Monday Morning Manager...while we were away last week...

1. He should win, there is no doubt about it.
2. Andrew Bailey would be a good choice as well.
3. Don Wakamatsu.
4. He would be better than Milton Bradley but still could end up being damaged goods. That body has been through a lot.
5. Yes, I think they will really like him in New York.

1. Absolutely. Anyone that got to watch him on a consistent basis would have to be in agreement. I haven't seen someone display that kind of defense at short stop in a long time. He should have also won the gold glove over sentimental favorite Derek Jeter. I would be greatly disappointed if Andurs didn't win this award. He's a great kid and it was unbelievable getting to watch him and Kins turn the DP ever night at the ballpark.

2. Rick Porcello because he was pretty outstanding and has some pretty nasty stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing him in his sophmore season. He's a fantastic top of the rotation guy to sit up there with Verlander.

3. I'd like to see our boy Ron get it but I think it will be pretty unanimous that Mike Soscia will win it. They consistently battled against injuries and with the unfortunate death of Nick. Plus they won a lot of ballgames and continued to be the beast of the AL West. Can't wait to battle them again next season

4. I'd like to see the Rangers sign Vlad. He's killed us every year and we may have to have a pitch runner every time he gets on base and may need a wheelchair to get him to first but the guy can hit and he would hit very well in our ballpark.

5. I'd love to see him play in Texas but I'm realistic in knowing that he's going to demand top dollar and pitching actually isn't our biggest need this offseason. He's a texas boy at heart but he will not sign at a big enough discount for the Rangers to grab him. I'd like to see the Rangers sign Sheets at a lot less money instead. Both have injury concerns but both can be true aces.

1 -- Yes, I do – but then I see him play everyday. Unfortunately the majority of the baseball writers who vote for this award only see him once or twice a year and when they look at his stats and see that error total, that’ll hurt his chances. I’m guessing Andrew Bailey gets the award.

2 -- Bailey and Rick Porcello

3 -- Mike Scioscia

4 -- No – and I mean it. If, as it was mentioned in yesterday’s Startlegram, the Rangers have no money to sign anybody – then just put Julio Borbon at DH.

5 -- I agree with Panther Parent – John Lackey would be an excellent investment – and (sigh) Yankees have the unlimited resources to do it and they will.

Gramen artificiosum odi

1. Yes, unfortuanately when it comes to post season awards defense is the last consideration, usually.
2. Bailey, then Porcello.
3. Ron Gardenhire
4. For an incentive laden deal, pending a thourough physical, sure.
5. This time last year, I thought he was a perfect fit. Now, I'm not so sure. I'd celebrate if we were able to sign him, but as thin as this free agent class is, I'm sure he'll be paid like an elite starter despite having turned 31 this offseason and averaging only 170 innings over the last 2 seasons. I think he would be a solid investment with my usual caveat that signing 30+ year old pitchers to long term deals is the riskiest proposition in pro sports.

1. I believe Elvis does have a good chance. He had the best year of the position players who have an imapct in just about every game. I think the pitcher vying for AL rookie of the year will cancel each other out and Elvis will sneak in and win it.
2. Bailey, Romero or Porcello.

3. I belive Mike Scioscia will win AL Manager of the year. But Wash should be in the mix for it. But the whole Nick Adenhart thing and how good they were the second half should win it for Scioscia.
4. If big bad Vlad is healthy that is a very good signing for the Rangers. Put him as the fulltime DH everyday behind Josh. I actually think he was by for the best Angels hitter in the playoffs and looked pretty healthy to me. A 2 year deal based on incentive's reached would be a no brainer if that is something that Vlad will do. But he and Jermaine Dye would be my top 2 right handed options. Dye maybe a better fit where he can play DH most of the time he can still play right filed ok if he needs too.
5. I would love to see the Rangers be able to sign John Lackey. I think he is a very underrated starter and would be a great addition for the Rangers going forward. What a great pitcher for our younger pitchers to watch. And if you take away Lackey and Vlad from the Angels I believe that will weaken the Angels enough for the Rangers to win the divsion in 2010.

How about who???
1./2 I don't think Elvis has a chance. One of the pitchers will get it. Would I like to see him get it....sure!
3. Joe Girardi
4. Yes to Vlad if he is healthy and can DH.
5. Lakey is a former GCC Viking so I've always like him. But we won't spend that kind of money.

1. Elvis should make the top three.

2. Porcello will likely win based on reputation alone.

3. Mike Scioscia

4. On no more than a one-year deal to DH full time, it's worth the risk and the potential for him to earn the team a draft pick when he walks at the end of the season. Vlad's stats didn't look as good this last year as in previous years though. Also, his offensive approach doesn't exactly fit with the new approach being discussed by the team.

5. I think he will be offered too much money to be considered a wise investment. I wouldn't give him CC Sabathia money, and given the lack of top-tier pitching available it wouldn't surprise me if he gets something similar.

That being said, I would really like to see the team acquire an ace. Let's get that sale done boys...

1. I would like for Elvis to win, but my money is on Porcello

2. Porcello

3. Mike Scioscia

4. Get Vlad to DH if the Angels only if the Angels so not offer him arbitratiion

5. John Lackey would be a bad investment. He'll cost too much money and our first round draft pick

1. Done deal now. Bailey would have been my 4th after Andrus, Porcello, Beckham, in any order.
2. Would not have guessed Bailey.
3. Scioscia.
4. Only for 1 year @ 3.5 max.
5. Millwood, Part Deux. I was on board with Millwood signing but I learn from history. That type pitcher, that body type, at that age, for the type of money he'll be looking for? Not a formula for a good ROI.