Offseason Review: Texas Rangers

            The Texas Rangers have by far been the most disappointing team not only in the division, but likely in all of baseball as well. They lost out on the two top Free Agents this off-season (Josh Hamilton, Zack Greinke) and have really not added a whole lot, which confuses me that much more considering all of the money and prospects available where they could make lots of noise both in the Free Agent and trade market. 

   

            However, as we sit here no January 14^th, 2013, we cannot deny that the Rangers, so far, have lost the off-season. From losing your best hitter to your best rival to falling short in a bidding war with the Dodgers for your ace, the Rangers have lost (Hamilton, Greinke) more than they have gained (Pierzynski, Soria, Frasor). The reason I emphasize “so far” is because there is still a month until Spring Training begins, so there still is time for Jon Daniels and co. to make some moves to contend for a World Series title once again. So let’s look at what the Rangers may be able to pull off: these are predicted moves, not anything that is imminent, but moves that I think could help this team in 2013 and beyond…

            First let’s look at some trade chips that the Rangers have. These could be dangled in deals for an ace caliber SP, or a middle of the order bat to suffice for the loss of Hamilton:

Prospects:

Jurickson Profar

Mike Olt

Martin Perez

            These guys could be packaged with a big-leaguer or another prospect or two to help the Rangers’ big league club right now, while only slightly hurting their future.

MLB:

Ian Kinsler

Elvis Andrus

Mitch Moreland

            Out of these three, I believe that Andrus has the most trade value as he is an all-star caliber SS while hitting for a solid average. While he has no power to speak of, he is a terrific defender and certainly has a higher trade value if put on the block than Kinsler (31 year old Second Basemen with a hefty contract; poor defensive range and low average) or Moreland (Platoon First Basemen). If the Rangers don’t want to give up any of their top prospects in a deal, than they could part with one of these players in a deal instead.

            Now come the fun part: predicting some deals. I believe that the Rangers have a few moves up their sleeves and we should expect them act soon…

Offseason Deals:

Rangers Trade: IF Mike Olt, SP Martin Perez, RHP Cody Buckel, 1B Mitch Moreland

Diamondbacks Trade: OF Justin Upton, OF A.J. Pollock

            This is a deal that I believe will happen soon and is a very fair one as well. The D-backs get their Third Baseman to solidify their infield while also receiving some nice prospects and a young, still effective First Baseman. The Rangers meanwhile could potentially nab 2 out of their 3 Outfielders in Upton and Pollock while not giving up too much off the Major League Roster.

Rangers sign Shaun Marcum: 2 yrs/ $18 MM

            While the Rangers have some nice pieces in their rotation, they lack depth and consistency. Marcum could come in and solidify their rotation while also motivating others (Ogando, Ross) to step up and work harder in order to nab a starting job.

In-Season Deals:

            Rangers Trade: SS Elvis Andrus, C Jorje Alfaro, OF Leonys Martin, SP Justin Grimm

Rays Trade: SP David Price, SP Chris Archer

             In case you weren’t satisfied with the proposed Justin Upton blockbuster, here’s another one that I think has a legitimate chance of happening even with the D-Backs deal. The Rangers need an ace to have some stability at the top their rotation. The Rays meanwhile get the catcher of the future (Jorje Alfaro, who is grossly underrated) another core piece to build around in Elvis Andrus at the SS position, an Outfielder that is Major League ready an can be slotted in at the top of the order right now is need be and a solid, middle of the rotation starter to replace the super-expensive Price in their rotation. This deal would be great for both sides as the Rangers get their ace for year to come and the Rays continue to build while contending.

            Overall, I feel that the Rangers have not been successful so far this offseason, but with all of the talent and money that they have at their disposal, I see big moves ahead for the Rangers, and lots of them.

Nicholas Bell