Texas Rangers 2019-2020 Offseason

Understand the want and need for power at 3B, but productive fielding (low errors and strong throws to 1B) is paramount (same goes for 2B). Texas has been spoiled with AB's bat, so trying to replicate that is going to be hard.

 

I have to admit getting Kluber really surprised me and what they appear to have given up is more than worth the price. A rotation with your first three of Kluber, Minor and Lynn is stout and could, emphasis on could, be the foundation of a rotation that makes the Rangers a wild card contender. You have to figure that Boston/NY will win east and get first WC while the Astros remain the best team in baseball so it really is all about getting enough to compete for that second WC position. I agree with viper's thoughts on 3B, getting someone who is a good hitter is gravy, the glove is key there. I also would like to see them go get another starter for the four spot who is at least solid.

 

FWHORN, you hit a key point - this could be a very good starting rotation. The potential is definitely there. If it works, the Rangers would be in a position to win a bunch of low-scoring games - supporting the notion that a rock-solid defense behind great pitching is adequate. Scoring 3-4 runs per game would lead to some 3-2 or 4-3 wins. I'd still like to see the offense put up some more runs to take the pressure off the pitching staff. Some additional power beyond Gallo would help the batting line-up.

By the way - if you want to put emphasis on solid defense, does that open the issue of 2B? Nobody would call Odor a great defensive 2B - but Solak looks pretty good. Could he replace Rougie in the starting line-up?

 

Listening to Hitzges this morning he mentioned that Rangers are done with rotation as the 4 and 5 spots will be the pitchers Rangers got from Minnesota and Milwaukee recently (deals that had frankly not hit my radar). Hitzges says Rangers have 12-15 million left for a 3B and a catcher for next year which gives them some room to find solid if not great players at both positions.

 

HHD, that is why I included 2B in my note. Odor is a streaky hitter whose best fielding days are behind him. Solak still has an upside.

Hitzges is usually right, but teams are keeping good to above average 3B's and catchers so $12-15 million for one of each is probably the low end. Whatever it is it will take people and money.

The situation at 3B is what really ticks me off. The Rangers had at least a year if not two to find a solution before AB retired. In retrospect, it seems they were so overwhelmed with trying to bribe a good free-agent pitcher to come to Texas and when that failed, they went into the mental dumper.

Unfortunately now established players are going to wait and see how the new ballpark plays before getting excited about being a Texas Ranger.

 

Don't know how accurate this report is but Rangers are apparently still looking at/part of bidding for Donaldson for 3B.

Texas Rangers still linked to Josh Donaldson, per report

 

FW, the last paragraph of that article is the scary part. Teams are saying he is worth $25 million per year for three years - not the 4 that he wants. That means whoever gets him will be going against his value as demonstrated by the complete lack of interest of $25 million for 4 years. In other words, you are going to have to overpay in terms of years - see Felder (granted an injury situation that should have been diagnosed before even signing) and Choo.

 

^Good point, Viper. If the fourth year is a sticking point, maybe JD can offer three plus a club option for a fourth with a buyout clause. Signing a Free Agent still seems preferable to trading away prospects, especially when the Rangers finally appear to be restocking the farm system with some future major-leaguers.

 

Hey Arlington voters - looks like sometime in January you will get to see what $1.1B bought you with the new ballpark:

 

It always amazes me that practically every tax paying American complains about how much they are taxed and many complain about the unfair wealth in this country, yet voluntarily impose more taxes on themselves to support uber wealthy owners to make more. Or the crazy HS football stadiums. I just dont get it.

 

Very quiet since the Kluber signing - wonder what JD is doing behind the scenes?

 

Hopefully working on catcher and a bat since the quality 3B's are gone.

 

Well, we just finalized plans for what is becoming an annual visit to some family in Phoenix in March and oh my goodness is there spring training baseball that weekend, well I guess I will have to see a couple of games. Planning to see the Rangers at least once while I tick off a couple more cactus league stadiums. I have been to games in five of the ten stadiums in that league and will tick off at least one or two more that weekend depending on where the Rangers are playing. Pitchers and catchers report in just over a month.

 

^FWHORN, that sounds like good timing for your trip to Phoenix. Hope you get to see some Cactus League games - and when you visit with JD, please tell him that we Ranger zealots are expecting to see some playoff baseball in Arlington this season!

BTW, some of my golf buddies got together and bought season tickets for the new stadium. So, Mrs. HHD and I will get to go to five games this season - we're looking forward to seeing the new digs in Arlington, and hopefully some winning baseball by the Rangers.

 

Rangers get a third baseman:

Rangers, Frazier agree on 1-year deal (source)

There were worse choices, but at least he is a solid player.

 

^Not a bad patchwork fix for the short run. Frazier is a decent 3B with some pop in his bat and some veteran presence in the clubhouse. With C and 3B done, I wonder if JD is still hunting for a good RH hitter to play outfield/DH/1B.

 

Evan Grant says yes plus a permanent fix at 3B.