesn't have to be Sale. Maybe you take a shot at Gray, Teheran or Pomeranz as they may be cheaper. Thoughts?

Biggest needs for me are BP arms. We need a true closer and a solid arm that we can give the ball in the late innings with a 4 run lead. IMO This team has no shot at a championship with this BP. The rotation isn't as big of an issue for me. I believe when Yu gets back he'll be back for good and AJ will gradually get his stamina back and be able to go more than 5 or 6. If we do end up adding a rotation arm though, it better be somebody noteworthy and have under control for multiple years like Sale/ Gray/ Teheran.

Moreland will soon be gone. And I think Fielder is a pump and dump. If you can get him to where someone will take any sort of bite of that salary, you jump on it. And as much as I love Beltre, I just keep waiting for those hammies to blow a tire. Makes me very leary about packing Profar, Gallo, and more up.

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I'd still go after a rotation piece. I feel like a starter is a known commodity. For the most part those guys have been in the league for a couple of years and put up good #'s. Bullpens arms are different. I feel like theirs more opportunity for bust, though it will cost you less.

I said before the game that I'd love to see the Rangers add Chris Sale. Sale has a career 2.90 era and is averaging 7+ innings/start. I know it costs a lot, but I don't know that this rotation gets you deep in the post season. I'm confident w/Hamels and maybe Martin. Other than that there are a ton of unknowns. Will Holland turn it around? Will Colby be pre-injury Colby? The guy is 37 and gets one year deals for a reason. I like him, he's a warrior, but there's no guarantee that he'll pitch like he has, and we won't know anything about his performance until after the deadline.

Profar wasn't going to get you much before he got called up, now he is worth something, and he isnt going to play middle IF on a daily basis for the Rangers. He's worth more to another team. As for Gallo, there's still a lot of unknown there. Ridiculous power, but he was a strikeout machine the only time he really got AB's. And he's a guy that's going to learn a new position if he's going to be a Ranger. We can't move Prince and Beltre is signed through 2018.

What is the goal of the trade deadline move? I think this team will make the post season as is. I don't think they make hay in the postseason with this rotation, and they damn sure aren't beating the Giants or Cubs with this rotation.

It doesn't have to be Sale. Maybe you take a shot at Gray, Teheran or Pomeranz as they may be cheaper. Thoughts?

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Personally, I think it is still too early. We lost one game. No need to panic.

I think we will add 2 RPs and a SP.

I would still like Martinez to get a few more GS, to see what he has. Now is a good time to run him and Chi Chi out there a couple times.

I want to see what Griffin has, as well. I think we can roll with what we have through the ASB. Darvish will return and he is an unknown. I look at Lohse at AAA and am curious what he might do.

Tepesch went 1 GS with the LAD and then released, picked up by Oakland. Not much of a loss. If we can make 3 weeks as is, we'll know if Hamels, Perez & Darvish can be a solid 3.

Kela comes back.

I think we keep Profar until at least the offseason.

Gallo is expendable. I think if we add a SP, Gallo will be part of the package. If not maybe an offseason move.

Looking at 2017, Profar or Gallo could replace Moreland at 1B. Beltre is at 3B for 2 more years. Profar at 1B? Profar at CF? I'd prefer Desmond at CF.

I think there are too many teams looking for SPs, right now that the price is very high. Our options are far better than almost everyone else. One link on FBTR indicated teams could come asking for Lohse.

If Martinez/Chi Chi show they can chew some innings and keep the team in the game, they might have some trade value.

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like Sale/ Gray/ Teheran.

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What are you willing to give up for Sale?

I think Gray or Pomeranz are a better fit.

Teheran worries me. His GB/FB ration is worrisome and moving from the NL to the AL doesn't always work.

Pomeranz would be a cheaper less risky option (because he would be cheaper). Preller seems to be a terrible negotiator and has been on the losing side of almost every trade I can think of.

Oakland has also been on the wrong side of recent trades.

The last I heard of Teheran would project to include Profar.

I agree we'll get a couple BP arms. I think we'll get one of the Yankees trio.

I'm not suggesting they blow the whole thing up now. I agree that they'll make moves to address both issues. They did last year. I just think the rotation piece is the most glaring issue for me if the goal is to win a WS. The only known commodities in the rotation right now are Cole Hamels and one could argue Martin Perez. The rest are TBD.

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like Sale/ Gray/ Teheran.

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What are you willing to give up for Sale?

I think Gray or Pomeranz are a better fit.

Teheran worries me. His GB/FB ration is worrisome and moving from the NL to the AL doesn't always work.

Pomeranz would be a cheaper less risky option (because he would be cheaper). Preller seems to be a terrible negotiator and has been on the losing side of almost every trade I can think of.

Oakland has also been on the wrong side of recent trades.

The last I heard of Teheran would project to include Profar.

I agree we'll get a couple BP arms. I think we'll get one of the Yankees trio.

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Gray may be my favorite of the bunch, but his #'s aren't where they've been in the past. I like him and Sale, and realize Gray would be the cheaper option.

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Why is it we have had a great starting rotation?

Because the BP has allowed only 25% of Inherited Runners to score. 31% is the average for all MLB teams.

Only Cleveland, NYMets, SFG, Oak and Houston are better.

A BP that can come in (like Ramos did) with 2 on and 0 Outs and allows only 1 ER, is a big help

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That's one way to theorize but it's not the reason for the great starting pitching.

Even if the Rangers bullpen gave up a league worse 45% of inherited runners, it'd have only accounted for an additional 23 runs against the starters. (115 total inherited runners this season.)

That's bump the starting rotation's ERA from 3.62 to 4.07.

That'd still be 8th best in MLB and 3rd in the AL.

(They're currently 6th in MLB and 2nd in the AL.)

It's definitely a feather in the bullpen's cap but is merely one part of the game. There are 8 other innings every game where the issue of inherited runners doesn't happen.

It certainly doesn't change the fact that the Rangers starting pitching is pretty good in earlier innings and the Rangers bullpen is terrible in later innings.

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The cost of that is more stress on the BP, which given up more ERs than it should.

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Im not exactly what you're going for, but the Rangers bullpen is right at the AL average with 242 innings pitched.

They haven't had it easy but they've also not been heavily used.

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Gray may be my favorite of the bunch, but his #'s aren't where they've been in the past. I like him and Sale, and realize Gray would be the cheaper option.

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I agree. Most projections for Gray or Sale would include Gallo.

What has been thrown out there:

Sale:
(high side) Profar + Gallo + Luiz Ortiz + Dillon Tate
(low side) Gallo + Ortiz or Tate + Delino DeShields

If you were to compare Hamels (Eickhof: MLB-SP, Williams: AAA-OF; Thompson: AAA-SP, Alfaro: AA-C), I would expect something between. If we can keep Profar and Brinson... I'd give up Gallo + Ortiz or Tate + DeShields + another mid-level prospect. Easily.

The article also mentions Matt Moore, whom I've heard recently, elsewhere.

Gray seems to be coming around.

James Shields has been terrible for Chicago White Sox, but SD is paying for most of his salary.

Where on this 25-man roster are you fitting more bullpen arms?

As long as guys aren't going on the DL, there's no room for an additional bullpen piece.

The bullpen is fine if Bannister would learn to manage it.

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The cost of that is more stress on the BP, which given up more ERs than it should.

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Im not exactly what you're going for, but the Rangers bullpen is right at the AL average with 242 innings pitched.

They haven't had it easy but they've also not been heavily used.

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The issue isn't with the bullpen usage overall, it's with the specific personnel being overused.

Dyson is on pace to blow through his career high in IP (which was last year -- which blew through his previous career high).

Matt Bush is fresh out of jail and he's gonna end up throwing 50 innings.

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The issue isn't with the bullpen usage overall, it's with the specific personnel being overused.

Dyson is on pace to blow through his career high in IP (which was last year -- which blew through his previous career high).

Matt Bush is fresh out of jail and he's gonna end up throwing 50 innings.

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I think you forgot he was in the minors and has pitched 17.0 IP in the minors.

He is sitting at 37.1 IP. His 2.65 ERA in the minors, and 18 SO in 17.0 IP (at AA) should also be an indicator those were soft NOT innings. He had 5 Saves in 12 Appearances. Going more than 1 IP should be ok, for him, but man... he has a total of 34 Appearances already.

41 App - Dyson (2.79\1.09)
36 App - Diekman (3.03\0.94)
34 App - Bush (3.10\1.13)
30 App - Barnette (2.97\1.38)
28 App - Tolleson (6.58\1.50)

I think we are good there, but we could use 1 more, adding Kela makes 2.

<Edited to put the word "NOT," that I omitted>

Some of the bullpen usage issues has been the result of so many close games and the lack of really reliable arms outside of Barnette, Diekman, Bush and Dyson. I'm hoping Tolleson has turned a corner and made it past his early season struggles. I'll feel better about the bullpen w/a healthy Kela and another quality arm. But it's going to require Banny being okay with using some of these guys in late game situations if the games keep going the way they have all season. You can't use the same 3/4 guys in half of your games.