The Water Cooler
See other The Water Cooler Articles
Title: 2015 Texas Rangers
Source:
N/A
URL Source: http://N/A
Published: Oct 14, 2014
Author: CZ82
Post Date: 2014-10-14 18:08:52 by CZ82
Keywords: None
Views: 376787
Comments: 1454
For those of you who would like to comment on what might happen with the 2015 version of the Texas Rangers or any other MLB team for that matter.
Poster Comment: BTW Stone the Rangers are going to steal Cueto from the Reds!
Post Comment Private Reply Ignore Thread
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/Latest
Comments (1-1295) not displayed.
.
.
.
#1296. To: tomder55 (#1289)
True about the other WC teams going down to the wire, using their best SP. But frankly, I'm not all that secure in that the streaky Yanks will definitely get in. IF the 'Stros make it (I doubt it) Kuechel owned the Yanks this season. They have to hope they they pitch lights-out. The Bombers' problem is scoring more than 3 runs per game with the top of the formerly vaunted lineup hitting a buck and change since August. Gardner is been useless. Ellsbury got his $153m base on his juice-related 2011 when he inexplicably whacked 32 dingers when he averages a dozen HRs. He now has ZERO power. Cashman got fooled by the same anomaly with Headley -- a guy who also averages 12 HRs per year, broke out and hit 31 in 2012. Now both IMO have reverted to their normal un-juiced baseline. IMO they are two over-priced frauds. Ellsbury stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/e/ellsbja01.shtml Headley stats: http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/h/headlch01.shtml
They lost their closer too a few days ago... KC lost their closer as well? Buh-bye, KC. That leaves (IMO) the Rangers v. the Jays as the teams to beat. Unbelievable that Texas has become so strong a contendah and running on all cylinders. That *without* Hamilton?! Btw, Tommy -- who is #55 of your handle? Hideki Matsui? Or Gary Reasons? :-)
3 runs per game .....That's playoff baseball. And the Yanks have played playoff baseball for a month. In the scenario I gave Keuchel gets used in a must win game before the WC elimination game. The truth is that they are very vulnerable to lefty pitching ,and everyone has been throwing lefties against them . That is part of the reason for their mediocre month. Yeah they are limping in and Price is going to get the Cy Young Award mostly based on how he took the Jays on his back since the trade . His performance is reminiscent of CC's for the Brewers as far as it's impact. In April ,if anyone would've told Yankee fans that they were going into the playoffs as a wild card ;they would've signed up for it . This team in truth has over performed . No one thought AROID would turn it around after 1 season suspension and two hip surgeries . Before he broke his leg on a foul tip off his shin ,Tex was on pace to have his best year . He has been replaced by Bird who has been a revelation. Girardi in my view has done by far his best managing job keeping this team winning enough to secure a playoff spot. Every one of their starters have gone down at one time or another during the season;and when they are healthy ,they only are good for half a game. He has 3 very good relievers ,and the rest of them don't belong on a major league roster . They did shore up 2nd base with the acquisition of Dustin Ackley. He and Rob Refsnyder form an adequate platoon . Didi is a solid replacement for Jeter . He should probably be moved up the the 2nd slot in the line-up since Gardy is slumping . Headley has been playing equal to his playing card . McCann is the AL catcher of the year . There are none better in the AL . Yes Ellsbury has struggled since he came back from DL .But no one ever thought Beltran would do as well as he has . Gardy had an all star 1st half . Then he slumped badly since . When all is said and done ;his numbers will mirror his playing card. He and Ellsbury do need to step it up because they are the catalyst .The Yank power numbers have not suffered . But it would be nice if there were runners on base when the homers are hit . Unless they completely collapse this week then they will host the elimination game. They will win at home . After that ,it's anyone's guess. Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Yes going to be a good post season. For the Rangers to get there they will have to beat the Angels at least 2 of 4 maybe more. Angels play the woeful A's next week and it seems Kyle Seager takes a powder when there's not a Ranger on the mound. Someone might have to meet CJ Cron in the parking lot with a sock full of pennies:) "They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and their daughters,Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with the blood."---Psalm 106:37-38
Yes saw Chi Chi hang one and Luke Jackson. Then again that 3 run inning for the Stros could have ended on GIDP if Mitch got a handle on it. But such is the game and I won't beat on Mitch. That was only his second error all season. Amazing. "They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and their daughters,Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with the blood."---Psalm 106:37-38
Yeah Nap will be in the line up today until he becomes a liability.
"They even sacrificed their sons and their daughters to the demons, And shed innocent blood, The blood of their sons and their daughters,Whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan; And the land was polluted with the blood."---Psalm 106:37-38
The Rangers had to win one of three and they did. Perez did ok given he pouted like a child when Elvis botched up a 2 out no base runners on ground ball. Which led to 2 unearned runs, and thus the game. But that is baseball and the kid needs to grow up and put such behind him. He did rebound well and go after Altuve for a strike out. I have to say the HP Ump was consistently horrible yesterday. Sherrington gives us a good analysis for the final week of AL West baseball. He mentions what you already posted here. The closer Street is probably finished and so is the set up man Joe Smith: Sherrington: Astros' biggest concern isn't the division- leading Rangers, it's the surging Angels The AL West is shaping up to become a lot like the NL Central. The AL West might be a lot more interesting next year if the Mariners find their way too. Well here's to some exciting baseball in the next week:) "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
With Houstons record on the road they do have their work cut out for them to maintain their place as the 2nd WC. They need to play .500 as a minimum to stand a chance... I didn't know that Smith was done too, maybe the Stros will be able to hang on if no "yunguns" step up for the Angels... The key to beating Keuchel is to lay off the breaking stuff if you do you can beat him. That is what they did when they laid a "9 spot" on his the last time they faced him, short memories I see...
Or he's tired of always being the victim of Elvis errors? Maybe we'll get to see a Papelbon/Harper moment in the dugout... :) What no soap? I think the only team he does well against is the Rangers... Yes, they don't have that Little League homerun porch in left field on the road:) Heck Elvis could belt 15-20 HRs in that ballpark. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
That article also mentioned Weaver (their ace apparently) complained of shoulder tightness. We shall see. Still waiting for more on Holland who took a line drive to his middle finger on Saturday. Good news for us, is we do have Nick Martinez if we need to skip Holland. Probably why we have not seen Nick in the Astros series but saw Chi Chi twice. On another note...the Mets are division champs! Saw that they auditioned some young talent on Sunday to shake out their post season roster. Probably to showcase too. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
LOL I heard of that. Have to look at the vid for that. Bad news when team mates fight though. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Both corners are short I could hit a softball out of there in either direction... He tore up the Stros too I believe. Well the team needs to focus on winning three from Detroit and the rest will shake out. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Both players seem to have attitudes Papelbon especially, this isn't his first incident with team mates... Now you're giving him too much credit. :) But that would befit what he's getting paid to do... You mean like Odor? Hope that kid keeps focused. He is a large part of why the team is where it is right now. I see they moved him up a notch in the batting order. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
He hits all over the order but usually hits top 2 spots or 8th cause he can get on base, drive in runs and steal bases. Every once in awhile the will put him in 6th right behind Moreland to help protect him, this is usually when "Evis" or Josh isn't getting it done. Once he convinces Banny that he can hit be consistent in that slot I think you will see him move up to 6th permanently... Wish we had a few more of him.... Oh wait never mind I forgot that we already do. He has a younger brother who is a middle infielder and the Rangers signed him this Spring he should have played in the Venezuela league this year, he's 17. If he did alright you might see him in A ball next year... 7-4 loss tonight. Colby looked beat tired from the start. They made some noise in the bottom 9th with a Fielder bases loaded single. Beltre had a rare GIDP to end the inning. Stros up and Angels tied. These are interesting times for the AL West. I don't think the Rangers offense is done. They just need the starters to keep them in the game for 6-7 innings. Ace on the mound tomorrow. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
That has been the issue all year nothing new... Martinez pitched last night so I would imagine Holland will pitch as scheduled... Yeah we won one!
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Sloppy but a win, Stubbs made a good play to save the game. (If Detroit had some pitching they would have been in the mix). Angels aren't going away anytime soon in fact are now the #2 WC cause the Stros kept up their losing ways on the road, Twinkies won and could still end up being a playoff team... Rangers need to win 3 of the next 5 but would rather see then win out and go into the postseason on a winning streak for confidence purposes. Needless to say it's gonna be an interesting last few days to the season in the AL no matter how it turns out... Under Fan Graphs Stubbs should have a category for Saves. It should indicate "1" for Games Saved:) That dude can run. I don't think DD would have been able to get that. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
LOL...Seems Cowlishaw is getting on board when we would usually see one of his depressing postings:) Cowlishaw: Not only are Rangers not choking, they're doing what good teams do Even Fraley had something good to say: Fraley: No need to sound the alarm, Hamels still delivers a Rangers win in sub-par performance "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
If Stubbs could get himself together at the plate he would make a damn fine OFer, hopefully they will keep him and see if they can fix his stroke... I'm sure he just earned a job on the post season roster...if there is such a roster next week:) Yes great D and dude can 'cut bags' on the bases too. "Magic" number 4 for Division title and 3 for 2nd WC. Which means they better win 4 of their next 5:) Then again in head to head with the Angels the following could happen: Angels go to Arlington down two. Rangers win the opener and the lead goes to 3 game ahead. That would guarantee at least a tie (with the Angels) in the Division if they lose the remaining 3 games. Oh boy back to the tie breaker math. We can't figure this out because we don't know what Houston will be doing. Their first game in Arizona they face the Diamondbacks ace who I think is up for Cy Young contention. Record of 15-8. So no easy ride for them there. Wild Wild West to the end. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
You guys keep playing for it all until the end . Use up all your pitchers . May not matter though . We have a hurricane bearing down on us ;and bad weather the rest of the week . Don't know how the Yanks will get in 5 games in the rest of this week . Maybe there is a window for the game tonight . Maybe . Then again .. maybe y'all will be playing an extra game Monday . Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Maybe a couple of double headers in the works for the East Coast teams this week/weekend? That would be something. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Hurricane Joaquin Prompts Warnings in Bahamas; East Coast Landfall Possible
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Richards (probably considered the healthy ace) pitches for the LAA tonight against Zito (what a joke) for the A's. The Angels have not set their rotation for the Rangers series yet. Which means they will probably float Richards to the first playoff game if they lock up a WC slot before Sunday. Or pitch him in a final game of the season to win the division or WC slot. He pitches tonight so that means he can only pitch as early as Sunday on 3 days rest. Will be interesting to see what a strategist like Mike Scioscia will do to juggle the rotation. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
If he was hitting.250 or so I would agree. But if they have to use up the bullpen they may be forced to carry extra pitching. As it stands right now I would say they will carry 13 pitchers, the number they've carried pretty much all year... Like I said before the 25 man roster will have some hard decisions made before it's final... Like I said before the 25 man roster will have some hard decisions made before it's final... That will be tough if they eventually reach the Series. But for the AL playoffs yeah that is sound. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
So what 12 position players you going to use???
Current expanded roster for the Rangers: We had in the BP before the expanded roster: Tolleson Kela Dyson Diekman Bass Freeman Was not on the roster but on the DL: Olendorf Was added when rosters expanded: Scheppers Jackson Gonzalez Faulkner Martinez (off and on starter and fresh arm out of the pen August-Sept) Freeman Of course there was some shell game moves towards the end of August to get fresh arms up and these lists varied. Starting rotation since Holland came back: Hamels Holland Lewis FA this winter Gallardo FA this winter Perez As we know due to days off during the playoffs, teams can go with a 4 man rotation. So Perez would no doubt be the long reliever or injury fill in or rain out fill in. But given the above that would mean: 4X starters That would mean by your estimation they float Perez and 8 more relievers. I don't see them going that for the playoffs. You need two long relievers. So Ohlendorf and Bass get the nod or one of them and Perez. So let's say it's Perez and Ohlendorf. So that ticks off 2 for the Pen. Then of course the work horse crew: Tolleson Kela Diekman Dyson are no doubt 'in' in any playoff series. So that is 6 total for the pen out of necessity. So we are now up to 10 total pitchers. 4 starters and 6 relievers. This is bare minimum. Then add the blow out games (even in the playoffs) where you need someone to eat up innings. That would add either a Nick Martinez, Chi Chi Gonzalez or Anthony Bass to the mix. Picking one with starting pitching experience is important but veteran experience is also a factor. So Bass wins this one. So we are at 11 pitchers now. 4 starters, 6 base relievers (closer, three set up, one long who pitched as a starter most of the season); then a blow out specialist (Bass). So far all are RHP save Perez and Diekman. So we are up to 11 pitchers and two are LHPs. For your 13 pitcher model that would leave Freeman and Faulkner LHPs who could be added in L vs L matchups. Freeman did better against RH batters. So the last two slots could go to both south paws, but if you have Perez, and Diekman do you need another two LHPs or just one. I say only one and it should be Freeman (most experience at MLB level than Faulkner). So that is now 12 pitchers. Your 13th would either be Nick Martinez or Chi Chi Gonzalez. That would add another long arm or rain out option IMO. So my analysis of the 13 pitchers if Banister so chooses to follow your sage advice (and mine:)) Too bad we could not find a spot for Wandy Rod in the BP for the playoffs. And of course all this means nothing if they don't win the next 3 or 4 of 5 games. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Tough as we have a mixed bag of OFs. Obviously: Gimenez, Moreland, Odor, Elvis, Beltre, DD, Choo with Fielder as DH. LF is the issue. Who starts there in the playoffs? Do you roll the dice with Napoli? I think Banister will do that as he has been playing Nap. So shoe horn Nap in LF (he can play 1B as well and if needed play the emergency 3rd catcher) against LHP and Josh Hamilton in LF against RHP. If Josh's numbers are better against a specific LHP then play Josh to reduce risk in LF. So that's 10 right off the bat (no pun intended). Then we need a utility INF and that is Alberto. So that's 11. The second catcher will have to be Chirinos because he can play both 1B and 3B in a pinch and catch of course. So that's 12. Then you need another OF who can play all three spots. That would be Stubbs (handy pinch runner too). That makes 13. So they would need to trim the pitchers down to 12. After all of that, I would argue if they retained 13 pitchers they would be crazy and it would limit their pinch hitting options. So I see them going 12 pitchers and 13 position players. The additional position player would most likely be Venable(good speed and fielding), but could be Rua if Banister wants another RH bat. So IMO it has to be 13 position and 12 pitchers. 12 pitchers may be a bit much. That would be 4 starters and 8 relievers. That's a lot for even the playoffs. Managers in playoff games have to know when to cut bait and play to win another day. So you need one or two guys to eat up innings. Plus...these will be difficult decisions for a team that was not expected to do much this season. "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Saw this on the DMN sports site: Looking back: The history of the Texas Rangers' postseason appearances Three losses to the Yankees in the mid to late 90s in the ALDS yet I don't know many Rangers fans who have a deep seated hate for the Yankees...Like Boston fans do:) "For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Comments (1337 - 1454) not displayed.
Top • Page Up • Full Thread • Page Down • Bottom/LatestFrom the Yanks point of view ,the best scenario is for the 3 teams to fight to the end of the season and use up their pitching just to get in. Especially want the 'Stros to need to use Keuchel in a must win game on the final day of the season.
#1297. To: Liberator (#1293)
KC ain't going anywhere
#1298. To: CZ82, redleghunter, tomder55 (#1297)
#1299. To: Liberator (#1296)
(Edited)
But frankly, I'm not all that secure in that the streaky Yanks will definitely get in. IF the 'Stros make it (I doubt it) Kuechel owned the Yanks this season. They have to hope they they pitch lights-out. The Bombers' problem is scoring more than 3 runs per game
#1300. To: Liberator, CZ82, tomder55 (#1293)
#1301. To: Liberator (#1294)
I saw a few hangers that were launched.
#1302. To: CZ82 (#1295)
#1303. To: CZ82, liberator, tomder55 (#1295)
#1304. To: redleghunter (#1303)
Sherrington: Astros' biggest concern isn't the division leading Rangers, it's the surging Angels
#1305. To: redleghunter (#1303)
The closer Street is probably finished and so is the set up man Joe Smith:
#1306. To: redleghunter (#1303)
#1307. To: redleghunter (#1303)
Perez did ok given he pouted like a child when Elvis botched up a 2 out no base runners on ground ball. Which led to 2 unearned runs, and thus the game.
#1308. To: redleghunter (#1300)
Someone might have to meet CJ Cron in the parking lot with a sock full of pennies :)
#1309. To: CZ82 (#1304)
With Houstons record on the road they do have their work cut out for them to maintain their place as the 2nd WC. They need to play .500 as a minimum to stand a chance...
#1310. To: CZ82, tomder55, liberator (#1305)
#1311. To: CZ82 (#1307)
Maybe we'll get to see a Papelbon/Harper moment in the dugout... :)
#1312. To: redleghunter (#1309)
Yes, they don't have that Little League homerun porch in left field on the road:)
#1313. To: CZ82 (#1308)
I think the only team he does well against is the Rangers...
#1314. To: redleghunter (#1311)
Bad news when team mates fight though.
#1315. To: redleghunter (#1309)
Heck Elvis could belt 15-20 HRs in that ballpark.
#1316. To: CZ82 (#1315)
But that would befit what he's getting paid to do...
#1317. To: redleghunter (#1316)
I see they moved him up a notch in the batting order.
#1318. To: CZ82 (#1317)
#1319. To: redleghunter (#1318)
They just need the starters to keep them in the game for 6-7 innings.
#1320. To: redleghunter (#1310)
Good news for us, is we do have Nick Martinez if we need to skip Holland. Probably why we have not seen Nick in the Astros series but saw Chi Chi twice.
#1321. To: CZ82 (#1320)
#1322. To: redleghunter (#1321)
Yeah we won one!
#1323. To: CZ82 (#1322)
Sloppy but a win, Stubbs made a good play to save the game.
#1324. To: CZ82 (#1322)
#1325. To: redleghunter (#1323)
(Edited)
Under Fan Graphs Stubbs should have a category for Saves. It should indicate "1" for Games Saved:)
#1326. To: CZ82 (#1325)
If Grubbs could get himself together at the plate he would make a damn fine OFer, hopefully they will keep him and see if they can fix his stroke...
#1327. To: redleghunter (#1326)
#1328. To: tomder55, liberator, CZ82 (#1327)
May not matter though . We have a hurricane bearing down on us ;and bad weather the rest of the week . Don't know how the Yanks will get in 5 games in the rest of this week . Maybe there is a window for the game tonight . Maybe .
#1329. To: tomder55, CZ82, liberator (#1327)
#1330. To: CZ82, *Baseball* (#1325)
#1331. To: redleghunter (#1326)
I'm sure he just earned a job on the post season roster...if there is such a roster next week:)
#1332. To: CZ82 (#1331)
As it stands right now I would say they will carry 13 pitchers, the number they've carried pretty much all year...
#1333. To: redleghunter (#1332)
#1334. To: CZ82 (#1331)
#1335. To: CZ82 (#1333)
So what 12 position players you going to use???
#1336. To: CZ82, liberator, tomder55 (#1333)
.
.
.
[Home] [Headlines] [Latest Articles] [Latest Comments] [Post] [Mail] [Sign-in] [Setup] [Help] [Register]