Grapesoda2525 said:

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DallasAg 94 said:

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Emily looks like a vampire, in that video.

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That was my first thought also.

It appears Emily jones has not aged particularly well.

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She doesn't look her best in that video, but she can still bring it sometimes.

KT 90 said:

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DallasAg 94 said:

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Connor Sadzeck (26, RHP, AAA): 2018: 24 GP, 3.90 ERA, 1.333 WHIP. Convert to RP in 2017.

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Saw this on Sadzeck in today's Scott Lucas email. He's just off the DL and apparently getting work in with the Rookie team.

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Rookie: at Rangers 1,Indians1 4
Record: 3-3-, 1.5 GB, 14-13 overall

SP Connor Sadzeck: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 SO, 0.00 ERA
SS Jonathan Ornelas: 2-4, .292/.386/.453
CF Ryan Anderson: 2-4, double, .253/.311/.361

Connor Sadzeck made his first appearance in six weeks; he'd been on Round Rock's DL. Sadzeck will be out of options after this season and is looking for his first MLB outing.

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I think part of the reason they converted him to RP in 2017, was because he was not progressing fast enough. He basically stalled out in AA. I didn't realize he was on the DL.

I've been mentioning Rule V issues for a few years. Doesn't look good for him.

One of the things lost on many about our lack of emerging talent is, we traded many Rule V guys for trade deadline deals.

Signing LATAM players at age 16, you get like 5 years until you have to protect them. So, age 21. For 18 year old HS grads, you have until 23.

What Oakland does is concentrate more on College players. You only get 4 years (if older than 19), but if you draft a 21 year old out of college, you have them until 25.

Here is a lengthy article discussing the Rangers 40 man roster and who is likely in or out or on the bubble. Good info overall. https://www.lonestarball.com/2018/8/1/17638890/texas-rangers-40-man-roster-trade-deadline-rule-5-draft

And at the end of that article there is this nugget that I was not aware of.... Choo could be even harder to trade after the season is over:

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there's a decent chance that one of the corner/DH bats gets moved this offseason, though I thought that this past offseason, and it didn't happen. Shin-Soo Choo's 10/5 rights vest at the end of the season, which means once the season is over, he can't be traded without his consent, complicating matters with him and putting the Rangers in a situation where they may need to move him in August if they are going to move him at all. Guys on the major league roster currently getting dealt would create some 40 man roster space.

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KT 90 said:

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Here is a lengthy article discussing the Rangers 40 man roster and who is likely in or our or on the bubble. Good info overall. https://www.lonestarball.com/2018/8/1/17638890/texas-rangers-40-man-roster-trade-deadline-rule-5-draft

And at the end of that article there is this nugget that I was not aware of.... Choo could be even harder to trade after the season is over:

Quote:

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there's a decent chance that one of the corner/DH bats gets moved this offseason, though I thought that this past offseason, and it didn't happen. Shin-Soo Choo's 10/5 rights vest at the end of the season, which means once the season is over, he can't be traded without his consent, complicating matters with him and putting the Rangers in a situation where they may need to move him in August if they are going to move him at all. Guys on the major league roster currently getting dealt would create some 40 man roster space.

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That's a good and thorough article. There are always a handful of guys Rule V eligible I don't have any reference for, which it touches on.

I had thought once upon a time that if you get a player picked off Rule V, you get to protect 5 additional players from the next round. However, I haven't been able to support that every time I try.

The Rangers have always been down to 39 players for the Rule V draft. If you are not... then you can't participate in selecting players.

It really makes building long-term sustainable depth really difficult. Especially if, as the Rangers have had... lots of injuries/TJ Surgeries. The article mentions Matuella, which means Dillon Tate (24) is Rule V eligible, as well.

Rangers traded hi to NY for Beltran. He is finally having some success - 15 GS, 3.59 ERA, 1.113 WHIP while with NYY's AA team. Yankees traded him to Baltimore, probably because they would not be able to protect him. He probably won't be ready until mid-2019/early 2020, but a team could select him and stash him. While he was a talent drain via trade deadline deal, it would have been difficult to protect him this off-season, if he were still with the Rangers.

Drew Hutchison opted out of the LAD AAA...

I'd like to see the Rangers take a flyer on him. Bring him into Round Rock, with an opportunity to get a Sept callup and get a few GS to see if he is worth a 2019 look.

Cole Hamels went 5.0 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 9 SO in his Cubbie debut. Of course he did... he wasn't pitching in RBiA.

Any word on our 3 PTBNL. It appears at least one will be a few weeks away. I'm guessing it was the case that we got Hearn from the Pirates, and then on paper they agreed to a list of 5 +/- players, for which they weren't going to be able to see.

Hearn is now the Rangers #7 prospect.
Jason Bahr is now #15th prospect. (From Giants)

Cashner still on the Ranger's pay roll?

Rangers up 11 to 1 after 3

Odor with 4 walks?

Rougie with 4 walks and a home run tonight!

How in the hell does odor have 4 walks?! That's got to be the most walks he's ever had in a game

Make that 5 walks. Crazy

First ranger to ever have 5 walks and a homer in a game. 4th player all time.

jtstanley4621 said:

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How in the hell does odor have 4 walks?! That's got to be the most walks he's ever had in a game

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Or a season

gigem1223 said:

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Make that 5 walks. Crazy

First ranger to ever have 5 walks and a homer in a game. 4th player all time.

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Radio broadcast indicating the only one in a 9 inning game.

Think about how few players get 5 ABs in a game, to start with...

DallasAg 94 said:

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gigem1223 said:

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Make that 5 walks. Crazy

First ranger to ever have 5 walks and a homer in a game. 4th player all time.

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Radio broadcast indicating the only one in a 9 inning game.

Think about how few players get 5 ABs in a game, to start with...

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Too bad Rougie only had 1 AB tonight.

on fire Rougie is my favorite Rougie

Recapping RP... Rangers need a couple guys, if they want to contend next season. Much will depend on if JD decides to roll with a 6-Man rotation.

So, now on to the Offense/Defense.

I think with zero talk about Andrus at the deadline, the Rangers and Andrus are likely to favorably resolve his opt-out. The handling of Beltre was very telling. Speaking of which... Beltre... they have been giving him days off. He seems undecided about 2019 and I think the Rangers bring him back in a unique role. Some 3B, some DH and a clubhouse/mentor/coaching role.

This is what we have, assuming Andrus stays:
C: Chirinos (34-RHB): .223, 14 HR, .330 OBP, 2 SB in 78 GP
1B: Guzman (23-LHB): .236, 9 HR, .307 OBP in 82 GP.
2B: Odor (24-LHB): .267, 11 HR, .348 OBP, 9 SB in 79 GP.
3B: IKF (23-RHB): .264, 4 HR, .326 OBP, 7 SB in 78 GP
SS: Andrus (29-RHB): .284, 4 HR, .339 OBP, 4 SB in 48 GP
LF: Calhoun (23-LHB): .268, 1 HR, .295 OBP, 0 SB in 13 GP
CF: DeShields (25-RHB): .208, 2 HR, .310 OBP, 18 SB in 81 GP
RF: Mazara (23-LHB): .272, 15 HR, .332 OBP, 1 SB in 91 GP
DH: Choo (36-LHB): .279, 20 HR, .399 OBP, 3 SB in 103 GP

Others:
Profar (25-SWB): .252, 11 HR, .338 OBP, 8 SB, in 96 GP
Beltre (39-RHB): .289, 5 HR, .342 OBP, 0 SB, in 76 GP
Gallo (24-LHB): .193, 27 HR, .308 OBP, 3 SB in 103 GP

Strengths:
The team has a significant number of really nice players. They are very young and have team control. 24 and younger? 5 Players. I omit DD, because I think he may have already peaked.

Weakness:
This team doesn't have a Big Bat to sit in the lineup who can hit for power, average and puts the fear into a pitcher. If Gallo can get the average to .330, he could be that guy. He needs to be above .250. I'm just not sure we'll see that. Mazara has the ability to be that guy. His weakness is defense.

DD has great defense and great speed. He still doesn't have the type of arm needed for CF, and his BA is unacceptable for a guy with no power.

I would love to see the Rangers upgrade CF. I think the Rangers need to move one of Gallo/Mazara/Choo/Profar.

Here me out here. I would like them to keep Profar. Chirinos has 1 year left. Beltre can be had for 1 year. IKF is the backup for Chirinos and then takes the role in 2020. He can play 3B, as can Profar and Beltre. I think there are enough ABs to keep them all. I'm happy with the IF. You can leverage the DH with Mazara and Choo getting days off and platooning in RF.

In the OF, I haven't seen enough of Calhoun. Profar could be the CF guy. He has some OF experience. I think we have diluted talent, too many weaknesses and need to consolidate for an all-around Super Star. I think guys like Rua and Robinson will lose their roster spot to protect Rule V guys. Tocci has been a project that has to remain on the 40, as a Rule V acquisition guy.

All-in-all, I think if we keep Beltre and Andrus and add a CF, we should have the offense and defense to compete in 2019, at least for the WC spot. We have depth of quality players to sustain momentum if injury-plaqued. Most of these guys are still approach their prime and haven't shown all they will be.

I hope he's doing alright and has his head on straight but my gut tells me he's not. Baseball always seemed to be the only thing that kept him sane.

Could very well be nothing, but with his history, that's not a good sign.

DannyDuberstein said:

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Could very well be nothing, but with his history, that's not a good sign.

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I wish Hamilton the best. I know he didn't leave Texas on the best terms, but ultimately I feel bad for him. Addiction and the issues that stem from that is not something I'd wish on anyone. Hope this isn't anything major.

He was Junior Miller's mention in "whatever happened to..." this morning since no one has heard from him since he finally fully gave up the game in early 2017, to which Fernando responded "Actually, he'll be at the Ranger luncheon today." But I guess not.

As far as his leaving TX the first time, it was unfortunately bitter. At the same time, at least they seemed to be able to make nice with the trade back. Unfortunately, his body (and knees in particular) just didn't have much of anything left to give.

Hoping for the best for Hamilton. Hopefully one of the beat writers will have a followup to this announcement.

Does Hamilton even live in the Metroplex area any more, or was he traveling in? If nothing else, at least notice was given ahead of time. He didn't no show for the event.

DallasAg 94 said:

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Recapping RP... Rangers need a couple guys, if they want to contend next season. Much will depend on if JD decides to roll with a 6-Man rotation.

So, now on to the Offense/Defense.

I think with zero talk about Andrus at the deadline, the Rangers and Andrus are likely to favorably resolve his opt-out. The handling of Beltre was very telling. Speaking of which... Beltre... they have been giving him days off. He seems undecided about 2019 and I think the Rangers bring him back in a unique role. Some 3B, some DH and a clubhouse/mentor/coaching role.

This is what we have, assuming Andrus stays:
C: Chirinos (34-RHB): .223, 14 HR, .330 OBP, 2 SB in 78 GP
1B: Guzman (23-LHB): .236, 9 HR, .307 OBP in 82 GP.
2B: Odor (24-LHB): .267, 11 HR, .348 OBP, 9 SB in 79 GP.
3B: IKF (23-RHB): .264, 4 HR, .326 OBP, 7 SB in 78 GP
SS: Andrus (29-RHB): .284, 4 HR, .339 OBP, 4 SB in 48 GP
LF: Calhoun (23-LHB): .268, 1 HR, .295 OBP, 0 SB in 13 GP
CF: DeShields (25-RHB): .208, 2 HR, .310 OBP, 18 SB in 81 GP
RF: Mazara (23-LHB): .272, 15 HR, .332 OBP, 1 SB in 91 GP
DH: Choo (36-LHB): .279, 20 HR, .399 OBP, 3 SB in 103 GP

Others:
Profar (25-SWB): .252, 11 HR, .338 OBP, 8 SB, in 96 GP
Beltre (39-RHB): .289, 5 HR, .342 OBP, 0 SB, in 76 GP
Gallo (24-LHB): .193, 27 HR, .308 OBP, 3 SB in 103 GP

Strengths:
The team has a significant number of really nice players. They are very young and have team control. 24 and younger? 5 Players. I omit DD, because I think he may have already peaked.

Weakness:
This team doesn't have a Big Bat to sit in the lineup who can hit for power, average and puts the fear into a pitcher. If Gallo can get the average to .330, he could be that guy. He needs to be above .250. I'm just not sure we'll see that. Mazara has the ability to be that guy. His weakness is defense.

DD has great defense and great speed. He still doesn't have the type of arm needed for CF, and his BA is unacceptable for a guy with no power.

I would love to see the Rangers upgrade CF. I think the Rangers need to move one of Gallo/Mazara/Choo/Profar.

Here me out here. I would like them to keep Profar. Chirinos has 1 year left. Beltre can be had for 1 year. IKF is the backup for Chirinos and then takes the role in 2020. He can play 3B, as can Profar and Beltre. I think there are enough ABs to keep them all. I'm happy with the IF. You can leverage the DH with Mazara and Choo getting days off and platooning in RF.

In the OF, I haven't seen enough of Calhoun. Profar could be the CF guy. He has some OF experience. I think we have diluted talent, too many weaknesses and need to consolidate for an all-around Super Star. I think guys like Rua and Robinson will lose their roster spot to protect Rule V guys. Tocci has been a project that has to remain on the 40, as a Rule V acquisition guy.

All-in-all, I think if we keep Beltre and Andrus and add a CF, we should have the offense and defense to compete in 2019, at least for the WC spot. We have depth of quality players to sustain momentum if injury-plaqued. Most of these guys are still approach their prime and haven't shown all they will be.

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I don't see the Rangers contending for a WC in 2019. At best, we can shoot for a .500 record and then 2020 we can aim higher. The AL West will still be pretty stacked, and do to scheduling that is obviously a good chunk of our games. We will be working through pitching issues, trying to see which young arms have potential and which ones don't. And one way or the other, we have to move one of Choo/Mazara/Calhoun; that is three LH bats that all have limited OF range defensively. Can only hide one of them at DH at a time. Gallo will be starting someplace, most likely in the OF. I'd pencil in Profar at 3B over IKF, with IKF being the utility IF/Backup CA.

gigem1223 said:

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DallasAg 94 said:

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If Gallo can get the average to .330, he could be that guy.

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Are you on crack?

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I see you caught the ridiculousness of my statement.

KT 90 said:

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I don't see the Rangers contending for a WC in 2019. At best, we can shoot for a .500 record and then 2020 we can aim higher. The AL West will still be pretty stacked, and do to scheduling that is obviously a good chunk of our games. We will be working through pitching issues, trying to see which young arms have potential and which ones don't. And one way or the other, we have to move one of Choo/Mazara/Calhoun; that is three LH bats that all have limited OF range defensively. Can only hide one of them at DH at a time. Gallo will be starting someplace, most likely in the OF. I'd pencil in Profar at 3B over IKF, with IKF being the utility IF/Backup CA.

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To me, you are almost always poised to compete for the WC, even if not on paper. A couple injuries, and suddenly teams don't look that far out. That is, unless we come to 2019 with Minor-Perez-Fister as our #1-#3 SPs.

I don't disagree Gallo will likely be in LF. Profar is likely at 3B, but I left him open for possible OF.

As a backup Ca, IKF should probably not be projected at 3B. I agree.

We are STACKED at DH.

Looking at FA possibilities doesn't look promising, either. Mostly 31+ guys who will be looking to get overpaid for an extended period of time.

Major signings in the off-season? Andrus, Beltre and Diekman are the only major additions.

Maybe Beltre will take the Dirk route and sign for less money to help the Rangers go out and get bigger FA?

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That is, unless we come to 2019 with Minor-Perez-Fister as our #1-#3 SPs.

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That would very well be the case, unless we acquire someone via trade. Or one of the young kids from AA/A+ can make the leap. Otherwise we are filling in with a retread.

Even Grant had something the other day where he was answering the question of whether the Rangers would be looking to sign a free agent pitcher this coming offseason. He stated that when you sign a free agent SP, a lot of what you are paying for is past performance (that earned them a big FA contract). And that if you sign them for 5 years, you can usually expect premium/top performance the first three years or so, and then the last two years you can typically expect them to regress (I am paraphrasing of course). Anyway, for those reasons Evan didn't expect the Rangers to be shopping for a ace #1 or #2 type SP this offseason via free agency. Next year isn't a year we expect to be competing, so why pay top price for a FA SP in 2019? We'll be working through younger arms to try to determine who is a viable starter and who isn't.

AccidentProne said:

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Maybe Beltre will take the Dirk route and sign for less money to help the Rangers go out and get bigger FA?

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Who's out there other than Kershaw? Even looking at 2020, almost everyone is on the wrong side of 30. Now 2021 there will be a 29 year old center fielder who's not too shabby...

Maybe this off-season just send Mazara, Gallo, Profar and Calhoun to Anaheim .

AccidentProne said:

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Maybe Beltre will take the Dirk route and sign for less money to help the Rangers go out and get bigger FA?

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If Beltre returns in 2019, I can definitely see him doing that.

KT 90 said:

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That is, unless we come to 2019 with Minor-Perez-Fister as our #1-#3 SPs.

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That would very well be the case, unless we acquire someone via trade. Or one of the young kids from AA/A+ can make the leap. Otherwise we are filling in with a retread.

Even Grant had something the other day where he was answering the question of whether the Rangers would be looking to sign a free agent pitcher this coming offseason. He stated that when you sign a free agent SP, a lot of what you are paying for is past performance (that earned them a big FA contract). And that if you sign them for 5 years, you can usually expect premium/top performance the first three years or so, and then the last two years you can typically expect them to regress (I am paraphrasing of course). Anyway, for those reasons Evan didn't expect the Rangers to be shopping for a ace #1 or #2 type SP this offseason via free agency. Next year isn't a year we expect to be competing, so why pay top price for a FA SP in 2019? We'll be working through younger arms to try to determine who is a viable starter and who isn't.

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Here is the link to the whole Q & A: https://sportsday.dallasnews.com/texas-rangers/rangers/2018/08/01/evanhelpus-breaking-possibility-adrian-beltre-moving-august-plus-right-amount-pancakes-eat

But this is his answer that I was referring to (someone had asked if the Rangers should sign Patrick Corbin):

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My answer is "no," and it has nothing to do with Corbin. The Rangers first need to develop the foundation of a rotation, then, when they do that, they can go out and get the free agent cherry on top to front it.

In free agency, especially with pitchers, you are paying mostly for past performance. Your hope is that if you sign a guy to a 4- or 5-year contract, he might retain that elite level of performance for two or, in the most optimistic scenarios, three years. You are essentially just amortizing a two or three year deal out over four or five years. It's not good business. It is necessary to finish out a rotation. But the Rangers haven't even put up the drywall yet. For me, I'm not looking for a major pitching free agent until after the 2020 season. You may sign some guys to eat innings or take some low-cost, calculated risks to get through the next two years, but there is zero need to spend on elite pitchers.

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