This will be my second go around for this post.  Hopefully, my pc doesnt crash when Im finished typing the whole thing, again.

Theres only one October!  And with the end of October comes the sad fact that the end of Baseball is with us again.  After a wet and wild World Series conclusion in Philladelphia, the free agency season begins! Someone's team might get big player, along with a Big contract this year! 

As we all know, there are many big time players out there looking for alot of money.  But one has to wonder if the risk is worth it.  Are these players going to take your team to the next level, or just keep being busts in terms of sucess?  Are they worth a 10 year, multi million dollar deal?  One player Id like to start with is Mark Teixeira.  Big Tex is a huge free agent this year.  After failing to do what he was brought in to do, along with Tori Hunter and Gary Matthews Jr.  for the Los Angeles Angels, many teams are considering giving Teixeira big bucks for his output in the next 5 to 10 years.

Many teams have shown interest in Mark Teixeira, even from his days with the Rangers.  When his contract expired in Texas, there were many reports of the Yanks, Red Sox and obviously the Angels and Braves all making offers to Teixeira.  Even Tom Hicks and the Rangers organization offered him a huge deal (many people called it a bluff, cause the Rangers didnt want him, nor did Tex want to return.  By declining this Ginormous offer, something like $56 million for 3 years, Mark Teixeira comes across as the bad guy...A 'spit in the face' of Rangers fans) yet he kindly declined :).   The Yanks will be needing a power hitting first baseman after many roller-coaster seasons with Jason Giambi, and for them to make a move on him wouldnt suprise too many of us.  The problem with New York is that they have their all seeing baseball eyes on practically every free agent.  CC Sabathia, for one, who will also demand HUGE money.  Also, the Bronx Bombers have stated interest in K-Rod from L.A. - one of the games premiere closers in 08'.  As we all know, when the Yanks are interested in a player, the Red Sox usually are too.  Youkolis(sp?) is iffy at first base for the Red Sox, but he can also play 3rd base pretty well.  Boston would probably like to keep Big Papi at DH, although he is perfectly capable at 1st as well.  We dont know who has the edge on Mark Teixeira as of right now, but one thing is for sure, he will not settle for another one year, $12 million deal.  Boras and Tex want the 10 year, $200 million landmark.  So is Mark Teixeira worth all that money?  To many teams, Im sure he is, but he cant carry a team over the top into a world series.  He has already proven that, with a loaded first place Angels team, that he isnt that special of a player.  Sure, he is going to put up huge numbers for the rest of his career (wherever it may be) but he will never be a difference maker in the post-season.  Big Bad Tex isnt alone in this catagory.  Many 'hot-shot' players in the league now-a-days cant deliver when it counts.  Even, in many peoples opinion, one of the best EVER cant seem to get it done.  Thats right folks, Im taking about the Madonna man himself!  Mr.  Alex Rodriguez!  

Let me start off by saying that A-Rod is an outstanding ball player.  Like I said, possibly one of the greatest to ever play the game.  With the Possibility of shattering Hank Aaron's record (Barry owns nothing as far as Im concerned) and still having time to play the game.  A-Rods potential has been a glimmering hope for many teams interested in him for aid in a world series appearance.  But will he ever deliver in that catagory? 

Over the years, 13 to be exact, A-rod has AVERAGED 43 homers, 127 RBIs and 190 hits per year!  These numbers are outstanding, however A-rod has only made 7 playoff appearances, 3 ALDSs' and no world series games.  Even with a stacked Yanks team, full of hitters (kind of lacking on the pitching aspect of things) A-rod doesnt seem to be 'the one' to bring the pin stripes back to the world series.  Honestly, he never will be 'the one'.  If the Yanks wanna have a chance at anyhting in the near future, they will have to to one of two things.  1)  Stop signing big time players to huge deals, and win it all the Tampa Bay way (even though they lost the WS, they still made it).  If this does not work for mr.  Steinbrennner, then continue on with your usual ways and sign CC, and K-rod to massive 6 or 7 year deals.  Personally, I think the yanks have enough hitting, and signing Teixeira wouldnt do them much good.  A-rod may be carried to a world series with the Yanks, but he will definatly not be doing the carrying.  Take you $256 million, go get your gold gloves, your MVPs, your hitting titles and be one of the best, yet most disapointing players a fan could ever hope for.  Players like A-rod, and Teixeira wont carry teams.  They'll simply play for themselves, write their own history, and be another hall of famer who wasnt worth shit to his team.  When I think of A-rod, the only thing that comes to mind was him blowing off the final home run derby at yankee's stadium.  What kind of player, hired to represent the leagues most successful team, rejects the offer at the last All-Star game at the legendary Yankee Stadium?  Not only that, but once pulled from the actual game, he walks to the locker room, packs up his bags and leaves!?  No respect for his team, or the legacy they had before his sorry ass showed up.  Personally, I think A-rod didnt participate in the home run derby because he knew he was going to be shown up by a player from his ex team.  A player who loves the game, his team and the chances he has received to make a huge difference in Major League Baseball.  This player is non other than Josh Hamilton.

Hamilton has the opprotunity to do what no player has ever done before.  LEAD the Rangers to the promise land.  This may sound rediculous, but no player, in the history of the Rangers was able to do this.  Players like Juan Gonzales, and Pudge.  From A-Rod to Sammy Sosa and Rafeal Palmeiro.  Pitchers like Nolan Ryan and John Wettland all unable to create a TEAM in Texas.  With the aquisition of Josh Hamilton, the Texas Rangers have the best team chemistry, maybe in the league (although I wouldnt put them ahead of Tampa Bay, or even Boston).  Hamilton had a breakthrough year to say the least.  He led the American league in RBIs and was top 5 in home runs.  Also, one of the leading candidates for MVP.  The amazing thing is, Hamilton did all of this earning what A-rod likes to call 'laundry money' - $400,000!  One can tell by watching Josh, that he truely loves the game, and earning less money than any other superstar in the league has to make him feel very humble for his achievments.  Hamilton is due for a big contract, and a big career, my only hope is that he doesnt fall into the same catagory with the likes of A-rod.  He'll win his MVPS, and his batting titles, and maybe even a triple crown, but unlike A-rod - Hasmilton will win a world series.  ON THE RECORD:  THE RANGERS WILL WIN A WORLD SERIES BEFORE THE YANKS WILL AS LONG AS A-ROD IS ON THAT TEAM!  With rising stars, the Rangers potential is un-wavering.  IF you're unfamilir with the Rangers rosters moves over the 08' season, they had more players on the roster over the year, than any other team since the 80's.  An injury plagued team, and pitchers comming and going from the minors really showed us a glimpse of Texas Rangers baseball future.  Before he was injured, David Murphey was a rookie of the year candidate.  Rightfully so, leading all rookies in homers, RBIs and stolen bases right around the midway point in the season.  Obviously Longoria is going to be named rookie of the year, maybe even MVP the way he played (they've announced these awards by now Im sure, I just havent heard anything about them yet...anyone know?) but Murphey, despite injuries, still gave him a run for his money.  The strength of the Rangers, that alot of people dont know about is our catchers.  Laird, obviously the veteran leading the way, has always been able to throw out almost any runner.  The thing he lacks is consistency at the plate.  Taylor Teagarden, enter stage left.  Taylor played 16 games in his debut season!  In those 16 games, he had 6 home runs, 15 hits, 10 runs and a .319 average!  Imagine a full year for this kid.  Not only that, he makes even the worse pitchers in the league better - already favored by Rangers pitchers over Laird, Saltalamachia and Max Ramierez.  The Rangers are headed in the same direction as Tampa, and one player, other than Hamilton has done his fair share hitting long balls.  Longview TX's own CHRIS DAVIS!

One year from now, when the 2009 all star game happens in St. Louis, Dont be suprised to see Chris Davis right along side with Hamilton, Kinsler, Young and Bradley (if he stays with TX).  Also, dont be suprised to see him hitting long balls in the homerun derby along side Hamilton - putting on a clinic of 'how its done - the big boys way' for the rest of the league.  Chris Davis came out of AAA ball playing with the Frisco Ruffriders (terrible name).  As soon as he stepped onto the field at the Ballpark in Arlington, the likes of Mark Teixeira were no longer missed.  Davis hit the ball just as well, if not better than the selfish, money grubbing Teixeira.  Davis will be a long term solution at first base, just as long as Tom Hicks doesnt trade him for another wasted big deal player.  Chris Davis drempt of playing for the Texas Rangers as a kid, and hopefully he'll remain one for a very long time.  He has the potential to be THE BEST first baseman in the league.  The thing is, he plays 3rd also!  If Blalock stays injured, the Davis can play 3rd, then that makes room for bringing up more of our loaded minor league players.  Fact:  2 of the Rangers farm teams went to their league championship game in 08'.  Although both lost their series, maybe this championship mentallity will finally carry over to the Rangers. 

A-Rod is good.  Maybe great.  Maybe the best ever.  Teixeira can hit.  He can catch and throw.  But what these players lack is the certain something.  Hamilton has it.  Davis has it.  Kinsler is getting there.  But with the hitting combo that the Rangers offer, DO NOT be suprised to see them compete within the next 2 seasons.  All we need is an Ace to develope (which is alot to ask for), and were made in the shade.  Watch out LA!  Your division title days our numbered!