Asa's Rangers Report

I have a good feeling that we’re headed in the right direction. Don’t look for a move that will knock your socks off, but I think that Daniels will make some shrewd moves and take a few calculated chances.

I’m taking a 2-year outlook. We control Tex, Kinsler, Young, Blalock and Laird for the next few years, so our IF is in good shape. I’m hoping Ron will revitalize Blalock (who is only about 25 years old) and will help improve Young and Ian with their defense. Tex is already gold glove-caliber.

We have a lot of good young bullpen arms, which is very important to our success. Also, I’ve been reading that several teams are interested in acquiring some of these guys, so we might be able to move one for a starting pitcher. Also, I’ve been hearing good things about two Latin pitchers that we have tucked away (they have had some visa problems).

I think Millwood will be fine as a #1-2 starter – not spectacular, but very solid. They seem to like Robinson Tejeda. I think we’ll sign one FA starter, possibly Zito, but otherwise a solid vet. We might also acquire one via trade with one of our young pitching prospects. Then we fill out the rotation with vets in need of re-surgence and our young pitchers.

We need some help in the OF, but don’t overreact. As of right now, we have Wilkerson (who was a bust last year, but should improve this year) and Nelson Cruz (who could be a diamond). Cat can be a 4th OF type. In CF, we have young Freddy Guzman. He doesn’t excite me much, but I’d rather take a look at him now than overpay for an overrated FA (ala Juan Pierre and possibly GMJ given the contract length and size that he is seeking). I have also read rumors about us acquiring Brian Anderson from the ChiSox. All I know about him is that he is a prospect that is very good defensively but has yet to blossom at the plate.

In any event, we shouldn’t lock ourselves into a bad situation. Next year, there will be OF galore on the market, several of whom have strong ties to the Metroplex – Torii and Vernon, specifically. If we have a decent year and get some good karma flowing, then we might become even more attractive. Apparently, players around the league love Ronnie. Also, we could consider trading (now or at the trade deadline) for one of these OF with the intent extending their contracts.

Thus, my 2-year outlook – I think Ronnie is right about pitching. We need to upgrade the front end of our rotation, maintain a strong bullpen and let the young arms cover the backend of the rotation. If we sign/acquire a solid starter this year, we could hope to add one next year and have one of our prospects step up, then we would be have a very good rotation. We are fine in the IF – Tex and Young should continue to play at a high level, Ian should continue to develop and hopefully Hank will improve. In the OF, we have Nelson and hopefully can add a stud (I want Vernon), then fill in with a third OF.

Also, I think that Jon Daniels and Ron Washington's contracts are up in two years.

It’s that simple – All you and I have to do is buy playoff tickets, enjoy the ride to a World Series championship, attend the parade and re-up for Sports Illustrated to get the 2008 World Series Champion Texas Rangers memorabilia.

I like the Cat signing. DeRosa had a career year. Cat is much more solid. Also, I like DeRo, but I can’t shake the fact that he was one of Buck’s guys.

(Update: Congratulations to GMJ, who reportedly about to sign a 5yr./$50M contract with the Angels. )