NewsInbox: Will the Rangers improve in '09?
Beat reporter T.R. Sullivan answers Texas fans' questions
By T.R. Sullivan / MLB.com
04/07/09 1:05 PM ET
Many baseball "experts" are predicting that the Rangers will have a worse 2009 than their '08. Since it would be very difficult for the Rangers to have worse pitching and defense than last year, do you expect the Rangers to improve upon last year's record instead of regressing?-- Matt S., Austin, Texas
The Rangers allowed 107 unearned runs last year (twice as many as the Angels), they lost 14 games despite leading after six innings and their No. 1 starter won nine games. Assuming their offense does not fall apart, if the Rangers can improve their numbers in those three areas, then they have a chance to improve significantly on their 79 wins.
The 107 unearned runs are ridiculously astronomical. That's the most by a team since 1999. Not that I put that much weight in preseason predictions, but why are the Rangers being picked to have a worse record this year than they did in 2008 by so many "experts"?-- Aaron J., Waco, Texas
The Rangers have had eight losing seasons in nine years, their pitching has not been good and they had a relatively quiet offseason. Four of nine players in the Opening Day lineup were not in the big leagues last year. Their closer has five career saves. Two of their five starters did little or nothing at the big league level the past two years. It's possible that "experts" aren't looking too deeply past that. But hardly anybody looked too deeply past the Rays' history last year or the Rockies in 2007.
How does David Murphy still have the left-field job when he clearly has been outplayed by Marlon Byrd, Brandon Boggs and Andruw Jones?-- Bubba M., Arlington
After what Murphy did last year and what he's capable of accomplishing in the future, there is absolutely no way he deserves to lose anything based on what amounts to a 10-game stretch in Spring Training. Manager Ron Washington certainly has an interesting task ahead in apportioning playing time for the outfield, but history suggests that usually works itself out quite quickly. The suspicion is Jones knows that better than anybody, and that's why he's willing to bide his time.
What are the chances that Stephen Strasburg's price pushes him to the Rangers this year? If so, would the Rangers bite on that?-- Jacob B., Mesquite, Texas
The Rangers have the 14th overall pick in June's First-Year Player Draft. Among the teams ahead of them are the Tigers and the Braves. It would be extremely optimistic to think Strasburg would fall that far when people consider him the LeBron James of baseball. The Padres -- his hometown team -- have the third overall pick.
Kevin Millwood's contract is guaranteed next year if he pitches 180 innings. If he doesn't get to the 180 mark, do you think the Rangers will keep him?-- Randy L., Mesquite, Texas
This is way premature, but one point is being overlooked at least. If Millwood doesn't hit 180 innings and trigger the $12 million guarantee for 2010, the Rangers could void the last year, and then re-sign him at a lower figure.
If (heaven forbid) a starter goes on the DL before Derrick Holland is ready for the majors, who do you think will be first in line to join the rotation? Scott Feldman, Jason Jennings, or other?-- Matt S., Austin, Texas
Jennings and Feldman -- as middle relievers -- are probably viable options for 4-6 weeks. After that, they may not be "stretched out," a nebulous term meaning they may not have enough arm strength still built up to pitch the necessary five innings or 75 pitches.
If the Rangers do become a contender this year, do you think they might dip into their Minor Leagues for a quality trade?-- Joaquin M., Mesquite, Texas
Yes. There are certain crown jewels they won't touch, but if they feel they can get into the playoffs, they'll be aggressive to a point.
Why is everyone so high on Nelson Cruz? I saw a lot more and see a lot more in Marlon Byrd than Cruz.-- Steve P., Burleson, Texas
Byrd has proven without a doubt that he is a valuable baseball player on a winning team, both on and off the field. Cruz is a tremendous talent who has put up monster numbers in the past 12 months. Certainly, after a certain amount of disappointment in the past, he has to produce this season, but the Rangers need to give that kind of talent every kind of unobstructed chance.
What happened to Frank Catalanotto was completely unfair and unjust. Will Andruw Jones really provide the team anything that Frank couldn't?-- Quinn R., Amarillo, Texas
Jones simply gives the Rangers a right-handed bat to go with a lineup that is left-handed at designated hitter and first base. If the situation were reversed, the Rangers likely would have stayed with Catalanotto.
What's the longest home run measurement in all of baseball and at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington?-- Spitball G., Denton, Texas
Supposedly the longest home run ever hit in baseball history was a 565-foot blast by Mickey Mantle that cleared the left-center-field bleachers at Griffith Stadium in Washington, D.C., on April 17, 1953. Of course there are tales and legends of guys like Josh Gibson, Babe Ruth and others hitting them much farther. Paul Sorrento hit one at the Ballpark in 1999 that was estimated at 491 feet. All home run distances are at best educated guesses.
We hear so much about the Rangers' starting-pitching prospects? Do they have any relievers who are considered top prospects?-- Max E., Richardson, Texas
Three to watch in the immediate future are right-handers John Bannister and Andrew Laughter, and left-hander Corey Young. Watch out for Pedro Strop, a right-hander released by the Rockies at the end of last season after he missed most of the year with a fractured right elbow. He did some late-innings work for the Rangers in Spring Training and has a seriously live arm.
After seeing how well Derek Holland has pitched this spring, why not give him a spot in the bullpen?-- Amie C., Tyler, Texas
Nolan Ryan suggested that might be a possibility at some point this summer, but there seems to be much over-eagerness at getting him to Arlington soon. That seems quite unsettling.
What is the chance that the Rangers and Josh Hamilton will not get a deal done, and he will end up with a new team next year?-- Zach Z., Paris, Texas
None. Hamilton is only arbitration-eligible next year. He can't be a free agent until after 2012.
Why is everyone making such a hype about this Shelby Miller kid? I played against him last year in high school, and we beat him, 5-0, and chased him out in the fifth inning.-- Justin R., Abilene, Texas
Have you seen all the scouts watching your team?
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
