The Rangers Report – Offseason Edition

Hot Stove Coals

Here's some of the names that the Rangers have been connected with so far:

• Carlos Quentin (OF) - The Rangers did make a inquiry to see what it would take to acquire the potential hard hitting right fielder from the Arizona Diamondbacks.  It was Eric Hurley.  I'm not opposed to trading Hurley, but only if it's for a pitcher, such as Santana or Haren.  I would even trade him if maybe Texas had other pitching prospects close to ready.   Since they don't, onto the new stop.
• Scott Rolen (3B) and Chris Duncan (1B/LF) - This was strictly a salary dump in exchange for Hank Blalock.  Duncan I'm not sure about, as he's a big hacking slugger that would be a fit as a platoon DH or FIrst Baseman.  Rolen is pretty much done.  Sorry.  I just can't.
• Andy LaRoche (3B) - There are also talks that Texas is looking to trade Hank Blalock to the Dodgers for Andy LaRoche and change.  However, it looks like the reports are that this was strictly smoke with no substance.  That's a pity.  I would have loved to have had LaRoche.
• Coco Crisp (CF) - And back to Mr. Crisp.  Word is that Boston asked for C.J. Wilson in return and are not interested in Gerald Laird.  Ummmm, no.  Wilson is the closer next year and is one of the few lefties available for the pen, with Murray heading to the rotation in Oklahoma next year, leaving only Rheinecker as the lone lefty aside for Wilson.  Still, this offer is a lot better than what the Red Sox originally asked for, which was Hurley, Luis Mendoza, who actually was a Red Sox, and another player.  TIme to find the next Ron Mahay...
• Josh Hamilton (CF) – Hamilton is attractive in that he’s young and is a physical freak of nature.  He’s got loads of talent and could be a fixture long term in Texas.  The only real question, aside from the past substance abuse issues (not fair, but unfortunately, still valid) are what potential trade matches could be done, as judging from the two teams and their respective farm systems, it doesn’t look like a match can be made.
• David DeJesus (CF) – This is still a valid rumor, especially if you consider the fact that the Royals are going hard after the batshit crazy outfielder we all know as Jose Guillen.  If they sign him, they’ll have a outfield of Mark Teahen, Joey Gathright, whom the Royals love, and Guillen, leaving DeJesus out in the cold.  The Rangers could make an offer of Joaquin Arias, Luis Mendoza, and either Doug Mathis or Michael Schlact in return for DeJesus and change. 
• Chris Shelton (1B) - Shelton was designated for assignment by the Tigers to make room for Kenny Rogers.  Were I the Rangers, I actually would make a play for Shelton, who could at least be a platoon partner for Cat at first next year.

Raid The Pirates

Actually, there is a way for the Rangers to be able to fill several holes at once to help fill their needs.

The Pirates are looking to move RF Xavier Nady and LF Jason Bay in order to stock on prospects, as they seem to have realized that this current core of the team just isn’t working and are looking to make some deals. 

Nady is a virtual lock to be traded, as the Pirates have shown no desire to pay him in arbitration and will look to either trade him or non-tender him.  Jon Daniels discussed Bay with the Pirates earlier today and is in the mix to try and get him.

I’d try to make a deal for both, which would take care of left and right field and allowing them to use some sort of Marlon Byrd/David Murphy combo in center.  It would also allow Texas to leave Frank Catalanotto at first base and would add a pair of decent bats in the middle.  The best part is, neither of them blocks any of the Rangers’ prospects long term and potentially could allow the Rangers to reap some draft picks if they do well in Texas. 

What would I hit the Pirates with for both guys?  Well, it looks like the Pirates are looking for a catcher and a pitching prospect in exchange for Bay and are just looking to get something for Nady.  So, here’s what I’d do:

First off, I’d offer them Laird, who is still three years away from free agency.  That would be for Nady, as it is a trade of pieces that just don’t fit with their current clubs.

For Bay, since I have already offered a catcher, I would ask them if a trade for Joaquin The Dream would work, with another pitcher, possibly Michael Schlact or Armando Galarraga would work.  If they elect for it, cool.  If not, I’d offer some potential Rule 5 picks that may get selected from the Rangers, likely Tug Hulett a utility man, and Jesse Ingram, who had a bounceback season last year, but was blocked from getting onto the Rangers’ 40 this year.

So, if all things considered fall into place, I’d offer the following:

The Texas Rangers offer C Gerald Laird, RHP Armando Galaragga, SS Joaquin Arias and RHP Jesse Ingram for RF Xavier Nady and LF Jason Bay

I know it’s more quantity than quality right now, but it would kill some holes on the team and would allow them to try and trade Jack Wilson while trying to eat some of his salary.  All in all, it’s a pretty fair deal.

Tomorrow, the San Diego Padres Farm System goes up, with the Seattle Mariners going up on Friday.  Look for a Rangers Report GM Meetings Wrap Up On Thursday.