Any fellow Texas Rangers fans out there?
There is no doubt about it...this team needs pitching, pitching, pitching.
However, do not overlook the fact that Texas needs an improved offense as well. While Texas has some very nice pieces to the puzzle, this team is far from bing a contender. Though, two very good offseaons would set us up for success in '07. First of all, I might really think hard about offering Kenny Rogers arbitration. I doubt very seriously Kenny wants to pitch here, thus if he decided to sign elsewhere...Texas would receive a number one draft pick next season. If Kenny did accept arbitration, well....albeit a horrible situation last year surrounding Kenny, you would have a solid pitcher who has figured out how to pitch in Arlington.
Next, I like what I'm hearing on the trade front. Names like Mench, Soriano, Nix, and even Adrian Gonzalez are all guys I think should be moved sooner rather than later. While Mench has put up very nice numbers, he is simply an empty stat waiting to happen. He rarely comes through when needed (runners in scoring position, runners on 2 outs, and post all star break). Sori has been nice, however, it is time to move on, and have a better defensive player who moves runners and takes walks. Nix has had his chance here, and it just didn't work out...center field is a position that needs to be filled once in for all. And Gonzalez....well, I like this kid, however, Tex is the first baseman, and Gonzalez cannot wait forever.
Finally Laird....I like Laird, and I would have problems with this kid being the catcher of the Rangers for many years. One problem, Barajas has been so good! And with Teegarden possibly the new catcher of the future, Barajas could serve as a Ranger catcher for 2 or 3 more seaons, as Teegarder tunes his game to the big leagues. Laird could be a very, very good trade commodity. If these guys can be used to acquire some pitching, I think offense is always available in free agency. And this is a hitters ball park, they will love to come.
There is a free agent pitcher I would look at...Washburn. There's something about this guy that intrigues me. He's a lefty, he's only 31, and he's coming off a pretty good season. He's been a pretty solid pitcher for several years. If I were the Rangers, I wouldn't get involved in the Millwood or Burnett sweepstakes, the price would be too steep.
Finally, the Rangers must fill two starting rotation spots through trade or free agency. And when I say fill, I mean fill them for several years to come. Solid pieces to the rotation. A big time outfielder is needed in this ball park, and with in the next two offseasons, find a center fielder! If the Rangers can add two starting rotation pitchers, two solid bullpen pieces, and an outfielder with bang and defensive skills, I think the Rangers can move above .500 this season. The following offseason could then be used to solidify the team with some finishing touches.
Somehow, I feel better about John Daniels than I did with Hart, to accomplish these goals.
There is no doubt about it...this team needs pitching, pitching, pitching.
However, do not overlook the fact that Texas needs an improved offense as well. While Texas has some very nice pieces to the puzzle, this team is far from bing a contender. Though, two very good offseaons would set us up for success in '07. First of all, I might really think hard about offering Kenny Rogers arbitration. I doubt very seriously Kenny wants to pitch here, thus if he decided to sign elsewhere...Texas would receive a number one draft pick next season. If Kenny did accept arbitration, well....albeit a horrible situation last year surrounding Kenny, you would have a solid pitcher who has figured out how to pitch in Arlington.
Next, I like what I'm hearing on the trade front. Names like Mench, Soriano, Nix, and even Adrian Gonzalez are all guys I think should be moved sooner rather than later. While Mench has put up very nice numbers, he is simply an empty stat waiting to happen. He rarely comes through when needed (runners in scoring position, runners on 2 outs, and post all star break). Sori has been nice, however, it is time to move on, and have a better defensive player who moves runners and takes walks. Nix has had his chance here, and it just didn't work out...center field is a position that needs to be filled once in for all. And Gonzalez....well, I like this kid, however, Tex is the first baseman, and Gonzalez cannot wait forever.
Finally Laird....I like Laird, and I would have problems with this kid being the catcher of the Rangers for many years. One problem, Barajas has been so good! And with Teegarden possibly the new catcher of the future, Barajas could serve as a Ranger catcher for 2 or 3 more seaons, as Teegarder tunes his game to the big leagues. Laird could be a very, very good trade commodity. If these guys can be used to acquire some pitching, I think offense is always available in free agency. And this is a hitters ball park, they will love to come.
There is a free agent pitcher I would look at...Washburn. There's something about this guy that intrigues me. He's a lefty, he's only 31, and he's coming off a pretty good season. He's been a pretty solid pitcher for several years. If I were the Rangers, I wouldn't get involved in the Millwood or Burnett sweepstakes, the price would be too steep.
Finally, the Rangers must fill two starting rotation spots through trade or free agency. And when I say fill, I mean fill them for several years to come. Solid pieces to the rotation. A big time outfielder is needed in this ball park, and with in the next two offseasons, find a center fielder! If the Rangers can add two starting rotation pitchers, two solid bullpen pieces, and an outfielder with bang and defensive skills, I think the Rangers can move above .500 this season. The following offseason could then be used to solidify the team with some finishing touches.
Somehow, I feel better about John Daniels than I did with Hart, to accomplish these goals.