Your 2007 Texas Rangers thread

[Saber]

Re: Your 2007 Texas Rangers thread

With the waiver-trade now in effect I wouldn't be a bit surprised to see Sosa and maybe even Wilkerson go. Would be great too if we could find somewhere to deposit Padilla and let whichever team go ahead and take his salary. We can call up a number of different players who can give up lots of homeruns and go on the d/l alot.

[Saber]

Re: Your 2007 Texas Rangers thread

Well as some young guys get some tryouts for the remainder of the year (Murphy, Cruz, Gabbard, ect.), let's break down the Rangers upcoming offseason:

Catching:
Gerald Laird and Jarrod Saltalamacchia will split time catching for the remainder of the seaon. Laird has the superior defense while Salty is a much more well rounded batter. Both are reasonably young so the Rangers will likely keep both for next season, unless they are to trade Laird in the offseason.

1st Base:
Brad Wilkerson. Salty, and maybe Jason Botts will see time here. Underwhelming to say the least and while Salty will likely play there part time next season as well if they keep Laird, Wilkerson likely won't be resigned and Botts must show more before the end of the seaon if he's to remain on the 25man roster next season. Look for them to persue free agent or trade options here in the offseason. Slim pickings however in the offseason might lead to Mike Lamb being back in a Ranger uniform platooning at both 1st and 3rd. A long shot would be for a rookie to play there next season... maybe John Mayberry Jr.

2nd Base:
Ian Kinsler is the man here though he didn't improve into the 20/20 guy some expected in his 2nd full season in the bigs.

Short Stop:
Michael Young has this locked down. No changes expected here.

3rd Base:
Hank Blalock is recovering from surgery, but will be there everyday 3rd baseman next season if healthy.


Right Field:
Currently Nelson Cruz is the starting right fielder with David Murphy and Sammy Sosa backing him up. Cruz is flirting with the Mendoza line and at this point there's no reason to believe the Rangers won't be looking for upgrades in the offseason. Eric Hinkse might be an option, as does moving over Marlon Byrd from center. Jason Botts can also play RF

Center Field:
Marlon Byrd is the starter here with Murphy as his backup. Byrd is currently hitting .313 and has shown good range, but would probably be best served as a 4th outfielder. The Rangers are expected to target Torri Hunter in the offseason.

Left Field:
Frank Catalanatto and Brad Wilkerson have platooned here all season. It hasn't been pretty. Catalanatto is likely to be back but will be platooned with someone else. Byrd, Cruz, and Murphy are all platoon candidates for next season. The probably won't address this in the offseason, but will likely platoon to save money.

Pitching:

The certainties in next years rotation with be Kevin Millwood, Vincente Padilla, Brandon McCarthy, and Kason Gabbard. Padilla is the "weak link" of the four, though he probably has the best stuff. They would be wise to shop him, though I can't imagine any takers. Millwood is the "workhorse", though his ability to pitch 200 innings a season aren't helpful if his ERA is over 6. McCarthy is still developing and has been okay this season. Gabbard is a late addition, but he's the only viable left hander they have to pitch. The 5th spot this season will probably be lefty John Rheinecker, though not much is expected of him. Eric Hurley will probably be given a shot at the rotation next season since there's not a whole lot availible in free agency, and it's doubtful the Rangers will pour more money into pitching after how poorly Chan Ho Park, Adam Eaton, Millwood, and Padilla have performed for them. They're best off to develop the young talent they have with Hurley, Kiker, Volquez, Harrison, ect. The Rangers will probably be in the market for a situational lefty though after trading Mahay... especially if they decide to leave lefty C.J. Wilson at closer.

thoughts?