GM Interviews: Texas Rangers
Nov 30, 2015 11:48:50 GMT -5
Rockies GM (Alex), Angels GM (Derrick), and 2 more like this
Post by Ken Rosenthal on Nov 30, 2015 11:48:50 GMT -5
ARLINGTON, TX. - The Texas Rangers have had a successful history in BKDB. Division titles in 2011, 2013, and 2014, an 18-1 season in 2013 in which they put up 7,360.4 points (second most all-time), and an ALCS victory in 2013. It’s hard to call anything greatness when you compare to the Los Angeles Angels, the well-built annual winning machine.
This changed during the 2015 season, as the Texas Rangers knocked off the San Diego Padres in commanding fashion to seal their legacy in the hall of champions. It was the third World Series win by a team from AL West division… the other two courtesy of Los Angeles.
Texas is, I suppose, that team that you know will be good, but isn’t the first name you hear off the board. That kid who is an average height and skinny that can shoot. Someone you wouldn’t pick right away, but that you hope to get on your team. Mid-season, Texas was ranked #14 in the power rankings, despite having an impressive 8-2 record. I suppose most of that is due, and should be, to the ranking in points.
Even though the Rangers finished 7th in points scored, they still pulled off an incredible playoff run, concluding with a championship. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing the General Manager, Jeff Johnson. Jeff has been with the league as the Rangers GM since 2013. In that time, he’s compiled a phenomenal 48-9 record, 8th currently in wins all time. Here’s what he had to say in regards to his recently crowned Rangers:
KR - What was your first reaction to winning the 2015 B.K.D.B. World Series? Tears of joy, right?
JJ - Upon winning the Championship, I went out my front door and triumphantly raised my arms, shed a little tear and while choked up in joy I said "I did it."
KR - Josh Tomlin came out of no where to lead your team in scoring and ultimately won the World Series M.V.P.. Thoughts on his performance?
JJ - He had some stellar performances down the stretch helping me throughout every playoff match. I wasn't expecting him to even crack the Indians rotation once he came back (from the) Dl after missing half the season.
KR - Best in-season move last year that you think helped you win a championship?
JJ - The Josh Tomlin deal is a close second but my best move was acquiring both Logan Forsythe and Didi Gregorius in exchange for two highly rated prospects and a 1st/3rd round pick. I had JJ Hardy as my starting SS who struggled mightily so Didi's second half surge was huge. Also with Rendon being injured most of the year, Forsythe stepped in and was very instrumental in my triumph.
KR - You're losing a lot of pieces this off-season... Latos, Buerhle, Guthrie, Romo, Rodney, maybe even Sandoval. Are you nervous to see where you'll be at come April?
JJ - Not too nervous. Most players are replaceable, but the thing I worry about is having enough depth when injuries inevitably occur.
KR - 83m is what you have for cap space as of today. What are your plans for that? Who are you going after in this year's class?
JJ - My only plan would be to make sure I spend most of cap in free agency and/or trades. I like to cast a wide net in search of players. I'll go after players at any position so I could gather depth and if needed, I could trade a position of strength for that of a weakness. But for the most part I will be looking at getting SP's.
KR - What was the most difficult decision to make so far this off-season... in deciding who got your tags, options, ARB, etc.?
JJ - My most difficult decision was to either use my franchise tag on Russell Martin or Shin-Soo Choo, leaving 1 exposed to restricted free agency.
KR - Are you buying Anthony Rendon as your second baseman of the future? He had a rough go of it last year... what:.264, 5, 26 in 311 AB's?
JJ - I am buying Rendon as my 2B or possibly 3B of the future as long as he stays healthy. He has tremendous upside in that Nats lineup as evidenced in 2014.
KR - How do you like playing in perhaps the toughest division in the league... despite there only being four teams in it?
JJ - I very much enjoy it. The competition level is crazy good. All 4 teams have a legit shot at not only the AL West Title but also the Championship.
KR - Are the Angels your biggest rival in this league?
JJ - Absolutely! I've now played in this league for 3 full season's. Derrick and I have not only been battling for the top spot in our division but also in the playoffs every season in close contested matches. None crazier than our matchup this year where I needed stat corrections to narrowly edge him out.
KR - Who's one player in your farm you're really excited about for next season that might surprise us?
JJ - Mike Clevinger P CLE. Found that he wasn't owned and took him in the 6th round of the 2015 amateur draft. He had really good numbers in the minors last year and I'm hoping he will be a contributor as early as this season.
KR - Any block buster trades in the works?
JJ - Not currently engaged in trade talks with anybody, but I might be looking to make a couple blockbusters this offseason.
KR - Biggest threat to knock you off your throne next season?
Answer- As always those dang Angels won't ever go away, haha.
There's no doubt that the Angels and Rangers have gone at it over the years. With both teams current make up and savvy managing, I'll be the first to be this rivalry will continue for long while.
A special thanks to Jeff for participating in this interview. It is my hope to continue these with many General Managers. Contact me... or I suppose I will eventually contact you... if you wish to be interviewed!
- Ken Rosenthal