Matt Mosley, co-host of The Afternoon Show with Cowlishaw and Mosley on weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. on KESN-FM 103.3, answered questions in a live chat with readers Friday. Here are some of the highlights:
Read a story about possible landing spots for Jonathan Papelbon and it listed the Rangers. (All speculation, obviously.) Could the Rangers really use another bullpen arm, let alone a personality like his?
Matt Mosley: Of course they could use another bullpen arm. I wouldn't want that guy around, though.
Is Jonathan Lucroy already the second-most beloved Ranger on this team?? (Because nobody is topping Beltre, of course.)
Matt Mosley: I don't think he's moved past Odor. Lucroy's going to be a fan favorite, but he's just been here three weeks. Surely someone like Elvis (who is having a nice season) has more equity with fans. But I agree that fans are falling for Lucroy quickly.
Let's say Rangers get to Series. Do you think they could hang with the Cubs?
Matt Mosley: Anything can happen in a series. That said, right now the rotations are a huge mismatch. The Rangers are in the same boat they've been in for much of the season. They somehow have this great record with only two good starters. And I'm not sure how much Derek Holland's going to help the cause. This team would need to win some slugfests, and that doesn't always go well vs the Cubs. I think Kris Bryant hit a couple more HRs yesterday to get to 30. Rizzo is an absolute hero in that team. And Maddon keeps cloning Zobrists in this lineup.
Are you surprised by what Lucroy has been able to do with the Rangers?
Matt Mosley: I didn't think we'd see this type of power display immediately. I'd heard the guy was great with pitchers, and I think we've seen some of that. Clayton Kershaw told us the other night that he's one of the top "framers" in the game. But yes, I'd say I'm a bit surprised he's made this dramatic an impact. Wish he could pitch.
If playoffs started next week, would you be comfortable with Martin Perez as Rangers' No. 3 starter?
Matt Mosley: Absolutely not. But what are the alternatives? Holland? Lewis? I think it's tough to depend on either one of those guys after lengthy rehabs. Perez just hasn't taken that next step since the surgery. This whole pitch to contact thing that some of my DMN colleagues were thrilled about has fizzled. Now you simply ask the man to eat some innings. He can do that. I just remember his stuff being more electric before the surgery. Perez needs to miss a few bats to get his swagger back. When he's feeling confident, good things can happen. But no, I'm not comfortable with him as the third man in the postseason. And I'm sure JD feels the same way.