The obvious and ideal situation for the Rangers in the offseason is to find quality arms in the starting rotation.  While that seems easy, there are limitation to what can be done in developing this process.  The Rangers go into the Winter Meetings with leverage.  They have a surplus of catching prospects that showed their depth and mettle this past season.

A trade with a catching prospect, coupled with a minor league slugger or two, the Rangers could be primed to land a quality pitcher.  However, if that doesnt fall through, not to worry.  Mike Maddux was hired as the pitching coach for the Rangers.  He comes form the Milwaukee Brewers, who finished second in the National League in team ERA.  The Rangers finished last in the American League in that category in '08.  It won't be a rebuilding job of sorts, but it will be a challenge.  Assuming the Rangers don't land a free agent pitcher or acquire one through a trade, the Rangers have a plentiful amoutn of pitchers in the minor league system. 

Continue reading "Texas Rangers go into Winter Meetings with Leverage to Produce a Contender in 2009"

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.  

Continue reading "With free agency underway, Rangers target certain pitchers."