***Official Texas Rangers 2010 Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Bogart]

Baseball America really likes us, they really like us!!

For the personal ranking presented here, the emphasis is on star power. That's why the Texas Rangers, who were No. 1 in BA's rankings last year, remain on top even after graduating such talents as Elvis Andrus, Taylor Teagarden, Julio Borbon, Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter to the major leagues.

Right-hander Neftali Feliz is still considered a prospect; he retains rookie eligibility after having thrown just 31 innings in 20 appearances with Texas. He leads the way for a Rangers system still bursting with impact talent, though not as much as it had last year. Texas' system is still good enough for No. 1, as it appears that overall minor league talent has hit a bit of a down cycle.

The five best systems

1. Rangers: Feliz has a special arm and could still be an impact starting pitcher, but if he's not, he has already shown the ability to be a shutdown reliever. The Rangers' pitching depth remains impressive, as lefty Martin Perez earned top prospect honors in the low Class A South Atlantic League in his first full season. Texas' top signed draft pick, right-hander Tanner Scheppers, showed premium stuff in the Arizona Fall League, and the system has power lefties in Kasey Kiker and Robbie Ross. Texas lacks depth in terms of hitters, but switch-hitting first baseman Justin Smoak isn't far away from being able to help a lineup that needs it.

 

[culdeus]

If this thing doesn't get sold I'm taking a year off.

There, I said it.

 

[Bogart]

Should do a lineup and rotation break down right after the Hot Stove has at least cooled off for a bit.

But for now, it sounds like the OF is going to be pretty much set with Borbon in CF, Cruz/Hamilton manning the corners and Murphy playing the 4th OF/DH role. Talk is that Borbon is really playing much better defense in winter ball, and Daniels is confident starting him in CF.

Borbon will most likely hit leadoff as well, followed by Kinsler, Young and Hamilton. Andrus will bat ninth so that he and Borbon will be back-to-back. That gives the 9-1-2 hitters a chance for 150 stolen bases between the three of them.

 

[LarryAllen'sJockstrap]

Millwood traded to the Orioles for reliever Chris Ray in what is being termed a "salary dump".

 

[Bogart]

Millwood traded to the Orioles for reliever Chris Ray in what is being termed a "salary dump".

The "salary dump" is going to be used to sign Rich Harden.7.5 million this year with an 11.5 million option next year. Harden>>Millwood

 

[Gr00vus]

What's with the Lowell/Ramirez trade?

 

[culdeus]

What's with the Lowell/Ramirez trade?

Doesn't make a ton of sense. Part time DH perhaps? This team needs more guys that hit for average so it makes some sense on that level.Max was blocked and unlikely to be a full time catcher.

 

[Gr00vus]

With the wife being an avid Sox fan and thus having to see many of their games last season via the season pass thingie, it sure seems like Lowell is pretty decrepit at this point. Maybe he wasn't all the way back from his hip problem - but the guy isn't getting any younger. Even if the Sox are picking up an appreciable portion of the tab I don't know how much Lowell will help out going forward.

Were the Rangers paying Ramirez a ton of money or something?

Seems like they could have found a viable Lowell alternative off the scrap heap somewhere and done something else with Ramirez. I hope for Ranger fans this isn't another Adrian Gonzalez thing.

 

[culdeus]

With the wife being an avid Sox fan and thus having to see many of their games last season via the season pass thingie, it sure seems like Lowell is pretty decrepit at this point. Maybe he wasn't all the way back from his hip problem - but the guy isn't getting any younger. Even if the Sox are picking up an appreciable portion of the tab I don't know how much Lowell will help out going forward.Were the Rangers paying Ramirez a ton of money or something? Seems like they could have found a viable Lowell alternative off the scrap heap somewhere and done something else with Ramirez. I hope for Ranger fans this isn't another Adrian Gonzalez thing.

The rangers have had a lot more chance to look at this guy and of the three catchers he's the most expendable at this time. Plus, it looks like the Red Sox are going to pay a large portion of the salary so maybe it's not that bad a deal overall. At this point it sure would appear that it's unlikely to make a major impact for anyone.

 

[Bogart]

With the wife being an avid Sox fan and thus having to see many of their games last season via the season pass thingie, it sure seems like Lowell is pretty decrepit at this point. Maybe he wasn't all the way back from his hip problem - but the guy isn't getting any younger. Even if the Sox are picking up an appreciable portion of the tab I don't know how much Lowell will help out going forward.Were the Rangers paying Ramirez a ton of money or something? Seems like they could have found a viable Lowell alternative off the scrap heap somewhere and done something else with Ramirez. I hope for Ranger fans this isn't another Adrian Gonzalez thing.

The rangers have had a lot more chance to look at this guy and of the three catchers he's the most expendable at this time. Plus, it looks like the Red Sox are going to pay a large portion of the salary so maybe it's not that bad a deal overall. At this point it sure would appear that it's unlikely to make a major impact for anyone.

I think it is safe to say that Ramirez was still a decent prospect as a hitter (not as good as he was), but is losing ground to Teagarden/Salty/Pena as a catching prospect. A good hitting catcher>>>>a good hitting DH. I'm not super sad to see him go.As for Lowell, I think he is your mostly everyday DH against lefties and the main backup at 3B and 1B. It allows Texas to have a bit more flexablilty in who they decide on to back up Kinsler/Andrus. You don't have to have a DeRosa type that can also play 3B if needed.The battles in ST will be Davis vs. Smoak at 1B, Salty vs. Teagarden as your starting catcher, who ends up being your backup utility player and back of the rotation starter between Feliz, Holland, Wilson.

 

[Balco]

Nice move by the Rangers.

Lowell will be solid at DH and as an occasional starter as 3rd. Still a very good hitter.

 

[bentley]

With the wife being an avid Sox fan and thus having to see many of their games last season via the season pass thingie, it sure seems like Lowell is pretty decrepit at this point. Maybe he wasn't all the way back from his hip problem - but the guy isn't getting any younger. Even if the Sox are picking up an appreciable portion of the tab I don't know how much Lowell will help out going forward.Were the Rangers paying Ramirez a ton of money or something? Seems like they could have found a viable Lowell alternative off the scrap heap somewhere and done something else with Ramirez. I hope for Ranger fans this isn't another Adrian Gonzalez thing.

The rangers have had a lot more chance to look at this guy and of the three catchers he's the most expendable at this time. Plus, it looks like the Red Sox are going to pay a large portion of the salary so maybe it's not that bad a deal overall. At this point it sure would appear that it's unlikely to make a major impact for anyone.

I think it is safe to say that Ramirez was still a decent prospect as a hitter (not as good as he was), but is losing ground to Teagarden/Salty/Pena as a catching prospect. A good hitting catcher>>>>a good hitting DH. I'm not super sad to see him go.As for Lowell, I think he is your mostly everyday DH against lefties and the main backup at 3B and 1B. It allows Texas to have a bit more flexablilty in who they decide on to back up Kinsler/Andrus. You don't have to have a DeRosa type that can also play 3B if needed.The battles in ST will be Davis vs. Smoak at 1B, Salty vs. Teagarden as your starting catcher, who ends up being your backup utility player and back of the rotation starter between Feliz, Holland, Wilson.

I don't get the whole "CJ Wilson in the rotation" thing.

 

[Bogart]

With the wife being an avid Sox fan and thus having to see many of their games last season via the season pass thingie, it sure seems like Lowell is pretty decrepit at this point. Maybe he wasn't all the way back from his hip problem - but the guy isn't getting any younger. Even if the Sox are picking up an appreciable portion of the tab I don't know how much Lowell will help out going forward.Were the Rangers paying Ramirez a ton of money or something? Seems like they could have found a viable Lowell alternative off the scrap heap somewhere and done something else with Ramirez. I hope for Ranger fans this isn't another Adrian Gonzalez thing.

The rangers have had a lot more chance to look at this guy and of the three catchers he's the most expendable at this time. Plus, it looks like the Red Sox are going to pay a large portion of the salary so maybe it's not that bad a deal overall. At this point it sure would appear that it's unlikely to make a major impact for anyone.

I think it is safe to say that Ramirez was still a decent prospect as a hitter (not as good as he was), but is losing ground to Teagarden/Salty/Pena as a catching prospect. A good hitting catcher>>>>a good hitting DH. I'm not super sad to see him go.As for Lowell, I think he is your mostly everyday DH against lefties and the main backup at 3B and 1B. It allows Texas to have a bit more flexablilty in who they decide on to back up Kinsler/Andrus. You don't have to have a DeRosa type that can also play 3B if needed.The battles in ST will be Davis vs. Smoak at 1B, Salty vs. Teagarden as your starting catcher, who ends up being your backup utility player and back of the rotation starter between Feliz, Holland, Wilson.

I don't get the whole "CJ Wilson in the rotation" thing.

I think it serves as a simple motivation tool for both Wilson and established rotation right now. Nothing more than that. I have seen nothing from him that tell me you can stretch him out to 5-6 innings of quality ball throwing.

 

[culdeus]

With the wife being an avid Sox fan and thus having to see many of their games last season via the season pass thingie, it sure seems like Lowell is pretty decrepit at this point. Maybe he wasn't all the way back from his hip problem - but the guy isn't getting any younger. Even if the Sox are picking up an appreciable portion of the tab I don't know how much Lowell will help out going forward.Were the Rangers paying Ramirez a ton of money or something? Seems like they could have found a viable Lowell alternative off the scrap heap somewhere and done something else with Ramirez. I hope for Ranger fans this isn't another Adrian Gonzalez thing.

The rangers have had a lot more chance to look at this guy and of the three catchers he's the most expendable at this time. Plus, it looks like the Red Sox are going to pay a large portion of the salary so maybe it's not that bad a deal overall. At this point it sure would appear that it's unlikely to make a major impact for anyone.

I think it is safe to say that Ramirez was still a decent prospect as a hitter (not as good as he was), but is losing ground to Teagarden/Salty/Pena as a catching prospect. A good hitting catcher>>>>a good hitting DH. I'm not super sad to see him go.As for Lowell, I think he is your mostly everyday DH against lefties and the main backup at 3B and 1B. It allows Texas to have a bit more flexablilty in who they decide on to back up Kinsler/Andrus. You don't have to have a DeRosa type that can also play 3B if needed.The battles in ST will be Davis vs. Smoak at 1B, Salty vs. Teagarden as your starting catcher, who ends up being your backup utility player and back of the rotation starter between Feliz, Holland, Wilson.

I don't get the whole "CJ Wilson in the rotation" thing.

I smell this as a move to transition him to a middle reliever without hurting his ego. HTH.This thing sold yet?

 

[bentley]

I also can't believe that the Cowboys are so pathetic that I'm reading the DMN Rangers blog before the Cowboys blog during the stretch run of football season.

 

[culdeus]

 

[Bogart]

It is close.

 

[Bogart]

I normally do not like quoting big parts of Jamey Newberg's report, but the following comments from the soon to be new owner just makes me damn near giddy. I know he has to say some of these things, and has yet to be able to deliver on any of them, but its winter and I need good news. I love most of all how he is pretty much going to make sure the keys to the team is going to remain in Ryan and JD's hands and he is just going to supply gas for the car.

Some Chuck Greenberg remarks you might enjoy: “The goal is simple: Win. Win the division, get through the LCS, get to the World Series and win. Our intention is to make smart decisions that achieve those goals. You can’t just throw money out there at things. But you also can’t win without having the resources to add pieces when you need to. If there are additional moves that need to be made, we want to be smart about it but we’ll make the moves. We want to win a championship.” “If we have a chance to improve the ballclub during the season leading up to the trade deadline, we will be able to make those moves. Money will not stop us from doing it.” “In this area, there is a tremendous amount of pent-up enthusiasm for the Rangers that is just waiting to explode. They may not have a history of World Series championships, but there is a great deal of hope and passion. With a little help and tender love and care, it can be pushed over the top, and hopefully our group can push it over the top.” “With all the things the Rangers have done the last few years on the baseball side, the club is poised to have a great future. . . . Hopefully our group can build off that foundation that is already in place.” “I think it could be one of the great success stories in professional baseball and all of sports. It’s the perfect opportunity. The vitality and the quality of life in the DFW area and surrounding communities are tremendous. It’s a wonderful place to live and do business.” “To have the judgment and wisdom and personal touch of Nolan Ryan, and the tremendous group that JD has assembled, I think the Rangers on the baseball side are the envy of every franchise in baseball in terms of talent.” “If they had a Mount Rushmore of baseball in Texas, [Nolan would] be the first face chiseled out. . . . If he had affiliated with any other group, I would have dropped out immediately. There are 29 other teams out there. But the Rangers and Ryan belong together.” “My role is to have great people in positions of authority and to create an environment that enables them and encourages them to be their best, then to let them do their job. I think on the baseball side, this team is the envy of the baseball world right now. I won’t inject myself in a way that would interfere with anything.” “There are certain things I’d like to do give [Rangers Ballpark] a little bit of a facelift. I think the Ballpark as it is is terrific, but there are things we can do to make it the absolute best. The absence of a giant video board, with the advent of those amenities in other facilities is one aspect I would really like to look into. Those things can really help. That’s something that really jumps to mind.” “Our job is to make Texas Rangers baseball a compelling, memorable experience. It starts with having a great team on the field that relates to the community off the field. We want an organization that is connected to the fans and that is completely obsessed to do everything possible to service our fans’ needs and do everything they want.” “My colleagues and I have a very similar approach. We take what we do very seriously, but we don’t take ourselves seriously at all. We’re going to do whatever it takes to make this work for fans.” “In this organization, there will be no walls between us and the fans. One of our most important skills is to be good listeners, and we’re going to do a lot of listening during the season. We’re going to be adjusting on the fly in 2010, but we’re going to be flying out of the gate in the fall of 2010 going into the offseason and the next season. Whatever it takes, we will do it.”

 

[Bogart]

With the addition of 87 year old Darren Oliver, we have 23 pitchers on our 40 man roster. I think they are loading up to trade for a bat. I have no idea how the pitching staff right now is going to pan out.

Rotation candidates (the obvious plus guys they have mentioned):

Scott Feldman

Rich Harden

Tommy Hunter

Derek Holland

Brandon McCarthy

Matt Harrison

Neftali Feliz

C.J. Wilson

Dustin Nippert

Doug Mathis

Guillermo Moscoso

Luis Mendoza

If I had to chose, give me Feldman, Harden, Hunter, Holland and Feliz as your starting five. McCarthy and Harrison are your long relief arms and keep C.J. in as that two inning specialist to get to the closer/closer in waiting if your closer sucks.

 

[bentley]

With the addition of 87 year old Darren Oliver, we have 23 pitchers on our 40 man roster. I think they are loading up to trade for a bat. I have no idea how the pitching staff right now is going to pan out.Rotation candidates (the obvious plus guys they have mentioned):Scott FeldmanRich HardenTommy HunterDerek HollandBrandon McCarthyMatt HarrisonNeftali FelizC.J. WilsonDustin NippertDoug MathisGuillermo MoscosoLuis MendozaIf I had to chose, give me Feldman, Harden, Hunter, Holland and Feliz as your starting five. McCarthy and Harrison are your long relief arms and keep C.J. in as that two inning specialist to get to the closer/closer in waiting if your closer sucks.

Scott Feldman's stuff and Eric Hurley's injury are killing my dream rotation of Harden/Hunter/Holland/Harrison/Hurley

 

[bentley]

The "Top 100 Reds of all time" list has inspired me to put together my own list of Rangers.

Will be on the list - Pete O'Brien, Rusty Greer, Jeff Burroughs, Charlie Hough

Won't be on the list - Dave Hostetler, Craig Lefferts, Denny Walling, Chan Ho Park

Also expect things to be pretty hitter heavy. Here are just a few numbers to show how pitiful Ranger pitching has been over time.

# of pitchers with career ERA under 4.00 (includes relievers) - 20

# of pitchers with career ERA+ better than 100 - 16

# of pitchers with more than 50 wins - 11

# of pitchers with more than 100 saves - 3

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

The "Top 100 Reds of all time" list has inspired me to put together my own list of Rangers.Will be on the list - Pete O'Brien, Rusty Greer, Jeff Burroughs, Charlie Hough

What do you think will be the toughest decision?Scott Fletcher or Wayne Tolleson?

 

[Bogart]

The "Top 100 Reds of all time" list has inspired me to put together my own list of Rangers.Will be on the list - Pete O'Brien, Rusty Greer, Jeff Burroughs, Charlie Hough

What do you think will be the toughest decision?Scott Fletcher or Wayne Tolleson?

No contest there at all. Scooter in a landslide.

 

[bentley]

The "Top 100 Reds of all time" list has inspired me to put together my own list of Rangers.Will be on the list - Pete O'Brien, Rusty Greer, Jeff Burroughs, Charlie Hough

What do you think will be the toughest decision?Scott Fletcher or Wayne Tolleson?

This is harder than I thought. I'm finalizing the list and Wayne Tolleson is on it right now. Hit over .300 once. 14th all time in stolen bases. That's enough to do it. Juan Beniquez (Gold Glove, top 40 all-time in OBP and BA) and Milton Bradley (led the league in OPS during his one season, All Star, best OBP season in club history) are also under serious consideration.

 

[Bogart]

The "Top 100 Reds of all time" list has inspired me to put together my own list of Rangers.Will be on the list - Pete O'Brien, Rusty Greer, Jeff Burroughs, Charlie Hough

What do you think will be the toughest decision?Scott Fletcher or Wayne Tolleson?

This is harder than I thought. I'm finalizing the list and Wayne Tolleson is on it right now. Hit over .300 once. 14th all time in stolen bases. That's enough to do it. Juan Beniquez (Gold Glove, top 40 all-time in OBP and BA) and Milton Bradley (led the league in OPS during his one season, All Star, best OBP season in club history) are also under serious consideration.

Bradley has to be on there. Probably the greatest "one-hit wonder" in Ranger history. But this is your list. If I want Bradley on there I can get off my lazy ### and make my own.

 

[Eephus]

The "Top 100 Reds of all time" list has inspired me to put together my own list of Rangers.Will be on the list - Pete O'Brien, Rusty Greer, Jeff Burroughs, Charlie Hough

What do you think will be the toughest decision?Scott Fletcher or Wayne Tolleson?

This is harder than I thought. I'm finalizing the list and Wayne Tolleson is on it right now. Hit over .300 once. 14th all time in stolen bases. That's enough to do it. Juan Beniquez (Gold Glove, top 40 all-time in OBP and BA) and Milton Bradley (led the league in OPS during his one season, All Star, best OBP season in club history) are also under serious consideration.

Bradley has to be on there. Probably the greatest "one-hit wonder" in Ranger history. But this is your list. If I want Bradley on there I can get off my lazy ### and make my own.

Greatest Rangers one-year phenom IMO is George Wright. He had a very solid age 24 season in 1983, appearing in all 162 games, starting at CF in 160 of them. He put up a .276/.321/.424 line which is pretty decent for a second year player. The Rangers started strong that year and led their division at the All-Star break. Wright was a big part of that. Some writer even thought highly enough of Wright to give him a MVP vote.He got hurt in 1984 and collapsed completely in 1985. His 1985 line of .190/.241/.242 in 393 PAs (OPS+ 33) is as useless a season as anyone has put together since. His last MLB appearance came the following year at age 27.Bradley had a fine year with the Rangers, but he's had other years elsewhere that were nearly as good. Wright had a Charboneau/Fidrych-Lite career without the legend.

 

[bentley]

The "Top 100 Reds of all time" list has inspired me to put together my own list of Rangers.Will be on the list - Pete O'Brien, Rusty Greer, Jeff Burroughs, Charlie Hough

What do you think will be the toughest decision?Scott Fletcher or Wayne Tolleson?

This is harder than I thought. I'm finalizing the list and Wayne Tolleson is on it right now. Hit over .300 once. 14th all time in stolen bases. That's enough to do it. Juan Beniquez (Gold Glove, top 40 all-time in OBP and BA) and Milton Bradley (led the league in OPS during his one season, All Star, best OBP season in club history) are also under serious consideration.

Bradley has to be on there. Probably the greatest "one-hit wonder" in Ranger history. But this is your list. If I want Bradley on there I can get off my lazy ### and make my own.

He's definitely in there (as is George Wright). I have the final list (or lists, since I have a list of hitters and a separate list of pitchers right now). Just working on the slotting. Bradley's been all over the place, along with Alfonso Soriano. How do you rate 1 or 2 years of greatness as a Ranger vs. 6 or 7 years of "decent" like Tom Grieve or Kevin Mench.

 

[Kovax]

Should do a lineup and rotation break down right after the Hot Stove has at least cooled off for a bit.But for now, it sounds like the OF is going to be pretty much set with Borbon in CF, Cruz/Hamilton manning the corners and Murphy playing the 4th OF/DH role. Talk is that Borbon is really playing much better defense in winter ball, and Daniels is confident starting him in CF.Borbon will most likely hit leadoff as well, followed by Kinsler, Young and Hamilton. Andrus will bat ninth so that he and Borbon will be back-to-back. That gives the 9-1-2 hitters a chance for 150 stolen bases between the three of them.

Any chance Borbon and Andrus switch spots in the order?

 

[Bogart]

Your probably 2010 Batting Order:

1. Julio Borbon, CF

2. Michael Young, 3B

3. Josh Hamilton, LF

4. Vladimir Guerrero, DH

5. Ian Kinsler, 2B

6. Nelson Cruz, RF

7. Chris Davis, 1B

8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C

9. Elvis Andrus, SS

I love the speed factor at the top and bottom with Borbon/Andrus. They create panic on the basepaths that Texas has not seen in quite sometime. Love, love, LOVE Kinsler moving to the 5 spot. This could be what he needs to get head right with ball. If he gets on base like he is capable, it's like having another leadoff hitter in the middle of the lineup for Cruz and Davis. Davis and Salty have no pressure on them and should hit better than they did last year. Seeing Vlad in the clean-up spot is still kind of surreal. His 0.394 average at TBiA is so very tempting.

 

[firecrackerfreakshow]

Not sure how much Vladdy helps us, but would have been nice 3-4 years ago.

I like the Greene signing nice to have a good glove guy on the bench, he takes over for vizquel..and is pretty cheap

Figure Davis has 4-6 weeks to get it together, then we see Justin Smoak at 1B

 

[culdeus]

Your probably 2010 Batting Order:1. Julio Borbon, CF2. Michael Young, 3B3. Josh Hamilton, LF4. Vladimir Guerrero, DH5. Ian Kinsler, 2B6. Nelson Cruz, RF7. Chris Davis, 1B8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C9. Elvis Andrus, SSI love the speed factor at the top and bottom with Borbon/Andrus. They create panic on the basepaths that Texas has not seen in quite sometime. Love, love, LOVE Kinsler moving to the 5 spot. This could be what he needs to get head right with ball. If he gets on base like he is capable, it's like having another leadoff hitter in the middle of the lineup for Cruz and Davis. Davis and Salty have no pressure on them and should hit better than they did last year. Seeing Vlad in the clean-up spot is still kind of surreal. His 0.394 average at TBiA is so very tempting.

cleanup? really?

 

[Bogart]

Your probably 2010 Batting Order:1. Julio Borbon, CF2. Michael Young, 3B3. Josh Hamilton, LF4. Vladimir Guerrero, DH5. Ian Kinsler, 2B6. Nelson Cruz, RF7. Chris Davis, 1B8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C9. Elvis Andrus, SSI love the speed factor at the top and bottom with Borbon/Andrus. They create panic on the basepaths that Texas has not seen in quite sometime. Love, love, LOVE Kinsler moving to the 5 spot. This could be what he needs to get head right with ball. If he gets on base like he is capable, it's like having another leadoff hitter in the middle of the lineup for Cruz and Davis. Davis and Salty have no pressure on them and should hit better than they did last year. Seeing Vlad in the clean-up spot is still kind of surreal. His 0.394 average at TBiA is so very tempting.

cleanup? really?

I think 4th or 5th depending on where they want Kinsler to hit. Everyone moves down one spot if they want Kinsler to hit 2nd. I would prefer to see Kinsler down in the lineup and Hamilton in that 3rd spot, where there is "less pressure" than hitting cleanup.While I find it overrated it also gives you a L-R-L-R at the top of your order.

 

[culdeus]

Looks like a done deal. Hicks probably got far more cash for keeping too much control, but still progress. This paves the way for a totally different face of the club and at least a chance at making a splash next year.

 

[Bogart]

Looks like a done deal. Hicks probably got far more cash for keeping too much control, but still progress. This paves the way for a totally different face of the club and at least a chance at making a splash next year.

I hope they bring Hicks the 350 million profit in cash, slide it across the table in front of him, and right to his creditors. Let him see and smell it, but don't touch it.

 

[coolnerd]

Your probably 2010 Batting Order:1. Julio Borbon, CF2. Michael Young, 3B3. Josh Hamilton, LF4. Vladimir Guerrero, DH5. Ian Kinsler, 2B6. Nelson Cruz, RF7. Chris Davis, 1B8. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C9. Elvis Andrus, SSI love the speed factor at the top and bottom with Borbon/Andrus. They create panic on the basepaths that Texas has not seen in quite sometime. Love, love, LOVE Kinsler moving to the 5 spot. This could be what he needs to get head right with ball. If he gets on base like he is capable, it's like having another leadoff hitter in the middle of the lineup for Cruz and Davis. Davis and Salty have no pressure on them and should hit better than they did last year. Seeing Vlad in the clean-up spot is still kind of surreal. His 0.394 average at TBiA is so very tempting.

Still looks a line-up where i see a couple nights a week of being stuck out 10 times out of 27 outs. The speed might help a bit, but that middle just looks like too much feast or famine.

 

[coolnerd]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dw...e.a98218ca.html

Tom Hicks has agreed to sell the Texas Rangers to a group that includes Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.

The sides announced Saturday night that they had finally reached an agreement, eight days after a 30-day exclusive negotiating window expired. The group is headed by Pittsburgh sports attorney Chuck Greenberg.

“Together, we have worked exhaustively since last month to attain this agreement,” Hicks said in a statement. “It's a complex business deal that positions the franchise positively for the future.”

The purchase price is expected to be more than $500 million.

The next step is the deal has to be reviewed by baseball's executive and ownership committees. Then at least 75 percent of baseball owners would have to approve the transfer of ownership from Hicks to Greenberg's group.

A group of 40 lenders holding debt from Hicks Sports Group also has to approve.

There is a chance the deal could be approved before the April 5 opener, though the process could continue into the season.

Hicks Sports Group defaulted early last year on $525 million in loans tied to the Rangers and the NHL's Dallas Stars, which Hicks has owned since 1996. Hicks has said that was a deliberate move to force lenders to renegotiate terms of the deals.

Hicks, who bought the Rangers in 1998, put the team up for sale to help pay off or reduce that debt. He has said he plans to keep his NHL team.

Greenberg has asked Hicks to continue his association with the Rangers as chairman emeritus.

“Nolan and I greatly appreciate Tom Hicks' willingness to work beyond the deadline to complete the deal and his support for passing the torch from the Hicks family to our group,” Greenberg said. “His actions speak eloquently to his commitment to serve the best interests of Rangers fans and the community.”

In a separate transaction, Ballpark Real Estate, L.P., an independent investment vehicle controlled by Hicks, will sell or transfer to the Greenberg-Ryan group approximately 153 of 195 acres around Rangers Ballpark and Cowboys Stadium that is owned or controlled by Hicks. In return, Hicks will receive cash, notes, and an ownership position in the team.

Hicks announced Dec. 15 that he was entering in exclusive negotiations with Greenberg, choosing that proposal over bids submitted by former sports agent Dennis Gilbert and Houston businessman Jim Crane, who at the end of the 2008 season attempted to buy the Houston Astros from Drayton McLane.

At one point before going into negotiations with Greenberg, Hicks was trying to put together a group of local investors for a bid in an effort to maintain controlling ownership of the team.

After the 30-day exclusive negotiating window expired on Jan. 15, Greenberg and Ryan issued a midnight statement saying they had “come too far to walk away now” and were prepared to work around the clock if that's what it took to reach a final agreement.

If the deal is approved by baseball, Greenberg will become managing general partner and CEO of the Rangers while Ryan will continue as team president, the position he was hired for two years ago.

 

[Disco Stu]

Explain the Colby Lewis thing to me like I haven't paid any attention to the offseason.

 

[Pnishthm]

News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Rangers OF Nelson R. Cruz is likely to bat seventh this season, despite leading the team with 33 homers in 2009.

As long as Ron Washington keeps turning in the lineup daily, the Rangers have NO SHOT! What's this guy have against Cruz?

 

[Captain Hook]

Explain the Colby Lewis thing to me like I haven't paid any attention to the offseason.

Lewis was drafted by and in the Rangers organization for a while and did nothing to justify the pick.....so he went to Japan to play and try and improve his game, turned around his control and put up two amazing seasons and wanted to come back to MLB......given he had connections to Texas he got a workout from them and they signed him to a deal.....currently listed as their 3rd PS in the rotation (behind Harden and Feldman)I think we will all know a lot more once we see him face hitters in spring training.

 

[culdeus]

sniff

 

[oukurt]

News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Rangers OF Nelson R. Cruz is likely to bat seventh this season, despite leading the team with 33 homers in 2009. As long as Ron Washington keeps turning in the lineup daily, the Rangers have NO SHOT! What's this guy have against Cruz?

Many are confused by this. Ron will have no choice to move him up in the lineup because this kid is the real deal. The 5 spot seems perfect for this guy. So ready to watch my Rangers this season.I know its preseason but he batted 5th today so maybe it is a sign of things to come.

 

[FSL Gear]

Have the Rangers done anything in the off season that would suggest we can make a run for it. Expect the same as last year a fun team to watch but not making it to the playoffs.

 

[Pnishthm]

News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Rangers OF Nelson R. Cruz is likely to bat seventh this season, despite leading the team with 33 homers in 2009. As long as Ron Washington keeps turning in the lineup daily, the Rangers have NO SHOT! What's this guy have against Cruz?

Many are confused by this. Ron will have no choice to move him up in the lineup because this kid is the real deal. The 5 spot seems perfect for this guy. So ready to watch my Rangers this season.I know its preseason but he batted 5th today so maybe it is a sign of things to come.

Cruz hit 5th because Kinsler was out. Wouldn't it seem best of he just swapped Vlad and Cruz in the order with Cruz hitting 4th and Vlad 6th? It made perfect sense to hit Cruz 4th last year instead of Ander Jones but idiot Washington kep hitting Jones and his .210 average 4th. If he was dumb enough to keep batting Cruz 6th and 7th last season, he's dumb enough to do it again this season.

 

[Pnishthm]

Have the Rangers done anything in the off season that would suggest we can make a run for it. Expect the same as last year a fun team to watch but not making it to the playoffs.

No... Ron Washington is still the manager.

 

[oukurt]

News: The Dallas Morning News reports that Rangers OF Nelson R. Cruz is likely to bat seventh this season, despite leading the team with 33 homers in 2009. As long as Ron Washington keeps turning in the lineup daily, the Rangers have NO SHOT! What's this guy have against Cruz?

Many are confused by this. Ron will have no choice to move him up in the lineup because this kid is the real deal. The 5 spot seems perfect for this guy. So ready to watch my Rangers this season.I know its preseason but he batted 5th today so maybe it is a sign of things to come.

Cruz hit 5th because Kinsler was out. Wouldn't it seem best of he just swapped Vlad and Cruz in the order with Cruz hitting 4th and Vlad 6th? It made perfect sense to hit Cruz 4th last year instead of Ander Jones but idiot Washington kep hitting Jones and his .210 average 4th. If he was dumb enough to keep batting Cruz 6th and 7th last season, he's dumb enough to do it again this season.

Oh that is right. Forgot Kinsler being out. I would love to see Cruz and Vlad swap spots as you mention. I have some friends from Oakland that swear RW is a genius. I want to see it.

 

[oukurt]

Have the Rangers done anything in the off season that would suggest we can make a run for it. Expect the same as last year a fun team to watch but not making it to the playoffs.

No... Ron Washington is still the manager.

I have some serious hope. These young guys like Smoak, Feliz, Holland, Andrus, and Borbon have me excited. I have my MLB season ticket paid for and I am ready to watch every game. This is the first season in many years I think they make the playoffs.

 

[culdeus]

I'm officially worried.

Looks to me like the pitching they said was "deep" is looking more like "lots of shaky arms". Will a single guy get to 200 innings? I have doubts. This could be shades of the last decent team Johnny had with the bullpen stocked to take the later innings.

There weren't any breakout spring training stars that I could locate. This whole Ron thing is going to hang over this team. I sort of see a 5-12 type start and Ron getting fired. Only then can the season really get going.

That being said since Hicks kept his hooks in this thing for so long there wasn't really any time to get a read on how different the management will be.

 

[Gr00vus]

Everybody in the division has serious question marks. I don't like the Rangers' starting rotation, and they've got guys with health issues. Even so they should compete for the division pennant. I don't think they can win it all without acquiring more rotation talent though.

 

[culdeus]

Bringing this off page 3.

 

[Pnishthm]

Nelson Cruz 2-4 with a HR and 4 RBI...I guess Ron washington will be moving him down in the order now behind C. Davis.