You Could Use Some Baseball. The Texas Rangers Franchise.

[MJGrady26]

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The Texas Rangers formed in 1972 after moving from Washington D.C. as they ended their run as The Washington Senators after A decade in D.C., The Texas Rangers have not won A World Series title nor An American League Pennant. The Rangers have only made three playoff appearances, each as Division Champions in 1996, 1998 and 1999. The Rangers also have not won A playoff series since moving to Texas. The Texas Rangers are one of the least successful teams in the MLB...





BUT Now it's 2009 and coming off of A second place finish in the A.L. West, The Texas Rangers seek history. Backed by arguably one of the most powerful offensive line-ups in the Majors, The Rangers still see A hole. That hole is in the pitching staff, The Rangers are set to take on the challenge to win the A.L. East as they will have to contend against the MLB's best record team last year, Their Rival, The LA Angels. The Angels won 100 games last year and reigned supreme over The Rangers winning against The Arlington club 12-7 in the regular season. By the number off of the 2008 season, The Rangers offense would prove the fact that they have one of the best offenses in the game as they were first in all of majors in Avg., Total Bases, Slugging, Runs and RBIs. As they came third in On Base percentage and sixth in home runs, They were also ranked 27th in men left on base. The only offensive stat that The Rangers really hope to make an improvement on is stolen bases, in which they tied for 17th in. As for the pitching, The numbers prove the need for improvement and possibly quite some help as The Rangers fell in dead last in ERA at 5.37 and also in Opponents batting average which was .288. The Rangers were mediocore ehrn it came to saves and wins as they tied 16th in saves and 18th in wins. But don't forget that the majority of the game is defense and even though The Rangers were the top double play turners in 08, they fell in last in fielding percentage.

So now... what does this all mean for the 2009 season? If The Rangers can hit the off-season market and make some moves for A little pitching help, The Rangers could very well be the competitors to The L.A. Angels in the A.L. West. As we keep an eye on the off-season action of the new Rangers General Manager Michael Grady, This will be your home for every up-to-date minute of the 2009 Texas Rangers.

[MJGrady26]

Key Dates
February 26th: Free Agency Begins
March 1st: Players Report To Spring Training
March 3rd: Spring Training Exhibition Games Begin
March 10th: Opening Day

Projected 25 Man Roster
February 26th

Starting Pitchers:
Kevin Millwood
Vincente Padilla
Brandon McCarthy
Kason Gabbard
Matt Harrison

Bullpen:
Frank Francisco
C.J. Wilson
Scott Feldman
Josh Rupe
Joaquin Benoit
Luis Mendoza
Willie Eyre

Position Players:
C Taylor Teagarden
C Jarrod Saltalamacchia
1B Chris Davis
2B Ian Kinsler
3B Hank Blalock
3B Michael Young
SS Omar Vizquel
SS Joaquin Arias
LF David Murphy
CF Marlon Byrd
CF Josh Hamilton
RF Nelson Cruz
RF Brandon Boggs

Possible Call-Ups:
SS Elvis Andrus
3B Travis Metcalf
LF Frank Catalanotto
2B German Duran
C Max Ramirez
SP Eric Hurley
RP Warner Madrigal
RP Dustin Nippert
SP Thomas Diamond

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

Looking nice man i'm following

[MJGrady26]

Looking nice man i'm following

thanks - i'll make the rest of this look better as i go along - I just wanted to start it up last night.

[MJGrady26]

Rangers Land First Big Trade Of The Off-Season
With Free Agency starting and more trades brewing, General Manager Michael Grady met with The New York Yankees to discuss A possible deal. Pending A physical and routine drug test The Texas Rangers have come to terms with The Yankees for veteran lefty Andy Pettitte. The Yankees will be receiving prospect outfielder 23 year old Julio Borbon and A player to be named later.

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In other MLB news The Chicago White Sox have trade RF Jermaine Dye to The Seattle Mariners where Dye will most likely serve as DH. The White Sox acquired right handed pitching prospect Phillippe Aumont who carried A 2.75 ERA in Class A last year as starter and 25 year old starting pitcher Jason Vargas who has major league experience with The Florida Marlins and New York Mets where he started only 2 games and suffered A 0-1 record with A 12.19 ERA.

In Free Agent news Manny Ramirez is close to signing A contract to which he will return to The L.A. Dodgers for two years according to sources at ESPN. The Texas Rangers have been rumored to now be in talks with reliever Juan Cruz but is favored to go with The Chicago Cubs offer that was announced earlier today.

[DurantPwnsYou]

Nice Chise. I miss Gabbard. :(

[MJGrady26]

Nice Chise. I miss Gabbard. :(

Thanks - yeah no doubt Gabbard will play a nice role in my franchise.

[DurantPwnsYou]

I was so mad when Boston traded him, and for Gagne of all people. Oh well though, I hope he does good in real life and for you.

[MJGrady26]

Teagarden Dealt

A three way deal was made today involving The Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers and New York Mets. Rangers will send Catcher Taylor Teagarden along with 2008 first round draft pick, First basemen Justin Smoak to The Detroit Tigers. The Rangers will also trade away minor league second basemen German Duran to The New York Mets. The Tigers will be handing off outfield prospect Wilken Ramirez who hit .286 with 19 homers and 27 steals between class AA and Class AAA along with starting pitcher Edwin Jackson who started 31 games for World Series contenders, The Tampa Bay Rays in 2008 to The New York Mets as The Rangers will receive reliever Fernando Rodney from The Tigers. On The Mets side, They will be giving up starting pitcher John Maine to The Texas Rangers, Maine who had A 4.18 ERA last year along side A 10-8 record for New York ball club will most likely be heading up the starting rotation for The Texas Rangers. This will make the second deal between The Tigers and Rangers this year as early in the off-season another Texas catcher was traded off to Detroit. So in the end of the deal The Rangers receive A helping arm in the bullpen in Fernando Rodney and also cure their need for A possible top starter of John Maine. The Detroit Tigers get A first round draft pick of last year in Justin Smoak who gives them A nice first base outlook in the future as The New York mets gain 3 young players as Wilken Ramirez could be A possible call-up later on in the year who can hit homers and can steal and has been recognized as the next possible 30/30 candidate. The Mets also will be able to fill John Maine's place in the rotation with Edwin Jackson who has plenty of major league experience and still posses enough youth for another year in triple A where he can further tune his pitching technique.

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According to ESPN, The Rangers are in talks as of right now with The Cincinnati Reds for A possible Bronson Arroyo deal that will most likely send Nelson Cruz out of Texas. Also in A recent interview with Texas Times, Vincente Padilla has expressed his unhappiness with the ball club and has confirmed the rumors of requesting A trade from Texas.

[NEPatriot77712]

looks like Texas is making a run for that rotation they needed haha

[XxPRiM3TiMExX]

Yeah looks good, but with a young team, Pettite.

Anyway, it looks good and I will follow.

[MJGrady26]

looks like Texas is making a run for that rotation they needed haha

haha yeah definatly - im trying to make all the trades as fair as possible - any feedback on these would be appreciated if anyone thinks they are not fair - I had the Texas Rangers in A 2k9 sim league that got cancelled and I made some of these trades or very similar ones.

[MJGrady26]

Yeah looks good, but with a young team, Pettite.

Anyway, it looks good and I will follow.

thanks for all the feedback - inspires me more to do it - I decided I will play atleast 1 of every game in the season. every major game and every game against Mariners, Angels and Athletics. - I am also going to do exhibition runs for spring training including split squad games - the schedule will be released later tonight along with pitchers

[MJGrady26]

Spring Training Schedule Announced

Early Friday morning The Texas Rangers announced their Spring Training Schedule along with A list of probable pitchers for those games. Below is the schedule along with those probable pitchers Manager Ron Washington had this to say, "We have figured out what players will start where, no pitcher will go beyond 4 innings in A start and we are trying to have A set range for some players, I am hoping all pitchers will pitch between 3 to 6 innings in the entire camp schedule although that may not be possible at times, thats the goal I am setting."


2009 Texas Rangers Spring Training Schedule; Surprise, Arizona; Cactus League
March 3 Split Squad Vs Milwaukee Brewers 2:30 PM Surprise Stadium; SP Brandon McCarthy
March 3 Split Squad @ Chicago White Sox 6:30 PM Camelback Ranch; SP Kason Gabbard
Match 4 Split Squad Vs San Francisco Giants 10:30 AM Surprise Stadium; SP Andy Pettitte
March 4 Split Squad @ Oakland Athletics 2:30 PM Phoenix Municipal Stadium; SP Matt Harrison
March 5 Rangers Vs Los Angeles Angels 10:30 AM Surprise Stadium; SP Vincente Padilla
March 6 Split Squad @ San Diego Padres 2:30 PM Peoria Stadium; SP Kevin Millwood
March 6 Split Squad @ Seattle Mariners 6:30 PM Peoria Stadium; SP John Maine
March 7 Split Squad Vs Chicago Cubs 2:30 PM Surprise Stadium; SP TBA
March 7 Split Squad Vs Colorado Rockies 6:30 PM Surprise Stadium; SP TBA
March 8 Rangers @ San Francisco Giants 2:30 PM Scottsdale Stadium; SP Matt Harrison

[MJGrady26]

Vincente Padilla Traded Upon Request In Block Buster Trade

Vincente Padilla's trade request was answered this morning as The Rangers rumored deal with The Cincinnati Reds has gone through. GM Mike Grady not only sent away unhappy Padilla but also sent out right fielder Nelson Cruz who has been rumored to be traded numerous times this off-season as A chance to get some starting pitching up till yesterday when The Rangers landed Andy Pettitte and John Maine, A Cruz deal seemed unlikely but The Rangers are very happy with what they got. Reds will send over right handed starter Bronson Arroyo and center fielder Willy Taveras who led the majors last year with 68 stolen bases. General Manager Mike Grady had this to say, "I think this deal will have an impact on the two main things we needed improvement on from last year, ERA and stolen bases. I am very happy to have Taveras aboard as well as Bronson Arroyo who will most likely be the number 2 man in the rotation."

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[MJGrady26]

Athletics Make Deal, Rangers Respond.
The Oakland Athletics responded to The Ranger's and Mariners' recent big trades with one of their own. Athletics traded away prospect pitcher Dallas Braden along with middle infield prospect Adrian Cardenas to The Kansas City Royals for starting pitcher Zack Greinke, But then The Rangers responded back... Again. The Rangers traded away top prospect shortstop Joaquin Arias to The San Diego Padres for outfield Jody Gerut and prospect starter and reliever Wade LeBlanc. Both are expected to start in Triple A Oklahoma come opening day but don't be surprised to see either up in the majors at one point or another in the season.

In other MLB news Manny Ramirez reportedly rejected The LA Dodger's newest contract offer. Implying Manny is looking for A different team to sign with, The teams still in the runnings for Ramirez include The San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees and Los Angeles Angels. In free agent news starting pitcher Mark Mulder has signed A one year contract with The Washington National as The New York Mets sign reliever Will Ohman. Chad Cordero one of the most sought after free agents on the market has reportedly denied two contract offers from The Florida Marlins but Marlins are not expected to back out of the deal and are most likely going to top the offer that is still on the table from The Arizona Diamondbacks. In Trade news The Atlanta Braves have traded right fielder Jeff Francoeur to The Cincinnati Reds top pitching prospect Homer Bailey and A player to be named later. Homer Bailey went 0-6 and posted A 7.93 ERA in the 8 starting appearances he had last year for The Cincinnati ball club. Although 08 was not A good year for Bailey in the majors, He took in A 4.77 ERA in Triple A Louisville in 19 starts. Bailey was almost traded at the beginning of the off season to The Chicago White Sox for outfielder Jermaine Dye but The Reds pulled back at the last minute. This will now add A very much needed right hand power bat to the line-up in Francoeur who has A career .434 Slugging percentage.

[MJGrady26]

Texas Troubles

For the second time this week A starting pitcher has come to General Manager Mike Grady and expressed their daunting feelings towards the ball club and the moves they have been making as of late, First it was #2 man Vincente Padilla who was being pushed into the #4 or possibly 5 spot and did not like the treatment he was receiving from manager Ron Washington as it was reported numerous times since last August that Washington and Padilla have been getting into verbal arguments in the club house. The Texas Ranger's and Ron Washington thought the problems were done once Padilla was traded early yesterday to Cincinnati but now they have the same problem again with another starter... This time Kevin Millwood who spoke to the press upon A pitching practice of his early this morning to which he left early from saying The Texas Rangers and unappreciative and ungrateful and to be making moves this close to the season is disrespectful to him as it was to Vincente Padilla. The Rangers knew he was not very happy with the move of Vincente Padilla but was even more upset to see that The Rangers have traded for 3 starting pitchers within this week alone. Kevin Millwood is expected to meet with General Manager Mike Grady later on today to discuss further actions but it is expected A trade will be demanded by Millwood who believes he has the right to be the #1 or #2 man in the rotation. If A trade is pursued many questions will come up to who and for who will the deal possibly be since A trade with this kind of noticed usually does not go too far within the market, but also who will fill the spot? Main, Pettitte and Arroyo are set for the rotation as Gabbard and McCarthy are set to compete for the #5 spot but now it may look as if both will get the starting job at #4 and #5. Since the fire up from Millwood, The Texas Rangers have been rumored to of received calls from The Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies and Milwaukee Brewers. All teams are in The Cactus league with The Texas Rangers so A possible trade meeting could be held over the weekend if the meeting between Millwood and Grady later on today ends in A trade decision. Other possibilities to resolve this matter do not appear to be eminent as Millwood will most likely not take over in the #1 or #2 spot, Any other way not involving A trade or release would not go over on either side, Grady or Millwood.

[pderrick84]

pretty cool read what game are you playing, the MLB Front Office Manager??

[MJGrady26]

nope - not playing yet - things that i have done will go through when i get 2k9 next week

[I0I HaVoK I0I]

Don't get too carried away with the trades cause some people won't follow just a heads up lookin good

[MJGrady26]

Don't get too carried away with the trades cause some people won't follow just a heads up lookin good

Yeah I understand but im trying to basically do a recap/sim of an off-season - im on the last trade now - i know its alot but im trying to stir things around

[MJGrady26]

Millwood Meets With Grady
Kevin Millwood, Unhappy with The Rangers actions as of late requested A meeting with General Manager late Thursday night. The Two met early today to discuss the matter as most speculate A possible trade. Coming out of the meeting Kevin Millwood had this to say "I understand where The Rangers are coming from, Personally though I find these actions disrespectful to myself but I do understand it for the sake of the team and its fans. We did not resolve anything fully but I have requested A trade out of here and we are still looking to take action on that." General Manager Mike Grady seemed pleased with the meeting as both seemed respectful of the wishes on both sides. Kevin Millwood was then officially placed on the trading block and should only be A matter of time till we find out what exactly will happen.


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[MJGrady26]

Kevin Millwood's Request Answered
The Kevin Millwood drama comes to an end as 3 teams contacted General Manager Mike Grady later on Friday after the meeting between Grady and Millwood. The Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres submitted offers to The Rangers ball club and within only hours A deal between The San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers was processed. The deal will send un-happy starter over to The Padres where he has an opportunity for the #2 or #3 spot along with Padre pitcher Chris Young. The Rangers will recieve Triple-A second basemen 23 year old Travis Denker who hit .282 in Triple A last year with 7 home runs and saw some major league time for 24 games in the season where he hit .243 with 1 home run and 3 RBIs. Despite his success at Triple A Fresno, Denker struggled in Double A Connecticut where he hit .184 in 76 at bats. Denker will have A spot in camp but is expected to be A Double-A or possibly Triple-A candidate.

In other news free agent reliever Chad Cordero has reportedly signed with The Florida Marlins. No details on the contract have been released yet but is speculated A three year year contract for the righty reliever who posses A 2.78 career ERA. Manny Ramirez is rumored to be in talks right now with The San Francisco Giants who have yet to make A serious offer on Ramirez.

[pderrick84]

hey guys check out my astros franchise

[MJGrady26]

SATURDAY ANNOUNCEMENT BOARD
Feb 28 2009

Welcome to the first of many Saturday Announcement Board posts. Every Saturday updates, news and weekly actions will be recapped along with what to watch for in the coming week.

In MLB news this past week free agent Chad Cordero signed with The Florida Marlins in reportedly A 2-3 year deal with A possible option. Rangers traded un-happy starting pitcher Kevin Millwood for minor leaguer Travis Denker of The San Diego Padres. Reds traded top pitching prospect Homer Bailey to The Atlanta Braves for right handed power outfielder Jeff Francoeur. Will Ohman signed A minor league deal with The New York Mets as Mark Mulder signs A one year contract with The Washington Nationals with an option for 2010. Juan Cruz is currently in talks with The Chicago Cubs, The Texas Rangers and more recently The New York Mets. Meanwhile free agent Ben Sheets goes without any talks as talks with The Texas Rangers have ended and Mets still without offering A serious offer to the right handed starter. Ben Sheets is most likely going to have elbow surgery to fix his torn flexor tendon and will most likely try to sign next off-season for the 2010 season. While the most sought after free agent of the off-season still has not made any agreements with A club, Reports indicate that Manny Ramirez will not be returning to The Los Angeles Dodgers as he rejected their third offer earlier on in the week and is awaiting A meeting with The San Francisco Giants where they will most likely submit A serious offer to Ramirez.

What To Watch For This Week
Infielders and Outfielders report to camp by tomorrow afternoons deadline. Spring Training games begin this week as The Rangers open up on Tuesday afternoon with two split squad games against The Milwaukee Brewers and At Chicago White Sox. Brandon McCarthy will be starting again The Brew Crew Tuesday as Kason Gabbard will start against The Chi Sox. Each are expected to go 3 innings but innings are due to change pending on pitch count.

The Texas Rangers will be submitting their Spring Training 40-Man Roster later on today

[MJGrady26]

Texas Rangers
40-Man Roster

(1)=Split Squad Team 1 - (2)=Split Squad Team 2


Pitchers:
SP Andy Pettitte (1)
SP John Maine (2)
SP Bronson Arroyo (2)
SP Kason Gabbard (2)
SP Brandon McCarthy (1)
SP Scott Feldman (1)
SP Wade LeBlanc (1)
SP Thomas Diamond (2)
SP Tommy Hunter (1)
SP Eric Hurley (2)
SP Matt Harrison (2)
SP Guillermo Moscoso (1)
RP C.J. Wilson (2)
RP Josh Rupe (1)
RP Warner Madrigal (1)
RP Frank Francisco (1)
RP Fernando Rodney (2)
RP Willie Eyre (1)
RP Luis Mendoza (2)
RP Joaquin Benoit (2)
RP Dustin Nippert (2)


Positions:
C Jarrod Saltlamacchia (2)
C Max Ramirez (1)
1B Frank Catalanotto (2)
1B Chris Davis (1)
2B Travis Denker (1)
2B Ian Kinsler (2)
3B Michael Young (2)
3B Hank Blalock (1)
3B Travis Metcalf (1)
SS Omar Vizquel (1)
SS Elvis Andrus (2)
SS Jose Vallejo (1)
LF Jody Gerut (1)
LF David Murphy (2)
LF Greg Golson (2)
CF Willy Taveras (1)
CF Marlon Byrd (2)
RF Josh Hamilton (1)
RF Brandon Boggs (2)

[NEPatriot77712]

wheres neftali?! i know he got an invite to spring training

[MJGrady26]

wheres neftali?! i know he got an invite to spring training

lol just not enough room for him on mine i guess- only played low class A and A little AA last year so i dont think he'll have a shot at majors this year (for me).

[NEPatriot77712]

yeah, but i mean i thought he might have gotten invited to spring training! lol

[MJGrady26]

yeah, but i mean i thought he might have gotten invited to spring training! lol

lol idk i think i might have to actually do a 50 man roster instead of 40 because if i do split squad its only 20 - 20 and i cant do that on the game, it needs to be 25. so maybe he will get the invite lol

[NEPatriot77712]

yeah! thats what im talking about!