Jasen and I got a chance to hangout (no pun) with Patrick and Eddie from ShutDownInning.com tonight. We talked about Mitch Moreland, getting in bed with Elvis Andrus and Bob Bland.
Enjoy!
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Tag Archive: Jurickson Profar
Mar 01 2013
Baseball Do Episode 26 – A fireside chat with Evan Grant & “Dear Baseball Do…”
Evan Grant, Dallas Morning News – Special Guest on the Baseball Do Podcast
Evan Grant from the Dallas Morning News and SportsDayDFW.com joins us to talk about all of the important things in life, including but not limited to:
- Yu Darvish
- Sabermetrics vs. Traditional Stats
- Ron Washington’s job security
- Black Bean Chicken Chili
We throw in a brief segment of “Dear Baseball Do…” to finalize what may be the greatest podcast episode ever…like of all times.
Special thanks to Evan Grant (@evan_p_grant) for joining us on the podcast and to @baseballotts, @MoNkeyJeNN71, @theKenAngel, @jjakin, @Tx_Baseball_Fan, @BCasey55 and @c_golden07 for the “Dear Baseball Do…” questions/statements/inquiries.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:08:34 — 54.9MB)
Oct 18 2012
Thursday Sound Off – Elvis for Shields?
With the emergence of Jurickson Profar, the Rangers may be in a position to improve the line-up or pitching staff via trade of Elvis Andrus, Ian Kinsler or Nelson Cruz (would require Kins to move to RF). Expect rumors to run rampant this off-season and potentially into next season, primarily related to Andrus and Kinsler.
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe writes:
“Rays pitcher James Shields has a $9MM option for this year and will likely be unaffordable for the club after that. It seems likely that Tampa Bay will finally bite the bullet and trade pitching to get the offense that they need. One National League GM suggested that the Rangers would be a good partner as they could offer Elvis Andrusand someone else for Shields. Some baseball officials also haven’t ruled out the Rays moving David Price to fill a couple of positions.”
Would you deal Elvis for Shields? Would you up the ante if we’re talking about Price?
A few things to note:
Elvis, 24, is currently under contract through 2014, making $4.8M in 2013 and $6.5M in 2014.- Shields, age 30, is under contract through 2014- both 2013 and 2014 are team options at $9M and $12M respectively.
- Price, age 27, will be arbitration eligible, but isn’t eligible for free agency until 2016. Won’t be cheap, but could be under control and would more than likely prefer to just work out a long-term deal rather than deal with arbitration over the next 3 off-seasons.
- Ken Rosenthal (FOX Sports) believes it that to fetch Price, the Rangers would have to include Cody Buckel and Martin Perez.
A quick look at the numbers:
Elvis Andrus
| Year | Age | Tm | G | AB | R | H | 2B | 3B | HR | RBI | SB | CS | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 20 | TEX | 145 | 480 | 72 | 128 | 17 | 8 | 6 | 40 | 33 | 6 | 40 | 77 | .267 | .329 | .373 | .702 |
| 2010 | 21 | TEX | 148 | 588 | 88 | 156 | 15 | 3 | 0 | 35 | 32 | 15 | 64 | 96 | .265 | .342 | .301 | .643 |
| 2011 | 22 | TEX | 150 | 587 | 96 | 164 | 27 | 3 | 5 | 60 | 37 | 12 | 56 | 74 | .279 | .347 | .361 | .708 |
| 2012 | 23 | TEX | 158 | 629 | 85 | 180 | 31 | 9 | 3 | 62 | 21 | 10 | 57 | 96 | .286 | .349 | .378 | .727 |
| 4 Yrs | 601 | 2284 | 341 | 628 | 90 | 23 | 14 | 197 | 123 | 43 | 217 | 343 | .275 | .342 | .353 | .695 | ||
| 162 Game Avg. | 162 | 616 | 92 | 169 | 24 | 6 | 4 | 53 | 33 | 12 | 58 | 92 | .275 | .342 | .353 | .695 | ||
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/18/2012.
Generated 10/18/2012.
James Shields
| Year | Age | Tm | W | L | GS | CG | SHO | IP | ER | HR | SO | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Did not play in major leagues (Injured) | ||||||||||||||||
| 2006 | 24 | TBD | 6 | 8 | 4.84 | 21 | 1 | 0 | 124.2 | 67 | 18 | 104 | 1.436 | 2.7 | 7.5 | 2.74 | |
| 2007 | 25 | TBD | 12 | 8 | 3.85 | 31 | 1 | 0 | 215.0 | 92 | 28 | 184 | 1.107 | 1.5 | 7.7 | 5.11 | |
| 2008 | 26 | TBR | 14 | 8 | 3.56 | 33 | 3 | 2 | 215.0 | 85 | 24 | 160 | 1.153 | 1.7 | 6.7 | 4.00 | |
| 2009 | 27 | TBR | 11 | 12 | 4.14 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 219.2 | 101 | 29 | 167 | 1.325 | 2.1 | 6.8 | 3.21 | |
| 2010 | 28 | TBR | 13 | 15 | 5.18 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 203.1 | 117 | 34 | 187 | 1.461 | 2.3 | 8.3 | 3.67 | |
| 2011 | 29 | TBR | 16 | 12 | 2.82 | 33 | 11 | 4 | 249.1 | 78 | 26 | 225 | 1.043 | 2.3 | 8.1 | 3.46 | |
| 2012 | 30 | TBR | 15 | 10 | 3.52 | 33 | 3 | 2 | 227.2 | 89 | 25 | 223 | 1.168 | 2.3 | 8.8 | 3.84 | |
| 7 Yrs | 87 | 73 | 3.89 | 217 | 19 | 8 | 1454.2 | 629 | 184 | 1250 | 1.223 | 2.1 | 7.7 | 3.68 | |||
| 162 Game Avg. | 14 | 11 | 3.89 | 34 | 3 | 1 | 227 | 98 | 29 | 195 | 1.223 | 2.1 | 7.7 | 3.68 | |||
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/18/2012.
Generated 10/18/2012.
David Price
| Year | Age | Tm | W | L | GS | CG | SHO | IP | ER | HR | SO | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 22 | TBR | 0 | 0 | 1.93 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 14.0 | 3 | 1 | 12 | 0.929 | 2.6 | 7.7 | 3.00 |
| 2009 | 23 | TBR | 10 | 7 | 4.42 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 128.1 | 63 | 17 | 102 | 1.348 | 3.8 | 7.2 | 1.89 |
| 2010 | 24 | TBR | 19 | 6 | 2.72 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 208.2 | 63 | 15 | 188 | 1.193 | 3.4 | 8.1 | 2.38 |
| 2011 | 25 | TBR | 12 | 13 | 3.49 | 34 | 0 | 0 | 224.1 | 87 | 22 | 218 | 1.137 | 2.5 | 8.7 | 3.46 |
| 2012 | 26 | TBR | 20 | 5 | 2.56 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 211.0 | 60 | 16 | 205 | 1.100 | 2.5 | 8.7 | 3.47 |
| 5 Yrs | 61 | 31 | 3.16 | 120 | 4 | 2 | 786.1 | 276 | 71 | 725 | 1.173 | 3.0 | 8.3 | 2.80 | ||
| 162 Game Avg. | 17 | 9 | 3.16 | 33 | 1 | 1 | 218 | 77 | 20 | 201 | 1.173 | 3.0 | 8.3 | 2.80 | ||
Provided by Baseball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/18/2012.
Generated 10/18/2012.
So, what do you think? Would you swap Elvis for Shields and hand over full-time SS responsibilities to Profar? Would you up the ante (Buckel & Perez) along with Elvis if you could get David Price in return?
Vote on the poll and sound off in the comments section!
Oct 10 2012
Time for changes in Arlington?
How quickly the last three years have flown by for Texas Rangers fans. How quickly expectations change for a team.
Just three years ago, the Texas Rangers were a week or so removed from the end of a strong 2009 campaign (85-77) in which they finished 10 games back of the Angels in the AL West and well short of the Wild Card clinching Boston Red Sox (8 games back) (Note: the Rangers would have made the playoffs as the 2nd Wild Card in ’09 if current layout had been in place).
Something special was on tap for this young and exciting team. Behind the talented core of Josh Hamilton, Ians Kinsler, Elvis Andrus and Nelson Cruz, the Rangers were going to be a force to be reckoned with in the very near future.
Fast forward three years and the Rangers have accomplished what many franchises haven’t accomplished in a lifetime; both on and off the field.
Here’s a quick look at some of key moments along the way (to be read with banjos playing along):
- Ownership change - Welcome back Nolan
Cliff Lee- Hambone win’s the MVP
- 2010 AL West Champs
- First Postseason series victory
- Nefti stuck out A-Rod
- First World Series birth
- So long Cliff
Welcome aboard Adrian- Napoli Ever After
- 2011 AL West Champs
- One strike away…twice
- David Freese
- So long C.J.
- Yu
- The collapse of 2012
Over the course of the last three years the Texas Rangers have broken new ground and have been labeled as a “model” franchise – the ground work for such was being laid several years prior by team management and franchise leadership.
From the fan’s perspective, the Rangers have gone from mediocrity on the brink -> to one step from the mountaintop -> to crashing back down with great disappointment. Such devastating disappointment is often met head-on with change – something we can expect from the Rangers over the course of the coming off-season.
Baseball history is littered with examples of this, most recently the collapse of the 2011 Boston Red Sox which resulted in the firing of manager Terry Francona and the eventual trade of Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford and Josh Beckett.
So, what change could be in store for the Rangers this off-season? How different could this team look by Opening Day 2013? Let’s examine some of the potential changes in Arlington:
Managerial Change?
While Wash has opened himself up for plenty of criticism, I don’t think this is very likely.
The heat could be on if the Rangers don’t bounce back from their poor finish in 2012 and they continue to play uninspired baseball in 2013, but I think the team’s ownership and front office still believe in Wash.
While the manager is ALWAYS part of the problem when a team is playing poorly, I think Wash get’s some leniency due to his success over the last 3 years.
Besides Wash, the coaching staff could take a hit if Mike Maddux is lured out of Texas for a managerial role somewhere else (Boston perhaps).
Let Josh walk…
Josh was widely seen as a big part of the problem over the last 1-2 months of the season. While he wasn’t the only player that demonstrated a lackadaisical approach as the season came to a close, none seemed less interested than Josh.
While I have no inside scoop on what went wrong, my theory is that the team revisited an extension with Josh and his agent at some point in June or July which left Josh feeling bitter. My guess would be that the contract negotiations weren’t real close in terms of length and Josh felt unappreciated. Whether it was intentional or not, Josh let his feelings regarding the negotiations impact him on the field and in the clubhouse.
Is it likely that Josh is playing his home games somewhere other than Arlington next season? I think it’s a foregone conclusion.
How big of an impact is Josh leaving on the team and the line-up? Well, when Josh is playing up to his potential, he has the ability to carry a team on his back as we have seen many times during his time here in Arlington, but…when Josh is frustrated and uninterested, he can become a distraction that can poison a clubhouse.
Plan and simple, this is very well a situation where both parties will benefit from a change. Something has clearly gone awry in the relationship.
Dustin Dietz will have a article up in the next few days that analyzes Hamilton’s potential contract situation and sheds some light on the risks involved with giving a hefty contract to a player north of 30 years of age.
Hamilton isn’t the only Ranger entering free agency, but will be the biggest story. Tim Howell is taking a closer look at each of the free agents from the 2012 Rangers squad to determine who the Rangers should make a push for and who they should just let walk away (Hamilton here, Napoli here, more to come).
Shake-up via trade
The possibilities here are endless. Just a few names that could be mentioned this off-season and into the 2013 season:
- Ian Kinsler – Kinsler is the most polarizing player on the Rangers, according to Jasen and the rest of Twitter. With the arrival of Jurickson Profar, Kinsler could be moved to make room at second base. The 30 year-old plays a offensively scarce position, can hit anywhere from 1st to 5th in a line-up and is under team control through 2018 (option in ’18) – so there would be plenty of interest from around the league.
- Elvis Andrus – For the same reason cited above for Kinsler, Elvis is a little more expendable now if the front office truly believes that Profar can be a transcendent player. Andrus’ age (24), position and talent ceiling would make him more valuable than Kinsler to any potential suitors. He’s under contract through 2014, so he’ll never have more trade value than he has right now coming off season in which he posted career high in almost every offensive category.
- Nelson Cruz – Again, the Profar factor is a part of this as the Rangers would more than likely need to make room in the outfield if Kinsler were to be relocated. Nellie is signed through next season, so if the Rangers felt they weren’t going to be in position to resign him – or – felt the interest wouldn’t be there after 2013 due to the youth movement, now would be the time to move him for maximum value.
- Jurickson Profar – This is the least likely to happen. According to multiple reports, it would take something to the tune of Felix Hernandez or Clayton Kershaw to pry the young phenom away from the Rangers.
- David Murphy, Mitch Moreland, Mike Olt – You never know.
- I don’t think there is anyway the Rangers would or could deal Michal Young heading into the final year of his contract. Young will be 36 later this month and is due $16M.
- Derek Holland, Neftali Feliz, Martin Perez, Alexi Ogando….and them – Current value isn’t equal to potential for all of these guys, so I doubt we’ll see Dutch moved. Really aren’t too many Rangers pitchers in general that would have good value and make sense from the Rangers standpoint.
The list could go on and on, but the bottom line is, there will be change. Hopefully this change will bring some renewed life to a team that sputtered down the stretch, but only time can tell.
What do you think?
Looking at the potential trade bait above, give me a realistic trade that you’d like to see the Rangers pursue. Do you want to see Josh back with the Rangers in 2013? Do you think it’s time for a managerial change? Use the comments section below.
Oct 08 2012
Replacing Josh Hamilton: Do The Texas Rangers Have In-House Options?
Today is the first Monday of the Texas Rangers off-season. Once the 2012 postseason has come to an end, Josh Hamilton will likely saunter off from Arlington and make a beeline towards financially greener pastures. With him, Hamilton will take his immeasurable baseball talents, as well as his various psychological, ocular, and assorted addiction issues.
But not to worry, Josh Hamilton has said that he’ll give the Rangers first crack at re-signing him…Well aw-shucks, and gosh golly all-to-pieces, that sure is mighty kind of you, Josh.
All personal cynicism aside, what this really means is that the Texas Rangers have first shot to politely decline the offer he and his agent deem necessary. If you are a Texas Rangers fan—not solely a Josh Hamilton fan—then you understand that not giving him the contract he wants is best for the team. Hami wants a lengthy deal. When discussing a long-term contract—in this case, longer than four years—you have to consider: age, injury-issues, and, with Hamilton, a history of alcohol abuse, caffeine dependency, severe dry eye, and, oh yeah, an apparent lack of focus during the most important game of 2012.
Unless Hambone decides to sign a four-year (better yet, three-year) deal, then the Rangers are no longer a viable option. Besides, Hamilton and his wife, Katie, have far too many impoverished people to help for the measly makings of such a short-term deal.
In-House Options: Craig Gentry, Leonys Martin?
Replacing 43 home runs and 128 RBI is even more difficult than it sounds. Neither Craig Gentry nor Leonys Martin is ever going to be a three-hole hitter. However, Gentry supplies plus-defensive and explosive speed, whereas Martin has an upside high enough that the Rangers were willing to dish out the dough to harangue the Cuban into coming to Texas in May of 2011.
More Craig Gentry. It’s what the people want.
The Problem: Defensively, Gentry and Martin are HUGE improvements over Hamilton. Offensively, not so much. Despite Gentry’s breakout 2012 campaign, he is best suited as a fourth outfielder; speed off the bench if you will. Martin, who will be just 25-years-old at the start of 2013, needs to prove that he can hit at the big league level, and thusly might be a click behind Gentry on the depth chart.
How To Fill the Offensive Void—Rookies to the Rescue?
Prized prospects Mike Olt and Jurickson Profar now have a few major league at-bats under their belts, and could plug the Hami-hole in 2013, should they ascend to their sky-high ceilings offensively.
The problem: The Rangers’ best player, Adrian Beltre, blocks Olt, a natural third baseman. Jurickson Profar has Elvis Andrus well ahead of him at shortstop, and the recently re-upped Ian Kinsler at second. Although Olt has seen some big league time in right, Profar’s skill set is more suitable for the outfield, should the Rangers decide to re-position the two.
The Free Agent Market
Naturally, the Texas Rangers will be looking at other available free agent talent. B.J. Upton and Nick Swisher come to mind. Although Swisher is better suited for right field, both he and Upton would provide an immediate offensive upgrade over Gentry and Martin. An Upton or Swisher signing would also provide the Rangers time to let Profar and Olt get consistent playing time in Triple-A for the 2013 season.
Sep 13 2012
Rangers, Derek Holland, Eye Sweep of Indians
This is not Derek Holland. But that is a fine mustache, young lady.
After out-scoring the Tribe 11-6 in the first two games of this three-game set, the Rangers are going for the sweep tonight, and will turn to certified Cleveland-killer Derek Holland to get the job done.
Here’s a look at tonight’s starting lineups:
Cleveland Indians (59-84)
Shin-Soo was 2-for-4 against the Rangers last night, but is riding the pine this evening.
SS Brent Lillibridge
2B Jason Kipnis
DH Carlos Santana
CF Michael Brantley
LF Vinny Rottino
1B Matt LaPorta
RF Thomas Neal
C Lou Marson
3B Jack Hannahan
VS
LHP Derek Holland (10-6, 4.59 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 7.6 K/9, 2.7 BB/9)
Derek Holland has won three of his last four decisions, and certainly pitched well enough to earn the victory in his last start, in Tampa Bay.
To find the victims in Holland’s most recent win, you need look no further than the opposing team’s dugout. Holland, an Ohio native, picked up his tenth win on the year by pitching seven stellar innings against tonight’s foe, the Cleveland Indians, on September 2. All told, the Dutch Oven struck out five, walked just two and scattered five hits.
For Holland to succeed in notching his eleventh victory on the year, it will be crucial for him to have success against Carlos Santana (.385/.467/.923, 2 HRs) as well as Brent Lillibridge (.429/.556/.857, HR), both of whom have hit him well.
Texas Rangers (85-57)
After hitting his 32nd homer of the year last night, Beltre was pulled due to a shoulder issue. He has been cleared to DH this evening, so it’s all good.
2B Ian Kinsler
SS Elvis Andrus
LF David Murphy
DH Adrian Beltre
RF Nelson Cruz
3B Michael Young
1B Mitch Moreland
C Geovany Soto
CF Leonys Martin
VS
RHP Zach McAllister (5-7, 4.31 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 8.1 K/9, 2.8 BB/9)
McAllister, a 6’6″ right-hander from Chillicothe, Illinois, is most likely not very excited about getting the start tonight against the Texas Rangers.
A mere 11 days ago, McAllister was “greeted” by a Texas Rangers’ offense that pounded-out four home runs and recorded seven earned runs over his five innings of work. Remember Jurickson Profar’s first big league homer? Yep, that was off of McAllister. Josh Hamilton found him to his liking too, as he took the righty deep as well.
Sure, Hamilton and Profar are getting the day off today, but it’s not like they were the only Rangers to shellack McAllister. In fact, the only Ranger starting tonight who hasn’t record at least one hit off of him is Mitch Moreland, and, hey, there’s no time like the present, Mitchy!
McAllister is currently riding a five-game losing streak.
So close, yet Profar away
• Rangers’ rookie—and number one prospect—Jurickson Profar was originally slated to start at second base and bat in the nine-hole. However, an MRI of Adrian Beltre’s left shoulder showed no structural damage, and Washington decided to give him the start at designated hitter. Thus, Profar was the odd-man out.
New lineup: Kinsler 2B, Andrus SS, Murphy LF, Beltre DH, Cruz RF, Young 3B, Moreland 1B, Soto C, Martin CF. Profar is out.
— Richard Durrett (@espn_durrett) September 13, 2012
Texas Rangers’ injury news
• Adrian Beltre left yesterday’s game in the fifth inning with a sore left wing, but, as noted earlier, his MRI was negative and he was a late edition to tonight’s starting lineup.
• Josh Hamilton had an injection in his left knee after last night’s game. His injury is not considered serious, but he is getting the night off and is listed as day to day.
• Rangers’ rookie, Mike Olt, was called on to replace Adrian Beltre at third base last night. Olt would leave the game as well as he re-aggravated a plantar fasciitis issue while beating out an infield single. Olt will be sidelined 10-14 days and is set to see a podiatrist in the near future.
• Everyone’s favorite extra-toothy Texas Ranger, Robbie Ross, is scheduled to throw another bullpen tomorrow. He has been sidelined with left forearm tightness, so any throwing not met with subsequent pain is great news for the young lefty.
• Rangers’ reluctant bullpen-specialist, Roy Oswalt, is scheduled to attempt to throw today. He lasted just two innings in his last spot-start and noted that it felt like “something bit his elbow.” No word on if he cast an embittered gaze to all parties involved upon discussing said injury; but, yeah, I’m pretty sure he did.
All Quiet on the A.L. West front?
• Sadly, no, no it is not. The Oakland Athletics continue their quest to become the most-unlikely—according to most pre-season rankings, at least—team to make a playoff splash. They are currently just three games behind the Texas Rangers, which is astounding considering the Rangers own the American League’s best record.
• For the A’s, it’s almost as if shedding the weight of Bartolo Colon—both literally and figuratively—has propelled their ascent all the more. Every time I check the standings, there they are, that much closer to an improbable Wild Card playoff berth.
• The only good thing about the A’s winning, is that three of their last four wins have come at the expense of the Angels.
• The Rangers currently hold a 3 1/2 game lead over the A’s and an 8-game lead over the increasingly lowly LA Angels of A-holedom (if that’s not a word, it should be.)
Sep 02 2012
Feldman Falters in the First, Rangers Can’t Recover as Tribe triumphs 4-3
Scott Feldman is beginning to develop a pattern.
No, I’m not just talking about his current five-game losing streak. Feldman is having—quite consistently over his last six starts—one bad inning.
Every start.
Last month against the Detroit Tigers, it was the four-spot he surrendered in the sixth inning that was his ultimate undoing. In his next start, against the Yankees, it was a three-run third. The Orioles jumped on him for four in the fifth during his next go-around…then the Twinkies dropped a deuce on Feldy in the fifth inning (once again.) And, last night, the Tribe gave Texas a Scooter-scalping for four earned runs in the first inning.
If you’re keeping score at home, he need only surrender a big second-inning to close out the first six frames, dart-style.
Last night’s 4-3 loss had the makings of an extremely short outing for Feldman, as Oswalt was beginning to get loose in the bullpen with just one out in the first inning.
Feldman recovered nicely, and stellar relief from Alexi Ogando and even gasp! Koji Uehara, kept the Indians to only four runs, total. Unfortunately, Adrian Beltre can’t do it all himself and the first-frame four-spot proved insurmountable.
Here in a few hours the Rangers will turn to Derek Holland to try and take their fourth-straight series, so hey, pound a few coldies and go get ‘em tomorrow…
Oakland Athletics Watch
• I don’t know about you, but I still find myself scoreboard watching—without even looking at Oakland’s box scores. I just don’t consider them a threat. But I think that it’s high time to start giving them more than a cursory glance.
They are currently a measly three games out of first place with a 75-57 record. Think about that for a moment. The Texas Rangers are having their best season in the franchise’s history…and the stupid Oakland A’s are only three games behind them.
With their current record, the A’s would be in sole possession of first place in the A.L. Central as well as the N.L. West…it’s definitely time to circle our calendars for September 24—September 27, when the A’s arrive for a four game series in Arlington that might just have some playoff implications…
Up Next:
LHP Derek Holland (9-6, 4.90 ERA) is currently riding a modest two-game winning streak. For HollandO, a native of Newark Ohio, there is truly no place like home. The 25-year-old lefty is 2-0 with a 2.16 ERA against the Tribe over his career.
For the Indians, it’ll be RHP Zach McAllister (5-5, 3.82). Like the Indians, McAllister has struggled over the last couple of months. He’ll be vying for just his third win since July.
The first pitch is scheduled for 12:05 (CST).
Sep 01 2012
Ryan Dempster Tosses Two-Hitter, Robbie Ross to DL as Jurickson Profar Era Commences
Dempster was one cool customer last night, as he held the Tribe to just two hits over his six innings of work.
The two-run advantage really isn’t indicative of the dominant effort that the Rangers put forth a night ago, it’s just a sign of how bad Koji Uehara continues to be…even with the rosters expanding to 40 today, you have to wonder why Uehara continues to occupy one of those spots.
That being said here’s a look at some Rangers of note as well as some roster information as the light at the end of the regular season tunnel begins to burn ever brighter…
Ryan Dempster Continues to Cruise
• I wish I could claim to have never felt the pangs of panic concerning Ryan Dempster. But, like most of us, the second time Demples was shellacked for eight runs, I was wiping the sweat from my brow while clenching my fist in anticipation of smashing the proverbial panic button.
However, all anxiety surrounding the right-hander has been subdued by his recent excellence. Over his last three starts, Dempster has gone 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA and has notched 20 strikeouts and only seven walks. In short, Dempster has looked like the ace the Rangers have so desperately sought since Cliff Lee’s departure via free agency.
Trade Deadline Comes to a Close as Rosters Expand
• Even after news came of the Mariners’ King Felix being claimed on waivers, it became apparent that he most likely will be staying put in Seattle.
• However, the Texas Rangers did announce that the much-anticipated debut of Jurickson Profar will occur today. Highly regarded pitching prospect Miguel De Los Santos was designated for assignment and it looks like Tanner Scheppers as well as Brandon Snyder will be returning to the big league club for the September stretch run.
• It is uncertain how much playing time the aforementioned Profar will command in the final weeks of the season, but he will be a true utility infielder expected to backup shortstop Elvis Andrus and possibly Ian Kinsler at second base.
Koji Uehara…yeah, you know
• As I’m sure most of you are well aware, I’m not a Koji Uehara fan. It’s nothing personal, he seems like a nice dude and I admire his enthusiasm. But, the guy is just an awful pitcher. Occasionally people point to his statistics to quiet my rage, but with Koji, you have to consider the situations he’s used in. He rarely pitches in a close game that the Rangers are winning and if you’ve ever wondered why, just look at his outing against Minnesota last week and last night’s thunder-shot home run off the bat of the excruitiatingly-average Casey Kotchman…and there you have it.
Personally, I’d leave Koji off of my roster even if it expanded to a 60-man…I just don’t see why he’s ever allowed to pitch.
Adrian Beltre—not of this Earth
• Beltre, last week’s A.L. Player of the Week, is continuing to sizzle at the dish. Last night he was 4-for-5, raising his batting average five points to .316 on the season. Over his last 10 games, Beltre has hit .475 with six home runs and 14 RBI. It appears that the sure-handed third baseman is getting hot at the best possible time…
A.L. West Continues to Sizzle
• As great as the Rangers have played over the last several weeks, it’s hard to believe that they have been the A.L. West’s third hottest team over their last ten games.
• The second-place Oakland Athletics have won nine-of-ten and are currently riding a seven-game winning streak; the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim have started to show signs of life, winning seven-of-ten while feeling the flow of a four-game winning streak.
Robbie Ross Injured
Fan favorite and outstanding lefty reliever, Robbie Ross, is headed to the DL with tightness in his left forearm.
• Word came down late last night that left-handed reliever-extraordinnaire Robbie Ross will be placed on the disabled list due to left-forearm stiffness. The diagnosis is particularly disparaging as tightness in the forearm is often a precursor to elbow ligament damage—see Lewis, Colby.
Up Next:
RHP Scott Feldman (6-10, 4.95 ERA) will look to tap into some of his six-game winning streak magic in hopes of staving off his current four-game skid. Scooter will oppose the Indians’ Jeanmar Gomez (4-7, 5.11 ERA). The first pitch is scheduled for 6:05 (CST).
making gifs
It’s Profar time, and I’m stoked!
Jul 27 2012
Potential Trade Target Profile: Josh Johnson
Continuing the Trade Target Profiles today with Josh Johnson, who has peaked the interest of many Rangers fans over the last couple of days. With Cole Hamels off the market and the unsavory thought of Greinke being nothing more than a 3 month rental, Johnson’s attractiveness shot up the charts quickly.
Joshua Michael Johnson
The Player
Johnson has long been a player of desire for Rangers fans, primarily due to the fact that the Marlins are always a volatile team when it comes to the trade market – either buying or selling big every season.
The 28 year-old Johnson grew up in Oklahoma, which has been used in the media recently as a reason why he would be a logical trade target for the Rangers – being closer to home would make him happier. Also floated out there for the media to gobble up is that his wife wouldn’t mind being closer to her family…in Orange County. Seems the Marlins are pandering to the Rangers and Angels…bidding war anyone?
Johnson is a two-time All-Star and finished fifth in the 2010 NL Cy Young voting. Since his first full season in 2006, he hasn’t necessarily been the model of consistency in regards to playing time and health, only surpassing the 20 games pitched mark three times in his career (2006, 2009, 2010).
After a successful rookie campaign in 2006, Johnson had issues early in 2007 and was eventually shut down and had to undergo Tommy John surgery which caused him to miss the second half of 2006 and the first half of 2007.
Similar to Greinke, he has one season (2010) that stands out on paper as a season of dominance, but his 2009 numbers were very strong as well and he was well on his way to a dominant 2011 before being shut down early due to inflammation in his right shoulder.
All that said, this dude is a stud and I don’t view him as any more of an injury risk than any other alternative.
As noted, the contact situation is attractive here because we’re not dealing with a 3-month rental. Johnson’s contract pays him $13.75M this year and the same in 2013.
The Measurables
| Year | Age | Tm | W | L | G | CG | IP | H | HR | BB | SO | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 21 | FLA | 0 | 0 | 3.65 | 4 | 0 | 12.1 | 11 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 112 | 1.703 | 1.00 |
| 2006 | 22 | FLA | 12 | 7 | 3.10 | 31 | 0 | 157.0 | 136 | 14 | 68 | 133 | 140 | 1.299 | 1.96 |
| 2007 | 23 | FLA | 0 | 3 | 7.47 | 4 | 0 | 15.2 | 26 | 1 | 12 | 14 | 60 | 2.426 | 1.17 |
| 2008 | 24 | FLA | 7 | 1 | 3.61 | 14 | 1 | 87.1 | 91 | 7 | 27 | 77 | 121 | 1.351 | 2.85 |
| 2009 | 25 | FLA | 15 | 5 | 3.23 | 33 | 2 | 209.0 | 184 | 14 | 58 | 191 | 133 | 1.158 | 3.29 |
| 2010 | 26 | FLA | 11 | 6 | 2.30 | 28 | 1 | 183.2 | 155 | 7 | 48 | 186 | 180 | 1.105 | 3.88 |
| 2011 | 27 | FLA | 3 | 1 | 1.64 | 9 | 0 | 60.1 | 39 | 2 | 20 | 56 | 239 | 0.978 | 2.80 |
| 2012 | 28 | MIA | 6 | 7 | 4.14 | 20 | 0 | 119.2 | 125 | 7 | 35 | 105 | 99 | 1.337 | 3.00 |
| 8 Yrs | 54 | 30 | 3.14 | 143 | 4 | 845.0 | 767 | 52 | 278 | 772 | 134 | 1.237 | 2.78 | ||
| 162 Game Avg. | 13 | 7 | 3.14 | 35 | 1 | 208 | 189 | 13 | 68 | 190 | 134 | 1.237 | 2.78 | ||
- Exceeded 200 innings only once in his young career (2009)
- Current WAR is 1.7, which is lower than Harrison, Darvish and Colby Lewis (R.I.P. Colbra), but a 6.4 in 2009 and a 6.8 in 2012 far surpass the high-marks of any current Rangers starting pitchers.
- Similar players of note in terms of performance (according to Baseball-Reference.com) are:
- Clayton Kershaw, Jair Jurrjens & Adam Wainwright for career
- David Cone, Adam Wainwright and Orel Hershiser for similarity thorugh age 27 (2011 season for Johnson)
- While his career has been brief and subject to time away for recovery, Johnson has been a better first half pitcher, posting second half marks of 3.83 ERA (compared to 2.71 in first half) a 1.318 WHIP (compared to 1.186 in first half)
| I | Split | W | L | G | CG | SHO | IP | H | HR | BB | SO | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April/March | 8 | 6 | 2.88 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 147.0 | 121 | 6 | 47 | 140 | 1.143 | 2.98 | |
| May | 11 | 4 | 2.66 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 169.1 | 144 | 8 | 51 | 140 | 1.152 | 2.75 | |
| June | 11 | 7 | 2.62 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 144.1 | 128 | 7 | 53 | 135 | 1.254 | 2.55 | |
| July | 9 | 4 | 3.20 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 151.2 | 145 | 16 | 43 | 140 | 1.240 | 3.26 | |
| August | 10 | 5 | 3.71 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 138.1 | 127 | 8 | 42 | 122 | 1.222 | 2.90 | |
| Sept/Oct | 5 | 4 | 4.29 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 94.1 | 102 | 7 | 42 | 95 | 1.527 | 2.26 |
- Johnson has faced the Rangers only once in his career, shutting down the Rangers offense in 2010 by pitching seven strong innings, striking out 7 and giving up only one run on 1 walk and 4 hits…in a no-decision.
- Johnson has never faced the Angels, A’s or Mariners.
Could Josh be a Ranger?
Most prefer Johnson to Greinke at this point. Neither player is having a career year by any standards, but both have the make-up and ability to be dominant aces on the mound.
The Marlins have put the word out that there is only a 5% chance that Johnson is dealt away this season. They have already made to big trades this season as their fire sale is well under way – sending Anibal Sanchez and Omar Infante to the Tigers and sending Hanley Ramirez to the Dodgers.
It’s also well known that the Marlins current asking price for Johnson is very steep. While this may be posturing on there part, you have to figure it’s higher than what could be expected for Greinke (rental).
What would the Rangers have to give up to land Johnson? Given the Marlins dealt away there third baseman (Ramirez), you have to assume that Mike Olt (recurring theme of these trade discussions) would be involved in any package. Beyond Olt, I could see another lower-tiered prospect or two being involved. An interesting scenario that I have only seen discussed once (so it’s probably not going to happen) would have the Marlins including super-utility player Emilio Bonifacio in a deal to the Rangers, with the Rangers increasing their package beyond Olt to include a more highly rated pitching prospect.
Just gonna float this out there:
- Rangers give Mike Olt, Justin Grimm and a player to be named (marginal prospect at best)
- Marlins give Josh Johnson and Emilio Bonifacio – with no help on Johnson’s contract.
***Bonifacio would be under the Rangers control through 2015 and has good value as a switch hitter that can play just about any where in the field.
While many are putting better odds on a deal for Greinke occurring (lower asking price, history with Doug Melvin), I think a deal for Josh Johnson is possible. The Marlins are in a complete rebuilding phase now and know that the return they could net for Johnson will never see a higher point.
Who’s next? James Shields is on deck unless I get another request…
Jul 23 2012
UPDATE: Colby Lewis likely lost for season with Torn Ligament
UPDATE
Per ESPN’s Richard Durrett, Rangers’ right-hander Colby Lewis has been diagnosed with a torn elbow ligament that will likely require surgery…Lewis has been the Rangers most successful starter during their last two World Series runs.
The severity of the injury coupled with Lewis’ imminent loss for the remainder of the year may make a trade for pitching help likely…
Worried about Lewis and/or Oswalt? Greinke would more than compensate for either, should they be lost for an extended period of time.
And the Rangers have begun to plug the holes before the dam explodes.
Rather than Roy Oswalt on the hill tonight, it’s Scott Feldman. Tomorrow night’s starter will be recently re-promoted left-hander Martin Perez.
It appears that Oswalt, who was scratched from tonight’s start due to lower-back stiffness, is being treated day-to-day. However, the fact that Oswalt has dealt with back issues in the not-so-distant past is somewhat alarming.
Colby Lewis, who had just made his first start after being reinstated from the 15-day disabled list, is now back on the dreaded DL. For Lewis, it’s a continued bout with right forearm stiffness. And it’s very clear that that the Texas Rangers aren’t going to take this matter lightly.
Oswalt had really been coming on lately, pitching well over his last two starts after getting banged around by 30-plus hits during his initial three starts. Over his last two games, Oswalt was 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA, while featuring his usual free-pass stinginess.
Lewis was in line to win his most recent start last Wednesday in Oakland. He pitched well, throwing five innings of three-hit ball, but the Athletics scored one run off of each subsequent Rangers reliever, which culminated in a walk-off victory for Oakland, and a no-decision for Lewis.
Although the time might seem ripe to push the panic button with full-force, as long as Roy Oswalt’s back issue is nothing that requires a DL stint, the Rangers are still in fine shape.
Naturally, Scott Feldman isn’t everyone’s first choice to start games, but he has been not horrible over his last three starts.
In that span, he’s 2-0 with a 5.29 ERA, with only two walks and 12 strikeouts. Yeah, I know, that ERA isn’t something that Scooter’s mother would proudly affix to the refrigerator, but it’s better than the six-plus ERA whopper dangling around his neck prior to his first win of the year.
Feldman, oddly enough, is a much better pitcher at home than on the road. He’s 2-3 with a respectable 4.05 ERA at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington in 2012. His road record and ERA (1-3, 7.62) can produce symptoms that closely mirror those of only the most hardcore cases of West Nile Virus.
Dizziness, headaches, nausea. Look at his home numbers again. Now if the symptoms don’t go away, go see a doctor immediately, or stop drinking straight from the beer tap…
21-year-old Venezuelan left-hander, Martin Perez, has looked very solid over his last three appearances, two of which were starts. Over that span, he’s 1-1 with a 2.92 ERA.
So the Rangers have the proper sutures on hand to sew up the recent injury-induced contusions. However, they also have the proper ammunition to amputate the limb entirely, and attache a better arm in its wake.
That was just a confusing way to say that the Texas Rangers have eight more days to make a trade, should they feel the need to do so.
You’ve heard the names. Zach Greinke. Cole Hamels. Possibly even a Matt Garza.
Of course the flip-side of that coin are the names that would have to be in place in order to initiate the speculative trade.
Jurickson Profar. Mike Olt. Perhaps Martin Perez.
Profar is most likely off limits, but should he be dangled as trade bait, the sting of his potential loss could easily be soothed by a World Series Championship…and should Texas bring in one of the aforementioned aces, the end result of the 2012 season could possibly bring forth the organization’s first championship.
Tonight’s Matchup:
RHP Scott Feldman (3-6, 6.25 ERA), versus LHP Felix Doubront (10-4, 4.24 ERA)…
Go Rangers!
Texas Rangers News
- Texas releases Lowe, inks Teahen to Minors deal May 23, 2013
- High ceiling fan: Rangers remind Martin of potential May 23, 2013
- Grimm faces familiar opponent to open road trip May 23, 2013
- Rangers' Wolf wins first big league start May 22, 2013
- Garcia gets start, giving Profar day off May 22, 2013
- Burns odd man out after Wolf called up May 22, 2013
- Perez impresses, still may need more time May 22, 2013
- Moreland not in starting lineup, Baker takes spot May 22, 2013
- Rangers unable to back Darvish, blanked by A's May 22, 2013
- Tepesch to miss Wednesday start with blister May 21, 2013
MLB News
- Beat the Streak leader calls on Cano, Prince May 24, 2013
- Espinosa has broken wrist, won't go on DL May 24, 2013
- With Middlebrooks on DL, Iglesias shifts to third May 24, 2013
- Brewers activate Gorzelanny, place Burgos on DL May 24, 2013
- Marshall goes on DL; Parra returns from rehab May 24, 2013
- Today's MLB starting lineups: May 24 May 24, 2013
- Sarah's Take: Rotation, defense an issue for Giants May 24, 2013
- Twins recall right-hander Deduno for start vs. Tigers May 24, 2013
- Sutton never shy about voicing his opinion May 24, 2013
- Blue Jays place reliever Oliver on 15-day DL May 24, 2013
Twitter Do
@BaseballDo Not the best example of a role model. Disappointing. #Grimm - posted on 24/05/2013 22:47:23
@BaseballDo @whosyourgnomie @BCasey55 @I_Heart_23 heather is talented beyond belief. - posted on 24/05/2013 22:31:56
@BrownCJennifer @whosyourgnomie @BCasey55 @I_Heart_23 - posted on 24/05/2013 22:30:56- @Arlington10 agreed - posted on 24/05/2013 22:27:35
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