Series Thread: Rangers Travel to Houston For Three Games September 15-17

[Duane1952]

Well what do you know

 

[saddles]

I know Garcia got a single, but I wonder what Helman would have done.

 

[Kelleyman]

I know Garcia got a single, but I wonder what Helman would have done.

I guess we’ll never know

 

[saddles]

When this season is evaluated folks needs to look at the whole season.
I see guys on Twitter blaming the guys who they are underperforming right now. For example, I have heard Jamey Newberg complain a ton about Smith and Jung, especially Smith. If you line up these hitters in the order of how they have performed for the entire year, you will have several guys to blame more so than Smith.

We dug ourselves a big hole mainly because Pederson, Burger, and Semien have performed this year. Between those three hitters and the lack of a closer we have been in bad shape most of the year. If we were in a better division we wouldn't have even been close when we began this latest run. There are other hitters to blame as well, especially Garcia and Heim.

Jung has been a disappointment. Josh Smith, overall, has been a disappointment. Seager has had an off year, by his standards. Langford has even been a disappointment, overall. Health-wise, both Seager and Carter have disappointed.

We are not nearly as close to being what we need to be as the standings showed coming into this series. We are a long way away from being a strong contender.

The question is, are we far enough away to begin another rebuilding program. We probably are, but CY will never acknowledge that. He will never begin to rebuild. JD lived in denial for a few years before he finally did so. I think we are probably a couple of more mediocre-at-best years away from doing the right thing.

The only way to avoid needing to rebuild is to have the front office do some big things both in trading away veterans who no longer need to be here and in spending very big money on next year's team. Trading guys away will mean eating between $25-30 million in annual salary for 2026 and $15-18 million in annual salary for 2027 and 2028.

Even spending that much will not get the job done unless guys like Smith and Jung rebound and Langford makes another step or two forward. I haven't given up on those guys, but if you have given up on them, then that probably means you see the need to rebuild right away.

I also believe in Leiter and Rocker, longterm. I think Latz has shown some promise as a starter. I feel very strongly that Jose Corniell is ready to compete for a rotation spot next spring. I think if CY spends again on the rotation then it should be for a 5th starter who could eventually transition to the pen, if need be. That guy could compete with Latz and Corniell in spring training.

More so than any of our other young guys, I believe that Cody Bradford will be back and pick up right where he left off. I think at this time next year we will be talking about Cody as being one if our best starters. I feel much more strongly about him than Jung, Smith, or Langford returning to form. I fell better about him than I do about Leiter or Rocker.

 

[saddles]

I guess we’ll never know

Seems like I heard that somewhere before.

 

[saddles]

From Matthew Harris:

Emiliano Teodo pitched a scoreless inning in relief tonight in his first outing for Round Rock since June 1st. Teodo allowed 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks, 1 HBP, and picked up 1 strikeout on 13 pitches (46.2% strikes).

Throwing strikes does remain a struggle for Teodo, but his stuff, in turn, remains undeniable. This season has definitely been one to forget Teodo, but it’s good to see him picking up some positive momentum before heading to the Arizona Fall League.

 

[scotsman#1948]

Yep Merril Kelly has his worst game as a Ranger in a must win game.
It probably does not matter the way the offense is going.

not sure it was close to his worst. Astros came out aggressive at the plate and it seem he hit his spots most of the time they just were chasing everything close to the plate. now the Rangers offensive on the other hand was as passive as they could be for the first 5 to 7 innings and every batter seemed to start with an o-2 or 1-2 count which led to 7 strikeouts in the 1st 3 innings

 

[Kelleyman]

not sure it was close to his worst. Astros came out aggressive at the plate and it seem he hit his spots most of the time they just were chasing everything close to the plate. now the Rangers offensive on the other hand was as passive as they could be for the first 5 to 7 innings and every batter seemed to start with an o-2 or 1-2 count which led to 7 strikeouts in the 1st 3 innings

He did not handle the top of the lineup well at all. Put us in a hole

We have enough SP depth so I really do not want to resign him. Safer and cheaper if adding a vet to get Corbin

 

[Kelleyman]

When this season is evaluated folks needs to look at the whole season.
I see guys on Twitter blaming the guys who they are underperforming right now. For example, I have heard Jamey Newberg complain a ton about Smith and Jung, especially Smith. If you line up these hitters in the order of how they have performed for the entire year, you will have several guys to blame more so than Smith.

We dug ourselves a big hole mainly because Pederson, Burger, and Semien have performed this year. Between those three hitters and the lack of a closer we have been in bad shape most of the year. If we were in a better division we wouldn't have even been close when we began this latest run. There are other hitters to blame as well, especially Garcia and Heim.

Jung has been a disappointment. Josh Smith, overall, has been a disappointment. Seager has had an off year, by his standards. Langford has even been a disappointment, overall. Health-wise, both Seager and Carter have disappointed.

We are not nearly as close to being what we need to be as the standings showed coming into this series. We are a long way away from being a strong contender.

The question is, are we far enough away to begin another rebuilding program. We probably are, but CY will never acknowledge that. He will never begin to rebuild. JD lived in denial for a few years before he finally did so. I think we are probably a couple of more mediocre-at-best years away from doing the right thing.

The only way to avoid needing to rebuild is to have the front office do some big things both in trading away veterans who no longer need to be here and in spending very big money on next year's team. Trading guys away will mean eating between $25-30 million in annual salary for 2026 and $15-18 million in annual salary for 2027 and 2028.

Even spending that much will not get the job done unless guys like Smith and Jung rebound and Langford makes another step or two forward. I haven't given up on those guys, but if you have given up on them, then that probably means you see the need to rebuild right away.

I also believe in Leiter and Rocker, longterm. I think Latz has shown some promise as a starter. I feel very strongly that Jose Corniell is ready to compete for a rotation spot next spring. I think if CY spends again on the rotation then it should be for a 5th starter who could eventually transition to the pen, if need be. That guy could compete with Latz and Corniell in spring training.

More so than any of our other young guys, I believe that Cody Bradford will be back and pick up right where he left off. I think at this time next year we will be talking about Cody as being one if our best starters. I feel much more strongly about him than Jung, Smith, or Langford returning to form. I fell better about him than I do about Leiter or Rocker.

This will prove an interesting discussion and I have some preliminary thoughts

Do agree that you must take the season as a whole. Looks like SP will be a strength next year regardless

At first glance we need better performances from at least players in 5 positions. Yes I doubt we rebuild or replace all 5 positions. If we did 3 it would be a step forward

 

[Duane1952]

When this season is evaluated folks needs to look at the whole season.
I see guys on Twitter blaming the guys who they are underperforming right now. For example, I have heard Jamey Newberg complain a ton about Smith and Jung, especially Smith. If you line up these hitters in the order of how they have performed for the entire year, you will have several guys to blame more so than Smith.

We dug ourselves a big hole mainly because Pederson, Burger, and Semien have performed this year. Between those three hitters and the lack of a closer we have been in bad shape most of the year. If we were in a better division we wouldn't have even been close when we began this latest run. There are other hitters to blame as well, especially Garcia and Heim.

Jung has been a disappointment. Josh Smith, overall, has been a disappointment. Seager has had an off year, by his standards. Langford has even been a disappointment, overall. Health-wise, both Seager and Carter have disappointed.

We are not nearly as close to being what we need to be as the standings showed coming into this series. We are a long way away from being a strong contender.

The question is, are we far enough away to begin another rebuilding program. We probably are, but CY will never acknowledge that. He will never begin to rebuild. JD lived in denial for a few years before he finally did so. I think we are probably a couple of more mediocre-at-best years away from doing the right thing.

The only way to avoid needing to rebuild is to have the front office do some big things both in trading away veterans who no longer need to be here and in spending very big money on next year's team. Trading guys away will mean eating between $25-30 million in annual salary for 2026 and $15-18 million in annual salary for 2027 and 2028.

Even spending that much will not get the job done unless guys like Smith and Jung rebound and Langford makes another step or two forward. I haven't given up on those guys, but if you have given up on them, then that probably means you see the need to rebuild right away.

I also believe in Leiter and Rocker, longterm. I think Latz has shown some promise as a starter. I feel very strongly that Jose Corniell is ready to compete for a rotation spot next spring. I think if CY spends again on the rotation then it should be for a 5th starter who could eventually transition to the pen, if need be. That guy could compete with Latz and Corniell in spring training.

More so than any of our other young guys, I believe that Cody Bradford will be back and pick up right where he left off. I think at this time next year we will be talking about Cody as being one if our best starters. I feel much more strongly about him than Jung, Smith, or Langford returning to form. I fell better about him than I do about Leiter or Rocker.

Whoever the manager is next season, I hope he gives the young players a fair chance. freeman should be part of the lineup next season. Please no more over the hill veterans.

 

[jaar01]

It's not over.

Win tonight and there's still a chance.

Lose tonight...and it's over and officially time to move on to next season.

 

[armadillooutlaw]

We would still be up 3-2 and I believe the pitching moves would have been different. This is what I had a problem with Andrus. Errors in big games.

Agreed on Elvis.

When this season is evaluated folks needs to look at the whole season.
I see guys on Twitter blaming the guys who they are underperforming right now. For example, I have heard Jamey Newberg complain a ton about Smith and Jung, especially Smith. If you line up these hitters in the order of how they have performed for the entire year, you will have several guys to blame more so than Smith.

We dug ourselves a big hole mainly because Pederson, Burger, and Semien have performed this year. Between those three hitters and the lack of a closer we have been in bad shape most of the year. If we were in a better division we wouldn't have even been close when we began this latest run. There are other hitters to blame as well, especially Garcia and Heim.

Jung has been a disappointment. Josh Smith, overall, has been a disappointment. Seager has had an off year, by his standards. Langford has even been a disappointment, overall. Health-wise, both Seager and Carter have disappointed.

We are not nearly as close to being what we need to be as the standings showed coming into this series. We are a long way away from being a strong contender.

The question is, are we far enough away to begin another rebuilding program. We probably are, but CY will never acknowledge that. He will never begin to rebuild. JD lived in denial for a few years before he finally did so. I think we are probably a couple of more mediocre-at-best years away from doing the right thing.

The only way to avoid needing to rebuild is to have the front office do some big things both in trading away veterans who no longer need to be here and in spending very big money on next year's team. Trading guys away will mean eating between $25-30 million in annual salary for 2026 and $15-18 million in annual salary for 2027 and 2028.

Even spending that much will not get the job done unless guys like Smith and Jung rebound and Langford makes another step or two forward. I haven't given up on those guys, but if you have given up on them, then that probably means you see the need to rebuild right away.

I also believe in Leiter and Rocker, longterm. I think Latz has shown some promise as a starter. I feel very strongly that Jose Corniell is ready to compete for a rotation spot next spring. I think if CY spends again on the rotation then it should be for a 5th starter who could eventually transition to the pen, if need be. That guy could compete with Latz and Corniell in spring training.

More so than any of our other young guys, I believe that Cody Bradford will be back and pick up right where he left off. I think at this time next year we will be talking about Cody as being one if our best starters. I feel much more strongly about him than Jung, Smith, or Langford returning to form. I fell better about him than I do about Leiter or Rocker.

I agree with you that it's going to take trading away some of the underperforming vets, but I'm also leaning towards wanting to see them move deGrom and his big salary after this year considering he should have about the most trade value he could possibly have coming off of a full season of good health and being highly productive. And go with a rotation next year that includes Leiter, Rocker, Latz and maybe even Corniell. I wouldn't mind Eovaldi being the only vet guaranteed a spot in the rotation. And as you mentioned, Bradford will be back, and considering his game depends on intelligence and command over dominating "stuff", he shouldn't miss a beat.
I'd trade Marcus and Joc, and move on from Heim and Garcia, as well. Between Freeman (new 2B), Helman and Osuna, we should have some nice depth. I would like to sign 2-3 high quality hitters that have batting averages around .275-.300 with more emphasis on consistently making good contact rather than putting all the emphasis on pure slugging.

 

[saddles]

From the Spartanburgers:

These stars were shining in Sparkle City ️

Congratulations to Eric Loomis, David Davalillo, Josh Trentadue and Keith Jones II on being named to the 2025 South Atlantic League All-Star Team!

 

[saddles]

It's not over.

Win tonight and there's still a chance.

Lose tonight...and it's over and officially time to move on to next season.

I just can't see it happening even if we win. Our struggling offense will continue to plague us over the final 9 games.

 

[saddles]

Agreed on Elvis.

I agree with you that it's going to take trading away some of the underperforming vets, but I'm also leaning towards wanting to see them move deGrom and his big salary after this year considering he should have about the most trade value he could possibly have coming off of a full season of good health and being highly productive. And go with a rotation next year that includes Leiter, Rocker, Latz and maybe even Corniell. I wouldn't mind Eovaldi being the only vet guaranteed a spot in the rotation. And as you mentioned, Bradford will be back, and considering his game depends on intelligence and command over dominating "stuff", he shouldn't miss a beat.
I'd trade Marcus and Joc, and move on from Heim and Garcia, as well. Between Freeman (new 2B), Helman and Osuna, we should have some nice depth. I would like to sign 2-3 high quality hitters that have batting averages around .275-.300 with more emphasis on consistently making good contact rather than putting all the emphasis on pure slugging.

It sounds like you and I are on the same page. I would add that we need a closer, but I think you agree with that as well.

 

[saddles]

 

[DT Moon]

View attachment 408427

3-4-5 holes are a joke

 

[Duane1952]

3-4-5 holes are a joke

Hopefully 2 of those will be gone next season.

 

[Duane1952]

So Adolis gets a hit yesterday and is 1-9 since coming back and he’s back in there. Helman should be. Playing. Bochy is such a idiot.

 

[fanman8825]

not sure it was close to his worst. Astros came out aggressive at the plate and it seem he hit his spots most of the time they just were chasing everything close to the plate. now the Rangers offensive on the other hand was as passive as they could be for the first 5 to 7 innings and every batter seemed to start with an o-2 or 1-2 count which led to 7 strikeouts in the 1st 3 innings

By Kellys standards it was his worst but I get what your saying. My problem with the Kelly trade is 3 young promising pitchers are gone and CY was not able to supplement the trade with a bat or two. IMO we needed 2 decent bats but we all know at that time CY was out of ammo to make such a trade.
I believe a few of us here or more wanted to trade for Laureanno and Ohearn. Those two may have been enough to put us over the top but a trade for those 2 would have completely depleted the farm. You would be looking at losing Walcott, Corniel maybe Davalillo and who knows who else
I like Merril Kelly. He is a decent starter but he will be 37 soon. I dont believe he is on the Rangers radar this offseason.