If Grubbs could get himself together at the plate he would make a damn fine OFer, hopefully they will keep him and see if they can fix his stroke...
I'm sure he just earned a job on the post season roster...if there is such a roster next week:)
Yes great D and dude can 'cut bags' on the bases too.
"Magic" number 4 for Division title and 3 for 2nd WC. Which means they better win 4 of their next 5:)
Then again in head to head with the Angels the following could happen:
Angels go to Arlington down two. Rangers win the opener and the lead goes to 3 game ahead. That would guarantee at least a tie (with the Angels) in the Division if they lose the remaining 3 games.
Oh boy back to the tie breaker math. We can't figure this out because we don't know what Houston will be doing. Their first game in Arizona they face the Diamondbacks ace who I think is up for Cy Young contention. Record of 15-8. So no easy ride for them there.
Wild Wild West to the end.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
You guys keep playing for it all until the end . Use up all your pitchers .
May not matter though . We have a hurricane bearing down on us ;and bad weather the rest of the week . Don't know how the Yanks will get in 5 games in the rest of this week . Maybe there is a window for the game tonight . Maybe .
Then again .. maybe y'all will be playing an extra game Monday .
May not matter though . We have a hurricane bearing down on us ;and bad weather the rest of the week . Don't know how the Yanks will get in 5 games in the rest of this week . Maybe there is a window for the game tonight . Maybe .
Maybe a couple of double headers in the works for the East Coast teams this week/weekend? That would be something.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Richards (probably considered the healthy ace) pitches for the LAA tonight against Zito (what a joke) for the A's. The Angels have not set their rotation for the Rangers series yet. Which means they will probably float Richards to the first playoff game if they lock up a WC slot before Sunday. Or pitch him in a final game of the season to win the division or WC slot.
He pitches tonight so that means he can only pitch as early as Sunday on 3 days rest. Will be interesting to see what a strategist like Mike Scioscia will do to juggle the rotation.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
I'm sure he just earned a job on the post season roster...if there is such a roster next week:)
If he was hitting.250 or so I would agree. But if they have to use up the bullpen they may be forced to carry extra pitching. As it stands right now I would say they will carry 13 pitchers, the number they've carried pretty much all year...
Like I said before the 25 man roster will have some hard decisions made before it's final...
As we know due to days off during the playoffs, teams can go with a 4 man rotation. So Perez would no doubt be the long reliever or injury fill in or rain out fill in.
But given the above that would mean:
4X starters
That would mean by your estimation they float Perez and 8 more relievers. I don't see them going that for the playoffs.
You need two long relievers. So Ohlendorf and Bass get the nod or one of them and Perez. So let's say it's Perez and Ohlendorf. So that ticks off 2 for the Pen.
Then of course the work horse crew:
Tolleson
Kela
Diekman
Dyson
are no doubt 'in' in any playoff series. So that is 6 total for the pen out of necessity. So we are now up to 10 total pitchers. 4 starters and 6 relievers. This is bare minimum.
Then add the blow out games (even in the playoffs) where you need someone to eat up innings. That would add either a Nick Martinez, Chi Chi Gonzalez or Anthony Bass to the mix. Picking one with starting pitching experience is important but veteran experience is also a factor. So Bass wins this one.
So we are at 11 pitchers now. 4 starters, 6 base relievers (closer, three set up, one long who pitched as a starter most of the season); then a blow out specialist (Bass).
So far all are RHP save Perez and Diekman. So we are up to 11 pitchers and two are LHPs. For your 13 pitcher model that would leave Freeman and Faulkner LHPs who could be added in L vs L matchups. Freeman did better against RH batters.
So the last two slots could go to both south paws, but if you have Perez, and Diekman do you need another two LHPs or just one. I say only one and it should be Freeman (most experience at MLB level than Faulkner). So that is now 12 pitchers. Your 13th would either be Nick Martinez or Chi Chi Gonzalez. That would add another long arm or rain out option IMO.
So my analysis of the 13 pitchers if Banister so chooses to follow your sage advice (and mine:))
Too bad we could not find a spot for Wandy Rod in the BP for the playoffs.
And of course all this means nothing if they don't win the next 3 or 4 of 5 games.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Obviously: Gimenez, Moreland, Odor, Elvis, Beltre, DD, Choo with Fielder as DH.
LF is the issue. Who starts there in the playoffs? Do you roll the dice with Napoli? I think Banister will do that as he has been playing Nap. So shoe horn Nap in LF (he can play 1B as well and if needed play the emergency 3rd catcher) against LHP and Josh Hamilton in LF against RHP. If Josh's numbers are better against a specific LHP then play Josh to reduce risk in LF.
So that's 10 right off the bat (no pun intended). Then we need a utility INF and that is Alberto. So that's 11. The second catcher will have to be Chirinos because he can play both 1B and 3B in a pinch and catch of course. So that's 12. Then you need another OF who can play all three spots. That would be Stubbs (handy pinch runner too). That makes 13. So they would need to trim the pitchers down to 12.
After all of that, I would argue if they retained 13 pitchers they would be crazy and it would limit their pinch hitting options. So I see them going 12 pitchers and 13 position players. The additional position player would most likely be Venable(good speed and fielding), but could be Rua if Banister wants another RH bat.
So IMO it has to be 13 position and 12 pitchers. 12 pitchers may be a bit much. That would be 4 starters and 8 relievers. That's a lot for even the playoffs. Managers in playoff games have to know when to cut bait and play to win another day. So you need one or two guys to eat up innings.
Plus...these will be difficult decisions for a team that was not expected to do much this season.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Three losses to the Yankees in the mid to late 90s in the ALDS yet I don't know many Rangers fans who have a deep seated hate for the Yankees...Like Boston fans do:)
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
She was born there so I imagine she will always root for them...
Now if you really want to change her you have to take her to a World Series game where the rangers come from behind dramatically late in the game to clinch the title. Or maybe get her a date with VegHead that might do the trick!!! :)
None of the starters are impressing me right now and none seem to be capable of pitching more than 5-6 innings. That isn't enough to get the job done in my opinion (especially in the playoffs) so that is why I think they will continue to carry 13...
You really only need 3 good starters in the playoffs with the days off, this makes your 4th and 5th starters your game 4 pitchers, if you can get 4 innings from each one you're golden...
If things continue they way they are they will play the Royals and they have a winning record against them. Most of this I think is because most of their starting pitching is RHed, which will be a good match-up for the Rangers since most of their big bats are LHed. Less need for RHed pinch hitters or pinch base runners, but you will still need late inning defensive replacements (and will need to be RHed...
So with all that being said the pitchers will be Hamels, Holland, Perez, Lewis, Gallardo, Tolleson, Dyson, Diekman, Kela, Martinez, Gonzalez, Ohlendorf and Faulkner...
Let me guess you are wondering why I picked Faulkner over Freeman? Easy .125 BA by LHers against him and Freeman is .277, no brainer... Even though Faulkner is young he seems like he can "git er dun"... :) And Royals most dangerous bats are LHed...
As far as position players go Beltre, "Evis", Odor, Moreland, Fielder, DD, Hamilton, Choo, Giminez, Napoli, Stubbs, and Alberto. I wish I had different choices for the last 2 but there just aren't any...
As far as position players go Beltre, "Evis", Odor, Moreland, Fielder, DD, Hamilton, Choo, Giminez, Napoli, Stubbs, and Alberto. I wish I had different choices for the last 2 but there just aren't any...
That's a gamble not running with a second catcher. Nap is an emergency guy given his hip issues.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
That's a gamble not running with a second catcher. Nap is an emergency guy given his hip issues.
I know, I was under the impression Chirinos was pretty much done for the year but I see he played tonight. I assume this is an audition to see if he can be on the 25 man roster???
I'm not really in love with the options both pitching and position players for this team going into the playoffs, they have holes and no aces...
If Scheppers was pitching well I would keep him and drop 2 other pitchers to keep more position players. But then who do you keep as position players since most of the other choices haven't played in the last week to 10 days. Obviously Banny isn't using any of them because none of them are hitting even 1/2 their weight!
And there is Josh another tweeked knee/shoulder away from being useless, who is gonna be his replacement?? (Who aren't hitting either)?? Venable, Martin??
I'll say it again I REALLY DON"T LIKE THE OPTIONS THEY HAVE!!!
Alberto - .222 (Rookie) (Rangers traded away serviceable backup middle infielders earlier in the year)
Venable - .244
Stubbs - .198
Strasbourger - .200 (Rookie)
Rua - .193 (Rookie) Can play multiple positions in IF and OF
Martin - .219 (has a bum hand) has about 5 days to prove he can play
Gallo - .206 (Rookie)
Wilson - .189
Hell of a list of backups isn't it???
You're probably right in that I'm probably going to have to go with 11 or 12 pitchers but I think that will end up biting them in the ass, they'll run out of pitchers, their relievers have pitched A LOT OF INNINGS THIS YEAR!!! Banny had to use 5 again tonight just to get by the "Tiggers" and Miggy sat out........
I'll say it again I REALLY DON"T LIKE THE OPTIONS THEY HAVE!!!
Yes they have holes in a leaking boat. But they have bailed out enough water to get where they are. I don't think anyone in the front office or even the dugout thought they would be where they are. It's been an amazing ride this year. Having the "trouble" of figuring out a post season roster is a good problem to have:)
If 2-6 keeps clobbering the ball they have a shot.
Pitching has been an issue all season especially the BP. But those two additions did wonders.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
If the Rangers win tomorrow that eliminates LAA in the division race. Wish Seattle pitched Hernandez. Instead the manager pitched his BP starting as well.
So we can finish one order of business tomorrow. Win and the Angels can't tie us. They will be 4 back with 3 to go. We win with the Stros off we go up a half game to 3 full games. So that guarantees us a division tie with Stros. If we win tomorrow night. I think a win tomorrow also gets us a tie for the second WC. Rangers and Yankees have the same record now.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Yes if the Rangers win tomorrow they eliminate the Angels from division contention. They also pick up a 1/2 game on the Astros. That would guarantee at least a tie with the Astros.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Venable and Stubbs are holes in the line up. I would argue to the AL commissioner to change the rules to have two DH batters in the line up to offset them:) Or have the pitcher bat (Gally has a good bat) instead and DH for the OFer:)
Both OFers have saved our bacon in at least 4 games in the later innings. A dude who can run faster than DD and is about 4 inches taller (if not more) than DD is quite an asset (Stubbs).
Did you see Nap's rocket last night? Wow, memories of 2011.
Given Nap's success against Angel pitching (quite a history), he will probably be starting at 1B against LHPs and in LF against RH pitchers.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Both OFers have saved our bacon in at least 4 games in the later innings. A dude who can run faster than DD and is about 4 inches taller (if not more) than DD is quite an asset (Stubbs).
No denying their defensive capabilities they just can't seem to hit their way out of a wet paper bag, Venable is slightly better at the plate.... Slightly...
If they were both hitting it would sure go a long way towards solving the issues the team has with LHers...
#1357. To: redleghunter, tomder55, Liberator (#1353)
Yes if the Rangers win tomorrow they eliminate the Angels from division contention. They also pick up a 1/2 game on the Astros. That would guarantee at least a tie with the Astros.
Depending on how the Yankees play they may end up on the road in Houston for the WC game... If that happens and they lose that may be the end of Girardi...
He did great tonight. Glove, arm and bat. But I don't see them dumping Gimmy. I see both on the roster. Gimmy knows the new pitchers best.
Yeah he did alright but how will he feel tomorrow, and will he be able to throw out base runners??? I'm assuming he will have to have surgery in the off season to repair that muscle...
Depending on how the Yankees play they may end up on the road in Houston for the WC game... If that happens and they lose that may be the end of Girardi...
It would behoove the Yanks to wrap it up tonight . Not sure if and when the weekend game against the O's will be played if they are determinant on their placing . As far as Giradi being fired ? I don't think so. He's GM Cashman's man and will only go if Cashman goes .It is not Giradi's fault that he has a bunch of players who can't be moved because of their contracts . He will also have to live with it next year . Who is going to want AROID ,Beltran ,Tex ,CC ? Beltran could be a good DH somewhere ,but the Yanks can't put him there because AROID is locked in there . If Tex can stay healthy a full season he would be a lock at 1st . What Giradi did this year was manage a team that NO ONE thought would be a playoff team into the playoffs (I'm assuming that the math of the combo of Yank wins and other contenders losses over the weekend will work in their favor) . While he did that the Yanks have continued to look to the future and retooled their farm . They did not give up their future this year at the trade deadline .
Pitching has been an issue all season especially the BP. But those two additions did wonders.
Getting both Diekman and Dyson has really shored up the bullpen. There for about a 3 week stretch in the 1st half the starters were throwing quality starts every time out, before and after not hardly...
Yeah he did alright but how will he feel tomorrow, and will he be able to throw out base runners??? I'm assuming he will have to have surgery in the off season to repair that muscle...
And we must consider this data as well:
. @Rangers are 24-6 this season in games started by @ChrisGimenez5.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Basically if the Rangers win just one game against the Angels, the Angels can't catch them for either the WC or Division. If the Astros sweep the DBacks (hello Goldschmidt help us out here) and the Rangers only win one game against the Angels then there will be a tie breaker with the Astros at Arlington.
So the Rangers are in the driver's seat. If they win tonight great things happen early. They get a guaranteed playoff berth and if they win game 2 of the Angels series, they can set their post season rotation.
"For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly."---Romans 5:6
Here's Evan Grant's article. A bit more balanced. Where Sherrington touts the Angels are 15-5 against the Rangers this year (true) Grant had this to say:
The Angels have dominated the Rangers this season, winning 10 of 15 games, but seven of those wins came before the All-Star break.
The Rangers are a vastly different team since the break and that shows up dramatically in looking back at the season series. Among the starting pitchers for the Rangers in those first nine: Ross Detwiler, Nick Martinez, Anthony Ranaudo, Wandy Rodriguez and Chi Chi Gonzlalez.
Colby Lewis was the only pitcher to start against the Angels in the first half who is still in the Texas rotation. Since the All-Star break, when the Rangers started overhauling the pitching staff with the additions of Martin Perez, Cole Hamels, Jake Diekman, Sam Dyson and Derek Holland, the series is dead-even at 3- 3.