Who's excited?

Looking at tickets to see the Stros when they come to Arlington. Trying to decide between Sections 7, 49, 53, or 216. Any opinions?

GarrettL_15 said:

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Looking at tickets to see the Stros when they come to Arlington. Trying to decide between Sections 7, 49, 53, or 216. Any opinions?

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Of those options, 216, but I much prefer the first base side of Globe life.

KT 90 said:

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Jose Leclerc gets 4 year, $14.75 million extension.

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I love this extension for y'all. He's a stud.

AccidentProne said:

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GarrettL_15 said:

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Looking at tickets to see the Stros when they come to Arlington. Trying to decide between Sections 7, 49, 53, or 216. Any opinions?

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Are you coming to the series in April? If so, wait until March 18 when we pro-rate the ticket plans. That will open up way more inventory, especially on the 1st base side, for that series. Then use coupon code texags19 to get a discount.

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Which ticket plans will be prorated after the 18th?

All of them. 10 game plans will go off sale entirely

AccidentProne said:

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All of them. 10 game plans will go off sale entirely

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So if I was thinking about getting a 10 game plan to secure Opening Day I need to do it before the 18th?

That's correct. Feel free to shoot me a PM if you're interested and I can help you out

Do you have an email? I'm looking at for a game in that first series against the Cubs but I'm trying to get into a specific seating area.

jchance@texasrangers.com

YoMen injured. He was slated for AAA anyway, but hopefully he won't be out for a year rehabbing an elbow.


SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers may be facing their first serious pitching injury of the spring after left-hander Yohander Mndez left Sunday's start against the D-backs with tightness in his left elbow.

Mendez will undergo further evaluation on Monday, but manager Chris Woodward said it "doesn't look good."
Mendez left the game with one out in the third inning. Woodward and trainer Matt Lucero were summoned to the mound by second baseman Rougned Odor, who noticed something wrong with Mendez.

"He wasn't going to throw another pitch," Woodward said. "He didn't feel right. Anytime a pitcher comes out saying it's their elbow, it's never a good sign. We'll find out as soon as we can."

Gallo also out with a groin injury. Supposedly not too bad, will be ready for opening day.

KT 90 said:

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Gallo also out with a groin injury. Supposedly not too bad, will be ready for opening day.

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Gallo said if it were the regular season he would be playing but it wouldn't shock me if they make him rest the first week to be safe.

KT 90 said:

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YoMen injured. He was slated for AAA anyway, but hopefully he won't be out for a year rehabbing an elbow.


SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers may be facing their first serious pitching injury of the spring after left-hander Yohander Mndez left Sunday's start against the D-backs with tightness in his left elbow.

Mendez will undergo further evaluation on Monday, but manager Chris Woodward said it "doesn't look good."
Mendez left the game with one out in the third inning. Woodward and trainer Matt Lucero were summoned to the mound by second baseman Rougned Odor, who noticed something wrong with Mendez.

"He wasn't going to throw another pitch," Woodward said. "He didn't feel right. Anytime a pitcher comes out saying it's their elbow, it's never a good sign. We'll find out as soon as we can."

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Mendez has a UCL strain, no surgery, but will still miss half of the season.

https://www.lonestarball.com/2019/3/18/18271793/yohander-mendez-injury-ucl-strain-texas-rangers

Seems like those kinds of elbow injuries come back and promptly go right back on the DL lately.

Yeah, seems like one of those deals where TJ surgery is going to happen eventually anyway. So can miss half a season now and then 18 months with TJ later. Or just do it now. I know that's the pessimistic view, but we'll see.

Our arm talent in the entire farm is extremely grim looking. Long season, and a long road ahead for us rangers fans.

Huell Babineaux said:

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Our arm talent in the entire farm is extremely grim looking. Long season, and a long road ahead for us rangers fans.

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We actuallly have some good prospects, but they are mostly 2 to 3 years away at the AA or high A level. They won't all pan out, but if we can 2 to 3 good to decent starters out of it'll be a much better team overall.

do you happen to know if Lower Box 122 is in the shade for day games? I am looking to bring some older friends to the game on May 1. My go to seats are the last row in 238, however I am looking to avoid as many stairs, elevators, escalators, etc. as possible.

238 is not shaded. Best to go with 122 since that is under the overhang.

KT 90 said:

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Huell Babineaux said:

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Our arm talent in the entire farm is extremely grim looking. Long season, and a long road ahead for us rangers fans.

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We actuallly have some good prospects, but they are mostly 2 to 3 years away at the AA or high A level. They won't all pan out, but if we can 2 to 3 good to decent starters out of it'll be a much better team overall.

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Who are your hopefuls that are 2 to 3 years away? I would love to hear whom you believe those to be.

IMO, there is something fundamentally flawed in the Rangers system of developing SP, and I give you Martin Perez, as an example. He never developed the mental strength to reach his potential with Texas.

You know who appears to be the same way? YoMen. He seems mentally soft and unable to transition to the pressures of MLB. He got called up and they never disclosed what he/they did, but he got sent down for reprogramming. NOW... he may be down for TJ surgery, and it was apparent he wasn't going to make the MLB roster (7.36 ERA in 11.0 IP, in ST).

Most of the SPs the Rangers have that I would classify as 2-3 years away... are those that had TJ surgery in the past 2 years. Ragans, Wiles...

Behind them, the Rangers have a crop of SPs. Jonathan Hernandez, Jurado

Behind them, the Rangers have tried something unique. They brought all of their top SPs from 2018 and did NOT allow them to pitch. They sent them to Az for instruction and strengthing. The idea is, after the previous crop almost all had to have TJ surgery... they would take a different approach.

Here is a DMN (pay) article:

This was what I posted about it a couple months ago, which reference and even early post I made:

Quote:

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Alex Speas (surgery 6/2018 - 2nd Rd 2017),
Cole Ragans (surgery 3/2018 - 1st Rd in 2016),
Collin Wiles (Sup 1st Rder in 2012) and
Kyle Cody (surgery 7/2018 - 6th Rd 2016).

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Currently listed SP in the Top30:


#1 Hans Crouse (RHP-20): Drafted 2017. ETA 2021. I have highest expectations for him.
#3 Cole WInn (RHP-19): Drafted 2018. Has not pitched
#7 Joe Palumbo (LHP-24): TJ in April 2017. Could emerge. <Sent to AA>
#8 Jonathan Hernandez (RHP-22): Time is running out. He had success in A+, last year, but struggle in AA. <Sent to AA>
#9 Brock Burke (LHP-22): AA. I believe he will be a Rule V. He was a trade throw-in (Profar). I think he is the one some have said was the centerpiece. We'll see. <Sent to AA>
#10 Cole Ragans (LHP) <- TJ in March 2018
#11 Taylor Hearn (LHP-24): Acquired 2018 for Kela. <Sent to AAA>
#13 Owen White (RHP-19): Drafted 2018. Has not pitched
#14 Tyler Phillips (RHP-21): 16th Rd in 2015. ABall in 2018.
#15 CD Pelham (LHP-24). RP stuck below AA. <Sent to AAA>
#20 AJ Alexy (RHP-20). 2017 trade for Darvish (LAD)
#23 Mason Englert (RHP): Drafted 2018. Has not pitched
#24 Demarcus Evans (RHP-22). RP 2015 Draft. A ball.
#26 Yohander Mendez (LHP) <- Down with UCL issue
#28 Kyle Cody (RHP) <- TJ in July 2018.
#30 Ronny Henriquez (RHP-18): 2017 Signing. DSL.

16 of Top 30 are pitchers.
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3 were drafted in 2018 and have not pitched competitively in the Rangers organization. (Strike Through) We really don't know what we have, if anything.
2 are RPs. (Italics)
3 were traded for in the past year-and-a-half, so they haven't come up through the Rangers org.
4 have had (or will have: YM) TJ surgery.

That leaves Hans Crouse. Jonathan Hernandez. Tyler Phillips. Ronny Henriquez

Weird to see "Nashville Sounds." I was like... where? Traded? LOL.

My projections:
MLB: Minor (LHP-31), Lynn (RHP-32), Smyly (LHP-30), Volquez (RHP-35), Miller (RHP-28)

AAA:#11 Taylor Hearn (LHP-24), Ariel Jurado (RHP-23)

AA: #7 Joe Palumbo (LHP-24), #8 Jonathan Hernandez (RHP-22), #9 Brock Burke (LHP-22), Huang (RHP-25)
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AAA-RP: Nick Gardewine (RHP-25), #15 CD Pelham (LHP-24)

I'd imaine the other 3 spots on the Nashville team will be guys with prior MLB experience that bounce between MLB and AAA.

Crouse, Palumbo, Burke, Hearn would be top ones I had in mind. Then Alexy. Then J. Hernandez.

I've about given up on YoMen, maybe he'll come back stronger after TJ (if he ends up having surgey). Not sure what to think about Jurado either, initial returns didn't look all the promising last year in Arlington.

Ragans and Cody are out recovering from TJ... so who knows how that'll end up.

T. Phillips and R. Henriquez... haven't heard enough about these to have much of an opinion. Same with Evans.

Pelham? Just seeing a lefty reliver, nothing more. with the new rule coming next year about three batter minimum, the loogy types will have a harder time sticking around unless the can also retire righty batters. He is still relatively young, lefthanded, and throws hard, so he'll keep getting chances.

Yeah I'm really not feeling great about the rotation at the moment, and it seems like we have guys waiting in the wings who aren't gonna be ready until 2020 (or maybe even 2021) in sort of a best case scenario type thing

KT 90 said:

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Crouse (20), Palumbo (24-AA), Burke (22-AA), Hearn (24-AAA) would be top ones I had in mind. Then Alexy. Then J. Hernandez (22-AA).

I've about given up on YoMen, maybe he'll come back stronger after TJ (if he ends up having surgey). Not sure what to think about Jurado either, initial returns didn't look all the promising last year in Arlington.

Ragans and Cody are out recovering from TJ... so who knows how that'll end up.

T. Phillips and R. Henriquez... haven't heard enough about these to have much of an opinion. Same with Evans.

Pelham? Just seeing a lefty reliver, nothing more. with the new rule coming next year about three batter minimum, the loogy types will have a harder time sticking around unless the can also retire righty batters. He is still relatively young, lefthanded, and throws hard, so he'll keep getting chances.

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Added some ages. I put that for 2 reasons. At some point they are no longer prospects. And you have to consider 40-Man/Rule V.
Palumbo (AA), Burke (AA), Hearn (AAA), Jurado (AAA), Pelham (AAA), Gardewine (AAA), Hernandez (AA), Huang (AA), all ALL on the 40.

Something else to remember. The Rangers announced before the 2018 season, that AAA would use a 5-Man rotation, but all other leagues would be a 6-Man. Not sure if it kept all season and not sure if Spokane used a 6-Man. Not sure that is the 2019 plan.

So, some of these guys numbers are suspect.

There is plenty to like with Crouse. I'm guessing he is in A+ (Down East), this year.
Last year, he pitched a total of 54.2 IP, in 13 GS.

Palumbo (24) came on, last year. 2013 draft pick. Hasn't pitched in AAA. Will start in AA, this year.

Overall I'd agree with you.

I'm hoping Jurado is just young. His 1st year in AA (age 20) excited me. The 2nd year was disappointing... Third year?!

2016 (20): 6GS, 3.30 ERA
2017 (21): 27 GS, 4.59 ERA
2018 (22): 16 GS, 3.28 ERA

Maybe he just needed that 3rd year in AA?!

Not sure what to think with the new rules. Too much tinkering worrying about the outcome, rather than the product, IMO.

Speaking of Jurado.... ran across this, on his final option. So if he doesn't figure things out this year he may end up in some other organization.

Quote:

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Jurado, a righthanded starting pitcher, being optioned is not really news, as he had no realistic shot of making the Opening Day roster unless a starting pitcher or two got hurt. Jurado will be on his final option this season, and will toil away at AAA, offering the Rangers rotation depth while trying to figure out a way to miss enough bats to be a viable major league pitcher going forward

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Opening Day in one week... March 28th.

And Calhoun didn't make the roster. Should be interesting what comes of that decision.

The organization knows this team is going to suck. Why would it not make sense to just cut Choo, eat the money and keep Willie up to get everyday ABs? Now you have a disgruntled, promising prospect who busted his ass in the offseason just to be sent back down because for an old, average bat with a below average glove.

The Choo contract is such a **** stain on this club.

It makes no sense at all. A rebuilding job with both Choo and Hunter Pence on the roster while Calhoun gets sent down. I know he's very limited defensively, but the dude must have peepee'd in someone's bowl of cornflakes.

Y'all have to follow his guy on Instagram. So funny
https://instagr.am/p/BvR29vsB6vd

Maybe the Rangers decided this isn't a rebuilding year and they have a chance to make a WS run. It's possible. Right?

Who am I kidding. We are going to suck for a while. I really dont see a light at the end of the tunnel.

gigem1223 said:

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And Calhoun didn't make the roster. Should be interesting what comes of that decision.

The organization knows this team is going to suck. Why would it not make sense to just cut Choo, eat the money and keep Willie up to get everyday ABs? Now you have a disgruntled, promising prospect who busted his ass in the offseason just to be sent back down because for an old, average bat with a below average glove.

The Choo contract is such a **** stain on this club.

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I've been chirping about Calhoun for a while now. We need to get him some ab's and see if he is legit or not. That would require eating most of Choo's contract to essentially give him away, but so be it. It's a tank year anyway. Pence is at least a RH bat, so I can see wanting to balance things out a bit since we are pretty LH heavy.

And to complicate things, after last season Choo qualified as a 10 and 5 guy, so he has to approve any trade.

Calhoun makes perfect sense. Service time.

WIth the contract of Harper and Trout, it makes Choo's $21M for 2019 and $21M for 2020 not look so bad. $30M/yr for a Star OF. Even if the Rangers have to pick up half of that, it is still a savings.

And it isn't just about the money. If you dump Choo, you get nothing in return. If you agree to pay most of the salary, you might get a couple prospects... or maybe some International money.

With Pence... the guy went

Pence: .356/3 HR, 6 SB, 0 CS in 16 G and 45 AB. OBP of .431.
Calhoun: .217/0HR, 0 SB, 0 CS in 19 G and 46 AB. OBP of .296

Hard to tell Pence you are going to release him, instead of telling Calhoun he is going to AAA.

You have Gallo-Deshields-Mazara in the OF. Let's pretend the Rangers have a lead late in the game.

Who do you want in the OF next to Deshields: Gallo, Mazara, Choo, Pence or Calhoun?

Pence is likely a good trade candidate at the ASB, as well.

If Calhoun gets pissed... If all he is going to do is hit... he should have HIT better in ST.

Huell Babineaux said:

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Y'all have to follow his guy on Instagram. So funny
https://instagr.am/p/BvR29vsB6vd

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He has some funny stuff.

Worth wading through.

If he made the Rangers, it might enough to make it fun. Not likely, though.

Imagine him and Holland.