AccidentProne said:

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I just think if you let Yu walk, then who are going to get to replace him that isn't going to cost just as it would to just re-sign him?

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You don't need a Yu Darvish kind of player making $27 million a year on your team to avoid being in a full rebuild mode. You just have to spread out your money wisely and get some good contributions on a nightly basis.

Quote:

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the Ivy League GM

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Woah woah woah. You've told me I'm wrong pretty much always!

(#humblebrag)

TXAggie2011 said:

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Quote:

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the Ivy League GM

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Woah woah woah. You've told me I'm wrong pretty much always!

(#humblebrag)

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Except you're not a GM. Ivy league grads are a dime a dozen -- the ones that have made it to the peak of their chosen profession are the ones you should pay attention to.

Agreed, I mean the 2011 staff was led by CJ Wilson, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, and Matt Harrison. None of which anyone would consider an ace.

AccidentProne said:

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I just think if you let Yu walk, then who are going to get to replace him that isn't going to cost just as it would to just re-sign him?

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Not flaming......I'm just curious......you have mentioned before that Yu will be a Ranger next year. Do you still believe that, or has something changed recently?

TXAggie2011 said:

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AccidentProne said:

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I just think if you let Yu walk, then who are going to get to replace him that isn't going to cost just as it would to just re-sign him?

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You don't need a Yu Darvish kind of player making $27 million a year on your team to avoid being in a full rebuild mode. You just have to spread out your money wisely and get some good contributions on a nightly basis.

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Which is the same mindset that any mid-market team has.

Big-market teams go out there and try to land the top of the rotation arms, because they can make up for a lot of nights where you don't get good contributions in other places.

Simply put, if Texas is going to be a contender over the next few years they need at least 2 TORPs. Cole Hamels can still pass for one... But Martin Perez ain't, and it certainly doesn't look like they have one pressing to be promoted from the minors.

So you have Yu Darvish and then not a lot of other options. There's a reason he's going to be the most highly coveted free agent - because every team knows that it's a roster piece that is very valuable and very hard to find.

bigcat22 said:

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Agreed, I mean the 2011 staff was led by CJ Wilson, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, and Matt Harrison. None of which anyone would consider an ace.

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True, but all 4 had numbers showing they would be contributors before they were stuck into the rotation. CJ was effective enough as a reliever to believe he might be able to start. Holland and Harrison had minor league #'s that showed they could potentially be starters. Colby Lewis was putting up numbers in Japan that showed he could potentially be a starter.

Texas doesn't have anyone knocking on the door in AA/AAA that looks like they are ready to make the jump to big league starter.

Big market teams do try to sign the big names. It doesn't mean when they don't sign the big name on the market that year they enter full rebuild mode.

free_mhayden said:

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bigcat22 said:

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Agreed, I mean the 2011 staff was led by CJ Wilson, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, and Matt Harrison. None of which anyone would consider an ace.

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True, but all 4 had numbers showing they would be contributors before they were stuck into the rotation. CJ was effective enough as a reliever to believe he might be able to start. Holland and Harrison had minor league #'s that showed they could potentially be starters. Colby Lewis was putting up numbers in Japan that showed he could potentially be a starter.

Texas doesn't have anyone knocking on the door in AA/AAA that looks like they are ready to make the jump to big league starter.

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Free agency is now more where they'd have to look full out the roster with guys that fit those criteria but the point is they didn't have superstar pitchers starting games.

Hell, the Astros really have one guy who when not on the DL has pitched like a superstar and they're having an okay season. Like them, the Rangers may need to be a little more offensive minded.

I trust JD. Far from infallible, but I think he's done a great job and trust him.

TXAggie2011 said:

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Big market teams do try to sign the big names. It doesn't mean when they don't sign the big name on the market that year they enter full rebuild mode.

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Of course.

I didn't take AP's post as "we better sign Yu or we're in full rebuild mode".

I took it as "we're going to use every strategy at our disposal to sign Yu because if we want to replace him elsewhere it is going to cost just as much if not more".


Texas isn't going into full rebuild mode. The only realistic chance of that happening was if they completely bombed last week and even then the chances were slim.

I feel a DA94 dissertation coming on soon....

DannyDuberstein said:

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I trust JD. Far from infallible, but I think he's done a great job and trust him.

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He's definitely made mistakes and may make one here. I just think because of the situation (where there are a lot of indicators and discussions that he is privy to and we are not) that it's impossible to really know if he's making the best strategic decision or not... It's just not as simple as your standard "Will Adam Eaton be a better fit right now than Chris Young" type trade where us casual fans can all look at the numbers and the projections and have a decent idea.

You throw the Ohtani backroom discussions into things and it even more-so becomes a situation where no one that isn't in the inner circle will really know if it was a good strategic decision or not (whatever decision he does make).

MSFC Aggie said:

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AccidentProne said:

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I just think if you let Yu walk, then who are going to get to replace him that isn't going to cost just as it would to just re-sign him?

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Not flaming......I'm just curious......you have mentioned before that Yu will be a Ranger next year. Do you still believe that, or has something changed recently?

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I am still in the boat that we will re-sign. It's going to cost a lot and will force to be creative in the offseason with the free agents to be, but I just think it is ultimately the best route to take.

Definitely a lot of moving parts on this decision. The first chance at a report card won't come until late in the offseason.

free_mhayden said:

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DannyDuberstein said:

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I trust JD. Far from infallible, but I think he's done a great job and trust him.

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He's definitely made mistakes and may make one here. I just think because of the situation (where there are a lot of indicators and discussions that he is privy to and we are not) that it's impossible to really know if he's making the best strategic decision or not... It's just not as simple as your standard "Will Adam Eaton be a better fit right now than Chris Young" type trade where us casual fans can all look at the numbers and the projections and have a decent idea.

You throw the Ohtani backroom discussions into things and it even more-so becomes a situation where no one that isn't in the inner circle will really know if it was a good strategic decision or not (whatever decision he does make).

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Take it for it what it's worth, but Josh Boyd (AGM) has turned his Ohtani figurine facing towards his office. It was pointing out towards the field up until recently

MSFC Aggie said:

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I feel a DA94 dissertation coming on soon....

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For all the jokes going DallasAg94's way, free_mhayden has to contend for most words, least said.

I do note the posts have changed from "it's silly to think Jon Daniels doesn't know best" to "it's tough to know if Jon Daniels knew best." With a little more leg work, it'll be "Jon Daniels was wrong."

Ultimately, you can just throw it all out and narrow it down to wins and losses. Everytbung else is just the means to that end.

It's interesing, because it really does feel like this potential rebuild depends entirely on if Darvish is going to pitch elsewhere in 2018. Because if he really is going to walk, we have to see what we can get for him.

You all already know this, but the next 6 games will define what happens a week from today

If I had to rank trade value, I would say:

1.) Hamels- The control here is what makes him worth a lot. If we are going to look to rebuild, I would think he would bring the greatest haul from a team feeling they're a pitcher away. Plus you'd think Hamels would want a legit shot at another WS title, as he spent a while toiling away in Philadelphia.

2.) Darvish- Would probably be close to a Hamels kind of haul if he weren't a rental.

3.) Beltre- I do NOT want to see him go and it would make me pretty sports sad, but the Rangers owe it him to give him a legitimate shot at a WS title before he retires. If we are going to start trading guys, you absolutely ask Beltre if he wants to go elsewhere. The haul for him would be limited essentially because of his age.

4.) Casher- Here is where the dropoff in haul begins. Cashner has been pretty surprisingly good so far this year, and I do think you could get something in return for him from a team looking to round out their rotation for the playoffs. Cashner is a rental as well (I think) so I wouldn't have an issue making this deal one way or the other. Probably wouldn't get much for him, but you would get something.

5.) Lucroy- There's no denying that he's played himself out of a big deal heading into free agency, but he still does have some name value. A team looking for another catcher would probably pull the trigger on getting him. Wouldn't mind this one bit. Chirinos and Nicholas would be more than adequate to pick up for Lucroy.

6.) Napoli, Gomez- Both of these guys have some value, but I don't think any teams would be trying to trade for them to come in and be starters. Gomez is the better option of the two.

And that's about it. We could also ship Profar, but something tells me that won't happen. Choo's contract is too much, and Elvis is our most consistent player, and is also making a lot of money (although his salary is much more justified than Choo's is)

AccidentProne said:

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You all already know this, but the next 6 games will define what happens a week from today

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Genius.

At the start of the year, everyone was hating JD for the rotation, and we ended up having a Top 5 rotation, until Tyson Ross was added. We are now 7th. My comments comparing the results of Ross and Darvish show the nuance. Someone might argue we got better results with Ross, and thus we should sign HIM, instead of Darvish. If you play FBB, you know the nuance of quantity over quality. Darvish, like Hamels, are the type of SP that you go into Spring Training relying on them finishing the season as one of the best SPs in the league.

JD has said, as many have said... you go into ST with at least 7-8 SPs hoping you find the 5 you need. With Darvish and Hamels, you write them in as 2 and then fill the other 3 spots best you can. You lose Darvish and you have more uncertainty going into ST and doubt in the season. This doesn't even consider the fact in the playoffs, you need guys that will be impact SPs.

We'll be fine without Darvish... but he'll make things SO much better, if we have him.

bigcat22 - The 2011 rotation was 3rd in the AL in ERA @ 3.65. We can argue about whether they were any good, or not... Most people hate him, but CJ was 7th in ERA (2.94). Harrison was 15th (3.39). You forgot Ogando who was 19th (3.51). Holland at 24th with 3.95. Colby Lewis was the dawg at 33rd with 4.40 ERA.

If there are 15 AL teams, each team mathematically should have 2 SPs in the Top 30. The Rangers had 4, with their 5 being 33rd. CJ Wilson once said of Matt Harrison, "If I had his Fastball, I would be David Price."

Danny - I agree. He has earned the right to make some mistakes, but still be trusted.

MSFC - You know I'm banging away at the keyboard.

Huell - Adderall is a banned controlled substance that MLB has determined is enough of a performance enhancer that it is not permitted*. Ask Chris Davis if it will get you a suspension.

*Last count I saw was over 100 of MLB have an exception allowing them to use Adderall. To get a perscription for Adderall, one needs to get 3 people to claim they are hyperactive. ADHD, ADD or whatever they want to brand it... is fantasy and made up. I don't dispute what Adderall does to make kids zombies... but this who whole created is just fantasy. It is as fake as having a hearty breakfast, and cigarettes being completely innocuous.

TXAggie2011 said:

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free_mhayden said:

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bigcat22 said:

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Agreed, I mean the 2011 staff was led by CJ Wilson, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, and Matt Harrison. None of which anyone would consider an ace.

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True, but all 4 had numbers showing they would be contributors before they were stuck into the rotation. CJ was effective enough as a reliever to believe he might be able to start. Holland and Harrison had minor league #'s that showed they could potentially be starters. Colby Lewis was putting up numbers in Japan that showed he could potentially be a starter.

Texas doesn't have anyone knocking on the door in AA/AAA that looks like they are ready to make the jump to big league starter.

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Free agency is now more where they'd have to look full out the roster with guys that fit those criteria but the point is they didn't have superstar pitchers starting games.

Hell, the Astros really have one guy who when not on the DL has pitched like a superstar and they're having an okay season. Like them, the Rangers may need to be a little more offensive minded.

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The Rangers are like 3rd in Runs scored.

free_mhayden said:

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bigcat22 said:

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Agreed, I mean the 2011 staff was led by CJ Wilson, Derek Holland, Colby Lewis, and Matt Harrison. None of which anyone would consider an ace.

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True, but all 4 had numbers showing they would be contributors before they were stuck into the rotation. CJ was effective enough as a reliever to believe he might be able to start. Holland and Harrison had minor league #'s that showed they could potentially be starters. Colby Lewis was putting up numbers in Japan that showed he could potentially be a starter.

Texas doesn't have anyone knocking on the door in AA/AAA that looks like they are ready to make the jump to big league starter.

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I beg to differ.

If you look at the stats I linked from Scott Lucas, I get a feel he may be getting close.

Quote:

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Two straight gems from Mendez, who has fanned seven or more batters in six of his last eight starts. In his first 11 starts, that happened only once. Another stat:

April/May: 48 strikeouts, 30 walks plus HBPs
June/July: 48 strikeouts, 15 walks plus HBPs

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I think of Lucroy tyring to coax Leclerc into throwing pitches, against Tampa. It was as if he were saying, "Trust your stuff." The exchange appeared to be Lucroy pushing Leclerc and realizing he could only push him so far, and would back off a little but then go right back to it. And even when Leclerc's pitches didn't hit their target Lucroy was still affirming that it was the right pitch and will get there.

I read those stats from Mendez' walks signalling either Mendez is trusting his stuff more (and not nibbling) or that hitters trust his ability to deliver pitches and being more aggressive.

His 3.55 ERA, 1.126 WHIP in AA are not over the top impressive, but a good signal for a 22 year old. I would not be surprised to see either he or Collin Wiles on the 25, next season. If we sign Darvish, it may be all we can afford.

The day Beltre is traded will mark the end of Daniels' tenure with the Rangers. It would go down as one of the worst trades in franchise history.

It's a terrible business decision to go the route of "owing him a shot at a WS before he retires." You wouldn't get much of a return from whoever you trade him to, and there's still no guarantee that whoever you trade him is going to will win a WS.

The Rangers are still a contender, whether you want to believe that or not. He still has a shot at a WS here.

AccidentProne said:

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The day Beltre is traded will mark the end of Daniels' tenure with the Rangers. It would go down as one of the worst trades in franchise history.

It's a terrible business decision to go the route of "owing him a shot at a WS before he retires." You wouldn't get much of a return from whoever you trade him to, and there's still no guarantee that whoever you trade him is going to will win a WS.

The Rangers are still a contender, whether you want to believe that or not. He still has a shot at a WS here.

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I hate the Astros as much as anyone, but Beltre is under contract for one more season, yes? I don't see the Rangers being able to take the division back next season from the Astros. I think he would have a better shot on a team like the Dodgers than he would here.

AccidentProne said:

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You all already know this, but the next 6 games will define what happens a week from today

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We said this last week also, but going 500ish put that in limbo.

You don't need to win the division to make the playoffs

AccidentProne said:

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You don't need to win the division to make the playoffs

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Well, yes. But I just don't see the issues with this team all getting fixed and tuned up for a WS run between now and next year. Not trying to start an argument or anything. I like Beltre a lot.

jtstanley4621 said:

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It's interesing, because it really does feel like this potential rebuild depends entirely on if Darvish is going to pitch elsewhere in 2018. Because if he really is going to walk, we have to see what we can get for him.

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I agree. I actually believe 2018's roster completely hinges on Darvish and that is why announcing he may be available at the deadline has shaken up the trades.

Many attach Otani with Darvish.

Next year you have:
Hamels, Perez and AJG

With holes coming at CF, "LF or RF or DH (Choo to DH?)" and C.

If you sign Darvish and get Ohtani, you can probably be fine with Chirinos & Nicholas at C. You could go middle of the road OF and pick up two guys on the cheap.

If you miss on Darvish, you can probably sign Cashner with some of the money. However, you still have a huge hole in the rotation. Which means you better spend to keep Gomez, and bring in another OF\C\DH\1B. And you will have the money, having not given it to Darvish and Ohtani.

Speaking of Cashner... has there been anything on him and playing in Texas, or contract projections?

FYI

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Rangers Communications
Monday, July 24, 2017 817.273.5203

UTILITY WORK FOR NEW RANGERS BALLPARK TO BEGIN IN AUGUST;
PORTIONS OF NOLAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY TO CLOSE ON AUGUST 3
New Ballpark General Contractor Manhattan Construction to Oversee Work

Arlington, Texas The Texas Rangers announced today that utility work for the team's new Arlington ballpark is expected to begin in August.

The work will necessitate the closure of portions of Nolan Ryan Expressway as well as the remainder of Parking Lot A and a section of Parking Lot B. Further closures will take place in September when ballpark excavation work is expected to commence.

Effective August 3, Nolan Ryan Expressway will be closed from south of Randol Mill Road to just north of parking lot entrance B7. In addition, the remainder of the Toyota Parking Lot A (south half behind the current Texas Live! construction site) and the northwest quadrant of the Tundra Parking Lot B will also be closed as work begins.

Beginning with the Rangers' homestand that starts on Friday, August 11, fans will need to take Cowboys Way to enter parking lot entrances B6 and B7.Beginning with that homestand, Parking Lot B will be open on game days for season parking only. Lexus Valet Parking will continue to be available at parking lot entrance B1. Cash parking south of Globe Life Park in Arlington is available in the Tacoma Parking Lot R.

The first phase of the ballpark's utility work includes the relocation of a sanitary sewer line and is expected to take three to four months for completion.

Manhattan Construction Company, which was selected by the Texas Rangers as the General Contractor for the new ballpark, will oversee the work.

Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Manhattan Construction Company first worked for the Rangers organization in 1994 when they built the Texas Rangers' current home, Globe Life Park in Arlington. Since that time, the company completed five renovation/upgrade projects on the ballpark, and also built the ballpark's next door neighbor AT&T Stadium in Arlington, home of the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to sports projects, Manhattan's portfolio is diverse in terms of project size and type, including new construction and renovation of hospitals, airports, education, cultural, commercial, hospitality, government, entertainment, mixed-use and multi-unit living projects. Manhattan Construction is a seven-time recipient of the STEP Diamond honor, a top safety honor of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), and a winner of the 2016 ABC National Safety Excellence Award and of the 2016 Associated General Contractors (AGC) Construction Safety Excellence Award.

With the ballpark excavation expected to begin in late September, Nolan Ryan Expressway will be permanently closed from Randol Mill Road to Cowboys Way on or about September 18. In addition, it is expected that the majority of the Tundra Parking Lot B will also close permanently following the Rangers' homestand that concludes on Thursday, September 14. More information will be made available closer to that September date.

The revised parking map effective for Rangers' home games on August 11 is attached. Updating parking and traffic information can also be found at texasrangers.com.

In addition, The City of Arlington has partnered with Waze to give drivers the best experience possible to get to and from the Entertainment District and Globe Life Park at Arlington. Fans can download Waze for free at www.waze.com/get for iOS and Android and see real-time traffic, find optimal routes, avoid game-related road closures and more.

RANGERS

AccidentProne said:

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The day Beltre is traded will mark the end of Daniels' tenure with the Rangers. It would go down as one of the worst trades in franchise history.

It's a terrible business decision to go the route of "owing him a shot at a WS before he retires." You wouldn't get much of a return from whoever you trade him to, and there's still no guarantee that whoever you trade him is going to will win a WS.

The Rangers are still a contender, whether you want to believe that or not. He still has a shot at a WS here.

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And I don't think there's even been any rumblings from Beltre that he has any desired to be dealt somewhere.

It goes right along with why I very much doubt we'll see a rebuild before the new stadium -- we aren't going to rebuild while Beltre is here. Reference the Mavs and Dirk (and it may very well end up that way too with Texas middling as a borderline playoff team but not one that will go the distance).

Curse of Nolan strikes again

I've said before Beltre is my all time favorite Ranger, and I'd hate to see him in another uniform, but I can easily see Boston offering a pretty compelling package for him. It's a place he has played before, and they are in desperate need of a third basemen. If they are willing to "overpay" for him, I think JD has to at least listen