The Rangers Report – Offseason Edition

Rangers Had No Shot At Santana

The Rangers could have made a better offer than what the Twins actually got for Johan Santana.

While the Twins ultimately got a decent package of high upside prospects in Carlos Gomez, Philip Humber, Deolis Guerra, and Kevin Mulvey, the Rangers had the prospects to pull off a trade.  However, I won’t tell you what the trade would have been, though I can tell you it would have kicked the #### out of the Mets offer.

Santana wouldn’t have approved a trade here.

First of all, this isn’t exactly the best ballpark for a flyball pitcher to flourish.  Second of all, Santana, due to his no trade clause, would have vetoed a deal, as he had tremendous leverage over where he could go. 

While Santana would have given the Rangers a top of the rotation starter, there simply was no way he would have approved a trade here, even if the Rangers offered six players, many of them good ones (#### it.  RHP Eric Hurley, CF Brandon Boggs, SS Joaquin Arias, 2B German Duran, C Max Ramirez and CF Marlon Byrd), the Rangers wouldn’t even have the opportunity to negotiate an extension with him.  It just wasn’t feasible.

On A Side Note…

Oakland, going back to the Santana deal one more time, probably had a better package in return than the Twins got for Santana.  While I’m not high on the pitchers they received, Carlos Gonzalez should be a stud once he hits the big leagues and they got a hell of a masher in Chris Carter, who will be a beast once he comes up to the majors.

God I wish the Rangers could have gotten Carter.  Stupid Otsuka….

Fearing Bedard In Seattle

I am going to fear Seattle’s rotation if and when the Bedard deal is done.  While I should be happy about the fact that Seattle will be parting with some solid blue chippers, Bedard isn’t going to be a treat to face.  In fact, matching up Millwood and Padilla against Hernandez and Bedard would be like sending you out to a gunfight with only a pair of pistols, while the enemy is firing bazookas.  You have no chance (unless a rocket misfires, blowing up your opponent.  Ah Doom, how I miss thee…)

Bringing Ryan Back A Complicated Affair

Nolan Ryan is apparently interested in the vacant Rangers’ presidency gig and Tom Hicks has been active in courting Ryan to return to the Rangers.

However, actually bringing Ryan back is going to be a lot of work.

For starters, Houston might not be willing to let Ryan go, as Drayton McLane may decide to expand Ryan's role in terms of player development and decisions.  Plus, he enjoys the PR boom that Ryan gives the Astros, especially considering that he owns their Double and Triple A Franchises.

Which is another complications.  Would the Rangers allow Ryan to keep his two minor league teams?  Or would they force him to cede control of the franchises, likely to his sons Reese and Ried, if he's to be hired.

And if Ryan is indeed made President, how would that affect Jon Daniels' power.  J.D. has pretty much acted pretty autonomous and if he were to lose control over some of the minor league and player development phases (which have been vastly improved since he took over), how would that hinder his ability to run the big league club?

I love Nolan, met him once (nice guy), but as much as I love him to come back to the Rangers, I don't know if the overall impact (non-economic) would be worth it.

Bad Job Of Roster Management

If you haven’t already seen, the Rangers designated Armando Galarraga for assignment a few days ago, likely in anticipation of a Marlon Byrd deal that isn’t going to happen.

My only question is why?

I know that the Rangers have some higher ceiling pitchers on the roster, but Galarraga has plenty of upside and could wind up being a Chad Qualls type reliever in a couple of years.

Why the designation?

If anyone deserved to be DFA”d, it was Nelson Cruz, who would have made it through waivers and would have been given a Spring Training Invite along with a minor league deal.

Instead, Galarraga gets the axe and he’ll likely get claimed on waivers by a team without 40 Man space, likely the Astros, who have room in their system and 40 for him.

Unless there is a trade coming in the next few days that we haven’t heard about, this isn’t a good move and one that’s likely to blow up in the faces of the Rangers.  So far, there hasn't been word on him being claimed (8 days down, two to go.)  I only hope that the Rangers' luck holds out.

One Year Later, Still Irritated At Rod Barajas

I'm still pissed at Rod Barajas.

You cost us one extra draft pick after booking from your original deal with the Jays, you #### ####.

So full of hate that, one year later, he signs with them anyway.

Grrr.....

Will post the Prospect Six Pack Later.  I got to break something.  Long day....

Now that the Santana deal is all but over, it's time to see what exactly will happen next.

I can tell you this much.  A lot more things are going to fall into place now that the deal has been done.

Here's what is likely going to happen:

1.  Bedard Deal Likely Going To Happen Soon

With the Santana deal likely gone, the Orioles should decide in the next couple of days whether or not to accept a deal from Seattle that will send Adam Jones and three or four prospects in exchange for their ace.  It would be a good deal for the Orioles, who would gain a franchise centerfielder, more pitching depth with Chris Tillman likely headed in the deal, as well as a potential closer in George Sherill, all of whom are named in the deal.  As for the Mariners, it's a lot of farm depth to give up, which I'd be hesitant to do for a palyer likely to test free agency in two years.  And even then, there isn't a guarnatee that Bedard would put Seattle over the top with the Angels and their strong staff in the divison.

2.  Final Decision On Sabathia To Be Made Soon

Look for also the Indians to decide once and for all on the fate of C.C. Sabathia, who is entering his walk year and likely looking for a contract similar to what Santana will get.  Sabathia recently refused a 4 year, $70 million extension and wants a lot of money for a lot of years.  While Sabathia is an excellent young pitcher, his condition habits have to give one pause.  The union will also be pressuring Sabathia to hit free agency, due to their desire to increase player salaries all around.  Personally, I think the Indians are going to ride out the year before seeing Sabathia likely sign with the Yankees, who covet Sabathia and asked the Indians about a trade midseason.

3.  Remaining Free Agent Starters To Find Homes

Also, it's about now that we'll the remaining big free agent starters find homes.  Bartolo Colon, Kyle Lohse, Livan Hernandez and others should have their phones ringing now that the Santana and Bedard dramas are nearing their respective ends.  This may work out to the benefit of several teams, as Colon, Lohse and Hernandez have all been looking for multiple years in contracts.  After having to wait for a while, they may be more willing to settle for fewer years.

4.  Blame to Be Assigned In The Bronx

Now that the actually Santana trade has been agreed to, look for blame to be assigned among the Yankees staff. 

Hank Steinbrenner will likely blame Brian Cashman for not wanting to pull the trigger on a deal that could have seen Santana in pinstripes, saying that while prospects are fine and good, acquiring a legitimate ace of the staff outwieghed any possible risk of said prospects coming back to haunt them.

Cashman will likely disagree, stating that the price in prospects was simply too high.  However, when you consider that you were, essentially, sacrificng Chein Ming Wang, Melky Cabrera and what appears to be now Ian Kennedy for Santana, the sacrifice really should have been an easy one.  Say yes.

The fighting will likely turn ugly and should provide further proof that Cashman is out of New York at the end of the year.

5.  Crisp Situation Now Front Burner

Now that the Santana deal has been resolved, look for Boston to finally decide what to do with Coco Crisp.

While the entire Santana drama was playing out, many of the spots that were logical places for the Red Sox to send Crisp to addressed their centerfield needs via trade or free agency, resulting in a much smaller market for his services.

Now, really, there are two places where the Red Sox could concievably go to shop Crisp around, three if you count Oakland and their sudden dearth of prospects, two if you realize that Oakland has no intention of shopping any of them just now.

Minnesota is the place where, ironically, the Red Sox could ask if they're interested.  The Twins, now in full fledged rebuilding mode, could offer back a bullpen arm, possibly Jesse Crain, though a package from Boston for Joe Nathan would be much more plausible.

The other place is Baltimore, which could use Crisp and has some minor league depth to deal from, if Boston would prefer a player that isn't as close to free agency and could develop into something promising.

Or the Red Sox could just hang onto Crisp, though that would likely result in a lot of resentment from Crisp, who wants to start.  Say all you want about choosing to start for a bad team or being a fourth outfielder for a great one.  Most people would still prefer a starting gig.

This could turn out ugly if nothing is resolved soon.

Coming up later today!  My Super Bowl Spread Plans!!!!!!!!!!!!