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Title: 2015 Texas Rangers
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Published: Oct 14, 2014
Author: CZ82
Post Date: 2014-10-14 18:08:52 by CZ82
Keywords: None
Views: 376203
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!
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#1. To: redleghunter (#0)
Looks like the Rangers have narrowed their managerial search down to 3 candidates, Bogar, Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash and Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister.
Hope it's Bogar. He had a winning record in the last few weeks of a throw away season. Hard to do when the chips are down.
Well they hired Jeff Banister instead, don't know if I like that or not. Wonder if they will keep Bogar or not?
We shall see. One article said they really wanted the Pirates skipper Hundley and would go for the 'next best thing.' Well if he can get these guys swinging the bat again, I'm all for it.
Also looks like they're trying to resign Colby Lewis too.
All good news. However disappointed about Koozie. But reality is he will still need a few months into the next season to recover.
Looks like Bogar isn't going to be on the team this year, they offered him a position with the team but not on the bench. I would have rather seen Bogar as the manager and Bannister as his bench coach.
Disappointed to see Bogar go. Guess he figured or someone in the front office figured having him sit in the same dugout he managed from for a short time might cut into Bannisters plan.
Looks like he ended up with the Angels, can't say I'm happy about this whole situation. Also looks like they are bringing in Michael Young as a special assistant.
So bad and good news:)
They moved Knebel and Alfaro to the 40 man roster along with a few other prospects... Hmmmmm...
Trying to protect them from the Rule 5 draft.
Looks like they picked up a starting pitcher Gallardo for the 3 slot and a reliever German to take Cotts place since they didn't resign him. Also noticed they picked up Detwiler about a week or so ago hoping he can get back to being a starter. Looks like they are almost Overstocking the pitching staff, can't have too many pitchers I guess.
Also noticed they picked up Detwiler about a week or so ago hoping he can get back to being a starter. Looks like they are almost Overstocking the pitching staff, can't have too many pitchers I guess. Good moves that fit the budget. They are betting on those who were not healthy last year being healthy. Not a sure thing in any sport:) Sure someone can tough out 17 weeks or so in the NFL, but injuries in the NBA and MLB with so many months of play significantly impact a team. Especially in the MLB with pitchers. It is a specialized position requiring movement and endurance every half inning. Plus Gallardo has pop in his bat. Will be interesting to see a pitcher for the Rangers hit a dinger:)
Texas Rangers signed free agent RHP Ross Ohlendorf to a minor league contract and invited him to spring training. Texas Rangers invited non-roster RHP Alec Asher to spring training. Texas Rangers invited non-roster RHP Alex Gonzalez to spring training. Texas Rangers invited non-roster RHP Keone Kela to spring training. Texas Rangers invited non-roster C Pat Cantwell to spring training. Texas Rangers invited non-roster 3B Joey Gallo to spring training. Texas Rangers invited non-roster LF Jared Hoying to spring training. Here is some more stuff that is happening.
Yes the Rangers have to rebuild the BP due to Ross gone and Ogando signed with the BOSOX.
Have you seen the latest 40 man roster? http://texas.rangers.mlb.com/team/roster_40man.jsp?c_id=tex
Pretty much confirms what I was thinking. They have a solid #1-3 for the rotation and 4&5 is a ? If Lewis can hold down that fourth anchor leg of the rotation then we are competitive. Of course if everyone stays healthy and avoids playing with large dogs near stairs.
Don't know if you've seen this or not, the top 15 prospects in the organization.
Update on Fielder. Slimming down some, doing cardio and strength training. Even hired a chef. http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20150206- video- working-out-with-rangers-prince-fielder-includes-pilates-sparring- basketball.ece
Left-field competition wide open for Rangers At least 10 candidates for position, with no clear favorite heading into Spring Training Left-field competition wide open for Rangers By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com | @Sullivan_Ranger | February 6, 2015 ARLINGTON -- This may be the mother of all Spring Training competitions. There may be nothing like it in Rangers history. The Rangers have an opening in left field, they have no less than 10 candidates for the job and there is no clear favorite. Texas has a candidate who has played in an All-Star Game, one who has been in two World Series and others who played in the All-Star Futures Games. Two were first-round picks, two were 17th- round picks. One, big league veteran Nate Schierholtz, was added to the mix on Friday. Left field is not the only position at stake. The Rangers need a designated hitter, a fourth outfielder and one more player off the bench in an undetermined role. Breaking down 10 of the candidates: 1. Michael Choice Acquired: From the Athletics in a four-player trade in December 2013. Assets: Choice is a former first-round Draft pick out of the University of Texas at Arlington with rare right-handed power and good on-base percentage numbers in the Minors. Concerns: Choice hit .182 in 86 games and 280 plate appearances for the Rangers as a rookie last season as he struggled to adapt to a part-time role. Best chance: The Rangers traded for Choice because they expected him to be an everyday outfielder as early as this season. Now he has to win the job. 2. Ryan Rua Acquired: Drafted in the 17th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft out of Lake Erie College. Assets: Rua has soared through the Rangers organization by being able to hit at every level and play multiple positions. Concerns: Rua was drafted as an infielder and just doesn't have much experience in the outfield. Best chance: Rua could be the perfect fourth player on the bench because he hits right-handed and can play multiple positions. 3. Jake Smolinski Acquired: Signed as Minor League free agent on Nov. 18, 2013. Assets: A right-handed hitter, Smolinski batted .349 with a .512 slugging percentage in 24 games for the Rangers in 2014, although a broken left foot prevented Texas from getting a longer look. Concerns: A second-round Draft pick by the Nationals in 2007, Smolinski had eight unremarkable Minor League seasons -- .263 career batting average, .397 slugging percentage -- before the Rangers gave him a chance last year. Best chance: Nobody can ignore a .349 batting average, even in limited exposure. 4. Mitch Moreland Acquired: Moreland was taken in the 17th round of the 2007 Draft out of Mississippi State. Assets: Moreland is a proven left-handed Major League hitter when he is healthy. Concerns: Moreland just hasn't been able to stay healthy over the past three seasons as major surgery on his left ankle ended his season after 52 games last year. Best chance: The Rangers say they are going to look at Moreland in the outfield this spring, but he is the leading candidate to be their designated hitter and backup first baseman behind Prince Fielder again. 5. Ryan Ludwick Acquired: Ludwick was signed to a Minor League contract on Wednesday. Assets: Ludwick has had a highly productive 12-year Major League career as a right-handed power-hitting corner outfielder. He laps the field as far as big league experience. Concerns: Ludwick is 36 and has had shoulder problems for the past two years. His last big season was in 2012. Best chance: Ludwick could win a spot as at least as a platoon partner with Moreland and backup outfielder. But if the guy is healthy and at his best, he would be Texas' left fielder. 6. Kyle Blanks Acquired: Blanks was signed to a Minor League contract in December. Assets: Blanks was a 42nd-round Draft pick by the Padres in 2004 under the old draft-and-follow rules. Signed just before the 2005 Draft, he had five excellent seasons in the Minors. By 2009, the Padres were moving guys like Chase Headley and Kevin Kouzmanoff around to find a spot for Blanks in the lineup. Concerns: An amazing run of injuries over the past five seasons kept Blanks from achieving some pretty high expectations. In 760 Major League at-bats, Blanks has hit .234 with 30 home runs, 105 RBI and a .407 slugging percentage. Best chance: Blanks can play first base and the outfield when healthy. Since he hits right-handed, he has the assets to be a backup for both Fielder and Moreland. But Blanks has been on the disabled list six straight seasons. 7. Carlos Peguero Acquired: Peguero agreed to a Minor League contract on Jan. 13. Assets: Peguero hits left-handed and has some serious power. He has had some big Minor League seasons in the Mariners organization and was once considered one of their top prospects. Concerns: Peguero has big power but also big strikeout numbers. In 214 Major League at-bats, he has nine home runs, a .196 batting average and 89 strikeouts. Best chance: Peguero has played well in winter ball, and getting him away from pitcher-friendly Safeco Field might help. Being a left-handed hitter might be an advantage. The best case is Peguero might be a left-handed-hitting Nelson Cruz, who also broke through late in his career. 8. Delino DeShields Acquired: Taken in the Rule 5 Draft from the Astros in December. Assets: A former No. 1 Draft pick (eighth overall) in 2010, DeShields has tremendous speed and some power. A right-handed hitter, he can play both the infield and the outfield. Concerns: DeShields has never played above Double-A. At Double-A Corpus Christi this past season, DeShields played in 114 games and hit .236 with 14 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 54 stolen bases, 61 walks, 112 strikeouts, a .346 on- base percentage and a .360 slugging percentage. Best chance: As a Rule 5 Draft pick, DeShields has to be kept on the big league roster all season. That's always difficult for a contending team, but the Rangers like the talent and he might stick as a fourth outfielder if he can play center field. 9. Jared Hoying Acquired: Hoying was drafted in the 10th round out of the University of Toledo. Assets: A left-handed hitter, Hoying is coming off a strong season at Triple-A Round Rock, hitting .271 with 33 doubles, 26 home runs, 78 RBI and a .517 slugging percentage. Concerns: Hoying walked 40 times and struck out 140 times in 555 plate appearances. He made progress, but there are still some holes in the swing. Best chance: Hoying has a reputation for being one of the hardest workers in the organization, and that has been reinforced by the improvement he has shown while moving up in the system. If he can cut down the strikeouts and maintain the other numbers, somebody will find him a spot in the big leagues. 10. Antoan Richardson Acquired: Richardson was signed as a Minor League free agent on Dec. 13. Assets: Think Daniel Robertson with more speed. Richardson is a 5-foot-8 switch- hitter with 324 stolen bases in 10 Minor League seasons. He played briefly with the Yankees last season and the Braves in 2011, making him one of six Major League players born in the Bahamas. He does get on base. Richardson led the International League in hit by pitches last season. Concerns: Richardson can fly but has little power. He was signed mainly to provide Triple-A depth in center field. Best chance: If the Rangers kept Richardson, it would likely mean DeShields being offered back to the Astros. He is really the kind of guy you would like to have around in September in a pennant race. T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
Thanks. Have not seen this until now. I think Rua has a great shot.
I do too and it would solve a lot of problems. Speaking of problems have you seen this yet? Profar to miss another year, http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20150220-thad-levine-updates-jurickson-profar-injury.ece
No did not see that. Thanks for the update. Good news is we are deep on middle infield. Like Odor's attitude.
They traded Sardinas to get Gallardo so it isn't quite as deep as it was.
In a pinch there is always Adam Rosales:) He's always available.
So what happens if Andrus goes down do you really think he can do the job, Sardinas is the better defensive player.
Some good news. Looks like the Rangers are leaning towards picking up the 2016 option for Beltre early.
Yea I seen that a couple of days ago, hopefully his legs will hold up! If not he's gonna be one expensive DH. I'm not gonna say what I really think cause I've said it before.
Hamilton will probably be suspended. Seems he had a relapse: http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/02/josh-hamilton-reportedly-facing- suspension-and-thats-bad-news-for-the-texas-rangers.html/ Fraley seems to be more concerned that a suspension would free up money for the Angels to get Hamels.
I think his playing days is about over cause he seems like he doesn't care anymore. Maybe he thinks he has enough money stashed away and is gonna go back to being a drunk/druggie again full time. What a dumbass he is.
Just got an alert on my mobile....Looks like Darvish is heading to Tommy John surgery. Ouch!
Yea I noticed that when I went to DMN website, this will mean another year of young pitchers learning in the majors instead of the minors. Probably means no playoffs either BTA I wasn't really counting on that anyway.
You probably saw this article today: http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/columnists/kevin-sherrington/20150308- sherrington-rangers-can-be-optimistic-despite-yu-darvish-injury-but-adding-this- piece-would-help.ece I don't care who they trade from the farm for a potential Hamels deal....BUT no way on Joey Gallo.
You know now that I think about it they should just start the season with what they have since they did pick up some experienced pitching and seem to have some depth in case of injuries and ineffectiveness. If Perez and/or Harrison manage to make it back then they don't really need Hamels. He's so damn expensive anyway and they already have 3 other (potentially bad) large contracts another would just tie their hands. (They would never be able to re- sign Darvish/Holland when the time comes). They have so many good prospects (especially pitching) in the farm system I would hate to see them trade 4+ of them away just to get one guy. (They did that before with Garza and now regret it). With what is in the farm system they have the potential in 2-3 years to be damn good for a long time.
I agree. There was a rumor Darvish started working out as a left hander. FWIK he can pitch from both sides.
If nothing else happens to the pitching staff you're gonna see at least one young pitcher in the starting rotation. Tepesch did pitch fairly decent to close out the year but he still needs to master another pitch. Then you have Martinez who looked good and lost at the same time. And now some think Rodriguez might get a shot at starting because he has a better repertoire than the other 2. But if they do that then he goes to FA a year sooner. Let him start in the minors and give one of the other 2 another try. If they suck pull them and bring him up to see what he can do, he didn't do to bad in his outing yesterday throwing 56 pitches. In the OF you have to make the decision between DeShields and Hoying/Schierholtz. I know Delino has speed but he seems to have issues judging the ball defensively. He originally was a OF then moved to 2B then back to the OF. (Might explain why Houston left him unprotected). He might make a good DH for some team since he seems to have a decent bat. (I know what you're thinking about traditionally the DH spot be a power bat but speed kills)!! In the IF Rosales "is supposed" to be the utility IF but he seems to be doing what he did last year and that is play his way out of a spot. But... can't say that I see anybody else to fit in that slot unless they pick up someone.
I'm sure you saw this one: http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/columnists/kevin-sherrington/20150309- sherrington-absence-of-globe-life-park-s-jet-stream-might-bode-well-for- rangers.ece
Well I guess Yu finally decided to get the surgery done, glad that he didn't procrastinate like Profar did. Also seen they plan on doing something I suggested before to give their players some rest except this is for the pitching staff....... http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20150312-grant-with- darvish-out-rangers-could-take-non-traditional-approach-with-starting- rotation.ece
Yeah thanks good article. With the chicken arms around the pros these days, this is a smart move if they do it. I remember the 2010 run for the pennant. No big names on the starting rotation until they traded for Cliff Lee. Rangers got by on scoring a bunch of runs and a few strong arms in the pen. Don't think any starter that year went beyone 6-1/3 innings. Seemed to work out until the WS:)
Looks like Joey Gallo just launched another 3 run "moonball" against the Giants. :) The best part is he has as many walks as he does "K"s this spring, showing more patience and better judgment on pitch selection.
Like hearing good news.
Did you watch the game yesterday it was on ESPN? They lost 2-0 against the Padres. Scoreless game until the error and misplayed ball (1B playing too far off the line against a lefty) in the 8th inning.
Not a bad outing for Bass.
http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/recap?gameId=350317113 http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=350317113 Choice got cut again, Kirkman got released and Beimel got blasted yesterday.
Another long season ahead:(
Oh but the future... http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20150319-grant-the- future-appears-bright-for-the-rangers-but-is-it-close.ece
Sprints Fielder? Rangers’ slugger uses speed to execute perfect bunt in spring training game Is Prince trying to make a point?:)
It's beginning to look like they are going to keep him to start the season. He might end up being a late bloomer like Cruz was. I watched the game the other night and Ludwick looks lost at the plate, look for him to be released.
Thanks good article. Hope they give him a shot.
SURPRISE, Ariz. – The Rangers informed veteran Ryan Ludwick on Thursday that he won’t make the club, which all but means that a rookie – either Ryan Rua or Jake Smolinski – will win the job. http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/03/it-appears-a-youngster-has-won-texas- rangers-left-field-job.html/
Just read that article. Thanks. Maybe this is the year where the Rangers have some rookie surprises. Also saw Nick Martinez threw 6 shutout innings and did some good fielding as well. So he will most likely be #5.
Update: Martinez is going to be the 5th starter, Jamey Wright and Schierholtz were released, and they acquired a LHP from the Cardinals named Sam Freeman (stats look OK) so would imagine Claudio is going back to the minors.
Thanks for the update. Good news on offense is looks like Fielder can hit again.
Well there doesn't seem to be any in the battle for long reliever. They released Jamey Wright he's done, Tepesch ERA is above 10, Bonilla ERA is above 9 and Ohlendorff will probably go on the DL for awhile. Nobody else has been stretched out to do long relief unless they decide to use Renaudo, who just got sent to the minors. On top of that Scheppers doesn't look like he's ready either with only 4 innings pitched and an ERA over 12. If he doesn't start the year in the minors to get some innings I will be surprised, that's if he has any options left.
This is an older article but just heard on the NYM rumor wire (yes I still follow my childhood team from NY) that their GM is still looking to shop Gee:
Profar and other pieces for him?? NOT!! They gave up Sardinas and other pieces for Gallardo who has had a much better and steady career.
Rua gets the job in LF:
Thought you might like this.
Great piece, thanks. Great thing about baseball is the hitters will make adjustments. The pitchers are burning themselves out with this velocity. The DL shows. It can't hold for long.
Just goes to show you that changing speeds/angle of your pitches is still the way to go instead of throwing "flames".
Well Rua saved the embarrassment of a no hitter. But it seems all the talk about the gamble with pitching shows in the first game. Rangers hit the ball hard but directly in Oak gloves. Those little leprechauns:)
I take it you watched the game. It wasn't on here but the Stars vs Sharks was. :)
Yeah, tough to watch. Really pathetic to keep watching to just make sure your team gets a hit. LOOOOONG season ahead with loads of changes.
One game does not a season make. Sonny Gray has been hard on the Rangers for awhile now and it was the first game of the season, and I have no doubt some of the guys haven't gotten their swing yet. Sonny went 8 innings cause he threw strikes, Gallardo went 4 innings cause he didn't throw strikes. If Gallardo keeps this up against the stronger lineups of the AL then they wasted 3 prospects acquiring him, another Garza scenario.
Yes but JD was desperate for another veteran arm. Turns out if he did not go for Gallardo the Yu injury would have been more of an impact.
Only if he can give them 6-7 innings consistently, if he can't then Tepesch's salary (500K)is much more palatable for 4-5 innings than Gallardos (11.5Mil). Either way you're gonna see the middle relievers a lot.
Good pitching from Colby. Fielder gets two hits/2 RBI. Martin got on base a couple of times. A rookie set up reliever pitches out of his own jam and keeps his cool. Tolleson has a 1-2-3 8th inning. Feliz closes without theatrics. Not bad.
Are you watching MLB Tonight on the MLB Channel? If not they have HOF pitcher Pedro Martinez on the show tonight and they are talking about hit batsman and retaliation. Pedro hit 140+ batsmen in his career and he was asked how many of them he hit on purpose in retaliation for his teammates being Hit By Pitch, he answered probably 98% or so. Now that's protecting your teammates and a man after my own heart.
Wow LOL. No watching the Ranger game. Kazmir dealing. Rangers befuddled through 3. Detwiler doing good. Gave up a deep hit to center and Laurie tried to stretch it to three. Martin and Elvis gunned him down:)
That is the way the game is supposed to be played, you throw at the other team they throw back at you. You try to show up the other team or run your mouth at them they will get you back, plain pure and simple. Nowadays you get warned for "accidentally" hitting the opposition, they don't automatically suspend/fine you for charging the mound and they let you stand and admire your HRs instead of running the bases. Its MLBs fault not the players fault, let the players police the game more and it will be better. On the other hand drilling a guy in the back for being a turd is one thing, going headhunting is something different altogether and should be dealt with harshly. We used to throw at baserunners and idiots in the dugout all the time to get the point across that you should let your play do the talking not your mouth or stupid behavior!! I can't remember a single time the umps threw any of my guys out of the game for "policing" behavior, he would just break up the scrum and walk back to behind the plate smiling...
Middle third....5-0 Rangers so far.
8-0 now. I see they split up Andrus and Beltre batting back to back finally.
Nick Martinez did great. I think him coming up last year getting bruised up a bit put a lot of hair on his chest at 24. From the reporting he had a great September under Bogar. Of course now I claim Martinez as he is a Fordham grad:) Finally, great to see an active pro player from my small alma mater. And yes taking Andrus down from second in the order is a move that should have happened two years ago. One of the "Washisms" that needed to go. Bannister is showing the team he is in charge of that club house. Change is good in baseball as with any profession.
True, but who are you going to put into the 2nd slot on a regular basis? You could put Choo there but I think that's a waste, he's better in the leadoff slot or the 5th slot. And if you make him leadoff and drop Martin to 2nd then who is gonna cover Fielders back, not Moreland. Truthfully I don't think there is a 2nd slot hitter on the roster unless DeShields can become an everyday player.
Well now with Choo maybe on ice a few days maybe someone will step up.
And Peguero did pretty good last night. Also noticed they claimed Pimental instead of calling up one of the young'uns. He can be a starter or long reliever, looks like they want him to do the later with that 96 MPH heeter he has. :)
Tough game today in extra innings. Quite a few opportunities on both sides. Too bad about Martin's long drive was not one foot more.
I have a sneaking suspicion he won't be the leadoff batter much longer is his OBP does go up pretty soon.
Martin to put it nicely is off to a sloooowww start.
DH Mitch Moreland 3B Adrian Beltre 1B Prince Fielder RF Shin-Soo Choo LF Carlos Peguero CF Leonys Martin C Robinson Chirinos SP Nick Martinez Looks like he's really shaking it up for tonight. Don't know if I agree with Odor hitting first since he almost always picks on the first pitch and is very impatient this year for some reason. I think I would have let Peguero try it on for size just for grins. Did notice they put Choo 5th to protect Beltre and Fielder.
LOL seemed to work. Banister hinted Odor listens to instruction. Kid did a good job drawing a walk to get some runs across. Who would have thought the 9 spot responsible for 5 RBIs. Chirinos is either hot or cold. Buzz thought Banister took a page from Melvin in shaking up the lineup. It does keep those scouts and the game prep on their toes. We did our first scrimmage today. No umpire of course so opposing coach agreed I would call balls and strikes since he was new to coaching. One of the opposing team parents (a dad) started heckling and raising his voice I was a crummy ump:) I mean he was loud. I mustered as much dignity and quietly confronted him and another dad. Told them in a voice the kids could not hear to stuff a sock in it. If he wanted to do a better job he should have volunteered like the rest of us and sign a background check. He closed his pie hole. I have to say in 8 years of coaching it was the first time any parent got cheeky with me. Oh there have been overbearing and nasty parents in the past but the other parents usually shut them up. I had Mrs RLH and a player's grandma get off the bleachers making a move to the other side:) I really thought the guy would try escalating the matter but he was just a loud mouth who needed a few calm but firm words. The opposing coach apologized and said he would handle it. I told him that we all have to talk to our players parents about sportsmanship. Nothing worse than the kids seeing a bunch of adults acting like unruly kids. I know you would have belted the guy:)
He seemed to be a lot more patient last night took almost 5 pitches per at bat, he did a good job. (And Choo only took 10 pitches in 5 AB). Some guys for whatever reason can't hit in certain parts of the lineup, must be a mental thing for them. (Scared maybe or trying too hard)? I hit in just about every slot in the lineup thru my playing days and can't say I worried about it all. I Just looked at is as "Ok it's my turn what's the situation, what is the positioning of the defense and here is what I need to do", then I just did it. I did bat leadoff or 2nd for quite sometime cause I could get on base by hook or by crook. The funnest lineup I ever had was I had 4 base hitters with decent speed and 6 power guys. So I broke the lineup down to Base hitters in the 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th slots and the big boys 3,4,5 and 8,9,10. I also had enough Leftys that I could alternate the batting order in L,R,L,R all down the lineup. That drove the opposition batty cause they couldn't relax no matter what and if they missed shifting the Defense..... oh well I think you can see what I mean.
That's the key to what I teach the kiddos on the team. What to do when ahead of the count; when the count is even and when behind in the count. Look at how many baserunners, where they are, and how many outs. After a few years with a good number of the same kids, they are starting to get the hang of it. Even Sonny boy who was always swinging for the fences last season is more patient at the plate. He drew a walk last night after an 8 pitch at bat. Then next at bat fouled off three balls (all close to the line) only to chase a low and outside pitch:) But even then he did so after a 7 pitch at bat. So he's getting there on the patience end. I know he can hit now just need to work on being a more patient batter to get better pitches to hit. I did bat leadoff or 2nd for quite sometime cause I could get on base by hook or by crook. Yeah that's the rub. Younger hitters like Odor and Martin want to be the hero at times. Martin instead of trying to go yard the other night could have shortened his swing a bit and drop it in the OF for the winning run.
One of the hardest thing to get young players to do is shorten the swing or go with the pitch with 2 strikes. The other one is when you have a young guy with some power is to get him to use the wind to his advantage instead of his detriment. I had one that just refused to go with the pitch the other way when the wind was blowing in his face at 20mph+. So I got fed up and started scratching him in games on nights the wind was blowing in, hoping he would get mad and also pay more attention to the other hitters. After the second game he came up to me and said "Ok I get it now teach me how to use the wind". So I took him to the cages and worked on his stance and timing for hitting the other way for 3 or 4 nights. Once I was happy then I fed him nothing but high outside pitches in BP. Once he figured out he could hit the ball just as far if not further the other way he was happy as a clam. He then proclaimed he would hit more HR than Sal my cleanup hitter, everybody laughed. The reason they laughed was have you ever seen a guy hit a "SOFTBALL" 500 feet, I have and it was Sal who did it. It was during a night game and it emptied both dugouts when he launched it. Everybody (including Sal) just stood there in awe at how far it went. We played on diamonds that were 325 to dead center and the light poles were about another 75' back from the fence and roughly 60 high. The ball he hit that night clanged off the light pole just under the platform you would stand on to service the lights. One of the guys ran out and grabbed the ball everybody on both teams signed it and we gave it to Sal. He had a wall at the house where he had all of his memorabilia mounted and right in the middle of it was that ball and the bat he used to hit it. It was my bat that he used so for a couple of beers I gladly gave it up. :) Then turned right around the next day and ordered "2" more of the exact same bat, 1 for me and one for Sal!!
Great story. And great coaching tips too...thanks. Those were mighty hits for a softball. Somehow I could hit a baseball pretty good and far, but when I played some softball in the Army I could not go yard. I got close enough but probably could have used your tips back then:) I settled for hitting the ball in the gap or opposite field and going extra bases instead of flying out. I was always looking at the situation and how to move runners and knock them in. On another note, did you see the below article? There are a series of Josh Hamiliton articles today since there is not much to talk about with the Rangers:)
It all depends on what COR/Compression balls you were using and what bat you used, along with technique and pitch selection. Here is an article on COR ratings and the bats you should use. It's much more involved than when I played, ahhh things were simpler back then. http://softballhitting.info/softballcorcompinfo.html When I played they had Gold, Green, Blue and Red Dots. Gold was the softest and Red the hardest which meant the Reds would go much further than the Golds with the same impact. (In ASA rules we played with the Blue Dots which were .47 COR). They were also just coming out with the specialized bats for those balls, so you had to have an idea how to pair them up correctly. Hence special ordering them from certain supply houses who knew what you didn't. For the last 6-7 years I was ordering a brand new bat before each season started. Because you could wear one out in a single season, and the technology was changing so rapidly. (In fact they were just starting to Cryogenically treat bats). And you "couldn't" take one of those bats to the cages cause the balls they use would ruin a high performance bat like that in just a couple of swings. And when you're paying $1-300 per bat that can put a dent in your wallet real quick if you ruin one or two. In fact when they first came out they recommended not using certain models in temperatures under 50 degrees IIRC. Me personally I like the "End loaded" bats which had a shorter length barrel but was weighted heavier out in the end. Some of them had thinner handles so they could put even more end weight in it, which I didn't care for but would just build it up to a bigger size by "double wrapping" it. SO as you can see softball is a much more specialized sport than baseball where you only have one COR ball and only wooden bats. One time we went to a tournament at the AF Academy in Colorado Springs. Most of us had just gotten our new bats and wanted to try them out in the thin air there, you're at 6,000 or so feet above sea level. Well when we got there we told our bats were illegal cause they didn't meet USSSA specs. Which was a bunch of BS cause they used the same ball we did Blue Dots. Luckily we had brought some of last years bats to use in BP and for some reason they weren't illegal even though they were ASA rules bats too. We were already at a disadvantage as it was because were were used to ASA arc rules and USSSA has lower arc rules, so we had to adapt to that both hitting and pitching. I think they had scouted my team before the tournament and knew we would have cleaned house using our new bats and hence declared them illegal. Chickenschitts!!
#176. To: CZ82 (#174)
Yes with baseball the balls are pretty standard. If not playing at professional level, their is usually one standard "Official League" type ball. Some have small variations like high seams (better for pitching) etc. However the non-wood bats are getting very specialized outside of pro baseball. Aluminum bats are going away and now there are composite bats down to youth level. There are single formed composite and dual or two piece composite. Basically advertised as less vibration on the hands and better 'sweet spots.' For the HS to college level they have composite bats with BBCOR. BBCOR requires a break in before it is as effective as advertised. Got my son a dual composite bat two years ago. It's ok and was advertised as not needing a 'break in' like the single form. Last week saw a single composite on 'sale' on line and bought it to see if it is better than the other. Only draw back is now I will have to spend a Saturday morning or afternoon with sonny boy breaking it in. Which means hitting 15-200 balls with it off a tee rotating it 1/4 inch each time.
Yeah sounds like the locals did not want to get schooled:)
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#3. To: CZ82 (#1)
#10. To: redleghunter (#3)
#11. To: CZ82 (#10)
#17. To: redleghunter (#11)
#18. To: CZ82 (#17)
#19. To: redleghunter (#18)
#20. To: CZ82 (#19)
#21. To: redleghunter (#20)
Disappointed to see Bogar go. Guess he figured or someone in the front office figured having him sit in the same dugout he managed from for a short time might cut into Bannisters plan.
#22. To: CZ82 (#21)
#27. To: redleghunter (#22)
http://rangers.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=tex
#28. To: CZ82 (#27)
#30. To: redleghunter (#28)
#31. To: CZ82 (#30)
Looks like they picked up a starting pitcher Gallardo for the 3 slot and a reliever German to take Cotts place since they didn't resign him.
#33. To: redleghunter (#31)
Chicago Cubs claimed Gonzalez Germen off waivers from Texas Rangers.
#35. To: CZ82 (#33)
#37. To: redleghunter (#35)
#39. To: CZ82 (#37)
#41. To: redleghunter (#39)
http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2015/01/top-two-texas-rangers-prospects-bring-the-thunder-with-big-bats-and-powerful-presence.html/
#42. To: CZ82 (#41)
#44. To: redleghunter (#42)
#45. To: CZ82 (#44)
#46. To: redleghunter (#45)
I think Rua has a great shot.
#48. To: CZ82 (#46)
#50. To: redleghunter (#48)
Good news is we are deep on middle infield.
#51. To: CZ82 (#50)
#53. To: redleghunter (#51)
#55. To: CZ82 (#53)
#56. To: redleghunter (#55)
#57. To: CZ82 (#56)
#59. To: redleghunter (#57)
Hamilton will probably be suspended. Seems he had a relapse:
#60. To: CZ82 (#59)
#61. To: redleghunter (#60)
#62. To: CZ82 (#61)
#63. To: redleghunter (#62)
#64. To: CZ82 (#63)
#65. To: redleghunter (#64)
#67. To: CZ82 (#65)
#69. To: redleghunter (#67)
#70. To: CZ82 (#69)
http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/texas-rangers/headlines/20150312-grant-with- darvish-out-rangers-could-take-non-traditional-approach-with-starting- rotation.ece
#73. To: redleghunter (#70)
#75. To: CZ82 (#73)
#77. To: redleghunter (#75)
#78. To: CZ82 (#77)
#79. To: redleghunter (#78)
http://m.rangers.mlb.com/news/article/113129932/rangers-release-michael-kirkman-option-michael-choice-to-triple-a
#80. To: CZ82 (#79)
#82. To: redleghunter (#80)
#83. To: CZ82 (#82)
#85. To: redleghunter (#83)
http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article16043945.html
#86. To: CZ82 (#85)
#90. To: redleghunter (#86)
I watched the game the other night and Ludwick looks lost at the plate, look for him to be released.
#92. To: CZ82 (#90)
#94. To: redleghunter (#92)
#95. To: CZ82 (#94)
#96. To: redleghunter (#95)
Good news
#98. To: CZ82 (#96)
(Edited)
#104. To: redleghunter (#98)
#105. To: CZ82 (#104)
#108. To: redleghunter (#105)
http://espn.go.com/mlb/preview15/story/_/id/12592577/ten-ways-boost-offense
#111. To: CZ82 (#108)
Why? Teams are employing defensive shifts. Umpires are calling lower strikes. And pitchers are throwing harder than ever.
#113. To: redleghunter (#111)
#116. To: CZ82 (#113)
#117. To: redleghunter (#116)
#118. To: CZ82 (#117)
#119. To: redleghunter (#118)
#120. To: CZ82 (#119)
If Gallardo keeps this up against the stronger lineups of the AL then they wasted 3 prospects acquiring him, another Garza scenario.
#121. To: redleghunter (#120)
Turns out if he did not go for Gallardo the Yu injury would have been more of an impact.
#122. To: CZ82 (#121)
#125. To: redleghunter (#122)
#126. To: CZ82 (#125)
#131. To: redleghunter (#126)
Wow LOL.
#134. To: CZ82 (#131)
#135. To: redleghunter (#134)
#138. To: CZ82 (#135)
I see they split up Andrus and Beltre batting back to back finally.
#142. To: redleghunter (#138)
And yes taking Andrus down from second in the order is a move that should have happened two years ago.
#146. To: CZ82 (#142)
#152. To: redleghunter (#146)
Instead of playing DeShields they called up Pegeuro.
#153. To: CZ82 (#152)
#154. To: redleghunter (#153)
Too bad about Martin's long drive was not one foot more.
#156. To: CZ82 (#154)
#159. To: redleghunter (#156)
2B Rougned Odor
#160. To: CZ82 (#159)
#161. To: redleghunter (#160)
LOL seemed to work. Banister hinted Odor listens to instruction. Kid did a good job drawing a walk to get some runs across.
#163. To: CZ82 (#161)
I hit in just about every slot in the lineup thru my playing days and can't say I worried about it all. I Just looked at is as "Ok it's my turn what's the situation, what is the positioning of the defense and here is what I need to do", then I just did it. I did bat leadoff or 2nd for quite sometime cause I could get on base by hook or by crook.
#170. To: redleghunter (#163)
Yeah that's the rub. Younger hitters like Odor and Martin want to be the hero at times. Martin instead of trying to go yard the other night could have shortened his swing a bit and drop it in the OF for the winning run.
#171. To: CZ82 (#170)
It was during a night game and it emptied both dugouts when he launched it. Everybody (including Sal) just stood there in awe at how far it went. We played on diamonds that were 325 to dead center and the light poles were about another 75' back from the fence and roughly 60 high. The ball he hit that night clanged off the light pole just under the platform you would stand on to service the lights. One of the guys ran out and grabbed the ball everybody on both teams signed it and we gave it to Sal. He had a wall at the house where he had all of his memorabilia mounted and right in the middle of it was that ball and the bat he used to hit it. It was my bat that he used so for a couple of beers I gladly gave it up. :) Then turned right around the next day and ordered "2" more of the exact same bat, 1 for me and one for Sal!!
#174. To: redleghunter (#171)
Those were mighty hits for a softball. Somehow I could hit a baseball pretty good and far, but when I played some softball in the Army I could not go yard. I got close enough but probably could have used your tips back then:) I settled for hitting the ball in the gap or opposite field and going extra bases instead of flying out. I was always looking at the situation and how to move runners and knock them in.
Replies to Comment # 174. They were also just coming out with the specialized bats for those balls, so you had to have an idea how to pair them up correctly. Hence special ordering them from certain supply houses who knew what you didn't. For the last 6-7 years I was ordering a brand new bat before each season started. Because you could wear one out in a single season, and the technology was changing so rapidly. (In fact they were just starting to Cryogenically treat bats). And you "couldn't" take one of those bats to the cages cause the balls they use would ruin a high performance bat like that in just a couple of swings. And when you're paying $1-300 per bat that can put a dent in your wallet real quick if you ruin one or two. In fact when they first came out they recommended not using certain models in temperatures under 50 degrees IIRC.
#177. To: CZ82 (#174)
One time we went to a tournament at the AF Academy in Colorado Springs. Most of us had just gotten our new bats and wanted to try them out in the thin air there, you're at 6,000 or so feet above sea level. Well when we got there we told our bats were illegal cause they didn't meet USSSA specs. Which was a bunch of BS cause they used the same ball we did Blue Dots. Luckily we had brought some of last years bats to use in BP and for some reason they weren't illegal even though they were ASA rules bats too. We were already at a disadvantage as it was because were were used to ASA arc rules and USSSA has lower arc rules, so we had to adapt to that both hitting and pitching. I think they had scouted my team before the tournament and knew we would have cleaned house using our new bats and hence declared them illegal. Chickenschitts!!
End Trace Mode for Comment # 174.
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