Sunday Morning Open Thread: Five Questions
1. According to Peter Gammons (via MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan), Texas attempted to acquire Matt Garza by using Derek Holland, Frank Francisco, Engel Beltre, and Cubs catcher Robinson Chirinos -- who would have been acquired in a separate deal, and then flipped to Tampa Bay -- before the Rays opted for Chicago's offer, comprising top pitching prospect Chris Archer; per one source, the Rangers would have acquired Garza if not for the Cubs' inclusion of Archer. Assuming this report is indeed true, how would you have reacted if Texas had pulled off the deal?
2. Take a stab at predicting Adrian Beltre's AVG/OBP/SLG/HR for the Rangers in 2011, along with -- if you're comfortable with doing so -- your personal expectation for the number of wins above replacement he'll post.
3. Per Richie Whitt, three of the names on the Rangers' wish list to succeed Josh Lewin are Scott Franzke (former pre-game and post-game radio host on KRLD), Brian Anderson (current Brewers play-by-play man and broadcaster for TBS's nationally televised Sunday afternoon games), and Mike Capps (current Round Rock Express play-by-play man and former WFAA sports director), the final of whom he pegs as the favorite in the race. Care to lay any bets on which of the three -- if any -- will grab the spot?
4. With Beltre now in the fold, what's your preferred Opening Day lineup?
5. Is there anything whatsoever to the notion floated on the Hardline last week that Rafael Palmeiro could garner sufficient support for election to the Hall of Fame -- or, at the very least, enough support to keep his name on the ballot -- if he were to simply come clean with the truth and apologize?
Open Thread, The Off-Season
Reader Comments (55)
Whoa there... Is someone saying they have proof that Raffy took steroids? How about a link to that?
1. I would have made the trade. Although Holland has tremendous upside he's still unproven. Francisco has shown he can close, but is shaky at times besides he has health issues and figures to make around $4M. Beltre is a top 5 prospect with high ceiling he is the one Im reluctant to give up but we gotta give in order to receive. Chirinos is basically Chris Davis....another one with high upside but still unproven. So yes I would give up 2 unproven guys and 1 servicable guy and a top 5 prospect for a #2 or 3 starter under control for 3 years who has shown he can pitch against tough AL East teams.
2. .290/.345/.505/24HRS
3. Hmmm
4.
ANDRUS
KINSLER
HAMILTON (L)
CRUZ
BELTRE
MURPHY (L)
YOUNG (Dont like the idea of 2 lefties back to back)
MORELAND (L)
TORREALBA
5. If A-Rod is getting in then wveryone should get in. Including McGuire, Sosa, Bonds and Palmeiro and the rest yes Clemens too.
@ Samson:
Palmeiro failed a drug test. His blood tested positive for steroids. He was suspended as a result. He appealed his suspension and lost. If that's not proof what is?
Would have been cool with the package of prospects, but glad we held off. There'll be better options at the trade deadline.
.287/.332/.545, 25 bombs, 108 ribs, 5.1 WAR
Capps is one of Nolan's guys, so he gets the gig.
Kinsler, Young(1B), Hamilton, Cruz, Thome (DH), Beltre, Murphy, Torrealba, Andrus
Raffy blew his shot with the wag of a finger. Not even Willie Mays could have recovered from a stunt like that.
Raffy tested positive for Winstrol, which if he did take intentionally, makes him extra retarded since it is extra easy to detect in a test