Ag_07 said:
I didn't say I knew that was a determining factor. I said "If I was him" it would be a factor.
I don't know what any players use as their driving decisions. I don't know if any us know that about any player so no I can't point you to a single player who has used BP as a deciding factor. I would think any smart pitcher would look at that as a driving factor just as a hitter would look at who else in the lineup around him.
And if you think the Ranger BP is in a good spot then I don't know what to tell you. You're nave if you think Darvish hits FA and other teams aren't drilling home the fact that Texas had a historically bad BP situation in 2017.
I think that'd be a big selling point for a team say like the Yankees.
I know as a starter I sure would like to have Betances and Chapman behind me over any two arms the Rangers have in their BP.
I didn't come here to stir the pot, but rather offer my opinion as an outsider. Take it FWIW
That's exactly what your intent was. I've just never heard someone use the BP as a selling point. You think the Yankees are going, "Yeah, you know, we could pitch this city, the Japanese community, $30M and playing for "The Yankees," but what really draws a SP is the Bullpen. If we could just ensure Darvish knows we have Betances for the first 2 years of the 6-7 year contract, he will sign with us."
I guess I just didn't realize that guys with a 3.18 ERA (Betances-29) and 3.48 (Chapman-29) in a volatile role with a team would draw so much interest. Thanks.
Yes... the Rangers BP has had some issues this season. And they will continue to work out the issues.
Right now we have some young controllable assets:
Kela (24): 2.64, 0.88
Claudio (25): 2.76, 1.12
Leclerc (23): 3.42, 1.18
Bush (31): 3.55, 1.42
Grilli (40)
But, the BP is not something you lock in uniformly year-after-year. The BP was supposed to be an asset of strength going into the season and anyone that thinks they could use that against the Rangers in 2017 is just trolling.