THE RANGERS REPORT - OFF-SEASON EDITIONS

The Rangers Give Up On Volquez, Get Hamilton

Well, the Edinson Volquez era is over.

The Rangers have dealt him and Danny Ray Herrera right now to the Cincinatti Reds for Josh Hamilton, who I assume will likely be the starting centerfielder and likely is going to make Nelson Cruz expendable.

I'm kinda wishy washy on the deal.

One, Volquez battled back to prove to be a viable starting pitcher.  I would have loved to have seen him get the chance here.  After all, what else is there left to lose?  Player development?  A high draft pick?  And what is the point of busting a nut trying to salvage Volquez only to deal him away?  I don't get it.

Two, I'm not sure on Hamilton, even though he's a physical freak of nature and could be a star.  But the injury issues (thanks to drug abuse, his immune system is kinda ####ked) as well as his drug issues.  If he has a mentor, likely C.J. Wilson or Michael Young, he could be kept on the straight and narrow, but it's a concern.

If Volquez does well, the Rangers will look like fools unless Hamilton really does well, which isn't outside of the realm of possibility.  However, this doesn't help much for the present, with the Rangers' best starting pitching options years away and Eric Hurley not ready.

We'll see what happens.  Hopefully, A.J. the Pirate is ready to step in.

On a side note, this means that out of the once vaunted DVD trio (John Danks, Edinson Volquez, Thomas Diamond) only Diamond remains in the organization, with Danks in the White Sox system and Volquez now a Red.

Incredible.  Anyhow, I'll miss Volquezo and his little Geri-Curl.

I need a drink...

Eddie Guardado Nearly A Ranger

Apparently, the Rangers are close to getting Eddie Guardado to come, though whether or not it's a major league deal or a minor league deal with a spring training invite has yet to be determined.

I'm okay with it, but only if he's not a closer option.  C.J. Wilson should be the closer next year, as he's more than earned the job with his performance this year.  Joaquin Benoit also deserves a shot if the Rangers determine Wilson is more valuable in relief than as a closer.  Guardado should merely be seen as a potential lefty middle reliever that could help bridge the gap to Wilson, not be the end of the Bridge itself.

Pouring out some scotch right now...

Someone On The 40 Is Going Bu-Bye!!!

Hamilton's recent trade doesn't solve the problem of the Rangers' 40 Man Roster, which is actually at 41, due to Kazuo Fukumori's deal not being official yet.

Which means someone is getting dropped.

I alluded earlier to Nelson Cruz likely being DFA'd to make room for Hamilton, as that's too many outfielders in the mix, and should he pass through waivers, he'll likely be offered a minor league deal with a Spring Training Invite.

But could other people be going elsewhere?

As of right now, I've identified three people that could be at risk. 

• Bill White (LHP) - White doesn't have great stuff and probably wouldn't be at risk at being claimed.  He's not anyone I would have protected anyway.  If he is claimed, the odd's on favorite would be the Astros.
• Jason Botts (LF/DH) - Botts has gotten his chance to prove he can hit and hasn't really run with it.  This season is really his last shot to prove that he can be a major leaguer, otherwise he's done for.
• Nelson Cruz (RF) - See above.

Of the three, Cruz is likely history and White is next in line.  But Botts has very little leverage left and is running out of chances.  I hope he's able to succeed because this time, there is no minor league safety net to bail him out.

Rangers Top 40 will be posted next week after Christmas.