Sunday Morning Open Thread: Five Questions
1. With the Rangers' starting pitching depth reduced to virtually nil by recent events, is the Rangers' most urgent need now the acquisition of more starting pitching via the trade market?
2. Julio Borbon -- who has now swiped just eight bases in 14 attempts this year -- back in February: "[Baserunning coach Gary Pettis] ought to be disappointed if I don't get to 50 [steals]." Is it time for Ron Washington to pull in the reins on Borbon to some extent? And is it a bad idea for a player to become so fixated on stealing a high number of bases while making no mention of success rate?
3. If the Rangers find themselves in the heat of a pennant race come late July and fail to make a remotely significant move to bolster their chances (note: Kip Wells-esque and Matt Stairs-esque acquisitions don't fall under this heading), where do you think you're going to end up placing the blame? On Jon Daniels? On Tom Hicks? Or perhaps nobody at all?
4. With Brandon McCarthy yet again sidelined by shoulder issues, do you believe the Rangers have just about reached the point where they're going to non-tender him this winter? Or is the upside still great enough to override the abundance of injuries and escalating seven-digit salaries?
5. Peer into your crystal ball and finish this sentence however you see fit (perhaps after reviewing Jason Parks' excellent scouting report): "For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, Alexi Ogando will __________."
21 Comments | in Open Thread, The Season
Reader Comments (21)
Unfotunately, the correct answer to no. 3 is Judge Michael Lynn.
1. No If need be, you Have Beltre, Harrison or even Beavan. I think they'd all do a great job. Scouts don't appreciate Beavan because of his velocity but he gets guys out.
2. Yes pull back the reigns. You may remember I pretty much guaranteed 100 steals between Borbon and Andrus. D'oh.
3. I really don't see how anyone can be pissed if the Rangers don't get to the playoffs/win the division. I don't see how this year matters in that sense when next year there should be new ownership in place and the pitching staff should literally be almost twice as good next year. And hopefully, they will also have a new manager. If it makes me a bad fan that I'm looking at 2011 - then I suppose I am a bad fan.
4. Yes non-tender.(Didn't we have this question already?)
5, "be 2009 Feliz-like."
Addendum - I didn't mean to say I thought Harrison would do a great job. I meant to say "Harrison sucks but he's a body."
1. Depends upon who the pitcher is and what the price is. I'd question the wisdom of trading for someone of the ilk of say Kevin Millwood, since it won't represent a clear upgrade, and a two-month rental of anyone significant - such as Cliff Lee - is likely going to come at an undesirable price.
I really don't want to see us mortgage a significant part of our future trying to reach the playoffs in a year where we're probably rather unlikely to go very deep.
2. I'd say one of the worst things a speedy guy can do is get obsessed with his steal total at the expense of his success rate. Running into outs does nothing for the team, especially for a guy with an abysmal walk rate like Julio who's hardly ever on base in the first place.
It was mentioned during yesterday's broadcast that Ron supposedly intends to clamp down on the futile running game the Rangers have played this year, and if true, that's probably the best news this offense could presently get (short of Cruz returning).
3. Again, depends on what the player/asking price is. But if Joaquin Arias is still on this roster on August 1st instead of somebody like Ty Wigginton, Austin Kearns or at the very least Mike Lowell, I will be kinda ticked off. This team's biggest need right now is probably a right-handed 1B/OF.
4. He's as good as non-tendered, IMO. Although I wouldn't be surprised to see them re-sign him to a minor league deal and invite him to ST, a la Jason Jennings.
5. In the present-tense, hopefully eliminate the usage of Chris Ray in significant game situations, and become a key cog in the back of the bullpen going forward.
1. No -- a right handed bat is more important right now. There are too many good pitching candidates in the system to trade for another pitcher right now.
2. Yes, he needs to have somebody limit him as he seems unable to do that for himself. After some maturity, then he can have the green light more. Right now, no.
3. Weren't we here last year at this time? I hope the issues are resolved before we are here again in 2011. I just hope the team is out of bankruptcy in time to compete in 2011. As to blame, Tom Hicks is the man on which it all rests.
4. McCarthy has had too many chances already. Cut him now.
5. Ogando will be another speed burner and will impress in the back end of the pen.
1. I don't see them having an "urgent" need. A mid level to top tier starter would be item A on a shopping list, while a reliable corner RH bat with some impact potential is item B. Barring a complete breakdown in the rotation there's no urgent to it, in my view.
2. It's been time to pull in the reins for a while, and for Washington to manage the running game instead of delegating the decision making to the players themselves. That's where his experience, feel, and base of knowledge of game situations should override his "players manager" mentality to establish who runs, and when.
3. Why the fixation with blaming anybody? Is what it is. I'll enjoy the season as it plays out and my life will still be pretty fulfilling.
4. I have been wrong about Brandon McCarthy. Personally, I've reached the point where the best thing for both the organization and for BM is a fresh start with new faces.
5. find a role in a major league bullpen.
1. No, no trades, pulling Harden out was our best move, just plug in someone else.
2. yes, then teach him how to think,
3. hicks
4. Yes non-tender, we are wasting time and $$$
5. be a good fit
1. Maybe. It has to be a trade for a frontend guy, though. I think a trade for an impact RP would equal in value a trade for a mid-rotation starter, since it could move Harrison back into the rotation depth, if needed.
2. no opinion.
3. Partly the market, since there isn't a lot of what the Rangers need out there: frontend SP, 1B, backend RP
4. I think so, though I'm really bummed that it has come to this.
5. 2010 and 2011 are different years for Ogando.
2010, he very well could be an 8th inning guy.
2011, he's a candidate for the #5 spot.
1) No, unless there is a decent mid-to-back of the rotation guy out there that would not take much to get. We do not want to decimate our pitching depth that is coming up for a rent me type player for the rest of the year or someone that is not much better than what we have. Things will come around with our minor league depth....Holland should recoup and be back and Feldman showed signs of hopefully turning the corner in yesterdays game. Great move on Harden....unfortunately he just isn't what he used to be. With new ownership on board for 2011 (hopefully Greenberg/Ryan) we just need to get all our chess pieces together this year. Need a good RH hitter....a front line catcher.....stability and consistency at 1B and getting Borbon on track offensively should help.
2) Wash needs to get off the constant steal attempts...there are times for attempts but we have had a few too many guys like Borbon and Andrus cut down way too often.
3) If there is any kind of blame it is with Tom Hicks and the uncertainty he has put this ball club in right now. I see where some of the lenders want a new bidding process to take place rather than get on with what is best for the club and the fans and put Greenberg/Ryan in place. As to any other blame, honestly we were never going to be in the WS this year, maybe first round of playoffs, maybe more?? This year should be about building for 2011 and 2012 and getting all the pieces together for those years and playoff runs and more. The one person that does need to be replaced in my opinion is Ron Washington...he is just not a good field general!! As a coach without the final responsibility in decisions he is probably fine.....not as a field commander. I still would like to see either Bobby Valentine (Orioles have interviewed him) or possibly Mike Hargrove brought in a the manager. These guys can relate to the players but yet command their respect as the manager and not just a "players type of guy". Plus they are adept at being darn good "field generals"!!
4) It is time to part company with Mac.
5) "Will be a good fireballing set up man for Feliz....so long Frankie this winter"!
1. No. Not unless his name is Grenke
2. Yes
3. I think a more likely scenario is that the Rangers are up by far enough that they are simply adding depth.
4.Every team needs guys at 3A I'd keep him as a 4A type player to solidify the 3A team
5. "For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, Alexi Ogando will grow into a role as a 7th or 8th inning.setup man who follows a 6 inning start from a Ranger pitcher"
1. The Rangers' most urgent need is to continue developing talent (at both Minor League and Major League levels). Acquiring one starting pitcher will not position the Rangers as World Series contenders. Be patient and execute a plan to sell high on overvalued prospects.
2. Julio Borbon needs to focus on OBP.
3. The Rangers are not positioned to field a playoff winning team in 2010. Hopefully, new ownership will be able to build a championship caliber roster in 2011.
4. The Rangers have many team-proclaimed "high-ceiling" prospects who have bust. The majority of players on the 40-man who now serve in AAA and AA need to be cleared from the roster. Brandon McCarthy is one. Chris Davis, Taylor Teagarden, Brandon Boggs, Doug Mathis, Warner Madrigal, and Guillermo Moscosco have also most likely exercised their last ML opportunity. So....test the trade market for value. JD needs a reality check on the Rangers' farm system and an exit strategy for former prospects that need a new home.
5. For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, Alexi Ogando will contribute successfully in the Rangers' bullpen.
1. It is amazing how the biggest strength of this team During Spring Training is now the weakest link, but thats baseball. With Borbon & Smoak playing better as of late the offense is looking less & less like that is where the upgrade is needed. They can live with an automatic out at catcher as long as there is not three automatic outs. There is thought to be tremendous ammount of relief pitchers in the minore who can be fresh arms in the pen. (his only leaves starting pitching. I do not believe they will up grade this at all. One option would be to get a top notch closer & send feliez to AAA to get stretched out. If Borbon & Smoak can keep hiting I do feel starting pitching is the biggest need.
2. Borbon dosent need the reins pulled back as much as he needs to learn to read the pitchers moves & get better jumps. He has the speed he just needs to learn when & how to steal.
3.I put the blame on one man, TOM HICKS! He has run this franchise as close to the ground as he could. I feel that if it werent for JD & crew the Rangers would be the Pirates.
4. Brandon McCarthy is & has been a waste of money. I have a hard time remembering even when he was not hurt when he was that effective. He might have been average at best. It's time to bite the bullet & cut bait with Big McC
5. Setup man
1. No a right handed bat and catcher are still the top needs. And I am not yet persuaded it is even a higher need than CF or even 1B. I'd say no trades this year that impact the farm. The Rangers might be competitive this year but they are really still a year away. Now if Grenke or Cain should be available I'd be willing to seriously talk. But not a patch for a flat.
2. Like almost every Ranger stud for the past few years Borbon is here a year early. He can't read the pitchers and gets poor jumps. He should be in AAA learning this and much more. For the overly aggressive promotions I blame JD.
3. Three people are to blame and all are named Hicks.
4. Bye.
5. Agree, set up man. And a damn good one.
1. Not thrilled about trading for anybody right now. I think anyone that will make us significantly better will cost too much.
2. There are good times and bad times to steal, and the base stealer must be certain that he will make it. Washington must make it clear to Elvis & Julio that they need to choose the right time to steal. It's very disappointing seeing a rally killed because of bad base running.
3. I'm hoping they don't make a big move unless they get a steal, so I may get to thank Hicks for something.
4. I think he is back next year, but as someone else said maybe with a minor league contract.
5. This year up and down from AAA. Next year I hope closer with Feliz in the rotation.
1. I still believe Guerrero's presence in the lineup represents an opportunity to go far in the playoffs -- you can't guarantee another chance to win an AL pennant after he leaves for greener pastures. That means you should go for it on adding the best starter you can get your hands on. If that entails letting go of 2 of our premier prospects in return for Greinke, then you have to pull the trigger. The longer you wait until the trade deadline, maybe the picture becomes more clear on what we can expect from Holland, Kinsler, Cruz, and some other pieces not currently contributing to the win column like we'd hoped at the beginning of the year. But the Angels are hot right now, and I don't like trading away the future if we find ourselves looking up at LA in the standings at any point. A move now might open up some breathing space.
2. Some of these attempts are ridiculous. The league must throw an average of close to 2 pitch-outs per game against the Rangers. Even straight-up, if the stop-watch isn't supporting the attempt, why are they going so often? They must be costing the offense at least a couple of runs per week, if not more.
3. There's no doubt in my mind JD has done the best he can putting this roster together. It isn't a perfect science, but he has obtained more than enough talent on a shoe-string budget to overcome most of the large number of injuries and unexpected performance issues. The lack of money clearly will hurt their flexibility at the deadline, and it clearly goes back to Hicks.
4. I can't figure out how McCarthy could possibly sign a major league contract next yr, especially one that matches his $1.3M. He's definitely going to be allowed to find a new home.
5. "will allow a reformation of the entire pitching roster. Alexi will become the new set-up man after the all-star break and allow the Rangers to explore some interesting deals at the 2010 deadline involving guys like Ray and FF. This winter, Ogando can be designated for the closer role and allow the Rangers to think once again of putting Feliz in the rotation in 2011."
For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, Alexi Ogando will eat pizza and drink water.
1. No. Talent is here and will be ready.
2. Yes. Pettis needs to work with him on his jump. Have him look at film from last year when he was getting a jump.
3. Nobody.
4. Yes. Too late for McCarthy to be a quality acquisition. Let him go.
5. Only Holds and Saves ... never missed.
@joey ... posting the pic of Rich Harden with this column is ironic. He's being viewed here in your column on the mound in a TEX uniform ... when ironically he never ever appears on a mound in a TEX uniform ever again.
1. Yes, but I don't think it's particularly urgent. Improvement would be nice, but I don't think it's worth selling the farm for. I also think a right-handed bat for the bench and the outfield, bullpen and catcher help aren't that far behind.
2. Yes. And the whole team. And, yes, it's a horribly stupid part of baseball that stolen bases are such a big deal and success rate is just about never talked about.
3. Hicks first, Daniels a distant second. Likely nobody.
4. Yes.
5. ""For the remainder of 2010 and into 2011, Alexi Ogando will be comfortably better than a replacement-level reliever, if not one of the better relievers in baseball."
1. No, just be patient. Good things developing in the minors and I still think Holland, Sheppers and even Harden may help down the road.
2. Pull in the reigns. Run when it makes sence and don't let Julio have a green light. Lets do give him some take signs, he need s to learn to take a walk.
3. Nobody.
4. Let him go.
5. Probably back to the minors. Our stupiid manager had Vlad in the outfield today with a five run lead in the eigth and failed to recognize the ninth would have been a comforable place for his big leage debut. Instead we pitch Francisco needlessly.....Ron you are an idiot!
3. I don't understand why everyone wants someone to "blame". Sure we (the Rangers) can learn from our (their) mistakes, but why do we insist on "blaming" someone for things not working out the way we want. Frankly, if you MUST have someone to blame for getting to the brink and not finishing, or coming through, why not blame the current group of players? Instead of management for not bringing in some outside players.