Jon Garland is still available and could make for an interesting argument for a starting spot. He did well with the White Sox, however, hasn't done terribly awesome since. His last full year, he did manage a 14-12 record, which would be nice for a #5 guy (hint, hint), but he could be a project as he only started 9 games last season. Still some say he is mediocre at this point in his career and maybe he is, but as a #5 guy in the rotation, he could be a good buy. Does he fit the Rangers needs? I don't think so. The Rangers have too much talent and depth to call for a Garland signing. Prince Fielder is a possible for first base with the Rangers. Concerns do range that the Rangers wouldn't be able to sign both Darvish and Fielder and another concern is keeping both Hamilton and Fielder. Losing Hamilton in place of Fielder would be a mistake, but that is my opinion. I see Hamilton as a better fielder (no pun intended, OK, maybe a little) and has just as good a bat, if not better. What intrigues me is what Fielder could do with his bat at Arlington. He collected 38 homeruns this last season, and that number would be sure to go up in a Ranger uniform. Does he fit? Yes. Does it make financial sense? Yes and no. Yes, he would be worth the money, but not if it dictates Hamilton being sent away. Francisco Cordero is a free agent right now. It would be nice to see him back in a Rangers uniform, maybe as a set-up guy to whomever we have closing games. Likely? No. Pipe dream? Most definitely. Luis Ayala is a free agent from the Yankees organization and what a good pick he would be... he posted a 2.09 ERA during the regular season and got some postseason action. He's been in five organizations over the past four seasons, so he has seen some travel time. Would he fit? I don't know. He's been shaky over the previous two seasons of work Jamey Wright and Chris Young are also free agents this off-season. Wright is a relief guy that has good stuff. I wouldn't call him a bust if the Rangers sign him, but there are other guys out there with better numbers than Wright currently available. Chris Young, well, a good starter with good numbers and he's a hometown guy. This would definitely be a good nod by ownership should the Rangers sign this guy. Concerns would be that Young only started four games last season... heck, he only played in four games, all of them starts. Shortly after the start of the season, Young sustained an arm injury which forced him to miss the remainder of the 2011 season.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Friday, March 05, 2010
Cowboys Give WR Miles Austin 1st, 3rd-round Tender
(Associated Press)
IRVING, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys gave restricted free agent Miles Austin the highest possible tender offer Thursday, requiring any team that signs the Pro Bowl receiver to give up a first- and third-round pick as compensation.
The move, which was expected, likely means Austin will return to Dallas next season. He's essentially been offered a one-year deal for $3.168 million, but team owner Jerry Jones has said he'll consider giving Austin a longer, more lucrative contract.
The Cowboys made tender offers to 11 of their restricted free agents and signed another to a one-year deal. The only player left out: kicker Shaun Suisham, who struggled after replacing Nick Folk late in the season.
The only other restricted free agent Dallas gave a first-round tender offer was defensive tackle Marcus Spears. However, his was at the "original draft choice" level, which is for less salary and a second-round compensation if he signs elsewhere.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Trade Watchin': Part VII
Here is an update on the Rangers off-season trades. On the Trading Block:
- Saltalamacchia, Teagarden, and Ramirez are still on the block.
- Vicente Padilla (contract is keeping others away)
- Kevin Millwood (contract is keeping others away)
- Hank Blalock (Young move is a sign for him to go if price is right, could DH)
- Marlon Byrd (I'm thinking he isn't really on the block anymore, but I've been wrong before)
- Greg Olson (from John Mayberry Jr. trade)
Already Traded Away:
- Kameron Loe (to Japan for cash)
- John Mayberry Jr. (for Greg Olson)
- Wes Littleton (to Boston for Beau Vaughan)
- Gerald Laird (to Detroit for Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo)
Free Agents Signed:
- Joe Torres (minor league deal)
- Elizardo Ramirez (minor league deal)
- Derrick Turnbow (minor league deal with training camp invitation)
- Doug Mathis (minor league deal with training camp invitation)
- Casey Daigle (minor league deal)
- Brian Gordon (minor league deal)
- Omar Vizquel (minor league deal with training camp invitation)
- Adam Melhuse (minor league deal)
- Nathan Haynes (minor league deal)
Notable:
- Brandon McCarthy (signed a one year deal; avoided arbitration)
- Frankie Francisco (signed a one year deal; avoided arbitration)
- C.J. Wilson (signed a one year deal; avoided arbitration)
- Marlon Byrd (signed a one year deal; avoided arbitration)
- Exercised the 2009 option on Hank Blalock.
- Moved Michael Young to third.
- Jason Jennings is a non-roster invite.
Off-Season 08-09 | Players Left | Players Aquired | Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
Trades | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Free Agents | 4 | 9 | N/A |
If I said I wasn't frustrated about the Rangers off-season, I would be lying. I am frustrated. The Ben Sheets situation was a ray of light, but that fell through due to his injury. I wouldn't say that the Rangers are out of the hunt for Sheets, but things do not look good. It is closing in on spring training and the Rangers have not signed anyone off the free-agent market to a Major League deal. The Rangers have traded away four, one for cash, and returned four and signed 9 players to minor league deals, thus loading up the Rangers minor league system, which is #1 amongst all minor league systems right now. What does that mean? Well, the big picture tells us that the Rangers will be making the playoffs soon. Maybe not this year, but 2010 isn't out of the question. I would still like to go to the ballpark and see a strong competitive team play to win. And I may get that, but to know that they will not be able to compete with the opposite team is a bit discouraging to think about, to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I will still go to games... and I am still a Rangers fan through and through... But I would like to see a winning season this year. That's all I am asking. And the only way to do that at this time is to get the well needed pitching. I would still sign Sheets. I would sign him on a Lieber like contract that loads him up with incentives for 2009 with the league minimum for a base and then have gauranteed money for the two years following, thus giving him a three-year deal with one year to take care of getting healthy. That may be the best option for him right now.
Trades seem pretty unlikely at this point. Jon Daniels will more than likely keep quiet at the meetings, unless some wonderful opportunity comes along that is just too good to be true. Don't count on it, but stranger things...
Friday, January 23, 2009
Trade Watchin': Part VI
Rangers Promotions of Interest:
- May 2nd – Nolan Ryan Replica Statue
- May 16th – Josh Hamilton Bobblehead
- June 17th – Reusable Grocery Bag
- Sept 12th – Salsa Bowl
Right now, the schedule is full of concerts and Friday night fireworks. Both do not really interest me really at all. Most of the bands are groups I have never heard of and the ones that I have, well, they aren’t my flavor. Maybe when Dave Matthews plays a post game concert for the Rangers, I will become interested. I’d also settle for U2 or Coldplay… I’m not really at all picky.
I find it difficult to throw down any predictions for what the Rangers will do in 2009. I am still praying for them to land Sheets, which would move Millwood and Padilla from #1 and #2 respectfully to #2 and #3. Millwood isn’t an Ace pitcher. His time in the Rangers rotation has proven that he is not an Ace. But if he were to move to a #2 spot, I think he would do better.
Randy Johnson has signed with the Giants, so that ship has sailed.
The Yankees wouldn’t know what to do if the MLB created a salary cap. I mean, working without a budget for so long… you would have to think that the government is running the Yankees.
Eric Gagne is still on the table. So is Pedro. Oliver Perez and Andy Pettitte are also still looking for work.
Now here is a dreamy thought… what if the Rangers signed Sheets and Pedro or Perez? You could have Sheets in the #1 slot, with Millwood in the #2, Padilla in the #3, followed by Perez (whom you could really move up or down the rotation between the 2 and 4 slots) and finish it up with Matt Harrison.
#1: Sheets
#2: Padilla
#3: Millwood
#4: Perez
#5: Harrison
I wouldn’t have a problem using that rotation. And if we do in fact add Manny Ramirez (which I am really starting to think that would be a BIG mistake), we would be putting up some large numbers on the scoreboard and keeping the other side from scoring, at least one thru four and then Harrison on the fifth day is still pretty good. And he’ll just get better and better.
The reason I say that Ramirez would be a mistake is I just don’t think he would “gel” well with this team. I think he could be more of a distraction than anything good that he might add to this team. Let him sign somewhere else. If he does sign with the Rangers (and that could be a possibility, a long shot, but still), then I will welcome him with a sense of caution. It could work out for all I know.
I guess as of right now, I don’t really think the Rangers are going to do too hot… but I want to get a better feel for what this team will look like and the only way for that to happen is wait until spring training gets here and things will start to lock down as free agency really comes to a close. Remember, the Rangers haven’t signed anybody to a big league deal this off-season. And I am wondering if they will.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Trade Watchin': Part V
Here is an update on the Rangers off-season trades. On the Trading Block:
- One Ranger Catcher is Safe (includes Saltalamacchia, Teagarden, and Ramirez), but we really do not know which one it is that is safe.
- Vicente Padilla
- Kevin Millwood
- Hank Blalock
- Marlon Byrd
- Greg Olson (from John Mayberry Jr. trade)
Already Traded Away:
- Kameron Loe (to Japan for cash)
- John Mayberry Jr. (for Greg Olson)
- Wes Littleton (to Boston for Beau Vaughan)
- Gerald Laird (to Detroit for Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo)
Arbitration Eligible:
- Marlon Byrd
Free Agents Signed:
- Joe Torres (minor league deal)
- Elizardo Ramirez (minor league deal)
- Derrick Turnbow (minor league deal with training camp invitation)
- Doug Mathis (minor league deal with training camp invitation)
- Casey Daigle (minor league deal)
- Brian Gordon (minor league deal)
Notable:
- Brandon McCarthy (signed a one year deal; avoided arbitration)
- Frankie Francisco (signed a one year deal; avoided arbitration)
- C.J. Wilson (signed a one year deal; avoided arbitration)
Off-Season 08-09 | Players Left | Players Aquired | Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
Trades | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Free Agents | 4 | 6 | N/A |
According to one local beat reporter in the last hour, the club is not only close to a contract with 11-time Gold Glove shortstop Omar Vizquel but will apparently be able to bring him in on a non-roster deal, meaning he won't require a spot on the 40-man roster, which currently stands at 39 members, unless and until he makes the Opening Day roster. Elvis Andrus, incidentally, is also off the roster, so he'll need to be added to the 40-man when he first shows up with the big league club, whether that's to start the season or not.
The Rangers have not signed a Big-League free agent thus far this off-season.
I am happy that the whole Michael Young "trade" incident worked out. I seriously did not want to see him leave, and especially on those terms. My heart broke for like a minute, but I got some duct tape and took care of that. It's all good now.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Trade Watchin': Part IV
Here is an update on the Rangers off-season trades. On the Trading Block:
- One Ranger Catcher is Safe (includes Saltalamacchia, Teagarden, and Ramirez), but we really do not know which one it is that is safe.
- Vicente Padilla
- Kevin Millwood
- Hank Blalock
- Marlon Byrd
- Greg Olson (from John Mayberry Jr. trade)
Already Traded Away:
- Kameron Loe (to Japan for cash)
- John Mayberry Jr. (for Greg Olson)
- Wes Littleton (to Boston for Beau Vaughan)
- Gerald Laird (to Detroit for Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo)
Arbitration Eligible:
- Frankie Francisco
- C.J. Wilson
- Marlon Byrd
Free Agents Signed:
- Joe Torres (minor league deal)
- Elizardo Ramirez (minor league deal)
- Derrick Turnbow (minor league deal with training camp invitation)
- Doug Mathis (minor league deal with training camp invitation)
- Casey Daigle (minor league deal)
- Brian Gordon (minor league deal)
Notable:
- Brandon McCarthy (signed a one year deal; avoided arbitration)
Off-Season 08-09 | Players Left | Players Aquired | Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
Trades | 4 | 4 | 1 |
Free Agents | 4 | 6 | N/A |
Rangers ranked #1 with the best farm system in baseball. This isn't the first time that Baseball America has ranked the Rangers farm system the tops in baseball. The Rangers also grabbed the honor in 1990. Look at the top ten prospects then and now:
Rank | 1990 | 2009 |
|---|---|---|
First | Juan Gonzalez, OF | Neftali Feliz, RHP |
Second | Robb Nenn, RHP | Derek Holland, LHP |
Third | Donald Harris, OF | Justin Smoak, 1B |
Fourth | Dean Palmer, 3B | Elvis Andrus, SS |
Fifth | Brian Bohanon, LHP | Martin Perez, LHP |
Sixth | Kevin Belcher, OF | Taylor Teagarden, C |
Seventh | Dan Peltier, OF | Engel Beltre, OF |
Eighth | Scott Coolbaugh, 3B | Michael Main, RHP |
Ninth | Monty Fariss, SS | Julio Borbon, OF |
Tenth | Eric McCray, LHP | Max Ramirez, C/1B |
Juan Gonzalez won a couple of MVPs. Nenn did some pitching in the Majors. Harris played three partial seasons in the Majors, but was mostly forgettable. Palmer played OK third base, but was bothered by injuries. Brian Bohanon pitched for 12 seasons, and had a career 5.19 ERA. Kevin Belcher had 15 career at-bats at the Major League level. Dan Peltier did a little better, collecting 243 career at-bats spread over 3 seasons. Scott Coolbaugh split four seasons in the Majors with 432 career at-bats. He played for the Rangers, Padres and Cardinals. Monty Fariss played three seasons in the Majors, collecting 226 at-bats and a .217 batting average for the Rangers and Marlins. Eric McCray never cracked the Major League level.
In comparrison, the 2009 team has: Andrus making his Major League debut this upcoming season. Teagarden and Ramirez have at-bats already on the ML level, and Smoak is said to be as good, if not better than Mark Teixeira. And if you think a prospect like Smoak should be a #1, and here he sits at #3... well, that should tell you the quality of the top 2. Feliz and Harrison both threw no-hitters in the minors (at AA Frisco). Harrison finished the season in the Majors. Holland is just as good as Feliz and many groups interchange where Feliz and Holland sit in the top two.
Both of these two groups were the best of the minor leagues. Which group is better? Already knowing how the 1990 group turned out, it seems easy to see that the 2009 class is much, much better... but maybe that is putting the cart before the horse.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Trade Watchin': Part II
- No Ranger Catcher is Safe (includes Saltalamacchia, Teagarden, and Ramirez)
- Vicente Padilla
- Kevin Millwood
- Hank Blalock
- Marlon Byrd
- Greg Olson (from John Mayberry Jr. trade)
Already Traded Away:
- Kameron Loe (to Japan for cash)
- John Mayberry Jr. (for Greg Olson)
- Wes Littleton (to Boston for two Players to be Named or Cash, may be dependant on whether Littleton makes opening day roster)
- Gerald Laird (to Detroit for Guillermo Moscoso and Carlos Melo)
Free Agents Signed:
- Joe Torres (minor league deal)
- Elizardo Ramirez (minor league deal)
Off-Season 08-09 | Players Left | Players Aquired | Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
Trades | 4 | 3 to 5 | 1 |
Free Agents | 4 | 2 | N/A |
Baseball America has released its Top 10 Rangers Prospects ranking:
1. Neftali Feliz, rhp
2. Derek Holland, lhp
3. Justin Smoak, 1b
4. Elvis Andrus, ss
5. Martin Perez, lhp
6. Taylor Teagarden, c
7. Engel Beltre, of
8. Michael Main, rhp
9. Julio Borbon, of
10. Max Ramirez, c/1b
Milton Bradley declined the arbitration offer from Texas and is exploring the free agent market. He is seeking a multi-year deal.
MLB's Top 50 Prospects:
Friday, November 07, 2008
Ranger Free Agents
Free Agent Starting Rotation
#1: C.C. Sabathia
#2: Ben Sheets
#3: Ryan Dempster
#4: Derek Lowe
#5: John Lackey
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Free Agent Starting Pitchers 2009
Starting pitchers:
- Kris Benson (33)
He hasn’t pitched since the 2006 season. Not a hot item (so he could come cheep). Started 30 games in 2006 for Baltimore and had an 11-12 record with a 4.82 ERA. Has a 4.34 career ERA and a 68-73 career record. He may be looking for just a one-year deal to rebound and test the market again next year.
- A.J. Burnett (32)
Note: He can opt out after ’08 season. And I think he should. He went 18-10 with a 4.07 ERA… Burnett would probably benefit in trying the free agent market. He went 221.1 innings in 2008. He will probably be looking for a five-year deal with options for more.
- Paul Byrd (38)
Byrd went 11-12 with the Boston Red Sox and posted a 4.60 ERA. He went 180 innings and averaged more than a HR per start. Still, his team did make the playoffs, so he could have a higher than normal price for a pitcher of his caliber. But then there is the fact of him being 38 years of age.
- Roger Clemens (46)
Roger is probably the longest shot in signing somewhere. He didn’t pitch in 2008 and only pitched partial seasons the previous two. Still, in 2007, he went 6-6 in 18 games and had a 4.18 ERA, which, most teams would be happy with those results.
- Matt Clement (33)
He hasn’t pitched since 2006 in the majors, and only 12 starts in 2006. He had a 6.61 ERA and 5-5 record for Boston, throwing 65.1 innings. I wouldn’t expect to see him sign anywhere this off-season. He could still end up with a preseason invite somewhere...
- Bartolo Colon (36)
Colon went 4-2 this season, starting 7 games and going 39 innings. He hasn’t pitched a full season since 2005 with the Angels. Since then, he has gone 11-15 while pitching 194.2 innings over the last three seasons. Still, I would be surprised if he didn’t get a chance somewhere. He has two seasons where he has collected 20 wins (2002, 2005).
- Ryan Dempster (32)
Dempster helped his team go to the playoffs this season, throwing a 2.86 ERA and posting a 17-6 record. Expect him to demand some $$$. He pitched 4.2 innings of playoff baseball, taking the loss, but the fact that he got there should still demand some change. He was also an All-Star this season, pitching an inning and striking out everyone he saw.
- Shawn Estes (36)
It is really tough to say that Estes HAS pitched since the 2005 season. He made a start for the Padres in 2006 (just one) and started eight games for them this year. He hasn’t been awful, but he has a 2-4 record over the last three years and has a 4.71 ERA to boot. It would be likely that some team may take a chance on him, or at least get an invitation to spring training somewhere.
- Josh Fogg (32)
He has a career 5.08 ERA in 219 games (193 are starts). He pitched for the Reds earlier this season, appearing in 22 games and 14 were starts, where he went 2-7 with a 7.58 ERA. I would have to think that his career could be a done deal.
- Freddy Garcia (33)
Garcia started 3 games for the Tigers this, all in September. He went 1-1 with a 4.20 ERA, with his win coming against the Rangers. Last season, he pitched for the Phillies, and that season was an abbreviated season for him, as well. He started 11 games for the Phillies and went 1-5 with a 5.90 ERA. Still, he has a career 4.07 ERA and I would think that someone would give him a chance and not let him go out to pasture.
- Jon Garland (29)
Garland went 14-8 for the AL West Champions this season and posted a 4.90 ERA. He also tossed 196.2 innings this season. He didn’t pitch in the postseason, which is a shame because in 2005, he went 1-0 with a 2.25 in the postseason. Still, he is coming into the peak of his career, he has a record of 106-89 and a 4.47 career ERA… he should command good money.
- Tom Glavine (43)
Glavine went back home. He started 13 games for the Braves, going 2-4 with a 5.54 ERA. He’s won over 300 games (305 to be precise) and you can’t help but wonder if his career is over and out. He won’t be too high priced, but what you do pay him would be to put butts in seats and not so much a win on the scoreboard.
- Mike Hampton (36)
He started 13 games for the Braves this season, going 3-4 with a 4.85 ERA. He threw 78 innings in his partial season with Atlanta. He will probably demand an average contract, at best.
- Mark Hendrickson (35)
He went 7-8 with Florida this season and posted a 5.45 ERA. Being that he’s 35 years old, most teams will look past him for younger, better talent. He might end up being a #5 starter somewhere, if he gets signed at all.
- Livan Hernandez (34)
He had the displeasure of pitching for the Rockies (where the balls fly a mile high and out). He sported a 6.05 ERA with a 13-11 record (so, I guess it could be worse). He’s seen his better days come and go. He’s an average pitcher now, and I think I am being generous. There will be a team that will sign him, in hopes of getting his performance from 2000, but he will fall short.
- Orlando Hernandez (43)
El Duque didn’t pitch in the majors in 2008, but in my opinion, he is an above average pitcher. He pitched for the Mets in 2007, going 9-5 with a 3.72 ERA over 27 games (24 starts). He’s up in age, though. Could he be done? I still like his 2007 numbers and think he may be a late rotation guy for some team out there.
- Jason Jennings (30)
Jennings started the season in the Rangers starting rotation and went through six starts. His ERA was 8.56 and he went 0-5. He has a career 60-70 record with a 5.00 ERA. He would come cheep to anyone, but most likely he will sign a minor league contract with a invite to training camp.
- Randy Johnson (45)
Randy started 30 games this season, completed two. He went 11-10 with a 3.91 ERA. And how old is this guy? He’s won the Cy Young five times, with one in the AL and four in the NL. As long as he is effective, he should pitch. And he’s just five away from win #300… so he will cost a good penny for the history.
- John Lackey (30)
There is a $9M club option for '09 with a $0.5M buyout. He had a 3.75 ERA this season with a 12-5 record for the Angels. He struck out 130 in 163.1 innings, yielding 161 hits and 40 walks, including 26 HRs. That’s a 1.23 WHIP. Opponents hit .260 off him. I think it would be a bad move to not take the option.
- Jon Lieber (39)
Lieber only started one game in 2008, but appeared in a total 26 games. He’s mainly been used as a starter for his career. He went 2-3 this year with a 4.05 ERA. He prefers the NL over the AL, having pitched in the AL one year with the Yankees in 2004. Whether he will be a set up man in the future or return to a starting role is still to be seen. Either way, though, he should be a good pick up.
- Braden Looper (34)
He started 33 games for Saint Louis this season, going 12-14 with a 4.16 ERA. He did eat up some innings, 199 to be exact. He has a 3.93 career ERA. He gave up 216 hits this season… he wouldn’t make for a bad late rotation guy. He could also be a good low cost pitcher for a low budget team.
- Rodrigo Lopez (33)
The Atlanta Braces have a club option for '09, although it would be a bit strange on if they will use that option or not. Lopez hasn’t pitched for anyone in 2008, and last pitched for the Rockies in 2007, starting 14 games and going 5-4 to bring his career record to 65-65. He had a 4.42 ERA in ’07. He will more than likely start ’09 in the minors, if he lands a contract.
- Derek Lowe (36)
I like the cut of this boy’s jib. I really am not sure what the heck that means, but I like Derek Lowe. He pitched to a 14-11 record and had a 3.24 ERA. This is a guy I wouldn’t mind the Rangers signing. He is up in age, and the Rangers want to focus on youth… but it would still be nice. Playoffs mean payoffs in the land of professional sports. He won’t come cheep.
- Greg Maddux (43)
Maddux didn’t necessarily do badly for the Dodgers or Padres this year; however, he did have an 8-13 record. He ate up some innings (194 of them) and posted a respectable 4.22 ERA. He is a three time CY Young winner. For nostalgic reasons, he may pitch somewhere, but his age is getting up there…
- Pedro Martinez (37)
Pedro started 20 games for the Mets and went 5-6 with a 5.61 ERA. That’s not the typical Pedro we know, who has a 214-99 career record with a 2.91 career ERA. Will Martinez pitch next year? Yes. With whom? A big market team, most likely. He will command a contract based on career numbers, not 2008 numbers.
- Sergio Mitre (28)
People will not be knocking his door down. He hasn’t pitched in 2008. He has a career record of 10-23 and a 5.36 ERA. In ’07, He started 27 games for Florida and went 5-8 with a 4.65 ERA. It is possible for him to make a return, since he is young, but there are plenty of other young kids waiting for their shot. It’s a long shot for him to start somewhere, unless we are talking about the minors.
- Jamie Moyer (46)
He keeps showing that he has stuff to give. He went 16-7 with a 3.71 ERA for the Phillies this year and has his team in the playoffs. He lost to the Brewers in the NLDS and has another postseason start on Sunday. He made 33 starts, threw 196.1 innings, issued 199 hits and 62 walks for a 1.33 WHIP. Only 20 hits were for HRs. He has pitched for six teams already (Cubs, Rangers, St. Louis, Baltimore, Mariners, and Phillies), and whomever he signs with, he will be more asset than liability.
- Mark Mulder (31)
St. Louis has an $11M club option for '09 with a $1.5M buyout. I’m not sure if they will use the buyout or not, Mulder has been on the DL for majority of the season and has only pitched in three games with one start in 2008. He has a total of 1.2 innings in ’08, with no record, but one blown save. 2007 wasn’t much better, as he pitched 11 innings of work and went 0-3. So, going back to 2006? Still not all too great. He went 6-7 then and had a 7.14 ERA. St. Louis may be looking at him as a “bust” signing. They may cut there losses with him and let him try free agency. I do believe, though, that regardless of his last three years, he will be pitching for someone in 2009, but he is going to have to not demand a high cash flow.
- Mike Mussina (40)
He has five gold gloves. He made 34 starts for the Yankees this season and went 20-9 with a 3.37 ERA. Look for the Yankees to resign him and him to not really test the free agent market. He is 30 games away from win #300. He will demand a great deal of cash to sign, especially to get him for two or three seasons to have “butts in seats” for the milestone.
- Carl Pavano (33)
The Yankees hold a $13M club option for '09 with a $1.95M buyout. He only started seven games for the Yanks this season and went 4-2 with a 5.77 ERA. I can’t see them taking the option, and I can’t see him making $11M off the free agent market. He is going to have to take less money. Batters knocked him for a .306 BA… and averaged one HR every seven innings.
- Brad Penny (31)
The Dodgers have an $8.75M club option for '09 with a $2M buyout. He could be another buyout, though it is difficult to say. He went 6-9 with a 6.27 ERA for the NL West club. He started 17 games this season, batters hit him for a .304 BA and clocked 13 HRs in 94.2 innings. His career numbers are way better, though, and he won 16 games in 2006 and in 2007. When he hits the free agent market, his career will be the selling point.
- Odalis Perez (32)
He started 30 games for the Nationals this season, grabbing only 159.2 innings of work. He had a 4.34 ERA with a 7-12 record. Batters pounded 22 out of the park as he issued a .287 BA to his opponents. He had a 1.48 WHIP as he took a large pay cut to pitch for the Nationals this season. He’ll more than likely stay in the $1M range in his pay for 2009.
- Oliver Perez (27)
Perez started 34 games for the Mets, going 194 innings. He had walk trouble this season, issuing 105 free passes. He still managed to keep a respectable 4.22 ERA and only let his opponents hit .234… He had a winning mark for the Mets, a 10-7 record. He is young and I think he will continue to get better. Look for him to get a good contract, not so much a great one, but a good one.
- Andy Pettitte (37)
He started 33 games this season for the Yankees. He didn’t have his typical “awesome” season that Yankee fans expect from him. He went 14-14 this season with a 4.54 ERA. He is now 85 games away from #300, and I am thinking unless he pitches until he’s 43, he may not see #300. Of course, nowadays, pitching ‘til 43 isn’t so much out of the question… the question really remains is who will sign him and for how long? The Yankees sign him, but more than likely to a two or three year deal. After which, he will be a one-year-deal pitcher for the rest of the way.
- Sidney Ponson (32)
Do you think anybody but the Yanks will be interested in this trouble in a bag? He started 24 games this season (between the Rangers and the Yanks) and went 8-5 while tossing 135.2 innings of work. He had a 5.04 ERA and batters feasted a .311 BA. He’s not as good as he thinks he is… REALITY CHECK: He should consider himself a serious LUCKY if he gets an offer of any kind.
- Mark Prior (27)
Prior has spent his entire Major League career with the Cubs (statistically speaking). He currently pitches for the Padres; however, he hasn’t thrown a pitch for them in the regular season. His last ML work was in 2006, as he went 9 starts for the Cubs, going 1-6 with a 7.21 ERA. He only threw 43.2 innings. This off-season, he will be selling his career numbers to get any kind of a contract, as those numbers are 42-29 with a 3.51 ERA. Look for him to just sign a one-year deal.
- Kenny Rogers (44)
He had an off year with the Tigers this season, but still started 30 games and tossed 173.2 innings of work. He had a high 5.70 ERA and a 9-13 record, which is not the normal stuff from the Gambler. He’s won 5 gold gloves. I’m not sure of whether he will continue pitching or hang it up… it’s always tough to tell with Kenny.
- Glendon Rusch (34)
He played for the Rockies, so some thing it’s OK for them to have a high ERA. Still, it was 5.15 and he had a 1.42 WHIP. He’s been used more as a relief pitcher than starter this season, starting in only 9 games but pitching in 35. He had a 5-5 record and opponents hit him for a .283 BA. He may command about the same pay as in 2008, which was $850,000. I wish I made $850,000. Heck, I’ll settle for half of that and be perfectly happy.
- C.C. Sabathia (28)
This is the one I have been looking forward to doing. WHY? Well, this is the player the Rangers said they would pursue like a bear searches for honey. Well, they didn’t really say it like that, but they did say they would be MAJOR players in the Sabathia-thon. Sabathia went to the playoffs with the Brewers this season. He made $11 Million, but it should take more to sign him, a good deal more, to sign him this off-season. He went 17-10 with a 2.70 ERA, but got hammered in the playoffs. Still, he pitched a WHOPPING 253 innings, which I would doubt he could do if he pitched in Texas (the whole “Texas Heat” thing). His career numbers are 117-73 with a 3.66 ERA. This season, he also had 10 complete games with 5 shutouts. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him raking in $18-20 Million next season. Question: Would 20+ victories be worth it? Most teams would say yes.
- Curt Schilling (42)
He started 24 games for the Red Sox last season and went 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA. He hit the postseason and went 3-0 with a 3.00 ERA in four playoff starts. He didn’t pitch in 2008.
- Ben Sheets (30)
He started 31 games for the Brewers this season, completing 5 and shutting out 3. He had a record of 13-9 with a 3.09 ERA, as opponents hit .241 off him and connected on 17 HRs in 198.1 innings. He had a low 1.15 WHIP, but didn’t appear in the playoffs. He’s at the top of his career and this will probably be his only “BIG” contract, based on his age and timing.
- John Smoltz (42)
Smoltz only started 5 games and appeared in relief for one. He had a 2.57 ERA with a 3-2 record. He has only pitched for the Braves in his career, which has spanned 21 seasons. He has a 210-147 record and 154 saves, 53 career complete games with 16 shutouts. My personal feeling is that he should try to stay a Brave… just out of tradition, at this point. It would just be wrong to see him in another uniform.
- Tim Wakefield (42)
Boston has a perpetual $4M club option. Wakefield went 10-11, with a complete game and a4.13 ERA. He tossed 181 innings, gave up 25 long balls. Since he is a knuckleballer, he can pitch until he’s 80 and still be effective. He has a 178-157 career record and is slated to throw his first playoff game this postseason on Tuesday. I would expect for Boston to pick up the option…
- Kip Wells (32)
He’s a former Ranger. He played for KC this year… and it wasn’t pretty. He started two games and pitched in 25, going 1-3 in 37.2 innings. His ERA was a monstrosity at 6.21 and he had a 1.83 WHIP. To say that these numbers are ugly would be an understatement. He may get an invitation to spring training as a non-roster invitee, but that might be it for him…
- Randy Wolf (32)
He started 33 games for the Astros with one complete game shutout. Going 190.1 innings, he had a split record at 12-12 and a respectable 4.30 ERA. He did give up 21 shots out, walked 71 and gave up 191 hits, for a 1.38 WHIP. He would be a good signing, although it would be unclear if he should grab a five or six year deal, or end up with a two or three year deal.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Ranger Free Agents
Ranger Free Agent:
- Jason Jennings (30) – Starting Pitcher
- Hank Blalock (28) - $6.2MM club option for '09 with a $0.25MM buyout
- Milton Bradley (31)
These are the Rangers free agents once the season comes to a close. I’m not sure if the Rangers will use the option on Blalock. I am pretty sure the Rangers will try to resign Bradley, but it may be difficult to do since he did play in the All-Star game. Jennings most likely will be gone as a Ranger, seeing as to how the Rangers are going to be pursuing Ace quality starters in Sabathia and another pitcher to fill the #2 spot.
Can you imagine a rotation like this?
- CC Sabathia
- Ryan Dempster
- Kevin Millwood
- Vicente Padilla
- Harrison/Hurley/Gabbard
I can... but it seems like a dream at times.
Starting Pitching for 2009
- Kris Benson (33)
- A.J. Burnett (32) - can opt out after '08 season
- Paul Byrd (38)
- Roger Clemens (46)
- Matt Clement (33)
- Ryan Dempster (32)
- Josh Fogg (32)
- Jon Garland (29)
- Tom Glavine (43)
- Mike Hampton (36)
- Mark Hendrickson (35)
- Livan Hernandez (34)
- Orlando Hernandez (43)
- Jason Jennings (30)
- Randy Johnson (45)
- John Lackey (30) - $9MM club option for '09 with a $0.5MM buyout
- Jon Lieber (39)
- Braden Looper (34)
- Derek Lowe (36)
- Greg Maddux (43)
- Pedro Martinez (37)
- Brian Moehler (37)
- Jamie Moyer (46)
- Mark Mulder (31) - $11MM club option for '09 with a $1.5MM buyout
- Mike Mussina (40)
- Carl Pavano (33) - $13MM club option for '09 with a $1.95MM buyout
- Brad Penny (31) - $8.75MM club option for '09 with a $2MM buyout
- Odalis Perez (32)
- Oliver Perez (27)
- Andy Pettitte (37)
- Sidney Ponson (32)
- Mark Prior (27)
- Kenny Rogers (44)
- C.C. Sabathia (28)
- Curt Schilling (42)
- Ben Sheets (30)
- John Smoltz (42) - $12MM club option for '09
- Tim Wakefield (42) - perpetual $4MM club option
- Kip Wells (32)
- Randy Wolf (32)
This is a list of pitchers the Rangers could pursue for the upcoming season. And the rumor is that they will pursue starting pitching. It should come as no surprise (or maybe it would be) that the Rangers are going to make a strong case of bringing in CC Sabathia. I am not sure why Roger Clemens is still considered a free agent. As far as I can tell, he really, really, really is retired. The Rangers have also hinted at bringing in a second starting pitcher so that Millwood could drop down to a #3 starter, although I haven't heard who that pitcher would be.
The Free Agent list can be found here.
What do you think of this picture?
Home Plate
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Off-Season Moves
This is the list of who the Rangers have signed/resigned this off-season. To be honest, I don't think the Rangers have made enough "good" moves, if you call any of these a really good move to have a really great impact this coming season. Hopefully, time will prove me wrong. I really hope that it does. Johnny Out.
Friday, November 02, 2007
A-Rod to the Mud Hens
Spurred by an offhand remark from George Steinbrenner's son, the Triple-A Toledo Mud Hens want in on the A-Rod sweepstakes.
Rodriguez recently opted out of his $252 million, 10-year contract with the New York Yankees. That prompted Hank Steinbrenner, son of the Yankees owner, to tell the New York Times: "Does he want to go into the Hall of Fame as a Yankee, or a Toledo Mud Hen?"
The Mud Hens conjured up an offer to find out, said Jason Griffin, a spokesman for the Detroit Tigers' top farm team.
Toledo created a Hall of Fame plaque of Rodriguez wearing a Mud Hens hat and sent a letter to his agent, Scott Boras.
The deal stipulates that Rodriguez will have to compete for a spot with Toledo third basemen Mike Hessman, the league's most valuable player last season.
"Would your client be willing to play a different position?" the letter asked.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Texas Ranger Free Agents
- Jerry Hairston, Jr.
- Sammy Sosa
- Brad Wilkerson
Free Agents 2007 is a website to go to if you want to check out all the free agents in 2007. Those three are it for the Rangers. I've read somewhere that Hairston will not be back. The Rangers have lost interest in him. I HOPE Wilkerson is gone. Sosa, well it's just hard to say. I would like to see him back, however, I do not seeing him taking a part-time job. Benoit and Rudy are signed for two more seasons. I just got an email from Newberg that the book-signing will be coming up soon, however, there is no date set just yet. I will post that when it comes along. Johnny Out.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
A-Rod Spots
- The Angels
- The Dodgers
- The Giants
- The Cubs
- The Yankees (really?)
- The Mets
- The Tigers
- The Red Sox
- The Marlins
- The Rangers
Why? They've done it before. Why not? They've done it before.
It really stinks that the season is now officially over. I have to wait three and a half months before Pitchers and Catchers report. Ah, but the rumor mill is already at work with Kerry Wood on the market and where will he go... I think he should consider this list.
- Stay AWAY from Dusty Baker. If for anything else, to preserve your arm.
- Texas Rangers, the team that was in the neighboring town you went to high school (he went to Grand Prairie high and was a Gopher).
- You've played for the Cubbies...
- The Braves always have luck with pitching.
Of course, the first two pieces of advice are key. Stay away from Dusty and play for the Rangers. That would be my two cents. The Mavs play tonight and the Cowboys are doing well. I really haven't payed much (if any, really) attention to the Stars. I think the 'boys are going to get a bye in the playoffs. The Giants are a legitimate concern, but they don't have a good offense, so I'm not terribly worried yet. We'll see. The Mavs, well... I think they are the luckiest unlucky team EVER. They'll probably win 70 games and still not win it all. But at least they are entertaining to watch. Oh well. Johnny Out.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
The Pitching Short List
Starting pitchers:
- Shawn Chacon (30) - Stats in 2007: 5-4 w/ a 3.94 ERA (1 save) in 96 innings
- Josh Fogg (31) - Has a 4.79 ERA in a hitters park (understatement) with a 10-9 record and 161 2/3 innings. His ERA was at 5.27 on 8/22, but has given up 11 Earned Runs in his last 6 outings. He looks to be a hot item in the off-season.
- Livan Hernandez (33) - He could be a hot item on the market, but only time will tell on that. 4.93 ERA and an 11-11 record, he's tossed over 200 innings this season. He's a consistent 200 inning guy, having done that the previous three seasons. I would consider him. But only if the $ is right.
- Jason Jennings (29) - I can't say that Jason Jennings is going to be a "hot" item... in fact, he might be lucky to land a minor league job this off-season. He finished the year with a 2-9 record (OUCH!) and a 6.45 ERA. If he can attract the Ranger's attention, it would be only because his birthplace is in Dallas.
- Kyle Lohse (29) - went 9-12 with a 4.62 ERA. He had two complete games (that's two more than the Rangers) with a shutout. He pitched 192 & two third innings. (Millwood led the team in innings pitched this season with 172 & two thirds.)
- Joel Pineiro (29) - He ended his season really strong. In his last ten games, he went 6-3 with a 3.68 ERA. He could be the starter the Rangers are looking for this off season. He only started 11 games, but played in 42 games. His 7-5 record and 4.33 ERA are very attractive. He pitched 97 2/3 innings this year. His last start of the season went 8 innings.
- Carlos Silva (29) - He's attractive for several reasons. He pitched over 200 innings this year (202 innings, actually) and his ERA was a nice 4.19, which would have been better than the Ranger starters this year. He did have a record of 13-14 and had two complete games and one shutout.
- Koji Uehara (33) - He currently pitches for the Yomiuri Giants. He is born on 4/3/1975 and is a right-hander. He has never posted a losing record. In 1999, he went 20-4 with a 2.09 ERA. This season, he became a closer, with a 4-3 record and 32 saves with a 1.74 ERA. He gets close to a K an inning over his career, with this season posting 66- Ks in 62 innings. I have to retract about the always a winning record. Last season he went 8-9.
Free Agent Pitching
Starting pitchers:
- Shawn Chacon (30) - Stats in 2007: 5-4 w/ a 3.94 ERA (1 save) in 96 innings
- Matt Clement (33) - did not play in 2007
- Bartolo Colon (35) - 6.34 ERA going 6-8 in 99 1/3 innings (missed August)
- Josh Fogg (31) - Has a 4.79 ERA in a hitters park (understatement) with a 10-9 record and 161 2/3 innings. His ERA was at 5.27 on 8/22, but has given up 11 Earned Runs in his last 6 outings. He looks to be a hot item in the off-season.
- Casey Fossum (30) - Retired maybe??? He just might be retired simply due to a lack of interest by the game. In '07, he went 5-8 with a 7.70 ERA and hasn't pitched since August 5th. Later, Casey.
- Freddy Garcia (32) - Went 1-5 with a 5.90 ERA. Not on the hot list... Through only 58 innings this season, but it is his previous seasons that interest me. He could come cheap and might be worth it. But knowing the Rangers luck...
- Livan Hernandez (33) - He could be a hot item on the market, but only time will tell on that. 4.93 ERA and an 11-11 record, he's tossed over 200 innings this season. He's a consistent 200 inning guy, having done that the previous three seasons. I would consider him. But only if the $ is right.
- Jason Jennings (29) - I can't say that Jason Jennings is going to be a "hot" item... in fact, he might be lucky to land a minor league job this off-season. He finished the year with a 2-9 record (OUCH!) and a 6.45 ERA. If he can attract the Ranger's attention, it would be only because his birthplace is in Dallas.
- Joe Kennedy (29) - 4-9 with a 4.80 ERA. He threw 110 2/3 innings this year.
- Byung-Hyun Kim (29) - 6.08 ERA with a 10-8 record (good run support?). He pitched 118 1/3 innings and had 107 Ks. Not bad. He also had 68 walks and gave up 20 HRs. Location, location, location.
- Brian Lawrence (32) - Already a free agent, he pitched for the Mets earlier this season, going 1-2 in six starts, posting an ERA of 6.83 over 29 innings.
- Jon Lieber (38) - Jonathan Ray Lieber (cool name), Lieber had season ending surgery in July. He should still be a great pick up for who-ever lands him. He went 3-6 with a 4.73 ERA in 78 innings. His injury was non-arm related, actually a torn tendon in his right foot. I personally do not know his pitching style, but if he is big into using his legs like Nolan Ryan was back in the day, then it could affect the way he pitches in the future. We'll see.
- Kyle Lohse (29) - went 9-12 with a 4.62 ERA. He had two complete games (that's two more than the Rangers) with a shutout. He pitched 192 & two third innings. (Millwood led the team in innings pitched this season with 172 & two thirds.)
- Rodrigo Lopez (32) - He went 5-4 with a 4.42 ERA. He started only 14 games. He was limited to 79 1/3 innings this season before being sent to the DL in July for a torn flexor tendon in his right arm, his pitching arm. He could come cheap due to some question marks.
- Eric Milton (32) - He went 0-4 in six starts. He has a career ERA of 5.01 and with that said, I will stop looking at him now.
- Tomo Ohka (32) - He has had a dismal year, to say the least. He has a career record of 50-62 and a career ERA of 4.14, which should be considered when looking at what he did this last season. He went 2-5 with a 5.79 ERA in ten starts. The question is will he regain his form of his career ERA or will he continue his 2007 woes if he is signed?
- Russ Ortiz (34) - Ortiz posted a 2-3 record with a 5.51 ERA. He had eight starts and 49 innings. It is notable that his career record is 110-82 and a career ERA of 4.42. He could come with a smaller price tag since he light workload this season... but he will miss the entire 2008 season. Who wants to pick up that kind of luggage? All the same, it could be rewarding when it is all said and done.
- Joel Pineiro (29) - He ended his season really strong. In his last ten games, he went 6-3 with a 3.68 ERA. He could be the starter the Rangers are looking for this off season. He only started 11 games, but played in 42 games. His 7-5 record and 4.33 ERA are very attractive. He pitched 97 2/3 innings this year. His last start of the season went 8 innings.
- Carlos Silva (29) - He's attractive for several reasons. He pitched over 200 innings this year (202 innings, actually) and his ERA was a nice 4.19, which would have been better than the Ranger starters this year. He did have a record of 13-14 and had two complete games and one shutout.
- John Thomson (34) - He had two starts this season. That's it. He had back spasms that put him on the DL in mid-season and hasn't seen the pitching mound since. He went 1-1with a 3.38 ERA in 10 2/3 innings. His ERA has climbed coming into this season and isn't known for being successful (a career 63-85 record with a 4.68 ERA). 2004 was the last season he pitched the entire season.
- Koji Uehara (33) - He currently pitches for the Yomiuri Giants. He is born on 4/3/1975 and is a right-hander. He has never posted a losing record. In 1999, he went 20-4 with a 2.09 ERA. This season, he became a closer, with a 4-3 record and 32 saves with a 1.74 ERA. He gets close to a K an inning over his career, with this season posting 66- Ks in 62 innings. I have to retract about the always a winning record. Last season he went 8-9.
- Jeff Weaver (31) - He stunk it up this year. There's no way around saying that. His record was 7-13 (OUCH!) and his ERA was 6.20... it's hard to say whether he will get a good contract, but he should take what he can get. His career #'s are 93-114 and a 4.72 ERA. Despite his bad numbers, he still managed to get three complete games and two shutouts.
- Jaret Wright (32) - He went 0-3 and had a 6.97 ERA. I don't think the Rangers are going to pursue him, and I can't blame them.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Rangers Head To Off-Season
I guess I should apologize for not posting for TWO MONTHS. I had problems with the internet and well... I couldn't get on long enough to do too much for a while. But alas, I am back with my thoughts, criticisms and what-nots.
It is not too much of a surprise to say that the first thing on the Ranger's list is PITCHING. Everybody and their mother knows the Rangers need pitching. They finished this season with the second most relief innings in a season. They also hold the record for the most relief innings pitched (back in 1997).
Here's a list I found for the free-agents in 2008.
Catchers
Brad Ausmus (39)
Michael Barrett (31)
Ramon Castro (32)
Jason Kendall (34)
Paul Lo Duca (36)
Jorge Posada (36)
Jose Molina (33)
Ivan Rodriguez (36) - $13MM club option for '08
Yorvit Torrealba (30)
First basemen
Sean Casey (34)
Tony Clark (36)
Adam Dunn (28) - $13MM club option for '08
Darin Erstad (34) - $3.5MM club option for '08
Scott Hatteberg (38) - $1.85MM club option for '08
Ryan Klesko (37)
Mike Lamb (33)
Doug Mientkiewicz (34)
Second basemen
Luis Castillo (32)
Damion Easley (38)
Marcus Giles (30) - $4MM club option for '08
Tadahito Iguchi (33)
Mark Loretta (37)
Kaz Matsui (32)
Jose Valentin (38)
Shortstops
David Eckstein (33)
Cesar Izturis (28) - $5.45MM club option for '08
Juan Uribe (29) - $5MM club option for '08
Omar Vizquel (41)
Third basemen
Pedro Feliz (33)
Mike Lamb (32)
Mike Lowell (34)
Alex Rodriguez (32) - Has ability to opt out of contract after season
Left fielders
Moises Alou (42) - $7.5MM club option for '08
Barry Bonds (43)
Milton Bradley (30)
Adam Dunn (28) - $13MM club option for '08; becomes free agent after season if traded
Cliff Floyd (35) - mutual option for '08
Luis Gonzalez (40)
Geoff Jenkins (33) - $9MM club option for '08
Reggie Sanders (40)
Shannon Stewart (34)
Brad Wilkerson (31)
Center fielders
Milton Bradley (30)
Mike Cameron (35)
Darin Erstad (34) - $3.5MM club option for '08
Torii Hunter (32)
Andruw Jones (31)
Kenny Lofton (41)
Corey Patterson (28)
Aaron Rowand (30)
Right fielders
Bobby Abreu (34) - $16MM club option for '08
Milton Bradley (30)
Kosuke Fukudome (31)
Shawn Green (35) - $10MM club option for '08
Jose Guillen (32) - $9MM club option for '08
Geoff Jenkins (33) - $9MM club option for '08
Trot Nixon (34)
Reggie Sanders (40)
DHs
Barry Bonds (43)
Mike Piazza (39)
Sammy Sosa (39)
Mike Sweeney (34)
Starting pitchers
Tony Armas (30) - $5MM mutual option for '08
Kris Benson (33) - $7.5MM club option for '08
Paul Byrd (37) - $8MM club option for '08
Shawn Chacon (30)
Roger Clemens (46)
Matt Clement (33)
Bartolo Colon (35)
Josh Fogg (31)
Casey Fossum (30)
Freddy Garcia (32)
Tom Glavine (42) - $9MM player option for '08
Livan Hernandez (33)*
Jason Jennings (29)
Joe Kennedy (29)
Byung-Hyun Kim (29)
Brian Lawrence (32)
Jon Lieber (38)
Kyle Lohse (29)
Rodrigo Lopez (32)
Greg Maddux (42) - $8.75MM player option or $11MM club option for '08
Eric Milton (32)
Tomo Ohka (32)
Russ Ortiz (34)
Odalis Perez (31) - $9MM club option for '08
Andy Pettitte (36) - $16MM player option for '08
Joel Pineiro (29)
Kenny Rogers (43)
Curt Schilling (41)
Carlos Silva (29)
Julian Tavarez (35) - $3.85MM club option for '08
John Thomson (34)
Brett Tomko (35) - $4.5MM mutual option for '08
Steve Trachsel (37) - $4.75MM club option for '08
Koji Uehara (33)
Jeff Weaver (31)
David Wells (45)
Kip Wells (31)
Randy Wolf (31) - $9MM club option for '08
Jamey Wright (34)
Jaret Wright (32)
Closers
Armando Benitez (35)
Joe Borowski (37) - $4MM club option for '08
Francisco Cordero (33)
Octavio Dotel (32) - $5.5MM mutual option for '08
Eric Gagne (32)
Jason Isringhausen (35) - $8MM club option for '08
Todd Jones (40)
Al Reyes (37) - $1MM club option for '08
Mariano Rivera (38)
Bob Wickman (39)
Middle relievers
Jeremy Affeldt (29)
Antonio Alfonseca (36)
LaTroy Hawkins (35)
Jorge Julio (29)
Joe Kennedy (29)
Scott Linebrink (31)
Troy Percival (39)
David Riske (31) - $2.85MM club option for '08
Russ Springer (39)
Julian Tavarez (35) - $3.85MM club option for '08
Mike Timlin (42)
Luis Vizcaino (31)
Kerry Wood (31)
Here's a nasty rumor... Barry Bonds to wear a Rangers uniform next season? I would prefer Sammy Sosa coming back here over Barry Bonds coming here... it's just my preference. Well, take out the pitchers who couldn't handle the Texas heat (based on age - no-one over 40), and also remove the pitchers who have already pitched here and we just aren't interested.
Starting pitchers
- Shawn Chacon (30) - Stats in 2007: 5-4 w/ a 3.94 ERA (1 save) in 96 innings
- Matt Clement (33) - did not play in 2007
- Bartolo Colon (35) - 6.34 ERA going 6-8 in 99 1/3 innings (missed August)
- Josh Fogg (31) - Has a 4.79 ERA in a hitters park (understatement) with a 10-9 record and 161 2/3 innings. His ERA was at 5.27 on 8/22, but has given up 11 Earned Runs in his last 6 outings. He looks to be a hot item in the off-season.
- Casey Fossum (30) - Retired maybe??? He just might be retired simply due to a lack of interest by the game. In '07, he went 5-8 with a 7.70 ERA and hasn't pitched since August 5th. Later, Casey.
- Freddy Garcia (32) - Went 1-5 with a 5.90 ERA. Not on the hot list... Through only 58 innings this season, but it is his previous seasons that interest me. He could come cheap and might be worth it. But knowing the Rangers luck...
- Livan Hernandez (33) - He could be a hot item on the market, but only time will tell on that. 4.93 ERA and an 11-11 record, he's tossed over 200 innings this season. He's a consistent 200 inning guy, having done that the previous three seasons. I would consider him. But only if the $ is right.
- Jason Jennings (29) - I can't say that Jason Jennings is going to be a "hot" item... in fact, he might be lucky to land a minor league job this off-season. He finished the year with a 2-9 record (OUCH!) and a 6.45 ERA. If he can attract the Ranger's attention, it would be only because his birthplace is in Dallas.
- Joe Kennedy (29) - 4-9 with a 4.80 ERA. He threw 110 2/3 innings this year.
- Byung-Hyun Kim (29) - 6.08 ERA with a 10-8 record (good run support?). He pitched 118 1/3 innings and had 107 Ks. Not bad. He also had 68 walks and gave up 20 HRs. Location, location, location.
- Brian Lawrence (32) - Already a free agent, he pitched for the Mets earlier this season, going 1-2 in six starts, posting an ERA of 6.83 over 29 innings.
- Jon Lieber (38) - Jonathan Ray Lieber (cool name), Lieber had season ending surgery in July. He should still be a great pick up for who-ever lands him. He went 3-6 with a 4.73 ERA in 78 innings. His injury was non-arm related, actually a torn tendon in his right foot. I personally do not know his pitching style, but if he is big into using his legs like Nolan Ryan was back in the day, then it could affect the way he pitches in the future. We'll see.
- Kyle Lohse (29) - I WILL PICK UP HERE TOMORROW WHEN I LOG BACK ON...
- Rodrigo Lopez (32)
- Eric Milton (32)
- Tomo Ohka (32)
- Russ Ortiz (34)
- Joel Pineiro (29)
- Carlos Silva (29)
- John Thomson (34)
- Koji Uehara (33)
- Jeff Weaver (31)
- Jaret Wright (32)
