Friday Morning Rangers Notes: The Pre-ALCS Edition
Joey Matschulat
Ian Kinsler makes sure to smile for the camera during workouts on Thursday, Oct. 14th.It strikes me that this website has come an almost unfathomably long way since the days when I was in my baseball-writing infancy and undertaking outrageous projects such as waxing poetic on Michael Young's defense and throwing down 800-word posts on irrelevant roster battles like Jamey Wright vs. Kameron Loe ... and for that, and for the record-smashing playoff traffic, and for continuing to give us the impetus to churn out good stuff about this ALCS-bound squad, thank you:
● The Rangers will tee up C.J Wilson vs. CC Sabathia in Game 1, Colby Lewis vs. Phil Hughes in Game 2, Cliff Lee vs. Andy Pettitte in Game 3 (at Yankee Stadium), and Tommy Hunter vs. A.J. Burnett in Game 4 (at Yankee Stadium) (T.R. Sullivan, MLB.com)
[This will inevitably be touted by some national analyst as a David v. Goliath-type battle between the cash-flush Yankees and the spendthrift Rangers, but rendering that characterization on the basis of payroll disparity is misleading, as it implies that the Rangers are quantifiably inferior in a short-series context and therefore significant underdogs. I don't think that's the case at all -- the majority of the reputable projections (e.g. here and here) appear to have this series running six or seven games deep and the two clubs fairly evenly matched, and to send the series back to Arlington you only need two wins. When you have C.J. Wilson going twice and both Cliff Lee and Colby Lewis going once, I think that's a reasonable expectation.
Josh Hamilton, of course, remains the largest-looming offensive X-factor on the Rangers' end; I consulted with Jason Parks on this matter, and his conclusion was that his problems through the ALDS were more timing-based -- and a function of Hamilton excessively pressing at the plate -- than anything perceptibly wrong with his swing mechanics and/or bat speed. He'll be running smack-dab into two more challenging lefties in his first three ALCS starts (and contending with an afternoon game in the other!), so I'm frankly not going to be surprised if his MVP-level form remains absent in the early going, but at some point in this series he's going to have to step it up. So will Michael Young. So will Vladimir Guerrero.]
● On the heels of Rangers owner Chuck Greenberg remarking without hesitation that general manager Jon Daniels -- who has the ability to exercise the out clause in his contract this winter -- "isn't going anywhere," FOX Sports Radio's Jim Bowden says that the Rangers are going to announce a long-term deal for Daniels after the post-season is over, and that all rumors of him defecting to the Mets are false (NBCSports.com)
[This doesn't surprise me whatsoever, nor should it surprise anyone when Ron Washington receives a two- to three-year deal this winter; the Rangers have consistently vocalized their support for both, and to extend the key management-side figures in your organization after an immensely successful season ... well, it's just what happens in baseball. Regarding the Mets job specifically, Craig Calcaterra unearthed an interesting point: the Mets are advertising the fact that their new GM will have "complete autonomy," but their scouting corps is already being locked in for 2011. If you figure that an incoming GM would at least want the ability to review and/or replace existing scouts, then this is probably an aspect of the Mets job that comes across as something less than appealing.]
● The Rangers will likely add left-handed specialist Clay Rapada to their ALCS roster and forgo carrying who would have been their pinch-running specialist in Esteban German; if the roster move goes down as expected, the Rangers will carry a seven-man bullpen into war (Neftali Feliz, Alexi Ogando, Darren O'Day, Dustin Nippert, Darren Oliver, Derek Holland, and, Rapada); Jorge Cantu and Matt Treanor are also expected to start at first base and catcher in Game 1, respectively (T.R. Sullivan, MLB.com)
[I didn't think there was really any way that the Rangers would need to carry three lefty-hurling southpaws during the ALDS, and that the roster spot was better allocated towards a late-inning speed weapon like German; in hindsight, that was a swing and a miss both in my thought process and in actuality, and now because of that first-round weakness (but also because of scheduling complexities and the extended length of the ALCS), Texas will roll with a seven-deep bullpen. Rapada, for his part, is what we think he is -- a soft-tossing, deception-dependent LOOGY who can be summoned in a single-batter neutralizing capacity against somebody like Robinson Cano. Useful, but not excessively so.]
Reader Comments (12)
Been reading this site since before spring training last year, Joey, and I'm glad that people like you that choose to analyze the team in such close detail are having this opportunity. I'm happy for all of us, but especially like you and the other contributors who spend so much of their time to make this an incredible resource for fans. Thanks and let's take down the Evil Empire this weekend!
I'm a newcomer to the site... Stumbled upon it during the sale mess, but I enjoy it alot.
It's cool to read about the team from the perspective of a fan that actually knows what he's talking about. You never see anything from the larger media that gives this organization anywhere close the respect it has earned, while remaining critical of it's shortcomings.
It's also nice to read articles from someone who actually knows how to write.
I've been reading this site since John Vittas was here...you couldn't have been too bad early on or I might not have come back, don't sell yourself short.
Hamilton saw very few fastballs against the Rays, and I suspect he'll see nothing but sliders and change ups from Sabathia on Friday. Hughes is a fastball-cutter guy, and a righty, so maybe he'll fare better on Saturday.
There will be a point and time when Borbon's speed in the outfield will be badly missed. Pitching, running bases against Posada and defense are key. Noticed so many have talked about Borbon's arm this season, but nobody has said anything about Hamilton's throw to Miami allowing runners to move up at a critical moment. Criticism should be evenly distributed. Julio needs to be in CF for at least two of the three New York games. Move Hamilton around, DH him or have him PH at the appropriate moment a time or two because a great catch, stolen base or sensational bunt could make a big difference.
continue to say that Cruz needs to hit in the 4 hole. Vladdy is not the protection for Hamilton that he was earlier. Guarantee you the Yankees hope that Cruz stays right where he is in the lineup.
Surely someone else sees this. Surely someone who is paid to know this sees it.
I don't understand how Kirkman isn't on the roster. He has been spectacular since being called up and would neutralize the Yankees ability to simply spin their switch hitter's to the right side, as he has been better against righties, but still holds lefties to a .200 avg.
Rapada is only going to be useful against Cano. Every other Yankee threat hits from the Right side or switches. Seems like a waste.
I would have rather seen Kirkman or Harrison myself, instead of Rapada. I think an additional lefty that could go more than one batter would have won the game for us on Saturday. I suppose Kirkman has a tired arm, and Harrison had a bad outing late in the year, but I felt more comfortable with them going an inning or more, than probably even Nippert in the long spot.
Regarding Hamilton; he's struggled, fo sho... but his presence alone allows guys like Kinsler and Cruz to see more hittable pitching. So, he provides assistance to the lineup without actually generating any offense. Does he need to be more productive, absolutely... but the beauty of this lineup is that it can addord to have 1 or 2 guys struggle at the plate. I would prefer it not happen to the 3 spot in the lineup, but it is what it is.
The key (to me) is MY. He was swigning at pitches (in the ALDS) he usually hits... he looked lost. You have to wonder about a guy like him, someone that's been in the bigs for 10 years without a playoff game appearance... perhaps he's a little nervous, or maybe he expects to lose... who knows! They do say that aome athletes (and even managers) simply don't know how to win...
Regarding Wash and JD: THANK YOU JESUS! I will sleep better knowing that both are locked up for years to come. Giving JD a 5 yr deal makes sense to me. Not so sure about Wash. Is he the beneficiary of a talented team, or is he truly a great manager? That's the question... and I think the only way to find out is to give him a 3 or 4yr deal and if he fails after the 3rd year, you can him...
Regarding the bullpen; I have to tell you, I'm not real thrilled at the prospect of putting Oliver, Holland, and especially Nippert in a game. Neftali Feliz, Alexi Ogando and Darren O'Day would be my main weapons. I realize all are RHP... but they are the only one's who can literally shut down a team in the late innings. I would prefer they keep someone like Kirkman, who could be your LOOGY but could also serve you well in long relief, if needed. I guess you have to keep Oliver too... but he scares me. Holland worries me too... and there's no telling how he handles the pressure of facing the Yankees and possibly the Yankee faithful in NYC.
BTW - that reminds me of something... if I see 1 Yankee fan in Arlington, I'm going to freak out. Unfortunately I can't attend any of the games.... so I have to trust my Ranger's brothers to pelt any and all Yankee fans in attendance with racial slurs, foul language, possible physical threats, etc... (I'm kidding... sort of).
Kirkman and Rapada in, German and Nippert out.
Just saw that Kirkman is taking Nipperts place.
Amen, my prayers have been answered. Now let's see more of Ogando and Kirkman and less of a workload for Oliver!
watching more highlights of the clubhouse celebration. all the talk about yankee postseason experience is making me sick. nothing takes the place of heart and want. i for one hope yankees sit back and think its all theirs cuz i have faith that rangers will shut the critics up. everywhere i look i see, "yankees in six, yankees in six". i have love the phrase all season, "its time". this rangers team plays like a bunch of kids excited to play a kids' game, they are the funnest to watch.
That Young "wave" at a critical grounder may haunt him the rest of his days....you must be freckin' kidding me!!!