Once again, delivering top-notch, late-breaking news long after it happens, Bases Loaded Balk has learned that Cliff Lee has decided to join the Philadelphia Phillies after coming to an agreement on a 5-year, $120 million deal with a vesting option for a sixth year. Lee personally let the Rangers know, and his agent broke the news to the Yankees.
Here's what we have learned:
1) Players don't always want the maximum years and the maximum dollars. Lee turned down more years and more dollars from both the Yankees and Rangers to go back to Philadelphia, where he spent the last half of the 2009 season and went to the World Series for the first time.
2) The Yankees can't get whoever they want if that person doesn't want to be on the Yankees. Don't worry, Yankee fans, I'm sure this had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that you spit on the guys wife during the playoffs. I'm sure he felt safe and welcomed by that reception.
3) The Phillies will be the overwhelming favorite to win the National League in 2011. In fact, some are already arguing that this may be the best rotation in baseball history... before Spring Training even starts. There is certainly that possibility. Two years ago, Hamels was the staff ace, since then, they have traded for Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and Cliff Lee - three guys that would be the ace on just about any other staff in all of baseball. However, let's hold off on the accolades until the season is over.
4) The mystery team is not always a fabrication by the agent. ESPN's Buster Olney had tweeted the other day that most of the time, a "mystery team" is simply created by the player's agent in order to gain some leverage in the negotiations. Clearly, the Phillies were the mystery team that was involved - quite unexpectedly because...
5) Just because you trade a player away, don't assume that he's never going to come back. The Phillies traded Lee to the Mariners last offseason as part of a three-team deal that brought Roy Halladay to Philadelphia. The reason they traded Lee: they didn't think they could work out an extension with him.
6) The Yankees are no longer the Yankees of old. Just a couple of years ago, the Yankees would have signed at least one, if not two, of the top free agents. This year, they looked like Alex Rodriguez in a playoff game - going 0-3 on the big fish. In fact, with the signing of Crawford and acquisition (and extension) of Gonzalez, I'd say the Red Sox have become the very thing they hated.
Finally, the Yankees and Rangers have to move on, and perhaps their respective fanbases will be excited to hear the rumors that are flying around regarding Plan B for these teams.
Apparently the Rangers have expressed interest in former Yankee Chien-Ming Wang, and the Yankees could possibly be the next stop in the Mark Prior comeback trail. Yeah, that's what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket... or some other metaphor that conveys a similar idea.
Showing posts with label Rangers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rangers. Show all posts
World Series Wager
Pete Rose's favorite hobby, gambling on baseball, is coming into play as the World Series starts this week. Rumor has it that the mayors of San Francisco and Arlington have put a friendly wager on the game. In addition to a day of community service in the victor's town while wearing that team's jersey, the losing mayor is going to have to send over some food.
If the Rangers win, Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco will ship out Dungeness crab, sourdough bread, Ghirardelli chocolate and Anchor Steam beer. If the Giants win, Mayor Robert Cluck of Arlington will ship food from a local BBQ joint called Spring Creek BBQ, reportedly the best in Texas (though, this has yet to be verified from an inside source).
Perhaps what catches my eye in all of this is the fact that Arlington's mayor's last name is Cluck. I find it really funny that a place so steeped in the finer qualities and traditions of beef shares the last name with the noise from a chicken.
If the Rangers win, Mayor Gavin Newsom of San Francisco will ship out Dungeness crab, sourdough bread, Ghirardelli chocolate and Anchor Steam beer. If the Giants win, Mayor Robert Cluck of Arlington will ship food from a local BBQ joint called Spring Creek BBQ, reportedly the best in Texas (though, this has yet to be verified from an inside source).
Perhaps what catches my eye in all of this is the fact that Arlington's mayor's last name is Cluck. I find it really funny that a place so steeped in the finer qualities and traditions of beef shares the last name with the noise from a chicken.
Rangers Advance to World Series
Congratulations to the Texas Rangers for 1) putting a beat-down on the New York Yankees, and 2) making it to the first World Series in franchise history.
Just think, in Spring Training, manager Ron Washington was admitting to doing blow around this time last year (if you had to manage this team last year, you might've as well), everybody was penciling the Mariners in as the best team in the West, and the Rangers were a "good offense with no pitching."
Then they stole Cliff Lee from the grasp of the Evil Empire, and used him to take down the Yankees. Then Nolan Ryan took over as owner of the team. Then, just as everyone had imagined ten years ago, Alex Rodriguez was at the plate in Arlington with a chance to go to the World Series.... of course, everybody thought that he would be wearing a different uniform, but regardless, A-Rod played an integral part in the Rangers run to the World Series.
To honor the Rangers in their charge to the World Series...
Just think, in Spring Training, manager Ron Washington was admitting to doing blow around this time last year (if you had to manage this team last year, you might've as well), everybody was penciling the Mariners in as the best team in the West, and the Rangers were a "good offense with no pitching."
Then they stole Cliff Lee from the grasp of the Evil Empire, and used him to take down the Yankees. Then Nolan Ryan took over as owner of the team. Then, just as everyone had imagined ten years ago, Alex Rodriguez was at the plate in Arlington with a chance to go to the World Series.... of course, everybody thought that he would be wearing a different uniform, but regardless, A-Rod played an integral part in the Rangers run to the World Series.
To honor the Rangers in their charge to the World Series...
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a clearer picture, but Ryan's face as the bullpen blew Game 1 was hilarious. That, or former owner... and President... George W. Bush said something really stupid.... again.
Not that he needed it, but here is Nelson Cruz receiving directions as to the location of home plate.
And, of course, no Ranger post would be complete without Ron Washington eating another imaginary apple.
Rangers Advance to ALCS
Oh, what's that you say? There was another Division Series? Oh, I thought we were ready for a Philly-Yankee rematch already. No? Must've just been the talking heads. Anyhoo....
We have moved one step closer to the inevitable conclusion of this season... you know, one where an East Coast team wins the World Series.... again....
Congratulations to the Texas Rangers for their first ever postseason series win in their long and illustrious history. After giving me hope that I might be able to sneak over to a playoff game while I'm in Orlando at the end of the week, the Tampa Bay Rays' bats once again bowed down to the postseason greatness that is Cliff Lee, showing why the Rangers worked so hard to steal him away from the Yankees, and at the same time, damaging the Rangers chances of winning the ALCS by making Lee unavailable until Game 3.
Enjoy it while you can, Arlington. People have already written you off.... not me.... just other people.
We have moved one step closer to the inevitable conclusion of this season... you know, one where an East Coast team wins the World Series.... again....
Congratulations to the Texas Rangers for their first ever postseason series win in their long and illustrious history. After giving me hope that I might be able to sneak over to a playoff game while I'm in Orlando at the end of the week, the Tampa Bay Rays' bats once again bowed down to the postseason greatness that is Cliff Lee, showing why the Rangers worked so hard to steal him away from the Yankees, and at the same time, damaging the Rangers chances of winning the ALCS by making Lee unavailable until Game 3.
Enjoy it while you can, Arlington. People have already written you off.... not me.... just other people.
Apparently Ranger fans are terrible at catching unless they use their face. I love how the lady behind the guy who takes the phrase "keep your eye on the ball" too literally is laughing hysterically.
Michael Young, who had never been in the postseason until this year, tries to Kung Fu kick his entire team.
Before Tuesday night, this was the greatest moment in Texas Ranger baseball history.
Once again, manager Ron Washington is eating an imaginary apple. Crack is whack, folks.
Finally, a reminder of the greatest Texas Ranger in the history of the franchise.
Rangers Win AL West
The Texas Rangers wrapped up the AL West today with a win over the Oakland A's. It's the first time the Rangers have made the playoffs since 1999 - you know, back when Juan Gone wasn't long gone, and Pudge was... oh wait, he's still around. In honor of this epic victory... okay, it wasn't really that shocking, they've been way ahead in the division most of the season. Regardless, in honor of the Rangers clinching the division, I now present you with a picture of Michael Young (who is in the playoffs for the first time after 1500+ regular season games) Kung Fu fighting the rest of the team.
And your bonus picture: Rangers Ron Washington eating an imaginary apple. Apparently the cocaine rehab was very effective.
And your double bonus picture: The original Texas Ranger...
You ARE welcome.
And your bonus picture: Rangers Ron Washington eating an imaginary apple. Apparently the cocaine rehab was very effective.
And your double bonus picture: The original Texas Ranger...
You ARE welcome.
Prior Update!!!
News came out that the Texas Rangers have taken a role in the Mark Prior comeback! The Pre-Strasburgian flame-throwing pitcher who came up with the Cubs and has dealt with several injuries over his career has signed a minor league deal with the Rangers, with the future, not 2010, in mind.
Just another reminder that the Kip Wells Comeback Trail really works, friends!
Just another reminder that the Kip Wells Comeback Trail really works, friends!
The Gross Underbelly of MLB Finances
Apparently some very confidential financial records for some MLB teams got leaked last week to Deadspin.com. Financial records for the Pirates, Angles, Rays, Mariners, Marlins and Rangers were released to the online sports site causing quite a stir in the sports world last week.
Quite frankly, there are too many documents to look through, and I just don't want to take the time, so I'm going to go with the broad generalization that baseball owners make a boatload of money (even the bad teams), and don't spend nearly enough on their teams. Oh, wait, that just confirms what everybody already knows.
Quite frankly, there are too many documents to look through, and I just don't want to take the time, so I'm going to go with the broad generalization that baseball owners make a boatload of money (even the bad teams), and don't spend nearly enough on their teams. Oh, wait, that just confirms what everybody already knows.
Missed It By That Much
Prior to a Rangers game in Arlington, Tx last week, they were having a special appearance by the U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team. As you would expect from a parachute team, the entered the stadium.... via parachutes. The plan was that they were to land on the field. Hmmm....
In a move that gave Marines everywhere another opportunity to make fun of the Army, one parachuter missed his target. Maybe it was flag day, and the guy was doing an impersonation.... yeah, that's the ticket! I just hope he doesn't get too.... hung up.... on his epic fail.
In a move that gave Marines everywhere another opportunity to make fun of the Army, one parachuter missed his target. Maybe it was flag day, and the guy was doing an impersonation.... yeah, that's the ticket! I just hope he doesn't get too.... hung up.... on his epic fail.
Rangers Try to Join No-Hit Parade
Because there haven't been enough reasons to consider this season the Year of the Pitcher, Rich Harden and the Rangers bullpen attempted to throw yet another no-hitter last night against the Minnesota Twins. Thankfully, for everybody tired of hearing about how all the hitters are done using steroids (which, apparently, could be the only possible explanation for the upshot in pitching this season), Joe Mauer singled with one out in the 9th to break up the no-no.
All I have to say to that is....
Well played, indeed.
All I have to say to that is....
Well played, indeed.
Rangers Sign Taveras
The Texas Rangers currently hold the biggest division league in all of baseball, and in a move to bring themselves closer to the pack and make the race in the AL West mildly interesting, they signed OF Willy Taveras to a minor league deal. Apparently, this was to provide the Rangers with outfield depth for their Triple-A club because people actually care about that sort of thing.
It wasn't too long ago that Taveras led the NL in stolen bases with 68. However, pitchers found a way to keep him off the basepaths - pitch to him. Since leaving Colorado, Taveras has had minor league stints with the Phillies and Braves, and has hit a paltry .237 with the Reds and Nationals.
Nolan Ryan Owns Texas
In news that made the rest of the owners in major league baseball breathe a sigh of relief, Nolan Ryan and Chuck Greenberg outbid Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to become the new owners of the Texas Rangers.
Greenberg and Ryan won the opportunity to purchase the Rangers for a paltry $385 million. I can't imagine that there is a positive return on investment involved in this purchase, but at least the boisterously annoying Cuban is not joining the boy's club, right?
Greenberg and Ryan won the opportunity to purchase the Rangers for a paltry $385 million. I can't imagine that there is a positive return on investment involved in this purchase, but at least the boisterously annoying Cuban is not joining the boy's club, right?
Red Sox Gets Salty
One of the coolest names in baseball was quietly traded to the Red Sox last week. Jarrod Saltalamacchia went from the Rangers Triple-A affiliate to the Red Sox Triple-A affiliate. According to a report, Salty got a case of the "yips," which basically means he forgot how to throw the ball 60 feet back to the pitcher.
Before the Sox acquired Saltalamacchia, they were reportedly deep into the Rube Baker trade talks before the Indians finally clued them in on the fact that Rube was just a character from the 1994 movie Major League 2.
Before the Sox acquired Saltalamacchia, they were reportedly deep into the Rube Baker trade talks before the Indians finally clued them in on the fact that Rube was just a character from the 1994 movie Major League 2.
Cruz Too Hungry to Play Ball
The Rangers and Tigers played a mini-marathon on Monday. In a game that ended nearly 5 hours after the first pitch, saw 13 different pitchers and lasted for 14 innings, the Rangers bested the Tigers 8-6 on Nelson Cruz's 12th home run of the season, a two-run shot off of Enrique Gonzalez.
When asked about his game-winning dinger, Cruz said, "You know, I just got tired of playing. My stomach was growling, and it was beginning to annoy me. So, I thought I'd just end it right there."
After touching home, Cruz was disappointed that the rest of the team wasn't there to jump around him. In his hunger-fatigue, he forgot that it wasn't a walk-off shot because they were the visiting team.
When asked about his game-winning dinger, Cruz said, "You know, I just got tired of playing. My stomach was growling, and it was beginning to annoy me. So, I thought I'd just end it right there."
After touching home, Cruz was disappointed that the rest of the team wasn't there to jump around him. In his hunger-fatigue, he forgot that it wasn't a walk-off shot because they were the visiting team.
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