Texas has already had much to celebrate about, but the best might be yet to come.

By Wes Yee

They might run different clubs now, but both Theo Epstein of the Cubs and Ben Cherington of the Red Sox extolled much the same message in their introductions. Building an organization focused on “sustained success” sounds like a nice cliche, but it’s a key component of team construction that organizations emphasize to varying degrees. Texas and their young general manager Jon Daniels has taken this to heart, building what many in the game are starting to recognize as a model organization – one built to last.

So, what separates the Rangers from some of the other marquee franchises in the game? Yes, they’re in the World Series, but any team that makes the playoffs has some chance of playing for the title. What sets Texas apart is the structure of their club. While they have elite talent in their lineup, they haven’t committed ungodly amounts of money to individual players. Only Michael Young and Adrian Beltre make more than $10M. Josh Hamilton, Ian Kinsler, Mike Napoli and Nelson Cruz will combine to make less than $25M in 2011. Texas is just 13th in baseball in total team salary, at $91.89M. Many of their best players are still on their rookie contracts. The six players below (with 2011 salaries), with the exception of Moreland, have all played critical roles in the clubs success:

Neftali Feliz 457,160
Elvis Andrus 452,180
Derek Holland 431,810
Alexi Ogando 430,150
Matt Harrison 428,830
Mitch Moreland 426,000

So their current major league team is cheap, cost controlled and talented. But that alone doesn’t make bode for sustainable success. Indeed, Texas will likely lose its ace for a second consecutive year, in CJ Wilson. It’s how equipped they are to replace him, and how equipped they were to replace Cliff Lee a year ago, that shows just how strong a position they are in.

Jon Daniels was promoted to GM in 2005, but it wasn’t until 2007 when he began taking the steps that have put the Rangers in such an enviable place. Beginning with the Mark Teixeira trade, which netted Texas Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Matt Harrison, Neftali Feliz and Elvis Andrus, Daniels has made building a strong farm system one of his key priorities. While they’ve drafted reasonably well, where they have excelled is in the international market. LHP Martin Perez has been on the scene for a couple of years now as a potentially top of the rotation arm. He’s battled inconsistency yet reached AA as an 18 year old. He’s 20 now and could reach the bigs in 2012.

Jurickson Profar dazzled at the 2011 Futures Game

Texas’ most exciting prospect, perhaps its top player, is shortstop Jurickson Profar. Profar, who burst onto the scene at the 2011 Futures Game, is just 18 years old and has only just now completed his first full season of pro ball. He’s shown serious promise, hitting 12 home runs with 23 steals at High-A Hickory. He’s a plus defender with projectability in all five tools. David Perez and Miguel De Los Santos are right behind Martin Perez in Texas starting pitching pipeline. De Los Santos made major strides in 2011, striking out 142 in just 94.2 innings. He could move quickly in 2012.

Just as exciting for Rangers fans is the signing of dual 16 year old Dominicans Ronald Guzman and Nomar Mazara. The two received record bonuses of $3.5M (Guzman) and $5M (Mazara). Both are obviously years away from the big leagues, but offer some potential first-division talent in years to come.

What Daniels has achieved in Texas, and what Cherington and Epstein will seek to match, is to create a sustainable baseball machine that can lose key players and replace them from within. Cost-controlled young players are one of the most valuable assets in baseball, and Texas has capitalized by building  a system that is both flush with high end talent and deep. Their new TV deal, which pays them $80M per year, only makes them all the more dangerous. Already pundits are floating names like Fielder and Pujols as potential free agent pickups. Texas hasn’t been considered a big dog over the past decade, but with a contending big league team, a stacked farm system and a big budget, we could be looking at the closest thing to a dynasty this game has seen since the 90′s Yankees.

All eyes will be on Bryce Harper on July 10 at 6pm EST on ESPN2

By Wes Yee

There’s been plenty of clamor over the past week about the upcoming All Star Game, and certainly an event that brings together the game’s best and brightest is well worth the attention. All Star Weekend, though, is more than just the Major League Game. One of the true hidden gems is the Futures Game, a showcase of many of the game’s top prospects.

It’s an opportunity to get a first look at many of the minor leaguers who will populate major league rosters in the years to come. Like the major league game, every organization is represented, with a maximum of two per team. Past Futures Games MVP’s included future stars Alfonso Soriano (1999), Jose Reyes (2002) and Billy Butler (2006). Last year’s game served as a coming out party for OF Mike Trout (Angels), Eric Hosmer (Royals) and Jeremy Hellickson (Rays). Other players to reach the majors from the game include Zach Britton (Orioles), Dom Brown (Phillies), Lonnie Chisenhall (Indians), Dan Hudson (Diamondbacks), Jordan Lyles (Astros), Mike Minor (Braves), Logan Morrison (Marlins), Mike Moustakas (Royals) and Ben Revere (Twins).

This year’s game offers a similarly star studded crop, headlined by the Nationals’ Bryce Harper. Trout will also return, and will no doubt be a focus for many. Some players to keep an eye on:

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Shelby Miller (Cardinals) – Miller is a hard throwing right hander and along with Julio Teheran is considered to be one of the top pitchers left in the minor leagues. He’s struck out 119 in 91 innings between High A and AA ball this year while putting together a 2.47 ERA.

Matt Moore (Rays) – Moore has torn up AA, striking out 115 in 89.2 innings. He’s put up a 2.21 ERA and has also thrown a no hitter.

Tyler Thornburg (Brewers) – Thornburg has generated Tim Lincecum comparisons due to his small (5’11, 185) frame. While his stuff isn’t as good, he has struck out over a batter per inning and has just a 1.47 ERA in 14 starts this year.

Paul Goldschmidt (Diamondbacks) – Goldschmidt has been fantastic in 2011, he’s already hit 25 HR and proven that his 2010 Cal League performance (35 HR), is no fluke.

Manny Machado (Orioles) – The third pick in the 2010 draft has just gotten his feet wet with 212 plate appearances but has Orioles fans dreaming of a poor man’s Alex Rodriguez.

Gary Brown (Giants) – Brown, also a 2010 first rounder, is one of the fastest players in baseball (34 steals in 2011) and has shown more power than expected (7 HR) for San Francisco’s High A team.

World

Carlos Martinez (Cardinals) – This skinny (6’0, 165 lb) right-hander has drawn rave reviews in 2011 by throwing his fastball in the high 90′s. He’s just 19 years old and has Cardinals fans dreaming big.

Julio Teheran (Braves) – Teheran has started twice for the big league club with mediocre results. His performance in AAA has been anything but, he’s thoroughly dominated, going 9-1 with a 1.79 ERA. His command is his calling card, as he’s allowed just 72 hits and 25 walks in 95.2 innings. He sits in the low 90′s but can reach the upper 90′s when pitching for a strikeout.

Arodys Vizcaino (Braves) – It shouldn’t shock anybody to see the Braves with another top pitching prospect. Vizcaino was stolen from the Yankees in the Javier Vazquez trade. He throws in the high 90′s and has reached triple digits on a number of occasions. He’s battled injury but has one of the best fastballs in the game.

Jurickson Profar (Rangers) – Profar has baseball people very excited. This 18 year old shortstop already has people wondering where Texas will move Elvis Andrus when he’s ready. He’s shown flashes of power (8 HR in 2011) and plays brilliant defense. He’s a quick riser with a ceiling that seems sky high.

By Wes Yee

Took in last night’s San Jose Giants game featuring Giants top prospect, RHP Zack Wheeler. Wheeler was outstanding, going seven shutout innings with 12 strikeouts. He primarily featured an 88-89 MPH 2-seam fastball with run when pitching early in the count and dialed up his four seam as high as 96 MPH as a put away pitch. Early in the game he showed a 70-72 MPH changeup and a 75 MPH sharp spike curveball. His delivery is a bit herky-jerky with a slow leg kick and accelerated drive towards home. His arm action appears clean and he keeps his weight back well.

Wheeler projects as a #1 or #2 SP at the major league level, but will need to throw his 4-seamer more often to keep big league hitter’s respect. He threw probably 60-70% 2-seam fastballs at lower velocity. He seemed to have great confidence in his curve while limiting the usage of his changeup. The curve is a plus pitch that will get swingthroughs at all levels. It’s likely that he’ll be sent to AA sometime soon, as he showed improved command. The Giants have to like what they’ve seen in 2011, as he’s recorded over a strikeout per inning. He’s a valuable trade piece who could push for a call up as soon as 2012.

Posey has shined behind the dish for the Giants, but will the tools of ignorance take their toll?

By Wes Yee

It’s been nearly a full calendar year since San Francisco called upon its most valued hitting prospect in recent memory. Catcher Buster Posey has lived up to the hype and more, carrying the squad to a World Series title with both his consistent offensive approach and deft work while wearing the mask. It’s this offensive and defensive value combination that has recently raised serious questions about the long term future of the 24 year old.

Posey, who’s quickly vaulted himself into the discussion of top catchers in baseball (along with the Twins Joe Mauer and the Braves Brian McCann), has been taking an absolute beating this season. He’s taken numerous balls to the head and has scuffled compared to last season, when he won the ROY over Atlanta’s Jason Heyward – who’s dealing injuries of his own. While his play has been solid this season, logic would dictate that the toll of catching will, if it hasn’t already, impact his offensive value.

Having a team’s premiere offensive player be it’s starting catcher is both a blessing and a curse. It can be a huge advantage, as most catcher don’t provide even league average offensive. The downside is the missed game, tired swings and busted knees that these guys end up with. The Twins Joe Mauer is a perfect example of this, having missed nearly all of 2011 with leg problems. The Mauer injury has to give pause to the Giants, who have played Posey almost exclusively at catcher since trading Bengie Molina in 2010.

Even with Posey in the lineup, the Giants have a mediocre offensive attack. If they’re forced to rest him once a week for his health, that’s some 30 games a season they’re without their best hitter. If they don’t rest him, they risk a tired catcher who’s unable to hit for the kind of power he showed in 2010 – or worse, an injury. If they don’t play him at catcher, his offensive value is diminished as they’ll have to use a backup at his position. There are a variety of directions that manager Bruce Bochy can take including:

These options:

Resting Posey every 4-5 games – As detailed above, this would force a backup (Eli Whiteside) into Posey’s spot.

Playing Posey at 1B – He’s shown flexibility in the past, having played all nine positions in a game while at Florida State and can play a solid first base. The problem going forward here is that first base is already crowded. Aubrey Huff is the teams’ everyday guy and has shown that he’s unusable elsewhere. Brandon Belt is coming soon and should immediately become the teams’ second or third best hitter.

Playing Posey at another position – He grew up playing shortstop but almost certainly doesn’t have major league range at the position. He’s probably athletic enough to play third base for now, but Pablo Sandoval is (when healthy) an everyday guy there. Yankees catcher Russell Martin played some third base when he was with the Dodgers and it seemed to help keep him relatively fresh.

Making a trade – No, I’m not advocating trading one of the faces of the franchise. What I’m saying here is that the Giants could benefit from bringing in another player with catcher and other positional value. Perhaps a guy who can catch once or twice a week while providing enough offense and athleticism at another position to be an everyday guy. Victor Martinez (who’s signed long term with Detroit) is exactly the type of complimentary player I’m talking about. He’s generously defensively average, can play first base and is a middle of the order bat.

The Yankees top prospect Jesus Montero might actually be a fit as well, as most think that he’ll grow out of catcher and fits better as a Miguel Cabrera type first baseman. While a Montero-type bat would be huge at 1B/C – that still doesn’t solve the Huff/Belt block. While Belt would be a piece for most teams, he’d be blocked by Mark Teixiera in New York. The Giants would need to decide that he could play the outfield if they wanted to make a move like this. The cost of Montero could also be prohibitive, he’s worth a top prospect and a proven major leaguer. It might take a Jonathan Sanchez + Zack Wheeler combination to pry him away from Brian Cashman.

Testing the Pablo limits – The Panda used to catch and he famously lost 35 lbs in the offseason. Could he offer the 3B/C flexibility that the team needs? Even if he just caught once a week that would keep Posey in the lineup while saving his knees. They’d want to explore this option in the offseason.

What they’ll really do:

Montero or another Catcher-flexible bat is probably a pipe dream and it’s likely that the team will incorporate a hybrid of the first two or possibly three options. Employing a rotation where you’re resting either Sandoval, Huff or Posey twice a week won’t hurt the lineup too much and should help keep Posey fresh. It wouldn’t shock me to see Huff traded if the team can find an American League team in need of a veteran presence. Such a move would open the spot for Belt and the occasional Posey start. Belt could play the outfield or sit on days that Posey plays first.

So 900 words later there’s still serious question about what the team will do. While no immediate solution is needed, this has to be on management’s mind going forward. As an informal KNBR survey stated, there’s no player that the team can afford to lose less than Buster Posey and catching him everyday exposes him to serious risk and fatigue. It’ll be critical to look at the Twins as a cautionary tale of wielding the double-edged sword that is an elite catcher. This will become even more important when the time comes to extend its star catcher.

By: Tiffany Rutledge

The Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays have both started the 2011 campaign with an 0-6 record. With two series completed, these two AL East teams are still winless. Six games into the season, is it time to panic?

The Red Sox came into the season favored by many to win the World Series. Everyone was talking about their lineup with the additions of Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez. How could they be stopped? The Rangers and Indians showed how to stop this team.  Take advantage of that shaky pitching staff. After Jon Lester and youngster Clay Buchholz, their staff is shaky at best. John Lackey is not the same pitcher he used to be. Neither is Josh Beckett. And Daisuke is well, Daisuke. He has not been the pitcher the Red Sox hoped to be getting for much of his time in the states. It might not be time to panic because with that offense, they should win a lot of games but they need another arm to solidify that rotation. Their weakness has been discovered and they do not look as scary to other teams as they did going into the season.

The Rays might need to be a little quicker to push the panic button because they do not have the offensive threat that the Red Sox have. They not only have not won a game, they also have put their biggest offensive threat Evan Longoria on the DL and have lost their biggest offseason acquisition Manny Ramirez to an abrupt retirement.  Things are going from bad to worse down in Tampa. The defending AL East Champions are reeling and in that division, a slow start could be the end of it. My question now is, will the fast-starting Baltimore Orioles end the season with a better record than the Rays? In this game, anything can happen.

The Red Sox bats came to life today to help them get their first win of the season. They defeated rivals New York Yankees 9-6. Lackey gave up 6 earned runs but the offense backed him up today. It felt good to be back at Fenway for the Sox and they look to right the ship and get back to winning games. The Rays take on the Chicago White Sox later today as they look to be the last team to get in the win column.

Orioles rookie Zach Britton allowed just one run on Sunday.

By Wes Yee

While the AL East certainly isn’t decided four days into the 2010 season, the Orioles’ Buck Showalter had to be pleased with an opening weekend sweep of the defending division champion Rays. Showalter, whose comments about Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein and Yankees Shortstop Derek Jeter drew early controversy, got 12 dominant innings from youngsters Chris Tillman and Zach Britton. Tillman, who turns 23 on tax day, didn’t allow a hit before being removed after six shutout innings. Tillman, just another piece acquired in the Erik Bedard deal, pitched half seasons in the majors in 2009 and 2010. He posted 5+ eras in both seasons, with troubling walk rates. That problem jumped his pitch count over 100 on Saturday, and kept him from having a shot at a no-hitter. Nonetheless, it was an excellent 2011 debut for a very talented pitcher.

Britton was nearly as good, allowing a single run on a bunt in six strong innings. It was electric debut that saw the 23 year old flash a 91-94 mph sinker with excellent armside run. He also showed excellent command of a mid 80′s changeup, which he used for four of his six strikeouts. Some scouts pegged Britton, who actually was slated for AAA before the Brian Matusz injury, as the Orioles best pitcher in Spring Training. He showed great maturity and poise, pitching in a close debut game against an albeit weakened Rays lineup.

While 3-0 Baltimore sits atop the East on April 3, it’s far too early to snatch the favorite cap off of the 0-3 Red Sox staggering heads. Showalter’s young staff will no doubt suffer some growing pains along the way, but for the first time in years it seems like the O’s have righted the ship.

Hideki Matsui's bat needs to be hot for the A's this season

By Tiffany Rutledge

There are a few question marks surrounding the Oakland A’s going into the 2011 season, but for the first time since the 2006 team that lost in the ALCS there are expectations. The expectations are not sky high but they are there, which is new for this club. Some say they can overtake the reigning AL Champion Texas Rangers and win the AL West. With the Rangers losing a major piece of their postseason run in Cliff Lee, the A’s have hope. They can win the West, but it will take more than strong arms to lead the way.

It is well documented how good the A’s pitching staff is and can be. They led the AL with a team ERA of 3.56 and their arms are young. All-Star and Cy Young Candidate Trevor Cahill led the staff last year at the age of 22 while Brett Anderson was great as well at the same age. Gio Gonzalez matured on the mound and became a dominant force out there at the age of 24. We all know what Dallas Braden accomplished last year, hurling a perfect game at the young age of 26. This rotation is young and extremely talented. They started to come together as a unit last season and expectations for them this year are sky high. This staff has the potential to be great for years to come. The bullpen should be solid as well with the additions of Brian Fuentes and Grant Balfour. They will accompany Craig Breslow and Michael Wuertz in setting things up for All Star closer Andrew Bailey in the 9th (when healthy). The pitching looks to be rock solid, but where will the runs come from? This is and always has been the biggest concern for the Green and Gold.

With such a great pitching season last year, how is it the A’s only won 81 games? Runs. They did not scratch across enough runs to support the great outings from their staff. Their home run leader, Kevin Kouzmanoff, had a not-so-impressive 16 dingers in the 2010 campaign. The team ranked 23rd overall in runs scored, making it much harder on their young arms. Getting runs on the board is a concern for the club even with a few new bats in the lineup and a revamped offense. The A’s acquired Hideki Matsui in the offseason and hope he can provide some pop as the DH in the middle of the lineup. Also acquired were outfielders David Dejesus and Josh Willingham via trades this offseason and the A’s are hoping they too provide some much needed timely hitting and also a little power to an offense starving for it. Injuries have plagued the A’s in the past as well and they hope leadoff man Coco Crisp can stay healthy this year and get on base and in scoring position for these new guys to have the RBI opportunities. Only time will tell if these three additions to the lineup will make the difference and get the A’s back over that hump and back into the playoffs. It should be a fun year to watch and a great race to follow in the AL West.

Some have compared this team poised with pitching to the reigning Champion San Francisco Giants across the Bay but the A’s want to make a name for themselves and prove they can win with their own great pitching and a little bit of hitting on the side.

Jacoby Ellsbury and Jed Lowrie are just two Red Sox who missed time in 2010.

By Wes Yee

Division Winners

AL East – Boston Red Sox – Certainly the chalk pick, Boston won 89 games without their two best players in Kevin Youkilis and Dustin Pedroia. This year they’ve added Adrian Gonzalez and Carl Crawford. If you can’t understand this pick, you’re probably reading the wrong blog.

AL Central – Minnesota Twins – Justin Morneau is back. Joe Nathan is back. This team won 94 games without either of them last year and, despite improvements in Chicago and Detroit, should have enough to win the Central.

AL West – Oakland Athletics – Texas won the division by 9 games last year, and it wasn’t even that close. In 2011 however, they’ll replace Cliff Lee with the unproven Alexi Ogando. Adrian Beltre joins the club, but it’s hard to pick a team with Colby Lewis and CJ Wilson as frontline starters against an Oakland rotation that can run out Brett Anderson, Trevor Cahill and Gio Gonzalez, all of whom could be the #1 on the Rangers.

AL Wild Card – New York Yankees – The Rays had the best record in baseball last year, but will miss the playoffs due to the rise of Boston and major losses in the bullpen and with Carl Crawford. New York benefits by holding steady, adding Rafael Soriano and presumably getting an offensive boost sometime later in the year from top prospect Jesus Montero

NL East – Atlanta Braves - What about the Phillies? Well despite their much hyped four aces, this is a team in steep decline. Chase Utley’s 2011 is in serious question, Jimmy Rollins is barely replacement level and Jayson Werth is playing right for Washington. Atlanta has added a slugging 2B in Dan Uggla, and should have a healthy Jason Heyward  in the heart of the order. Tommy Hanson had an unlucky 2010 and should rebound to 15+ wins.

NL Central – Milwaukee Brewers - I love pitching, and they have the best of it in the Central. Zack Grienke should be dominant provided he returns healthy. Shawn Marcum and Yovani Gallardo match up well with anybody’s 2+3 starters and Prince Fielder should have a bounceback year.

NL  West – San Francisco Giants – The defending champs will need their vaunted bullpen to repeat their performances as their rotation was taxed severely pitching late into the calendar year during their championship run. Rookie Brandon Belt should inject some life into the offense.

NL Wild Card – Philadelphia Phillies – There’s just no way a team with Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt, Cliff Lee and Cole Hamels doesn’t make the playoffs. Is there?