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. 

The Rangers Report - Spring Training Edition

Spring Training Position Battles

Spring Training – Week Two

• Fifth Starter = Leader – Jamey Wright.  Wright has been helping his cause a lot, pitching 5 perfect innings so far, and striking out 3 in two starts.  Chen has played in two games and has pitched 5 innings, allowing no runs and striking out one.  The Rangers have been getting a first hand look at why scouts rave about Jamey Wright’s stuff.  His career won-loss record is far from impressive and he was destroyed last season.  Then again, there is reason to be a bit more optimistic, as he played mostly for the Rockies, who’s park is a lot more offensively friendly than that of Texas. Kameron Loe has done well as well, pitching 5 innings in two games (1 start) while not allowing any runs and striking out two.  Mike Wood is looking more and more like a long reliever and John Koronka helped his cause the other day with a solid start, but he’s still far behind. This situation bears some watching.
• Long Reliever = Leader – Joaquin Benoit.  The battle for the Rangers’ final bullpen slot is going to be interesting, as it’s going to be between RHP’s Joaquin Benoit and Rick Bauer.  The thing is, the bullpen is pretty much set with Gagne, Otsuka, Littleton, Wilson, Mahay, and Francisco almost certainly locked in unless one of the combo of Littleton, Wilson and Francisco suddenly begin to flame out and present a case to be sent down.  Both Bauer and Benoit are out of minor league options, which mean they would have to pass through waivers to get sent down, which neither pitcher would survive, as there would almost certainly be a claim in on them.  Hence, the Rangers need to look hard and decide which one will be the best fit.  Both can spot start, though Bauer was the only one who did so last season, going for 5 1/3 innings.  Benoit has a immensely talented arm, but he’s never been able to be consistent.  Bauer is almost as gifted, but he’s been rather good in the minors and never seemed to get a shot with the Orioles, whom the Rangers signed him from.  Both Benoit and Bauer can spot close.  Bauer is far better as a 7th inning option than as an eighth inning option, though he won’t be expected to be a setup man with Francisco and Otsuka ahead of him.  Hence, it’s a hard choice.  So far, Benoit has been asserting himself this Spring Training, pitching for four innings while allowing no runs and striking out five.  Rick Bauer has been destroyed, with his ERA at 19.31 and his allowing 5 earned runs in 2.1 innings of work and no strikeouts. 
• Backup Catcher = Leader – Chris Stewart.  Stewart so far appears to be winning the job, batting .600 in 4 games with 2 RBI’s and displaying excellent skills behind the palte.  Guillermo Quiroz is second, hitting .333 in 2 games with 1 Home Run and 1 RBI.  Miguel Ojeda has played the most of the candidates and his hitting .167 with 1 home run and 2 RBI’s.  Kevin Richardson and Solomon Mariquez have played themselves into minor league camp.
• Utilityman = Leader – Jerry Hairston Jr.  Guess the roids are kicking in.  Hairston is hitting .556, but only 1 RBI and with 2 stolen bases.  Drew Meyer is close behind, hitting .444 in seven games with a double.  Desi Relaford is doing okay, hitting .273, a smaller average than the others, but he’s driven in two and has hit two doubles.  Ron Washington has stated that the utilityman role will be decided on the last day of Spring Training.
• Designated Hitter = Leader – Sammy Sosa.  Sosa so far is hitting .500 in spring training, going 9 for 18 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI’s.  Jason Botts isn’t doing badly either, as he’s hitting .375, going 6 for 16 with 5 RBI’s and no home runs.  Victor Diaz is also doing well, hitting .308 with 2 home runs and 4 RBI’s, exactly the same as Sosa has produced. 

Trades That Never Were – Mark Teixeira For Roy Oswalt

Late during the trade deadline last year, the Orioles, who covet Mark Teixeira, called up Jon Daniels and made an intriguing offer.  At the time, the Orioles were in the process of shipping Miguel Tejada over to Houston in exchange for Adam Everett, Brad Lidge, and Roy Oswalt, quite a package.  They wanted to know if Texas was interested in perhaps acquiring Oswalt in exchange for Teixeira.

J.D. said no.  It turns out that it was for the best, as the trade fell apart shortly afterward.

Still, if the deal had worked out, the Rangers would have a legitimate ace at the head of their rotation, but the problem for the Rangers would have been to replace Teixeira’s offense, which would have been difficult to do.  Some combination of Jason Botts and Mark DeRosa would have been used, but in the end, Texas would have been without a legitimate option at the heart of their lineup and would have resulted in overspending in keeping Carlos Lee in Texas.

The Cardinals Are Asking For Otsuka?

Ken Rosenthal has reported that the Cardinals, according to a major league souse, the Cardinals are considering asking the Rangers about the availability of Akinori Otsuka.  Here’s my question: what the hell are the Cardinals going to offer?  Chris Duncan, maybe?  I doubt it, considering that he has a power bat.  Can’t see much else in the system that would make sense.

Pronk On The Block?

Apparently, the Cleveland Indians are toying with the idea of seeing how much their DH is worth.

Travis Hafner, who was stupidly traded by the Rangers for journeyman catcher Einar Diaz, has become one of baseball's best hitters.  He'll make just over $4 million this year and the Indians hold a club option on him for 2008 worth just over $5 million.  The Indians don’t seem inclined to pay him long term deal, likely one between the 4 year, $52 million that David Ortiz got and the 6 year, $100 million that Carlos Lee got.

If the Indians are going to keep Hafner, a deal would likely have to be about 5 years and $80 million, similar to the extension recently given to Michael Young.  Hafner would bring in a pretty penny as far as the trade front, but his in ability to play the field makes him limited to the American League.

Would I go for him?

Tough to say.

I would love Pronk back in Texas, where he never should have left, but I’m not sure if the Rangers should trade talent or money to right a mistake from several years ago.  It’s like saying it was a wise thing to pay tons of money for Barry Zito over a dispute over a signing bonus, even though there’s no guarantee that Zito would have developed into the player that he is had he become a Ranger.

I’d wait on the sidelines for right now and see how the market develops.  If he’s acquirable for a reasonable price, I’d do it.  If not, well, then I’ll always have that Rookie Card of him in a Rangers uni, next to the one of Chris Young.

Carlos Zambrano In Texas?  Let’s Take A Look

I’ve gotten a lot of email about the possibility of the Rangers making a play for Zambrano, if indeed he does become a free agent.  Let’s take a look and see what’s what.

For starters, Zambrano is going to be headed into the same scenario that Barry Zito faced this past year, that of a successful pitcher entering the market in a relatively weak year of pitchers.  Unlike Zito, Zambrano is a far more talented pitcher that will also be entering the market at a younger age than Zito did.  Plus, he’s a power pitcher, unlike Zito, who is far more of a finesse style of player, though Zito is a bit more durable.

Plus, the writing is on the wall for Zambrano.  He wants to get paid and the Cubbies know it.  He won’t take their excuse of crying poverty, especially after the Cubs spent over $300 million this offseason on several players, plus on a new manager.  Again, when you take into mind Zambrano’s past success, and the fact that he’s accomplished so much by the age of 25, it’s only fair that he would want to demand a large contract, and he deserves it, to a certain extent, though try as clubs may want, he will use the 7 years, $126 million contract given to Zito as a baseline, instead of the 5 years, $73 million contract given to Roy Oswalt.

Yet, there are fans in the Ranger Nation that feel that Texas should pursue Zambrano, as he would be the perfect pitcher to place in front of their rotation.

I can tell you already, it would be a mistake.

Here’s why:

• Money – The Rangers have some large commitments coming up.  Michael Young has been extended and Milwood and Padilla will each have large money hits coming up in the next few years.  Plus, there is also the simple fact that in a year, the Rangers will also have potential arbitration hearings for Gerald Laird, Ian Kinsler, and Nelson Cruz, to name a few.
• Needs – Texas also will have several needs in the future, namely centerfield and designated hitter/outfield corner, depending on what they decide to do with Cat.
• Mark Teixeira – There’s also the impending issue of Mark Teixeira’s free agency.  Signing Zambrano would mean that re-signing Tex is almost impossible.
• Competition – There would be too many teams in for Zambrano.  While there would be outside interest from Boston, who would be looking to swap Curt Schilling out for another starter, unless they finally willing to commit to Jon Lester and any potential health issues, there’s the Yankees to worry about.  Andy Pettitte is only signed for one year, Mike Mussina for two and Carl Pavano looks more and more like he’ll be moved sometime this year to make room for Phil Hughes.  Then there’s also the Mets to worry about.  The Mets have no real frontline starter.  Orlando Hernandez will probably be off the books and with the Mets losing out on Zito and misreading the market for Jeff Suppan, Jeff Weaver, and others, you really believe that they’ll sit back and let the Yankees, among other players, get away with a certifiable ace?  I doubt it.

So, there you have it.  No Big Z for the Rangers.  But look on the bright side.  There will be other options available for Texas to spend their money on, and it will in the end be a lot more effective to let the young pitchers grow.  The Rangers farm system as a whole took a collective step back last year, but there is good talent available in the system that, if even half of it recovers for the colossal fall back it did last season, Texas will have a wealth of young pitching to choose from.

Team Previews enter their final week this week.  Here's a hint as to who it is:  one of these teams wears stripes.

St. Louis Cardinals

The most unlikely World Series winner last year and possibly one of the worst teams ever to win it, the Cardinals entered the off-season needing several changes on their team.  And several were made, but not for the better.  Three-fifths of their post-season rotation bolted for free agency and the Cardinals didn’t do much to improve the team, seeking to go with reclamation projects and young unproven arms.  The offense will still mash but this team may be worse that last years, pitching wise.

Starting Rotation

1. Chris Carpenter (RHP) – St. Louis did Carpenter right by giving him a contract extension and he’s appeared to have put his arm and injury troubles behind him.  Carpenter is a solid ace at the top of this rotation and should contend for the Cy Young award for years to come.
2. Anthony Reyes (RHP) – Reyes was solid in the minors and had a pretty impressive rookie debut as well, plus a solid post-season showing.  He’s a more than adequate number two behind Carpenter and his stuff is solid.  His fastball touches 95 mph and he’s got a great changeup and curveball.  If he continues to improve, Reyes should be more than adequate as far as replacing the departed Jeff Suppan.
3. Kip Wells (RHP) – The latest Dave Duncan pitching project, Wells is hoping that he can regain some semblance of the promise he had when he was a White Sox first round pick.  Wells does have good tools, as his fastball touches the low-90s fastball and he's got a great curve, but his biggest problem is that he lacks command of his arsenal (that and he can't seem to stay healthy.)  If Duncan can get Wells back on track, he could be one of the biggest values of the off-season.  Then again, the same was said about Sidney Ponson last season...
4. Adam Wainright (RHP) – This would seem like a bit of desperation on St. Louis’ part until you realize that Wainright was developed as a starter and that he’s moving back into his natural position.  That big curve should play well in the rotation and he should be a more than adequate starter.  However, if Jason Isringhausen isn’t ready to come back, Wainright could also enter the season as the closer.
5. Braden Looper (RHP) – Getting back to desperation moves, Loopers potential move to the fifth starter’s position may qualify as one.  He’s hasn’t started a game since he was back in the minors.  He’ll likely be holding the place for Mark Mulder, who’s on the DL.

Bullpen

• Jason Isringhausen (Closer) – The team is optimistic about Jason Isringhausen's recovery from hip surgery, and they'd better hope so if they expect to keep Wainright in the rotation.  Izzy may be good for 30 saves or so, the problem is that he’s been coming off of injuries almost since he’s gotten to St. Louis.  Short term, Izzy should be fine.  Long term, which comes into play next year, the Cardinals had been start looking for his successor, as this will probably be the last year that you can expect anything productive out of him.
• Russ Springer (Setup Man) – One of the best setup men in the business, Springer jumps from the Astros to St. Louis to help sore up the setup corps and ease the pain that Wainright’s departure will cause.
• Ryan Franklin (RHP) – Franklin will add some depth to the lineup, plus offer a possible arm to the rotation.  Franklin started 94 games for Seattle from 2003-05.
• Tyler Johnson (LHP) – Johnson gets the job done, but the numbers aren’t pretty at all.
• Randy Flores (LHP) – Why is this man still on the roster?
• Josh Hancock (RHP) – Hancock is a solid right hander that should be dependable coming out of the pen.
• Brad Thompson (RHP) – Taking the place of Josh Kinney, Thompson will be the last bullpen option.

Starting Lineup

1. David Eckstein (SS) – One of the shortest players ever to play returns at the top of the lineup again.  Eckstein is a solid defender that has great range.  As far as offense, Eckstein has excellent plate discipline and enough speed to be able to run out line drives.  The one thing he doesn’t have much of is power, but really, when you sum him up, he’s a good player. 
2. Adam Kennedy (2B)- After Kennedy’s ugly divorce with the Angels, he needed a new place to call home, which he has in St. Louis.  Kennedy still has a sold glove and hits well enough to play in the second spot.  He reunites with his old double play partner, Eckstein, with whom he won a ring with in Anaheim.
3. Albert Pujols (1B) – Pujols won his first Gold Glove at first base in 2006 and finished second in the MVP balloting.  Pujols seemed like he was going to break Roger Maris’ home run record.  He finished with 49 home runs, 137 RBI’s and a .331 average, and that’s with missing 18 games.  Pujols should continue to be the rock of this lineup and should take Bonds’ title of “Most Dangerous Hitter” away from him this year.
4. Jim Edmonds (CF) – Edmonds re-signed with the Cardinals over the winter.  Despite the fact that he will turn 37 in June., he’s still an excellent centerfielder that hits for power and can serve as protection for Pujols.  I don’t expect him to post last year’s disappointing stats again, as he was recovering from post-concussion syndrome, and he should rebound to his 2005 numbers. 
5. Scott Rolen (3B) – Rolen is a seven-time Gold Glove winner who again led his position in fielding during '06.  He’s also a hell of a hitter to, as he hit 22 home runs and 95 RBI’s all while returning from serious shoulder surgery.  The only real issue is his relationship with Tony LaRussa, as the two have made it clear that they rather despise each other.  In spite of promising to be civil to one another, I’m not sure how long that will last until they decide to go after each other again.
6. Chris Duncan (LF) – The Cardinals got a huge lift from rookie Chris Duncan, who hit 22 homers in 280 at-bats.  However, that may be the best he’ll be, as his minor league stats don’t’ compare well to that.  Duncan is in a odd spot, as he’s brutal playing the outfield and first base is being held down by Pujols.  Ideally, he’s a DH, but that position isn’t available in the National League.  Because he’s got some power potential, he’s going to starter, but the Cardinals had better pray that that great 2006 is for real. 
7. Juan Encarnacion (RF) – An underrated free agent addition, Encarnacion rebounded from a horrific start to hit.278 with 19 HRs.  He’ll be a great force in the back of the lineup and he plays a mean right field too.
8. Yadier Molina (C) – Molina has a great glove and arm, as witnessed by his 41 percent success rate in throwing out runners.  The only problem is that he doesn’t have much of a bat, though he’s still young enough to possible develop a league average one.

Bench

• Preston Wilson (OF) – Obtained off of waivers from the Astros, Wilson provides great pop of the bench and can adequately play all three of the outfield positions.
• So Taguichi (OF) – A useful fourth outfielder that can be used as a bat off the bench of as a replacement for any period of time.
• Scott Spiezio (UTIL) – Spiezio is a all-purpose weapon that can play the infield and outfield corners, plus can hit for power as well as play any of the positions for any amount of time.
• Aaron Miles (INF) – Miles was once considered to be the heir to second base, but he’s more useful as a utilityman, able to play short and second base.
• Gary Bennett (C) – Bennett is a solid defensive catcher, but he’s not much of a hitter.  Hey, that sounds just like their starter!

Disabled List

• Mark Mulder (LHP) – Mulder is currently rehabilitating from season ending shoulder surgery, and may be available sometime in July. 
• Josh Kinney (RHP) – Rescued from the independent leagues a couple of years ago, Kinney pitched his way into the pen by dominating during the regular season and in the post-season.  Unfortunately, he’s now on the DL and will be out for the year thanks to Tommy John.

Down On The Farm…

St. Louis’ farm system isn’t great, as the talent is in the lower minors, plus the fact that so many recent picks were huge busts.  However, the Cardinals have little impact talent, as many of their players have bene selected from college, leaving little projection and even less chance of them being huge impact players.  As a result, what you see in St. Louis is what you get.

• Jamie Garcia (LHP) – Should none of the bargain bin pitching options work out, the Cards may be forced to turn to Garcia early, even though he’ll just be beginning play in Double A.  Garcia has great maturity for his age and has a solid sinker that goes in the low 90’s and a great curve.  His chance is inconsistent, but workable and he mixes all of them in well.  He’s induces lots of ground balls and would function well for St. Louis with that defense behind him if called up.  He should be a solid middle of the rotation workhorse that could be a mix between Jeff Suppan and Brandon Webb.  Garcia will likely be in Double A, but could make an emergency start if there is no other choice.

In Conclusion

This team is going to suffer some attrition for management’s decision to not spend money this off-season.  The Farm System is three years from producing talent to help out at the major league level and most of these vets are either reclamation projects or on the decline.  The rotation may or may not be good, it’s probably closer to mediocre as Wainright gets some experience in the rotation and the Cardinals hope that Wells’ arm doesn’t explode.  All in all, I think this team is going to be sitting

Final Standing:  Fourth place in the National League Central.