OFFICIAL OFF SEASON THREAD ( 2017 )

[DT LUNA]

I'd rather sign Rosales than see Hanser anymore. I don't expect good offense. Just better than the equivalent of what you and I can provide.

Yes to Rosales.

 

[saddles]

Scotty may be right. They may not see a move here helping the team going forward. I don't see Profar in the OF for the same reason. He or Odor could be valuable in a trade and either one will be nice at second. If we lose Pro, that means Hanser will be around awhile.

But I brought it up because Nadel was considering Profar to play in LF. To me if both Profar and Odor are in the lineup and playing defensively it would make sense to have Profar at 2B and Odor in LF.

 

[DT LUNA]

But I brought it up because Nadel was considering Profar to play in LF. To me if both Profar and Odor are in the lineup and playing defensively it would make sense to have Profar at 2B and Odor in LF.

If that be the case, agree.

 

[saddles]

Two more names I thought of as far as OF under 6 foot. Oddibe and Odubel. One from the past and one who should be here presently. I am sure there are many more, but I really don't think they see Odor's height as the drawback. I just think the Rangers have shown a reluctance to moving established guys from the IF to the OF. We wouldn't do it with Soriano and we wouldn't do it with Kinsler. We probably should have done so in each case and we probably should do it now, but we won't. That's just not JD. The Desmond thing was completely different since he saw that as an opportunity to benefit his career. He wasn't one of our players that we had to convince or tell to make the move.

 

[Kelleyman]

Two more names I thought of as far as OF under 6 foot. Oddibe and Odubel. One from the past and one who should be here presently. I am sure there are many more, but I really don't think they see Odor's height as the drawback. I just think the Rangers have shown a reluctance to moving established guys from the IF to the OF. We wouldn't do it with Soriano and we wouldn't do it with Kinsler. We probably should have done so in each case and we probably should do it now, but we won't. That's just not JD. The Desmond thing was completely different since he saw that as an opportunity to benefit his career. He wasn't one of our players that we had to convince or tell to make the move.

Nadel thinks Profar is likely a better transition to Of then Odor due to athleticism. I get ther may be an arm do cern

 

[Bmurph]

Rangers Yet To Have Serious Extension Talks With Lucroy, Darvish

By Steve Adams | December 29, 2016 at 1:18pm CDT

The Rangers have had “informal” conversations with the agents for Jonathan Lucroyabout a possible extension, GM Jon Daniels said in a recent appearance on 1310 The Ticket in Dallas with host Norm Hitzges (transcript via the Dallas Morning News). There haven’t been any serious talks yet, though Daniels said he plans on exploring that scenario with both Lucroy and Yu Darvish as Opening Day draws nearer.

“We will sit down and talk to them but haven’t yet and that’s by design with so much going on,” said Daniels, presumably referencing his ongoing work to fill areas of need around the roster. Texas is known to be in fairly serious talks with Mike Napoli about a two-year contract to play first base and/or DH, for instance, and Daniels and his staff have already worked to re-sign Carlos Gomez to a one-year deal in addition to various trade scenarios that command persistent attention.

Both Lucroy and Darvish are set to hit free agency following the 2017 season, and barring some form of disastrous injury or unexpected decline, they’ll do so as two of the most coveted players available on the open market. Lucroy rebounded from an injury-plagued 2015 season to bat a combined .292/.355/.500 with a career-high 24 homers in 544 plate appearances between the Brewers and Rangers this past season. Paired with premium defense behind the plate and an ability to play first base as needed, Lucroy could well challenge or surpass the five-year deals signed by Russell Martin($82MM) and Brian McCann ($85MM) in recent years with another characteristically strong season.

Darvish, meanwhile, returned from 2015 Tommy John surgery to turn in 100 1/3 quality innings with the 2016 Rangers. The 30-year-old logged a 3.41 ERA and averaged 11.84 K/9 against 2.78 BB/9 with a 40.4 percent ground-ball rate and a 93.3 mph average fastball that was actually harder than any of his previous Major League seasons. If he’s able to turn in another season that falls somewhere between that form and his 2013 peak — 2.83 ERA, 11.89 K/9, 3.43 BB/9, 41 percent ground-ball rate in 209 2/3 innings — he looks very much like a pitcher that can command in excess of $100MM in free agency.

Certainly, each player’s proximity to free agency will make it difficult to extend him, however. Both players have already banked a sizable amount of money in their careers ($10.7MM for Lucroy and $45MM for Darvish), and the allure of a significant open-market payday would mean both are unlikely to offer any form of discount. Lucroy, in fact, cited a very business-oriented thought process when explaining his veto of a trade to the Indians over the summer, noting that the team’s plans to use him at first base and DH more than at catcher (which would’ve depreciated his free-agent value) heavily influenced his decision. Considering the fact that his current contract has become one of the game’s greatest bargains, free agency has to be especially appealing to him.

Daniels also spoke to Hitzges about the roles of Matt Bush and Jurickson Profar in 2017, noting that while there’s been some talk of Bush getting a look as a starter, he’s expected for the time being to come to Spring Training as a reliever. The GM did indicate an openness to the idea, though he noted some reasons for concern with the concept as well, including his limited experience on the mound and the fact that he’s never pitched to a starter’s workload (or even attempted to do so). Profar, meanwhile, is expected to compete for at-bats at first base and in left field, depending on exactly how the outfield alignment shakes out, Daniels added. Others in that mix will be Joey Gallo, Delino DeShields, Ryan Rua and Drew Robinson, the general manager noted. Obviously, a Napoli signing could take away some of those theoretical at-bats.

 

[Bmurph]

Talks with Napoli were said to be "hot" over a week ago, if something doesnt happen on that front pretty quick, I say it is unlikely Nap returns to Texas.

 

[Bmurph]

Wishing all of you fellas and your families a great and prosperous 2017!

Happy New Year!

 

[DT LUNA]

Happy and a blessed NEW YEAR. Please be careful and safe. I value each of you as friends.

 

[Duane1952]

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year. Want to everyone here for the 2017 season. Go Rangers.

 

[donaldson79]

This from ESPN's David Schoenfield.

The Rangers won their second straight AL West title with 95 wins, the second-most in franchise history, leading the division from May 29 on. They went 15-4 against the Astros and 12-7 against the Mariners and an all-time best 36-11 in one-run games. That kind of magic won't happen again, which is why the AL West looks like a tough three-team race, maybe even four if things break right for the Angels.

Texas Rangers

2016: 95-67, plus-8 run differential, lost American League Division Series to Blue Jays

2017 projected record from FanGraphs: 82-80

Key moves so far: re-signed free-agent OF Carlos Gomez; signed free-agent P Andrew Cashner; lost free-agent OF Ian Desmond, DH Carlos Beltran, 1B Mitch Moreland, P Derek Holland.

As you can imagine, winning 95 games while barely outscoring your opponents is an unusual event. This unusual: Before last year's Rangers, since 1969, just 32 teams had won 95 games in a season; the average run differential for those teams was 123 runs, with the lowest figure at plus-76 by the 2011 Tigers. The Nationals also went 95-67 in 2016 and outscored their opponents by 151 runs. So remember, the 2016 Rangers were an extreme outlier; they may end up scoring more runs and allowing fewer in 2017 -- and still win fewer games.

The Rangers should be excited about getting a full season of work from Yu Darvish in 2017. Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports
Anyway, their path to the playoffs starts with ageless wonder Adrian Beltre and the one-two rotation punch of Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish. Assume the same kind of production from those three, but with a full season from Darvish, and you have three stars. Despite some of the offseason losses, there are reasons to think the Rangers could have maybe the best offense in the league:

1. A full season from Shin-Soo Choo. He was terrific at the plate in 2015 with a .375 OBP but played just 48 games in 2016.
   
   
2. A more patient Rougned Odor. The 33 home runs were sweet, but he has to improve that .296 OBP.
   
   
3. Big power from Nomar Mazara. His rookie season produced an underwhelming .266/.320/.419 line after a strong start. Like Odor, he has to improve the discipline and pitch recognition to get into better counts, and his 20 home runs could turn into 30-plus.
   
   
4. Gomez. See below.
   
   
5. A full season from Jonathan Lucroy behind the plate.
   
   
6. Signing Mike Napoli. There are still several first baseman/DH types out there. The Rangers could scoop up Napoli to provide more of a sure thing than Joey Gallo or Ryan Rua.
   

The Rangers will need runs, because the rotation looks spotty behind Hamels, Darvish and Martin Perez. Good thing the bullpen is deep and manager Jeff Banister is one of the best in the biz.

Key player: Gomez. He struggled so badly in Houston that the Astros released him in August. The Rangers picked him up and he hit .284/.362/.543 in 33 games. Did he really find himself again after two seasons of struggles and injuries?

 

[Nightcrawler]

Did he really call Banny one of the best in the biz?

Not saying the guy sucks, but I've seen him singlehandedly lose games before with his moves.

 

[saddles]

Jamey Newberg has his list of his top 72 Rangers prospects. Here is the first 25.

1. Leody Taveras, OF

2. Ariel Jurado, RHP

3. Brett Martin, LHP

4. Yohander Mendez, LHP

5. Jose Trevino, C

6. Ronald Guzman, 1B

7. Joe Palumbo, LHP

8. Anderson Tejeda, SS-2B-3B

9. Josh Morgan, 3B-SS-2B

10. Alex Speas, RHP

11. Cole Ragans, LHP

12. Andy Ibanez, 2B-3B

13. Connor Sadzeck, RHP

14. Jose Leclerc, RHP

15. Eric Jenkins, OF

16. Scott Heineman, OF

17. Michael Matuella, RHP

18. Kole Enright, 3B-SS-2B

19. Luke Jackson, RHP

20. Tyler Phillips, RHP

21. Jairo Beras, OF

22. Drew Robinson, OF-3B-2B-1B-SS

23. Jonathan Hernandez, RHP

24. Pedro Payano, RHP

25. David Garcia, C

 

[Bmurph]

Quick Hits: Phillies, Rangers, Brewers, Tigers, Padres

By Connor Byrne | January 2, 2017 at 10:53pm CDT

A quick look around the majors as we wrap up the second day of 2017:

• The Rangers, Brewers and Tigers stand out as potential trade partners for the Phillies, observes Ryan Lawrence of PhillyVoice.com. In the cases of the Brewers and Tigers, Lawrence suggests the Phillies could put together a package to acquire an established corner outfielder in Ryan Braun or J.D. Martinez (Philly did inquire last month about Martinez, who’s entering a contract year). Texas, meanwhile, showed interest in Phillies starter Vince Velasquez last summer, leading Lawrence to wonder if the teams could strike a deal centering on the hard-throwing right-hander and power-hitting corner infield/outfield prospect Joey Gallo.
• Rangers president/general manager Jon Daniels doesn’t seem eager to try reliever Matt Bush as a starter, which is fine with the right-hander. “I’ve never started professionally. I feel great with where I’m at as a reliever right now,”Bush told T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. “I feel like it’s the best place for me right now. I still have some building to do with my arm. My career is very young. I just want to continue to do what I did last year.” Bush, 30, recorded a 2.48 ERA, 8.9 K/9 and 2.04 BB/9 in 61 2/3 innings last year, making the ex-convict, former shortstop and 2004 No. 1 overall pick an unexpected success story.
• The Padres could go the trade route for a shortstop – they targeted Detroit’s Jose Iglesias and Texas’ Hanser Alberto at the Winter Meetings – but they’ve also considered signing a free agent, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. The open market isn’t exactly teeming with obvious solutions, unfortunately, but finding outside help is in order. As MLBTR’s Jeff Todd detailed earlier this week, the Padres’ Luis Sardinas-led shortstop group doesn’t inspire much confidence.

I am perfectly fine with Bush staying in his same role as last year, and could be on board for a Gallo for Velasquez+ type deal, and if the Padres would give us a can of Lima beans for Hanser, I am good with that too!

 

[darrylgann]

Holidays are over, JD. Time to make some noice.

 

[DT LUNA]

Holidays are over, JD. Time to make some noice.

Glad you rattled the bushes. Awfully quite in hear.

 

[darrylgann]

Quick Hits: Phillies, Rangers, Brewers, Tigers, Padres

By Connor Byrne | January 2, 2017 at 10:53pm CDT

A quick look around the majors as we wrap up the second day of 2017:

• The Rangers, Brewers and Tigers stand out as potential trade partners for the Phillies, observes Ryan Lawrence of PhillyVoice.com. In the cases of the Brewers and Tigers, Lawrence suggests the Phillies could put together a package to acquire an established corner outfielder in Ryan Braun or J.D. Martinez (Philly did inquire last month about Martinez, who’s entering a contract year). Texas, meanwhile, showed interest in Phillies starter Vince Velasquez last summer, leading Lawrence to wonder if the teams could strike a deal centering on the hard-throwing right-hander and power-hitting corner infield/outfield prospect Joey Gallo.
• Rangers president/general manager Jon Daniels doesn’t seem eager to try reliever Matt Bush as a starter, which is fine with the right-hander. “I’ve never started professionally. I feel great with where I’m at as a reliever right now,”Bush told T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com. “I feel like it’s the best place for me right now. I still have some building to do with my arm. My career is very young. I just want to continue to do what I did last year.” Bush, 30, recorded a 2.48 ERA, 8.9 K/9 and 2.04 BB/9 in 61 2/3 innings last year, making the ex-convict, former shortstop and 2004 No. 1 overall pick an unexpected success story.
• The Padres could go the trade route for a shortstop – they targeted Detroit’s Jose Iglesias and Texas’ Hanser Alberto at the Winter Meetings – but they’ve also considered signing a free agent, per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com. The open market isn’t exactly teeming with obvious solutions, unfortunately, but finding outside help is in order. As MLBTR’s Jeff Todd detailed earlier this week, the Padres’ Luis Sardinas-led shortstop group doesn’t inspire much confidence.

I am perfectly fine with Bush staying in his same role as last year, and could be on board for a Gallo for Velasquez+ type deal, and if the Padres would give us a can of Lima beans for Hanser, I am good with that too!

Like that Gallo for Velasquez deal myself.

 

[DT LUNA]

Like that Gallo for Velasquez deal myself.

Go for it.

 

[darrylgann]

Glad you rattled the bushes. Awfully quite in hear.

More quite out there in MLB land. Guess JD and Napoli had a time out since all the activity I posted awhile back.

 

[DT LUNA]

More quite out there in MLB land. Guess JD and Napoli had a time out since all the activity I posted awhile back.

Holidays no doubt because no action anywhere on Nap.