Series Thread: World Series 2023 Thread Texas Rangers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks October 27 - November 4

[saddles]

 

[dunmysr]

I had to go back and revisit the games earlier this year (sure as hell didn’t remember much at all about the games in Arlington back in May)… Not much to take away from those May games beyond the fact that Gray & Heaney both started and neither will in the next week (Gray might not even be on the roster).

The games in August were after the Brewers handed the Rangers their asses in that August weekend series. They then proceeded to go out to Arizona and get swept with a blown save by Will Smith (when they still thought he was a decent closer - he's not) and a drubbing in Game 2. They then went to Minnesota and got swept in 4. A week later, the Twins came down here and won 2 of three after which the September Asstro massacre weekend came and went... and I was pretty sure this team was about to crap the bed and miss the playoffs.

Still in awe that they are actually here…

I just re-read the August series thread, and it was a tough read. I was as confused as I was disappointed after game 1 of that 2-game series.

 

[WilltheThrill]

It’s always some no-talent loser like Maldonado who runs his mouth, too. “He woke the Astros”. Dude, shut your stupid mouth. You’re Martin Maldonado. There are minor leaguers and even high school and college players who can hit better than you can. You’re an irrelevant nobody. Nobody in Houston outside of Dusty Baker even wanted you playing. You contributed virtually nothing to the success of the Astros. Pick any other catcher in all of baseball and insert them into your place and the Astros are still just as good.

Notice how their elite players like Alvarez and Tucker didn’t talk smack. They knew better. It’s always the useless idiots who go and give the other team bulletin board material. The players on the Astros who actually matter were already awake, I guarantee you. Unlike spare Maldonado, they didn’t need a Ranger getting angry to awaken them.

 

[Duane1952]

Okay so it comes down to either Gray or Chapman, which would you choose?

Gray.

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

 

[jaar01]

Chapman will be on the WS roster.

 

[Senator_fan]

Okay so it comes down to either Gray or Chapman, which would you choose?

I heard one analyst say have as many starters as you can in the playoffs. Fair enough but Gray got hammered by Arizona in 2 starts this season (9 runs in 9 innings) and his playoff ERA is over 19 and he hasn’t pitched in a while.

Chapman is scary but I give him the edge.

 

[Senator_fan]

Only one team, the ‘87 Twins have won a WS with a negative run differential during the regular season. There’s was -20 and the DBacks was -15.

Playoff experience is going to be a big factor. The Astros had 4 or 5 players with 40-50 games of playoff experience. Altuve has over 100 games. That made their lineup even tougher.

 

[Duane1952]

I heard one analyst say have as many starters as you can in the playoffs. Fair enough but Gray got hammered by Arizona in 2 starts this season (9 runs in 9 innings) and his playoff ERA is over 19 and he hasn’t pitched in a while.

Chapman is scary but I give him the edge.

I would still go with Gray. Chapman hasn’t pitched well in close to a month.

 

[saddles]

 

[Senator_fan]

Good choice.

 

[Kelleyman]

The Snakes play a pretty good brand of ball and have good defense. Not saying we should go for homers but the HR probably will be a factor
They have 2 good SP and Releif pitchers
We have really good bats and XFactoes like a Evan and Adolis may end up huge

Can not take anything as a given as a Ranger fan

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

The following are 16 of the relief pitchers who are going to be unrestricted free agents this coming offseason. This is the group I would like the Rangers to consider. After we see which clubs or players decline to excercise an option, this list will probably grow. We need 2 who can close from this list whose names aren't Aroldis Chapman or Will Smith. I don't mind one of those guys coming back, but in a less stressful role. Of course, a massive meltdown from any of these guys over the last couple of weeks of the season could change things.


John Brebbia
Phil Maton
Joe Jimenez
Chris Stratton
Wandy Peralta
Ryne Stanek
Renaldo Lopez
Aroldis Chapman
David Robertson
Craig Kimbrell
Will Smith
Josh Hader
Matt Moore
Jordan Hicks
Pierce Johnson
Emilio Pagan

One of the relievers on my list is no longer available, Pierce Johnson.

 

[scotsman1948]

One of the relievers on my list is no longer available, Pierce Johnson.

Stratton, Peralta, Hader, Hicks, Moore & Pagan would be on my shopping list

 

[Duane1952]

ESPN is reportedly that Scherzer has a cut on his thumb.

 

[DT LUNA]

ESPN is reportedly that Scherzer has a cut on his thumb.

Right or left?

 

[UK Cowboy]

I think the Rangers win in 7 games. Arizona is a lot like Texas, on fire and totally believe in themselves. Tough series but the good guys come out on top

 

[scotsman1948]

Right or left?

Pitching hand