The Rangers need to pull the plug and walk away from Cliff Lee. Six years $150,000,000 + is crazy talk, and here is why. Sure, we all remember how great he was in the ALCS taking down the Yankees, but do we realize, that as a Ranger, Lee was 4 - 6 with a 3.98 era prior to the postseason. A 3.98 ERA 4 wins 6 losses, just as reference that is the 4th best e.r.a. on the staff. Cliff Lee is only three years removed from being sent to the minors and not even earning a spot on the Indians playoff roster, and he is 32 years old and six or seven years at that price just doesn't make any sense to me.
As brilliant as Daniels was last season getting the pieces in place for the world series run, he has been just as bad this off-season. I will give him some props for at least upgrading at C, Yorvit should be a nice addition. I'm no GM, but I would have absolutely taken a different approach this winter. For starters, I would have made a serious push for Jon Garland and maybe another starting pitcher or two. Lee says he likes it here, well thats great, but I would have showed him the Rangers are serious about being contenders by being more aggressive. I absolutely would have made offers to Brandon Webb and Chris Young, i realize they are both coming off injuries, but they can be had cheap for the potential they bring. As it is, I guess we will be looking at a starting rotation of C.J. , Colby, Hunter, Holland, and probably a revolving door in the five spot.
Scott Feldman: where have you gone? I haven't heard his name mentioned in any of the possible rotation spots for next season. Did we just give him a big contract, and give up on him. My guess is Feldman will bounce back in 2011, maybe not to his 09 form, but at least good enough to find himself back in the rotation.
Hopefully by the end of next week, we will at least get an idea of what to look forward to next season. Don't get me wrong, Cliff would be a great addition, but this team should be in the hunt again next season with or without him!!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
More than just a game
James Earl Jones in Field of Dreams: "The one constant through all the years... has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steam rollers, it's been erased like a blackboard. Rebuilt and then erased again, but baseball has marked the time... This game is a part of our past... it reminds us of all that once was good, and it could be again."
Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Many of my childhood memories involve the game in one way or another. Front yard baseball with friends consumed most of summer's days, and although I played organized ball it was our daily "sandlot" games in the old neighborhood that I seem to miss the most. Baseball introduced me to my best friend when I was 9. Two shy kids who lived in the same neighborhood, rode the same bus, but never said two words to one another until landing on the all-star team together in the summer of '85.
Baseball was currency to me, and it's value was priceless. My father coached little league baseball for decades, and many of those years he coached without having a child on the field. Although the last 10 - 15 years he was alive we became the best of friends, growing up, baseball was the bond that united us. There aren't many memories of my childhood, playing with my father, that baseball wasn't involved. I can count on one hand how many times I saw my father with tears in his eyes, and two of those times involved baseball. The first baseball tear I saw was in 1990, when we defeated Hallsville 1-0 for the first time on our way to the state tournament. The second time was the only time I saw him look at me with disappointment in his eyes. It was the loss of a baseball dream that brought the tear this time. I injured both shoulders playing football when I was 15, and I could not swing a bat without the left shoulder dislocating. My father knew that my competitive days of baseball were gone, along with his baseball dreams for me. He was right, and I never played a single inning of baseball in high school.
Passion - a strong feeling or emotion
Although I haven't played in years, baseball is still my one true passion outside of my family. I can get lost in the history of it like nothing else I know. The ballpark is my temple, the smells, the crowd, and the crack of the bat. Even though I've seen "THE ROOKIE" countless times, I still get a tear in my eye when Jim Morris ( Dennis Quaid ) makes the phone call to his wife, letting her know he has been called up. Last week I started compiling and recording stats, dates, and other historical facts through the history of baseball. My plan is to make two scrap books, one of Texas Rangers History, and one for all of Major League Baseball. Once completed, I will have them sitting out in our house in hopes that one day my passion for baseball will be shared by my boys. If nothing else, they can read through it and learn some baseball history. Passion, much like dreams, makes life much more interesting, and to me, baseball will always be more than just a game.
Baseball has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Many of my childhood memories involve the game in one way or another. Front yard baseball with friends consumed most of summer's days, and although I played organized ball it was our daily "sandlot" games in the old neighborhood that I seem to miss the most. Baseball introduced me to my best friend when I was 9. Two shy kids who lived in the same neighborhood, rode the same bus, but never said two words to one another until landing on the all-star team together in the summer of '85.
Baseball was currency to me, and it's value was priceless. My father coached little league baseball for decades, and many of those years he coached without having a child on the field. Although the last 10 - 15 years he was alive we became the best of friends, growing up, baseball was the bond that united us. There aren't many memories of my childhood, playing with my father, that baseball wasn't involved. I can count on one hand how many times I saw my father with tears in his eyes, and two of those times involved baseball. The first baseball tear I saw was in 1990, when we defeated Hallsville 1-0 for the first time on our way to the state tournament. The second time was the only time I saw him look at me with disappointment in his eyes. It was the loss of a baseball dream that brought the tear this time. I injured both shoulders playing football when I was 15, and I could not swing a bat without the left shoulder dislocating. My father knew that my competitive days of baseball were gone, along with his baseball dreams for me. He was right, and I never played a single inning of baseball in high school.
Passion - a strong feeling or emotion
Although I haven't played in years, baseball is still my one true passion outside of my family. I can get lost in the history of it like nothing else I know. The ballpark is my temple, the smells, the crowd, and the crack of the bat. Even though I've seen "THE ROOKIE" countless times, I still get a tear in my eye when Jim Morris ( Dennis Quaid ) makes the phone call to his wife, letting her know he has been called up. Last week I started compiling and recording stats, dates, and other historical facts through the history of baseball. My plan is to make two scrap books, one of Texas Rangers History, and one for all of Major League Baseball. Once completed, I will have them sitting out in our house in hopes that one day my passion for baseball will be shared by my boys. If nothing else, they can read through it and learn some baseball history. Passion, much like dreams, makes life much more interesting, and to me, baseball will always be more than just a game.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Let the Bidding Begin!
Free agency is now open, and the Yanks appear to be wasting no time in going after Lee. Everything I'm about to write is pure speculation and opinion, so here we go. Truth is the Rangers could be a better overall team without Cliff Lee. With Hamilton, Cruz, C.J., Murphy, and a couple of others, arbitration is going to take a chunk of the money the Rangers can spend this offseason. Paying Lee the huge contract will limit what other moves the Rangers can make this winter.
The biggest need this off-season is going to be starting pitching. C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis are the only sure things coming back. Hunter will probably stay somewhere in the rotation, but this team needs an ace. Feldman is coming of a horrible year and is having surgery. Rumors are flying around that Neftali Feliz will get a shot in the rotation, and I'm not real sure how that's going to work. Cliff Lee is without a doubt the number 1 target for the Rangers, but they also will have there eye on Jon Garland, Hisashi Iwakuma ( from Japan ), and I expect them to take a chance on a recovering Brandon Webb. Former Ranger Chris Young could also be on the radar, but suffered from lingering arm issues last season with the Padres.
The biggest hole in the everyday area would be the catching position, if Lee signs I'm assuming that this spot will remain Teagarden and Treanor, unless they trade for someone. Without Lee the Rangers would most likely be going after Victor Martinez or John Buck. John Buck is coming off the best season of his career which would make me a little nervous about if he can duplicate it. Victor is a career .300 hitter and average defensively, but run production from the catching position would make this line-up very tough from top to bottom.
Mitch Moreland has earned the chance to be the everyday first baseman next season, and I would expect the Rangers to look for an older back-up who could also serve as a DH. Another rumor flying around is the chance that Michael Young will move to DH, and the Rangers would look to sign Beltre on the open market.
Bullpen- outside of Feliz ( if he stays in the pen ) and Ogando, I'm not sure what the relievers will look like next year. Okay, I realize O'day will be there, i'm just not that impressed or thrilled with him. Kerry Wood is the biggest and best option for relievers in free agency, along with Soriano from the Rays. Problem is Wood will probably not be happy unless he is going to be the closer, but I would like to have a whole pen full of closers personally.
As you can see, the Rangers have a few holes, and getting quality on the cheap if Lee signs is going to be tough. Without Lee, the Rangers could possibly fill all the spots that need to be addressed with real quality.
I know it sounds like I'm saying the Rangers are in trouble, but I'm not, the bulk of this team will be back. The players coming back are enough to put them back in position to win the A.L. West next season, but a few quality additions could put them square in the middle of chasing another pennant and potentially World Series.
The biggest need this off-season is going to be starting pitching. C.J. Wilson and Colby Lewis are the only sure things coming back. Hunter will probably stay somewhere in the rotation, but this team needs an ace. Feldman is coming of a horrible year and is having surgery. Rumors are flying around that Neftali Feliz will get a shot in the rotation, and I'm not real sure how that's going to work. Cliff Lee is without a doubt the number 1 target for the Rangers, but they also will have there eye on Jon Garland, Hisashi Iwakuma ( from Japan ), and I expect them to take a chance on a recovering Brandon Webb. Former Ranger Chris Young could also be on the radar, but suffered from lingering arm issues last season with the Padres.
The biggest hole in the everyday area would be the catching position, if Lee signs I'm assuming that this spot will remain Teagarden and Treanor, unless they trade for someone. Without Lee the Rangers would most likely be going after Victor Martinez or John Buck. John Buck is coming off the best season of his career which would make me a little nervous about if he can duplicate it. Victor is a career .300 hitter and average defensively, but run production from the catching position would make this line-up very tough from top to bottom.
Mitch Moreland has earned the chance to be the everyday first baseman next season, and I would expect the Rangers to look for an older back-up who could also serve as a DH. Another rumor flying around is the chance that Michael Young will move to DH, and the Rangers would look to sign Beltre on the open market.
Bullpen- outside of Feliz ( if he stays in the pen ) and Ogando, I'm not sure what the relievers will look like next year. Okay, I realize O'day will be there, i'm just not that impressed or thrilled with him. Kerry Wood is the biggest and best option for relievers in free agency, along with Soriano from the Rays. Problem is Wood will probably not be happy unless he is going to be the closer, but I would like to have a whole pen full of closers personally.
As you can see, the Rangers have a few holes, and getting quality on the cheap if Lee signs is going to be tough. Without Lee, the Rangers could possibly fill all the spots that need to be addressed with real quality.
I know it sounds like I'm saying the Rangers are in trouble, but I'm not, the bulk of this team will be back. The players coming back are enough to put them back in position to win the A.L. West next season, but a few quality additions could put them square in the middle of chasing another pennant and potentially World Series.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thank You!
Thank you Rangers for the greatest season in the clubs history! Two items can now be removed from my bucket list 1. Go to a World Series game ( check x 2 ) 2. See the Rangers make it to the world series. CHECK. I'm a fan of all sports, but baseball has always been #1 for me. Nothing could compare to seeing the Rangers play live in Arlington in the World Series, not even being at a World Cup soccer game meant as much to me as being there for 2 of the 3 home games.
I believe the future is bright for this organization with or without Cliff Lee coming back. Nolan, Chuck, and Daniels seem to have this train pointing in the right direction, and hopefully this momentum will carry into next season. Leaving the park last night I couldn't help but think what it would be like for DFW to become a true baseball area. Rival the likes of Boston and New York, where every game is a tough ticket and every crowd is rowdy. History was made this season, and I am thrilled to have been a witness to it. I won't get in to the offseason moves that need to be made, today is a time to reflect on amazing run they had.
GOODBYE WORLD SERIES it was a beautiful ride!!!
I believe the future is bright for this organization with or without Cliff Lee coming back. Nolan, Chuck, and Daniels seem to have this train pointing in the right direction, and hopefully this momentum will carry into next season. Leaving the park last night I couldn't help but think what it would be like for DFW to become a true baseball area. Rival the likes of Boston and New York, where every game is a tough ticket and every crowd is rowdy. History was made this season, and I am thrilled to have been a witness to it. I won't get in to the offseason moves that need to be made, today is a time to reflect on amazing run they had.
GOODBYE WORLD SERIES it was a beautiful ride!!!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
IT WAS TIME!!
In front of the largest crowd in Rangers history, my wife and I stood along and took home with us a little piece of history. Not only was this the first ever World Series game in Arlington, but also the first ever World Series win for the state of Texas. As we pulled into the parking lot and made our way to the stadium, something was clearly different. The fans were in a frenzy, the parking lots were full of tailgaters and a buzz unlike any I've felt entering the ballpark was obvious. As the game neared you could feel the nervous energy and almost desperation of we really need this win. From the first pitch from Nolan to Pudge, to Kelly Clarkson singing the national anthem the place was electric.
As for the game itself, Cliff Lee may be getting all the national attention, but Colby Lewis has been nothing short of brilliant. Two early walks in the first two innings brought plenty of grumblings, and I couldn't help but find myself watching his pitch count. After the first couple of innings Colby found his mark and threw a gem. Offensively Mitch Moreland ( the rookie most hadn't heard of until his call-up ) may have saved any hope the Rangers had with his 3 run blast in the 2nd. This kid has shown plate awareness Ranger fans have been longing for from the 1st base position for what seems like forever.
The eighth inning brought on that sinking feeling for me, as I have lost hope in the bullpen, especially O'day. The only comfort I had in O'day entering the game was that Nefti was ready as long as Darren could keep the ball in the yard. The ground ball to Andrus and the weight of the world seemed to be lifted. Feliz came in did his job and well as they say "THE REST IS HISTORY".
As for the game itself, Cliff Lee may be getting all the national attention, but Colby Lewis has been nothing short of brilliant. Two early walks in the first two innings brought plenty of grumblings, and I couldn't help but find myself watching his pitch count. After the first couple of innings Colby found his mark and threw a gem. Offensively Mitch Moreland ( the rookie most hadn't heard of until his call-up ) may have saved any hope the Rangers had with his 3 run blast in the 2nd. This kid has shown plate awareness Ranger fans have been longing for from the 1st base position for what seems like forever.
The eighth inning brought on that sinking feeling for me, as I have lost hope in the bullpen, especially O'day. The only comfort I had in O'day entering the game was that Nefti was ready as long as Darren could keep the ball in the yard. The ground ball to Andrus and the weight of the world seemed to be lifted. Feliz came in did his job and well as they say "THE REST IS HISTORY".
Friday, October 29, 2010
World Series Blues?
Okay, so I realize I haven't been blogging this season. Main reason is no one seemed to follow along last season, but with the success the Rangers have had perhaps there are a few more Ranger fans on the wagon. Now, let's get to business.
I was more than excited listening to Eric Nadel call the final out in Game 6 against the Yankees, and it was a nice change for seemingly everyone to be a Rangers fan all of a sudden. Now here we are 2 games into the World Series and the Rangers chatter has fallen flat and the wagon seems to be missing a couple of wheels. To long time true Ranger fans I can understand the disappointment in how the first two games have gone, but for anyone to bash this team at this point is beyond me. Seriously people, the TEXAS RANGERS are in the WORLD SERIES!! Think about that next time before you start the bashing, and if you're like me you will probably laugh for a moment and remember what you said when A-Rod struck out looking in Game 6 ( i never thought i'd see the day the Rangers would be in a World Series)
I'll be the first to admit that I've questioned Ron's managing in the World Series, but that's nothing new. If you read my blog in the past I'm often critical of his decisions. This team has it's back to the wall now, and honestly I just want to see a good fight. I can live with losing the World Series, but watching this team throw it away is painful to watch. As fans it's easy to get caught up in the moment of the game, I'm as guilty as anyone but I will also admit that this has been a great season, especially the last two weeks. The excitement and buzz around the metroplex has been awesome, and I'm hoping that this is a sign of things to come around here. The Cowboys need some competition, and I couldn't be happier that here it is almost November and we're still talking baseball.
I was more than excited listening to Eric Nadel call the final out in Game 6 against the Yankees, and it was a nice change for seemingly everyone to be a Rangers fan all of a sudden. Now here we are 2 games into the World Series and the Rangers chatter has fallen flat and the wagon seems to be missing a couple of wheels. To long time true Ranger fans I can understand the disappointment in how the first two games have gone, but for anyone to bash this team at this point is beyond me. Seriously people, the TEXAS RANGERS are in the WORLD SERIES!! Think about that next time before you start the bashing, and if you're like me you will probably laugh for a moment and remember what you said when A-Rod struck out looking in Game 6 ( i never thought i'd see the day the Rangers would be in a World Series)
I'll be the first to admit that I've questioned Ron's managing in the World Series, but that's nothing new. If you read my blog in the past I'm often critical of his decisions. This team has it's back to the wall now, and honestly I just want to see a good fight. I can live with losing the World Series, but watching this team throw it away is painful to watch. As fans it's easy to get caught up in the moment of the game, I'm as guilty as anyone but I will also admit that this has been a great season, especially the last two weeks. The excitement and buzz around the metroplex has been awesome, and I'm hoping that this is a sign of things to come around here. The Cowboys need some competition, and I couldn't be happier that here it is almost November and we're still talking baseball.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Well done boys
Twenty games remain in what has been an exciting season in Arlington. The reality is this team far exceeded all expectations this year, and have given us reason to look forward to next season. Ranger are 6 back of the Angels and 4 back of the Red Sox, there is an outside shot of catching one of them, but I don't anticipate it happening.
This offseason should be interesting around here, as the Rangers will more than likely have to let go of at least one outfielder. The question is which one goes? My guess is they will find a way to get Borbon in the lead off spot next season and make him an everyday player, leaving Byrd, Murphy, and Cruz platooning for the other spot. I would prefer to see Cruz gone and let Murphy and Byrd split the time as Byrd will also give Hamilton a day off from time to time in CF. I would like to see this line-up the rest of this season to give us a peak at what's to come next season.
1. Borbon LF
2. Andrus SS
3. Young 3B
4. Hamilton CF
5. Byrd RF
6. Kinsler 2B
7. Davis 1B
8. Murphy DH
9. Saltalamacchia C
This offseason should be interesting around here, as the Rangers will more than likely have to let go of at least one outfielder. The question is which one goes? My guess is they will find a way to get Borbon in the lead off spot next season and make him an everyday player, leaving Byrd, Murphy, and Cruz platooning for the other spot. I would prefer to see Cruz gone and let Murphy and Byrd split the time as Byrd will also give Hamilton a day off from time to time in CF. I would like to see this line-up the rest of this season to give us a peak at what's to come next season.
1. Borbon LF
2. Andrus SS
3. Young 3B
4. Hamilton CF
5. Byrd RF
6. Kinsler 2B
7. Davis 1B
8. Murphy DH
9. Saltalamacchia C
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)