The Rangers are in discussions with several free agent pitchers who would step in for the injured Derek Holland, reports Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News. Among the pitchers contacted by Texas are Paul Maholm, who revealed the discussions himself recently on MLB Network Radio on Sirius XM, and recent Royals swingman Bruce Chen.
With Holland reportedly out until at least the All-Star break, the Rangers will need to account for some innings, whether they do so from within or make an addition. Both Maholm and Chen have generally been reliable inning-eaters over their careers, so the interest makes sense in that regard.
The 31-year-old Maholm should come at a relatively reasonable price after enduring some injury issues and a down season in 2013. After respective 3.66 and 3.67 ERA campaigns, Maholm ended up with a 4.41 ERA last year. He also posted his lowest inings total (153) since becoming a full-time big leaguer, though his strikeout ratio (6.2 K/9 vs. 2.8 BB/9) was in line with his career averages and he actually posted his second-best xFIP (3.89). Maholm landed at the 43rd slot on MLBTR's Tim Dierkes's list of the top fifty free agents.
Chen, 36, was effective last year for Kansas City in a mixed role (15 starts, 19 relief appearances). He ended up with a 3.27 ERA in 121 innings, though his FIP (4.12) and xFIP (4.93) indicate reason to view that tally with a grain of salt. Indeed, Chen's 2013 BABIP-against (.255) and strand rate (78.8% LOB) fell below and above league average, respectively.
I think that’s the first time I’ve seen Paul Maholm’s name on this site all off-season, not sure why. He’s the posterchild for solid 3-4 LH starters IMO.
I think Maholm is a pretty solid pitcher & thought he would have signed with someone by now. If you can get him on a one-year deal I think it’s a great fit. Worse case if someone else steps up for TEX or Holland looks like he’ll be ready the second half of the season you trade Maholm at the deadline.
Is Robbie Ross an option as a starter?
He has been lengthened out in the winter league’s as per lots of sources and is responding to what was asked of him.
He has been lengthened out in the winter league’s as per lots of sources and is responding to what was asked of him.
He is but he was also stretched out last year and it was decided halfway through spring training that he was not good enough and needed in the bullpen. My educated guess is that they let him try again but he would have to have a CJ Wilson type spring training from when he was switched over for them to take the hit to the bullpen to move him.
If a guy like Maholm or Chen can be a serviceable 5, then the Rangers should be able to do some damage control. Their best solution is to have everyone else step up, which they needed to happen anyway. Signing Jiminez, Garza, or Santana is a short sided fix.
I say Go and get both Chen and Maholm and use them and Alexi Ogando all as swing pitchers.
Trade back for Danks?
No? No? No? Worse than than both Chen and Maholm and on a 65mm contract.
for which JD would reply, “No Danks!”
Ask the padres about getting Robbie Erlin back or Burch Smith. They are looking for a 1B so maybe a deal can be worked out involving Mitch Mooreland and one of the padres lefty guys. That’ll give the rangers room to bring back Cruz who at this point has no leverage
At this point, I would rather have Mitch.
Me too, thank you.
Rangers not looking to move Mitch Moreland and his salary in no way even close to Cruz, so no room to wiggle there. Burch Smith is rhp not left and as for Robbie Erlin not enough in the numbers to bring him back at this time. I am afraid the Padres have nothing else for and with the Brewers signing Mark Reynolds all doors are closed on Mitch at this time.
Yes, Bruce Chen. Do it!