Monday Morning Manager....Donald Duck's Birthday

1. Without question! The Rangers as an organization needed to make a stance on saying that type of behavior would not be tolerated. It should have a huge impact not only on the major league level but also throughout the minors. Tom Grieve made a great point on a recent telecast when he said that young guys should make sure that the only reason that they don't make it to the major league level is because of their play. You need to make sure you give yourself every opportunity possible and that starts with behaving right, having the right attitude, and showing up to play.

2. Gabbard will probably get the call but I think it's time for Hurley to get a strong look. He has been pretty solid in Oklahoma lately and he could come up and compete. Hurley is eventually going to get a chance so why not make that now?

3. I definitely would avoid CC and Sheets. Both teams are going to demand a whole lot and I'm not willing to get rid of guys like Chris Davis, Max, and Harrison. We have to stick to the plan of developing our own young players. I might wave a trade with Laird and can see the Rangers trading Salty. Maybe they should look at a guy like Grienke, but I still think the asking price is going to be astronomical.

4. The Rangers did what they needed to do. They got the right guy and drafted solid pitching in later rounds. I think the Rangers had one of the top 5 drafts in the majors, but of course there is no real way of judging that until later on.

5. Gas Prices! It just blows my mind that the city of Arlington hasn't joined in on the dart rail system. A lot of the attendance could come from Plano, Frisco, Richardson, Rowlett, etc. A way to get over the high gas prices would be to get the dart rail and allow fans to ride it to the ballpark. Then fans are able to avoid high parking fees, gas prices, and able to buy tickets to see a great young club. It just doesn't make economical sense to spend $50 in gas/parking for a $12.50 ticket

1. Absolutely. The Rangers gave him a chance to redeem himself from his past mistakes. He thanked them by showing complete disregard for the organization and his teammates. Part of the reason I like this team is because of the chemistry and camaraderie among the players, and if he was harming that (which it sounds like he was), good riddance.

2. I think Gabbard is the best option. If he can figure out how to whittle down those walks, he'll be fine.

3. I'm no good at trade talks. I have a hard time deciding who I would part with.

4. Yes. Smoak sounds like a good addition to the system. I'm anxious to see what he can do. And it sounds like we got plenty of pitching in our latter picks. Overall, I think the Rangers had a good draft.

5. Probably gas prices and cynicism. When I lived in Texas, I was a good 45-minute drive from the Ballpark, but gas prices were in the $2 range, so it wasn't too painful to make three trips there. Now that gas prices have doubled, I probably wouldn't make quite that many trips, though I would probably make it a few times a month. Concessions and parking were never a huge issue for me because I could always find reasonable parking a short walking distance and ballpark policies allowed me to bring in my own beverage for those hot afternoons. I think a lot of people in the area doubt this team will be a contender without some big salary player. Meanwhile, some of the most underrated players in the game are right in their backyard. I'd give anything to watch this team this season, but since I live more than 300 miles from the closest road venue and even further than that from RBIA, it's looking doubtful.

- Micah
http://baseballismyboyfriend.blogspot.com

1) Yes, but I would like to know more of the story. Might I be the first to add that it might have been a bad idea to move Ponson in order to put in Milwood on regular rest, showing favoritism to a guy who just came back from the DL?
2) I think it's time to give Hurley a shot as well.
3) I would be willing to deal anybody except for our pitchers in the low minors. Would it take more than a package of Teagarden, Davis, and Engle Beltre be enough to get us Grienke?
4) I like the draft. It's the reason I wouldn't mind trading Davis if it can get us a solid reliever or in a package deal to get us a #1 or 2 pitcher.
5) It's tough for the general public to get excited about a .500 team when any Cowboys news makes it to the front page. The real fans are still showing up and excited about what's going on in the majors and minors right now, which, unfortunately, will only be about 20K per game. Winning will do wonders for attendence. So my answer is D) cynicism

1. Yes. They got some good innings out of him at little cost, but he wasn't able to keep himself in check so it's time to move on.

2. Gabbard or Mendoza. As anxious as I am to see Hurley and Harrison I think they'd be better served by more time at AAA. Hurley's been solid in his last 6 starts or so, but is still relatively homer prone.

3. No veterans or short term guys. Grienke is supposedly available and we've got young bats to offer, but I think he's only under control for this and 2 more seasons. 2 premium young bats seems like a high jumping off point for a pitcher who'll be gone at the end of 2010. If he were willing to talk extension then packaging Salty with either Arias or Duran seems reasonable, but I bet the Royals are looking for more and if Grienke were willing to talk extension they wouldn't be trying to deal him.

I'm content waiting on the young guys in the system, but I wouldn't mind seeing one of Mayberry or Davis dealt for an upper level minor league pitcher who isn't too far away from contributing.

4. I think they got a guy with a high likelihood of being an impact player, so I'm fine with it. The 2 best college pitchers were off the board by then anyway.

5. Gas prices, ticket prices and years of mediocrity. Attendence will improve after they start winning and not before. The heat doesn't help either. I've made the trip down from Oklahoma on 4 different weekends, but it was 96 the last time, so I'm likely done 'til September.

1. Not sure any of us can have knowledge enough of the situation to second-guess this move. I back the decision if they felt Ponson's behavior was out of hand.

2. Doesn't really matter to me if it's Hurley or Gabbard - just bring them up and keep them up - even if they struggle. Keep the guys up here long enough to make adjustments.

3. I would not be trying to acquire a starting pitcher right now - the price will be too high. But to answer the question, I'd look at Bronson Arroyo - an innings eater who's only 31 and is signed through 2010. He wouldn't come cheap, and the Reds likely haven't thrown in the towel, yet.

We should be looking to deal starting pitching instead of acquiring it. It's time to sell high on Padilla before he goes into another funk. Guess we'd have to get AAA pitchers in return because I don't know who's going to take his spot, though.

4. If the Rangers had Smoak as their bpa, I support the selection. From what I've read, I believe he was the bpa.

5. The team's poor start has kept people away. I think most people saw the start and didn't bother to check back in with the team once the Stars and Mavericks were done. Cynicism is probably a close second - we've already used 9 starting pitchers and it'll be 10 if Hurley gets the call. Add in the additional turnover that our roster has had, and I can certainly understand why the casual fan has given up.
I wouldn't agree with them, but I can understand.

6. Has any player with fewer skins on the wall had a more over-produced entrance than CJ Wilson?

Why does Donald Duck wear a towel when he comes out of the shower, when he doesn't usually wear any pants?

1. Yes. Moral and team chemistry aside – this is not a contending team – (in spite of what the marketing department would like you to believe) he’s not part of the future, he knew the rules, he broke them, he’s out of here.

2. Why not Eric Hurley? Iit’s about time to throw him into the fire – I’m not real interested in giving Kason Gabbard another opportunity to walk in runs.

3. I don’t do trade talk.

4. Yes, always take the best player available – depth in an organization at one position, especially in the minors, allows you to make the kind of trade proposals you were asking about in question #3. Need an example? See the Braves depth at catcher that allowed the trade for Mark Teixeira last season.

5. In order of importance cynicism, gas prices, construction and let me add location - if the Ballpark were in or near Downtown Dallas - I think attendance would be better.

Obviously, the citizens of Dallas don't share briant77's opinion about a downtown venue for baseball. They haven't built a large scale facility for football or baseball since the 1930's.

1). No. All Ponson did was get drunk and challenge Washington to a fight. Ponson did what he does, it was the risk when they signed him. He has what we call a track record. When someone does what they have done in the past then how is it something that you should release them for? Ponson should have went with Padilla to the drunk tank and came out on the other side. People are often remorseful in the morning once they wake up. It was a shocker that he did what he has done before. NEWSFLASH: the guy is an ALCOHOLIC!
2) Harrison or Hurley
3) Make a deal that gets us Danks and Volquez back. If we can't trade for them then don't make any other deals. Keep the Minor league prospects. I might trade Salty if we decide Laird is our catcher.
4) No
5) Hicks and his perpetual rebuilding without committing to a true rebuild. It is just too much money for what you see.

Hey TR, what were those cartoons like when you first watched them? Ha ha, those cartoons were pretty violent if you watch them now as an adult. Didn't think too much about it then, i guess i am scarred for life by them. No one ever died though like they do today in the games these children play.

Ha ha attendance in Dallas would be better? Ha, ha, ha. The City of Dallas supports winning organizations. The fans in that City would not support the Rangers because they don't win, never have won. The only time we ever won even division titles had more to do with a re-alignment than what we were doing. We should now move to the NL West and compete with the Dodgers, D-Backs and Padres. This would be a faster path to division glory. If Ron ends the year at or near his .434 winning percentage does he keep his job. After all people are what they are as Mr. Ponson just illustrated. We need pitching and i would have suspended the guy not cut him. Give him at least one chance. After all they got him on the cheap side.

I just have to answer Briant's no. 6 from above:

CJ's entrance is so ridiculous I actually feel embarrassed for him. And what is up with his appearance? Can someone clean this kid up?

His entrance would be the equivalent to German Duran Calling his shot!! Can't you just see him pointing out to left with his bat while facing Pedro at Shea this weekend?

1. Yes. Ponson was quite obviously becoming a detriment in the clubhouse, and with his past, I think it was quite obvious that his actions could not be tolerated. I think Evan Grant sums the situation up quite nicely in the following link:

http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/06/attention-conspiracy-theorists-please-st.html

2. I'm posting this after the announcment of Eric Hurley's callup, but my origional awnser was going to be Hurley anyway.

3. I don't think the Rangers are at the point where they should be trying to trade for another starting pitcher from another team, unless we're talking about a young guy like Clay Buchholz, who has true #1 potential. But as far as going after the CC Sabathia's and Jeremy Bonderman's of the world, I don't think it's worth it. Let some of our young pitchers like Neftali Feliz and Blake Beavan develop a little more, and wait until we're closer to contention to make that trade.

4. Justin Smoak is going to be awesome once we get him signed, and get him into the system. He was an absoulute steal, a better pick than any pitcher who was available at #11.

5. I think probably gas prices, ticket prices, and cynicism. The fact that Rangers have said they're afraid to officially commit to a rebuilding movement for fear of driving off the fans, and yet they have their worst attendance in years has been one of the funniest oxymorons of the 2008 season.

http://lonestarincalifornia.wordpress.com/

1. Did the Rangers do the right thing by letting go of Sidney Ponson? If he was hurting the "team" concept, sure. Though he must have beena real jerk to get kicked off a team thats pitching starved.

2. Who should fill Sidney Ponson's spot in the rotation?

May as well see what Hurely has, I hate the idea of calling a guy up before he's ready, but let Kason work on his control and lets see what eric has.

3. What trade would you make if you tried to get a starting pitcher from another team?

Byrd, Arias, Nate Gold for Phillip Huighes. (I know it's not possible)

4. Did the Rangers do the right thing by not using their first round pick for pitching in the First-Year Player Draft?

From everything I've read, Smoak is the real deal, BPA is the best stratagy.

5. What's hurting attendance the most at the Ballark: A.) gas prices. B.) construction. C.) prices. D.) cynicism; E.) Quality of opposition.

Cynisism couples with weather.

1. Yes.
2. Hurley, but then that's already been decided.
3. I don't think it's good to trade right now, though they should always think ahead to matches we could have with other teams. Greinke would be an intriguing one to trade for, and Kansas City would probably begin by asking for one of our catchers, maybe Salty or Teagarden, because their catcher John Buck will be eligible for free agency after 2010 (as will Greinke) so right now they'd likely want a pitching prospect to fill Greinke's void and a catching prospect ready to take over for when Buck inevitably leaves.

4. Yes, Smoak was the best guy available. Reaching for the best pitcher available when a gold glove caliber, switch-hitting 1B was still on the board would have been potentially a Drew Meyer-level mistake, as many will remember we reached drafted him and then other teams took Joe Saunders, Scott Kazmir, Nick Swisher, Cole Hamels, James Loney, Joe Blanton, and Matt Cain within the next 15 picks. Reaching to draft a potential middle of the rotation guy over a slugging, switch-hitting gold glove caliber corner infielder with all kinds of All-Star potential would be nearly as bad as passing up 2 potential aces (Kazmir and Hamels) for a jack-of-all-trades, master of none (Meyer). From what I've heard of the pitchers they could have taken instead of Smoak, they don't sound leagues better than the ones they drafted in later rounds, wheras the difference between Smoak and any other hitter they could have taken at that spot was pretty big.

5. What's hurting attendance the most at the Ballark: At this point I think it's a combination of gas prices and $12 parking prices. One of the interesting things about that Sports Illustrated survey on the best MLB ballparks was that Rangers fans had a less favorable view of their team's ticket prices than did A's fans, despite the fact that the average Rangers ticket costs $10 less. And Texas fans also didn't survey as high on the question of how much overall value they got for their money, for reasons that can be pointed mostly at the team's performance in recent years. Their problems shouldn't be attributed to ticket prices, as they're quite affordable as far as league prices go. It's more likely all the money fans have to spend before they've even gotten out of their car when they get to the park (gas and parking), and to a lesser extent the traffic caused by the construction nearby.

Hold the press! The above questions are IRRELEVANT!! We want Max, and we want him NOW!!! Ramirez? No, Newberg!!!! Ja see that sweet swing?

1. Did the Rangers do the right thing by letting go of Sidney Ponson? Regrettably, yes. He could have been the comeback story of the year. But when you're a box of rocks ... .
2. Who should fill Sidney Ponson's spot in the rotation? Josh Rupe. Maybe even Tejada. I'm not sure about Hurley. I hope that works out. We don't need another "deer in the headlights".
3. What trade would you make if you tried to get a starting pitcher from another team? I'd try to get from SF Matt Cain or even Zito. Or an innings eating, strike thrower like Gil Meche or Paul Byrd.
4. Did the Rangers do the right thing by not using their first round pick for pitching in the First-Year Player Draft? They made the right pick. This guy should make it here quickly if they can sign him. How many of this year's first round pitchers would have been first round pitchers in last year's draft?
5. What's hurting attendance the most at the Ballpark: A.) gas prices. B.) construction. C.) prices. D.) cynicism; E.) Quality of opposition. Prices, heat and John Hart. Ever since he screwed things up I've not gone back. If only Hicks would admit that hire set us back ten years and refuse to allow him anywhere near the team. He broke my spirit and I'm sure there are others like me.

ps ... I always thought it was a Wabbit. Kill the Wabbit. Geeze, after all these years ... .

1) As good as Ponson looked on the mound, such sophomoric and ugly behavior cannot be tolerated. Cutting ties with him sends a message that the Rangers mean that "character" counts. Bravo!

2) I would let Robinison Tejeda at least TRY to reclaim his starting berth. With the raw talent he possesses, and knowing that no one picked him up on waivers (no one else wants him) it would seem to me that this might motivate him to finally get a handle on his talent. Of course, hiring Fergie Jenkins to work with him and others on the mental part of the game, would be huge. If Tejeda doesn't cut it as as starter, then Eric Hurley should get the nod.

3) Goodness gracious! We are playing over expectation, the hitting is awesome, the starters until last several games have been pretty decent, and we want to talk about a trade???? Why, when we are clicking pretty well right now? IF we do entertain thoughts of a trade, please let it be a Nate Gold, or someone of his ilk, because I just don't see that he will make the light of day in the Majors, plus we are well stocked at the position. Deal from strength, IF WE MUST trade, which I am against. I see no need to upset the applecart when we are hitting like we are.

4) Why not pick a premier player, regardless of what position he plays? I'm for Justin Smoak--he will pass Nate Gold, Chris Davis, and zoom to the top of our first base heap. (I've blogged since the time we traded for Salty that Salty should be our long-term solution at first base, not catcher.....but if Salty isn't being thought of at first, I'm glad we chose Justin Smoak, who should be a top-flight First basemen.

5) I will always feel that the Rangers' position in the American League West is bone-headed and costs the team viewership on TV, listenership on radio, makes marketing tougher being so far from your "natural rivals", and like the defunct Southwest Conference, it is hard to develop rivalries from teams so far away. Just a TV rivalry is not a true rivalry built up over a long haul. I feel if we competed in our time zone with natural rivalries in the Central, then we would have better attendance. I'm also CERTAIN that the overall economy, with it's gas prices and other constraints places a huge burden on a family of four, say coming from Jacksboro, for example. It's easier and much more practical economically to just watch on TV and avoid the heat, concession and ticket prices, and the construction of the new home of the "invaders from the East."

"Partying in an unprofessional manner, followed up with and unprofessional performance and responded to his manager in an unprofessional way......" Ha, ha, ha. We now have reached a point where partying can be done in a professional way? Ha, ha, ha......Ridiculous. The bottom line is when you introduce alcohol into the equation, your inhibitions are relaxed. The main thought is if Ponson pitches lights out after the hotel incident, does he get released???? They should have never or signed this guy to begin with now how much are they on the hook for? Someone will pick this guy up, he gave up a ton of cheap hits......Can you say Yankees????

1-Of course they did the right thing.
2-I guess Hurley will have the honor of doing that. If Feldman and Mathis continue to pitch the wat they've been and the guys in the bullpen (Benoit, Wright, Loe, is he still there?) can throw strikes again the Rangers will surely win a lot more games. Mendoza Is starting to pitch like he did last year. With some more innings he'll be a good alternative should a starter falter.
3-Starting pitching costs too much, even the mediocre ones. The Rangers will not compete for a title this year so, I will be content with staying out of any major trades this season. Although, trading Padilla for young pitching is something to think about.
4-Yes, they got the right guy but, I'm not ready to anoint him as the future All-Star first baseman for the Rangers. Chris Davis' numbers are improving since the promotion to AAA. Surely he'll be here by the end of July. At least for right now Davis has to be the future first baseman.
5-I'd say cynicism is easily #1. Until there is a championship banner hanging at the ballpark, it won't go away. Gas prices and ticket prices (parking, food and drinks) are neck and neck.