422 replies to this topic

[Mackus]

Just before the deadline Yu Darvish has signed with the Rangers.
http://www.mlbtrader... ... rvish.html

$60M over 6 years (with about $10M more in possible incentives), plus a $51.7M posting fee, $111.7M total.

If you consider it in terms of the time value of money and that the posting is paid up front, this is roughly equivalent to a 6 year deal paying him $19.7M per year (assuming a 5% interest rate). A huge commitment for a guy who has never pitched in the majors, but would be worth it if he pitches like an ace.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I love the signing. The $111.7M total is at the high end of my expectations, but ultimately still reasonable to me. I know there is some concern about the innings he has pitched (1268.1 ip), but you get a 25 year-old that should have plenty of prime left in his arm.

I know that I would rather have the investment in Darvish, than say the investment that the Yankees made in Sabathia.

Obviously, there will be lots of adjustments for him - competition, travel, cultural, the outdoor stadiums (and Texas heat) as compared to the many dome stadiums of Japan; but I anticipate him showing that he is one of the 10 best pitchers in the world.

I would have liked him to be priority number 1 from the O's.

[BSLChrisStoner]

FanGraphs: What Darvish needs to do to earn the money
http://www.fangraphs...earn-the-money/

[Mackus]

FanGraphs: What Darvish needs to do to earn the money
http://www.fangraphs...earn-the-money/

This was a very interesting article. So they essentially think that if Darvish is a top 20-25 pitcher in MLB over the next 6 years, he'll be worth the deal.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Digest: http://www.baseballd...e-and-our-hope/

I find Hamilton to be an easy guy to root for. I had a lot of mixed feelings about the recent Press Conference, but my main takeaway was admiration for Hamilton's accountability.

[BaseballReflections]

I agree, most players these days would have just made excuses or just ignored it. He handled it head on & admitted his fault.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Beyond the Boxscore: Top 12 Prospects
http://www.beyondthe...ospect-rankings

[BSLChrisStoner]

Beyond the Boxscore: 2012 Preview
http://www.beyondthe...w-texas-rangers

[BSLChrisStoner]

NBC Hardball Talk: Rangers and Kinsler agree to a 5 yr $75M extension
http://hardballtalk....ract-extension/

[BSLChrisStoner]

NBC Hardball Talk: Darvish uneven in Major League Debut
http://hardballtalk....r-league-debut/

As Darvish was allowing 4 hits in the 1st last night, I was watching people on Twitter comment and RT others comments that they think Darvish won't make it here. After an adjustment, I expect Darvish to settle in and just be awesome. If the Rangers make it back to the post-season, I think he can be prove to be the last piece they needed.

[BSLChrisStoner]

The Rangers are rolling, out of the gates with an 11-2 start.

Currently they are ranked:

Runs: 2nd
Batting Average: 1st
OBP: 1st
SLG: 1st
ERA: 3rd
QS: 1st
WHIP: 5th
BAA: 5th

[BSLChrisStoner]

FanGraphs: Darvish's Command Problem
http://www.fangraphs...ommand-problem/

[BSLChrisStoner]

Darvish is on the MLB Network right now, pitching against the Yankees.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Darvish up to 8 k's. Pretty filthy stuff.

Rangers really are loaded.

[SportsGuy]

Darvish up to 8 k's. Pretty filthy stuff.

Rangers really are loaded.

10ks tonight. This is a deep team, loaded with talent and still have a lot more in the minors. Going to be very good for a long time. Gotta respect the way they are doing it as well.

[NewMarketSean]

They've been able to develop hitters for over a decade now. They always seem to be just loaded with sluggers. Their problem for the longest time was getting pitching, and now they have it. Nolan Ryan has completely revitalized that organization via pitching.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Analytics: Darvish vs. the Yankees
http://www.baseballa...vs-yankees.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

Seeing Texas up close for 4 games, you get a real picture of just how strong they are. Deep everything. Can beat you in multiple ways. I love the difference Darvish could make for them in the playoffs.

[Oriole85]

Watching MLB Network right now, they cited Yu Darvish starts get 20% better ratings than the typical Rangers game.

[SportsGuy]

2 more homers for Hamilton tonight!