The Weather Forecast
(This is from an online chat with Kevin Sherrington, a writer for the Dallas Morning News. I kept the stuff in regards to baseball.)
Weatherman: Will the Rangers be able to re-sign Carlos Lee?
Kevin Sherrington: Didn't think so at first. But if he finishes well and shows some of the same power he did in the first half, I think the Rangers will be very active in trying to re-sign him. Tom Hicks has had his ego pricked by this possibility. But if he continues on his current hit pace of single, single, single, double, I'm not sure if he's worth $65 million over five years.
Rangersfan06: What's your take on the Adam Eaton ejection? Why would Eaton throw at someone after he's down by 3 after 17 pitches?
Kevin Sherrington: First, a qualifier: Didn't see yesterday's game. Wasn't on the local tube in Austin, where I'm on the first stop of a Big 12 South tour. But from what I read, I have to think Eaton's trying to send a message: I'm not the soft guy they said I was in San Diego. The label is why Bruce Bochy didn't include him in post-season plans last year. But it sure wasn't a good time to be trying a makeover of your image.
Charley: If Eaton was intentionally trying to blow him back, why would he do something so stupid and hurt the team?
Kevin Sherrington: There's a difference between a purpose pitch and trying to hit someone. He needs to pitch inside, but opponents probably aren't used to it with him, either. He doesn't exactly have Roger Clemens' reputation. As for hurting the team, Rangers pitchers have been doing that for decades.
April: What's your take on all the recent moves by the Rangers? Will we see them contend in September...or is it the same ol same ol?
Kevin Sherrington: On the whole, the moves were good. Sent a message to the team that management was at least trying, which is more than you can say for Oakland and the Angels. Carlos Lee is a nice addition to the middle of the lineup and his new teammates are excited about him. But he's going to have to change a history of power shortages in the second half. So far Nelson Cruz has more home runs than he does. As for Kip Wells, that's not looking so good, is it? Boston apparently had second thoughts on his health, according to Gerry Fraley. I'd like to have seen the Rangers make the deal the Mets got from the Pirates, which was Oliver Perez and Roberto Hernandez for a starting outfielder. Good news: You can always compete this year in the mild, mild West.
Weatherman: Will someone in the AL West knock down 90 wins? Or will the winner be just over .500?
Kevin Sherrington: I don't see anyone in the West reeling off a big string of wins in the second half. Everyone's got problems.
jlust22: How much of Brad Wilkerson's struggles this year do you think are due to his shoulder problems? With him having a truly awful season, do you see the Rangers bringing him back next year?
Kevin Sherrington: Hard to say about the shoulder. But he has had a long history of high strikeout seasons. Considering his power totals, his strikeout ratio has been unbelievable. Still, scouts loved him for his grit and on-base percentage. He's a pretty popular guy with his teammates, but the Rangers probably won't tender him next season. Next year's outfield, from left to right: Carlos Lee, Gary Matthews Jr., Nelson Cruz.
April: Give us your take on Jon Daniels. Good guy?
Kevin Sherrington: Good guy. Smart guy. Hard-working guy. Winning guy? Jury's still out. But here's what I like best about him: He has a quality that Jimmy Johnson had. He makes deals, and if they blow up, he doesn't hide in a hole. He simply makes another. Of course, the difference is that Jimmy had Mike Lynn to slap around, and Daniels hasn't found his patsy yet. Hey, you've been great, and I've enjoyed it. Enchilada time.
Now… for the weather: We have a three day forecast in Oakland.
Rangers (56-56, 3rd Place) at Oakland (60-51, 1st Place):
Game #1:
Edison Volquez (1st Game this season) vs. Esteban Loaiza (4-7, 6.50 ERA)
Volquez has looked decent in the minors, posting a 6-6 record with a 3.21 ERA in triple A. He started 21 games for the Redhawks, going 120 2/3 innings, striking out 130, but walking 72. He also hit four batters. What’s good is that his WHIP is 1.31 and he only gave up 86 hits, so that means he gives up two hits every three innings… And that is not bad, not bad at all. My dad thinks that Volquez is a chump and can’t pitch based on one outing last year, but I had to explain he’s a rook. He just needs a little time to transition. Last year, Volquez had three starts, pitched in six games, went 0-4 with a 14.21 ERA. And it would be easy to say that Eddie had a tough transition last year, which is why he started in the minors this year. The problem now with all this for Volquez, is he’s coming off a little injury and making his first start off that injury in the Majors, where he hasn’t seen any action all year. THIS COULD BE TOUGH FOR HIM. It’s good to see a pitcher with a 6.50 ERA for Eddie’s 2006 debut. Hopefully the Ranger’s bats will live up to Loaiza’s ERA. In 117 at-bats, the Rangers hit .222 against Loaiza. Matt Stairs is the leader on this, with a .304 average. Carlos Lee has only mustered 3 hits in 18 at-bats, but has one homerun and five RBIs. I am not sure if I would have in hit against him or not. Good “production” numbers, but his average stinks. I wouldn’t bat him clean-up at the very least… Young and Matthews also do well with average, but production numbers don’t really exist. Young has an RBI. The forecast in this game is that it looks to be a bit of a slugfest. Rangers win the opener: 11-9. Something to watch: Stairs has never hit a homerun against Oakland.
Game #2:
Kevin Millwood (10-7, 4.63 ERA) vs. Shane Komine (0-0, 1.50 ERA)
Shameful Shane went 9-7 at Triple A Sacramento this year, posting a 3.89 ERA over 120 1/3 innings. He game up 125 hits and K’d 101. He also walked 34. That gives him a WHIP of 1.32. Not bad… and he’s transitioning to the majors rather well, debuting against Toronto, giving up one run over six innings for a no-decision. The A’s did win that game. Here’s the scoop, though: Shane should have a scouting report now, something the “Boo Jays” didn’t have. That gives the Rangers a little bit of a better edge, but if the kid’s got good stuff, then he’s got good stuff. Shane also averages a hit per inning, give up wise… so, I would prefer the Rangers face a guy who gives up more hits per inning, than say Volquez who has the same WHIP but only give up two per three. There is a bit of a difference. Millwood is 3-0 against Oakland in his career and Kevin gets better after the All-Star break. Let’s see some of that now! Kevin has a 3.09 ERA against Oakland in 5 career starts and holds them to a .264 batting average. Current Oakland hitters bat a .259, though. EVEN BETTER! Kotsay splits hits and strikeouts with 14 a piece. He also has 2 homeruns and 6 RBIs. Thomas, who is hot right now, is batting an even 500 with a homer and three RBIs. Swisher is 6 for 11 with a homer. This could be a tough game for Millie, but as it is said, good pitching beat good hitting any day. I think this will be a pitchers game, unlike game 1. And maybe my bias comes into play, but I think with the experience of Millwood, the Rangers have the upper hand. Forecast: Rangers over A’s with a score of 4-2. Something to watch: homeruns by Lee as a Ranger: ZERO.
Game #3:
Vicente Padilla (11-7, 4.34 ERA) vs. Barry Zito (12-7, 3.50 ERA)
Over Padilla’s last ten games, he has won six. He has also lowered his ERA from 5.15 down to the current 4.34. Padilla has been getting better, but his career ERA against Oakland is 6.50, despite his 3-1 record. He has started 3 games against them in his career, throwing a complete game. Now, think about this, his other two starts and two relief appearances account for his other 9 innings. And Oakland hits .301 against him. He’s only started one game in Oakland, accounting for the one loss. The A’s hit a whopping .379 against him in that one game and slapped four out of the park. Zito owns the Rangers. His record is 16-3 lifetime with two complete games and a shutout. His WHIP is 1.23 against the Rangers, who only hit .222 against Zito. The Rangers did beat Zito this year, on April 14th, to hopefully start a new trend, however unlikely. Zito started another game in which the Rangers won on April 25th. This will be the third game the Rangers face Zito this year. Zito has won four of his last five, but he lost his previous three starts before that stretch. You could call him “hot” right now… but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that just yet. I will say the Rangers are on an uphill battle for this one. Forecast: A’s keep from getting swept as Padilla is pounded early: Score 8-3. Something to watch: Wilkerson only has one RBI against Oakland in 42 at-bats and no homeruns. August is Wilkerson’s best month, historically.
(This is from an online chat with Kevin Sherrington, a writer for the Dallas Morning News. I kept the stuff in regards to baseball.)
Weatherman: Will the Rangers be able to re-sign Carlos Lee?
Kevin Sherrington: Didn't think so at first. But if he finishes well and shows some of the same power he did in the first half, I think the Rangers will be very active in trying to re-sign him. Tom Hicks has had his ego pricked by this possibility. But if he continues on his current hit pace of single, single, single, double, I'm not sure if he's worth $65 million over five years.
Rangersfan06: What's your take on the Adam Eaton ejection? Why would Eaton throw at someone after he's down by 3 after 17 pitches?
Kevin Sherrington: First, a qualifier: Didn't see yesterday's game. Wasn't on the local tube in Austin, where I'm on the first stop of a Big 12 South tour. But from what I read, I have to think Eaton's trying to send a message: I'm not the soft guy they said I was in San Diego. The label is why Bruce Bochy didn't include him in post-season plans last year. But it sure wasn't a good time to be trying a makeover of your image.
Charley: If Eaton was intentionally trying to blow him back, why would he do something so stupid and hurt the team?
Kevin Sherrington: There's a difference between a purpose pitch and trying to hit someone. He needs to pitch inside, but opponents probably aren't used to it with him, either. He doesn't exactly have Roger Clemens' reputation. As for hurting the team, Rangers pitchers have been doing that for decades.
April: What's your take on all the recent moves by the Rangers? Will we see them contend in September...or is it the same ol same ol?
Kevin Sherrington: On the whole, the moves were good. Sent a message to the team that management was at least trying, which is more than you can say for Oakland and the Angels. Carlos Lee is a nice addition to the middle of the lineup and his new teammates are excited about him. But he's going to have to change a history of power shortages in the second half. So far Nelson Cruz has more home runs than he does. As for Kip Wells, that's not looking so good, is it? Boston apparently had second thoughts on his health, according to Gerry Fraley. I'd like to have seen the Rangers make the deal the Mets got from the Pirates, which was Oliver Perez and Roberto Hernandez for a starting outfielder. Good news: You can always compete this year in the mild, mild West.
Weatherman: Will someone in the AL West knock down 90 wins? Or will the winner be just over .500?
Kevin Sherrington: I don't see anyone in the West reeling off a big string of wins in the second half. Everyone's got problems.
jlust22: How much of Brad Wilkerson's struggles this year do you think are due to his shoulder problems? With him having a truly awful season, do you see the Rangers bringing him back next year?
Kevin Sherrington: Hard to say about the shoulder. But he has had a long history of high strikeout seasons. Considering his power totals, his strikeout ratio has been unbelievable. Still, scouts loved him for his grit and on-base percentage. He's a pretty popular guy with his teammates, but the Rangers probably won't tender him next season. Next year's outfield, from left to right: Carlos Lee, Gary Matthews Jr., Nelson Cruz.
April: Give us your take on Jon Daniels. Good guy?
Kevin Sherrington: Good guy. Smart guy. Hard-working guy. Winning guy? Jury's still out. But here's what I like best about him: He has a quality that Jimmy Johnson had. He makes deals, and if they blow up, he doesn't hide in a hole. He simply makes another. Of course, the difference is that Jimmy had Mike Lynn to slap around, and Daniels hasn't found his patsy yet. Hey, you've been great, and I've enjoyed it. Enchilada time.
Now… for the weather: We have a three day forecast in Oakland.
Rangers (56-56, 3rd Place) at Oakland (60-51, 1st Place):
Game #1:
Edison Volquez (1st Game this season) vs. Esteban Loaiza (4-7, 6.50 ERA)
Volquez has looked decent in the minors, posting a 6-6 record with a 3.21 ERA in triple A. He started 21 games for the Redhawks, going 120 2/3 innings, striking out 130, but walking 72. He also hit four batters. What’s good is that his WHIP is 1.31 and he only gave up 86 hits, so that means he gives up two hits every three innings… And that is not bad, not bad at all. My dad thinks that Volquez is a chump and can’t pitch based on one outing last year, but I had to explain he’s a rook. He just needs a little time to transition. Last year, Volquez had three starts, pitched in six games, went 0-4 with a 14.21 ERA. And it would be easy to say that Eddie had a tough transition last year, which is why he started in the minors this year. The problem now with all this for Volquez, is he’s coming off a little injury and making his first start off that injury in the Majors, where he hasn’t seen any action all year. THIS COULD BE TOUGH FOR HIM. It’s good to see a pitcher with a 6.50 ERA for Eddie’s 2006 debut. Hopefully the Ranger’s bats will live up to Loaiza’s ERA. In 117 at-bats, the Rangers hit .222 against Loaiza. Matt Stairs is the leader on this, with a .304 average. Carlos Lee has only mustered 3 hits in 18 at-bats, but has one homerun and five RBIs. I am not sure if I would have in hit against him or not. Good “production” numbers, but his average stinks. I wouldn’t bat him clean-up at the very least… Young and Matthews also do well with average, but production numbers don’t really exist. Young has an RBI. The forecast in this game is that it looks to be a bit of a slugfest. Rangers win the opener: 11-9. Something to watch: Stairs has never hit a homerun against Oakland.
Game #2:
Kevin Millwood (10-7, 4.63 ERA) vs. Shane Komine (0-0, 1.50 ERA)
Shameful Shane went 9-7 at Triple A Sacramento this year, posting a 3.89 ERA over 120 1/3 innings. He game up 125 hits and K’d 101. He also walked 34. That gives him a WHIP of 1.32. Not bad… and he’s transitioning to the majors rather well, debuting against Toronto, giving up one run over six innings for a no-decision. The A’s did win that game. Here’s the scoop, though: Shane should have a scouting report now, something the “Boo Jays” didn’t have. That gives the Rangers a little bit of a better edge, but if the kid’s got good stuff, then he’s got good stuff. Shane also averages a hit per inning, give up wise… so, I would prefer the Rangers face a guy who gives up more hits per inning, than say Volquez who has the same WHIP but only give up two per three. There is a bit of a difference. Millwood is 3-0 against Oakland in his career and Kevin gets better after the All-Star break. Let’s see some of that now! Kevin has a 3.09 ERA against Oakland in 5 career starts and holds them to a .264 batting average. Current Oakland hitters bat a .259, though. EVEN BETTER! Kotsay splits hits and strikeouts with 14 a piece. He also has 2 homeruns and 6 RBIs. Thomas, who is hot right now, is batting an even 500 with a homer and three RBIs. Swisher is 6 for 11 with a homer. This could be a tough game for Millie, but as it is said, good pitching beat good hitting any day. I think this will be a pitchers game, unlike game 1. And maybe my bias comes into play, but I think with the experience of Millwood, the Rangers have the upper hand. Forecast: Rangers over A’s with a score of 4-2. Something to watch: homeruns by Lee as a Ranger: ZERO.
Game #3:
Vicente Padilla (11-7, 4.34 ERA) vs. Barry Zito (12-7, 3.50 ERA)
Over Padilla’s last ten games, he has won six. He has also lowered his ERA from 5.15 down to the current 4.34. Padilla has been getting better, but his career ERA against Oakland is 6.50, despite his 3-1 record. He has started 3 games against them in his career, throwing a complete game. Now, think about this, his other two starts and two relief appearances account for his other 9 innings. And Oakland hits .301 against him. He’s only started one game in Oakland, accounting for the one loss. The A’s hit a whopping .379 against him in that one game and slapped four out of the park. Zito owns the Rangers. His record is 16-3 lifetime with two complete games and a shutout. His WHIP is 1.23 against the Rangers, who only hit .222 against Zito. The Rangers did beat Zito this year, on April 14th, to hopefully start a new trend, however unlikely. Zito started another game in which the Rangers won on April 25th. This will be the third game the Rangers face Zito this year. Zito has won four of his last five, but he lost his previous three starts before that stretch. You could call him “hot” right now… but I wouldn’t go so far as to say that just yet. I will say the Rangers are on an uphill battle for this one. Forecast: A’s keep from getting swept as Padilla is pounded early: Score 8-3. Something to watch: Wilkerson only has one RBI against Oakland in 42 at-bats and no homeruns. August is Wilkerson’s best month, historically.
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