Monday Morning Manager....Pacific Coast edition

1. Keep Buck Showalter. Get better pitching
2. People don't realize that the Rangers could get something good - especially pitching - for Gerald Laird right now. They are in the same position they were in a few years ago with Mench and kept him around too long. Trade Laird and re-sign Barajas. You could get more for Laird than you could for Blalock

3. Soriano

4. Gary Sheffield. He would give them some serious swagger

5. Tejeda definitely. I'd keep one more open. If they can't fill two spots in the rotation from that great group of young studs, somebody's head should roll

1. The Rangers need a new manager. That part is obvious. Showalter needs to be replaced.
2. Gerald Laird needs to be the No. 1 catcher. Barajas needs to go with Showalter.

3. Lee needs to go with Showalter and Barajas

4. Piazza is an intriguing guy

5. Millwood, Padilla, Zito, Tejeda, CJ Wilson

Number 1- If I was Tom Hicks I would think about making a change in the manger, I realize that Showalter is only using what is giving to him in pitching, but this is his fourth year and here the Rangers are fighting again for last place! The Marlins are cutting ties with Girardi; which he was dealt all minor leaguers except for a few select stars. He did an excellent job, and could do excellent for the Rangers because that’s what they give in terms of pitching. I would also do what ever it takes to get Hershiser back as the pitching coach, or somebody who was a good major league pitcher, not these people who spent their whole career in the minors.

Number 2- Laird will not be good as an everyday catcher and the Rangers know that. That is the reason why they are starting the Ojeda. I am sure that Barajas will not be back next year; however, if it was up to me I would keep it the way it is.

Number 3- Soriano is a better all around player than Lee. I would sign him back as a Ranger outfielder even if it took 15 million a year.

Number 4- Out of the free agents listed I would go after Everett or Gonzalez. But I think Bonds would be a great as a DH for the Rangers. There is one last option for the DH role for he Rangers, they can always call Will “the Thrill” Clark out of retirement, he was the best player the Rangers ever had!

Number 5- The rotation should be Millwood, Padilla (resign him at all cost), Eaton (resign him at all cost), a quality free agent starter, and one of the Rangers young pitchers for the fifth spot, with Koranka, Volquez, Danks, Diamond or Tejeda. I would only keep them as a fifth starter on a performance basis.

1. Baseball is a team sport – the entire organization starting from the top needs to take a good look in the mirror and ask themselves this question – what could I have done better?

Let’s start with an owner who should run the other way every time a reporter with a note pad or microphone is put in front of him. The only time I want to hear the owner talk about players is when he’s announcing a long-term contracts or accepting a World Series trophy. Otherwise all baseball discussion and evaluations should be directed to the GM or the manager.

The GM – while I like him overall – did whiff (badly) on the Soriano trade and, at best, came out with mixed results on the trade with San Diego – Aki saved that trade from being a disaster – but based on their performances this season how much better would this team have been with Chris Young as the #3 starter and Adrian Gonzalez in the lineup?

And let’s talk about those “stand-up” guys that some love to wax rhapsodic about a little too often. These “stand-up” guys whined about making changes and improving the team – the GM and owner did that – and guess what – the Rangers will still finish in third and very likely with a .500 (or below) record. When are these “stand-up” guys going take a little responsibility the lack of offense in close games (look at the Rangers record in one run games) For their pathetic performance during a critical 2 weeks in August -- after the GM went out and picked up some additional offense to help them out at the trading deadline. They still couldn’t catch the A’s who may have an anemic offense – but certainly can score runs in the games that count (and not pile on stats after the team is well out of contention)

While the talk show pundits and disappointed fans will call for the manager’s head on platter – all Buck did was fill out the lineup card – he didn’t blow 7 saves early in the season, he didn’t hurt his finger and miss 3 months worth of starts on the mound, he didn’t play LF with a hurt shoulder and lead the league in K’s for a good part of the season, he didn’t hit .271 with only 8 HR’s and 45 RBI’s from the cleanup spot during the first 3 months of the season, he didn’t have 7-7 record with a 5.38 ERA in his home starts. Yes, Buck did some things that frustrated this fan: too much Jerry Hariston Jr., too much Phil Nevin, he didn’t give Jason Botts a fair chance, didn’t play Gerald Laird enough, should have made the change at closer a little earlier in the season.But if we are going to praise “team chemistry” and “smart management” when thing are going well – then we should also hold the entire team and management/ownership accountable for poor performance in the same way. Personally I don’t put another dismal Rangers season solely on Buck – there is plenty of blame to spread around the front office and the clubhouse.

2. Didn’t Branch Rickey say something like – it’s better to trade a player one year too early? rather than one year too late? Catching is probably the only place the organization has depth in the minor leagues – while it might add a little to the payroll to keep Rod Barajas for a couple more years while the Rangers wait for one minor league catchers to develop– Gerald Laird could be the centerpiece of a trade package that would bring in some sorely needed pitching that the Ranger management may be unable to obtain via Free Agency. Kevin Millwood being the exception – good free agent pitchers are still not going to sign with the Rangers – that’s a fact Jack - the best and quickest way for the Rangers to improve their pitching is via trade.

3. Soriano – if he will play LF and not ask for a crazy money (Yankee like) contract.

4. Sheffield is a nice thought – but I doubt he’d even consider Texas (some marquee East Coast team will offer him more money that the meager contracts Mr. Hicks will be willing to fork out after a season of declining attendance revenues) I like Mike Piazza – he could play a little 1B and be the dreaded “emergency” catcher if necessary - . 22 HR’s from the DH spot would be a nice addition.

5. I agree with Henry on this one.

1)I LOVE BUCK--But, a change needs to be made, regretfully.
2)Keep the tandem together and re-sign Rod Barajas-depending on what salary he requires. If it's too much, go with Laird.

3)Loved Soriano's smile and speed,but NOT his hustle, or willingness to do little things. Lee can't run much, but seems a much better fit behind Tex. Verdict: if you want more speed, sign Alfonso. If you want a better "team guy", sign Carlos.

4)None of those guys can do any better than Lee. Simply save money by contraction: BYE-BYE to Benoit, Mahay, Wilkerson. Then use that savings to strategically spend money on a needed commodity.

5)2007 Rotation if I were manager: Millwood, Padilla, Tejada, Eaton, Wells. Not sure Volquez is ready. Rupe is fine where he is. Loe--unsure. Rheineker--unsteady. Koronka--small flashes of success. Feldman--a keeper. Littleton--a lock. Otsuka--definite lock. I don't know how much the younger guys like Diamond can help. Bottom Line is: The specialty guys that agents push, like "long-man", "set-up man", etc...are to me bogus. I believe pitchers should be tough enough, durable enough to throw 9 innings like pitchers traditionally have in the past. Pulling pitchers, always going with righty-lefty and finessing their egos is %&$@! I wish that coming up in the minors, a pitcher was told he was likely going to complete a game, that he was NOT be looking over his shoulder to the bullpen to be rescued or to get his breather after a "QUALITY" start-5 innings/3 runs-(insert laughs here)-therefore his endurance and stamina should be a primary focus in spring training and beyond. A pitcher throwing 100+ pitches in the early 5th inning is intolerable, or should be, as the pitchers should be challenged to throw the ball over the plate and challenge the hitters. I remember the early 80's Oakland A's used a 4-man rotation and went deep in the games most all the time. Look at the box scores of games in the Gibson-Feller-Marichal days. A starting pitcher was expected to go nine. Period. Of course, not at the expense of losing the game or jeopardizing the victory. My point is this: Let the starting pitchers pitch longer into the games. Don't bring in the "mop-up" guys, at the first sign of distress-let the starting pitchers pitch. Anyone remember former Rangers Blyleven, Jenkins, Perry, Ryan, Matlack, etc? Those guys would have considered it an absolute joke to have a 5-inning quality start. I get so tired of righty-lefty, the percentages, and agents creating these "specialty" players. These guys are trained to P-I-T-C-H. Let them. Longer. Nine innings. Just my feelings. (I must confess I have more faith in Millwood to get out of a jam than bringing in Benoit or Mahay.)

1.As much as it pains me to write this, I really think Buck's gotta go. The moment he came into the organization, I thought something special could happen. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out. He doesn't seem to be very popular among his players. I haven't heard many players defend Buck after Hick's comments. That has to mean something. What good is a manager who doesn't receive support from his own players (especially his star player Michael Young)?. Piniella, anyone?

2. According to BA, the organization's greatest strength is at the catcher position. And there's plenty of evidence to back up such claim. Yet nothing assures us that any of them will make it to the bigs. Now, Barajas has let everyone know he wants to be a starter. He's not comfortable playing 3 or 4 days a week (before the injury). But having Laird here makes Rod expendable. Laird is a much cheaper option. He has shown he can play. Trading Laird wouldn't bring anything better than a fifth starter (a spot that should be reserved for Danks or Volquez) or a mid-level prospect (we could get a better player in the form of a compensation pick if someone else signs Rod and the new CBA allows it).

3. The Rangers definitely could use Sori's speed (only 49 SBs this year!). And Lee has already turned down $12 million a year. It all depends on whether he will want to play LF.

4. Gonzales is not the power hitter he used to be. Sheffield will want to stay in NY, even for less money. Alou is already over 40. Everett was cut by the offensively-challenged Mariners. Piazza can still catch, can still hit, and played half his games at PETCO Park (a black hole for HRs).

5. I think two spots should be reserved for the young guys. one for Tejeda and the other for either Danks or Volquez.

1. Soriano has a 40-40-40 year in Washington and never came close to that as a Ranger. Could this be attributed in part to the manager? Are the Rangers too tightly strung under Showalter? Maybe a change is in order. What about Lou Piniella instead of Showalter?
2. In order to get the pitching you need, you have to let Barajas go and give the job to Laird. You will need every dollar possible to land decent pitching.

3. I would go for Soriano if he was willing to play left field.

4. I wouldn't sign any of them and go with a less expensive in house solution like Botts. Again, this club needs pitching and that's where most of the free agent dollars should go.

5. Ideally, there should be only one spot for a rookie pitcher. Due to his experience, Tejeda may not be a rookie. I would sign two veterans to go with Millwood and then go with Tejeda and either of Voquez, Loe or Rupe. Give Danks at least another half year at AAA.

1. They really need to look at where the TEAM went wrong. Usually it's the manager that takes the fall but he can only play the cards he is dealt with and well...at times he drew some cards that have let him down in the season...mainly the pitching staff (the hitting has too at times). More often than none it was the late inning rallies that teams seem to put on that would kill the mood and then rack up another loss. So really it's not Buck's fault but maybe the front office in finding talent that will prove to be money well spent. Again it seems there are too many big contracts going out to those who are at the end of their careers.
2. Why not resign him but really since Laird is another good catcher, maybe we need to put the money into...oh...maybe pitching. I'm sure Ojeda would do fine as a backup.

3. Well after the season Soriano is having he will ask for money that will break teh bank. Honestly he is a great to get back but probably not a good idea. Last couple of times the rangers spent lots of money to bring in one person it didn't work out in their favor (ARod/Park). Millwood has been semi good but Padilla and Eaton's short season have been really positive for the Rangers. So let's look around the league for alternatives..plus Lee will more than likely be playin down the road with the "other" texas team.

4. Well lets look at these players..Thomas, still running on those old sparks but will probably be done for after this season. Gonzo has some power to be a DH but doesn't compare to what the Rangers have already tried out in that spot. Sheffield is still pretty good but will be overpriced. Alou and Everett are just getting to old to scare the opposing pitcher. If that was all to choose from then Piazza would be the best bet. He may be getting old but just like the previous comment he played in PETCO which is not a HR park and he has great knowledge that he could pass along in the catcher position to Ojeda and maybe Laird.

5. The pitching question...how many spots?..Two at the most, spring training could be a real surprise for the Rangers if those prospects work hard during the off-season. But really the front three should always be a known going into spring training and the Rangers 3 should be Millwood, Padilla, and Eaton.

I know that the Rangers are only .500 and really it's a lost season if your not in the post-season but i will be in Seattle for the last 3 games with my Rangers gear cheering on while they keep those pesky M's in the cellar.

1. It's time. Thanks for the four years, Buck.

2. Keep Laird. Don't keep Rod, and don't offer him arbitration.

3. Sori, baby.

4. Gimme Sheff. But it'll be Gonzo, so we can have another 40/50-doubles guy in the lineup.

5. Two: Tejeda gets one, and Volquez, Rupe, and CJ can fight it out for the second. Let Danks fatten up on the PCL for two months.

.500 again sorry Buck but it is time to go. Thanks for the one exciting season. The Rangers are so predictable it's obviously retundent. Runners on first and second no outs your number 6 hitter is up . Bunt, no swing away and three strikes. Number, 7 hitter 6-4-3. Just once I wouldve liked to see 6 lay one down and move the runners up. Give me a manager who is really in control. same situation 6 puts down the bunt, runners at sescond and third, one out. Number 7 grounds out 6-3 run scores. Number 8 flies to right. Ten more pitches and here comes the top of the line up again. Put the pressure on the other team. Will they bunt or swing away players move, holes open up hit and run is on. Pitchers think, pitch counts go up, your in the bull pen sooner. Now the big inning comes more often.
We need to try and re-sign Rod and trade Gerald for more Pitching. Let Rod go and get more picks, Piazza backs up. Any way it goes is good for me.

As for Lee he is strictly a DH if you put him in LF he it will be a wash for the extra RBI you get you give up, that much more in Pitch counts and extra runs. thats what gets the other team into the bullpen, it's all about Pitching. Soriano in LF it will cost you just about the same. Plus you get Speed that gives the pitcher something to think about not to mention protection for Tex.

Resign Padilla and Eaton and bring on Zito. Tejada, Karonka, Rehinecker, Volquez and maybe even Diamond or Danks for the number 5.

You see its all about Pitching trade, sign and develop it. On the other side work it.

1. Buck needs to go. Given that the Rangers rotation will still be a work in progress in 2007 (see #5) Unless the DVD guys turn into Verlander / Liriano clones over the winter, the Rangers need to be taking a long term view on all personel decisions.
2. This is a no brainer - Laird is the number one catcher. Spend the money you save on Barajas elsewhere. Get a cheap veteran backup - someone like Greg Zaun.

3. Neither one - how about Vernon Wells (great all around local hero) or Carl Crawford (adds speed to lineup as well as power)? Lee is looking for the mega bucks and we shouldn't play that game for hitters. (hitters should be dying to come to Coors South and put up big numbers) Soriano is a defensive liability and he puts up great, but hollow numbers.

4. Sheffield can still be a force - the rest are circling the drain. Other names to add to that list of spares - Mike (my aching back) Sweeney, Tim Salmon, Dmitri Young, Rondell White, Aubrey Huff (local boy?) - Huff would be my second choice.

5. Three spots for their youngsters - between Tejada, Rheinacker, Koronka, Danks, Diamond, Volquez, Rupe and Massett there should be 3 servicable starters there. Millwood is still here. The Rangers probably won't sign Padilla (they should try) or Eaton (let him go). They need a free agent pitcher - they should go with quality over quantity. It's going to be scary what even mediocre starters can command this off season.

http://hitlesswanderings.mlblogs.com

1) I think Buck has run his course in Texas. I don't think Girardi will come here and I don't know who else we could get, but a fresh start might just be what this team needs. (in addition to pitching)
2) I offer Rob arbitration, let him go, and take the draft picks. The Rangers seem to be drafting better lately and you might as well get something for him. Ojeda can backup Laird.

3) I would prefer Sori, but I really think they will both be more than we should spend. I like the idea of Wells, GMJ, and Cruz in the outfield, but I don't think Wells is available till after 07.

4) Piazza wouldn't be a bad option, but I don't see him playing in Texas. He seems more like an east or west coast guy. Not a guy in the middle of the Texas heat.

5) 1 or 2. Depends on what you consider Tejeda. Millwood as your #1, Eaton or Padilla as #2, another free agent at #3, Tejeda at #4, and another rookie at #5.