The latest from Arlington…
- With Shawn Kelley off to the IL with a bacterial infection, Chris Martin will step in as the Rangers’ closer, manager Chris Woodward told MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan and other reporters. Martin did well in his first crack at the role on Wednesday, tossing a perfect inning against the Pirates for his second career save. Jose Leclerc was demoted from the closer’s job last week and isn’t yet ready to again reclaim the ninth inning. While Woodward was optimistic about Leclerc’s progress earlier today, Leclerc had another rough outing in tonight’s 4-2 loss to the Astros, allowing a run on three walks and a hit in two-thirds of an inning.
- Mike Minor has followed up a solid 2018 season with some of the best numbers of any pitcher in baseball in the early part of 2019, which led Kevin Sherrington of the Dallas Morning News to wonder if the Rangers would be better off keeping Minor rather than shopping him at the trade deadline. Minor is still under contract through the 2020 season, and since Texas is perpetually in need of starters, Sherrington feels it could be worth retaining or even extending Minor if the front office can’t find a very favorable trade offer. Evan Grant, also of the Dallas Morning News, feels there is still a “significantly greater” chance that Minor is traded, and the Rangers should be prepared to move quickly on a sell-high deal should a rival team indeed step up with a big offer.
- Shortstop prospect Chris Seise will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left labrum, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Twitter link). It’s the second brutal injury in as many years for Seise, who missed all of 2018 after undergoing rotator cuff surgery on his other shoulder. Picked 29th overall by the Rangers in the 2017 draft, Seise’s injuries have limited him to only 72 games over parts of three seasons as a professional.
It seems like they should trade Minor while he’s healthy, if anything substantive is offered for him.
Minor for your team’s top 3 prospects.
Rox could really use him. Their pitchers make Tyler Austin look like Aaron Judge.
Leclerc looks lost.
It’s sad…..
Trade Minor for whom? Has Daniel’s lost his mind? If finally there’s going to be a full rebuild like the Marlins then dump the bad Odor on the team (yes eat the sunk cost) and trade Gallo before he becomes Dave Kingman. Pretend you are the Marlins and let the fans flock to an air conditioned palace to see a bad AAAA team while you rake in the dough and reset. Just admit it already! Geez!
You’re the reason we still need down votes
Trade Gallo? What the heck are you smoking over there? I get tradring Minor, but hes controlled for another year, so JD might want to let him continue to fill the rotation gap until Crouse/Winn/Hearn/Palumbo are ready for the new stadium.
Minor having a year of control adds to his trade value a good amount. A team isnt going to shell out a ton for a rental, but if they know Minor will be in their rotation next year too, they may give up a bit more.
Personally, I dont think the rangers will be full bore contenders and if someone is willing to give up quality AAA talent for him we should do it.
I think if the Padres stay in the hunt they could be a great match for a Minor trade. He would give their rotation a boost, he fits into the 2020 rotation, and with him doing so they would be more willing to give up one of their better pitching prospects to do so.
I probably agree. I think the Rangers aren’t really going to be contending in the division until 2021, so trading Minor for an upper level AAA guy or two would be fine with me!
Plus FanGraphs says Pads have the best, deepest farm system in MLB. Sounds like some good fishing.
Seise is made of glass.
Give up on him…..
I am so frustrated with the Rangers I could spit!
Always sell high on a pitcher that’s hot with a year/half on his deal.The Giants should have traded Mad Bum at the end of last season and the Rangers should do the same in the next month.There are many teams that a post draft Dallas K sign and a Ranger trade away from putting them into serious contention so take advantage of the situation with a calm demeanor with ongoing dialogue with every team without playing the desperate role
Case in point – Leclerc. They could have pulled down a haul last year or this past offseason with him.
Yeah but who says Jose doesnt figure it out? remember we extended him, hes so young, thats the kind of deal that comes back to haunt you.
I always say strike while the iron is hot. If you can get a top prospect and 2 lottery tickets go for it
And perpetually build for the future? When should a team consider trying to win a game or two?
The Rangers closer is probably a better singer than the other Chris Martin. He’s also like Ryan Brasier.
Trade Minor for some minor league talent?
Hang onto Minor till trade deadline comes, if a blowout trade can happen for two close to ready prospects do it, Then sign Cole Hamels if his option is not picked and also Garret Cole, Then wait on the prospect to come and learn from Veterans, also be on the lookout for a centerfielder and catcher.
I think they will be in on Cole. But no need for a CF, one of Martinez, Thompson, Leody will workout as a big league regular.
Chris44, looked them up and you make a good point, Martinez and Leody are both labeled centerfielders with above average speed. State one in 2020 and one ready in 2021, Can’t wait to see them take over, I like Delino he can cover center,but after 3 years here he still can’t hit in a hitters park,I’m sure the new stadium in 2020 will be more pitching friendly.