2011 Baseball Season/Off-Season Discussion

[faldor]

Any player you have right now on the rangers is huge especially if its a pitcher. They are just on a tear.

Yeah that's one streaky team there.  They started the season off looking like the World Series favorite.  Then Hamilton got hurt and they struggled to hang around .500.  Now they're unbeatable again.  Very good team though, certainly a contender.

The pitching recently has been what's really winning them games. Its been up and down at times this season but right now they are pitching lights out. If their pitchers get hot like that in the playoffs watch out.

Someone tweeted Buster Olney today that the Rangers are 40-19 WITH Josh Hamilton.  He was using that as evidence that Hamilton should be an MVP candidate.  Tough to argue with that record.

Oh, and forget about my fantasy trade proposal.  I ended up trading him Yunel Escobar for Vance Worley.  Worth a shot.  He REALLY needed a SS, and I already had Han-Ram, Escobar was filling a Util. spot for me.  Though he was putting up solid numbers, that I will need to compensate for.

[tim_m]

Any player you have right now on the rangers is huge especially if its a pitcher. They are just on a tear.

Yeah that's one streaky team there.  They started the season off looking like the World Series favorite.  Then Hamilton got hurt and they struggled to hang around .500.  Now they're unbeatable again.  Very good team though, certainly a contender.

The pitching recently has been what's really winning them games. Its been up and down at times this season but right now they are pitching lights out. If their pitchers get hot like that in the playoffs watch out.

Someone tweeted Buster Olney today that the Rangers are 40-19 WITH Josh Hamilton.  He was using that as evidence that Hamilton should be an MVP candidate.  Tough to argue with that record.

Oh, and forget about my fantasy trade proposal.  I ended up trading him Yunel Escobar for Vance Worley.  Worth a shot.  He REALLY needed a SS, and I already had Han-Ram, Escobar was filling a Util. spot for me.  Though he was putting up solid numbers, that I will need to compensate for.

I agree tough to argue, however, you can't ignore the numbers that Adrian Gonzalez and Curtis Granderson are putting up either. I mean Granderson is going to have a career year it looks like.

[D]

Been a Braves fan for 26 years... Would i be a complete douche if i jumped on the Texas Ranger bandwagon?

WOW 20 runs already against Minnesota!! unreal.

[pilferk]

The Rangers are scary good.

BUT, they're also playing in a TERRIBLE AL West.

Against the current "if the season ended today" playoff teams...the Rangers are 7-11 (and that's counting a 3-0 record against the Bosox).

They're hotter than hot right now..but during that streak they've played:

Houston (who's terrible)
Florida (who's not very good)
Baltimore (who's terrible)
Oakland (who can't hit)
Seattle (who, as we can all see, is horrid)
LA (who is decent...and the Rangers LOST 2 of 3)
Toronto (who is mediocre, at best)
The Twins (who should be good, but are so streaky...they aren't)

Their August and September (lots of Detroit, Bosox, Angels, and Cleveland) are going to be a LOT tougher than their last 4 to 6 weeks have been.  Lets see if they hold up through that time frame.  THAT'S going to show how good they really are.

[tim_m]

The Rangers are scary good.

BUT, they're also playing in a TERRIBLE AL West.

Against the current "if the season ended today" playoff teams...the Rangers are 7-11 (and that's counting a 3-0 record against the Bosox).

They're hotter than hot right now..but during that streak they've played:

Houston (who's terrible)
Florida (who's not very good)
Baltimore (who's terrible)
Oakland (who can't hit)
Seattle (who, as we can all see, is horrid)
LA (who is decent...and the Rangers LOST 2 of 3)
Toronto (who is mediocre, at best)
The Twins (who should be good, but are so streaky...they aren't)

Their August and September (lots of Detroit, Bosox, Angels, and Cleveland) are going to be a LOT tougher than their last 4 to 6 weeks have been.  Lets see if they hold up through that time frame.  THAT'S going to show how good they really are.

Very good points that they haven't beaten anyone really good during this streak. Teams like the yankees have kicked their ass this year. If they start playing like this against good playoff potential teams then i'll say they are legit. Still, the way they've been playing has been impressive. I'm curious to see if missing Beltre will hurt at all.

[faldor]

The Red Sox have also been beating up on bad teams the last few weeks.

A couple days ago I figured the Red Sox might make a minor deal or two by the deadline but for the most part would stand pat.  How quickly things change.  Clay Buchholz has been out since mid June and his progress has been limited and keeps experiencing minor setbacks.  I'm not sure they can count on him to come back and be a factor for the stretch run.  Beckett and Lester as a 1, 2 is solid, but having Lackey, Wakefield as your 3, 4 in a playoff series is not the most comforting thought.

I just read on twitter that they're going hard after Eric Bedard, who has plenty of injury concerns of his own.  Then again, the Yankees are also scouting Bedard, along with other teams I'm sure.  The price tag for Ubaldo Jimenez seems way too high.  I don't know if he'd be worth it for one, and the Sox unloaded 3 of their top prospects in the off season to acquire Adrian Gonzalez, so I doubt they'll be eager to trade away more of their blue chippers for a less than sure thing.

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2011/07/as_concern_grow.html?camp=localsearch:on:twit:sox

As concern grows for Buchholz, Red Sox explore the market for starters
Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff  July 28, 2011 11:23 AM

WEEI.com, citing a "source familiar with the matter", reported earlier this morning that the Red Sox are very concerned that Clay Buchholz's sore lower back is the result of a more serious injury than a muscle strain.

Terry Francona did not directly confirm that. But his words clearly indicate that Buchholz is is dealing with an injury that could could knock him out for the rest of the season.

"Oh, boy. The best way I think I can answer that is that it?s not been the simplest muscle strain. That?s pretty obvious," Francona said. "I meant what I said [Wednesday]. I don?t know if I meant what I said [Tuesday]."

Buchholz threw off a mound on Monday and looked good according to all observers. But instead of repeating that step on Wednesday, he was shut down. The Sox have said Buchholz will see another specialist later this week but have provided no details beyond that.

?It?s not been the simplest muscle strain I?ve ever seen. We are serious. We want to have everything answered before we turn him loose. Because if we turn him loose, we don?t want to turn back," Francona said. "At the same time, we want to take care of him. I still feel that and I think our medical people do, too."

Is Francona concerned that Buchholz will not pitch again this season?

?Not right now,? he said. ?I think we want to get him looked at. What I said is what I said.?

Buchholz has not pitched since June 16. In recent weeks, he has said repeatedly that he does not want to pitch in a game until he is 100-percent pain free.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Red Sox may be compelled to obtain a starter given the state of their rotation. Buchholz is in limbo, Andrew Miller has so far been unreliable against American League teams and Tim Wakefield has a 7.06 ERA in his last five starts.

The Red Sox will closely monitor Seattle lefthander Erik Bedard when he makes his start on Friday. The Mariners have been scouting Red Sox prospects in Portland and Pawtucket in preparation for a possible trade.

The team also has been in contact with the Dodgers regarding Hiroki Kuroda. The big prize would be Rockies ace Ubaldo Jimenez, but that would likely require a significant price in terms of prospects.

Other starters reportedly available include Rich Harden, Jeremy Guthrie and Aaron Harang.

[tim_m]

Former major league pitcher Hideki Irabu found dead in his home of an apparent suicide. 

RIP

[Falcon]

Too bad about Irabu, ya just hate to hear something like this.

Trade deadline madness in full swing, contenders taking on pending free agents for overhyped prospects -always a fun time indeed.

Do the Yanks or Sox have anything left in the cupboard to land Jimenez?  Tim, pilf, faldor???

The Rasmus era is over in STL, time to move on for all concerned.  Has anyone caught Raz's stage father (Tony Rasmus) on the interview circuit since the trade?  Entertaining to say the least.

I think the Phillies still have something up there sleave, Hunter Pence would fit quite nicely I suspect.

[tim_m]

Too bad about Irabu, ya just hate to hear something like this.

Trade deadline madness in full swing, contenders taking on pending free agents for overhyped prospects -always a fun time indeed.

Do the Yanks or Sox have anything left in the cupboard to land Jimenez?  Tim, pilf, faldor???

The Rasmus era is over in STL, time to move on for all concerned.  Has anyone caught Raz's stage father (Tony Rasmus) on the interview circuit since the trade?  Entertaining to say the least.

I think the Phillies still have something up there sleave, Hunter Pence would fit quite nicely I suspect.

Yeah, that's something you never want to hear.

I don't think the yanks will land Jimenez. I think the asking price is just way too high.

[Falcon]

I don't think the yanks will land Jimenez. I think the asking price is just way too high.

Do the Yanks have any trade chips?

Has Montero gone from prospect to suspect?

Edit: Suspect should be replace with "not a centerpiece" of a major deal.

[faldor]

I think the Sox do have the necessary chips to land Jimenez.  I just don't know if they think he's worth pretty much clearing out the farm system with 2 major trades in less than one calendar year.  I hear the Rockies are looking for 3 top flight prospects in return, so the Sox would likely have to give up SS Jose Iglesias, P Anthony Raunado, and OF Ryan Kalish/Josh Reddick.  I think they could withstand trading ONE of the OF's and to me Jose Iglesias looks like Rey Ordonez.  GREAT glove, no bat.  They already traded their top pitching prospect (Casey Kelly) to get Gonzalez.  Not sure they want to trade their new top pitching prospect a mere seven months later.  If it was for Felix Hernandez, maybe.  But Jimenez?  Don't know if he's really worth THAT much.

[tim_m]

I don't think the yanks will land Jimenez. I think the asking price is just way too high.

Do the Yanks have any trade chips?

Has Montero gone from prospect to suspect?

Edit: Suspect should be replace with "not a centerpiece" of a major deal.

They do, but from what i heard they are asking the yankees for Montero, Ivan Nova and iether Banuelos or Betances. That's not just a no but a hell fucking no.

[pilferk]

Too bad about Irabu, ya just hate to hear something like this.

Trade deadline madness in full swing, contenders taking on pending free agents for overhyped prospects -always a fun time indeed.

Do the Yanks or Sox have anything left in the cupboard to land Jimenez?  Tim, pilf, faldor???

The Rasmus era is over in STL, time to move on for all concerned.  Has anyone caught Raz's stage father (Tony Rasmus) on the interview circuit since the trade?  Entertaining to say the least.

I think the Phillies still have something up there sleave, Hunter Pence would fit quite nicely I suspect.

Yanks have the farm hands (probably more so than the Sox with Montero, Nunez, Nova, the 2 B's (both projected starters...one a righty, one a lefty) being the most notable) to do it...but the Rockies are asking for just about the whole farm to get him.  At least right now.  We'll see if that price comes down as they close in on Sunday.

The thing is:  The Rockies are under not pressure to do a deal.  They have Jimenez signed to a club friendly deal through 2012 with CLUB options for 2013 AND 2014.  They can ask for the moon, with that type of deal, and stick with it.

Personally, I don't think he's worth their asking price.  Now, if Seattle asked for the same package for King Felix...I'd ask where to sign.

[pilferk]

I don't think the yanks will land Jimenez. I think the asking price is just way too high.

Do the Yanks have any trade chips?

Has Montero gone from prospect to suspect?

Edit: Suspect should be replace with "not a centerpiece" of a major deal.

Rockies are hot for Montero.  Most of MLB is, actually...he's usually the first name that comes up when the Yanks ask about a trade.  Still.

They're reportedly asking for Montero, Nova OR Hughes, and both the B's (two of the best pitching prospects in MLB).

[pilferk]

They do, but from what i heard they are asking the yankees for Montero, Ivan Nova and iether Banuelos or Betances. That's not just a no but a hell fucking no.

Last week they were asking for that package except they wanted BOTH B's.

So, if you're right, then their price has come down a bit. 

I'd go for Montero, Nova OR one of the B's, and another top flight bat.  I'm not sure I'd give up an MLB ready bat, an MLB ready arm, AND one of the top pitching prospects going.  Too pricey.

[sandman]

I think the Phillies still have something up there sleave, Hunter Pence would fit quite nicely I suspect.

our offense is average and very inconsistent. we could really use a right-handed bat for the 5-hole. Pence would be real nice and the rumors are in full force today.

Phils management have set the bar high in terms of expectations at the trade deadline due to recent history (and major offseasion acquisitions as well). so yeah, i'm almost expecting them to pull off a major deal.

More importantly, this team is built to win now with a window of 2 years or so. and we have pieces that teams want, so it makes sense. and although Pence will cost alot, he's 28 and under control for a few years so it's not exactly a "mortgaging your future" situation. 

i'm not the biggest Pence fan in the world, and Quentin is the rumored second option. he's a nice player and i would actually be ok with that.

[Falcon]

They're reportedly asking for Montero, Nova OR Hughes, and both the B's (two of the best pitching prospects in MLB).

I heard one of the talking heads (Heyman I believe) saying Montero may project as a first baseman to other clubs going forward - any truth to that?

Looks like the Braves may be in on Pence as well faldor (hardballtalk) - he mght be the most intriguing storyline going now.

Also, I gone off on tangents here regarding John Sterling and his schtick on Yankee broadcasts
but I've done a complete 180 after listening to alot of Yankee games on MLB Radio this year.

I bit on the soundbites, the guy's a fantastic play by play man and quite an easy listen.

[pilferk]

They're reportedly asking for Montero, Nova OR Hughes, and both the B's (two of the best pitching prospects in MLB).

I heard one of the talking heads (Heyman I believe) saying Montero may project as a first baseman to other clubs going forward - any truth to that?

I think he could make that transition.  Given some seasoning, he could also catch at the MLB level...his offense would counter any defensive shortcomings he showed early.



The thing with the Yanks is this:  They MIGHT be able to eventually slot him in at catcher....but he's NEVER going to play 1B.  Tex is locked in there for a LONG time.  And the way Martin has handled the staff this year...it wouldn't surprise me if the Yanks wanted him back...just for that purpose.

[tim_m]

They do, but from what i heard they are asking the yankees for Montero, Ivan Nova and iether Banuelos or Betances. That's not just a no but a hell fucking no.

Last week they were asking for that package except they wanted BOTH B's.

So, if you're right, then their price has come down a bit. 

I'd go for Montero, Nova OR one of the B's, and another top flight bat.  I'm not sure I'd give up an MLB ready bat, an MLB ready arm, AND one of the top pitching prospects going.  Too pricey.

I think that's still too much Montero is the future backstop and Nova has proven this year he can pitch effectively in the majors. If Hughes falters again. We need his as insurance. Giving up either B would hurt those guys are two of the best prospects in all of baseball.

[Falcon]

Pence would be real nice and the rumors are in full force today.

Enter sandman:

http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/07/29/reports-phillies-favored-for-hunter-pence-active-on-padres-relievers/

Looks like a done deal.