The Texas Rangers on Wednesday received Patrick Kivlehan, a versatile power hitter in the minors, from Seattle to complete a deal that sent center fielder Leonys Martin to the Mariners.
Kivlehan, who will start next season at age 26, is a right-handed hitter who started at first base and all three outfield positions with Triple-A Tacoma this season. He had 22 homers and a .453 slugging percentage.
Kivlehan has never appeared in the majors. He was a fourth-round pick in the 2012 draft out of the State University of New Jersey, better known as Rutgers. Kivlehan, listed at 6 feet 2 and 210 pounds, exclusively played football for four years at Rutgers at safety. He resumed his baseball career after finishing with football.
Kivlehan began this season rated as the No. 4 overall prospect in a thin Seattle minor-league system. He is described as a bad-ball hitter who is best suited for first base and left field.
The Rangers also added right-handed reliever Tom Wilhelmsen and outfielder James Jones in the deal.
I thought that Jones was the player to be named later in the Wilhelmson deal but it looks like I was wrong we actually got 3 players in the deal and here is the 3rd one...
Looking at his bio (RHed, power bat, can play 3rd, 1st and all 3 OF spots) I bet they give him every opportunity to win a spot on the 25 coming out of Spring Training. That's if they don't sign or trade for someone to fill that need...
You know I haven't heard any speculation whatsoever about trading Moreland for a RHed bat or Rhed starter...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
So it looks like they are making sure they have at least 2 catchers. I'm guessing they've found out it would be too expensive at this time to upgrade at the catcher position or trade for a good young promising one...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
One possibility they left out would be Shelby Miller from the Braves, a Texas boy. He graduated from Brownwood HS in Brownwood, Texas, I used to go fishing at Lake Brownwood on a regular basis. Heck I may have even seen the kid playing on one of the beaches or out fishing with his Dad or Grandfather.
The wife has a relative on her side of the family that owns property down at Lake Brownwood (or used to) maybe I need to check into that as a winter hideaway... :)
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
One possibility they left out would be Shelby Miller from the Braves, a Texas boy.
Well you can count him out now he went to the Diamondbacks for a SO-SO OFer and 2 prospects, not bad for a guy with a 3.02 ERA last year. His record sucked (6-17) but he got no run support whatsoever from his team mates.
He would have fit in very nicely in the Rangers rotation for a long time...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
They seem to be sniffing around just about every other GMs doorway but keep getting kicked to the side when the door opens. Nobody seems to want to trade with them for what they have to offer. My guess is they know John is weak and if they hold out long enough he will cave and give them the prospects they covet...
They want to add a couple FA players but only want to sign them to 1 year deals, not much going on in that respect right now. (All because of the kids in AAA about ready to hit the big league team)... Once it gets closer to the season starting up again they might be able to find someone willing to sign for one year because they haven't had any other offers. But what kind of player is that gonna be, will he actually be any help to the team or just a lump on the bench???
From what I'm seeing/hearing Moreland/Fielder are not on the trade market contrary to all the rumors. They want to resign Adrian for a few more years, they want a RHed OFer/1B player to even out the lineup and at least 1 RHed pitcher.
As far as the pitcher goes they haven't been able to trade for one because of what I said in the first paragraph, and have only recently started talking to Colby because it seems he's alright after his knee surgery. Haven't seen anything else in the way of a FA RHed pitcher...
As far as the RHed OFer goes I'm seeing they are interested in Steve Pearce and Rajai Davis, so I'm assuming they aren't going to resign Napoli. Don't think he feels he's ready to be a part time player yet at a reduced salary...
Almost forgot Drew Stubbs is still out there and would make a very good addition if they can get his swing fixed. In my opinion he would end up being a better fit than Napoli or the other guys they are looking at. He's an outstanding defensive OFer and should be able to figure out 1B. (If you can't play 1B there is something wrong with you and the only place left for you is DH)... And the way it looks he would probably end up playing in at least 120 games or more playing on the days they face LHers, for when Josh gets hurt and as a defensive replacement... Same thing goes with him though is he ready to accept a reduced roll to try and win a WS ring???
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
As far as the RHed OFer goes I'm seeing they are interested in Steve Pearce and Rajai Davis, so I'm assuming they aren't going to resign Napoli. Don't think he feels he's ready to be a part time player yet at a reduced salary...
Also just remembered Todd Frazier is out there and he can play multiple positions, 3B, OF, 1B and SS when he was younger. Right now the Reds want an arm and a leg for him but if no one gives them what they want by the Trade Deadline he might become a bit more affordable. He will be eligible for arbitration after next year and should get a very healthy raise and could be kinda hard to resign. A very good backup plan in case they can't resign Beltre...
And.... the Yankees will have some high dollar players coming off the books at the end of next year and will be in the market for replacements, a good place to send Fielder and Evis...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
Also just remembered Todd Frazier is out there and he can play multiple positions, 3B, OF, 1B and SS when he was younger. Right now the Reds want an arm and a leg for him but if no one gives them what they want by the Trade Deadline he might become a bit more affordable. He will be eligible for arbitration after next year and should get a very healthy raise and could be kinda hard to resign. A very good backup plan in case they can't resign Beltre...
Well that didn't last very long he just got traded today, and cheaply from the looks of it... Why can't Daniels find deals like this???
Looks like they are going to 'hold' on what they have. Probably go after bargains in Feb like you noted earlier. All quiet on the Texas front:)
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
Looks like they are going to 'hold' on what they have.
I just heard they resigned Colby for 1 year and gave him a raise so that should fill in the rotation for now. Gonzo should be #5 unless he stinks in Spring Training... I still think they will go after another 1-2 arms unless they are confident in what is in AAA...
I think they are still kicking the tires on young RHed pitchers with at least 3 years of control, but as of now no takers for a decent price...
Speaking of kicking the tires they signed this kid to a tryout contract, he can hit 95!!!
Also looks like they signed a RHed OFer to platoon with Josh in LF next year... He will be in against LHers and maybe if Josh gets hurt for a short period of time... (Would say this might rule out them resigning Stubbs)...
Well Napoli signed with the Indians so they still should be in the market for a RHed power bat. That is unless they think Patrick Kivlehan can win that job out of Spring Training... He's versatile (can play IF and OF) so he could be a good cheap bench player...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
A team stream report I received said they are looking to the Rays for a trade.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
LOL, yeah that's clever and funny. Just a way to get a nice looking young woman near their club house:)
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
• And how did this happen? The Twins got a triple from three hitters in the same inning of their June 14 game in Texas -- but scored only one run. (So how did that happen? Shane Robinson got picked off third by Robinson Chirinos after triple No. 2. That's how.)
Here's an article you might find interesting/amusing, along with an excerpt...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
Did you see the Yankees traded for Aroldis Chapman???
Looks like they are another team that realize "adequate" starting pitching is hard to come by and are making their pen deeper... Am curious as to how many pitchers they will have on the opening day roster???
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
The Yanks gave up 4 minor leagues who are not considered big prospects (1 former 1st round pick who appeared to the Yanks to be a bust ). It's an impressive back end of the bullpen.
Question remains about the number of games he will be suspended due to domestic violence (Guess I have to tone down my critique of the Cowboys signing Greg Hardy.) Currently he is arbitration eligible ,and a free agent after this season. BUT ,if he serves significant suspension time ,it extends the time the Yanks control his deal.
I don't think Cashman is finished dealing . He has already opened the door for a possible trade of Andrew Miller to fill other needs ,like a young top end starter (dare I think Jose Fernandez ? ) If not ,the combo of Chapman,Miller , Betances could anchor the best bull pen of all time.
I also think the Yanks may consider moving Ivan Nova to fill a need.
Cashmen is probably trying to figure out how to get rid of Aroid. Maybe the Dodgers:)
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
Cashmen is probably trying to figure out how to get rid of Aroid. Maybe the Dodgers:)
That would be nice. There are other players on the team that could use a semi- day off in the DH position .(Beltran ,Tex ) But we know he can't be moved . The Yanks would still have to eat a mouthful of his salary . He barely can handle the DH role so any NL team would be out of the question.
The only things positive to say about his time last year was that he emerged as an occasional threat in the middle of the line up ;and that he assumed a leadership role on the team. He had no big controversies ,and said all the right things .
The good thing for the Yanks is they can begin shedding the high salaries of players like Tex starting 2017 .
I also think the Yanks may consider moving Ivan Nova to fill a need.
If they do that then they would need 2 more starters vs just the one they could use now. Seems most teams need to have at least 8-9 starters in the system to have a chance at making it thru the season with injuries and all...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
That would be nice. There are other players on the team that could use a semi- day off in the DH position .(Beltran ,Tex ) But we know he can't be moved . The Yanks would still have to eat a mouthful of his salary . He barely can handle the DH role so any NL team would be out of the question.
The Rangers just signed a versatile guy Justin Ruggiano (RHed batter)they plan to use as a platoon player in the OF. This is so Choo and Hamilton (LHed batters) have a few more days off during the season, and the team would have a better balanced lineup against the LHed pitching... IIRC they faced LHed starters about 70 times and had about a .500 record against them...
They also traded for a guy to do the same thing in the IF (if he can make the team out of Spring training) and that's Patrick Kivlehan. They're also hoping he can furnish some RHed power in the lineup. He can give Beltre, Fielder and Moreland days off when they need them...
I don't think playing a guy all 162 games is necessary or a good thing. They're just like us in that we need days off from work need that mental break, so do they. I would rather have them play 140-145 and be at the top of their game, than dragging ass late in the season when a playoff run may be needed, fading out altogether come playoff time, that's "IF" they make the playoffs...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
but the reason they would consider moving Nova is because he is close to free agency and coming off Tommy John. They could move him in a package to get a starter with multiple years of control . Although Nova has valuable as a 5th starter/long relief guy ,his value is limited because he only had a couple good seasons ,and he never developed a 3rd pitch. Plus he's 29.
It's kinda hard to get takers on someone with a +5.00 ERA last year, right now he isn't worth much. It might be better to let him start the season and hopefully he pitches well enough you can get some takers for him at the Trade Deadline...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
Our rumors roundup continues with news on another prominent outfielder still on the market: ▪ Justin Upton: The Texas Rangers are interested in Upton, but only on a one-year contract, tweets Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. Upton is still seeking a longer deal, but a one-year contract could be an option down the road if the market remains stalled. Upton is just 28 and coming off a sub-par year in San Diego (.251/.336/.445). He could add to his value with a big 2016 season and re-enter the weaker free-agent outfield market next winter.
Didn't know if you've seen this or not...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
Knew the interest was there. But can they afford even a one year contract?
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
Knew the interest was there. But can they afford even a one year contract?
There are a lot of good OFers in the same predicament as he is, not enough teams available for all the big names available. And Upton is doing a Cruz wanting a mega long term deal. This will turn a lot of teams off because of his performance last year and he could go unsigned for quite a bit longer. Their payroll is down $11M from last year and I can see him getting antsy so I would say yes they could do it...
BTA I can also see them going after another RHed pitcher so no matter how you look at it they will have to spend some more money or make a trade or two...
But will they do anything before the season starts that's the biggest question mark, they may very well wait until the trade deadline...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
Thanks. Time is short but knowing JD he is looking for bargains as you note.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
Now I can see why people aren't falling over themselves to offer Upton a contract, at least not one that he thinks should go with all the hype surrounding him...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
Rangers pitchers and catchers report 19 Feb. Rest of the squad 24 Feb. Baseball 2016 just around the corner. :)
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
Rangers pitchers and catchers report 19 Feb. Rest of the squad 24 Feb. Baseball 2016 just around the corner. :)
2 days before Daytona cool. That's usually the timeframe where the cold weather starts to break up here and you know Spring is just a few weeks away...
Vegetarians eat vegetables. Beware of humanitarians!
2 days before Daytona cool. That's usually the timeframe where the cold weather starts to break up here and you know Spring is just a few weeks away...
We really have not had much cold here in Central Texas this winter so far. I'm sure we will get a few days here and there near freezing but think we only had one day under 32F here at night.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
