I've been an advocate for Kenny Rogers coming back to Texas and feel he never should have left.
However, it looks like it may happen soon, as the Rangers are looking into Kenny coming back, so long as he offers an apology as far as his camera incidient with a photographer two years ago.
No pitcher has ever mastered Rangers Ballpark like Rogers have and if he's able to teach that knowledge to some of the youngsters on the staff, like Kason Gabbard, who's similar to Rogers, and Edinson Volquez and Brandon McCarthy, the Rangers would be better for it.
One thing of note, however. Rogers I beleive is classified as a Type A free agent and would cost the Rangers' their second rounder.
Update: Just got word that Rogers is actually a Type B, and won't cost the Rangers a pick. My mistake.
Also, any move for Rogers would also have to be dependant on a salary dump, likely Vicente Padilla, in order to make room for him, as there is no way in hell the Rangers will demote McCarthy, Gabbard and Volquez just to make room for a vetern and Millwood is the sole reliable commodity on the staff.
So, we'll see...I'd be all for it, IMO.
Hunter Likely Not Coming Here
The Rangers are looking more and more out of the Hunter market, as the White Sox are aggressively going after him, seeing him as a way to improve their market and give them a "character guy" in the organization.
That's great news, as it means the Rangers won't be overpaying for a overrated centerfielder that maybe has two to three years left in the position and doesn't hit enough to be a corner outfielder and is likely going to be a part timer in about four years or so. And especially when said centerfielder is reportedly looking for seven years on his deal.
I'll pass, thank you very much.
Gerald Laird's Price Going Up
The catching market is now down it's two biggest names with Jorge Posada and Yorvit Torreabla off the board.
Which means the price just went up for Rangers catcher Gerald Larid.
Laird is still young, is a solid defender and is better with the bat than he was this past year. He has three years left of club control and is eligible for arbitration for the first time this winter.
He'd be a good stopgap for a club in need of a catcher.
The Rangers could decide to put out feelers, see if anyone is willing to get up an outfielder or infield prospect in exchange. It doesn't have to be a stud, just a solid regular.
Hopefully, the Rangers can get what they're looking for, while giving Laird the opportunity to start elsewhere.
The Rangers can easily find a backup catcher in house. Chris Stewart is cheap and wouldn't be a bad option.
Kenny Rogers is a Type B free agent. The Tigers only get a sandwich pick if other team signs him.
Tom Hicks wants an apology from Kenny. Honestly, I think both sides (the Rangers organization and Kenny) have wronged each other.
Torii Hunter wants a seven year deal? No way.
The White Sox and the Dodgers are two possible candidates to grossly overpay for his defense and his 32 yr old bat.
Mike Cameron makes more sense then any other CF on the market. He would probably take a three yr contract with a 4th yr option. We could also handle 25 more games with Cat, Murphy, and Byrd in the outfield.
I'm a long time Texas Rangers fan who has come to love baseball as a whole. I recently began this blog as a way for me to showcase my opinions, provide some analysis, and hopefully entertain those who happen to stumble upon my little soapbox online. I'll toss in an NFL, College, or NBA nugget every now and then. Enjoy the posts everyone, and yes, getting a little love in a Deadspin post was probably the highlight of the year, blogwise.
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