This season was a disappointment for the most part. I expected, with all the changes that were made, that a winning season would at least be possible. Instead, all we got was one more win.
The Rangers sorely underachieved through this season. I can't help but wonder how the season could have turned out differently. What if Adam Eaton hadn't missed half the season due to injury? What if Francisco Cordero hadn't gone up in flames? What if Mark Teixiera hadn't slumped badly early in the season?
Such a lot of questions:
For Texas, this off-season will be one of important decisions. Will Tom Hicks decide to pour more money to bring a contender to Dallas? With the Rangers make a philosophical change and force Buck Showalter tomorrow night, like so many Dallas area writers are expected? Will the kids, whom the Rangers have spent several draft picks and several million dolllars, finally begin to make their presence know?
I don't know.
Like all things in Texas, we try not to make things more dramatic than they are.
They just end up becoming that way.
The Rangers Report will shift to Off-Season mode, turning it's focus to the Arizona Fall League, prospect rankings, and possible free agency targets. Expect a full write up of possible free agency and trade targets in two weeks, though if there is a Showalter firing, there will of course be an update.
In the meantime, enjoy October. Go Tigers!
Building A Champion
Here’s how the team, as constructed, will look in 2007.
· C – Gerald Laird - $0.335M
· C – Miguel Ojeda - $0.5M (Option Probably Exercised)
· RP – Akinori Otsuka - $3.25M (Estimated – Arbitration)
· RP – C.J. Wilson - $0.328M
· RP – Rick Bauer - $1.1M (Estimated – Arbitration)
· RP – Ron Mahay - $1.1M (Option)
· RP – Wes Littleton - $0.33M
· RP – Frank Francisco - $0.345M
· RP – Scott Feldman - $0.329M
Minor League Possibilities (Not Counted Toward Final Payroll)
· RP – John Rheinecker - $0.33M
· SP – Kameron Loe - $0.348M
· SP – John Koronka - $0.329M
· SP – Edinson Volquez - $0.329M
· RP – Nick Masset - $0.33M
Total Payroll For 2006 – $72,329,570 (Not Counting Alex Rodriguez Salary Contribution)
Total Payroll For 2007 – $38,817,000 (Ditto)
That’s a hell of a lot of payroll coming off the books, which is understandable considering the amount of free agents (9), plus the Chan #### Park contract coming off the books. Alex Rodriguez’s payment is usually not regarded as part of the payroll and is paid for separately.
The Rangers had an eight-man bullpen going in seems a little extreme, so it’s likely that Rupe or Feldman could be optioned to Triple A – Oklahoma, depending on what happens in Spring Training. However, Rupe or Wilson could crack the rotation as the fourth or fifth starter, with the edge likely going to Rupe because he’s far more talented. If that were to happen, it’s a certainty that Mahay’s contract option will be exercised and Nick Masset will wind up back at Oklahoma for another year of seasoning. Ojeda’s option will likely be exercised, as he’#### well enough to be a serviceable backup catcher. Depending on John Koronka’s performance in Spring Training and the Arizona Fall League, he could be back to the rotation. While many people disregard AFL success, keep in mind that Wes Littleton was one of the best pitchers in the AFL last season.
Then there’s the Carlos Lee situation. Brewers GM Doug Melvin really gave the Rangers a problem when he included Nelson Cruz in the package for Carlos Lee. The Rangers love Cruz’s power and his great instincts in the field. He’s got a strong arm and had great success in the minors. Plus, in fewer at bats, Cruz nearly hit the exact same amount of Home Runs as Lee did. If I had to go with my instincts, I think the Rangers, who have stated they want to give Cruz a chance, will probably let Lee walk.
With that in mind, let’s look at Team Needs:
The Texas Rangers Team Needs
Centerfield – The Rangers need to get Gary Matthews Jr. signed before he hits the market. As long as he remains under the Rangers’ control, Texas would be able to avoid overpaying him. If he were to get onto the open market, there has been talk of Seattle, Colorado, Los Angeles, just to name a few, who are interested in signing the 32 year old. While Matthews has great range, he doesn’t walk as often and his on base percentage is mostly batting average driven. If Texas isn’t able to sign Matthews’ long term, other options include going after Eric Byrnes of the Diamondbacks, or trading for Vernon Wells, though Byrnes is likely the cheaper option.
Starting Pitcher – The Rangers are losing Vicente Padilla, Adam Eaton, and the disaster that is Kip Wells this year to Free Agency. Of those three, Padilla must be re-signed, even if it costs the Rangers 3 years, $30 million to do so. Padilla brings a fierce presence to the mound and also brings an element of surprise, as you never know what he’s going to do. Aside from bringing back Padilla, the Rangers need at least one more innings eater to finish off the rotation. Jake Westbrook is a strong option, as he’ll give you six or seven before turning it over to the pen. Dontrelle Willis is another option, though it should be noted that both players are going to cost a lot in prospects and of the two, only Willis has any sort of long term commitment attached to him, though that’s only for a year. Free Agency looks pretty bleak, with only Houston’s Andy Pettitte (who is likely to re-sign with the club) or Toronto’s Ted Lilly being the most attractive, due to Ameriquest’s fondness for left handed pitching. Of the two, Lilly is the one that is going to be easier to obtain, though he won’t come cheap. Still, a rotation with Millwood, Lily, Padilla, with Rupe and Tejeda along for the ride should be good.
Third Base – Hank Blalock has long been lacking in the second half of the season with the Rangers. With that in mind, I have a new idea. Why not bring back Mark DeRosa as the third baseman and move Blalock to the DH. Many attribute Blalock’s offensive slump to fatigue over the season, allowing Blalock to hit solely as the DH could keep him fresher and allow him to keep more consistent.
Arizona Fall League Candidates
Texas has released some of the names of their players being sent to the Arizona Fall League.
· John Koronka – (Texas/AAA-Oklahoma)
· Jesse Ingram – P (AA-Frisco)
· Danny Touchet – P (AA-Frisco)
· Pitcher To Be Named
· Kevin Richardson – C (AA-Frisco)
· Travis Metcalf – 3B (AA-Frisco)
· Anthony Webster – OF (AAA-Oklahoma)
The other pitcher hasn’t been named yet, though there is talk about having the name switched to Jason Botts.
Playing Out Of Position
One of the odder lineups that has been posted in days was used yesterday against Seattle. Several players were used out of position. Here’s the list:
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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