The GM's Almanac...Charles DeGaulle's Birthday
Meauring the off-season Hot Stove League al
most one day at a time
Chatted with Rangers owner Tom Hicks after Tuesday's press conference on Tuesday and his looks told much more than his words.
He had a look of amusement on his face when it was brought up that the Boston Red Sox wanted to trade outfielder Manny Ramirez for shortstop Michael Young. He also smiled over reports from Boston that the Red Sox had convinced him to trade for Ramirez.
It is not going to happen.
Hicks wasn't smiling when the Chicago Cubs were brought up. That look was of alarm. The Cubs are paying Alfonso Soriano $136 million over eight years and third baseman Aramis Ramirez $73 million over five years.
Hicks probably knows that if Hank Blalock ever gets back to his All-Star level and beyond, then sometime around 2009 he would have to pay $45 million or more per season to keep his prized infield intact.
Think Mark Teixeira is worth $136 million over eight years? Don't worry. His agent Scott Boras will want more than that. After all, Teixeira is younger and brings defense as well as offense. At least the Rangers know the baseline demand.
Hey, if the Rangers were to land both Barry Zito and Vicente Padilla this off-season, the AAV (average annual value of the contract) for their top three pitchers next year could land somewhere between $35-40 million. Kevin Millwood's AAV is $12 million, which is also what Jon Garland is making from the Chicago White Sox if the Rangers were so inclined to give up at least two top pitching prospects.
John Danks alone isn't going to get that guy. At least not now.
The most interesting thing to come out of the press conference yesterday is word that the Rangers are at least willing to explore the possibility of pursuing Jason Schmidt. Early indications were they were going to pass on that one over concerns about his durability and the health of his shoulder. He has also won just 23 games over the past two years and turns 34 in January.
But the Rangers are interested.
Jason Schmidt is an interesting name out there. He has great stuff and could be a productive pitcher. I would never pay him what I would pay Zito but I think he at least has to be considered even if he is 34 years old and a combined total of 23 wins in 2 years. I hope that John Danks is at least looking at Atlanta as a possbile trading partner for Tim Hudson or Chicago for one of their pitchers.
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Why trade Danks? Start him instead. Put him and Diamond in the rotation....
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I'd have to agree with Skyrancher.. Danks is a great pitcher but if we can get Hudson in a deal then we need to do that. Danks will be a solid starter but not an incredible won. As for Diamond.. reports are that hes still not ready for the big leagues. So you can't really just throw him into your starting rotation
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Patience. Don't trade Danks, Volquez, Hurley, or Diamond. One or two will make it to the SHOW. They will be our SP foundation for years to come. Sign Padilla and Wolf. Go with Millwood, Padilla, Wolf, Tejeda and Rupe. Patience.
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Daniels fiddles why Rangers burn! I hate to say it, but I miss John Hart! Daniels has traded 1B Gonzalez, P Young, 2B Soriano, RF Mench,CF Nix and P Cordero and got Wilkerson, Otsuka and Cruz in return. This is ridiculous!!! Did anyone see what Melvin got for LHP Doug Davis a Ranger castoff?
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