LEADING OFF
One of the big topics of conversation this week was whether or not Shelby Miller would remain in the rotation. He's scheduled to start again Tuesday versus the Royals, but it seems like his role is far from set in stone. Whether it is using him after an "Opener" or piggybacking him with another pitcher, the Rangers think his consistency issues could possibly be aided by placing the responsibility of going 3-4 innings on his shoulders instead of hoping he can go 6. The numbers support that he starts to decline at around the 60-pitch mark, something not conducive for a starter. It's a fluid discussion and nothing is set, but there are some different paths they could explore.
This discussion brings me to a bigger topic. Every team goes into a season believing this player is this and that player is that, but it doesn't always work out. Sometimes it is injury-related and other times the player just doesn't work out in their planned role. I'm not at all saying Shelby is that just yet, but it made me think of the 2012 Giants.
The 2012 Giants won the World Series in a year in which Tim Lincecum posted a regular season ERA of 5.18. It was the first year of his fall from a dominant starter and he was bad. If you told anyone with the Giants before the year that the Giants would be in the playoffs and a healthy Tim Lincecum would largely not be in the rotation (except for one start), they'd probably laugh.
Tim Lincecum, the starter, wasn't working. But instead of just kicking him aside, Bruce Bochy and the Giants got creative and considered how he could help the team. They moved him to the bullpen for the postseason and he was a critical multi-inning reliever who allowed 1 run in 13.0 relief innings that October.
Shelby Miller isn't Tim Lincecum and this isn't the postseason, but that doesn't mean there aren't parallels. When a guy doesn't pan out, it is easy to just push him aside by releasing him or demoting him. Not every player and not every contract allows for that flexibility, but Shelby is on a cheap one-year deal so releasing him wouldn't be hard or costly. Instead of doing that, though, I think the best-run organizations bear down and figure out how to make use of the talent in that body. And, rest assured, there is plenty of it with Shelby.
Maybe this works and maybe it doesn't. Heck, maybe Shelby figures it out and stays in the rotation. But, generally speaking, and not specific to Shelby, I think winning teams find ways to make use of the talent in their clubhouse instead of always resorting to a guy in the minor leagues who was there for a reason. Maybe it is a journeyman who hasn't ever proven he can be a really good big leaguer or maybe it is a young guy who just isn't ready yet, but there is a usually a reason those guys are in the minors. Yes, there are minor league call ups who end up as critical parts of a winning equation that year, but most minor league call ups for that particular year are more just guys you hope can keep you afloat. Shelby Miller has the talent to help this team. Now it is about figuring out the best way to tap into that.
STRATEGY NOTE OF THE WEEK
For the last few weeks, I was sure that the Rangers would designate RHP Jeanmar Gomez for assignment when Ronald Guzman returned. I'm also certain that for several days during that stretch, Jon Daniels went to sleep prepared to make that particular move. Ultimately, when it came time to make a move, Gomez remained and Delino DeShields was optioned to Triple-A Nashville. Why? A few reasons. Despite Delino's .324 OBP—a respectable number a bit below league average—his .184 BA with a lack of power has produced a sub-par offensive start to 2019. Going down can help him build some momentum before an inevitable return in the near future. Delino's performance played a role, but circumstance did, too. If the Rangers choose to make Shelby Miller more of a 3-4 inning guy as opposed to a traditional starter, maintaining an 8-man bullpen is of more importance than a 4-man bench.
AROUND THE TEAM
*Gerrit Cole is a free agent this off-season. I want him badly. Will elaborate later on, but for now, just know that I'd be more than happy to back up the truck for him.
*We've talked about Joey Gallo being more than just a bat for a few years. Nationally, I'm not sure people really were aware of his tools or believed that they existed beyond just power. Hopefully, people are taking note this year. Gallo is playing CF and doing a nice job. He's also collected 5 assists, T-2nd in MLB among OFers. His baserunning has also been great. According to Bill James' Spd store, a metric that tries to grade out baserunning as a whole, Gallo ranks T-12th in the AL with Elvis Andrus and ahead of known speedster Dee Gordon. Is he a better baserunner than Dee Gordon? I'm not sure. But that he ranks ahead of him is, at a minimum, an indication that he makes an impact of the bases to a degree way above average.
*Hunter Pence, huh? Not sure what the future holds for Hunter, but almost wish we could bottle this up and preserve it for the first year the Rangers are legit contenders. Seems like all winning teams have a guy like Pence—a veteran who provides tremendous leadership and production in a bench/platoon-type role but ready to take on a bigger role as needed. That's exactly the guy he's been so far this year.
*Umps are human. Players develop reputations. It's unavoidable. I thought it was interesting that after Thursday's loss to the Astros Chris Woodward's frustration wasn't directed towards the inconsistent Dan Iassogna's strike zone as much as it was his belief that Iassogna (and others) are making calls based on the reputation of Rangers hitters who in the past failed to demonstrate plate discipline, even though their eyes are much keener this year.
*Really hoping Shawn Kelley is OK. An infection sounds ominous and could have health implications beyond just sports. That's obviously more important than the baseball side, but on the baseball side, his injury is a big loss. The Rangers' bullpen was thin already, and it just got thinner. For first-year manager Chris Woodward, he'll have some really tough decisions to make when managing the bullpen day-to-day. There just aren't a ton of awesome options. Ariel Jurado has been a very pleasant surprise, but outside of Jurado and Chris Martin, who is in the circle of trust right now?
*Something just isn't right with Jose Leclerc. Even through his scoreless innings since getting removed from the closer, he isn't pitching with the dominance he demonstrated last year. Not sure what it is exactly, but something is amiss.
*The Rangers signed right-handed reliever Josh Fields to a minor league deal with a July 15 opt out if not on the big league roster. Fields has posted a 3.11 ERA over the last three years with 135 K over 133.0 IP. He got off to a rough start with Milwaukee's Triple-A affiliate but with the Rangers' bare bullpen, he could get an opportunity to help strengthen things sooner rather than later. Why was he available, you ask? He wasn't going to make the Dodgers Opening Day roster so they cut bait before having to pay him a $2 million roster bonus. His declining K-rate (7.2 K/9 in 2018) probably played a factor once he was available, too.
*Nomar Mazara has gotten off to a slow start this year. As we've mentioned before in this space, this is a big year for him to take a step forward just as it is for Gallo and Odor. Maz has a laser-like focus and a perfect even-keel temperament, but the production hasn't matched the expectations and hopes thus far. In the stats section below, I share a figure that has contributed to his struggles. Maz been good at the plate the last few years, but the Rangers are hoping for Maz to be very good, if not great. And, in some ways, he needs to be because he doesn't make you better in the field or on the bases. While Joey Gallo gets criticized for being streaky, Maz has been streaky, too. Right now, he's in a bit of a valley. Here's to hoping he hits a peak soon and stays there for a while.
MAILBAG
Jimmy Martin (@JMartin_01): When will (Carlos) Tocci get called up?
Tocci had a great spring and got off to a strong first couple of weeks with Triple-A Nashville but has since struggled offensively. He's hitting just .213 with three extra-base hits. In order for him to get call up consideration, he'd need to be hitting better. Big picture, the plan all along was to give him a full year (or close to it) to grow offensively so him not necessarily being at the top of the list for potential call ups isn't a bad thing. He's just 23-years-old and outstanding defensively. Plenty of time and room for him to grow.
Dave Player (@dave_player): If you were in charge of designing the new stadium and has to Frankenstein certain features from current or past MLB stadiums, what would you put in it?
Love this question. This doesn't quite answer the question, but my hope is that the new ballpark has some features that become tied to the park the way Greene's Hill is to Globe Life Park or Monument Park is to Yankee Stadium or McCovey Cove is to whatever they're calling San Fran's park these days (Oracle Park). What really comes to mind isn't a structural ballpark feature, but a fan feature. I love Yankee Stadium's "Role Call" and that the Athletics essentially have a rowdy student section at the Coliseum. It'd be cool for some sweet fan traditions at Globe Life Field.
Ricky (@rickydx13): (Joe) Palumbo is lookin' good—any chance he gets called up this year?
Absolutely. As a matter of fact, I think the move of having him pitch behind an opener last week with Double-A Frisco is an indication that they are considering, if not preparing, for Palumbo's potential opportunity this year. While it certainly doesn't hurt to give Joe that experience with an opener, in general, my guess is that if he started some big league games this year, they'd consider putting him after an opener at some point.
Brady Ross (@Brady_Ross33): You said on Spitballin' that the Rangers could make a Hamels-Like trade for a win-now guy with several years of control. Who would profile as that type of guy and might be available?
In general, you can check the roster of any non-contending team that doesn't appear to be on the precipice of competing and they'd likely be willing to chat about their guys. The two guys who stand out are Blue Jays starters Aaron Sanchez and Marcus Stroman. Indians RHP Mike Clevinger is hurt right now and on the 60-Day DL, but he's under control through 2023 so he'd certainly fit that bill. Matt Boyd is under control through 2023 and is having a breakout year for the Tigers. I doubt the Red Sox trade Mookie Betts but a boy can dream…
MOMENT OF THE WEEK
Hunter Pence with the first ever pinch-hit grand slam in franchise history in the 7th inning-or-later to tie the game.
Penceburgh, we tell ya! -- pic.twitter.com/ISvKkzmAiw
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) May 8, 2019Hunter Pence's pinch-hit grand slam tied the game in the 8th inning of Wednesday's series finale versus the Pirates. The Rangers have struggled on the road this year and appeared on the verge of a two-game sweep at the hands of the Pirates before Pence's blast.
BONUS MOMENT OF THE WEEK
*Last week, LSU's Drew Bianco hit a home run against Ole Miss…whose head coach is Mike Bianco, Drew's father. Drew had a bit of a bat flip and Mike had a bit of a stare from the dugout.
Off the bench, first pitch, no problem for @DrewBianco8! pic.twitter.com/p2uGpO3vdB
— LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) May 4, 2019ANECDOTE OF THE WEEK
Former Rangers catcher Brett Nicholas announced his retirement this week. He was released by the Rockies in late March and then decided to hang it up after a week with the White Sox's Double-A affiliate in Birmingham.
Nicholas played 36 big league games—all with the Rangers—slashing .252/.300/.456. He was traded during Spring Training 2018 to the Padres for Emmanuel Clase, who is currently one of Texas's super bright relief arms.
I'll always remember Nicholas as one of the most genuine, nicest guys I've come across. Shortly after Brett's MLB debut, I interviewed him for our pregame show. We sat in the dugout at Globe Life Park. It was raining so there was no one around. We got right into the interview but afterwards, we bonded over our shared love for Ken Griffey Jr. I told him I wanted to name my future first son Griffey, but that my then-fiancee wasn't too keen about that. Griffey talk evolved into this subject and that subject and twenty minutes later we were still talking. The conversation circled back to his debut and he simply told me how much baseball meant to him and how thankful he was for the opportunity. I think he said, "Man, this is so awesome!" with the same enthusiasm you or I would share if we got the chance to play in the bigs. It was so refreshing. There was no "too cool for school" about Brett. He treated everyone well.
When the Rangers designated Brett for assignment prior to trading him, a number of media types like myself for really upset. A number of teammates and people a part of the traveling staff were upset, too. Not because they disagreed with the decision, but because they were sad that Brett wouldn't be around. I think I even got a little teary-eyed when I said goodbye.
What's next for Brett? He could stay in baseball in some capacity. It's easy for people who treated others right like Brett did. Maybe he eventually gets back into baseball but that's not next on his agenda. When I interviewed Brett that rainy day, he told me if he wasn't playing baseball, he likely would have become a firefighter. So, now that he's not playing baseball, that's what he's going to pursue.
Brett told me he's rooting for Emmanuel Clase so he can feel like he gave back to the organization that gave him the chance to be a big leaguer one last time. Other than Brett potentially being the answer to a trivia question if Clase becomes a stud, casual Rangers fans probably won't remember Brett years from now. I can promise you that the people who got to cover him will never forget one of the nicest guys to wear a Rangers uniform.
WORST PLAY OF THE WEEK
As an Astros fan, you love it. As a baseball fan without an allegiance to either side, you probably love it. As a Rangers fan, you hate it…but what a play by Josh Reddick.
BRING IT BACK, @RealJoshReddick! ---- pic.twitter.com/fw9p84jSCj
— MLB (@MLB) May 10, 2019QUOTES OF THE WEEK
"I kind of had an idea the two innings before where I was going to be batting and who I might be facing…I figured it would be (Michael) Feliz or (Kyle) Crick and just game planned an approach and felt like I was going to get a slider based on what I'd done against their righties and how they've pitched me. So, I was going to look for a slider and they threw the pitch I was looking for." - Hunter Pence on his pinch-hit, game-tying grand slam after the Rangers' 9-6 win Wednesday vs. the Pirates.
While it might seem guys just step in the box and "see ball, hit ball," there is so much more preparation that goes into having success at this level. Chris Woodward has several times referred to Hunter Pence as one of the most prepared players he's ever been around and this quote is a peek into that.
STATS OF THE WEEK
CENTURY MARK! Joey Gallo with his 100th career home run!Gallo is the THIRD FASTEST IN MLB HISTORY to 100 home runs and the FASTEST IN AL HISTORY.325 games--Ryan Howard376 games—Ralph Kiner377 games—JOEY GALLO393 games—Mark McGwire
pic.twitter.com/qu3R7zUMis— Jared Sandler (@JaredSandler) May 8, 2019
*Gallo's 7.5% improvement in his walk rate from last year to this year (12.8% —> 20.3%) is easily the best in MLB. Christian Yelich's 6.1% improvement is the second biggest jump. Overall, Gallo's 20.3% BB rate this season is second in MLB behind Mike Trout's 22.7%.
*Elvis Andrus's 43.2% hard-hit rate is easily the best of his career. In 2017, his best offensive season, his hard hit rate was just 30.5%.
*Among 35+-year-olds with 15+ starts, Hunter Pence's .316 BA and 1.047 OPS ranks best in MLB.
*Hunter Pence joins Justin Smoak as the only two players in MLB this year to hit a HR on a pitch 99 mph or faster. Pence hit a HR on a 99.3 mph pitch off of Gerrit Cole, just a bit faster than the 99.1 mph pitch against which Smoak homered. It was the fastest pitch against which Pence had homered in his career.
*Nomar Mazara is hitting just .135 against all fastballs this year, last in MLB.
*There are some scuffling Rangers entering the week. Rougie is 4-for-his-last-38 with 17 Ks. Maz is just 6-for-his-last-38 with 1 XBH. Gallo, on a much smaller scale, is 0-for-his-last-11 with 8 Ks. Danny Santana is 3-for-his-last-22 with 10 Ks. Choo is 2-for-his-last-20 with 10 Ks.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
*So, how does Houston's team wRC+ of 133 stack up all-time? If the season ended today, which it obviously doesn't, it would the best offensive season in that category in MLB HISTORY
1—2019 ASTROS, 133
2—1927 Yankees, 127
3—1930 Yankees, 124
3—1931 Yankees, 124
5—2017 Astros, 122
The highest rated Rangers offenses of all time in this category are the 1991, 2008, and 2011 lineups that ended their seasons with a 112 wRC+
*Which one of these is not like the other? The five active pitchers with multiple no-hitters are Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Jake Arrieta, Homer Bailey…and Mike Fiers. Ok, so Homer Bailey isn't like the first three, but before injuries derailed him, he was a big step ahead of Mike Fiers and has nearly $100 million to show for it.
*Addison Russell returned on Wednesday from his suspension levied in response to a domestic violence incident with his ex-wife. Hats off to Cubs fans for booing him. I'm not big on booing your own guys for performance, but for this? All for it. Not saying he can't be cheered again, but he needs to earn that through his conduct. In the meantime, the slick-fielding Russell might want to spend some more time in the cage to improve upon his career 87 OPS+, which means his OPS since he entered the league is 13 percent below league average. Ouch.
*Don't look now but Chris Sale's last two starts have looked like what you'd expect out of Chris Sale's last two starts: 14 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 24 K, 1 BB (and 4 HPB).
*DFW's Clayton Kershaw is a pretty impressive human being…and that's without any consideration of his baseball abilities. Sure, baseball has helped provide him the means to do the amazing things he and his with Ellen do around the world, but methinks he'd be both successful and charitable without baseball. Anyway, here's an article from ESPN's Mike Stocker about Kershaw's efforts to expose human trafficking in the Dominican Republic.
*Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco had a 5-hit game on Wednesday. No one really talks about Polanco, who is currently slashing .324/.393/.607 (1.000), among the league's best shortstops, but I think he's earned his place at the table. Over his last 162 games after that 5-hit performance, Polanco was slashing .308/.370/.514 (.860) with 23 HR, 98 RBI, 42 2B, and 9 3B. He ranks top 5 among SS over that period of time in all categories over each of their last 162 games.
*Derek Holland called out the Giants front office for what he believes is a lack of consistency with their messaging. The Giants are a proud franchise who seem reluctant to rebuild even though, from an outsiders standpoint, that appears to be the prudent decision. Derek has struggled this year but he's never been one to speak out like this. If there is lingering discontent from either side, wonder if Derek could find his way back home? The Rangers could certainly use someone to eat innings…
MINOR LEAGUE
*Willie Calhoun got off to a slow start but has hit really well for Triple-A Nashville. So far this season he's slashing .294/.408/.560 (.968). The 21 BB:18 K ratio is impressive. Willie has never struck out a ton, but he's also never walked a ton. He's starting to play a bit of 2B to improve his versatility but, unless Odor gets hurt, his 2019 path to the bigs with the Rangers remains in the outfield. If he keeps hitting, he'll be here soon enough.
*Head down to the A/V section below for my conversation with RHP Tyler Phillips
*Some promotions came down the line this past week. RHP Tyler Phillips got the bump to Double-A Frisco. Cole Winn will throw his first professional pitches with Low-A Hickory as he jumps short-season ball. Sam Huff, who leads all of Minor League Baseball in HR 15, went from Low-A Hickory to High-A Down East. Right-handed reliever Jake Lemoine, who got off to a great start with Double-A Frisco, got the bump to Triple-A Nashville.
*Tyler Phillips will make his Double-A debut on Tuesday and Cole Winn will make his Hickory/Professional debut on Thursday.
*We haven't talked much about Lemoine. He's a 25-year old RHP drafted in the 4th round in 2015 out of Houston where he teamed with current Ranger Kyle Dowdy. He spent 2017 with Hickory, 2018 with Down East, and started 2019 with Frisco. He's had success at each stop and his 0.52 ERA over 17.1 IP with Frisco earned him the call up to the Sounds.
*For years, batting practice has involved a group of hitters taking swings off of someone throwing "BP." That person is typically a coach. At the big league level, some teams have guys who simply show up, throw, and then continue with their life. At the minor league level for the Rangers, don't be surprised to show up for BP and see guys hitting off of a machine. The Rangers are having their minor leaguers take swings off of actual humans, but their BP also includes swings off a machine that will either deliver pitches at a high velocity or deliver pitches replicating breaking ball movement. One reason why this isn't done across all levels at all times is because players like to get their timing down during BP and the machine doesn't simulate a pitching motion like a human would, but there's no reason why utilizing both couldn't be helpful.
*Tough break for Chris Seise and the Rangers. It was shared on Thursday that Seise, a shortstop and the 12th ranked prospect in the Rangers system, had undergone surgery to repair a torn left labrum. Seise was a first-round pick in 2017 and missed last year due to a right shoulder injury. He's just 20-years-old so he's got plenty of time, but that's now two lost years for the Floridian.
*Ever heard of Tyler Depreta-Johnson? He was a 35th round pick out of Houston Baptist in last year's draft. By all accounts, the 5'9" infielder is a long shot to make the majors. Regardless of what happens in Depreta-Johnson's career, there's no doubt that last Saturday night will remain a highlight. Why? He threw 2 innings, allowed 1 unearned run, struck out 2 needing 17 pitches (12 strikes, 5 swinging). Depreta-Johnson had never pitched professionally…nor had he pitched in college. But that's not all. He also won the game on a suicide bunt in the 13th. Hats off, TDJ!
A/V DEPARTMENT
*Here's my conversation with RHP Tyler Phillips, the organization's reigning Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Phillips is off to a great start with the Down East Wood Ducks and is considered among the organization's top pitching prospects.
*Rangers OF Shin-Soo Choo joined Ben Rogers and Jeff "Skin" Wade on Tuesday.
