Draft slot race comes down to The Wire as the Rangers head to Baltimore: 9/23-26

[True Rangers Fan]

No, no, I didn't mean anything like Pudge. That is why I mentioned all star caliber and not HOF caliber.

Sundberg and.. who?

 

[DT LUNA]

No, no, I didn't mean anything like Pudge. That is why I mentioned all star caliber and not HOF caliber.

He was something else to watch

 

[True Rangers Fan]

Ephland: 4-6
Saddles: 6-4
scotsman: 4-6
DTC: 5-5
Kelleyman: 5-5
DT Luna: 6-4
darrylgann: 5-5


Rangers record: 0-1
Slot 3 Magic number: 8

 

[saddles]

He was something else to watch

I was thrilled that we got to witness Sundberg for several years, and then Pudge came along and eclipsed that.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

He was something else to watch

He came along right when young me was getting invested in the game. Him and Juan-do.

 

[saddles]

Sundberg and.. who?

I was including Pudge, but I didn't mean they had to be as great as Pudge.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

I was including Pudge, but I didn't mean they had to be as great as Pudge.

I gotcha.

I still feel like producing all-star level talent at the catcher position isn't something a lot of teams achieve on a regular basis. Can't really knock the Rangers for that.

Pitching, however....

 

[saddles]

Is Chad Kreuter the third best catcher that we have developed? Am I missing someone else?

Petralli, Slaught, Laird, and Chirinos all came from other organizations.

 

[saddles]

I gotcha.

I still feel like producing all-star level talent at the catcher position isn't something a lot of teams achieve on a regular basis. Can't really knock the Rangers for that.

Pitching, however....

It doesn't have to be a regular basis, but maybe a little more often than it has been for the last 30 to 35 years.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

Have I ever shared the story about how my dad flirted with Pudge once?

This was the offseason after his rookie year. Pudge was signing autos at a card show in Arlington. Didn't speak a word of English, so people were told he wouldn't be taking any personalization requests. My dad and I both went, being huge fans. The lady in front of us, a "Karen" before we knew what they were, decided she didn't care about the edict and asked Pudge if he would sign "To (name), love Pudge" and was quickly denied.

Never one to miss an opportunity to do a bit, my Dad confidently strolled up and asked Pudge "Could you sign this To David, All my love forever, Pudge" as sincerely as possible. Pudge, having no clue what my Dad had just said, just kind of stared as Dad let it hang in the air just long enough to be massively awkward for everyone, and then cracked himself up laughing.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

The history of Rangers catchers since the departure of Ivan Rodriguez - Dallas Sports Fanatic

 

[True Rangers Fan]

@DT LUNA probably remembers Hank Bauer from the Yankees. At that Pudge signing, Bauer was there as well. Dad got his auto, and shared a laugh with Hank because he happened to sign across his own crotch, which Dad happily pointed out.

 

[DT LUNA]

Have I ever shared the story about how my dad flirted with Pudge once?

This was the offseason after his rookie year. Pudge was signing autos at a card show in Arlington. Didn't speak a word of English, so people were told he wouldn't be taking any personalization requests. My dad and I both went, being huge fans. The lady in front of us, a "Karen" before we knew what they were, decided she didn't care about the edict and asked Pudge if he would sign "To (name), love Pudge" and was quickly denied.

Never one to miss an opportunity to do a bit, my Dad confidently strolled up and asked Pudge "Could you sign this To David, All my love forever, Pudge" as sincerely as possible. Pudge, having no clue what my Dad had just said, just kind of stared as Dad let it hang in the air just long enough to be massively awkward for everyone, and then cracked himself up laughing.

Now I know how you got it.

 

[DT LUNA]

@DT LUNA probably remembers Hank Bauer from the Yankees. At that Pudge signing, Bauer was there as well. Dad got his auto, and shared a laugh with Hank because he happened to sign across his own crotch, which Dad happily pointed out.

Yes I remember Hank.

 

[scotsman1948]

Hopefully he can be a DH and catch 35-40 games a year backing up a stud starter
That would give the roster great flexibility as well.

I would like to see at least a season maybe 2 behind the plate before we relegate him to DH or 1B while hanging onto those draft choices until we know better what we need

 

[DT LUNA]

I hope that is because that is where he has to play this year. I hope they haven't completely given up on him catching. Hopefully, he can be the 20s version of Mike Napoli.

Yogi Berra once said,"When you come to a fork in the road, take it"

 

[True Rangers Fan]

Now I know how you got it.

Definitely

 

[Kelleyman]

Re Huff If he is a great hitter which is to be determined the he need to play daily which means he will have to split time if he is catching.
He is so big so guess that has been a concern.
Great Catchers that can hit are unicorns. I know Mauser finally transitioned

So thrust makes me take Lowe and his future with a grain of salt

 

[Kelleyman]

Yes I remember Hank.

Ha I read about him in history books and I am an old timer.

Bless you

 

[saddles]

Notes from Jeff Wilson's podcast:

What he sees in the lineup next year if no FA are signed..

Huff will catch in the minors next year. Heim and Trevino will be the catchers next year.

He goes with Lowe and Solak at 1B and 2B. Jung at 3B. He thinks if Jung had not gotten hurt that he would be up here already.

Peters in LF. Leody in CF and Garcia in RF.. A platoon with Ibanez and Calhoun at DH.

Leclerc at closer.


If they sign free agents and/or make trades he goes with:

Dunning, Hearn, Arihara, Sonny Gray, and Otto in the rotation.

Same catchers and same at 1B and 2B. Solak keeps seat warm for Foscue. Still Jung at 3B.

Trevor Story at SS. He already lives in Colleyville in the offseason.

IKF is a utility player.

Same players in the OF and same at DH and closer.

They interviewed Ricky Vanasco. He finished his rehab two weeks ago and is throwing all his pitches now.

He has put on 40 pounds, needed pounds. He has been eating 6200 calories daily. He has been working with the Rangers Nutritional Specialist, Stephanie Fernandez.

He is throwing up to 99 MPH and sits at 96-97 MPH. He will be at Fall Instructionals in early October.

His arsenal includes FB, CB, CH and he is working on a slider.

He will pitch 10 innings in instructs. He will be capped at about 90 to 100 innings next year.