tOfficially Official 2016 Spring training thread

[DT LUNA]

The Rangers have signed Drew Stubbs to a minor league contract.

Someone had thought earlier that might happen.

 

[romeo212000]

Someone had thought earlier that might happen.

 

[donaldson79]

Well that sounds like a huge ass hassle.

Maddon seems to really enjoy playing the mad scientist out there, so this may well work just fine.

Schwarber's glove is below avg regardless of where he plays. But his bat has thunder in it, so they're trying to keep him in the lineup somewhere, somehow.

 

[Bmurph]

Rangers, Drew Stubbs Agree To Minor League Deal

By Steve Adams | February 26, 2016 at 11:33am CST

Outfielder Drew Stubbs will sign a minor league deal with the Rangers, reports ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick (on Twitter). The contract contains an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

The 31-year-old Stubbs finished out the 2015 season with the Rangers after having been released by the Rockies, though he went just 2-for-21 in 26 regular season plate appearances (plus another 1-for-4 in the postseason). Crasnick reported over the weekend that Texas was interested in a reunion with Stubbs, which makes sense considering the present uncertainty surrounding Josh Hamilton’s knee. Hamilton is currently slated to open the season on the disabled list.

While the 2015 season, as a whole, represented a poor year for Stubbs, he batted .289/.339/.482 as recently as 2014. The hitters’ haven that is Coors Field undoubtedly contributed to some of that robust production, but Stubbs has proven himself to have a nice blend of power and speed over the years. From 2010-14, Stubbs averaged 144 games, 15 homers and 27 stolen bases per season to go along with a .245/.314/.393 batting line.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

Maddon seems to really enjoy playing the mad scientist out there, so this may well work just fine.

Schwarber's glove is below avg regardless of where he plays. But his bat has thunder in it, so they're trying to keep him in the lineup somewhere, somehow.

<puts on devil's advocate cap>

isn't that pretty much what the Rangers were doing with Profar?

 

[saddles]

The Rangers have signed Drew Stubbs to a minor league contract.

Stubbs doesn't inspire me at all.

 

[saddles]

<puts on devil's advocate cap>

isn't that pretty much what the Rangers were doing with Profar?

The inconsistent playing time is the main way they messed up Profar in my opinion. I am sure moving around defensively had something to do with it as well though. That and the fact that Profar was only 20 while Schwarber will be 23 might make Schwarber more successful than Profar was.

 

[saddles]

Rangers, Drew Stubbs Agree To Minor League Deal

By Steve Adams | February 26, 2016 at 11:33am CST

Outfielder Drew Stubbs will sign a minor league deal with the Rangers, reports ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick (on Twitter). The contract contains an invitation to Major League Spring Training.

The 31-year-old Stubbs finished out the 2015 season with the Rangers after having been released by the Rockies, though he went just 2-for-21 in 26 regular season plate appearances (plus another 1-for-4 in the postseason). Crasnick reported over the weekend that Texas was interested in a reunion with Stubbs, which makes sense considering the present uncertainty surrounding Josh Hamilton’s knee. Hamilton is currently slated to open the season on the disabled list.

While the 2015 season, as a whole, represented a poor year for Stubbs, he batted .289/.339/.482 as recently as 2014. The hitters’ haven that is Coors Field undoubtedly contributed to some of that robust production, but Stubbs has proven himself to have a nice blend of power and speed over the years. From 2010-14, Stubbs averaged 144 games, 15 homers and 27 stolen bases per season to go along with a .245/.314/.393 batting line.

Mr. Automatic Out.

 

[DT LUNA]

Stubbs doesn't inspire me at all.

As a back up CF, pinch runner, and allowing DDJ to fill in at LF, yes he inspires me in these limited positions.

 

[jta4437]

Maddon seems to really enjoy playing the mad scientist out there, so this may well work just fine.

Schwarber's glove is below avg regardless of where he plays. But his bat has thunder in it, so they're trying to keep him in the lineup somewhere, somehow.

Montero can only figure to play about 120 games tops anyway, so they needed to someone to at least cover 40+ games anyway, probably closer to 60

 

[jta4437]

As a back up CF, pinch runner, and allowing DDJ to fill in at LF, yes he inspires me in these limited positions.

I'd like to see what DDJ does with almost a full season of experience, full ST of coaching and full health before fully damning his defensive chops in CF

The speed is there and generally if the effort exists in conjunction, they can be at least competent CFers

 

[donaldson79]

I'd like to see what DDJ does with almost a full season of experience, full ST of coaching and full health before fully damning his defensive chops in CF

The speed is there and generally if the effort exists in conjunction, they can be at least competent CFers

Thank you! I'm glad to finally hear someone, besides me, take this stance.

He had never really played the OF before last season, so I cut him so slack on the D-front. And according to what I read in the past few days, he gained some weight, worked out hard in the off season, and hopefully this aid his arm strength. Plus, now that he's played almost a full season at the position, perhaps his routes will improve as well.

 

[True Rangers Fan]

And according to what I read in the past few days, he gained some weight, worked out hard in the off season, and hopefully this aid his arm strength.

I read he looks like a fullback now.

 

[donaldson79]

I read he looks like a fullback now.

Saw the same thing.....Ya know, he does "sorta/kinda" look a little like Emmitt Smith doesn't he? Not to confuse Mr Smith with the Moose mind ya.

 

[donaldson79]

Montero can only figure to play about 120 games tops anyway, so they needed to someone to at least cover 40+ games anyway, probably closer to 60

And he's not a good defensive player to begin with. So putting Schwarber behind the plate, his natural position, cost nothing, but keeps his bat in play.

Am I remembering correctly? Didn't they play Montero at 1st some?

 

[saddles]

As a back up CF, pinch runner, and allowing DDJ to fill in at LF, yes he inspires me in these limited positions.

I am glad he inspires someone.

I am just never inspired by guys who don't hit.

 

[saddles]

I guess it isn't even certain that he will make the club.

 

[DT LUNA]

I am glad he inspires someone.

I am just never inspired by guys who don't hit.

Defense and base path speed is why they need him more than hitting. Would be nice if he was a little better but defense is his strength for this club fight now.

 

[saddles]

Defense and base path speed is why they need him more than hitting. Would be nice if he was a little better but defense is his strength for this club fight now.

He just can't steal 1B.

 

[DT LUNA]

He just can't steal 1B.

Walks and pinch runner