17 replies to this topic

[DanoooME]

Shame on me for the delay in covering the Rangers this year. I'd started it about 4 times since the season started and got distracted every time, and never got back to it. So here it is now with almost 2 months in the books.

Offseason moves:

Additions: Ryan Tucker, RP; Yorvit Torrealba, C; Yoshinori Tateyama, P; Brandon Webb, SP; Arthur Rhodes, RP; Adrian Beltre, 3B; Mike Napoli, C

Subtractions: Ryan Garko, IF; Rich Harden, SP; Willie Eyre, RP; Jorge Cantu, IF; Frank Francisco, RP; Cristian Guzman, SS; Cliff Lee, SP; Bengie Molina, C; Vladimir Guerrero, OF/DH; Brandon McCarthy, SP; Willie Taveras, OF; Jeff Francoeur, OF; Max Ramirez, C

Current Record (thru May 28th): 27-25 1st Place, NL West, 1 GA LA Angels, Runs Scored: 234 Runs Allowed: 210

Roster:

C - Yorvit Torrealba .222/.254/.341
1B - Mitch Moreland .298/.367/.503
2B - Ian Kinsler .238/.351/.415
SS - Elvis Andrus .259/.305/.325
3B - Adrian Beltre .255/.307/.485
LF - Josh Hamilton .339/.397/.532
CF - Endy Chavez .357/.419/.571
RF - Nelson Cruz .219/.289/.461
DH - Michael Young .332/.376/.480

C/1B - Mike Napoli .189/.345/.453
OF - David Murphy .228/.301/.335
IF - Andres Blanco .222/.300/.444
OF - Craig Gentry .206/.341/.235

DL - Julio Borbon .270/.305/.348

Pitching:

SP - CJ Wilson 127 ERA+, 7.8 K/9, 2.7 BB/9
SP - Colby Lewis 106 ERA+, 6.3 K/9, 2.4 BB/9
SP - Alexi Ogando 228 ERA+, 6.5 K/9, 2.1 BB/9
SP - Matt Harrison 127 ERA+, 5.0 K/9, 4.0 BB/9
SP - Derek Holland 88 ERA+, 7.2 K/9, 3.3 BB/9

CL - Neftali Feliz 280 ERA+, 4.5 K/9, 7.0 BB/9
RP - Darren Oliver 155 ERA+, 6.8 K/9, 1.4 BB/9
RP - Arthur Rhodes 116 ERA+, 8.0 K/9, 4.4 BB/9
RP - Mark Lowe 110 ERA+, 3.9 K/9, 4.6 BB/9
RP - Dave Bush 90 ERA+, 4.7 K/9, 3.3 BB/9
RP - Yoshinori Tateyama 245 ERA+, 5.4 K/9, 0.0 BB/9
RP - Michael Kirkman 25 ERA+, 3.9 K/9, 7.7 BB/9

DL - Brandon Webb, Scott Feldman, Tommy Hunter, Darren O'Day


The team so far seems to be lucky at home (18-11 154/141 RS/RA), while unlucky on the road (9-14, 80/69 RS/RA). They started 16-11 in April but have faded to 11-14 in May. Josh Hamilton missing 6 weeks with a broken arm was a big loss, as well as Nelson Cruz for 16 days. The other major injury is losing closer Neftali Feliz for 2 weeks in late April/early May.

Their upcoming schedule is pretty tough after finishing with the Royals at home today.

3 @ TB
4 @ Cle
3 vs Det
4 @ Min
3 @ NYY
3 @ Atl

That's 17 of the next 20 on the road and only Minnesota sucking right now. I think they'd be happy to keep the lead after that 20 game stretch.

Edited by DanoooME, 12 September 2011 - 12:38 PM.

[DanoooME]

6-1 this week winning the last game against the Royals, taking 2 of 3 at Tampa and sweeping 4 straight at Cleveland.

They are now 34-26, 2.5 games ahead of the Mariners in the AL West

[DanoooME]

The team struggles with a 2-5 week, losing 2 of 3 to Detroit and 3 of 4 to Minnesota. They are now 36-31, 1 1/2 games ahead of Seattle and 5 ahead of the Angels.

Transactions:

RP Manny DelCarmen signed to a minor league deal and sent to AAA Round Rock (6/2)
OF Julio Borbon was activated from the 15 day DL and optioned to Round Rock (6/4)
2B Ian Kinsler was placed on the Paternity List, Chris Davis called up (6/8), Kinsler returned to roster, Davis sent back down (6/11)
C/1B Mike Napoli placed on the 15 day DL (strained oblique), Taylor Teagarden called up (6/12)

[DanoooME]

Another lousy 2-4 week for the Rangers, getting swept by the MFY by scores of 12-4, 12-4 and 3-2. They did take 2 of 3 from the Braves, winning 6-2 and 5-4 before losing yesterday 4-2. They are now 38-35 and just a half-game ahead of the pesky Mariners. The Angels have closed to within 3 games and even Oakland is only 5 out.

They went 10-10 on their tough stretch with 17 of the 20 on the road and faced mostly good teams. Over the next couple of weeks they have a home and home series with Houston sandwiched around a visit from the Mets. After traveling to Houston in the middle of next week, they are home until the All-Star break with series against Florida (3), Baltimore (3), and Oakland (4). This stretch should let them open up the lead again.

No transactions affecting the ML club this week.

[DanoooME]

Mediocre 3-3 week for the Rangers, taking 2 of 3 from Houston by scores of 8-3 and 5-4 in extras before losing the last game 5-3. They lose 2 of 3 to the Mets winning the opener 8-1 behind Matt Harrison, while losing the last two 14-5 and 8-5. This leaves them at 41-38, 1.5 games ahead of Seattle and 2 ahead of LAA.

Alexi Ogando has lost 3 straight after starting 7-0. His ERA has climbed from 2.10 to 2.87 in that span. Gotta wonder if he's hitting the wall since his previous career professional high in IP is 72.1 last year split between AAA and the majors. He's at 91 IP so far this year. He's 27, so he should be past the worst of the injury nexus, but it's still got to be concerning.

Getting Tommy Hunter back would help the Rangers give Ogando some time off, but he's still at least 2 weeks away.

Only transaction of the week is Eric Hurley being sent to AAA, although I don't know when he joined the roster in the first place.

[DanoooME]

Another 3-3 week, beating the Astros in Houston 7-3 and 3-2 before losing the last game 7-0. They lose two of three to the semi-resurgent Marlins (6-6 under McKeon), winning the opener 15-5 before losing the last two 9-5 and 6-4. They are now 44-41, tied with the Angels for first place, and 2.5 ahead of Seattle.

Tommy Hunter was activated early on 7/1 and they designated Dave Bush for assignment.
Darren O'Day was activated from the 60-day DL and Michael Kirkman was optioned to AAA. No corresponding 40 man move, as they had a free spot.

The only significant injury remaining is Scott Feldman, who is probably one rehab start away from joining the club. The only candidate to be sent to AAA at this point is Derek Holland, who looks like he has one option left. No one else is really pitching that badly.

[DanoooME]

Rangers sign Domincan OF Nomar Mazara.

The Rangers have officially signed Dominican outfielder Nomar Mazara according to Anthony Andro of The Star-Telegram (on Twitter). Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com originally reported the agreement. The deal would top the previous watermark set by Athletics pitcher Michael Ynoa, who signed for $4.25MM in 2008.

Mazara, 16, stands at 6-foot-5 and hits for power from the left side. Rojas writes that he is considered to be the best power-hitting prospect out of Latin America since Wily Mo Pena and Miguel Cabrera. The Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Athletics also showed interest in the 16-year-old, the source said. Ben Badler of Baseball America (via Twitter) previously said that it was difficult to gauge what kind of bonus the outfielder might command.

MLBTR Link

[DanoooME]

Huge turnaround this week, going 7-0 sweeping both the O's (3) and A's (4) at home by scores of 13-4, 4-2, 13-5, 6-0, 8-5, 7-6 and 2-0. They are now 51-41 and still only 1 game ahead of the Angels who managed to go 6-1 over the same stretch. The Angels 4 game sweep of Seattle has pushed them 7.5 games out.

Transactions this week include putting backup IF Andres Blanco on the 15-day DL, shifting Feldman to the 60-day DL and purchasing the contract of former Rockies IF prospect (suspect?) Omar Quintanilla from Round Rock. Dave Bush also cleared waivers and was given his unconditional release.

Rangers All Stars for Tuesday's game - Josh Hamilton (starting in LF), CJ Wilson, Alexi Ogando (replacing David Price), Adrian Beltre (now starting at 3B, replacing Alex Rodriguez), and Michael Young.

[DanoooME]

Rangers continue to be red-hot, sweeping the Mariners to make it 11 in a row by scores of 5-0, 4-0, 5-1 and 3-1. All 4 starters went at least 7 innings led by Derek Holland's 9 innings in the opener. They are now 55-41 and opened up a 4 game lead on the Angels, who lost 3 of 4 to the A's.

The offense is tied for 2nd in MLB with the Yankees behind the Sox in runs scored. They are also 2nd behind the Sox in BA and SLG and 6th in OBP behind the Sox, Yankees, Cardinals, Mets and Tigers.

Their pitching is 12th in MLB in ERA, 13th in K/9, 11th in OBP against, 15th in SLG against, 15th in OPS against, and 10th in K/BB.

Only move of the week was activating Scott Feldman from the 60-day DL and sending down Darren O'Day. To open a 40 man spot, they designated LHP Zack Phillips for assignment.

[DanoooME]

They made it to 12 in a row, beating the Angels in the opener of a 3-game series 7-0 before losing a heartbreaker 9-8 when Holland and Hunter were blasted for 6 runs in the 6th and losing the finale 1-0. They rebounded to take 2 of 3 from Toronto, ending the week 3-3. They are now 58-44 overall, with a 3 game lead over the Angels.

Transactions included sending LHP Zach Phillips, who was DFA'ed the previous week to Baltimore for old friend Nick Green and cash. Adrian Beltre was placed on the 15-day DL with a hamstring strain; he's expected to be out 2-3 weeks. They recalled Chris Davis to replace him on the roster part-time at 3B. They also signed RHP Merkin Valdez to a minor league deal and sent him to Round Rock.

[Hee-Seop's Fable]

From Fangraphs analysis of the Rangers acquisition of Adams and Uehara at the deadline:

Through the weekend, the Rangers had the worst bullpen in the American League at -0.7 WAR. Something tells the formidable back-end trio of Neftali Feliz, Adams and Uehara will move them out of the cellar.

Adams Joins Rangers Reformed Bullpen

Anyone else impressed by their fix for their greatest weakness? Their hitting ranks second in fWAR and third in runs in baseball (Sox first in both), and their starting pitching ranks sixth in both fWAR and ERA, the same spot their fielding ranks in UZR. Looks like they've addressed their 'fatal flaw' with authority.

[Brianish]

Harold Reynolds is unimpressed with the Uehara pick-up. He doesn't believe Uehara is that good. His reason, and I quote: "Come on. Really?"

Edited by Brianish, 01 August 2011 - 12:09 AM.

[DanoooME]

This week the Rangers split a 4 game series with Minnesota winning the opener 20-6 and the finale 4-1 bookending 9-8 and 7-2 losses. Then they lost 2 of 3 to Toronto winning the middle game 3-0 behind a Derek Holland gem, which was sandwiched by 3-2 and 7-3 losses. Their 3-4 week leaves them at 61-48 for the season and a 2 game lead over the Angels.

This week they head to Detroit for 3 beginning tomorrow before starting a weekend series at home with Cleveland.

They shored up their bullpen as mentioned above by picking up Koji Uehara from Baltimore for spare SP Tommy Hunter and spare 3B/1B Chris Davis.

They also picked up set up man Mike Adams from San Diego for prospects Robbie Erlin and Joe Wieland. Erlin was the preseason #6 prospect in the Texas system by Kevin Goldstein at BP. He was promoted to AA at age 20 this year and has a ridiculous 123/12 K/BB ratio between the two levels in 121.1 IP. His problem seems to be the long ball, as he's given up more HR (16) than BB. He was a 3rd round pick in 2009. Wieland is 21 and was also promoted to AA this year. He was a 4th round pick in 2008. He's struggled a little since his promotion to Frisco, as his A+ numbers were just ridiculous (2.10 ERA, 85.2 IP, 7 HR, 96/4 K/BB ratio - no, not a typo). At AA, he's cut the HR rate (2 in 44 IP) at the same time, his K/BB ratio is just 36/11. Both kids are young for their level, so it's a lot to give up, but the Rangers still have a lot on the farm, since Wieland didn't even make Goldstein's top 20 prospects for the Rangers despite good numbers at A and A+ last year.

They also placed Craig Gentry on the 7 day DL with a concussion and called up Taylor Teagarden.

The Rangers are set up now to be a dangerous team come playoff time, with more solid guys in the 7th and 8th.

[DanoooME]

From Fangraphs analysis of the Rangers acquisition of Adams and Uehara at the deadline:



Adams Joins Rangers Reformed Bullpen

Anyone else impressed by their fix for their greatest weakness? Their hitting ranks second in fWAR and third in runs in baseball (Sox first in both), and their starting pitching ranks sixth in both fWAR and ERA, the same spot their fielding ranks in UZR. Looks like they've addressed their 'fatal flaw' with authority.

One of the ongoing problems though is their closer Feliz. He had horrible control the first two months with a stint on the DL from 4/20 to 5/7, then turned it around control-wise in June, but got hammered in June for 2 HR and 7 runs in 11 IP with a 13/2 K/BB. And things really haven't gotten better in July. He needs to turn it around to make their bullpen solid again. Darren Oliver has pitched pretty well, Arthur Rhodes is cooked and the rest are meh, so getting Feliz back on track is going to be key to their playoff future. He's got two months to figure it out.

[DanoooME]

A mediocre 3-3 this week. They dropped 2 of 3 to the Tigers (losing the first two 6-5 and 5-4 before winning 5-2) before taking 2 of 3 from the Indians (losing the middle game 7-5 and winning the first and last 8-7 and 5-3). That leaves them at 64-51 and the lead over the Angels has shrunk to 1 game.

Arthur Rhodes was DFA'ed to make room for Mike Adams on the roster.

Michael Young got his 2,000th career hit Sunday night becoming the 263rd player to do so.

Edited by DanoooME, 08 August 2011 - 10:19 AM.

[DanoooME]

Catching up on updates. Week beginning 8/8 was a nice 5-1 week, taking the first 2 from the Mariners at home 9-2 and 7-6 before losing the finale 4-3. Then sweeping Oakland in 3 games on the road by scores of 9-1, 7-1 and 7-6.

The week beginning 8/15 saw 7 more games on the road with a 4-3 record, taking 3 of 4 at LAA, winning the first three by scores of 8-4, 7-3 and 4-3 before dropping the last game 2-1. Then they dropped 2 of 3 in Chicago, winning the first 7-4 before losing 3-2 and 10-0.

The week beginning 8/22 they came home for 7 games going 3-4, dropping 3 of 4 to Boston winning the opener 4-0 behind CJ Wilson, before losing the last three by scores of 11-5, 13-2, and 6-0. They rebounded to take 2 of 3 from the Angels, sandwiching 11-7 and 9-5 wins around a 8-4 loss.

All of this results in a 76-59 record as of the beginning of the day 8/29, and a 3 game lead over the Angels.

Upcoming games (some of which already played) included 3 at home vs. Tampa before heading to Boston and Tampa for 3 each.

Transactions included the following:

8/9: UIF Andres Blanco placed on the 15-day DL
8/11: Activated OF Craig Gentry from the 7-day DL and optioned RHP Darren O'Day to AAA
8/18: Acquired RHP Tim Wood from Pittsburgh for a PTBNL and sent him to AAA
8/24: Recalled RHP Darren O'Day from AAA and sent down C Taylor Teagarden

[DanoooME]

Rangers go 4-2 this week, taking 2 of 3 from Tampa at home winning the opener 2-0, losing the middle game 4-1, and winning the rubber match 7-2. Then they went to Boston and took 2 of 3 from the Sox sandwiching 10-0 and 11-4 wins around a 12-7 loss.

The Rangers are now 80-61 with a 3 1/2 game lead over the Angels.

Nelson Cruz and Darren O'Day were placed on the 15-day DL on 8/30. They recalled Cuban defector OF Leonys Martin, who was signed back in May, and RHP Mark Hamburger. To create space on the 40 man roster, RHP Ryan Tucker was released.

On 8/31, they acquired LHP Mike Gonzalez from the Orioles for RHP Pedro Strop. They also acquired C Matt Treanor from Kansas City for cash.

On 9/1, they activated 3B Adrian Beltre and IF Andres Blanco from the 15-day DL and also activated Gonzalez and Treanor to the active roster. They also brought up IF Esteban German and RHP Merkin Valdez from AAA. They also designated for assignment and subsequently released IF Omar Quintanilla.

[DanoooME]

3-3 week for the Rangers this week, dropping 2 of 3 to the red-hot Rays, winning the middle game 8-0 and losing the others 5-1 and 5-4. They rebound to take 2 of 3 from Oakland winning the opener 13-4, losing the 2nd game 8-7 and winning the final game 8-1. They are now 83-64 with a 2.5 game lead over the Angels.

Their remaining schedule is 3 at home vs. Cleveland, 3 at Seattle, 3 at Oakland, back home for 3 against Seattle, then finishing with 3 at LAA.
LAA's schedule includes 3 at Oakland, 3 at Baltimore and 4 at Toronto, then finishing with 3 at home against Oakland and the final 3 with Texas. It's a slight schedule advantage for the Rangers, but it's offset by having to play the final 3 at LAA.

Only transaction of the week was calling up LHP Michael Kirkman from AAA.