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Will the last 2 games force our hand into trading for bullpen help?

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I hope so. Not a lot of guys who know how to pitch in pressure situations right now, and you can't blame one guy, because we used complety different guys both times. Now the offense deciding to take the day off didn't help either.

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Will the last 2 games force our hand into trading for bullpen help?

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I'm going to antagonize some folks and just say it...you have another left-hander on the roster better than Cesar Ramos and maybe you feel comfortable taking Barnette out against Ellsbury there because he clearly didn't have it together today.

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Yes I was only implying I would expect something like that as the playoffs approach. Delino definitely isn't in line for a promotion at this point but he'll likely be up in Sept when rosters expand and if he plays decently I can see him being on the playoff roster for his speed if Stubbs can't come back by then. I haven't seen any news on Stubb's rehab other than the move to the 60.

Either way, we could easily have another guy in the bullpen right now if we wanted and not really impact the bench.

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IIRC, I think even though you get to use 40 during September, your actual playoff roster only allows you 25, which can be changed each series. The purpose of that was to encourage teams to give young players an opportunity, without hampering the team.

That being the case, I could see both Delino and Stubbs being available in September, but left off the Playoffs. Position player-wise... unless the Rangers want to move either Fielder or a C... I think the lineup looks solid.

Thoughts?

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Yeah that's my recollection as well. I would rather have either a guy that can pinch-run and be a defensive replacement in the outfield or an extra reliever in the playoffs over a third catcher but Banny and JD might disagree. That said I would expect it to vary from series to series.

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Too worried about framing a pitch that wasn't close...

Chirinos has been terrible since his return from the DL.

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Was he really setting the world on fire before?

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Did I read correctly that Ogando was DFA'ed this week? Worth kicking the tires?

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He was DFAd. Too old and inconsistent to stick around during Atlanta's quest for youth.

I don't know if he's worth it. He's not pitching anything like he used to, and the WHIP is up to 1.72.

I'm inclined to think that if he hadn't been a Ranger before, I wouldn't even know this happened...and that would make me feel like he's getting added for the wrong reasons. Nostalgia doesn't win games.

Maybe you try to get him on a minor league contract and see if he can work out whatever ails him.

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Wasn't there some mutual frustration when he left? Maybe I am misremembering.

Still slightly better than getting balked of at Dodger Stadium last year.

Never said he was...?

He has been a solid player for us since being a Ranger though.

Wilson and Holaday deserve more time behind the plate.

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I sure would. I'll gladly trade potential for a proven, perennial Cy Young contender with a very friendly contract. Seriously doubt it happens though.

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The cost I've heard bantered, on the high end, would be:
Profar (23-MIF-MLB) - .337 / 3 HR at MLB.
Gallo (22-Corner IF-AAA-Now?) - Your #1 prospect.
Luis Ortiz (20-RHP-AA-2018) - Your #4 prospect. He is killing it in AA (6 GS \ 3.14 ERA\1.22 WHIP)
Dillon Tate (22-RHP-A-2017) - Your #3 prospect. He fell all the way to the #4 pick, because arm fatigue. His numbers are not as impressive at A-Hickory, because he is working on 2ndary pitches. He has been projected anywhere from a ToTR guy to a Closer.

Would you give up all that?

Tate could have been the #1 player taken in the 2015 draft, if not for late season fatigue. The Rangers are bringing him along slowly.

Are there any questions left for Profar? He appears to be a stellar middle infielder and JD will be crucified for many years when Profar is traded.

Gallo - Chris Davis. Davis was 25 when he was cast aside, in 2011. He delivered 33, 53, 26, 47 & 19 HRs (this season). We got Koji Uehara for him.

You'd be trading 3 guys who will be on a MLB roster next year.

For Hamels, we gave up 3 guys who will be on their roster this year.
Eickoff (25-RHP-MLB) - Career MLB: 24 GS \ 3.12 ERA \ 1.17 WHIP
Jake Thompson (22-RHP-AAA): 15 GS \ 2.88 \ 1.169
Nick Williams (22-OF-AAA): .288 \ 7 HR \ 5 SB

Thompson and Williams are both expected to get the call-up soon.

Yeah, I get Sale is awesome, but to give up 3-4 MLB players who are that close and cheap? I'd give up 2 of the 4, but not all 4.

To have Sale, Hamels and Darvish would be unbelievable, for sure.

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Never said he was...?

He has been a solid player for us since being a Ranger though.

Wilson and Holaday deserve more time behind the plate.

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Not claiming you said that. Just pointing out thathe hasn't really contributed at any point this season. Certainly not enough to justify keeping 3 catchers

16th loss credited to the bullpen. Only Toronto has more in the AL.

I hear what you're sayin. I'd rather take may chances at winning a few World Series with The best starting 3 in baseball than letting it ride on a few potentially great prospects. Sale's contract is also super team friendly. Not to mention, Darvish likely walking after next season, leaving us with an aging Hamels as our only great pitcher.

Agreed. If only we could bundle all 4 for Lucroy.

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Agreed. If only we could bundle all 4 for Lucroy.

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I hear what you're sayin. I'd rather take may chances at winning a few World Series with The best starting 3 in baseball than letting it ride on a few potentially great prospects. Sale's contract is also super team friendly. Not to mention, Darvish likely walking after next season, leaving us with an aging Hamels as our only great pitcher.

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You bite your tongue.

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IIRC, I think even though you get to use 40 during September, your actual playoff roster only allows you 25, which can be changed each series. The purpose of that was to encourage teams to give young players an opportunity, without hampering the team.

That being the case, I could see both Delino and Stubbs being available in September, but left off the Playoffs. Position player-wise... unless the Rangers want to move either Fielder or a C... I think the lineup looks solid.

Thoughts?

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Yeah that's my recollection as well. I would rather have either a guy that can pinch-run and be a defensive replacement in the outfield or an extra reliever in the playoffs over a third catcher but Banny and JD might disagree. That said I would expect it to vary from series to series.

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I agree. I see the Rangers trading a C (or two) at some point. One of the 3 on the roster, and then maybe Nicholas?

I also expect us to add 2 RPs. We'll use some guys on our 40 in the trades. In the Playoffs, we have the ability to go to 4 SPs, and then use those SPs in relief, between GS. I think we went with 10 Pitchers in the Playoffs.
SP: Hamels-Perez-Darvish-Colby/New Guy
RP: Dyson, Diekman, Bush, Tolleson, Holland/Colby/New Guy, New Guy

That should give us 3 more bench players as options (including replacing a C).

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16th loss credited to the bullpen. Only Toronto has more in the AL.

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It may count as a Blown Save, but that was not on the BP.

The Run was unearned and should have been an E on Chirinos.

AJ Griffin went 5.0 IP gave up 1 ER
The BP went 3.2 IP gave up 0 ER

This was a team loss and any player could have won it for the Rangers... any player could have lost it.

16 SO out of 27 Outs.

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I hear what you're sayin. I'd rather take may chances at winning a few World Series with The best starting 3 in baseball than letting it ride on a few potentially great prospects. Sale's contract is also super team friendly. Not to mention, Darvish likely walking after next season, leaving us with an aging Hamels as our only great pitcher.

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I agree it is tempting.
2.60 #3 ERA Hamels
2.79 #4 ERA Sale
3.21 #9 ERA Colby
3.44 #13 ERA Perez

And then insert Darvish, where ever you feel comfortable.

You are talking me into it.

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16th loss credited to the bullpen. Only Toronto has more in the AL.

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It may count as a Blown Save, but that was not on the BP.

The Run was unearned and should have been an E on Chirinos.

AJ Griffin went 5.0 IP gave up 1 ER
The BP went 3.2 IP gave up 0 ER

This was a team loss and any player could have won it for the Rangers... any player could have lost it.

16 SO out of 27 Outs.

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Oh, I totally agree that the bullpen did well as far as not giving up earned runs and a bunch of hits or anything, but bullpen's inability to keep runners off the base paths...they were playing with fire the whole time.

The Yankees have the fewest walks in the AL by a mile and the second most strikeouts. The bullpen had 1 K and walked 4 guys and was headed towards another walk with Ellsbury.

The Yankees have one of the lowest OBPs in the AL and they got 7 guys on base in less than 4 innings.

Its no wonder that eventually bit the Rangers in the butt.

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16th loss credited to the bullpen. Only Toronto has more in the AL.

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It may count as a Blown Save, but that was not on the BP.

The Run was unearned and should have been an E on Chirinos.

AJ Griffin went 5.0 IP gave up 1 ER
The BP went 3.2 IP gave up 0 ER

This was a team loss and any player could have won it for the Rangers... any player could have lost it.

16 SO out of 27 Outs.

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Oh, I totally agree that the bullpen did well as far as not giving up earned runs and a bunch of hits or anything, but bullpen's inability to keep runners off the base paths...they were playing with fire the whole time.

The Yankees have the fewest walks in the AL by a mile and the second most strikeouts. The bullpen had 1 K and walked 4 guys and was headed towards another walk with Ellsbury.

The Yankees have one of the lowest OBPs in the AL and they got 7 guys on base in less than 4 innings.

Its no wonder that eventually bit the Rangers in the butt.

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Yeah... Chirinos missing a routine pitch was totally playing with fire.

He catches that pitch and the Rangers likely get out of the inning. After that, then what by the Yankees?

The Yankees have 3 really really good RPs, but not much else. I'm happy to take my chances getting out of that inning.

It happens.

The playing with fire was allowing a guy on 3rd in 2 out of 4 innings and a guy on 2nd in one of the other two innings.

A missed ball, any error...a ground ball in the right spot...or even broken-bat drooper into short left field...you're playing with fire.

Maybe they get out of it, maybe they don't.

But it was just a matter of time that something bad happened.

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The playing with fire was allowing a guy on 3rd in 2 out of 4 innings and a guy on 2nd in one of the other two innings.

A missed ball, any error...a ground ball in the right spot...or even broken-bat drooper into short left field...you're playing with fire.

Maybe they get out of it, maybe they don't.

But it was just a matter of time that something bad happened.

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I know what your point is.

I just find it funny that you think a RP allowing someone on base is playing with fire, when almost every RP has a WHIP of at least 1.00, which means every inning they have a person on base, yet you miss the oh so obvious playing with fire that is a SP going only 5.0 IP, leaving 4.0 IP to the BP consistently.

Here is a hint... a 1.00 WHIP by a RP is very normal.

A SP that can only go 5.0 IP is not sustainable, and at 5.0 IP he barely qualifies to get a Win. If he pitched 4.2 perfect innings, he wouldn't even get the Win.

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I know what your point is.

I just find it funny that you think a RP allowing someone on base is playing with fire, when almost every RP has a WHIP of at least 1.00, which means every inning they have a person on base, yet you miss the oh so obvious playing with fire that is a SP going only 5.0 IP, leaving 4.0 IP to the BP consistently.

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I'm not sure you do understand it.

I'm not upset they "let someone on base."

I'm upset they had a WHIP today of 1.750.

And allowed a runner to 3rd base twice and 2nd base in another inning.


And I would have loved for Griffin to have gone more innings. Lowers the odds for the bullpen to screw it up.

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Here is a hint... a 1.00 WHIP by a RP is very normal.

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They had a WHIP of 1.75

One point Seven Five.

Actually, it was higher than a 1.75...they didn't get the last out of the 9th.

Even worse.

Dodgers strike blood.

Acquire Bud Norris from Atlanta for a pair of 23 year old minor league relief pitchers.

Kershaw to the DL.

Dodgers rotation is in shambles.

I see us keeping Darvish no matter what. He will be expensive but we're rich, good and our future is very bright.

Back to back tough losses. Still split the series on the road, with Chi Chi and Martinez starting 2 games. Good news is we play the lowly Twins 7 of the last 10, with a 3 game series with the Red Sox in between. Finish 7-3 and you're 26 games over .500 and likely at least 8 games up on the Astros heading into the break.

At this point, I wouldn't pay big money for Darvish.

With Darvish, you have all the medical info and history, to make as good a decision as anyone.

However, Kershaw just got put on the DL for a herniated disk. They announce at a later time his prognosis. ETA for teturn? I'm no doctor, nor dealt with the issue. As of now, they say no surgery, which my Google says anywhere from 6 months to 2 years recovery. He wI'll get $35M for the next 4 years.

Greinke just got put on DL for tightnessin his oblique. Arizona is basicall out of the running in 2016. Greinke will get $35M for the next 5 years.

I need to look at Az, but I'm guessing they need lots to regain competitiveness.

Do you really want to commit to pay Darvish $35M for 6 to 7 years, realizing he just had TJ and struggling to return? I'd offer he a 3 yr extension at $25M per, and lower the offer if he gets to the offseason.

You might look to trade for Greinke, if you like injury risk. Choo and Fielder for Greinke and balance it with money and prospects. Sign Desmond for Choo money.

Next, I need to reconcile signed players with expected rise of Ortiz and Tate to the Rangers, realizing trading them for a Sale, Gray type controlled player.

Paying $35M for a pitcher is a huge risk. Especially a long contract.

Darvish, Lewis, Griffin and Holland are all manageable contracts.

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Paying $35M for a pitcher is a huge risk. Especially a long contract.

Darvish, Lewis, Griffin and Holland are all manageable contracts.

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Let me state that again...

Darvish ($10M-2016), Lewis ($6M-2016), Griffin ($507K-2016) and Holland ($10M-2016) are all manageable contracts.
Total: $26.5M
Darvish ($11M-2017), Lewis (FA-2017), Griffin (Arb1-2017) and Holland ($11M-2017) are all manageable contracts.
Total: $22M+ Arb for AJ - Colby

Greinke and Kershaw are fantastic SPs, but for one of them, we have 4 SPs.


Hamels is owed $23.5M for the next 4 years.

We are absolutely STEALING Cole Hamels for 23/year.

Which is weird to say.

Herniated disc is baaaad news. The only thing that can be done is to mitigate damage. They never truly get right.

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Herniated disc is baaaad news. The only thing that can be done is to mitigate damage. They never truly get right.

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There was a fan graphs article on Hamels and he said his velocity increased to what it is now from when he got to the league because he was finally able to afford the surgery with a big league contract. Says he has a chiropractor that travels with him.

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Herniated disc is baaaad news. The only thing that can be done is to mitigate damage. They never truly get right.

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There was a fan graphs article on Hamels and he said his velocity increased to what it is now from when he got to the league because he was finally able to afford the surgery with a big league contract. Says he has a chiropractor that travels with him.

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Interesting... thanks.

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