Monday Morning Manager...THE Anniversary

Magnificent desolation is how Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the moon described it. Sometimes being a Rangers fan feels the same way.

1. Yesterday’s game aside – how many first pitch outs has Ian Kinsler made this month? Ian’s lack of plate discipline speaks to an overall problem with the entire lineup – I’m not sure the “aggressive in the strike zone” hitting philosophy is working with this group of players.

2. Vincente Padilla’s. I can give Derek Holland and Tommy Hunter a pass, they are young players whose inconsistency is part of the learning process – Padilla’s lack of consistency from one inning to the next is vexing from a veteran pitcher.

3. No - and I know everyone will disagree - the ML bullpen is doing fine without him. Neftali needs to be starting every fifth day in OKC, refining his secondary pitches and learning how to hold runners at first base.

4. I think the bullpen has their set roles and is performing well - in spite of Frank Francisco’s problems this season. Although I’d still rather see another experienced arm added at the trading deadline – think that’s more important than a right handed bat or a mediocre starting pitcher.

5. I’ve changed my mind about Roy. I’d do that deal in a heartbeat. You’d have him for this season and at least part of next season, and if the Rangers do play good defense behind him (which could greatly improve his pitching stats at the Ballpark) and go to the playoffs that might go a long way with convincing him to stay in Texas.

Kudos to Grant for another good interview, seems like he already has your "well crafted questions" maxim perfected - I'd be looking over my shoulder T.R. - Grant will be writing the Monday Morning Manager questionaire one of these days!

I never "got" outer space...before you put me with the philistines I prefer to feed and care for the people who live in the US.

1. While I'm not happy with the hitters right now I understand that that's baseball...guys go through streaks. We do however need Kinsler and Hamilton to step it up, Maybe hold an inspiritation team meeting?

2. Vincente Padilla. Feldman has been great I think younf Mr Holland needs to be back in AAA but he's passable.

3/4 I'd let Guardato go but as a whole the bullpen shouldn't be screwed with. Please leave Feliz where he is...if he's with us much longer.

5. We need a number 1. Maybe...just maybe...we can survive with what we have. I'd pull the string for that package,

Personally I read everybody on Ranger's baseball but If I had to give up someone I'd leave Grant off my list.

1. Lead off. Ian is hitting for power and that’s great, but he’s not walking or getting base hits like he was in the first two months of the season.

2. I guess Padilla’s just because I’m worried about his shoulder. I’m fine with Holland holding that spot down until Harrison returns.

3. No, but when the need arises he’ll be the first guy and I feel like he’s ready for a relief role. Hopefully in some extended outings he’ll be able to work on his secondary pitches while realizing how important they are to get big league hitters out.

4. I feel better about the middle relief than I did early in the season. O’day has really stepped up and Jennings has been solid for a while now. I love how Mathis has pitched, but I’m not too confident in Grilli or Nippert I big situations.

5. Only if we were able to extend him beyond his current deal, even by a single year. I think that’s what it would take to get him, though, if not another couple of secondary prospects like Moscoso or Vallejo.

1. The lineup pretty much stinks up and down right now, but Kinsler and Andruw Jones stick out the most as there being a need to move them down in the order from their respective spots.

2. Matt Harrison, when he comes back. I'm just not sure what to expect from him anymore, and there seems to be a consensus that he's better than Hunter and Holland, which I'm not so sure he is.

3. I'd rather they hold off on throwing him into the fire until this team gets straightened out. Sunday night's win aside, we just played like crap for three straight games, and if that continues I don't see the need to call Feliz up.

4. CJ and O'Day look really good. Grilli and Jennings have been solid in mid-relief (well, as long as Jennings doesn't come in with runners on anyway). As long as Fx2 is healthy, I think the 'pen might be this teams strongest point right now.

5. I'd rather shoot my foot off than trade Smoak. He's the only position player we currently have in the minors who looks like he could help offset this current squad's horrid approach in the years to come. And furthermore, considering how bad an offensive ballclub we are right now, I don't think it makes any sense to be trading a three-pack of top prospects for a year and a half of any one pitcher.

This just isn't the year. Don't make any premature moves we'll regret later.

1. The greatest concern with the lineup is the fact that the avg/obp are too low up and down the lineup. Nolan and the Rangers mgt can blame the 'slump' on youth being more prone to slumps, but I have to respectfully disagree, because it isn't just the young guys. Too many guys are hitting below .260. It is not a slump - it's underperformance.

2. I'll say Millwood's, partly because noone else has, and if he were to get injured things would look bleak in a hurry.

3. Nope. I'm with Eleanor on this one.

4. The bullpen is doing just fine.

5. No way.
-briant

Let me get this straight Briant...when you say the Rangers are underperforming do you mean to imply that they are dogging it...that they don't care? Because if you do we got a new D'god on the board! Comeon guy...did you play the game? Do you watch it everyday? Then you know that teams go through this sort of thisg. Whjat we saw at the beginning of the season with this team was probably over performance...everything has a way of evening out...they'll come back.

And Jon...is your glass ever half full?

1. Kinsler swinging from his heels..
2. Derek Holland being here way too early
3. He needs to be starting every fifth day
4. Best in the American League. Guess C.J. flipping the ball to the manager wasn't that big of a deal. If you can pitch, they let you pitch.
5. No, no and no

I'm not saying that the team is dogging it at all, Fredr.

What I am saying is that the team's offensive production has continued for a length of time to suggest it is more than a temporary situation (which is how I would define a slump). And that it includes a large enough percentage of the players that the problem is likely philosophical, because statistically the odds are just too low that practically every hitter on the team (other than MY) should have a poor year at the same time.

OBP has decreased from .354 in 2008 to .316 for the team in 2009 - that's a huge drop. Certainly part of that decrease is due to Milton going to Chicago, but the offensive regression this season isn't just due to Elvis and Salty replacing Laird and Vasquez. It's guys like Byrd (OBP .380 in 2008 to .323 in 2009), Kinsler(.375 to .325), Blalock(.338 to .297) and Hamilton(.371 to .293) all having a year that isn't as productive as last year. These guys have been around long enough IMO to have a track record, and I would contend that none of these guys are pleased with their offensive performance this season. You may disagree, and that's ok. I think we're better than what we've shown.

I'm not saying the sky is falling.

And for a guy who wanted dgod banned from expressing his opinions on this board, you sure seem to bring his name up a lot. I think you miss him.

I don't hate D'god. I just got tired of the same old same old from him. I also worried about him (which he didn't understand and I don't suppose anyone else does either.)

No one would disagree I think that we're better than we've shown lately. All the criticisms that are leveled should be considered...however....these guys are playing their hearts out. Hamilton is bouncing off walls, Cruz trying to escape a tag on a squib hit, Kinsler making all the plays....sometimes the hits just don't come for a while and then wow. Take Hamilton as an example. The guy has two major bounces off the center field wall (making both catches I might add) and goes on the DL twice after suffering with the pain. He's back less than 6 games and people are dumping on him. Kinsler has never played thru a slump like lhe's having...ya can't send him down...so he just has to play through it. Look at Davis...trip down to AAA and he's doing well. If Blalock wasn't producing he'd be back here. My only concern is that they don't leave it too late. I have confidence in these guys. You can tell they want to win!

I really dislike all the negatives I sometimes read here...heck if I were a player I wouldn't play for some of the fans whose opinion appears here.

This is a better team than we've had in a while. Despite some injury we're still 8 over and only 3 out. That's doable. Root for the team dang it!

No do NOT try to trade for Halliday.......Rangers ownership group it does not know how to evaluate pitching in a trade......DON'T HURT YOURSELF....................promote a minor leaguer..........

1. What spot in the Rangers lineup gives you the most concern?
Overall, the offense sucks. Last year it was offense and pitching and defense were the problems. Now we have a better defense and better than last year pitching, still not good but better. Until a team can combine all three consistently they will not contend. What we saw in the first half was unexpected and what we see in the second half will most likely be what we had anticipated for the entire year. It was fun while it lasted, but not a wasted year. If they continue to play hard each game, soemthing good will come from it.

2. What spot in the rotation gives you the most concern?
Padilla. Once he got the word, he has done better but consistency is his major issue. One never knows from inning to inning what he'll do.

3. Do the Rangers need to call up Neftali Feliz?
No. Need to stay in OKC. He needs experience but not at the ML level right now.

4. What's your take on the Rangers bullpen?
Overall fine. There is always going to be some problems but the bullpen held things together the first half.

5. Hypothetical: Would you trade Justin Smoak, Neftali Feliz and Blake Beavan for Roy Halladay?
No, we've been down that same road before. The Rangers need to work on 2010 and whatever happens this year, happens!

1. What spot in the Rangers lineup gives you the most concern? I live out-of-state, and Saturday night was my first Rangers game in Arlington. The most interesting part of the contest was watching the third base ball girl play catch with the Twins' outfielders between innings. She was cute, all of 5'2" and what an arm. She could easily gun the ball to centerfield from the left field foul line on a straight line. That isn't particularly relevant except to say the reason she was so interesting was the Rangers were absolutely pathetic swinging the bats. The worst looking hitter was Josh Hamilton. He looks as though he is waving at the ball with no confidence at the plate. Needs another two weeks in the minors to find his swing and his timing.

2. What spot in the rotation gives you the most concern?
The Rangers' pitching staff has risen to a step above mediocre this season, but Kevin Millwood is not a #1 starter.

3. Do the Rangers need to call up Neftali Feliz? Yes.

4. What's your take on the Rangers bullpen? Too many so-so arms.

5. Hypothetical: Would you trade Justin Smoak, Neftali Feliz and Blake Beavan for Roy Halladay? If he would sign a long-term deal, yes.

WHEN ARE THE RANGERS GONNA SEND YOON-HEE NAM TO DOUBLE A?

1. Lead off move Kinsler out to the 3 or 5h spot and put Murphy on top of the order. He is a lot more patient at the plate.

2. 5th spot. We dont really need a Cy Young in there. Say a Billinglsey, Maholm, Zach Duke or Ortiz would help us a lot, and at much cheaper price.

3. If he is ready yes. Specially now that Francisco is hurt.

4. Its solid.

5. Thats too much. Insted of Smoak give the Davis. Instead of Feliz give them AJ Murray, Arias and Ramirez and Vallejo. Do a Sign and Trade give him a 3 year extension.

Byrd
Guardado
C.J.
Young
Blalock
Kinsler
Hamilton
Visquel
Millwood
Feldman
Holland
Murphy
Chris Davis - was and will be
Salty
Teagarden
Tommy "Big Thunder" Hunter
Elvis
Nippert
Andruw Jones
Nelson Cruz
Jennings
Grilli
O'Day
Francisco
Mathis
Eyre
Padilla

This is how I think these guys rank in importance to team chemistry.