Cole Ragans was named the opening day starter to the Royals. I know we won a WS, and Chapman was a big part of that no matter how erratic or revolting he was at times, but man if Ragans goes on to have a full year like his last, that will be another huge punch in the gut.

No doubt it was worth it, and I would do it again if I had to. It just sucks to see what he is developing into, and I question why we didn't see any of that when he was here.

I always thought that the overriding reason for most of our pitching issues was playing in the full Texas summer heat. We haven't been indoors for all that long so maybe there's still hope. But guess that doesn't explain the development issue if other teams with minor league teams playing in the heat are still having success.

Fuzzy Dunlop said:

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What a great video. I have chills, might be because it's cold this morning, or maybe I'm coming down with the flu. Or, it could be that Adolis Garcia and the Texas Rangers are World Champions!

I love Adolis. His Ks are frustrating, especially when he's in a slump, but if he approached every AB like he discusses there, he would be an all-timer.

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There should be more on that account. The Eovaldi curtain call was another really good one.

I know Ragans was name Opening Day Starter for the Royals, and he may be a bonafide #1, but let's not forget it is KC.

Some perspective:
2023 Results:
Cole Ragans (26-L): 12GS, 2.64 ERA, 71.2 IP, 89 SO
Brady Singer (27): 29GS, 5.52 ERA, 159.2 IP, 133 SO
Jordan Lyles (33): 31GS, 6.28 ERA, 177.2 IP, 120 SO
Seth Lugo (34): 26GS, 3.57 ERA, 146.1 IP, 140 SO
Signed 3/$45M
Micahel Wacha (32): 24GS, 3.22 ERA, 134.1 IP, 124 SO
Signed 2/$32M

Both Lugo and Wacha pitched for SDP last season.
They also signed former 2023 Rangers: Stratton & Will Smith


Singer and Lyles were carried over from the 2024 KCR. Aside from eating innings, you have to wonder if they'll provide anything more than that in 2024. Lugo and Wacha signed for middle-of-the-road money ($12-16). Mid-30s. Ragans is your best option to showcase the future. He is the only Lefty. He is the only SP that will be relevant for KC in 2025. If Lyles, Lugo, or Wacha perform in 2024... they will be traded.

KC is not good.

2024 Spring Training
Ragans: 4GS, 5.40 ERA
Singer: 4GS, 4.76 ERA
Lyles: 2GS, 9.00 ERA
Lugo: 3GS, 6.14 ERA
Wacha: 4GS, 3.86 ERA

I know it is only ST. And yes, they play in Az with the same poor air that the Rangers pitchers deal with.

No doubt, and even with the way our staff shakes out currently I think he'd be our No. 3, give or take? But dang, good on him for going out and doing something and getting an opening day start.

Duran getting time at 1B today. Wonder if they're looking to platoon it with him and Walsh till Lowe gets back? If so I'd imagine we see Zeke at 1B opening day.

Walsh is such an unknown.

RoY-7, AS... mental/anxiety derailed his career. I believe he played for one of the Rangers hitting coaches at Georgia and he has 3 years of Arb left. Part of the attraction with the Rangers was the hitting coach, if I recall.

His K-rate is pretty high, but you essentially have a guy that has been an AS. And now 30, if he has been able to overcome his derailment, what an asset. Is he someone you'd need/want to platoon?! He'd likely take whatever you offered to get him on the field, even if a DH.

Is Walsh someone you go, "Hey I like Lowe, but only need 1 1B."

Lowe has a GG and a SS, but Walsh was an AS.

Defensively I can't imagine Duran would be close to his level.

So about Snell to SFG.

I was hoping he'd end up in Houston. It would have cost them a bunch and impacted their options during the season.

Do I like them better without a 3rd SP?! Sure.

Now that SDP has a pick allocated for the Snell signing... it becomes curious that Snell went to SFG.

Philly and Atlanta are leads in the ALEast.
Toss-up in ALCentral. A division likely of little consequence in 2024.

LAD are clearly the favorites in the ALWest.

Two spots left. Arizona is the NL defending Champs. SDP was suppose to be a rebuild and SFG has done some to improve in 2024.

Did SFG feel they needed to get Snell because SDP got Cease?! Did SDP get Cease knowing SFG would have no choice but to get Snell? Is getting Snell enough for SFG that SDP will now unload Cease realizing they don't have enough to make the playoffs (as-is)?!

Am I over thinking things because I can't wait for Opening Day?!

3p Central.

Tequila.

I'll leave it.

Damn, 4 straight walks from the A's pitcher. Games is on channel 21 for those in metroplex.

That's a throwback name.

Funny story... I was at some airport traveling back to Dallas and waiting to board. This young woman answers her phone and whatever it was she said, I recall thinking, "Wow... her boyfriend/husband just got called up." It was probably something like he was joining the team where ever the Rangers were playing.

I checked to see who the Rangers had called up. I didn't talk with her, but she seemed like a genuinely sincere person. She seemed as excited for him as you'd expect a woman to be about getting engaged.

This idea of yours that the Padres signed Cease just to flip him is quite odd. Padres finished 2 games out of the wildcard last year and had a run differential that showed they probably should have made it. They aren't punting on 2024 already.

Agree with that. Rangers didn't think they were trading this version of Ragans.

MattAg06 said:

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Tksymm7 said:

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No doubt, and even with the way our staff shakes out currently I think he'd be our No. 3, give or take? But dang, good on him for going out and doing something and getting an opening day start.

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I mean, Tanner Scheppers can say he was an opening day starter so it's not that big of an accomplishment.

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He always gave me massive ****** vibes.

I need some tickets. How should I get in contact with Mr gigem or do I just need the discount code?

Couple ways. He has posted the code, I believe.

Also, he'll be around here shortly.

OR... you can email him... he has posted his email.

Proposition Joe said:

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This idea of yours that the Padres signed Cease just to flip him is quite odd. Padres finished 2 games out of the wildcard last year and had a run differential that showed they probably should have made it. They aren't punting on 2024 already.

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Ok, sure... 2GB. With the WCs getting into the playoffs has changed, for sure.

But, let's look at that:

DBacks: 84-78
Cubbies: 83-79
Reds: 82-80
Padres: 82-80
Giants: 79-83

Padres:

2023 Stats:
SPs lost:
Snell: 32GS, 2.25, 180.0 IP
Lugo: 26GS, 3.57, 146.1 IP
Wacha: 24GS, 3.22, 134.1 IP
Martinez: 9GS, 3.43, 110.1 IP (63G)
571 IP

SP kept:
Darvish (36): 24GS, 4.56, 136.1 IP
Musgrove (30): 17GS, 3.05, 97.1 IP

SP Added
*Cease (27): 33GS, 4.58, 177.0 IP
*King (28): 9GS, 2.75, 104.2 IP (49G) from NYY
281 IP

#5 options: Brito/Vasquez, Avila Waldron

They also lost:
LF Juan Soto: .275, 35 HR, .930 OPS
Cl Josh Hader: 61G, 1.28 ERA, 33 Saves, 85 SO

Their CF and 3B were both in AA, last year. Machado will DH until he returns to the field.

They really don't look that good having given up a TON.

Grapesoda2525 said:

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I need some tickets. How should I get in contact with Mr gigem or do I just need the discount code?

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jchance@texasrangers.com

gigem1223 said:

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Putting this out there before the universe is thrown off kilter. Mr Gigem is starting the season thread on opening day.

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Remember what happened to the DBacks in the playoffs? I 'member

Well, the 2024 MLB season is underway if you didn't notice early this morning. Dodgers beat the Padres (in Korea) 5-2.

Tuned in just in time to see the ball go through Cronenworth's glove. Tough way to lose.

toucan82 said:

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Tuned in just in time to see the ball go through Cronenworth's glove. Tough way to lose.

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omg the Dodgers just scored the go-ahead run because the ball went through Jake Cronenworth's glove pic.twitter.com/eXrPDQr8g3

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 20, 2024

Mr Gigem said:

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Speaking of DBacks…I played Roulette with Ketel Marte at Talking Stick Sunday night. He did not like the fact that I worked for the Rangers. He left the table shortly after finding that out

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Fancy way for him to rage quit.