I guess we can agree that the Rangers are now in a tryout mode - letting the top prospects play to see who is ready to step in next year. I keep thinking back to the Atlanta Braves. If you recall, they were horrible in the late 1980s. They made the decision to blow it up and start over. They traded everyone on the major-league team (who had any trade value) for prospects, concentrated on the draft, and rebuilt through thier farm system. They were not competitive for about three years in the NL while the prospects matured. When they were ready, the Braves started winning - and winning - and winning. And they did it with home-grown talent. When they got to the point that trading for a top-tier player was needed in order to win big, they had a pantry-full of prospects they could afford to trade. Wonder if the Rangers are borrowing that approach? Might as well - they talent they have now can't compete in the AL West. And while they're at it, I'd like to see them go to Tampa and hire everyone on their staff that is responsible for developing pitchers - the Rays certainly seemed to have that figured out.
I agree with both of you. What I cannot understand is the continuing to play Odor and Andrus. We know what they can do, but neither are in the future of the team. They are giving Galo every chance, but he just cannot get his head around to get to the next level. He should be worth a AAA and a #4 SP.
Viper, my gut feel is that the Rangers are committed to Gallo and will keep him. If he could just get the average up to .250, add in the 40 HRs each year and 100+ RBI and you've got a player. Someone has got to help him cut down on the strikeouts. Elvis is the clubhouse veteran, and I'm thinking he stays another year, maybe two, before he retires. I'm ready to trade Odor for a fungo bat and two dozen baseballs.
HHD, Galo issue is all in his head. There has to be someone somewhere that can unlock his brain. If Andrus accepts a lesser of a role they will keep him around. You are asking too much got Odor.
I've not read the thread. Here is the Captain Obvious question: How does Jon Daniels keep his job? UNREAL.
I believe he would have be gone after this season if it were a normal season. The problem is the owners are not baseball people which is ok if the GM is a solid baseball person.
^Agree. JD gets another year. And if everyone recognizes that next season is a major rebuilding year, he probably stays if the rebuild is showing good progress.
Depending on your point of view, the Rangers either ended year on 3 game win streak or ended year on a 12-29 train wreck. The expanded playoffs are going to be interesting and I really think that when baseball sees how much more money it brings in that we will see expansion of the playoffs become permanent. I like the Dodgers and the Rays in the World Series that will happen about thirteen miles south of my house but not involve my beloved Rangers. Not cool, not cool at all.
Shut and lock the door and throw away the keys to the 2020 season. Hopefully, the offseason will bring some real positive introspection since when it is time to move on - move on.
Well, the possible nightmare of watching Houston play for and possibly even win a World Series at the Rangers ballpark is avoided. Thanks Tampa but wow they made it way too interesting.
Not often that my predictions come through but it is Dodgers and Rays in World Series. I like Tampa in six so put all your money on the Dodgers to sweep.
The Rays bring some unknowns into the Series so it should be a good Series or not. At least there are two off-days scheduled during the Series so a chance to see better pitching management. Hopefully, no sweep for either as after this season 3 more games is a good deal for the fans. One good thing about the NLCS at Globe Life is the mostly debunking of the "the field is too big" idea. I wonder what Gallo was thinking as the balls flew out of the park?
^It does appear that the ball carries a bit better when the roof is open - not likely to happen during the summer months.
Well I had the number of games right just not the right team, congrats to dodgers and Clayton Kershaw. I thought Tampa's pitching would carry them but it was LA, who but for a total brainfart in game 4, that really dominated and the best team in baseball all year wins the World Series. Glad to put a pin in 2020 baseball and here is hoping that we can all be in the stands in 2021.
Agree FW, but I did not have confidence in the Dodgers holding it together. Of course, some will put an asterisk by the team, but all any team could do is play the schedule given them. Hopefully, things will start to get closer to normal by next season, but I have doubts that things can be judged to be sufficiently better by April to start Training Camp on time in February. The MLB questions to be answered are will the DH stay in the NL; and will the expanded playoffs remain. I say no to the DH in the NL (I am a traditionalist and feel if you play in the field you get a chance to bat) and yes to retaining the expanded playoffs (and hopefully in the parks of the playoff teams). For the Rangers at least get something positive done. As much as I like Woodward as a manager, what has come out of his mouth so far is the same as we heard after the 2019 season - "we are going to hold players responsible for their play and if they don't play to the level we desire they will be benched." Odor did not measure up at any point in the season but they kept rolling him out. Andurus had more tough spots, but at least he is a positive influence in the clubhouse. As the Dodgers, Rays, and Braves proved, there is no need to do anything to the outfield fences just to placate Gallo. He needs to get his head straight at the plate and not worry where the fences are.
