Free Agency opened up on Friday, but has started off slowly fo the Rangers. Milton Bradley and Jamey Wright will test the free agency waters, but it will be Milton Bradley iwho is commanding the most attention of all the Ranger free agents. Bradley is looking for a multiyear contract, but will be hard pressed to get it with his history of injuries. The Royals and the A's are looking for switch hitting designated hitters, but the A's would seem to be more in position to offer him a multiyear contract.
With Wright, his age is a concern. He will be 37-years old to start the season and though he pitched the most innings out of all the Rangers relievers in '08, his durability will be in question.
On the flip side of things, the Rangers obviously will look at pitching to fill their needs. The Rangers have particular interest in ageless wonder Randy Johnson and Ben Sheets, but the prospect of either one of them coming to Arlington will determine how much the Rangers want to depend of the minor league pitching system. What we do know is the Rangers have plenty of pitching prospects in the minor leagues. Sheets seems to be the leading contender to come to Texas, and contrary to popular belief, pitchers are not weary of coming to Texas because of the heat and humidity. That concept is an old wives tale.
One selling point for the Rangers attracting Sheets to Arlington will be using former Brewers pitching coach Mike Maddux coming to Texas. Maddux helped the Brewers finish second in the NL in '08. Sheets may be comfortably enough to go to Texas because of Maddux. The only problem with Sheets is his injury-prone body. The Rangers might offer a single year contract, but it is too early too tell.
Randy Johnson is in his final years of his career and he if he signs with the Rangers it will also be for a one year contract.
Jeremy Affeldt and Tony Armas has also expressed interest from the Rangers, but Armas is expecting at least 10 million per year, a price range the Rangers can't afford. Armas might be biting off more than he can chew. Affeldt will most likely be a reliever, but he has starting experience. If the Rangers want Affeldt as a starter he would most likely sign on for a modest contract with incentive bonuses.
Many of the decisions the Rangers will make will hinge on how much confidence they have in Mike Maddux and what he can do with the minor leaguers. The pieces are in place; let's see if they can move them.
Keywords: Ben Sheets, Milton Bradley, Randy Johnson, Texas Rangers, Tony Armas
