The Officially Official Off Season Thread (2016)

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

Prince Fielder: 'I think I can do better' following comeback season | SportsDay

Prince Fielder's offensive performance declined in the second half of the 2015 season as his body began to wear down from the rigors of a 162-game grind.

The fatigue was the direct effect of his extended absence the previous year that was precipitated by neck surgery in May 2014.

"Somewhere at the end, it kind of got to me a little bit," the Rangers first baseman and designated hitter said. "I think that had something to do with it."

 

[DT LUNA]

I just told him at about 315, to get the knee right so he can get on the field. He said its feeling good, but that's probably what he's telling everyone now. When the season starts he's likely on the DL. I did my part though and delivered the instructions

Good boy! Knew I could count on you. lol Hope you enjoyed the day.

 

[Duane1952]

I just told him at about 315, to get the knee right so he can get on the field. He said its feeling good, but that's probably what he's telling everyone now. When the season starts he's likely on the DL. I did my part though and delivered the instructions

Way to go Murph. Good job.

 

[DT LUNA]

OK all you FanFest guys, lets hear from ya. Must be something to report.

 

[Kelleyman]

Here is some good news for all of those who were worried about this.

You are always on the job...look before you leap...haha

 

[Kelleyman]

Was listening to Sandler/Nadel program earlier and got whiff of Brocail. He is not squeeze the shoulder type of guy. Mental toughness is his prescription. Btw. Rangers may be still on market for RHB. IMO. They have to get another CF to back up DDJ unless we get a Brinson call up. But still need one

 

[DT LUNA]

Was listening to Sandler/Nadel program earlier and got whiff of Brocail. He is not squeeze the shoulder type of guy. Mental toughness is his prescription. Btw. Rangers may be still on market for RHB. IMO. They have to get another CF to bak up

I've been harping on a back up CF. What was the speedster from Texas we used last yr? Might take another look at him again

 

[Kelleyman]

I've been harping on a back up CF. What was the speedster from Texas we used last yr? Might take another look at him again

Stubbs who I believe is still out there. They were talking re Howie K who is out there too. He can play Cf I believe but I like Stubbs better defensively

 

[DT LUNA]

Stubbs who I believe is still out there. They were talking re Howie K who is out there too. He can play Cf I believe but I like Stubbs better defensively

Stubbs is right. He runs bases well when he gets on.

 

[Kelleyman]

Stubbs is right. He runs bases well when he gets on.

Yes some very impressive plays in the field too. Because DDJ has a minus arm, we need a premium DF backup with a lead

 

[romeo212000]

Think Austin Jackson might be an option too.

 

[Bmurph]

OK all you FanFest guys, lets hear from ya. Must be something to report.

Beltre was in the good old AB spirits, says his thumb hurt like hell last year but he says he's just about pain free now. Said, as a cold as it was this morning he could tell it wasn't quite 100%, but it he's ready to roll

Wish I could post the video of Holland playing the video game with some of the kids and yelling Choo's name while he was on the other side of the room signing autographs. It was a very funny sight, that Holland is a riot

 

[DT LUNA]

Beltre was in the good old AB spirits, says his thumb hurt like hell last year but he says he's just about pain free now. Said, as a cold as it was this morning he could tell it wasn't quite 100%, but it he's ready to roll

Wish I could post the video of Holland playing the video game with some of the kids and yelling Choo's name while he was on the other side of the room signing autographs. It was a very funny sight, that Holland is a riot

I've lived a long time and have seen a lot of great ones. When AB's time is done, he will be right there with the best.

 

[saddles]

Rangers GM Jon Daniels on possible return of RHP Nick Tepesch: 'We still think this is a good fit for Nick' | SportsDay

"We still think this is a good fit for Nick," Daniels said.

Tepesch, 27, went 9-16 with a 4.53 ERA in 39 starts for the Rangers in 2013-14. He missed last season because of a nerve irritation in the right arm.

The Rangers have the added attraction of Brad Holman on the major league staff as bullpen coach. Tepesch has performed well when teamed with Holman. Tepesch is 7-1 with a 1.42 ERA for eight career starts at Triple-A Round Rock with Holman as the pitching coach.

 

[saddles]

Josh Hamilton recovering from knee surgery

"I know, structurally speaking, Dr. Meister feels the knee is in as good of shape as it's been recently and as good of shape as it's going to be," Daniels said. "It's something we're going to have to manage.


"Listen, he had two surgeries in six weeks. He's 35-36 years old. He has had multiple knee surgeries on that knee in the past. He is a 240-pound man. It's additional stress when you're a bigger person on your lower half. It's just the reality.


"The way Keith described it to me is it's just an older, beat-up knee. There is nothing to fix. We're just going to have to manage it."


The Rangers went into the offseason looking for depth in left field behind Hamilton. Their primary acquisition was Justin Ruggiano, a right-handed hitter who could possibly form a platoon, but the Rangers also acquired James Jones, a left-handed hitter with speed, from the Mariners. Daniels said he is looking forward to seeing both in Spring Training.


Ryan Rua is also back. He was their Opening Day left fielder in 2015, but he suffered a fracture in his right heel the first week of the season and never really recovered. Third baseman Joey Gallo and outfielders Nomar Mazara and Lewis Brinson are all at Triple-A Round Rock but could be added to the mix if needed.


"I do look at left field as a spot where we have a number of guys who have talent that can help us," Daniels said. "It's going to be a matter of deciding what is the best way to utilize that group. Whether it's a platoon, a timeshare, whether we get guys healthy, get the young guys time. I think that will be a competitive spot."

Daniels said the Rangers may add more depth to the position before the offseason is over, but he doesn't expect to add any "big-ticket" players unless the price on some free agents goes down drastically.

For the most part, the Rangers are done acquiring players. On Monday, Daniels and others from the front office are headed for the annual week-long winter trip to the Dominican Republic.

 

[saddles]

Rangers’ Shin-Soo Choo felt ‘free’ to go home again after strong finish

 

[donaldson79]

This is pretty funny and quite clever as well.

Rangers announce Beltre bobblehead - with removable helmet for head-touching

 

[saddles]

This is pretty funny and quite clever as well.

Rangers announce Beltre bobblehead - with removable helmet for head-touching

Yeah, and the one of Banister has him pointing his finger and will be given away when they play the Astros.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

This is pretty funny and quite clever as well.

Rangers announce Beltre bobblehead - with removable helmet for head-touching

Not into bobbleheads but the Rangers have some cool ones this year. I'll probably try to get this Beltre one.