Well, since tonight’s game was rained out and the 2007 season has long been over, I thought I’d finish a post I’ve been thinking about for a while.
I doubt I’m the only Rangers fan looking ahead to what might be in the cards for Texas in 2008. If I were GM – and bi-POD Tom Hicks was willing to quit his hypocracy and take some meds for his bi-polar owner disorder to put some smart money where his mouth is – then this is what the Rangers would look like in 2008 (how new additions got here explained in parentheses):
Starters:
- C – Adam Melhuse
- 1b – James Loney (Teixeira Trade) or Nate Gold
- 2b – Kinsler
- SS – Young
- 3b – Blalock
- LF – Cruz
- CF – Torri Hunter (FA)
- RF – Marlon Byrd
- DH – Sosa???????
Bench:
- C – Laird
- U – Catalanotto
- OF – Botts
- IF – Ramon Vazquez
Rotation:
- Mark Buerhle (Free Agent)
- Kevin Millwood
- Zack Miner or Chad Billingsley (Teixeira Trade)
- Padilla
- McCarthy or Loe
Bullpen
- R – Vasquez
- R – Mahay
- R – Benoit
- R – Eyre
- R – Murray
- SU – Wilson
- CL – Otsuka
The bullpen looks to be shaping up well. Otsuka will likely be gone, but I’d keep him unless the offers are too good to refuse (and would then sign one of several FAs that will be on the market this offseason).
The rotation is much better with Buerhle taking the top spot and Miner or Billingsley in the middle, putting Millwood at #2 and Padilla at #4, which are spots they’re more suited for. Buerhle would be my big signing. I know his velocity is down. But we need a lefty, and he keeps reminding me of Kenny Rogers (with a better attitude). The guy just knows how to pitch and win. Is it a Championship caliber rotation – no. But it’s a big step in the right direction.
The offense will be better. I worry about no big bat to replace Teixeira, but if Hunter could repeat his current season, he’d make up for much of the lost production. Also, Sosa is listed as a question mark. He’d have to cut down on his K’s for me to keep him. If he can’t do that, I’d sign an aging power bat to come in, provide some production, and be a veteran presence while contributing to a building sense for winning. But knowing next year is a stepping stone toward real, sustainable competitiveness, I like the look of the order and the opportunity for some prospects to show if they can bust out. If not, I’d chase a big signing after the ’08 season.
My expectation would be for this team to finish somewhere just north of .500. But expectations for 2009 would be to contend in the West, win it in ’10 and make real runs into the playoffs from 2010 – 2012.
BTW, I also happen to think this is Hicks’ plan because it syncs with his business interests, but more on that another time.
Rangers or Robbers? 