The Officially Official Off Season Thread (2016)

[donaldson79]

Good point. I do enjoy the hot stove season though, even the non-Rangers news.

I mean, as long as it isn't the Angels or A's anyway. ha ha ha

And yeah, all this "between the seasons" stuff is a lot of fun. Enjoy the what-ifs, maybes, and what about if we did this scenarios.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

I saw something doubting Park can handle MLB pitching.

I think the Pirates signed some guy out of the same league last offseason and his drop off was less severe than projected. There were doubts about Darvish before he came over as well (obviously a different league than Park). I wouldn't be surprised if Park reached 25 HR's next year.

 

[saddles]

I think the Pirates signed some guy out of the same league last offseason and his drop off was less severe than projected. There were doubts about Darvish before he came over as well (obviously a different league than Park). I wouldn't be surprised if Park reached 25 HR's next year.

I think there is a good chance that he makes some teams look bad for not bidding any higher on him.

 

[donaldson79]

This from Fansided on FA Alex Gordon's potential landing spots.

Los Angeles Angels


There are a number of teams that could use a notable outfield addition, but there are few that could benefit more than the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Few teams in baseball utilized more players in left field than did the Angels in 2015. In all, eight separate players got the nod in left, with Matt Joyce seeing the most time with 93 games played. There is a reason why a team uses that many players at one position and it generally means a lack of production. Los Angeles places 28th among MLB teams in left field production last season, with those eight men combining to hit .216/.375/.317 with nine home runs and 51 RBI.

Not only can the Angels use some help in their outfield, but their production from left-handed bats also leaves much to be desired. Lefties slashed .236/.289/.356 in 2015, but most of that came from Cole Calhoun, who hit .256/.308/.422 and mustered 26 of the 46 home runs the team hit from the left side of the plate.

Alex Gordon would be a significant upgrade in that regard, adding his .271/.377/.432 marks to the mix. Additionally, Gordon would pair with Mike Trout and Calhoun to form one of the best defensive outfields in the game.

While all of that paints a pretty picture, it comes down to money. The Angels have shown an ability to spend with the best, but they generally do so by trying to remain under the luxury tax threshold. The team already has $130 million committed to its payroll in 2016 and has arbitration bumps due for Calhoun, Garretr Richards, and Hector Santiago. Adding $20 million annually for Gordon may be a stretch when the team badly needs to address its bullpen and rotation as well.

 

[donaldson79]

I think there is a good chance that he makes some teams look bad for not bidding any higher on him.

I'll admit to not being overly familiar with him, but the bidding sure seemed unimpressive if he has much upside.

 

[Kelleyman]

Well was really involved checking out what Darvish could do prior to bidding and was hugely excited when we won bid. Really wanted Abreu too. Now Park, I have not watched him but thinking of players coming out of league despite Choo has not made me confident that he was a guy we are desperate for. Of course, this is a response without much digging into past performance minus the obvious stats have to think there is a reason the bidding was dwarfed to recent ones. We shall see assuming he gets signed.

 

[RevSader]

Former Texas Ranger Tommy Hanson died yesterday.

 

[romeo212000]

Former Texas Ranger Tommy Hanson died yesterday.

My gosh. Catastrophic organ failure. He was only 29. They're not really saying anything else right now.

 

[RevSader]

My gosh. Catastrophic organ failure. He was only 29. They're not really saying anything else right now.

Read some speculation that he fell into a coma from a cocaine overdose. No clue if that has any merit. I certainly hope not for his family. Not that it being natural is any easier to take, but just a really out of nowhere thing to happen.

 

[RevSader]

My gosh. Catastrophic organ failure. He was only 29. They're not really saying anything else right now.

oh God I forgot how he fell apart after his younger brother died a few years ago...Now their family loses another son...awful.

 

[saddles]

Prayers for the family of Tommy Hanson. So sad.

 

[fordman84]

So the only rumors I've heard about Texas:

Both NY teams may have contracted us about Profar
Matt Weiters of Balt may be our top FA target


Nothing much else. I realize they are just talking head and fan comments, but sounds like other teams are implying that Profar isn't worth much because he hasn't played in two years. JD isn't stupid enough to give him away for nothing.

 

[donaldson79]

sounds like other teams are implying that Profar isn't worth much because he hasn't played in two years. JD isn't stupid enough to give him away for nothing.

Honestly can't imagine Profar has much value, so there is really no reason for us to entertain moving him. Besides this, we may have a spot for him sooner than later IF he regains his health.

 

[scotsman1948]

Read some speculation that he fell into a coma from a cocaine overdose. No clue if that has any merit. I certainly hope not for his family. Not that it being natural is any easier to take, but just a really out of nowhere thing to happen.

Know he fell into a coma have heard why.

 

[Bmurph]

Former Braves, Angels pitcher Tommy Hanson dies at 29
By Mike Axisa | Baseball Writer

November 10, 2015 1:56 am ET


Tommy Hanson has died at age 29. (USATSI)




Former Braves and Angels right-hander Tommy Hanson has died. He was 29. He reportedly suffered catastrophic organ failure. Further details surrounding Hanson's death are unknown at this time.

"We are incredibly saddened to learn of Tommy's tragic passing," said Braves president John Schuerholz in a statement. "He was a favorite in the clubhouse and with our staff and he will be truly missed by everyone in Braves Country. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, family, former teammates and friends."

Hanson last pitched in MLB in 2013. He went 21-15 with a 3.16 ERA (126 ERA+) for the Braves from 2009-10 before dealing with numerous arm injuries. Hanson went 28-20 with a 4.36 ERA (89 ERA+) from 2011-13.

While with the Angels in 2013, Hanson spent three weeks away from the team following the death of his stepbrother. Hanson was two years older than his stepbrother, who died at age 24.

Hanson spent 2015 in the minor leagues with affiliates for the Giants. He went 4-6 with a 4.76 ERA in 15 starts, mostly at Triple-A.

CBS Sports MLB Insider Jon Heyman confirmed Hanson was in a coma Monday night. Zack Klein of WSB in Atlanta first reported the news.


Coma wasn't mentioned here, but this has a little info

 

[fordman84]

Honestly can't imagine Profar has much value, so there is really no reason for us to entertain moving him. Besides this, we may have a spot for him sooner than later IF he regains his health.

My thoughts exactly. he doesn't have enough value right now, so why would we try to move him.

 

[jta4437]

My thoughts exactly. he doesn't have enough value right now, so why would we try to move him.

There's a difference between them contacting us about him and us trying to move him

 

[True Rangers Fan]

And someone on here had the balls to say this guy wasn't a closer.

 

[Xx srs bsns xX]

And someone on here had the balls to say this guy wasn't a closer.

They weren't wrong.... Just b/c he wins an award for "rangers pitcher of the year" doesn't mean he's a closer.

He got assigned the role b/c their was literally no one else.

 

[Xx srs bsns xX]

Profar's three-run blast

That sound.