A Way to Get Beltre

UPDATE:  We got Adrian Beltre.  He will be our 3rd baseman for the next five to six years and will bat cleanup behind Josh Hamilton for the 2011 season.  Michael Young will be our super utility player and isn't too happy with the organization, not because of the move which he was happy with but the continued miscommunications between him and the front office.  He is still a Texas Ranger and I hope he remains one because his role will be of the utmost importance to the clubs success.  We did not get Grienke or Garza though we did pursue them.  We did sign Brandon Webb to a one year low risk high reward contract.

Adrian Beltre, born April 7, 1979 in the Dominican Republic capital of Santo Domingo, should now be the Texas Rangers number one free agent target.  Having come off an MVP caliber year, albeit a contract year, Beltre could solidify the Rangers lineup and open up a potential starting point in the Zach Greinke/Matt Garza talks.  Of course there is one blatantly obvious issue blocking the signing of the highly coveted free agent third baseman and that is the Texas Rangers' franchise third baseman, one time short stop and one time second baseman Michael Young.

You might say, "well he played short stop and second base so just scoot him over."  Its not that simple.  Two years ago Michael Young took offense to being asked to learn and play third base with young blue chip prospect Elvis Andrus ready for the big league challenge.  Young is still a Ranger and happier than ever after the Rangers made their first World Series appearance in franchise history to go along with Mike's first trip to the post season.

"Well then move him to second if you've got Elvis Andrus holding down the short stop position for the next four plus years."  Again, its not that simple.  You've got the oft injured, yet freak of nature home grown second baseman Ian Kinsler locked up for years to come as well.  I know he's dealt with injuries the last couple years but is one of the biggest impact players on the team and that's with reigning MVP Josh Hamilton leading the way [also: Nelson Cruz tied the record for most extra inning homeruns in a season with 5 in 2010].

And now, "What's all this talk about trading our franchise player and life long Ranger (was acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays as a minor leaguer) Michael Young to make room to sign Adrian Beltre?"  Young cannot block a trade to Colorado who had inquired on Young during the 2010 Winter Meetings.  The Rangers front office was just doing their due diligence in listening to anyone that wanted to talk business and were never too serious about trading Young and three year contract.  Michael Young should be a Ranger lifer with all that he's been through and seen here.  The guy can still hit even with a down year in 2010 and plays solid defense although range is lacking.  It sounds like I'm trying to say that just because he's the Rangers Derek Jeter there should always be a place in the lineup and on the field for him.  Actually what I'm trying to say is Michael Young is still good.  I'm not going to put it past him to have a couple more .300 - 200 hit seasons.  It is very possible if not expected.

I will go ahead and post this now and make changes later because I want to shower and get something to eat.  Exams got me down, man!

General Outline:  Young - 4,  Beltre - 5,  Hamilton - 7,  Kinsler - 8:  Bourbon added in package for Greinke/Garza

Josh Hamilton Larry King Interview

I've thought a long time about why I look up to Josh Hamilton so much and watching these interviews makes me realize that every time I hear him talk I feel inspired.  He is a man surrendered and surrendering is so hard to do.  God is working in his life like I have never seen before.  One of my favorite things that I hear him talk about is the difference between religion and having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  Someone will ask him about his religion and he'll respond, "Its not religious, brother."  I think that is one of the biggest misconceptions slash misunderstandings out there about Christians and Christianity.  Josh is a great example of a man with an ever maturing relationship with Christ.  Praise God for using Josh Hamilton.

Its Not Religious, Brother

Great quotes throughout and I definitely believe the ESPN anchor missed this one:  "Either way, I was good."  That was great.  Great message that Josh is talking about.  The MVP is a blessing of a platform.

Never Really Been Into Christian Music but...

I Want to Know You




Lord, I Lift Your Name on High




Lay Down My Pride




Strong Tower




Your Grace Is Enough




Blessed Be The Name





One Way




Shout to the Lord




How Great is Our God




Open the Eyes of My Heart




Mighty to Save




My Savior, My God




Awesome God




Now three that led me to this post...



If We've Ever Needed You




Saved the Day




Light Up the Sky




BUT... Find the songs from your own music preference and they really can speak to you.

"Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with my righteous hand." Isaiah 41:10

Casting Crowns - If We've Ever Needed You

A prayer of thanksgiving!

Lord,

Thank you for your blessings in my life, there are so many.  I struggle every day to live the life you want me to live but you love me the same.  Do you love me more when I do your will?  Do you love me less when I do what I know you don't want for me.  Your love is infinite and you love me the same, infinitely!  Never more or less because your love is beyond all belief.  Thank you Lord!  In Jesus name I pray, thank you.

Lord, I need you now.

Thinking Its Not All Bad Cowboys Lost, NFL FREE AGENTS 2010...

No, Brett Favre is not a free agent nor would the Cowboys need a QB.  Tony Romo was not to blame for the Cowboys 2nd Round loss to Minnesota.  Is 2010 going to be an uncapped year?  How would Jerry handle it if 2010 ended up being uncapped?  The purpose of this post is to list free agents at certain positions of need that the Cowboys should take a look at.  The draft will hopefully provide upgrades as we've seen through the developments made this year, but free agency is a different deal because of the ability to grade players based on professional performance.

Restricted Free Agents in Italics
Won't Be Able To Get in Strike Through

WR:  **TOP PRIORITY** Mile Austin (26) **TOP PRIORITY**, Brandon Marshall (26), Lance Moore (27)

OL:  Jahri Evans (27), Logan Mankins (28), Jared Gaither (24), Donald Penn (27), Jermon Bushrod (26)

DB:  Nick Collins (27),  Antoine Bethea (26), Roman Harper (27), O.J. Atogwe (29), Darren Sharper (34), Gerald Sensabaugh (27)

More to Come

Colby Lewis, Who?

The first time I heard this name associated with the Rangers I thought nothing of it but perhaps a player of the Jason Jennings caliber.  But as the Colby Lewis train pulls into the station, rearing to load up for the 2010 baseball season, I start to hear what kind of train he is although I have not seen it.

Colby Lewis was drafted in the 1st round (sandwich pick) of the 1999 draft, 38th overall by the Texas Rangers out of North High School in Bakersfield, CA.  He made his Major League debut in 2002 going 1-3 with a 6.29 ERA in 15 games, 4 starts.  His career did not progress any better as he spent time up and down from the Majors and Minors with the Rangers, Tigers, Nationals (minors), A's and Royals (minors).

Lewis then made the decision to go play in Japan with the Hiroshima Carp taking the spot of ace which had been vacated by now Dodgers pitcher Hiroki Kuroda.  NPB Tracker Patrick Newman writes:

"Nikkan Sports and others are reporting that Hiroshima Carp ace Colby Lewis has turned down the team’s offer and will return to MLB for 2010. Lewis cited family health problems as his decision to leave the Carp.

Lewis leaves big shoes for Hiroshima to fill. He stepped in to the ace role that Hiroki Kurodawas not his strength at the MLB level. In Japan, Lewis only walked 46 over 354.1 innings pitched. Somewhat weirdly however, he did hit 14 batters in 2009. vacated, and in some ways outperformed the current Dodger. In 54 NPB games, Lewis went 26-17 with a 2.83 era, and led the Central League in strikeouts in each of the last two seasons. More impressive was his command of the strike zone, which

Lewis looks like an interesting back-rotation MLB starter to me, and could be very effective if his command makes the trip back. Please see our data site to get a feel for his arsenal."

 Craig Calcaterra of Circling the Bases writes this bit about Lewis's decision:

"Colby Lewis, a former first round draft pick for the Rangers, had an undistinguished stint in the majors.  OK, that's putting it a bit lightly.  He had a 6.71 ERA, splitting time between starting and relieving over five seasons. He then went on to Japan for a couple of years where he seemed to find himself:  He went 15-8 with a 2.68 ERA and a 183/27 K/BB ratio in 178 innings in 2008 and went 11-9 with a 2.96 ERA and a 186/19 K/BB in 176 1/3 IP last season."

So after spending two seasons with Hiroshima it seems that Lewis has found the command he had lacked in the States and could be on the cusp of a big comeback if you want to call it that.  One problem is that I have a hard time finding MLB players that made the trip from Japan to the States that aren't Japanese.  Since 2001 there have been seven Japanese players to play in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.  That is seven out of 41 players that have played at least one game in the bigs though.  Pretty good percentage considering some didn't play that much.  Obviously Japan has great players as seen in their World Baseball Classic showings.  Most Japanese players that come to the States don't make the trip until they've played considerable time in Japan as well.

What are the chances Lewis succeeds.  I'd say a former first rounder that struggled to put it together until the age of 28 while bouncing around in the Major League Baseball and then finding comfort across the world has as good of chance as any.  He is now 30 years old and signed a two year deal that will put him on the Texas Rangers' 40-man roster.

Rob's NFL 2010 Mock Draft (1-10) Research

1.) 2008:  Chris Long (DE) - 2009:  Jayson Smith (OT)

Team Needs:  Everything!... QB, DE, DT, OG, CB, WR

The New NFL Draft Pick:  Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame
Football's Future Pick:  Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

2.)  2008:  Gosder Cherilus (OT) - 2009:  Matthew Stafford (QB), Brandon Pettigrew (TE)

Team Needs:  DT, CB, DE, LT, OG, WR, O-line, O-line, O-line

The New NFL Draft Pick:   Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska
Football's Future Pick:  Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St.

3.)  2008:  Aqib Talib (CB) - 2009:  Josh Freeman (QB)

Team Needs:  DT, DE, WR, CB, S, O-line

The New NFL Draft Pick:  Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St.
Football's Future Pick:  Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

4.)  2008:  Glen Dorsey (DT), Branden Albert (OT) - 2009:  Tyson Jackson (DE)

Team Needs:  OT, OG, OLB, WR, NT, C, S

The New NFL Draft Pick:   Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland
Football's Future Pick:  Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee

5.)  2008:  None - 2009:  Brian Orakpo (DE)

Team Needs:  OT, QB, SLB, RB, OG, C

The New NFL Draft Pick:  Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma
Football's Future Pick:  Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame


6.)  2008: None - 2009:  Alex Mack (C)


Team Needs:  RT, DE, ILB, WR, S, TE

The New NFL Draft Pick:  Eric Berry, S, Tennessee
Football's Future Pick:  Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St.


7.)  2008:  Lawrence Jackson (DE) - 2009:  Aaron Curry (OLB


Team Needs: LT, OG, QB, RB, S, DL

The New NFL Draft Pick:  Bryan Bulaga, T, Iowa
Football's Future Pick:  Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma


8.)  2008:  Darrenn McFadden (RB) -  2009:  Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR)


Team Needs:  NT, OT, OG, CB, LB, QB

The New NFL Draft Pick:  Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Football's Future Pick:  Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

9.)  2008:  Leodis McKelvin (CB) - 2009:  Aaron Maybin (DE), Eric Wood (C)

Team Needs:  QB, OT, DT, OLB, WR

The New NFL Draft Pick:  Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
Football's Future Pick:  Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

10.)  2008:  Derrick Harvey (DE) - 2009:  Eugene Monroe (OT)

Team Needs: DE, OG, S, DT, C, WR

The New NFL Draft Pick:  Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
Football's Future Pick:  Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech


*  The New NFL Draft (http://newnfldraft.com/)
*  Football's Future (http://www.footballsfuture.com/2010/nflmockdraft.html - Robert Davis)

If I Were the Pirates, What Would I Do?

Image 1: Pittsburgh Pirates Logo (thatnbalotterypick.com)

Besides completely overhauling scouting and management positions a lot more needs to be done - although I did hear they opened up a training facility in the Dominican recently.  So let's take a quick look at one of the sorriest franchises... the Pittsburgh Pirates. (italics below, denotes prospects)

Positives:  Garrett Jones, Ryan Doumit, Andrew McCutchen, Zach Duke, Pedro Alvarez


Upsides:  Iwamura, Milledge, LaRoche, Hanrahan, Crosby, Gorkys Hernandez, Jose Tabata, Brad Lincoln, Tim Alderson, Tony Sanchez


Negatives:  They have been so bad for so long and continue to be a team in desperation.  Their team payroll is the lowest in the league at around $32 million.

Salaries:

C:  Ryan Doumit (29) - $3.55m
1B: Jeff Clement (26) - $0.42m
2B:  Aki Iwamora (31) - $4.85m
3B:  Andy LaRoche (26) - $0.44
SS:  Bobby Crosby (30) - $1.0m
LF:  Lastings Milledge (25) - $0.54m
CF:  Andrew McCutchen (23) - $0.42m
RF:  Garrett Jones (28) - $0.42m

Image 2: Pedro Alvarez (vandymania.com)

C: Tony Sanchez
IF:  Pedro Alvarez (23) - $0.89m
OF:  Gorksy Hernandez (22) - $0.03m
OF: Jose Tabata (21) - $0.65m

P:  Zach Duke (26) - $4.5m
P:  Paul Maholm (27) - $4.5m
P:  Ross Ohlendorf (27) - $0.44m

Closer:  Joel Hanrahan (28) $0.44m

RHP: Brad Lincoln (24) - $0.33m
RHP: Tim Alderson (22)

Obvious needs:  Pitching, pitching, pitching...  and oh ya... an impact bat or two.

The Pirates have a solid 1, 2, 3, 4 once Alvarez is ready.  McCutchen, Iwamura, Alvarez, Jones could be too left handed though for some to live with leaving the possibility to slide Iwamura down to the 8 hole and perhaps move up a guy like Milledge to 2.

I'm sure all Pirates fans loved watching Garrett Jones pound the ball like he did last year but his bat alone is not going to scare a pitcher.  An impact bat needs to be added, preferably a 1st basemen.  Jeff Clement is a low risk-high reward 1st basemen but I know there is a better bat to be had there.

My lineup would go:

CF: McCutchen (R)
3B: Alvarez (L)
LF: Milledge (R)
1B/RF: Jones (L)
1B/RF:
C: Doumit (S)
SS: Crosby (R)
2B: Iwamura (L)

Free Agents that could fit (italics below, denotes 2011 free agents):

1B:  Jermaine Dye (36), Hank Blalock (29), Carlos Delgado (38), Derek Lee (35), Adam Dunn (31), Carlos Pena (33)

OF:  Rick Ankiel (30), Johnny Damon (36), Jayson Werth (32), Andruw Jones (34), Pat Burrell (34), Eric Byrnes (34) *if released

SP:  Pedro Martinez (38), Mark Prior (28), Ben Sheets (31), Bronson Arroyo (34), Jeremey Bonderman (28), Aaron Harang (33)

RP:  Kevin Gregg (32), Octavio Dotel (36), Joaquin Benoit (32), Will Ohman (31), Frank Fransisco (31), Juan Cruz (30), Jeremy Affeldt (32)

Notable Pennsylvania Baseball Players: great list...

Mark DiFelice, Taylor Bucholtz, Khalil Greene, Ryan Garko, Kyle Banks, Nolan Reimold

References:  mlbtraderumors.com, baseball-reference.com, mlb.com


Note:  I do understand the importance ot trades and strategery that goes into them.  Perhaps I'll dig a little deeper next time.  Thanks!