Don't take this the wrong way...but I think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself. I don't blame you. I get excited about these kind of things to. All the possibilities. The rumors are great. You'd be a remarkable writer for big time news paper that revolves around the Rangers. Imagine people reading something like that and hearing "Oh my god...did you guys here that we might be trading for King Felix or Clayton Kershaw...PLUS getting Yu Darvish or Roy Oswalt and maybe even Prince Fielder!?!?!?!?"
I see that you're excited by everything you've heard. But fact of the matter is...I've heard all this shit for the Yankees too. I've heard they prefer Yu Darvish over CJ Wilson. I heard that it wouldn't be a surprise for them to go after Prince just to make an impact. I heard they could trade Jesus Montero in a package for Felix.
That's what makes these rumors great and what makes these writers so famous. Everyone throws out open ended guesses for multiple teams just to get people talking about them and they can't wait for their next rumor to come to fruition.
Like I said...don't take this the wrong way. I'm not trying to be a dick, even if it does come off that way.
Don't take this the wrong way...but I think you're getting a bit ahead of yourself. I don't blame you. I get excited about these kind of things to. All the possibilities. The rumors are great. You'd be a remarkable writer for big time news paper that revolves around the Rangers. Imagine people reading something like that and hearing "Oh my god...did you guys here that we might be trading for King Felix or Clayton Kershaw...PLUS getting Yu Darvish or Roy Oswalt and maybe even Prince Fielder!?!?!?!?"
I see that you're excited by everything you've heard. But fact of the matter is...I've heard all this shit for the Yankees too. I've heard they prefer Yu Darvish over CJ Wilson. I heard that it wouldn't be a surprise for them to go after Prince just to make an impact. I heard they could trade Jesus Montero in a package for Felix.
That's what makes these rumors great and what makes these writers so famous. Everyone throws out open ended guesses for multiple teams just to get people talking about them and they can't wait for their next rumor to come to fruition.
Like I said...don't take this the wrong way. I'm not trying to be a dick, even if it does come off that way.
As far as my guesses go...
I think getting Prince is possible. It's really your only weak offensive position.
I don't think CJ Wilson will stay. Rather...I think the Nationals go after him. Not sure if you guys will find a replacement on the market since the talks about Feliz moving to the rotation got louder towards the end of the season. A rotation consisting of Ogando, Feliz, Harrison, Holland and Lewis ain't all that bad. I think the Phillies only declined Oswalt's option because they want to sign him on to a smaller contract. Buehrle is a possibility, though. Kind of a weak market for SP. The reason I don't see you guys making any sort of run at King Felix is because they just traded Lee to you guys last year. Why trade AGAIN within the division when the centerpiece of the deal, Justin Smoak, was horrible last season? They already took the guy who used to be the best in your farm system. I think they'd test the waters elsewhere first for a bigger haul and still get one of the best prospects in the league.
As for Yu Darvish...there's no telling where he may go. He's the next big thing. But...he hasn't even been posted yet. His team is still playing. But so many teams have said (or at least been linked) to have interest in him. The Yankees have said to have a much better scouting group on Japanese players since the whole Igawa situation that, if they feel he's worth it, then they won't be outbit. If they don't...then it'll be a war between the Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Nationals.
As far as my guesses go...
I think getting Prince is possible. It's really your only weak offensive position.
I don't think CJ Wilson will stay. Rather...I think the Nationals go after him. Not sure if you guys will find a replacement on the market since the talks about Feliz moving to the rotation got louder towards the end of the season. A rotation consisting of Ogando, Feliz, Harrison, Holland and Lewis ain't all that bad. I think the Phillies only declined Oswalt's option because they want to sign him on to a smaller contract. Buehrle is a possibility, though. Kind of a weak market for SP. The reason I don't see you guys making any sort of run at King Felix is because they just traded Lee to you guys last year. Why trade AGAIN within the division when the centerpiece of the deal, Justin Smoak, was horrible last season? They already took the guy who used to be the best in your farm system. I think they'd test the waters elsewhere first for a bigger haul and still get one of the best prospects in the league.
As for Yu Darvish...there's no telling where he may go. He's the next big thing. But...he hasn't even been posted yet. His team is still playing. But so many teams have said (or at least been linked) to have interest in him. The Yankees have said to have a much better scouting group on Japanese players since the whole Igawa situation that, if they feel he's worth it, then they won't be outbit. If they don't...then it'll be a war between the Rangers, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Nationals.
I agree that he has the attitude to handle NY. But I don't want him either. I laughed when he was deemed "Cliff Jr" in 2010. CJ walks more people in one game than Cliff walks in 2 months.
With the Brewers in such a good position to win now, Prince is clearly looking to get the most money he can possibly get. I mean...that Brewers team is a REALLY GOOD TEAM. He has pretty much said that he won't return to Milwaukee and he probably figures they won't pay him what he wants. And now that he's willing to take a DH role...I think the Rangers will have to be the highest bidder if they want Prince.
Darvish isn't a trap, imo. He's a no-lose situation. If he's terrible...he still pays for himself with all the attention you get from Japan. Matsui, Ichiro and Dice-K paid for themselves. Darvish will do the same. So he may be a diamond or he may be a dud...it won't matter. If he's bad...the media will blow him up and say that he was a huge waste of money. But they will never mention the fact that he PAYS FOR HIMSELF.
Oswalt is way too much of a risk. Just last year he was contemplating retirement. Now he wants a multi-year contract. And his back issues are a major concern and he was AWFUL at many points during the 2011 season. He's looking for his final contract...he won't be taking paycuts. But he will be going to a team where he can try to win a ring. As for Buerhle...I never had a problem with him. He was great this year. Very consistant all season. He is who he is. Nothing flashy...but better than a "quality pitcher".
Kershaw...I don't know where that team stands. Who knows what happens once they sell their team? That's completely up in the air.
I agree that he has the attitude to handle NY. But I don't want him either. I laughed when he was deemed "Cliff Jr" in 2010. CJ walks more people in one game than Cliff walks in 2 months.
With the Brewers in such a good position to win now, Prince is clearly looking to get the most money he can possibly get. I mean...that Brewers team is a REALLY GOOD TEAM. He has pretty much said that he won't return to Milwaukee and he probably figures they won't pay him what he wants. And now that he's willing to take a DH role...I think the Rangers will have to be the highest bidder if they want Prince.
Darvish isn't a trap, imo. He's a no-lose situation. If he's terrible...he still pays for himself with all the attention you get from Japan. Matsui, Ichiro and Dice-K paid for themselves. Darvish will do the same. So he may be a diamond or he may be a dud...it won't matter. If he's bad...the media will blow him up and say that he was a huge waste of money. But they will never mention the fact that he PAYS FOR HIMSELF.
Oswalt is way too much of a risk. Just last year he was contemplating retirement. Now he wants a multi-year contract. And his back issues are a major concern and he was AWFUL at many points during the 2011 season. He's looking for his final contract...he won't be taking paycuts. But he will be going to a team where he can try to win a ring. As for Buerhle...I never had a problem with him. He was great this year. Very consistant all season. He is who he is. Nothing flashy...but better than a "quality pitcher".
Kershaw...I don't know where that team stands. Who knows what happens once they sell their team? That's completely up in the air.
I'm with Nilshu. Prince will cost you a fortune. You know who else will cost you a fortune? Josh Hamilton...who's a free agent next season.
I know the Rangers are getting much better financially every year...but can they afford BOTH?
Like I always says with the Yankees. While it's nice to get upgrades over the "weak" spots in the lineup...their lineup is still one of the best if not the best in the league and their lineup can carry you to the postseason themselves. But it's the rotation that you need to win a World Series. And everything I just said right there for the Yankees can be said about the Rangers.
If you get Prince...you'll instantly become one of the frontrunners to make it back to the World Series. The fan base will got NUTS and the media will hype you guys up like no other. But with the rotation in question...how much of a difference will it make?
I'm with Nilshu. Prince will cost you a fortune. You know who else will cost you a fortune? Josh Hamilton...who's a free agent next season.
I know the Rangers are getting much better financially every year...but can they afford BOTH?
Like I always says with the Yankees. While it's nice to get upgrades over the "weak" spots in the lineup...their lineup is still one of the best if not the best in the league and their lineup can carry you to the postseason themselves. But it's the rotation that you need to win a World Series. And everything I just said right there for the Yankees can be said about the Rangers.
If you get Prince...you'll instantly become one of the frontrunners to make it back to the World Series. The fan base will got NUTS and the media will hype you guys up like no other. But with the rotation in question...how much of a difference will it make?
I can't see Kershaw going anywhere because he's cheap. However...I suggest they trade Kemp if they can't get an extension done this offseason. I know he loves LA...but he'd be up for a monster pay day if he has a season in 2012 like he did in 2011.
As for Ethier...he's probably not even on the list anymore. All that stuff that he said last year about the Dodgers...he knows he's gone.
I can't see Kershaw going anywhere because he's cheap. However...I suggest they trade Kemp if they can't get an extension done this offseason. I know he loves LA...but he'd be up for a monster pay day if he has a season in 2012 like he did in 2011.
As for Ethier...he's probably not even on the list anymore. All that stuff that he said last year about the Dodgers...he knows he's gone.
As for Josh Johnson...he's not going anywhere. The Marlins are looking to add for their first year in Miami. Getting rid of one of the best pitchers in baseball won't be smart.
And yes...knowing you have a chance to win the World Series every season makes everything more entertaining and makes the average fan more aware of their teams.
As for Josh Johnson...he's not going anywhere. The Marlins are looking to add for their first year in Miami. Getting rid of one of the best pitchers in baseball won't be smart.
And yes...knowing you have a chance to win the World Series every season makes everything more entertaining and makes the average fan more aware of their teams.
Cliff Lee would have had a better offer coming from the Yankees than Texas. He chose to go to Philly for different reasons. He went to Philly because he actually LOVES Philly and LOVES the fans. He also had a once in a lifetime chance to form one of the greatest rotations in baseball history with Doc, Hamels, Oswalt and himself. It didn't work out as planned.
Yes...Texas may not be able to get top free agent pitchers if offered similar contracts as other top teams because of the ballpark...but it doesn't mean they'll scare away ALL top free agent pitchers.
Texas doesn't need CJ. He wants more than Lackey/AJ money and anyone who gives that to him are morons. He's had 2 years in the rotation and thinks he warrants that type of contract? He often loses control when on the mound and a pitcher who has that problem doesn't deserve that $80+ mill.
We've seen what the Rangers did with CJ by moving him from the pen to the rotation. So they should keep Ogando in the rotation. Move Feliz into the rotation. And let Nolan Ryan work his magic. And what I mean by that is let the guys pitch. Nolan doesn't baby his pitchers. Just about every team sees a pitcher reach 100 pitches and they know his night is over even if he's pitching a gem. You see a Rangers pitcher in that spot and he'll keep going until he shows fatigue. That's what I love about Nolan Ryan.
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Cliff Lee would have had a better offer coming from the Yankees than Texas. He chose to go to Philly for different reasons. He went to Philly because he actually LOVES Philly and LOVES the fans. He also had a once in a lifetime chance to form one of the greatest rotations in baseball history with Doc, Hamels, Oswalt and himself. It didn't work out as planned.
Yes...Texas may not be able to get top free agent pitchers if offered similar contracts as other top teams because of the ballpark...but it doesn't mean they'll scare away ALL top free agent pitchers.
Texas doesn't need CJ. He wants more than Lackey/AJ money and anyone who gives that to him are morons. He's had 2 years in the rotation and thinks he warrants that type of contract? He often loses control when on the mound and a pitcher who has that problem doesn't deserve that $80+ mill.
We've seen what the Rangers did with CJ by moving him from the pen to the rotation. So they should keep Ogando in the rotation. Move Feliz into the rotation. And let Nolan Ryan work his magic. And what I mean by that is let the guys pitch. Nolan doesn't baby his pitchers. Just about every team sees a pitcher reach 100 pitches and they know his night is over even if he's pitching a gem. You see a Rangers pitcher in that spot and he'll keep going until he shows fatigue. That's what I love about Nolan Ryan.
WWWYKI
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