Comments on: Building Bridges: Only Real Competition in Rangers Camp is for Middle of the Bullpen

By: jcAustin

jcAustin — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:24:24 +0000

Agree with Cory. Throw Andruw in there too. The roster is relatively set, but far from a done deal.

By: Cory V.

Cory V. — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 15:25:14 +0000

The roster is basically set… really?

Does Andrus start for the Rangers or Redhawks?

Who’s the Utility guy? Vizquel, Duran, Arias?

Does Catalanatto make the team or his he cut?

Does Byrd make the team or is he traded?

I think there are still questions to be answered.

By: Fai Mao

Fai Mao — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:45:02 +0000

I would, being strange and ornery build this bull pen to pitch a whole bunch of innings.

I’d use bot Wilson and Francisco as closers. and alternate days. I would then have a left hand – right hand setup duo who could each go two innings ideally but maybe one inning would do for one.

Then I want three guys, one of whom is left handed who can go 3 innings once every three days

that means the bullpen would look something like
Francisco RHP – Closer
Wilson LHP – Closer
Guardado LHP – Setup
TBD
Rupe RHP – Long
Gabbard LHP Long
TBD RHP Long

By: Clark

Clark — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 05:56:09 +0000

I love the veteran leadership that Guardardo brings to the equation, but I just don’t think he has anything left, so I don’t see why he is one of only three guys with a guaranteed spot. The creed all offseason was about building for the future, so why not let Gabbard or Torres fit that lefty role, guys who almost certainly have better stuff and who are under team control for the next three or four years?

By: rob m

rob m — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 04:16:45 +0000

I can live with the bullpen you propose. Who replaces Guardado when he proves he is washed up? Will Diamond be a starter in AAA and a reliever in the MLs. Please tell Madrigal that we prefer the afro.

By: Tom B

Tom B — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 04:05:42 +0000

This is a pretty good mix of youth with Talent and veterans who have been injured or successful and then down. There is a lot of potential in reserve if Wash can connect the dots with this coaching staff early. A lot of new faces in that dugout and many are not players. I know this is much too profound but I see possiblities of medium failure to 90 wins. I’d take 87+ and a wake-up. Not in the 80s and everyone can take a hike. Will the Wash factor cost the customary half dozen games? Seattle and Oakland are both better. Angels did not lose much, if any.