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« Brewers, D'Backs Talk Trades | Main | Odds & Ends: Indians, Pirates, Zambrano »
Rangers Shifting Focus To Starters?
With starter Matt Harrison hitting the DL, T.R. Sullivan at MLB.com says that Rangers GM Jon Daniels could comb the starting pitching market for help. We've known that the Rangers have been looking for arms, but the priorities could be shifting from RPs to SPs:
"We probably have more internal options in the bullpen than in the rotation. [Starting pitching] is something we're looking at but there are not that many starting pitchers available and I don't expect that to change," Daniels said.
The Rangers field some of the best pitching prospects in baseball, but most aren't close to major-league ready. The team ERA sits at 4.41, which is 19th in the majors and might slip with the depleted depth. Kevin Millwood has been the only reliable piece of the rotation this year.
Texas is now 40-33, one game behind the surging Angels. We checked in on a similar debacle a few weeks ago when Brandon McCarthy hit the DL, and at that time the Rangers were comfortably ahead of the Angels by 4.5 games. The Rangers have plenty of pieces to offer potential suitors, but Daniels believes the market to be "thin." They've been reported as being reluctant to add any salary as well.
If you're Daniels, is it your only choice to stand pat and hope it all pans out? Or is this team for real, and does the market have more valuable pieces to offer than they're letting on? Do we re-visit the ever-fascinating Ben Sheets and Pedro Martinez talks? Discuss your thoughts.
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For what it's worth, I don't envy Daniels' position at all right now. Part of me says stay put because their farm system is just too good to break up, but a good portion of me remembers that the Rangers haven't made the playoffs in a decade. How many more chances will they get?
Posted by: Eddie Schmid | June 28, 2009 at 08:12 PM
If Pedro backs down from his price at all, why not take a shot at him?
Posted by: Cubs017 | June 28, 2009 at 08:14 PM
I agree. Dude's just been so stubborn, and I have to think if he was truly worth $5MM someone would have paid it by now. But they just need someone to eat innings. Paul Byrd is probably just polishing his grill for this coming weekend, I might throw him into the mix.
Posted by: Eddie Schmid | June 28, 2009 at 08:19 PM
We'll give you Todd Wellemeyer, no seriously...just take him. Please!
Posted by: Billiken | June 28, 2009 at 08:24 PM
will be highly surprised if they dont try and wokr a deal with sheets, or work out a trade wiht someone for a veteran SP or a ML ready pitcher
Posted by: phoenix88 | June 28, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Even Memphis would probably refuse to take Todd Wellemeyer at this point.
Posted by: Eddie Schmid | June 28, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Reds/Rangers need to make this happen:
Michael Young for Bronson Arroyo
Salary swap and both teams have enough depth to absorb the loss.
Arroyo would be a top of the rotation starter and has pitched in the A.L. before.
Young can play SS or 3B for the Reds and give them the .300 average they need.
Posted by: heckjeck | June 28, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Does the Rangers still want Jonathan Sanchez from the Giants? He embarrassed the Brewers today by striking out the side in the ninth.
How about J. Sanchez, O. Mateo, and a prospect for say Nelson Cruz? lol.
Posted by: TimmaH55 | June 28, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Buchholz for Andrus
Posted by: 04Forever | June 28, 2009 at 08:46 PM
or Buchholz for Justin Smoak
Posted by: 04Forever | June 28, 2009 at 08:51 PM
or Buchholz for one of the 3 catchers.
Posted by: Billiken | June 28, 2009 at 09:09 PM
The Rangers time to compete for October will come but it's not this year. Given all that the Angels have gone though, to be in 1st place right now shows the short of extraordinary team that is. The Rangers don't have the pitching YET to take the AL West. I think the M's will even push deeper than the Rangers.
But give is a year or two, Adrus will be the best SS in baseball, Smoak and Davis will have developed, Holland and Feliz will have developed into legit starters and they'll make playoff runs annually for about 5 years.
But this year's not their year. Stand pat and keep the minor league system in tact.
Posted by: Scott | June 28, 2009 at 09:13 PM
"How about J. Sanchez, O. Mateo, and a prospect for say Nelson Cruz? lol."
You are nuts.
Posted by: Johan57 | June 28, 2009 at 09:14 PM
Reds/Rangers need to make this happen:
Michael Young for Bronson Arroyo
Salary swap and both teams have enough depth to absorb the loss.
Arroyo would be a top of the rotation starter and has pitched in the A.L. before.
Young can play SS or 3B for the Reds and give them the .300 average they need
I dont think the Rangers would be willing to trade and all star 3rd Baseman for in of the rotation guy.
Posted by: jason54858 | June 28, 2009 at 09:16 PM
There is ZERO evidence that Sheets will be back this year, ZERO.
Posted by: goyogringo | June 28, 2009 at 09:19 PM
Why trade Bucholz for Smoak? With Wakefield and Smoltz in their 40's, Dice-K hurt, and Penny possibly being traded, Clay seems pretty valuable to the Sawx right now. Plus they have Lars Anderson. And with the way Chris Davis is playing, the Rangers might need Smoak very soon.
Posted by: THEBIGFISH99 | June 28, 2009 at 09:23 PM
"Reds/Rangers need to make this happen:
Michael Young for Bronson Arroyo"
That is a terrible trade proposal for Texas. Arroyo is horrible and nowhere close to a top of the rotation guy in the NL much less the AL. Micheal Young might be making more than he deserves but his contract is not that bad compared to his production...he is still an all star player that can play above average defense and be a .300 hitter, not to mention what he means to the Rangers. So to be polite from the Ranger's point of view, no thanks!!!
Posted by: JH32 | June 28, 2009 at 09:28 PM
what a surprise, the rangers fading because of crappy pitching
Posted by: Trust in Beane | June 28, 2009 at 09:41 PM
Ian Snell just finished his first game at AAA with 17 of 21 outs being K’s, including 13 straight at one point. He has been very talented, but seems to have hit a wall in Pittsburgh that he can not get around. Perfect candidate for immediate change of scenery production, and cant imagine it would take too much if the Pirates are willing to move him.
Posted by: SuzysMan | June 28, 2009 at 09:46 PM
Daniels is determined to hold on to all 3 catchers until they have negative value, which is getting close.
If only he had moved them at last year's deadline when several teams wanted/needed them. Clown.
Posted by: kinsler5 | June 28, 2009 at 09:54 PM
"what a surprise, the rangers fading because of crappy pitching"
you obviously haven't been keeping up with the Rangers besides the standings, the Rangers OFFENSE has been the reason for us falling as of late, it probably won't be the problem in the long run...but it's the reason for us "fading" in the last couple of weeks.
Posted by: JH32 | June 28, 2009 at 09:55 PM
none of the catchers in texas are worth more then a B+ prospect right now, it fails to solve any problem for them. i agree with kinsler5, they should have trade their ridiculous log jam of that position when they had the chance.
Posted by: 04Forever | June 28, 2009 at 09:58 PM
A guy can dream, right?
Ian Kinsler to the Giants for Alderson, Sanchez, Mateos, and Sosa?
Too bad Kinsler's the face of the franchise.
Posted by: TimmaH55 | June 28, 2009 at 09:58 PM
Why dont the Rangers go after Zack Duke. He is left handed, pitching lights out, has 2 and half years until free agency and only makes 2 million. 3 good prospects and he is Ranger property. They are in a position to win the division, go for it.
Posted by: Scot Boras | June 28, 2009 at 10:08 PM
Lot's of drug talk on here tonight.
Cincy wouldn't take Young's contract, and Texas would want more than Arroyo for him anyway. Texas isn't trading Andrus for anyone, and the same goes for Smoak. And Boston isn't going to give up Buchholtz in a 1 for 1 for Salty or Teagarden. And Kinsler isn't going anywhere. And the Rangers aren't fading because of "crappy pitching." If you bothered to follow the team, you'd know that they are in a month-long, team-wide slump of epic proportions. But the pitching has been remarkably consistent all season long.
Pedro isn't going to help them - and Ben Sheets might pitch in September if all goes well. I think they might still sign Sheets - but it's for 2010, and that's probably predicated on whether Hicks can sell the team this summer or not. Right now Texas is shedding extra staff and cutting budget.
The Rangers need to just worry about the long-term right now and not make any rash moves that they'd regret later. Leave the pitching be - they have guys like Mathis & Hunter and now El Duque to fill in with the rotation - and they could always move Jennings to the rotation if they have to.
What to do about the offense - now that's the question.
Posted by: J the Dizzolla | June 28, 2009 at 10:16 PM
Kinsler5 - you are a moron. Sorry, but that's true. The 3 catchers had no more value last season than they do now. People (GMs) aren't so stupid that they were going to pencil in Taylor Teagarden for a .300 average with 30 homers over the course of a season. If anything, Salty's value has gone up b/c of his defense. So please stop talking bollocks.
Posted by: J the Dizzolla | June 28, 2009 at 10:18 PM
"you obviously haven't been keeping up with the Rangers besides the standings, the Rangers OFFENSE has been the reason for us falling as of late, it probably won't be the problem in the long run...but it's the reason for us "fading" in the last couple of weeks."
right. it's all relative.
Posted by: Trust in Beane | June 28, 2009 at 10:50 PM
How about Javy Vazquez and some minors for Smoak?
Posted by: bosoque | June 28, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Josh Hamilton will come back on fire and save this sinking ship. The Oaklands A's on the other hand will continue to suck and dump anything they have and that is halfway decent. Keep trusting in Beane
Posted by: Rangerfan | June 28, 2009 at 11:30 PM
If anybody has any trade proposals asking for Holland, Feliz, Andrus, Smoak, or Perez in return...stop waisting your time, it's not going to happen.
And Kinsler5...again? really? You sound more like an idiot with every post!!!
Posted by: JH32 | June 28, 2009 at 11:37 PM
I just don't see the logic in trading their farm for 1 or 2 pitchers right now. The Rangers staff needs help all over, starting rotation and the bullpen.
Be patient Ranger fans....you guys are a year or 2 away from having a dominant team....pitching, hitting, defense....all of it.
How about this for moving 2 big contracts....Micheal Young for Zambrano and Jake Fox?????
Posted by: yanks09 | June 28, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Michael Young has cost the rangers 10.5 runs so far with his glove at third (by UZR). That is amazingly bad, for someone who used to be a SS.
Anyone he is traded to will need to seriously consider moving him to 1B or LF pretty much immediately. He basically has negative value in the infield right now, if his salary is considered.
Posted by: SleepyCA | June 29, 2009 at 12:07 AM
“How about this for moving 2 big contracts....Micheal Young for Zambrano and Jake Fox?????”
The Cubs will not move two steps back just to take one step forward. We will not weaken our fragile pitching just to increase an already potent, just failing, lineup. Hendry would not even consider such a trade.
Posted by: SuzysMan | June 29, 2009 at 12:55 AM
"Josh Hamilton will come back on fire and save this sinking ship. The Oaklands A's on the other hand will continue to suck and dump anything they have and that is halfway decent. Keep trusting in Beane"
I know the a's aren't good, and that we aren't going to win the division. Whens the last time you made it to the playoffs? same story every year with the rangers, like it is with the a's. and i will keep trusting in beane thanks
Posted by: Trust in Beane | June 29, 2009 at 01:36 AM
"Salty's value has gone up b/c of his defense. So please stop talking bollocks."
Really? 76K's in 200 AB's with a .sub 300 OPS, plus throwing out runners at a 35% clip has increased his value?
One of the catchers (Ramirez, Teagarden probably) has to go with another of the pitchers the Rangers keep counting on not trading if they want to take the division lead back and any chance at making the playoffs this year.
Good bats will come around, just like bad pitchers that have good spells (Millwood, Padilla) will return to normal and should make it a priority to get at least one good pitcher. Would be really nice it Sheets was fit and could return and if Paul Byrd would sign and they would just stash him at AAA and get his arm ready over the next 2-3 weeks, but that probably should have been done after the draft when it would have no longer required giving up a draft pick comp.
Posted by: johns | June 29, 2009 at 03:18 AM
Wouldnt a lefty starter be a better idea being that righties dont get quite as many balls out of there?
If I am Texas, I am aiming for Doug Davis perhaps because he's not a power pitcher and doesnt give up a tonne of homeruns if I remember correct. He seems like an option for this year or the off season.
If they can pick up Sheets in the off season, maybe Davis and then some bullpen help, theyll be in much better shape come this time next season.
As for Buchholz, guys, its not happening this year and I dont think its happening period. The Red Sox are intent on keeping this guy in their system but if he isnt in the starting rotation next season and they spend another year building one without him, I would bet my last dollar he will ask for a trade or at least not re-sign when his contract is up.
Posted by: xethicx | June 29, 2009 at 06:25 AM
Trade Kinsler or Outfield for the Braves Javy Vasquez Major strike out pitcher pitched in the AL before and he would be great if he had some offensive help!
Posted by: atlbravos | June 29, 2009 at 07:43 AM
If Sheets and Pedro were signed by any team, would loss of draft picks be involved? If not, they'd be idiots for not getting both Sheets and Pedro, in the event one of them doesn't pan out.
Posted by: UncleMo | June 29, 2009 at 08:16 AM
"If Sheets and Pedro were signed by any team, would loss of draft picks be involved?"
None of Sheets, Martinez, or Byrd would cost anybody a pick. Sheets and Byrd would have since they were offered arbitration (I think Sheets was, Byrd for certain) but that is moot since all compensation expired after the draft a couple weeks ago and all future FA signees this year only cost the $$$ given.
Posted by: johns | June 29, 2009 at 08:26 AM
"As for Buchholz, guys, its not happening this year and I dont think its happening period. The Red Sox are intent on keeping this guy in their system but if he isnt in the starting rotation next season and they spend another year building one without him, I would bet my last dollar he will ask for a trade or at least not re-sign when his contract is up."
Penny and Smoltz are FAs and Wakefield can't pitch forever. Buchholz will be in the rotation next year and maybe even sooner if one of Wakefield or Smoltz struggles in the 2nd half.
Posted by: carini26 | June 29, 2009 at 08:52 AM
It's about this year beane fan and guess what it isn't the same old story this year. When Ron Washington left the A's and joined the Rangers your team went down the toilet...2 straight losing seasons on the way to your third. Josh Hamilton is making his first rehab start tonight in AA. Get back to me in a few months and we will see where we stand.
Posted by: Rangerfan | June 29, 2009 at 09:34 AM
"Get back to me in a few months and we will see where we stand."
Sounds of the A's 2009 season being flushed down the comode into the cellar of the AL West are in the back ground of that funny and to the point post Rangerfan.
Posted by: johns | June 29, 2009 at 10:12 AM
JH32~ "If anybody has any trade proposals asking for Holland, Feliz, Andrus, Smoak, or Perez in return...stop waisting your time, it's not going to happen."
I agree and actually I would add Beavan and Main to that list!!
Stand by Rangers!! DO NOT TRADE FOR ANY PITCHING THIS SEASON!!
Let's face it, Daniels is right. The Market is weak in pitching to be had. Also, even though I'm a big Rangers fan and want to see them win... I don't want to sell the bright future we have. Even with a Cliff Lee or Roy Halladay at the lead I honestly don't think the Rangers could win it all anyways. So why not wait one year? I think standing by one year will be the best thing to do...
Posted by: rangersvoice | June 29, 2009 at 02:16 PM
D-Backs will trade you Doug Davis. 3.28 ERA for that kid in the Rangers farm system who throws 102 MPH
Posted by: Serg Rush | June 29, 2009 at 02:19 PM
I agree rangersvoice, I am enjoying this run we are on and still think we can make the playoffs with the team we have together right now, but I dont want to trade away our bright future to take a chance to win this year. I would also add several more names to "our" untouchable list as well just because I dont want to see any of our legit pitching prospects go...from Kiker, Boscan, Font, Ramirez, Ross, etc.
And Serg Rush...you dont deserve a response!!!
Posted by: JH32 | June 29, 2009 at 02:38 PM
The thing is, Rangers don't (or at least didn't) even have to make a trade for a starter up grade. Paul Byrd is another Padilla/Millwood guy, only he is stretch guy and clutch proven to win when it counts in pennant chases and only costs a little money. Take him 2-3 weeks to get ready and you have a 7 inning starter that will allow 3 runs a game, which the Rangers can support.
How many will Holland let up, not trying to knock the guy, but he's really a converted reliever. Sign Paul Byrd, he's not going to cost a draft pick anymore and solid as a rock.
Posted by: johns | June 29, 2009 at 03:36 PM
Holland a converted reliever? Just because he made a few relief appearances once he made the majors doesn't mean that he was a reliever. He was dominant in the minors as a starter, and will be a good starter once he matures a bit. I say stay the course, let the young players get the experience they need, and let the chips fall as they may this year.
Posted by: spudtaterpopdaddydog | June 29, 2009 at 05:53 PM
Holland melts down at the 60+ pitch count maybe should have been a better word. Have watched a couple of his starts, the one vs Boston and the other vs. SF and when he starts getting tired, everything is all of a sudden up and very, very hittable. That is why was thinking he may be more suited for BP, or if they want him as a starter needs more training in minors to develop arm strength and stamina.
Have been watching several Rangers games lately also and the one just completed with Padilla melting in the 6th is what I meant by him turning into a "pumpkin" above in this topic. Rangers really would be nice if they could find a true #1 somewhere, but maybe are waiting for the conclusion of this series vs Anaheim to gauge whether or not to make any moves?
Posted by: johns | June 30, 2009 at 04:55 AM
And Serg Rush...you dont deserve a response!!!
Posted by: JH32 | June 29, 2009 at 02:38 PM
I was joking. I know that trade would never happen. I know it is hard to detect sarcasm in text posts. But when someone says something that stupid, it is usually safe to assume a joke.
But seriously Doug Davis is being shopped and has a 3.28 ERA. Would Rangers consider trading for Davis?
Posted by: Serg Rush | June 30, 2009 at 02:02 PM