[情報] Mailbag: Who steps up to replace Buck?
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The mailbag is back and there is one issue being asked about most. So with
that in mind, let's talk manager.
What do you think the chances are of the Rangers pursuing Dusty Baker or
Felipe Alou? Who would be the best fit?
-- Blaine G., Benbrook, Texas
The Rangers aren't expected to go after Baker or Alou. Right now, I see
dugout coach Don Wakamatsu as the favorite. He has managerial experience, he
learned under Buck Showalter, the players respect him and he has a strong
relationship with the front office, especially general manager Jon Daniels.
Rudy Jaramillo was a candidate, but he declined an interview for the
skipper's job, electing to remain as hitting coach.
Trey Hillman is a strong third possibility. He is an Arlington native who
played high school and college baseball right here. He was the Rangers' farm
director in 2002, after compiling an impressive record as a Minor League
manager in the Yankees' farm system.
In 2002, he interviewed for the Rangers' managerial opening that went to
Showalter. Owner Tom Hicks and former general manager John Hart were both
deeply impressed by him, but Hillman could not get out of a commitment to
manage in Japan. That's where he has been the past four years, and now he
should at least get consideration for the opening.
Ron Washington, the Athletics' third base coach, and Angels pitching coach
Bud Black are also possibilities. The Rangers have heard good things about
both.
I don't see the Rangers pursuing Boston Red Sox third base coach DeMarlo
Hale.
Joe Girardi's name will likely come up after the job he did as manager of the
Marlins. But if the Rangers are interested in a manager who can work closely
with the front office, that would seem to be a strike against Girardi.
What do you think the odds are that the Rangers will retrieve Girardi? He did
a phenomenal job with a cheap, young team. It's not too far-fetched to think
that the sky would be the limit for him here with an organization that spends
like the Rangers.
-- Patrick T., Carrollton, Texas
I talked to Terry Ryan, the Twins' general manager, at the American League
Division Series. He has worked with two successful managers, Tom Kelly and
Ron Gardenhire. Both were not big names when they were hired, but both did
well with the Twins.
Ryan said the most important factors in hiring a manager is one who knows the
league, has the respect of his players and can work closely with the general
manager. Wakamatsu fits that description well.
My top three choices for new manager are 1) Bobby Valentine, 2) Bobby V. and
3) Bobby V. He is the best short-term answer to give this team a kick in the
tail to get them to the next level in the shortest period of time. I have
been a fan since 1980, and my patience is wearing thin. Please just bring
Bobby V. in for at least an interview, because I know he'll get the job.
-- Pat S., Roselle Park, N.J.
Bobby Cox managed the Atlanta Braves twice, the first time in 1978-81, and
again from 1991 to the present. The second go-around was ultimately more
successful. So there may be some merit in taking another shot at Valentine.
Are the Rangers interested in bringing any of their free agent pitchers back
next season? Also, which of their free agent position players does the club
plan to pursue hard? I keep reading that Daniels wants to bring all of his
free agents back, but which ones can we realistically see in a Rangers
uniform next season?
-- Richard M. Covington, Va.
Here is my best guess of who they want to re-sign ...
1. CF Gary Matthews. Jr. -- They'll do what it takes, but there are a number
of teams looking for a center fielder.
2. OF Mark DeRosa -- His versatility is too valuable to lose.
3. RHP Vicente Padilla -- He seemed to like Texas and was the Rangers' best
pitcher for much of 2006.
4. OF Carlos Lee -- The Rangers keep talking about re-signing him in the
right deal. That probably means designated hitter is going to a big part of
those discussions.
5. RHP Adam Eaton -- It may take a three-year deal.
6. C Rod Barajas -- The Rangers like the tandem approach. Both Barajas and
Gerald Laird want to be the No. 1 catcher.
7. RHP Kip Wells -- Probably a Minor League contract or an incentive-based
deal.
8. IF Jerry Hairston Jr. -- Wasn't playing much in the end. Good guy, but
probably needs to go where he'll play regularly.
9. Eric Young -- Great guy. Probably looking for a place with more playing
time.
Footnote: Best guess is the Rangers will offer arbitration to the first six
guys.
I have a question about pitching. The Atlanta Braves won games with starting
pitching and a good closer. I think the Rangers need to spend some money for
good starting pitching. Kevin Millwood is a start. The Rangers might win a
World Series if they spend good money on starting pitching.
-- Ryan N., Waco, Texas
I did a little bit of accounting and checked the salaries for the five
starting pitchers and the closer for each American League West team going
into the 2006 season. The Rangers had committed to $32 million for their five
starters and closer, who at the time was Francisco Cordero. The Angels were
slightly higher at $34.5 million and the Mariners were slightly lower at
$31.4 million. These are all approximate numbers and there are different ways
to figure out payroll.
No matter, the Oakland Athletics went into the season with $18 million
committed to their front five, plus closer Huston Street. The Detroit Tigers
were at roughly $20.5 million. Those two teams made the playoffs. So too did
the Minnesota Twins, who committed $27 million to their top six pitchers. Of
course, the New York Yankees are spending in excess of $60 million in that
regard. But it's Oakland and Detroit that advanced to the American League
Championship Series.
Besides Kenny Rogers, are there other past deals that went through, but were
declined by the player who wouldn't waive their no-trade clause (Rafael
Palmeiro, Juan Gonzalez), and who was this for?
-- Jason B., Plano, Texas
In 2003, the Rangers tried to trade Gonzalez to the Kansas City Royals for
Jimmy Gobble, a left-handed pitcher who was a starter at the time, but has
since moved to the bullpen. They also traded Palmeiro to the Cubs for
pitchers Ricky Nolasco and Felix Sanchez. Nolasco was subsequently traded to
the Marlins, and he went 11-11 with a 4.82 ERA as a rookie this season.
The following year, the Rangers traded second baseman Ian Kinsler and pitcher
Erik Thompson to the Colorado Rockies for outfielder Larry Walker. All of
those trades were ultimately vetoed.
In light of Byron Nelson dying, who do you think was the greatest athlete in
Fort Worth's history?
-- Jason W., Fort Worth, Texas
Rogers Hornsby. He was born in Winters, but grew up in North Fort Worth on
the banks of Marine Creek. Personally, I'm partial to William "Kid" Nance,
the first player ever from Fort Worth to make the Major Leagues. He was the
Tigers' left fielder in 1901, and had six hits in a game, an American League
record that has been tied, but never surpassed.
He is now the honorary proprietor of the Elysian Fields Bar & Grill.
Is it me or are the young bright stars of the Rangers starting to look like
the same old Rangers, fun to watch, but nothing come October. It's been 10
years and not a sniff of postseason play. Third place every year. Will there
be a serious change in the lineup next year to shake things up? If it's the
same old same old, I'm not spending a dime to fly down there and watch a
third-place team. Nome Alaska to Dallas is expensive!
-- James W., Nome, Alaska
James, if you fly all the way from Nome, Alaska, to watch the Rangers, I
promise you club president Jeff Cogen will buy you dinner in the Gold Club
and get you free parking. I'll even buy you a cold one at the Elysian Fields
Bar & Grill. Does Nome have an airport or do you still have to take the dog
sled to Anchorage?
I'm a big fan of Hank Blalock and I believe that his play is being affected
in a couple of ways. The first is all the trade rumors surrounding him. I
don't think he believes the Rangers want him, and possibly they don't. He's a
player that does struggle against lefties, but I think he struggles more when
he isn't playing consistently, shoulder aside.
Why does Mark Teixeira not get mentioned during this talk? Their averages are
similar and they both struggle against left-/right-handed pitchers. Their
defense is about the same, too. I don't know, I'm just a little frustrated
and I'm hoping that they don't make a mistake and get rid of Blalock.
-- Chris G., Dallas
The Rangers have made only one serious attempt to trade Blalock, and that's
when they were talking to the Marlins about Josh Beckett. They were willing
to do that one because they were getting third baseman Mike Lowell in the
deal.
Teixeira had 33 home runs and 110 RBIs this season, while Blalock had 16
homers and 89 RBIs. Teixeira is also a Gold Glove defender. Blalock's defense
has been affected by his shoulder. He is likely going to be a 20-homer,
90-RBI guy year-in and year-out. That's still pretty good. But the Rangers
would consider trading him for a front-line starting pitcher, especially if
they could re-sign DeRosa at third base.
The Rangers -- Showalter included -- have always liked Blalock, and Hart
resisted a number of trade offers from other teams over the years. But when
you're not winning championships, all trade possibilities have to be
considered. That goes for Teixeira and Michael Young.
We've had a number of questions or rants from people who don't want their
favorite players traded. Used to get them about Kevin Mench. But the simple
fact is when you're not winning, all possibilities must be considered and all
players must be reviewed.
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