1. No, Cabrera would not throw at Kinsler's head if he was going to hit him on purpose, he was just sucking.
2. Frankie is still the closer, but they probably shouldn't use him on back to back days. I'm not sure he's completely healthy.
3. Not yet on Davis, though they should limit Blalock's playing time by putting German at 1B against lefties and not DHing Blalock. I'd support Cruz at DH to save his ankle and leave Borbon in the OF hitting 9th. Sit Blalock against lefties.
4. Depends on how Teagarden responds.
5. Purke will be signed.

1- No - Kinsler crowds plate so have to pitch inside- could tell by Cabrera and Varitek reaction that is was not on purpose
2- No -even though I cant stand Franciso as a closer he deserves another chance
3- Need to bring back Davis- he plays better defense(i.e. keeps his foot on bag on tough throws)
4- Spring training next year determines starter at catcher - one of them needs to step up with the bat
5- Ranger get Purke signed

1. Although the fan in me wants some retaliation, I doubt it's a good idea. Kinsler leads the team in HBP because he crowds the plate.

2. I agree that it seems pretty clear that Frankie shouldn't be used on back-to-back days; I was disturbed by Wash's comments that he apparently doesn't agree, saying that if he's the closer then he has to be able to be used on back-to-back days...umm, what? (read Evan Grant's article on the game) Surely our manager can have the creativity and flexibility to put guys in situations where they are likely to succeed and help us win games, rather than being bound by some artificial label of what a closer is/should be. BTW, I think the same is pretty much true for CJ -- back-to-back days have not looked so good for him either. Good news for the Rangers that they've got apparently three good options out there, plus O'Day to help with some of those 8th inning situations. How awesome is it that Feliz seemed completely unflappable out there last night?

3. I suspect the Rangers are going to ride out the Blalock situation until the rosters expand in 2 weeks. Once that happens if he's still mired in this awful slump then I think we'll see a lot more CD once again. I just wonder how Chris will respond to the immediate pressure of a playoff run given his apparent confidence issues this year.

4. Let's see how Teagarden does.

5. I think Purke will sign. We seem to be getting mixed messages from the media and from MLB about how bad the Rangers' finances seem to be -- Peter Gammons had a line yesterday that the Rangers can't even water the infield because they are so poor -- but on the other hand JD doesn't seem concerned that they'll be able to pony up the cash for draft picks like Purke. What's the truth in the situation here?

1. Yes. And Boston is expecting it and understands it.

2. Playing for the win is not controversial.

3. As long as the lineup has the element shown Saturday the Blalock issue is mitigated, and Kinsler can play to his strength without it becoming a detriment.

4. Comfortable.

5. No.

1. After having slept on it, just let it be for the moment. The surge in pitching has been a breath of fresh air but I'd prefer to see the Rangers not have to overcome losing a serviceable arm for 10% of the remaining games. At some point, though, likely next year, someone gets flipped.
2. I don't really get the need to classify the "closer" role because we have a Rangers' version of the 1990 Nasty Boys. It appears we have three capable guys to do the job. Just let situation and rest dictate who goes in when.
3. Ugh no idea what to do. I see Davis' numbers like everyone else but I think a great deal has to do with his mentaility and if he has truly caught his breath and is ready to give it another go. Since I have no way of knowing, I guess that means we have to trust the organization to make this assessment. Since he hasn't been recalled, I take it they don't feel he's quite there yet.
4. I'm excited to see Taylor get consistent playing time but I still think we are in a good position catching wise, pending what Salty's issue is determined to be. Salty made nice progress defensively this year; hopefully he'll make a similar more consistent offensive jump next year.
5. Anything's possible; just glad it sounds like progress is being made.

No. Retaliation possibly means losing a pitcher and it's the wrong time of the year to do that since that's what's carrying the team.
Frankie needs to be run back out to the mound asap.
Why not give Davis another shot? I'm sick of watching Blalock's all or nothing, swing at anything approach.
Catcher is a black hole in the line up that probably won't get any better offensively and should probably be addressed this off season.
Probably..but they better hurry.

1 - Yes. Finally a reason to use Eddie Guardado.

2 - No. I haven't heard any lingering injury explanation, so I'm assuming it's rust. No worries.

3 - Pushed to the point? No. I would think it hard to justify bringing up the former strikeout leader when the team is winning. Note: "when the team is winning."

4 - I wasn't comfortable before the injury. Are you reading my tea leaves?

5 - Sure, there's a way. I don't think it'll happen. But Matt could easily go the college route if he thinks his future would be better served. Which brings up a question. Why does a basketball player lose eligibility when signing an agent, but a baseball player doesn't?

1. The Rangers should not retaliate by hitting anyone. That's a lot of negative energy that should be focused on 'getting back' by out-pitching, out-hitting, and out-running them!. Besides risking injury and suspension to our own players, retaliation sends the wrong message to young people--who the Rangers are obviously making a big appeal to this year.

2. The closer should be shared by Frankie, C.J., and Feliz. It's too late and too hot to bring back guys on consecutive days to throw lots of pitches. If the Rangers are to make a serious run for the playoffs, and if in making the playoffs, they want to win some of those games, we are going to have to have a fresh pen.

3. Does Blalock take batting practice on the driving range? I swear that he looks like he is using a driver when he bats! He creates divots in front of the plate when he swings. It's nice to have those occasional HRs from him, but doing 'something' with the ball on a more regular basis is what any team needs from the entire lineup. Bring up Davis in September and see what he can do.

4. Being in a pennant race this year is a bonus. This year is supposed to be about evaluating the Rangers young players at the major league level. I think that given regular playing time, but not over-using him, that Teagarten will improve his hitting. Why hasn't anyone mentioned Max Ramirez as his backup? Isn't he off the DL? Let Anderson play a game or two a week for a while. The key will be how does he handle the young pitchers (with whom he is very familiar) and how he does throwing out runners. Solid defense is what we need at catcher--the hitting is a bonus.

5. Who is Purke's agent? If it's Boras, let him go! Thanks for the forum.

@Bobby Kevin Richardson.

1. If there is any retaliation I think it should take the form of the Rangers beating the Red Sox.

2. I am a little worried about Frankie but not enough to remove him from his job. I would like to see someone else warming up behind him (Feliz, O'day) just as insurance.

3. Hank has to come around and start making better contact. The Rangers can't afford not to keep him in the lineup if slump continues to thus. Davis has figured somethings out down there, like how to bounce back. he had a ten game stretch or so where he hit below .250 and has turned in around. I wouldn't be suprised if he was in the lineup before September.

4. I hope he is not done for the year, but if he is, and Teagarden continues to play defense like he is, I don't see why they can't have a more even split of playing time in 2010. I think both guys could be more productive with regular rest since they both have had injury problems (Teagarden's elbow surgery). It is a really grueling position physically, and one that is definatly helped by a little rest.

On a side note: At least Jason Varitek isn't catching for us.

5. Purke will sign. He has way more to lose than the Rangers do.

1. That's a playe thing, not a fan thing. If the players think something should be done, it will be.
2. I go with Feliz as the closer. Who could be better?
3. Yes. Bring Davis back up.
4. Teagarden has earned the non-hitting, pitcher handling, game-calling catcher position.
5. I'd count on him not signing.

1. No retaliation.

2. Frank Francisco should be traded while other teams will buy high. The Rangers have better closer options named Wilson and Feliz.

3. Blalock and Guardado should be released immediately. Chris Davis and AJ Murray will improve this ballclub during the stretch.

4. Teagarden is the best catcher in the Rangers system. He should be the starter in 2010.

5. Purke signs. I am more concerned about Scheppers.

Not on the subject - but - what do you think next years starting rotation looks like? 2011? Looks like too many stud prospect pitchers to me.

2010 Rotation?

1. Free Agent/Trade Acquisition
2. Kevin Millwood
3. Scott Feldman
4. Tommy Hunter
5. Derek Holland

McCarthy, Nippert, and Feliz in the bullpen.
Harrison and Hurley rehabbing in AAA.

1. Beanball wars are stupid, but players sure take their code of honor seriously. They will do whatever they feel they need to do, and that is okay with me.

2. Relievers are the only players that fans expect/demand perfection. That's a stupid thing, but there it is.

3. On Hank, it's not just August. Look at his OBP for the year: .278! Unacceptable.

4. Salty is young enough to grow offensively. I would not object to packaging him withHarrison/Nippert types for an upgrade, but I wouldn't mind rolling into next year with him either.

5. I remember when I used to be really focused on draft signings at this time of year. Ah, those were the days....

1. If only we had a volatile starting pitcher who would willingly retaliate by throwing at opposing batters...
2. The leash is shorter, but unless Frankie continues to have a few more poor outings, I don't think it's yet an issue.
3. If our 1B isn't going to be hitting I would much rather have the superb defense of Davis than Blalock. Especially since Davis wouldn't also try to get base hits and not just hit homers all the time. I think it's time to part ways with Blalock. If we need a backup 1B we have German.
4. I want to see how Teagarden performs over the next couple of weeks. I think given regular playing time his bat will improve, and I think his defense and game management skills are still superior to Salty's. If Teagarden shows he can handle it, I think he's the frontrunner going in.
5. Not too concerned. Texas is where he wants to play and he wants to get paid now. He'll sign.

1. NO-Cabrera had no idea where it was going last night.
2. Not really a controversy, just make sure he's used properly.
3. Way past time to do something-hell, put Vizquel there if need be.
4. See how TT plays down the stretch.
5. I don't think so. Nolan will whip Hicks' ass if he cheaps out!

Why not put Vizquel at second and let Kinsler play first base for the remainder of the season. Kinsler hits with the power of a first base. And Vizquel is smooth at second. He still has the fastest hands around on a double play ball. We improve both offense and defense. Vizquel will hit better than Blaylock and be on base a lot more often.

1. Only in the win column.

2. No.

3. I believe so.

4. I'm just not sure about Salty. Let's just say I'm a big Teagarden fan.

5. Purke will be a Ranger.

Just for the record, Purke is represented by an agency owned by Don Sanders, Nolan Ryan's longtime business partner. This is the same person thought to be at the head of the group most likely to purchase the Rangers. If they are truly attempting to purchase this franchise I'd say Purke get's signed with 100% certainty. If not I'd still put it at 60/40 in favor of Purke signing.

Purke will get signed. It would send a bad message to the fans/media/players if they let him slip out of their grasp.
At the same time, if the Rangers pay him say $4M... and he opts to pass and go to college. He runs the risk of injury, etc... and if he ends up signing with another club in 2 or 3 years, he'd better get close to $6 or $7M to recoup what he'd lost by not signing this year.

Kinsler gets thrown at on purpose routinely, nothing to do with him "crowding the plate". He rubs a lot of guys the wrong way, especiallly when he homers. You could't retaliate with Feliz on the mound. The last thing they needed was for him to get broken in half or suspended. And yesterday there wasn't a good opportunity. Too big/close of game.