ESPN.com's Jayson Starks is reporting that the Texas Rangers will not trade 2B Alfonso Soriano. According to the article, Texas was willing to trade Soriano but asked the Cubs for both Felix Pie and Rich Hill (a move I would have been in favor of) however the Cubs balked at the offer insisting they wouldn't trade either of them. Meanwhile, Minnesota told the Rangers that pitching prospect Liriano is also untradeable.
IS IT REALLY BAD NEWS THE RANGERS DIDN'T TRADE SORIANO?
If the Rangers really couldn't find a fair trade than I am glad they did this rather than trading to Minnesota for Kyle Lohse and Bret Boone. If Pie, Hill, and Liriano really weren't on the table for Soriano, it is shocking to me how low Soriano's trade value actually is.
It will be interesting to see if the Rangers' will pay Soriano his $10 million or so next season. If so, it seems unlikely they will be able to go after a quality free agent starting pitcher.
I say good job Hart and Hicks not to give up Soriano for absolutely nothing. I would have liked them to pursue other possible trades but I guess the buyers weren't there...thinks could be much worse than keeping the best second baseman in baseball..like getting rid of him for Lohse, Boone, and Romero.
Starks report
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Cubs back in the thick of things
According to ESPN.com....
It's no indication of Texas' plans for Alfonso Soriano, but the Rangers' sent their No. 1 special-assignment scout, Dom Chiti, to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs on Saturday, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. And the Rangers asked the Cubs for a list of players they would be willing to trade for Soriano if the Rangers decide to deal him by Sunday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.
If Rich Hill is on that list of players the Rangers have no choice but to jump all over it. Everyone knows that Starting Pitching is the Rangers' ultimate Achilles heal. Without solid pitching you will never be a true contender. Rich Hill is MLB ready but very young at the same time. He has amazing strikeout numbers in the minors and has the potential to be something very special. Check out an earlier thread in which he is discussed along with his minor league credentials.
http://sportsindallas.blogspot.com/2005/07/cubs-interested-in-soriano.html
It's no indication of Texas' plans for Alfonso Soriano, but the Rangers' sent their No. 1 special-assignment scout, Dom Chiti, to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs on Saturday, ESPN.com's Jayson Stark reports. And the Rangers asked the Cubs for a list of players they would be willing to trade for Soriano if the Rangers decide to deal him by Sunday's 4 p.m. ET deadline.
If Rich Hill is on that list of players the Rangers have no choice but to jump all over it. Everyone knows that Starting Pitching is the Rangers' ultimate Achilles heal. Without solid pitching you will never be a true contender. Rich Hill is MLB ready but very young at the same time. He has amazing strikeout numbers in the minors and has the potential to be something very special. Check out an earlier thread in which he is discussed along with his minor league credentials.
http://sportsindallas.blogspot.com/2005/07/cubs-interested-in-soriano.html
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Randy Winn traded to Giants
Randy Winn was traded this evening from divison for Seattle to San Fran. The Mariners received catcher Yorvit Torrealba and minor league pitcher Jesse Foppert. Winn is a former all-star and in the right lineup could be a very product outfielder.
Story
Story
The first part of the bigger piece?
Jose Cruz Jr. was traded to the Boston Red Sox, perhaps the first part of a Manny Ramirez deal.
Article
Article
Ramirez to remain in Boston
I was listening to ESPN Radio and heard that Francona spoke to Ramirez and said that he wasn't going to be traded but wanted to give him the day off to "clear his mind". The reporter on the radio said Francona would speak more about it after the game, so we will see. This doesn't explain though why Cliff Floyd would be out of the lineup for the Mets this evening. And apparently ESPN.com is reporting that the Devil Rays are no longer needed in a Manny Ramirez trade...if a deal for Ramirez goes through it will just be between the Red Sox and the Mets. I also heard that Lastings Milledge may be involved and if so Milledge will then be sent along with a prospect to the Reds for Adam Dunn. Talking about replacing Ramirez's bat with Dunn and Floyd!
Twins now front-runners for Soriano
According to ESPN.com's Jayson Stark, if Alfonso Soriano is traded before the trade deadline his most likely destination will be Minneapolis.
"Twins are making a big push to acquire Alfonso Soriano. Rumored names heading to Texas: J.C. Romero, Kyle Lohse and Bret Boone. Although Rangers officials have been downplaying the odds of trading Soriano, an official of one interested team isn't convinced."
This would be a lackluster move that doesn't excite me to much as a Rangers' fan. Let's analyze each player in this proposed trade.
J.C. Romero seems to show the most promise out of the three. Romero is a big time left-handed reliever who is holding lefties to a .203 avg and a .324 OBP this season. He also owns a low 2.25 ERA this year. Romero is making $1.25 mil this year, and is under contract until the end of next season ($2.2 mil), but does have an option for $2.75 mil in 2007 with a $250,000 buyout option, however he can earn up to $3.25 mil in 2007 depending on the number of games pitched in 2006. Romero would no doubt strengthen the bullpen for any kind of post-season push this season, but would more importantly help give Texas one of the top bullpens next season, which will include the return of Frankie Francisco and Carlos Almanzar (injuries), Francisco Cordero, and the improving Kameron Loe.
Bret Boone would come to Texas to finish the season out as their second baseman. Boone is far from his once all-star form hitting just .220 with 7 HRs and 37 RBIs this year. Assuming the Rangers fell out of the playoff race you would wonder how long it would be before Boone's roll as the second baseman was handed over to Ian Kinsler (or perhaps Michael Young with Kinsler going to SS). Boone's contract expires after this option with a $12 mil team option for next season which we all know will not be exercised. I don't mind getting Boone, but assuming this would be the only move the Rangers make besides the Chan Ho deal, the loss of Alfonso Soriano would really end all playoff hopes the Rangers had. Since that is the case I would rather ask for a pitching prospect instead of Boone, and bring up Kinsler asap.
Finally Kyle Lohse is the last piece of this deal but equally if not more important than Romero. Lohse is an interesting case to say the least. He was brought up through the Twins farm system and succeeded in Single A ball but hit a wall once promoted to Double-A. In fact in 2000, at the age of 21, Lohse spent the whole year in Double-A New Britain where he went 3-18 with an ERA of 6.04 in 28 starts. However the next season Lohse found himself in the big leagues. Lohse has just been an average starting pitcher in four and a half years in the show. For his career Lohse is 47-48 with a 4.81 ERA. He has always been a very durable pitcher but only has 1 season with an ERA+ above 100 (104). Lohse isn't anything too special but could be a serviceable 4 or 5 starter for this team. Lohse's contract expires at the end of this season so he would be playing for a new contract which is usually a good thing.
Overall, I think the Rangers need to look elsewhere. The Rangers' outfield problem wasn't addressed here, and they didn't really address their starting pitching woes with Kyle Lohse. While Romero is a quality reliever they are much more available on the free agent market than quality starting pitching.
The Rangers need to pick up the phone and call the Cubs...as one scout said:
"If they're looking for arms, they should be talking to the Cubs," he said. "If not, they should talk to someone else. But the Cubs definitely have arms."
"Twins are making a big push to acquire Alfonso Soriano. Rumored names heading to Texas: J.C. Romero, Kyle Lohse and Bret Boone. Although Rangers officials have been downplaying the odds of trading Soriano, an official of one interested team isn't convinced."
This would be a lackluster move that doesn't excite me to much as a Rangers' fan. Let's analyze each player in this proposed trade.
J.C. Romero seems to show the most promise out of the three. Romero is a big time left-handed reliever who is holding lefties to a .203 avg and a .324 OBP this season. He also owns a low 2.25 ERA this year. Romero is making $1.25 mil this year, and is under contract until the end of next season ($2.2 mil), but does have an option for $2.75 mil in 2007 with a $250,000 buyout option, however he can earn up to $3.25 mil in 2007 depending on the number of games pitched in 2006. Romero would no doubt strengthen the bullpen for any kind of post-season push this season, but would more importantly help give Texas one of the top bullpens next season, which will include the return of Frankie Francisco and Carlos Almanzar (injuries), Francisco Cordero, and the improving Kameron Loe.
Bret Boone would come to Texas to finish the season out as their second baseman. Boone is far from his once all-star form hitting just .220 with 7 HRs and 37 RBIs this year. Assuming the Rangers fell out of the playoff race you would wonder how long it would be before Boone's roll as the second baseman was handed over to Ian Kinsler (or perhaps Michael Young with Kinsler going to SS). Boone's contract expires after this option with a $12 mil team option for next season which we all know will not be exercised. I don't mind getting Boone, but assuming this would be the only move the Rangers make besides the Chan Ho deal, the loss of Alfonso Soriano would really end all playoff hopes the Rangers had. Since that is the case I would rather ask for a pitching prospect instead of Boone, and bring up Kinsler asap.
Finally Kyle Lohse is the last piece of this deal but equally if not more important than Romero. Lohse is an interesting case to say the least. He was brought up through the Twins farm system and succeeded in Single A ball but hit a wall once promoted to Double-A. In fact in 2000, at the age of 21, Lohse spent the whole year in Double-A New Britain where he went 3-18 with an ERA of 6.04 in 28 starts. However the next season Lohse found himself in the big leagues. Lohse has just been an average starting pitcher in four and a half years in the show. For his career Lohse is 47-48 with a 4.81 ERA. He has always been a very durable pitcher but only has 1 season with an ERA+ above 100 (104). Lohse isn't anything too special but could be a serviceable 4 or 5 starter for this team. Lohse's contract expires at the end of this season so he would be playing for a new contract which is usually a good thing.
Overall, I think the Rangers need to look elsewhere. The Rangers' outfield problem wasn't addressed here, and they didn't really address their starting pitching woes with Kyle Lohse. While Romero is a quality reliever they are much more available on the free agent market than quality starting pitching.
The Rangers need to pick up the phone and call the Cubs...as one scout said:
"If they're looking for arms, they should be talking to the Cubs," he said. "If not, they should talk to someone else. But the Cubs definitely have arms."
Friday, July 29, 2005
Now What?
Assuming Chan Ho Park has waived his no trade clause and the deal has gone through, Phil Nevin is now a Texas Ranger. Nevin is a veteran that could add some leadership to this relatively young team. We don't know yet if the Rangers save any money on this one as Nevin is owed $11 million for next season, and while Park is owed $15 we don't know the details of the trade yet (if Texas had to pay for some of Chan Ho's contract next season). Both Nevin and Park's contracts expire at the end of next season. Nevin's numbers have been average this year hitting .256 with an OBP of .301 with 9 home runs and 47 RBIs. His numbers a year ago were .289/.368 with 26 HR and 105 RBI. Nevin is also a bit injury prone, in 2002 he only played 107 games and in 2003 he only played 59. This is going to be very interesting to see where the Rangers go from here. What does this mean? Does this mean they could possibly go after Schmidt or Burnett and Nevin is another bat added to the lineup? If that were the case than no Soriano trade? It is going to be very interesting to see where the front office goes with this one....
On a humorous note, it was Korean night in Toronto and approximately 5,000 Koreans were in attendance to see Chan Ho pitch, tough break....
Fort Worth Star article about trade
On a humorous note, it was Korean night in Toronto and approximately 5,000 Koreans were in attendance to see Chan Ho pitch, tough break....
Fort Worth Star article about trade
Chan Ho Traded?
Chan Ho Park was scheduled to pitch tonight for the Rangers versus Toronto, however he is not and they are reporting that Chan Ho Park is not hurt. The Hardline radio show on 1310 The Ticket is reporting Park was traded for Nevin but this is could be false and seems premature, how would they know and nobody else. John Wasdin is starting in place of Chan Ho.
Live Box Score
Live Box Score
Cubs interested in Soriano
Bruce Miles of the Chicago Daily herald is reporting that the Cubs are now interested in trading for Alfonso Soriano. Miles mentions that the Cubs have actually coveted the Rangers' second baseman even before Soriano was a Ranger: "When the Cubs were trying to trade Sammy Sosa to the New York Yankees in 2000, one of the players they were seeking was second baseman Alfonso Soriano." Miles suggests the Cubs trade Todd Walker, a player the Rangers were interested in last season, along with a pitcher. Who this pitcher is? Miles doesn't go into detail about it. The Cubs don't have any prized pitching prospects like the Mets do. And none of the Cubs starting pitchers are that intriguing with the exception of Wood, Prior, Maddux, and Zambrano, who all seem untouchable.
The Chicago Sun-Times says that the Cubs don't want to move Walker but instead try to persuade Soriano to move to the outfield. This hasn't worked in the past and I don't see how the Cubs could get Soriano to agree to the defensive switch. The Times does mention some possible candidates in a trade for Soriano, including recently demoted CF Corey Patterson. Patterson was only hitting .232 with a .270 OBP. Pitchers Sergio Mitre and Todd Wellemeyer are mentioned in the article but these names are almost laughable compared to a Victor Zambrano or a Petit. I don't see how the Rangers can trade Soriano to the Cubs, when they need pitching so badly, and unlike the Cubs, the Mets have pitching depth.
The Chicago Sun-Times says that the Cubs don't want to move Walker but instead try to persuade Soriano to move to the outfield. This hasn't worked in the past and I don't see how the Cubs could get Soriano to agree to the defensive switch. The Times does mention some possible candidates in a trade for Soriano, including recently demoted CF Corey Patterson. Patterson was only hitting .232 with a .270 OBP. Pitchers Sergio Mitre and Todd Wellemeyer are mentioned in the article but these names are almost laughable compared to a Victor Zambrano or a Petit. I don't see how the Rangers can trade Soriano to the Cubs, when they need pitching so badly, and unlike the Cubs, the Mets have pitching depth.
Soriano, Dellucci targeted
Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Kathleen O'Brien reported in an article today that Rangers' second baseman Alfonso Soriano told several of his teammates Wednesday that he had been traded to the Mets. Soriano apparently heard the news from a close friend of his that lives in New York. However, Soriano's friend was obviously misinformed as Soriano is still a Ranger today.
Also, looking to replace injured outfielders Reggie Sanders and Larry Walker, the NL Central leading St. Louis Cardinals have a growing interest in Rangers OF David Dellucci. However, the money-conscious Tom Hicks will most likely not trade Dellucci as his $900,000 base salary for next season seems like a bargain considering his productivity in the lineup this season. Yet, O'Brien does open the possibility that SP Jeff Suppan could be made available for Dellucci. Suppan has gone a combined 25-16 last season and this year with the Cardinals, posting ERA's of 4.17 and 4.16. Suppan is in his 10th year in the big leagues and is already 30 years old, but that isn't too old to expect him to be able to contribute for the next few seasons especially considering what veteran pitchers lately have been able to do in their mid to late 30's. Suppan could be a good #4 or #5 starter for the Rangers...And we know how hard it is for Texas to pick up pitching in the offseason...This is a move I would consider, although if the Rangers don't want to give up Dellucci I completely understand.
Also, looking to replace injured outfielders Reggie Sanders and Larry Walker, the NL Central leading St. Louis Cardinals have a growing interest in Rangers OF David Dellucci. However, the money-conscious Tom Hicks will most likely not trade Dellucci as his $900,000 base salary for next season seems like a bargain considering his productivity in the lineup this season. Yet, O'Brien does open the possibility that SP Jeff Suppan could be made available for Dellucci. Suppan has gone a combined 25-16 last season and this year with the Cardinals, posting ERA's of 4.17 and 4.16. Suppan is in his 10th year in the big leagues and is already 30 years old, but that isn't too old to expect him to be able to contribute for the next few seasons especially considering what veteran pitchers lately have been able to do in their mid to late 30's. Suppan could be a good #4 or #5 starter for the Rangers...And we know how hard it is for Texas to pick up pitching in the offseason...This is a move I would consider, although if the Rangers don't want to give up Dellucci I completely understand.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
RoughRiders' pitching coach fired
Double-A Frisco RoughRiders pitching coach, Steve Luebber, was fired today. Luebber was in his fifth year as pitching coach for the Rangers' Double-A team, but this was his first season working the DVD. The future of the Rangers franchise is dependent on the progress of the DVD. All three of the DVD were struggling in Frisco and consequently the pitching coach was fired because of it. This action manifests how much the Rangers front office is banking on the success of the DVD. Here is a look at the DVD's numbers in Frisco this season:
W, L, ERA, PCT, WHIP, G, GS, CG, SHO, IP
John Danks 3, 5, 4.86, .375, 1.43, 11, 10, 0, 0, 63
Thomas Diamond 3, 2, 4.99, .600, 1.37, 6, 6, 0, 0, 30.2
Edison Volquez 1, 1, 4.31, .200, 1.38, 8, 8, 1, 1, 48
W, L, ERA, PCT, WHIP, G, GS, CG, SHO, IP
John Danks 3, 5, 4.86, .375, 1.43, 11, 10, 0, 0, 63
Thomas Diamond 3, 2, 4.99, .600, 1.37, 6, 6, 0, 0, 30.2
Edison Volquez 1, 1, 4.31, .200, 1.38, 8, 8, 1, 1, 48
No Hard Feelings between Sosa and Barajas
Bottom of the 10th...2 outs....8-8 game....Luis Matos singles to center....Matthews Jr.'s throw to home a bullet...Sosa slides and is tagged out by Barajas. The only thing wrong with this perfect throw and catch from Matthews Jr. to Barajas was the slide of Sammy Sosa. As Sosa slid into home, attempting to score the winning run for the Orioles, he elevated his feet catching Barajas on the chest and arm with his shoe spikes. Immediately after Sosa was called out for the third out of the inning, Barajas stood up and challenged Sosa, giving him a shove. The benches momentarily cleared but nothing happened. Barajas now has a long gash in his left arm and is expected to miss the final game of the series tonight.
After the game Barajas informed the media that Sosa phoned the Rangers' clubhouse following the game offering an apology to the Rangers' catcher. Barajas said, "I don't think he went in with the intention [to spike]," Barajas said. "It's something that just happened. He was very sorry. I'm not going to hold a grudge or think anything less of Sammy Sosa."
Sosa is on 'roids, has used a corked bat lord knows how many times, and now this. It was a dirty play and Baraja's injury could have been a lot worse. What a gutsy play by Barajas to hold on to the ball and get the final out of the inning. Ricardo Rodriguez throwing at Sosa tonight would be a warranted and deserved action.
After the game Barajas informed the media that Sosa phoned the Rangers' clubhouse following the game offering an apology to the Rangers' catcher. Barajas said, "I don't think he went in with the intention [to spike]," Barajas said. "It's something that just happened. He was very sorry. I'm not going to hold a grudge or think anything less of Sammy Sosa."
Sosa is on 'roids, has used a corked bat lord knows how many times, and now this. It was a dirty play and Baraja's injury could have been a lot worse. What a gutsy play by Barajas to hold on to the ball and get the final out of the inning. Ricardo Rodriguez throwing at Sosa tonight would be a warranted and deserved action.
What is Hicks talking about?
In a NY Daily News article today, Adam Rubin discusses the close relationship between Mets manager Willie Randolph and Alfonso Soriano. The two were together with the Yankees a few seasons ago. Because of the close relationship you would think Randolph is urging Minaya to do whatever it takes to get Soriano, which is a great thing to hear if you are for trading Soriano. However, in the article Rubin mentions the following about Hicks:
...But Rangers owner Tom Hicks told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram everything is calm on the Soriano front, though a half-dozen teams have expressed interest.
"There's nothing I'm treating seriously at this time," Hicks said. "There have been no conversations that would make us consider trading a player that's very important to this team."
There have been no conversations? This statement is rather puzzling as it is either a blatant lie by Hicks or the more likely scenario is that Hicks and Hart are actually demanding what they have been rumored to demand which is some sort of package including Milledge/Reyes, Petit, and Cameron all for just Soriano (and naturally the Mets balked at such a deal). I think the Rangers are asking for too much if Milledge/Reyes, Petit, and Cameron is the lowest they will go. If I were the Rangers I would try to sweeten their end of the deal by attaching possibly a Juan Dominguez or a player similar to that. But the bottom line is with all of the reported rumors and all of the trade talk that has taken place so far, if Hicks is serious about the fact that there haven't been any conversations that would make the Rangers front office consider trading Soriano, than the only message Hicks is sending other GM's and Rangers fans is that the Rangers will most likely not trade Soriano...However my gut feeling tells me Hicks isn't telling the truth and one way or another Soriano will be traded by Sunday.
----------------------------------
Also, below is part of a thread from a NY Mets blog, Amazing Avenue. The people in the thread were discussing if they would trade Cameron straight up for Soriano...Once one of the bloggers posted on the thread that the Rangers were demanding much more than that, other bloggers respond with these humorous statements.
They were asking for a lot more apparently
Post columnist Joel Sherman writes that the Rangers have asked the Mets for Mike Cameron, Aaron Heilman, Lastings Milledge and either Yusmeiro Petit or Brian Bannister in return for Alfonso Soriano.
by Matt on Wed Jul 27, 2005 at 03:40:33 PM EST
why stop there?
why don't the Rangers ask for Wright, Reyes and 50% of revenue from ticket sales on the days Pedro starts..
Put it in the books
by frischer50 on Wed Jul 27, 2005 at 04:23:59 PM EST [ Parent ]
It never hurts to ask
Can I have a pony?
by Mets Rule on Wed Jul 27, 2005 at 06:58:31 PM EST [ Parent ]
maybe we can throw in
the empire state building and the statue of liberty too
its a ground ball...trickling... its a fair ball, its by Buckner, rounding third Knight, the Mets will win the ballgame, the Mets win
by jonboy200 on Wed Jul 27, 2005 at 07:24:11 PM EST [ Parent ]
...But Rangers owner Tom Hicks told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram everything is calm on the Soriano front, though a half-dozen teams have expressed interest.
"There's nothing I'm treating seriously at this time," Hicks said. "There have been no conversations that would make us consider trading a player that's very important to this team."
There have been no conversations? This statement is rather puzzling as it is either a blatant lie by Hicks or the more likely scenario is that Hicks and Hart are actually demanding what they have been rumored to demand which is some sort of package including Milledge/Reyes, Petit, and Cameron all for just Soriano (and naturally the Mets balked at such a deal). I think the Rangers are asking for too much if Milledge/Reyes, Petit, and Cameron is the lowest they will go. If I were the Rangers I would try to sweeten their end of the deal by attaching possibly a Juan Dominguez or a player similar to that. But the bottom line is with all of the reported rumors and all of the trade talk that has taken place so far, if Hicks is serious about the fact that there haven't been any conversations that would make the Rangers front office consider trading Soriano, than the only message Hicks is sending other GM's and Rangers fans is that the Rangers will most likely not trade Soriano...However my gut feeling tells me Hicks isn't telling the truth and one way or another Soriano will be traded by Sunday.
----------------------------------
Also, below is part of a thread from a NY Mets blog, Amazing Avenue. The people in the thread were discussing if they would trade Cameron straight up for Soriano...Once one of the bloggers posted on the thread that the Rangers were demanding much more than that, other bloggers respond with these humorous statements.
They were asking for a lot more apparently
Post columnist Joel Sherman writes that the Rangers have asked the Mets for Mike Cameron, Aaron Heilman, Lastings Milledge and either Yusmeiro Petit or Brian Bannister in return for Alfonso Soriano.
by Matt on Wed Jul 27, 2005 at 03:40:33 PM EST
why stop there?
why don't the Rangers ask for Wright, Reyes and 50% of revenue from ticket sales on the days Pedro starts..
Put it in the books
by frischer50 on Wed Jul 27, 2005 at 04:23:59 PM EST [ Parent ]
It never hurts to ask
Can I have a pony?
by Mets Rule on Wed Jul 27, 2005 at 06:58:31 PM EST [ Parent ]
maybe we can throw in
the empire state building and the statue of liberty too
its a ground ball...trickling... its a fair ball, its by Buckner, rounding third Knight, the Mets will win the ballgame, the Mets win
by jonboy200 on Wed Jul 27, 2005 at 07:24:11 PM EST [ Parent ]
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Finley to be traded, not waived?
According to ESPN.com and the Fort Worth Star Telegram, a rumor is developing that the Mavericks are considering trading Michael Finley as opposed to losing him outright via the new "Allan Houston" rule. Dallas is rumored to get in return a package including Tony Battie and Doug Christie. Battie could be a bruiser of the Dallas bench, relieving Dampier and providing quality big man minutes. Christie, a defensive specialist, would provide a great deal of defensive assistance in the Dallas backcourt. I think this is a much better alternative than outright waiving Finley. This way the Mavericks pick up two contributors, especially on the defensive end, and Finley does not end up on the roster of a strong Western conference foe.
The article also mentions the fact that Dallas is one of several teams to have contacted Steven Hunter's agent about signing the FA big man. Hunter is an athletic big man who I think can play well together with Nowitzki on the floor. He is also a great shot blocker, and seems like a suitable defender for players like Duncan and Stoudemire.
Fort Worth Star Article by Art Garcia
The article also mentions the fact that Dallas is one of several teams to have contacted Steven Hunter's agent about signing the FA big man. Hunter is an athletic big man who I think can play well together with Nowitzki on the floor. He is also a great shot blocker, and seems like a suitable defender for players like Duncan and Stoudemire.
Fort Worth Star Article by Art Garcia
Twins talking to Texas
Joe Christensen of the Star Tribune is reporting that the Rangers and Twins have discussed a trade for Soriano. The Twins offense has become lackluster at best since the all-star break and adding a bat like Soriano to the feeble Twins offense could help push them back to the top of the wild card standings. However, Christensen claims that, "the chances of the Twins acquiring Soriano did not sound good." This is because the Twins view Soriano as a "two-month rental." The Twins were offering starting pitchers Joe Mays and Kyle Lohse, as well as reliever J.C. Romero. This proposed deal is much inferior to any of the rumors between the Rangers and Mets. While J.C. Romero is a superb reliever who would alleviate some of the bullpen woes the Rangers have experienced this year, Lohse and Mays are average pitchers at best. There is no way the Rangers would actually consider a trade like this and it seems unlikely any deal will get done between these two teams, especially considering Minnesota doesn't like trading many of their top prospects in their minor leagues. But it would be interesting to see if Minnesota balked at a proposal of #2 ranked prospect OF Jason Kubel, #4 ranked prospect SP J.D. Durbin, and reliever J.C. Romero. Even then it seems unlikely Minnesota would accept such a deal since they are unsure they could afford to resign Soriano while a team like the Mets is financially capable of such an action.
Article Link
Article Link
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
A possible 3-way deal?
According to Newsday's David Lennon, the Rangers, Mets, and Reds could be involved in a 3-way deal centered around Alfonso Soriano. Both Soriano and Casey would end up in New York. The article doesn't give specifics, however I would assume the Rangers would receive Cameron, Petit, and Milledge. The Rangers would most likely have to give up Hudgins and Dominguez as well, who would go to the Reds. Dominguez was once the Rangers' top pitching prospect, who thus far has not pitched to his potential in the major leagues. I think this would be a great trade for Texas, as this would not only help resolve their outfield problems, but adding a blue chip pitching prospect and the top rated prospect in the Mets organization in Lastings Milledge would be huge for the Rangers organization. If Hart could pull off a deal like this, this could help some Rangers' fans put the Chan Ho Park deal in the back of their minds....not too far back though.
Rangers fall to Orioles 5-4
The Rangers have now lost 10 of their 13 second half season games, as they dropped a tough one to Baltimore tonight, 5-4. Once again it seems like Kenny Rogers is the only consistent starting pitcher in our rotation as he pitched 7 innings allowing 3 earned runs. The Rangers tied the game up in the top of the 8th with a home run by former Oriole Gary Matthews Jr. However recently acquired James Baldwin relieved Rogers to start the 8th inning and Palmero nearly hit one out of the yard, and after a Sosa pop up, Javy Lopez ended things with a home run. Baldwin didn't look that good and obviously isn't a real solution to the Rangers bullpen woes. Now at 49-50 playoff hopes are starting to look bleak, especially considering how well Oakland, NY, and Minnesota are playing. Hart needs to pick up his phone, call Mr. Minaya and trade Soriano whose trade value couldn't be any higher.
Ponson to Texas?
According to rototimes.com, "Before the Orioles' failed attempt to trade Sidney Ponson (P) Bal to San Diego, they reportedly had talks with the Rangers regarding swapping him for Richard Hidalgo or a prospect, according to the Baltimore Sun. The Rangers would have wanted the Orioles to absorb some of Ponson's contract. It's unclear if the Orioles will revive talks with Texas now that Phil Nevin blocked the deal to San Diego."
I would be ecstatic if the Rangers shipped Hidalgo to Baltimore for SP Sidney Ponson. You could then let Ponson pitch in the rotation and see what he's got. Ponson has struggled this year, accumulating a 5.91 era while going 7-9 this year. Ponson has had a few good years under his belt especially in 2003 when he went 17-12 with a 3.75 era. For a pitcher that is two years removed from that I think the Rangers have to take a flyer on for half a year and see what they got. Also getting rid of Hidalgo is a good thing, which will allow other plays to play more often in the outfield. Specifically Botts and Gonzalez should be able to play more. Alright Rangers get Ponson and help him return to his old form!
....this is all of course assuming the Orioles take on the majority of Ponson's contract, as we know Hicks couldn't afford such a contract since Texas is such a small market...
I would be ecstatic if the Rangers shipped Hidalgo to Baltimore for SP Sidney Ponson. You could then let Ponson pitch in the rotation and see what he's got. Ponson has struggled this year, accumulating a 5.91 era while going 7-9 this year. Ponson has had a few good years under his belt especially in 2003 when he went 17-12 with a 3.75 era. For a pitcher that is two years removed from that I think the Rangers have to take a flyer on for half a year and see what they got. Also getting rid of Hidalgo is a good thing, which will allow other plays to play more often in the outfield. Specifically Botts and Gonzalez should be able to play more. Alright Rangers get Ponson and help him return to his old form!
....this is all of course assuming the Orioles take on the majority of Ponson's contract, as we know Hicks couldn't afford such a contract since Texas is such a small market...
Benoit comes through
It seems like for the first time in a real long time the Rangers actually won a ballgame last night with a 4-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. Joaquin Benoit got the start and pitched beautifully getting the win while allowing 4 hits and no runs in 5 innings pitched. After Benoit's amazing start out of the bullpen this season, when the Rangers needed to fill a hole in their rotation in the Yankees series they inserted Benoit into the rotation. In the Yankees game Benoit looked great at time and awful at others. However, with the Rangers falling out of contention I think it is a great idea to keep Benoit in the rotation the rest of the year. Benoit has the stuff to be a quality pitcher in the majors, as evidenced by his 2.00 era this year (most of that coming out of the bullpen). However, he has struggled as a starter because of his inabilty to handle the pressures of being a starting pitcher. However, if the Rangers continue to start Benoit he can possibly overcome this fear of his to become an invaluable member of our starting rotation next season. The Rangers must continue to start him...as win-lose wise these remaining games have been rendered meaningless.
Benoit's line from the Baltimore game last night:
IP H R ER BB SO HR PC-ST ERA
Joaquin Benoit (W 2-1) 5.0 4 0 0 4 2 0 91-56 2.00
Benoit's line from the Baltimore game last night:
IP H R ER BB SO HR PC-ST ERA
Joaquin Benoit (W 2-1) 5.0 4 0 0 4 2 0 91-56 2.00
Hart screws up again
It appears as if the Rangers will most likely not trade Alfonso Soriano as the Ranger's asking price is simply too high.
According to ESPN.com:
"Clubs that spoke with the Mets and Rangers over the weekend say the Rangers are asking for the Mets' best hitting prospect, Lastings Milledge, in addition to three other players, including one of the Mets' outfielders (likely Mike Cameron).
Three different teams that checked in with the Rangers came away believing GM John Hart wasn't serious about trading Soriano."
Once again it is being made evident that John Hart is screwing up things again for the Rangers by asking for way too much from the Mets. It is ok to ask for too much in a negotiating process, but the fact that it is being reported that Hart won't budge on his asking price is absurd. I wonder if the Rangers would plan on keeping Cameron on their team for next year or possibly trading him away for an MLB ready pitcher. Either way Hart needs to get a deal done before we lose Soriano for nothing.
According to ESPN.com:
"Clubs that spoke with the Mets and Rangers over the weekend say the Rangers are asking for the Mets' best hitting prospect, Lastings Milledge, in addition to three other players, including one of the Mets' outfielders (likely Mike Cameron).
Three different teams that checked in with the Rangers came away believing GM John Hart wasn't serious about trading Soriano."
Once again it is being made evident that John Hart is screwing up things again for the Rangers by asking for way too much from the Mets. It is ok to ask for too much in a negotiating process, but the fact that it is being reported that Hart won't budge on his asking price is absurd. I wonder if the Rangers would plan on keeping Cameron on their team for next year or possibly trading him away for an MLB ready pitcher. Either way Hart needs to get a deal done before we lose Soriano for nothing.
Monday, July 25, 2005
Fort Worth Star Telegram Article
After most recently being swept by the Oakland Athletics, the Rangers have fallen to 2-10 after the All Star break and are now below .500 with a 48-49 record. Texas now trails LAA by 10 games in the west and trail wildcard leaders Minnesota and Oakland by 4.5 with 7 teams in front of Texas contending for the single wildcard spot. Today the Fort Wort Star Telegram reported that talks between the Rangers and the Mets have heated up:
Rangers notes
Soriano could be involved in Mets deal
By T.R. SULLIVAN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
ARLINGTON - The Rangers and the New York Mets engaged in serious talks concerning second baseman Alfonso Soriano this week.
Right now a deal doesn't appear imminent because the Rangers want three players and at the top of their list is outfielder Lastings Milledge, a Double A outfielder and a former No. 1 pick.
The Rangers have not been actively shopping Soriano but are willing to listen, and the Mets have been interested in the All-Star second baseman for some time. The Rangers are also drifting toward the selling mode now that they're one game below .500.
The Mets have been using utility infielder Miguel Cairo at second base while Kaz Matsui is on the disabled list with a bruised knee. Matsui has been a disappointment anyway, hitting only .234, and the Mets went into Sunday's game eighth in the National League in runs scored.
They are also interested in the Dodgers' Jeff Kent.
Milledge was hitting .302 with 18 stolen bases in 62 games in Class A before being promoted to Double A on July 11. The Rangers asked about him earlier this season and were turned down.
The Rangers' ambitious demands are keeping a deal from getting made. Sources said the talks are hotter than both teams are letting on, but there is still no guarantee that it could get done. The position of both sides could change as the deadline nears.
The Rangers also remain interested in Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson, who was traded to the San Diego Padres on Saturday. But that deal is contingent upon Phil Nevin waiving his no-trade clause and agreeing to go to Baltimore.
If he does, the Rangers could try for Ponson again, either for outfielder Richard Hidalgo or minor league prospects. The Rangers still aren't enthused about picking up all of Ponson's contract for 2006.
Gonzalez watch
The showcasing of first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has begun. Gonzalez started at first base Sunday with Kevin Mench on the bench because of a bone bruise on his right hand. David Dellucci was in left despite a strained right calf muscle and Mark Teixeira was at designated hitter.
The Rangers would like to use Gonzalez at first base to increase his trade value as the deadline nears.
----------------------------------
A few things...First after feeling depressed about the way the season is panning out I finally feel good about something and that something is the fact that John Hart is actually on the phone talking trades. Soriano is having a sensational season and his trade value couldn't be higher. The Mets are interested and unlike the Yankees, the Mets farm system has top tier prospects. The talks are centered around Lastings Milledge, a former 12th overall pick in the 2003 draft, who is the consensus #1 prospect in the Mets system. Milledge, a RF, could easily fill the game the Rangers are missing in the outfield. He was recently promoted to double A ball and is batting .441 with five steals and eight runs in just eight games.
The Rangers are also starting to play recently called up Adrian Gonzalez. This act is comparable to a runway model, walking down the stage and showing off what she's got. Gonzalez is often rumored in trades, as his way to the major leagues via first base has been blocked by Mark Texiera. If a quality pitching prospect for Gonzalez is a possible deal I would take a good hard look at it if I were the Rangers. To say John Hart has struggled as the Rangers GM would be an understatement, however he now has a chance to redeem himself by pulling the trigger on a couple of deals that could significantly help this team two years down the road, the same time in which Diamond, Volquez, and Danks show up in Arlington.
Rangers notes
Soriano could be involved in Mets deal
By T.R. SULLIVAN
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
ARLINGTON - The Rangers and the New York Mets engaged in serious talks concerning second baseman Alfonso Soriano this week.
Right now a deal doesn't appear imminent because the Rangers want three players and at the top of their list is outfielder Lastings Milledge, a Double A outfielder and a former No. 1 pick.
The Rangers have not been actively shopping Soriano but are willing to listen, and the Mets have been interested in the All-Star second baseman for some time. The Rangers are also drifting toward the selling mode now that they're one game below .500.
The Mets have been using utility infielder Miguel Cairo at second base while Kaz Matsui is on the disabled list with a bruised knee. Matsui has been a disappointment anyway, hitting only .234, and the Mets went into Sunday's game eighth in the National League in runs scored.
They are also interested in the Dodgers' Jeff Kent.
Milledge was hitting .302 with 18 stolen bases in 62 games in Class A before being promoted to Double A on July 11. The Rangers asked about him earlier this season and were turned down.
The Rangers' ambitious demands are keeping a deal from getting made. Sources said the talks are hotter than both teams are letting on, but there is still no guarantee that it could get done. The position of both sides could change as the deadline nears.
The Rangers also remain interested in Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson, who was traded to the San Diego Padres on Saturday. But that deal is contingent upon Phil Nevin waiving his no-trade clause and agreeing to go to Baltimore.
If he does, the Rangers could try for Ponson again, either for outfielder Richard Hidalgo or minor league prospects. The Rangers still aren't enthused about picking up all of Ponson's contract for 2006.
Gonzalez watch
The showcasing of first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has begun. Gonzalez started at first base Sunday with Kevin Mench on the bench because of a bone bruise on his right hand. David Dellucci was in left despite a strained right calf muscle and Mark Teixeira was at designated hitter.
The Rangers would like to use Gonzalez at first base to increase his trade value as the deadline nears.
----------------------------------
A few things...First after feeling depressed about the way the season is panning out I finally feel good about something and that something is the fact that John Hart is actually on the phone talking trades. Soriano is having a sensational season and his trade value couldn't be higher. The Mets are interested and unlike the Yankees, the Mets farm system has top tier prospects. The talks are centered around Lastings Milledge, a former 12th overall pick in the 2003 draft, who is the consensus #1 prospect in the Mets system. Milledge, a RF, could easily fill the game the Rangers are missing in the outfield. He was recently promoted to double A ball and is batting .441 with five steals and eight runs in just eight games.
The Rangers are also starting to play recently called up Adrian Gonzalez. This act is comparable to a runway model, walking down the stage and showing off what she's got. Gonzalez is often rumored in trades, as his way to the major leagues via first base has been blocked by Mark Texiera. If a quality pitching prospect for Gonzalez is a possible deal I would take a good hard look at it if I were the Rangers. To say John Hart has struggled as the Rangers GM would be an understatement, however he now has a chance to redeem himself by pulling the trigger on a couple of deals that could significantly help this team two years down the road, the same time in which Diamond, Volquez, and Danks show up in Arlington.
Dallas Sports Blog back!
After an absence of a five months I am proud to say that I will continue the maintains of this blog and would love intense discussions from all of the readers. I will shortly post a thread about the Rangers.
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