Second Half, Here We Go...
The Rangers have dropped their frist two games since the All-Star break, looking uncomfortable at the plate and consuded and tired on the mound.
Millwood pitched decently (for him) in the first game, but couldn't make the big pitch. Jamey Wright came in and fell apart, and that was that. I can't blame Wright too much, as he has been overworked all season.
This team needs better pitching, we all know that. But I content the bullpen is more of a concern, and that should be where the Rangers look to sign players. We have a number of young arms who could be successful starters, given the time to develop. But the bullpen, aside from Everyday Eddie and on-again-off-again Frankie, is a hodge-podge of leftovers.
Granted, our pitching health has not been good this year. Millwood - again - is pitching hurt. McCarthy hasn't pitched at all. Padilla is putting in a decent year despite his health issues. Gabbard was doing well until he was tackled, and while his back was still a concern, not his elbow has sidelined him for the rest of the year.
To see this team over .500 wih the pitching we've seen - and the pitching available to us - is a minor miracle, and a sign of good things to come in 2009 and 2010. But we cannot fool ourselves into thinking we can contend yet.
It's time to sell.
So, who do we move?
Padilla...Millwood, if there is any interest. Blalock. Byrd. Frank Cat. Nelson Cruz, who is burning up AAA. And, unfortunately, I think you have to move Bradley. Maybe we can resign him next year. And Salty, if anybody wants him. He is *not* the answer at catcher, and we have plenty of youngsters who can do the job as well until we get our veteran back.
The sad fact is, however, that with the trading of Bradley, you're going to see a lot less from Hamilton, with nobody as potent behind him in the lineup. Still: Kinsler, Young, Vasquez, Davis, Murphy, Hamilton...that's not too shabby. We might be able to stay near .500 for the rest of the year. And in the meantime, we gather more prospects.
The arrow on this team is pointed up. We just need to be careful not to get too excited, like we did in 2004. We are not contending. Not yet. Be patient, keep building, and enjoy watching a young team grow and develop.
What do YOU think?
Millwood pitched decently (for him) in the first game, but couldn't make the big pitch. Jamey Wright came in and fell apart, and that was that. I can't blame Wright too much, as he has been overworked all season.
This team needs better pitching, we all know that. But I content the bullpen is more of a concern, and that should be where the Rangers look to sign players. We have a number of young arms who could be successful starters, given the time to develop. But the bullpen, aside from Everyday Eddie and on-again-off-again Frankie, is a hodge-podge of leftovers.
Granted, our pitching health has not been good this year. Millwood - again - is pitching hurt. McCarthy hasn't pitched at all. Padilla is putting in a decent year despite his health issues. Gabbard was doing well until he was tackled, and while his back was still a concern, not his elbow has sidelined him for the rest of the year.
To see this team over .500 wih the pitching we've seen - and the pitching available to us - is a minor miracle, and a sign of good things to come in 2009 and 2010. But we cannot fool ourselves into thinking we can contend yet.
It's time to sell.
So, who do we move?
Padilla...Millwood, if there is any interest. Blalock. Byrd. Frank Cat. Nelson Cruz, who is burning up AAA. And, unfortunately, I think you have to move Bradley. Maybe we can resign him next year. And Salty, if anybody wants him. He is *not* the answer at catcher, and we have plenty of youngsters who can do the job as well until we get our veteran back.
The sad fact is, however, that with the trading of Bradley, you're going to see a lot less from Hamilton, with nobody as potent behind him in the lineup. Still: Kinsler, Young, Vasquez, Davis, Murphy, Hamilton...that's not too shabby. We might be able to stay near .500 for the rest of the year. And in the meantime, we gather more prospects.
The arrow on this team is pointed up. We just need to be careful not to get too excited, like we did in 2004. We are not contending. Not yet. Be patient, keep building, and enjoy watching a young team grow and develop.
What do YOU think?
I agree with all except trading bradley. I think he is young enough to be considered a part of the near future when this team will be contending. If you trade him, then next year we may be looking for a right handed bat to protect hamilton, and probably wont be able to get one as good as bradley. The only way i would want to trade bradley is for a young ace quality pitcher. the next edison volquez or tim lincecum (sp?) type.
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