Thanks Prof. for spending some time.
Do the Rangers have someone on their roster that can fill the utility roll, or do they have to go outside the organization to fill it?
Can Julio Borbon play above average defense in CF? And which is more important to an outfielder speed or arm?
Is Nelson Cruz the Nelson Cruz of the future going to be the 2009 version (and better) or the 2008 version?
Last one, where do you see Tanner breaking into the bigs? Is he going to foloow the recent Ranger trend of pitching out of the bullpen then moving to the rotation? Or do you see him staying in the pen? Or just the rotation?

I read that Hicks is the second largest investor in the Greenburg group, is Greenburg the largest? In a way does Nolan still work for Hicks?
just what is the meaning of this?

Thank you, Jason, I'll add my bunch of Qs now, in case you can whittle away at them over the course of the day in my absence, then I'll enjoy the entire Q&A feast tonight on replay...

1) Can Moreland be slightly less than Garko for a year or 2 but with higher upside offensively/defensively)?

2) Is Max back? (Not just back from his get-away in Boston, but a high-OBP-vs. lefties-guy/back-up C who could help us at DH?)

Andrew: I'm not confident that the utility role can be filled from within the organization. I think a guy like Lemon has a chance to evolve into this position someday, but at this point he isn't major league ready. As it stands now, I don't think guys like German, Olmedo, or Arias represent the best options.

Borbon will eventually be able to offer above-average defense at the major league level. His routes need to continue to improve, but his range is excellent thanks to his first-step quickness and natural instincts at the position. Both speed and arm strength are important tools for outfielders to possess, but I don't think Borbon's lack of superior arm strength will prevent him from becoming a defensive force in CF. It's true that his arm is below-average/average, but his glove to hand transfer is smooth and his release is fast allowing his arm to play up slightly.

Nelson Cruz can hit. I don't think 2009 was a fluke. I'm not sure what his 2010 projection will look like, but I'm certain that his skill set will allow him to be a valuable offensive weapon.

I think Scheppers will get a look at the major league level at some point in the '10 season. I assume it will be as a late-inning flamethrower, but that all depends on how dominant he is as a starter in the minors.

All related:
3) Which of our prospects add up to a deal for KC's Alberto Callaspo? (to add their CF Meier?)
(and would you make such a deal given where the Rangers stand right now?) Did the Marcus Lemmon experiment (in the OF) work?

Billy: I'd rather not comment about the ownership situation at this time. I'm sure all the details will be made available after the sale becomes official.

Michael: I think Moreland has a chance to eventually put up Garko-like numbers at the major league level. It will all depend on his ability to make adjustments against quality pitching. I think he his hit tool is solid and his power is legit. His defense isn't anything special and I think he is a DH/1B with enough athleticism to handle RF if necessary.

Seattle gave up some pretty nice prospects to get Clif Lee. What package of prospects from the Rangers minor leagues would be equivalent to what Seatle gave up? i.e. what three prospects of the Rangers would equate to the Seattle trio? I know we ccould not have afforded Lee anyway but I'm still curious.

LAWMANRICH

OK JP,
how about Greg Golson, why are you down on him?

Michael: I like Max, but his wrist injury will be a concern until he proves it isn't. I like his OBP ability, but he has to make better contact against quality pitching or his value will be limited. It's all about adjustments. Good hitters are able to make adjustments against quality pitching. Max crushed in the minors and he has the tools to hit at the higher levels, so I'm curious to see what happens if he is given a chance against major league pitching.

Best athlete in the system; Golson has the tools to be a superstar, but the chances of that happening are very slim.

I guess my question is "why"

Thanks, Jason,
To follow up Rob's question of yesterday... other than at pitching (which needs to be most plentiful) where do you see us stacked, and where thin; and which valuable surplus would you trade up, for even more valuable essentials (eg in 2-for-1 deals like Pina & Murphy for Gutierrez)?

Michael: I'm not skilled when it comes to trade scenarios. Callapso is a talented player that has seen his tools translate to on the field production. Unless KC feels his value has peaked, I'm not sure why they would trade him, especially if they feel they can compete in '10. What package do you think Texas should offer?

As for Lemon, I think he has the intangibles to get the most out of his skill-set. He doesn't have any plus tools, but he is a gamer with some defensive versatility (SS, 2B, OF) and a solid approach at the plate. I don't think his bat will make him a starter, but I think his all-around ability will eventually make him a valuable member of a 25 man.

What do you expect out of Borbon offensively in 2010? Similar to an age 22 Carl Crawford (.296/.331/.450 and around 50 steals)? Or is that too much in his first full year?

LAWMANRICH: As I mentioned to Michael, I'm not very skilled in the art of trade scenario speculation. However, I would be interested in reading what package you think would be comparable. I'm not a huge Aumont fan. I think his injury concerns are a red flag. He's also a Canadian. Gillies, another Canadian, is a player I would love to have in our system.

What about Main? Can we get an update on his medical status/path to recovery? Did we ever really even find out what was wrong?

Billy: I love Greg Golson the athlete; his raw tools are incredible. Greg Golson the baseball player is another story. If his his raw tools were able translate into on the field production, Golson could be a superstar. As it stands now, I think Golson is a #5 outfielder at best at the major league level.

Michael: I think the system lacks up the middle talent and power bats at the higher levels. Other than pitching, I don't see a surplus at any position. I think acquiring up-the-middle talent and pitching is always a good idea, regardless of the surplus involved.

Trip Casey: I don't think Borbon is going to slug .450 in '10, but he could hit close to Crawford's .296 thanks to his speed and contact ability. Borbon's a very intelligent man with a nice skill set to work with, so his future is bright. Again, it's all about adjustments. Players that can make adjustments at the major league level are successful.

Jesse: Main should be 100% and ready to go in '10. He was diagnosed with a viral infection in '09 that sapped his strength. From Jason Cole's excellent interview:

Main: "They never really found out what it was. They said it was just kind of an unidentified viral infection of my liver. What they were thinking was–just based upon the results and the signs that I showed–that I’d probably had this sometime probably close to January. That’s what the doctors were thinking. They were thinking it was probably affecting me this whole season."

http://rangers.scout.com/2/908794.html

Look for Main to rebound in '10.

Have you watched Profar and/or Sardinas yet? Why do we hear so much buzz about Profar and so little (comparatively) about Sardinas?

Jason:

You said the Rangers are weak up the middle, but the one area the Rangers have addressed the most besides pitching is players who are C, SS, and CF.

The catcher level obviously is decimated by injury, have we neglected the other positions by going for so much pitching, or have our selections for SS and CF also been hurt/unable to show growth?

JP.

Could you rank the top 5 pitching prospects in the minors and when you think they will reach the majors.

Liam: Profar is a guy, much like Beltre and Andrus, that just stands out on a baseball field. His hype is justified, but unfortunately that often relegates Sardinas to second chair. Sardinas has the potential to be an excellent defensive shortstop that is a threat from both sides of the plate. As it stands now, his bat isn't as developed as his glove.

Hi Jason,

The bid has been accepted. The negotiations begin. Time will tell if Nolan Ryan remains, as we all hope. Well, I think we all hope that. Well, should we all hope that? Is there any chance that the last three years of heavy farm development is suddenly about to end? Once this sale is finalized, will Nolan Ryan suddenly transform from Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde and reverse course by raiding the farm for more established players?

red: I think the Rangers have excellent up-the-middle talent in the lower minors. However, you have to continue to add to that depth because of attrition. It's true that we have skilled shortstops like Garica, Profar, Sardinas, and Martinez in the system, but they aren't remotely close to major league contribution and player development is difficult to predict. I would like to see the Rangers continue to add up the middle talent via draft and trades. You can never have too much depth.

I think we've all got more than one quesation.

Neil Ramirez evaluation. The good, the bad and the ugly.

Jason,
What do you see happening with Derek Holland and Neftali Feliz in 2010? Both in the rotation, Bullpen or minors?

Jim: Rangers top five arms

1. Martin Perez (ETA: 2011)
2. Tanner Scheppers (ETA: 2010)
3. Michael Main: (ETA: 2012)
4, Wilmer Font (ETA: 2012)
5. Robbie Ross (ETA: 2012)

Samson: I'm not sure why Nolan Ryan would want to decimate the farm system. I don't see that happening.

Samson: Ramirez is one of the biggest wild cards in the Rangers' system.

The Good: He has the potential for two plus-plus pitches with his low/mid 90s fastball and power curve.
The Bad: His inability to develop his CU and to remain healthy.
The Ugly: His fastball command

Jason,
When KC traded for Getz and ranked him above Callaspo at 2B for his fielding ability, Callaspo was rumored to be available. I'm sure they could DH him (which is what I'm thinking for us: UIF + DH/5thOF vs lefties, but they need SPs, a LOOGY (LHPs in general), regular CF possibilities...
I'm thinking one of Wilson/Francisco/McCarthy plus spare parts: one of Rapada/Snyder, one of Gentry/Golson, and one of Inglett/German/Arias (to be their UIF replacement) for Callaspo & their platoonable (lefty-mashing) CF Meier.
1) With our depth, can we absorb the RP loss I suggest?
2) Do you see any big differences in the value of the individuals divided by slashes in the groups above?(I'm guessing CJ's is higher than FF's or BMac's, and that KC would value him much higher for being lefty & versatile as RP/SP-- maybe too versatile for us to surrender).

Jersa: I think Holland is a lock for the 2010 rotation with Feliz either working out of the major league pen or in the AAA rotation to start the season.

Based on off season moves the Rangers appear to be up a bit and the Mariners quite a bit. Meanwhile, the Halos seem to be slipping a tad. How would you rank the West today?

Also, how many wins will it take to win the West and do you think that the #2 team in the West will get the wildcard?

So the team is looking for a utility infielder, says mlbtraderumors today. I'm wondering what's the deal with Arias? Is he in the team's plans at all? If not, are they looking to deal him? Does he have any value on the trade market? It just seems like he is that proverbial "lost" player who just keeps hauting AAA and never getting the break he needs. When I saw him in 2008, he looked really good at the plate.

Another question I have is this: Who is more likely to appear first in Arlington, Scheppers or Smoak? What is your prediction on both these guys?

Michael:

1. I'm not sure we should start trading bullpen depth yet. That said, I would probably explore making guys like CJ and Frankie available depending on the situation and on the development of guys like Scheppers, Gutierrez, Strop and Feliz.

2. I think both CJ and Frankie would interest teams, but I can't speak to their exact value on the trade market. I don't think McCarthy has much value right now.

Jon:

As it stands now, I would rank the AL West like this:

Texas
Angels
Mariners
Athletics

I think it will take at least 90 wins to take the West. I think the wildcard team will come from the East.

Welcome back JP - how has the album promotion been going?

A few questions now that I've got you::

In general, at what level would you peg the winter Mexican league? I'm thinking less than VZ/DR, say AA at best...

One of the surprise omissions from Instructs was Randol Rojas, DSL co-Pitcher of the year. Have you heard anything about his stuff? If his velo is ok (unlike Peralta) and he has at least one average secondary pitch, I could see him debuting in Spokane, though there appears to be zero space on the roster.

Give some love to the best shortstop in the system (excluding 2009 J2 signs), Edwin Garcia: above-average defense in all respects with plus range, physical projection, led AZL in TB for 2/3 of the season (before a late-season slump, and Telis surge), promoted to SS along with Telis.

Likelihood (by %) that the following starting pitcher prospects who prove most suited to ML bullpen roles when it is all said and done: DGut, Main, Thompson, Beavan, Gomez, Wieland, Boscan, Brigham, Tim Murphy, NeRA

Your take on the command issues that plagued Kennil Gomez in HighA after showing excellent command in LowA (and his career) - Just adjusting to a starting role, working on his off-speed offerings, continued shoulder problems? His first half was good enough (if not just good) for a HighA debut, but his #s got skewed badly after his return from an injury (oblique)?

Miguel Velazquez is a top 10 talent if he can stay out of the courtroom. Does he have the makeup to realize his ceiling? I think he quickly moves to HighA from Hickory and starts 2011 in AA to put him back on track- your take? I was most impressed with his ability to make adjustments in Spokane after struggling with contact the first couple of weeks.

Can you give us a Miggie update to the extent that you can? Should we continue to put stock in the sentiment that his stateside arrival is imminent especially considering that he failed to get a Visa in time for instructs?

% of chance that Luis Sardinas turns out to be a better shortstop than JPro?

Do you really believe that Richard Alvarez is actually his listed 6.2 185? Wouldn't you agree that his ceiling is no greater than a #5 starter with an average FB (90) at best? I'm thinking he's Brandon McCarthy redux and way over-hyped given his limited physical projection. Give me your sober assessment of the kid.

Sleepers/Breakout candidates for 2010, say outside of your rankings/tiers?

Suerte Guey....

PD
your fav spots to eat in and around the Zocalo in DF (street vendor friendly here)?

Seeing Pedro Strop at the end of last year, showing dominating stuff AND getting results (for the most part)...where do you see him breaking camp this year? Do you think he can stick in the bullpen and come in during high leverage situations at some point? What do you grade his FB and splitter at (the splitter is his out pitch, right?)

Also, how's your mustache?

Thanks for taking time to do this.

Hypothetical: Two parts

1) Marlon Byrd signs with another team, and the Rangers go into the '10 season with an outfield of Josh Hamilton, Julio Borbon, David Murphy, Nellie Cruz and ........ (fill in the blank)

2) Marlon Byrd signs with another team, and Josh Hamilton will miss the first half of the season after injury. You're the GM. And you still don't have funds available. Would you stay in-house, or target a player in another organization for this immediate need - and if so, who?

Jim: I don't think Arias has any value on the trade market. If he did, I don't think the Rangers would be exploring the open market for a utility infielder.

I think both players will make an appearance in Arlington at some point in '10. I think the exact date will depend on the situation at the major league level and the development of the players in the minors. I think Smoak will eventually develop into a solid major league regular with some all-star caliber seasons during his peak years. I think Scheppers will eventually end up in the bullpen and has the stuff to be an elite closer.

Does Daniel Gutierrez have the ability to move into the upper tier of prospects in this organization? Has he raised in red flags since joining the Rangers organization? What are your expectations for him?

One more. Ayenil Menodoza and Kevin de Leon did not pitch in 2009 despite being listed on the roster. I'm thinking they were sidelined by injury/surgery rather than Visa issues - have you heard anything? Mendoza is a nice prospect who was poised for his AZL debut this year. Maybe 2010 for both...

Ruben Sierra. Name from the past, or name for the future?

Goyo:

The Mexican Winter League is AA at best.

I haven't heard much about Rojas except that he has a really sharp fastball with life that he shows excellent command of. It's always a good sign when young arms can command a fastball. Rojas is an athletic pitcher with promise and I was disappointed that I didn't get to see him in person. I hope he makes it stateside in '10.

I like Edwin Garcia and his defensive skill set it very good, but I think Leury is slightly better with the leather. It's close, though. I think his offensive projection is much higher than Leury's. Underrated player.

Future in the pen %
DGut: 75%
Main: 30%
Thompson: 50%
Beavan: 75%
Gomez: 90%
Wieland: 25%
Boscan: 50%
Brigham: 50%
T. Murphy: 90%
Ramirez: 50%

I think injury and inconsistency effected Gomez's command in '09. He has a tendency to alter his arm angle, especially when throwing his breaking ball. When he stays on top of it, it can be an above-average pitch that misses bats.

I don't really know Velazquez, so I can't speak to his make-up, but his raw talent is impressive. I agree with you that he needs to be fast-tracked with a possible AA promotion by 2011. He's a legit five tool player, although his speed isn't off-the-charts. His arm grades at 55/60 and his power is in a similar range. One scout I know described him as "Baby Mondesi."

I spoke to Miguel a few weeks ago and he told me he was going to play in the States in '10. Hopefully, it wasn't just wishful thinking.

Better shortstop? 75%

I don't believe Richard Alvarez is 6'2''. I think he is closer to 5'11''/6', with a limited physical projection. It's hard to put a ceiling on a 17 year, especially after watching him hold his own in the AZL at 16, but I don't think he has upper echelon projection. The kid has an excellent feel for pitching and the makings of three average to slightly above-average pitches. Assuming he can put it all together and remain effective, I think you could be looking at a middle/back of the rotation type.

I really like Matt Thompson. He has the stuff to be a legit prospect in '10. I'm also a big fan of Teodoro Martinez, but he might need a few years of development before he will be able to break onto the prospect scene.

I try to avoid the Zocalo. I think the best street vendor food can be found in the Coyocan and by Xochimilco. There is also some amazing street food in Chapultapec Park where goat tacos and lengua reign supreme.

Ryin: I'm a big Strop fan. His fastball can be erratic, but a plus pitch. His slider is inconsistent, as is his splitter, but I think the splitter is the more dominant pitch. I think '10 is the year Strop proves he has what it takes to stick in a major league pen. I'm not sure he starts at the major league level, though. We will just have to see.

I shaved my mustache last month. I haven't felt the same without it. It completed me.

If the Rangers could have been in on Cliff Lee, what would a comprable package been? I know we couldn't have done it with the increase in salary, but it's a curious question in my mind.

-Joshua

Samson:

1. I want the answer to be Brandon Boggs, but I think Gentry has a chance to claim it as well.

2. If Hamilton misses the first half of the season, the first thing I would do is stay calm. Making a knee-jerk trade to fill an immediate need can have adverse effects. I would probably kick the tires on some low tier players, but it would all depend on the severity of Hamilton's injury and the likelihood he would be able to produce in the second-half. I don't think I would have a problem going with Borbon in CF, Cruz in RF, and a platoon of Murphy/Boggs in LF with a guy like Gentry as the back-up.

How about some respect for Richard Bleier? Over 180 innings pitched {including playoffs], 5:1 ko ratio, 2:1 go/ao, what more do you want? If his velocity improves, would it change your opinion of him?