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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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901st Post Tue Sep 23rd, 2008 09:07 pm | |
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THE NEWBERG REPORT
Coming into 2008, we were all pumped about what Baseball America had ranked
as the game's number four farm system -- more on that later -- with pitching
rotations up and down the system that featured multiple Rangers prospects as
the season got underway.
At AAA Oklahoma, Eric Hurley and Doug Mathis and A.J. Murray fronted the
starting five.
At AA Frisco, there were Matt Harrison and Mike Ballard and Michael Schlact.
At High A Bakersfield, the rotation included Tommy Hunter and Omar Poveda
and Zach Phillips and Beau Jones, and Kasey Kiker would soon join them from
extended spring.
At Low A Clinton, Blake Beavan and Michael Main wouldn't be part of the
rotation as of Opening Day, but the LumberKings did run Derek Holland and
Neftali Feliz and Evan Reed and Kennil Gomez out there to kick things off.
When the season began, neither Martin Perez nor Neil Ramirez had thrown a
professional pitch. Wilfredo Boscan hadn't thrown one outside the Dominican
Summer League. Tim Murphy was midway through his junior season at UCLA.
Today that Spokane quartet makes up half of Baseball America's list of the
top eight prospects in the eight-team Northwest League.
BA Assistant Editor Nathan Rode said this yesterday, in connection with the
rankings: "I'm still trying to wrap my head around how deep the Rangers
pitching is. It's incredible."
The 17-year-old Perez, a small, athletic lefthander whose electric
combination of a fastball that touches 94 and a plus breaking ball (and a
developing change) reminded at least one scout of fellow Venezuelan Johan
Santana, was ranked by BA as the number two prospect in the league, but
there was significant debate among the publication's braintrust as to
whether he actually deserved the number one spot, which instead went to Cubs
third base prospect Josh Vitters, the third pick in the nation last year.
Facing a league full of 21-year-old hitters, Perez was seventh in the league
in ERA (3.65), struck out 53 in 61.2 innings, and yielded only three home
runs.
Perez outranked lefthander Christian Friedrich, a college pitcher whom
Colorado took in the first round in June and was rumored to be high on the
Rangers' draft board had Justin Smoak not fallen to them. Just after
Friedrich at number four on the NWL's top 20 list was Ramirez, a 19-year-old
who held his older competition to a .166 average, with twice as many
strikeouts (52) as hits allowed (25) in 44 innings. BA noted that although
Ramirez already works at 90-94 and touches 96 (mixing in a power curve that
ranks right up there with Perez's), there's room for projection as his 6'3",
185-pound frame fills out.
Boscan checked in as the number six prospect in the league (and apparently
fit in the top five in an unfinished version), commanding a sinking
fastball, a 12-6 curve, and a plus change that induced loads of groundballs
when batters managed to make contact off the 18-year-old. The Venezuelan
led the circuit with nine wins and finished fourth in ERA (3.12) and
strikeouts (70 in 69.1 innings), issuing only 11 walks in 12 starts and
three relief appearances.
At number eight, Murphy drew an Andy Pettitte comp despite making 12 of his
13 appearances out of the Spokane bullpen. Scouts felt he had the makeup of
late-inning reliever but could have enough stuff (including a low-90s
fastball and a sharp 12-6 curve) to start. The league hit just .152 off
Murphy, who fanned 40 and walked 15 in 32.2 innings of work.
All four could begin the 2009 season sporting Hickory Crawdads threads, as
the Rangers acknowledged yesterday that they're moving the organization's
Low A program from Clinton back to the South Atlantic League, where they'd
been affiliated with the Savannah Sand Gnats from 1998 through 2002. The
Crawdads, a North Carolina franchise, had been a Pirates affiliate since
1999. Clinton, after six years as the Rangers' Low A affiliate, will now
become a Mariners farm club.
But for now, all four hurlers are at fall instructs in Surprise -- as are
third baseman Matt West (the NWL's number 16 prospect) and righthander
Carlos Pimentel (who just missed landing in the top 20) -- and I will be
too, in another day.
What I'm about to see may be the third or fourth wave of pitching prospects
heading toward Arlington, but don't think for a second that it has any less
force than the ones ahead of it. And don't assume they're all three years
away. From last year's group of 50 players who reported to Arizona last
fall, eight made it all the way to the big leagues in 2008.
And as for that number four farm system, Baseball America Executive Editor
Jim Callis hinted yesterday that the publication may be about to anoint the
Texas system as baseball's best: "[The Angels] won't have it so easy in a
couple of years because the Rangers and Athletics have put together the
game's two deepest farm systems. I'd rank Texas ahead of Oakland because I
like their depth and their balance of hitters and pitchers a little more.
The Rangers have done an impressive job on all fronts recently, picking up
talent via trades ([Elvis] Andrus might be the best shortstop prospect in
the minors, while Feliz might have the best pure fastball), the draft
(getting Smoak and [Robbie] Ross with the 11th and 57th overall picks this
year was a huge coup) and the international market (Perez drew some Johan
Santana comps in the short-season Northwest League this summer)."
The Rangers are going to be better soon, doing it the right way.
Check back in with you from Arizona, where I'll be watching part of
baseball's number one farm system at work.
I know some think that some of the trades last year were just "lucky", but this is one reason that Daniels maybe should be kept around...
____________________
I'd rather be wrong because I trusted someone, than because I didn't...
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Burley Glen
Whatever...
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902nd Post Tue Sep 23rd, 2008 10:22 pm | |
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Baseball America revealed its Midwest League rankings this morning, and for the second straight day, a Rangers pitcher finishes as his league’s number two prospect, behind a hitter recently drafted with one of the first picks in the nation in 2007. Royals infielder Mike Moustakas, who signed for a reported $4 million as the number two pick overall last summer, gets the nod as the league’s top prospect, and righthander Neftali Feliz checks in at number two.
Center fielder Engel Beltre is the league’s number six prospect, and lefthander Derek Holland is number nine. No other Clinton players show up in the top 20.
It’s not out of the question that Holland , if the publication considers him to have logged enough innings at his next two 2008 levels, could rank even higher when the California League and Texas League rankings come out.
Jamey
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I'd rather be wrong because I trusted someone, than because I didn't...
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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903rd Post Wed Sep 24th, 2008 03:06 pm | |
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THE NEWBERG REPORT
Hank Blalock is 11 for 16 in the last four games. Seven of those 11 hits have gone for extra bases, including home runs in three straight games (something he also did two weeks ago). He's using all fields, and looks as locked in now as he looked out of rhythm over the first four weeks of his return to action.
Six of Blalock's 10 home runs this year have tied the game or given Texas a lead. Half of his homers have come off lefthanders.
I don't know what position Blalock will play in April, and I'm not even sure whose uniform he'll be wearing, but he's looking in this snapshot like the hitter that we thought five years ago he was going to be, and one thing is starting to feel like a lock: Texas has almost got to exercise that club option for 2009, whether the idea is to make him the first baseman next season, the third baseman, the designated hitter, or a trade chip to get a young starting pitcher.
The player we're seeing right now is not one you'd dump onto the free agent market.
P.S. One local media outlet is reporting that Nolan Ryan indicated on Tuesday that he expects both Ron Washington and Jon Daniels back in 2009.
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Mark
member
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904th Post Wed Sep 24th, 2008 03:08 pm | |
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Ric wrote: The player we're seeing right now is not one you'd dump onto the free agent market.
I tend to agree, but it IS a short sample.
____________________
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats are the 2008 4A Div II Texas State Football Champs!!! Go Cats!
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Mark
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905th Post Wed Sep 24th, 2008 03:10 pm | |
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| I was shocked and amazed to see Bradley steal a base last night. I thought that just walking was difficult for him right now.
____________________
The Sulphur Springs Wildcats are the 2008 4A Div II Texas State Football Champs!!! Go Cats!
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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906th Post Fri Oct 3rd, 2008 07:08 pm | |
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THE NEWBERG REPORT
I'm on a lunch break at a seminar, so this one will be quick.
There are reports that San Diego, which lost 99 games this year, may check around to see what the trade market for Jake Peavy is.
You can absolutely bet that the Padres, who could use help just about everywhere other than first base, will have Texas on their list, to the extent that they're really open to the idea of trading Peavy, one of baseball's best pitchers.
Don't get too excited.
For all I know, Peavy, reportedly frustrated with San Diego management, would waive his full no-trade clause (which lasts through 2010) to come to Texas, but that's not the issue.
He's signed to a relatively appropriate contract ($8 million in 2009, $15 million in 2010, $16 million in 2011, $17 million in 2012, and $22 million in 2013 [or a $4 million buyout]), and at age 27 he should be in his prime throughout the deal. So that's not the holdup.
The reason I don't think there's any sense in getting hopes up is that the Padres are going to want someone like Ian Kinsler or Josh Hamilton or Chris Davis (if they like him at third base) to key the deal, along with Derek Holland or Neftali Feliz, and then probably Elvis Andrus or Taylor Teagarden. And then another pitching prospect or two.
They should ask for that. Peavy is a proven number one.
For me, the better plan, if the idea is to go get someone who can step in immediately to front your rotation, is to give up less than that for Matt Cain ($13.15 million for the next three years, assuming the 2011 club option is exercised) or Zack Greinke (two arbitration years remaining). The two 24-year-olds are not at Peavy's level, but when Peavy was their age he wasn't quite was he is today, either.
If Cain were to come here now and justify Peavy money after the 2009 and 2010 and 2011 seasons, then we'll be glad to pay it.
If Greinke were to come here and put himself in that sort of position after the next two years, nobody will complain.
There are plenty of other pitchers that could be in the Rangers' trade sights (Boston, Florida, Cincinnati, and Tampa Bay have some possibilities, and the Giants have Jonathan Sanchez as well), but if you're thinking as big as Peavy, I'd suggest it might make more sense to focus instead on Cain or Greinke, whose teams should be in similar restocking modes to the one that San Diego is apparently thinking about.
At least one local report suggests the Rangers have identified their top candidates to fill out the big league coaching staff, and interviews could begin next week.
One potential candidate for pitching coach is no longer available, as Toronto has signed Brad Arnsberg to a two-year extension to stay.
Back to the seminar.
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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907th Post Fri Oct 3rd, 2008 07:09 pm | |
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| Peavey. Wow. Nice thought...
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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stemyn
Waiting for my tickets
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908th Post Fri Oct 3rd, 2008 08:46 pm | |
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| But not for that price.
____________________
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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909th Post Fri Oct 3rd, 2008 09:05 pm | |
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| I disagree. You want a guy like that, but you don't want to trade meaningful players? Huh. He could be a difference maker. Surely you are as tired as I am of seeing the Rangers lose 12-10. We have plenty of tradeable pieces for the first time in... well for a long time... shoot, I'd give em Kinsler and prospects...
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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stemyn
Waiting for my tickets
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910th Post Fri Oct 3rd, 2008 11:57 pm | |
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You would give up:
Kinsler
Holland or Feliz
Andrus or Teagarden
AND
2 more pitching prospects
all for Peavy? I just don't know if I could give all that up. Kinsler, I can see. Then who plays 2nd? Holland and Feliz are probably the top two pitching prospects around. Andrus is a real shortstop.
I may agree with Kinsler and Teagarden, but I do not add Holland or Feliz. I keep Andrus to play short and move Michael to 2nd. Give 2 other lower pitching prospects. Which will not get the job done, because they will want someone who appears to be about ready to take his place.
____________________
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
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LEB
Member
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911th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 12:26 am | |
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| how many years does Peavy have left on his contract?
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stemyn
Waiting for my tickets
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912th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 02:09 am | |
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LEB wrote: how many years does Peavy have left on his contract?
Through 2013, with the last two years (2012 and 2013) being club option.
Another thing, I am not sure he waives no trade to come to Texas.
____________________
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
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Ranger
Member
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913th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 02:13 am | |
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| No matter what we trade if Daniels makes the trade we will get screeeewed!!
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stemyn
Waiting for my tickets
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914th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 02:15 am | |
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Ranger wrote: No matter what we trade if Daniels makes the trade we will get screeeewed!!
That's the attitude some people have no matter what he does. Not a good attitude in my eyes. In your eyes he is wrong before he starts.
But I'm not gonna change your mind, you will just stay negative.
____________________
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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915th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 04:20 am | |
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He always does, then hoots and hollers that he has been a fan longer than Moses.. and he KNOWS... so I just ignore him..
Peavey has somewhat indicated that he would waive his no trade clause... he excluded some teams.. and apparently Texas wasn't on the list of excluded teams...
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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stemyn
Waiting for my tickets
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916th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 05:35 am | |
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| You know me Ric. If I was a GM, I would be the old San Diego gm - Trader Jack. I like Kinsler and would hate to see him go, but we do need an ace. I do believe JD will try to lose as few people as possible, but I will support him regardless. It would at least be an effort to improve that disaster of a pitching staff.
____________________
People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring. ~Rogers Hornsby
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LEB
Member
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917th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 05:52 am | |
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It's fun to talk about blockbuster deals but I just don't see Peavy coming to Arlington for the following reasons:
1. I don't know his contract but if you're asking him to waive his no-trade deal, you would have to give him a really big deal to come here.
2. Why would he leave one of the best pitchers parks in baseball for one of the worst?
3. Maybe if the Rangers were one pitcher away from being a champion I would say give SD anything they want from the minors. But this team is not that close.
I'm sure all trades have to go thru Nolan's office before Hicks gets to decide. Yes, the Chris Young and John Danks deals were bad. But JD's W-L record is looking better. That Milwaukee trade a couple years ago may still turn out to be a winner. Maybe Nelson Cruz found "it" and will become a solid ML player. The Gagne, Lofton and Texiera deals are looking very good and could turn out to be solid gold.
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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918th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 03:48 pm | |
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His contract terms are right above this in Jameys reort.
I wouldn't underestimate Nolan Ryan's influence on any young pitcher, and coming to Arlington.
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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Dave C
Member
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919th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 06:58 pm | |
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| I like the scenario of Cain or Greinke better than the one with Peavy. Of course, he did say that this would be what the Padres would ask for. That might not be what they would settle for.
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Ric
Bayou Bum
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920th Post Sat Oct 4th, 2008 08:33 pm | |
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| true, that....
____________________
All I ask is a chance to prove
that money can't make me happy.
"There are 108 beads in a Catholic rosary. And there are 108 stitches in a baseball. When I learned that, I gave Jesus a chance."
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