Tuesday Morning Rangers Notes: I Used To Love H.E.R. ... Err, R.B.E.
If that four-game disaster against the Orioles didn't serve as the necessary wake-up call to remind everyone that the Rangers, despite still being strong divisional favorites, are not -- and never were -- post-season locks, then perhaps this sobering dose of reality will serve that purpose: Per ESPN.com's Buster Olney, no other above-.500 team in baseball has fewer post-ASB home games than the Rangers (31-of-74), and only one other team in the American League (Detroit; 42) has more games remaining against .500-or-better ballclubs than Texas (41):
● Rangers Baseball Express, the prospective ownership consortium publicly fronted by Chuck Greenberg and Nolan Ryan, has filed suit against the Texas Rangers, alleging that the team breached the purchase agreement struck between RBE and Tom Hicks on May 23rd and claiming that RBE still possesses exclusive purchase rights; in turn, the court-appointed restructuring officer overseeing the case, William K. Snyder (whose power RBE is apparently seeking to limit), has alleged in a "bombshell motion" that the Rangers are working with RBE in their lawsuit against the ballclub (Barry Schlacter, Fort Worth Star-Telegram; Daniel Kaplan, Sports Business Journal)
[Snyder has also received telephoned threats from incensed Rangers fans, which is remarkably stupid, but that's beside the point. Frankly, I'm not clear on the implications of Snyder's allegation, but it appears to have something to do with RBE demanding in its suit that the monetary difference between its offer and the prevailing bid in the scheduled July 22nd auction be given to RBE; this demand will be reviewed during a 1:30 p.m. CDT hearing on Tuesday, and if accepted would advantageously position RBE going down the stretch here, but let's be clear -- the victories for Greenberg/Ryan have been few and far between lately, so any optimism directed towards their camp should be heavily tempered.
In any event, as Phonte of the now-dissolved hip-hop group Little Brother once rapped, "It's the bottom of the ninth with no extra innings ..." for Greenberg/Ryan, with their desperation becoming increasingly apparent in recent weeks. That shouldn't be held against them, as I think any of us would act similarly if we were helplessly watching our dream of owning a professional sports franchise get torn from our grasp, but you wouldn't see that desperation supplant the prior cool-headedness unless they were resorting to last-ditch attempts to salvage the sale. They might still be the nominal favorite to purchase the team, but time's running out.]
● Rich Harden notched a 2.2-inning rehab start for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Sunday; shortly before the All-Star break, Harden mentioned feeling more comfortable with his fastball and mechanics than at any point this season following a 58-pitch bullpen session, stating, "I'm getting where I want to be" (William Wilkerson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram)
[There's no talk of Harden's imminent return, nor that of Derek Holland, but there's an interesting aspect to their respective recoveries and the back of the starting rotation. With Scott Feldman flirting with expulsion from the starting rotation, there's been some discussion of what could actually be done with him ... and, well, the answer is "not very much." You can leave him where he is, or you can pull some disabled-list chicanery, or you can banish him to long relief, and those are really your only three options. With Harden, it's either the rotation, the bullpen or outright release. I'm going somewhere with this.
Four years ago, Nate Silver of Baseball Prospectus -- and I may have already made this exact point here previously, but it's worth reiterating -- found that starting pitchers who (a) post high walk rates and (b) low isolated power rates have a tendency to enjoy better performance gains upon conversion into relievers than other starters-turned-relievers. Harden clearly fits part (a), but perhaps not so much with part (b). However, given that he's effectively a two-pitch guy at this point, perhaps there's some degree of sense to assigning him to the bullpen upon his healthy return -- particularly if Scott Feldman is pitching passably well -- and seeing what he can do. Getting Harden to accept it, however, might be a different case altogether.]
29 Comments | in Analysis, The Season
Reader Comments (29)
People are way overreacting to the day-to-day happenings in the bankruptcy case. This is typical legal maneuvering in a case with a short fuse and a lot of money at stake. Each party tries to increase leverage, and that's what the RBE suit is about. It raises the stakes for the judge and the other litigants. The key thing is that the judge clearly wants this thing to be resolved soon, and probably in July. I suspect he's got an idea by now of where he thinks this thing will end up, but he has to give a nod to procedure and process.
I am sick and tired of all the legal hasseling.....
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and sick and tired of watching Feldman throw batting practice. he is so hittable, I dont understand why they let him start games....... we are automatically behind..... send him to OKC til he gets it right? or can they?
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but I am looking forward to the 2nd half... should be a real challenge to see how we do aganist good clubs, if we cant, no sence going to the playoffs..... I hope "someone" can fire them up..
I read the R.B.E. filing and highly recommend the back part of it as it explains Snyder’s (The Chief Restructing Officer “CRO”) actions very clearly.
When one sees all the interviews the man has given I suspected several days ago that he suffers from a worship of what is sometimes is termed “The Cult of Personality”. In this case it appears to be a case of self-worship.
The CRO has greatly exceeded his authority as defined in the agreements and worse has encouraged the Debtor (Texas Rangers) to violate the exclusivity clause of the negotiating agreement. This is a serious matter.
In plain speak, the judge left this thing all wrapped up. All it needed was a pretty bow in the form of a legal tweak concerning the creditors rights concerning future law suits. Then the judge went on vacation. While the cat was away the mice (CRO) did hijack the case. A case that the judge said would be over on July 22nd now (according to the CRO and only the CRO) will take months.
Worse, the RBE, the Debtor (Texas Rangers), and the CRO all agreed to an auction process. Then the CRO reneged on the auction process he himself had negotiated and agreed to! This is why there are valid charges that he is colluding with the creditors.
The good news is that this filing allows the judge to reign in this ego driven loose cannon that is rolling all over the deck of his bankruptcy court and get this thing done by the judge’s declared July 22nd date.
It also allows MLB (the Franchisor) to later appeal any decision by the CRO to award the Franchise rights to a MLB non-approved ownership group. MLB is very much a quiet partner in all this. Not just anyone can get (or keep) a valuable MLB franchise. Franchisor’s have the right to protect the overall franchise.
Looking forward to today’s ruling.
So Harden needs a 6 month spring training? I'll be glad when all we have to talk about is baseball.
Can't wait until the Boston series, although I'm scared out of my mind for Tommy Hunter. Sometimes his pitches aren't much different than the batting practice David Ortiz was torpedoing out of Angel Stadium. Let's go Big Game!
Assuming we could ever have all of the starting pitchers healthy at once, who are actually the top five? Lee, Lewis and Wilson are all givens but the other two would probably be up for debate. I'd have to go with Holland and Hunter, but then I have no idea what we'd do with Feldman and Harden. Would their contract status prevent the team from sending either/both of them to OKC?
@Charles: Feldman is out of options so he cannot be sent down unless he clears waivers. I believe Harden's service time prevents him from being sent to the minors.
Lee, Lewis, Hunter and Wilson are my top four. Look for Harden to be the 5th SP until he proves otherwise or the team struggles and needs a shake up. Holland likely goes down to AAA when healthy to build up his arm strength again.
@Charles Good question. I agree with Rob's assessment that Harden gets another shot after a lengthy rehab assignment if hes healthy and is getting results at AAA, but only if Feldman or Hunter is struggling. Holland is probably in AAA until an opening after that presents itself.
I just can't see MLB letting these legal shenanigans prevent the ownership that THEY see as beneficial to the league and team.
When is the last time JP Morgan Chase has not got its way? Remember its recent and successful influence on TARP legislation and its historically pre-eminent role within the Federal Reserve system.
I hope the 4 game slide was largely caused by the distractios surrounding the trade, etc...
It is quite amazing how the Angels have tanked here recently as well. Maybe that's a good sign; the luck arrow is pointing at the Rangers this year.
With that said, they need to get going and put the Angels out already. The post ASB is going to be tough and they need to get back to winning series after series.
Regarding this comment: "Rangers Baseball Express has filed suit against the Texas Rangers, alleging that the team breached the purchase agreement..."
I'm really tired of all this legal stuff but I'm very confused here... so is Nolan's group essentially sueing Tom Hicks? Or, are they sueing MLB? Or, neither...?
Lastly, I have an out-of-the-box thought regarding Feldman; discreetly shop him around to see what type of return you can find. He's still in his prime and under control for a few more years at a relative low cost.
Maybe a team like the Twins... or the ChiSox... Blue Jays, who might see themselves as only needing a couple of pieces to be really good might be a good fit. Better yet, find an NL team like the Brewers... or maybe even the Dodgers or Cards make sense.
I realize you're selling low... BUT since we are not desperate, JD can walk away if the return is not sufficient. As long as this stays on the "down low" there's no harm in it, right?
Feldman will bounce back... and he'll be a 10-15 game winner next year... so maybe a team that doesn't have deep pockets and/or is already out of it and looking for building blocks, might bite. Or a potential playoff team needing that last righty for the back of the rotation.
This maybe nuts... and I'm sure you'll let me hear it if it is... but why not go to the Twins and offer Feldman and Salty for Wilson Ramos? You'd have to sweeten it, I'm sure... but it would be a win/win for both teams.
I know that we tacked on Lee... but we still have a lot of starting pitching depth that could fill Feldman's shoes. Holland is more than capable... and Harden can't be that much worse than Fledman.
Just saying...
1 of the more polarizing figures in all of sports is dead. As hard as it is to admit, Steinbrenner was good for baseball in many ways. He is a genius marketeer.
Yes, he threw any chance of a salary cap out the window by BUYING championships, but like Jerry Jones, if you're a fan of that team, you love him!
The Yanks have had a tough week...
Not sure how many of you are Seinfeld fans but Steinbreener signed off (and laughed at) his portayal on the show. The episode where Constanza builds a "nap knook" under his desk, which Steinbrenner and his grandkids hide in after Jerry calls in the bomb threat, is priceless.
Strangely, I actually feel OK about the Rangers having so many road games after the ASB. First, it means less games played when it gets the absolute hottest in Texas (though I realize that some road games will be hot as well). Second, any heebie-jeebies Cliff Lee may (or may not) be feeling about pitching at The Ballpark could be alleviated by pitching in some of the more pitcher-friendly ballparks on the road. And third, road games are always a good battle test in preparation for the postseason. By having so many bunched together between now and the end of the season, the Rangers will have to truly earn their division title.
I think that Greenberg/Ryan have tried to take a "higher ground" approach to all this money grubbing until recently. They have now foresaken this profile and getting down and dirty with the rest of them. I think everyone has really given Monarch and the like a lot of slack considering that they only became creditors after Hicks defaulted on the loan payment last Spring. Seems like the nth degree of predatory practices to me.
From Kaplan on Twitter:
- TX Rangers hearing on Greenberg/Ryan lawsuit: Judge says CRO and lenders are parties to the case; considers lawsuit more of a motion
- Greenberg/Ryan lawyer says willing to drop injunction request for a while if hearing can focus on auction bidding procedures
- Judge Lynn is taking a 20 minute break to provide parties with his proposed auction bidding procedures; says both sides will be unhappy
- Judge Lynn: "we are going to get this process on the road."
I think any of us would act similarly if we were helplessly watching our dream of owning a professional sports franchise get torn from our grasp
True. Especially considering Ryan and Greenberg are putting in a combined $5 million of their own money. Not too often one gets to be the managing partner of a MLB team for only $2-3 million.
People are way overreacting to the day-to-day happenings in the bankruptcy case.
Very true and I've been saying the same for awhile too. The hysterics are especially unjustified now given the fact the 2010 payroll is set and won't change no matter who wins at this point.
no sence going to the playoffs..... I hope "someone" can fire them up..
And you say Ron Washington is dumb...
When is the last time JP Morgan Chase has not got its way? Remember its recent and successful influence on TARP legislation and its historically pre-eminent role within the Federal Reserve system.
I believe you are thinking of Goldman Sachs. JP Morgan and Chase Manhattan Bank is a fairly recent merger anyway.
I think that Greenberg/Ryan have tried to take a "higher ground" approach to all this money grubbing until recently.
LOL. OK.
Per Kaplan (on Twitter) in the last half-hour, Jeff Beck and Jim Crane have received MLB sales clearance.
I don't think that necessarily indicates that Crane/Beck would receive the required 75% support from the owners, but I'm guessing -- and I say guessing because I'm not clear on this aspect of the process -- that MLB doesn't clear those parties unless they're financially squared away and have at least some chance of being approved.
Yes, he threw any chance of a salary cap out the window by BUYING championships, but like Jerry Jones, if you're a fan of that team, you love him!
Or you might also be a one-time fan of that team who quit being a fan of that team due in large part to the owner. (George Steinbrenner though was nowhere near as horrendous a person away from the field as Jerry Jones is.)
MLB doesn't clear those parties unless they're financially squared away and have at least some chance of being approved.
Crane's group is much better capitalized than Greenberg's group (and I've heard Ray Davis might be getting cold feet, never having expected a major legal battle with this).
Crane's group would be much better for Rangers payrolls going forward. Much deeper pockets in that group.
Rangers 100
IF YOU ARE GOING TO QUOTE ME! DONT TAKE IT OUT OF CONTEXT.
refering to the second half against +500 clubs, I said "but I am looking forward to the 2nd half... should be a real challenge to see how we do aganist good clubs, if we cant, no sence going to the playoffs..... I hope "someone" can fire them up.."
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I never said he was "dumb" I said he made "stupid" decisions.
I think YOU do too
@Rangers 100: Check your history. JP Morgan and Chase are traditional deposit banks. Goldman Sachs has been, until recently, an investment bank. The JP Morgan and Chase corporate interlocks have directed US economic and political history for generations. My question was worded correctly and purposefully.
As I mentioned to Josh during the game chat prior to his June 23rd article about Daniel Kaplan, the prospective Rangers buyer will "kiss the ring" of JP Morgan Chase before a deal is consummated.
RANGERS100 - "Or you might also be a one-time fan of that team who quit being a fan of that team due in large part to the owner. (George Steinbrenner though was nowhere near as horrendous a person away from the field as Jerry Jones is.)"
Huh? What in the hell are you talking about? Are you taking JJ's comments about Tebow personally? What "horrendous" acts has JJ commited... and listen, I'm not a JJ apologist... but I am a Cowboys fan and I can say with certainty that JJ is a top 3 owner.
"...Especially considering Ryan and Greenberg are putting in a combined $5 million of their own money. Not too often one gets to be the managing partner of a MLB team for only $2-3 million. "
Where are you getting these numbers?
Kaplan now reporting that the auction is set for August 4th. Judge Lynn notes that if MLB rejects the winning bidder (presumably to try and keep Greenberg/Ryan in the driver's seat), he would hear a motion that they did not "act in good faith."
What exactly that would mean, I'm not certain, but there was a report from the NYT yesterday which stated that RBE's financing commitments expire on Aug. 12, so if the process were to drag out beyond that date, I'm assuming that they'd be dead in the water, more or less.
@R100: I'm curious about how you have access to such information on Davis/Crane, as well as why you're so confident thaCrane's group is so much stronger than RBE. I mean, it's entirely possible you're right, but ...
I think Rangers100 is full of crap... he evidently throws info out there in hope no one will research what he's saying...
I think Rangers100 was banned from the LSB.
He likes to hear, or in this case read, himself talk. It is what it is I guess.
@R100: I'm curious about how you have access to such information on Davis/Crane, as well as why you're so confident thaCrane's group is so much stronger than RBE. I mean, it's entirely possible you're right, but ...
Friends with a few people in different parties involved here.
I have no team or side in the matter. I want what is best for the Rangers' chances of winning. Nothing wrong at all with Ryan/Greenberg only putting in a few million dollars. GWB put in even less. It just means that they aren't the ones who will have the final say on payroll. And it's been told to me by more than one person that Davis/Simpson are conservative, financial investors (to their credit; no doubt they are very smart men, and I would never fault anyone for wasting money on this franchise with all the major structural problems it has (i.e. park location, football market, etc.)). They aren't ego buyers, the kind willing and able to take large operating losses, as Hicks and Cuban (for example) have in pursuit of winning.
It's not my money, so hey, give me the ego buyers, granted there aren't overriding concerns about their ability to run the club. I've heard good things about Jim Crane from people who know him, so as a Rangers fan, I have no worries about him. For all the Hicks bashing and other sports hate we all love to throw around... none of these men are bad people. (Like Jerry Jones.)
The more Rangers100 talks, the more obvious it is he has no idea what he's saying. Especially his comments that "Nolan Ryan showed up well into the rebuilding process and hasn't done anything but sit in the first row, suck a $2M salary, and convince the club Purke would sign for $4M or less last summer." Right. I'm sure some "friends" of some people who have some opinions or something convinced you of that??
That's not to mention giving Tom Hicks the credit for this turn around. HAHA. Hicks is a genius. Nolan is a puppet. That opinion alone should discount anything he says from here on out.
Jerry Jones is bad because he has a commitment to winning?