The Grill fires up again for a BBQ cook-off: KC @ TEX 4/10-12

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

I believe this is Leandro Calderon.

 

[saddles]

I believe this is Leandro Calderon.

This is the kid Jamey Newberg said would be in our rotation in 2028 when he answered my question about how a future rotation of all Rangers prospects would work out within 5 years.

 

[saddles]

I believe this is Leandro Calderon.

 

[Kelleyman]

Yeah Calderon rang a bell Lopez did not

 

[Kelleyman]

Yup

 

[saddles]

This mock draft has us taking Walker Jenkins in the first round.


"The Rangers landed the No. 4 overall pick in part due to some luck from the new lottery system, and it’s affording them the luxury of picking from a litter of fantastic players. While they’ve struggled to develop arms of late, their track record with bats is much stronger. Walker Jenkins might have the most upside of any prep bat in this class and has a shot at hitting for a high average and big-league power at the next level, all while playing an athletic corner outfield."

2023 MLB Mock Draft: Crews, Skenes, prep bats highlight Top 10

The MLB Draft is an annual opportunity for clubs to add talent to their organization. It's been suggested the draft is the most efficient way to do so, and it's tough argue against the senitment. Every draft class differs and offers the same chance for teams to gain on rivals, or increase the...

futurestarsseries.com

 

[Kelleyman]

Saw this one coming

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

 

[BULLPEN FAILURE]

No repeat division winners? A 64-homer season!? Our hottest hot takes two weeks into the MLB season

Tristan Cockcroft: Rangers will be the AL West's last team standing this October

They play in a competitive division in which three other teams were generally more popular preseason playoff picks; indeed, the Rangers were regarded more of a hey-maybe-in-2024 contender. But this team is built strongly enough to win now -- and make serious noise during the postseason. Sure, a little luck is needed on the injury front (hello, Jacob deGrom), but piling up April and May wins will have a way of coaxing the Rangers' big-spending, going-for-it-soon owner to dive right in. And since they possess organizational prospect depth that a mere handful of teams can rival, this is the team that shocks the world by trading for Shohei Ohtani at the deadline, the final puzzle player the Rangers need to make their serious October push. Just like last October, we'll again be talking up the managerial prowess of an ex-Giants skipper.

 

[saddles]

From Scott Lucas:

Cole Winn produced his best outing of the season despite a rocky 5th. Winn cruised through the first four innings, surrendering a double and walk plus only one other three-ball count. The 5th contained six hard-hit balls including a double, single, and double around a walk.

 

[saddles]

Also from Scott Lucas:


I saw Jack Leiter in person for the second time this year.

The good news: 12 swinging strikes, seven strikeouts (37% of the 19 batters) mostly completed with a slider. Several batters took late, awkward, flat-footed swings at sliders that veered outside. It's a sharp pitch. Leiter fanned three batters in the 4th and tallied seven misses in a stretch of ten swings. Against a righty-heavy lineup, Leiter's fastball was effective when up and running in. After a walk to start the game, Leiter was fairly efficient through the 3rd, reaching three balls to three more batters but always delivering a strike when required. Hard contact wasn't an issue; San Antonio never hit anything that hinted at extra bases. His mound demeanor seemed fine.

 

[WastinSomeTime]

It's all about money. But isn't it always.

 

[Nightcrawler]

Angels would never trade ohtani to us.

 

[BULLPEN FAILURE]

anyone else fascinated by what the Rays are doing? They have a +71 run differential after 13 games (13-0 record). Only 7 teams had a higher RD in all of 2022!

 

[saddles]

anyone else fascinated by what the Rays are doing? They have a +71 run differential after 13 games (13-0 record). Only 7 teams had a higher RD in all of 2022!

Yes, I am.

 

[DTC]

anyone else fascinated by what the Rays are doing? They have a +71 run differential after 13 games (13-0 record). Only 7 teams had a higher RD in all of 2022!

It’s amazing

 

[Kelleyman]

So thinking maybe they let Smith or another speedy runner if not in the lineup lead off. Maybe Semien can have a different mindset batting second

 

[Kelleyman]

anyone else fascinated by what the Rays are doing? They have a +71 run differential after 13 games (13-0 record). Only 7 teams had a higher RD in all of 2022!

I am fascinated how they maximize pitching and know how to move them for other talent

Solak was abuse but at least we got Lowe