Rangers win exclusive negotiating rights to Yu Darvish

[J&T's 82]

I would rather go after Oswalt than Fielder. I don't hate Prince, but I would rather focus on pitching... putting up runs has never been our weakness.

I am a big fan of Roy O but his back problems has plagued him for the last few years. If he can stay healthy he is at least a 15 game winner.

[mustang_marc]

If they sign Prince, then the team will begin a downward spiral. There is no need for that guy. Sign Hamilton and then get Andrus, Feliz, and a few others signed long term. They have been to 2 straight world series without a guy like Prince, and they should have won this past one. No need to go spend the money on a guy like that now.

x2!

Not only that, but fuck Scott Boris

x100. And it's Boras

[mustang_marc]

I don't think the Mariners are going to be trading anything to the Rangers after the Cliff Lee / Smoak trade. I don't see King Felix going anywhere other than to the Yankees next year.

Yeah, I could see a regular trade going through with average players, but I don't see them seeing an ace/front line starter to a team ahead of them in the division...at least not without a helluva return (= ass raping).

[GTBrian23]

I dont have a link, but I was reading an article on Fox News that Fielder wants Texas over all the other suitors. Cant say I blame him when they are the cubs, nats and Mariners. If the money is there and wont hinder us in future years I say make the move

[pHILSANITY07]

I think if you sign Prince then what does this mean to the rest of the guys that are due for contracts in the future. Guys like Cruz, Hamilton, and Elvis. I wonder how big is the Rangers payroll is

[Osiris]

I think if you sign Prince then what does this mean to the rest of the guys that are due for contracts in the future. Guys like Cruz, Hamilton, and Elvis. I wonder how big is the Rangers payroll is

Interesting point.

[Vertnut]

I think if you sign Prince then what does this mean to the rest of the guys that are due for contracts in the future. Guys like Cruz, Hamilton, and Elvis. I wonder how big is the Rangers payroll is

If they sign Fielder, Hamilton's gone. They won't pay both those guys.

[roliath]

If they sign Fielder, Hamilton's gone. They won't pay both those guys.

long term i'd rather have hammy over fielder for sure.

[pHILSANITY07]

Its a hard decision to make cause Hamilton has such a fan base here, but would you feel comfortable giving him a 6 year $120 million dollar deal with his past?

[BERT]

x2!


x100. And it's Boras

Yeah fuck him too!!!!

[juiceweezl]

Its a hard decision to make cause Hamilton has such a fan base here, but would you feel comfortable giving him a 6 year $120 million dollar deal with his past?

It won't take 6/120 to sign Hambone. They just added the piece they were missing from this past season -- a season in which they should have won the World Series. Now, they just need to get their guys sign and plan on moving forward.

[bcoop]

It won't take 6/120 to sign Hambone. They just added the piece they were missing from this past season -- a season in which they should have won the World Series. Now, they just need to get their guys sign and plan on moving forward.

They weren't just missing one piece last season. They need a solid #2 or another #1 pitcher. If things are kept as is, I see similar results to last year. Let's be honest here. There is no guarantee Darvish is going to work out. Even if he does, they still need a solid #2. They are banking a whole lot on Feliz being able to be a starting rotation pitcher. What happens when he can't do it?

[Osiris]

Im more concerned in our pitching-relieving, and closing at this point.

[juiceweezl]

They weren't just missing one piece last season. They need a solid #2 or another #1 pitcher. If things are kept as is, I see similar results to last year. Let's be honest here. There is no guarantee Darvish is going to work out. Even if he does, they still need a solid #2. They are banking a whole lot on Feliz being able to be a starting rotation pitcher. What happens when he can't do it?

They clearly missed a #1, but with CJ/Holland throwing as they were, both were more than adequate as a #2 or #3. Colby was fine as a #4 as well. I think the real issue is the manager, but that's a whole other thread. I think you'll continue to see Holland develop. He's got #1 stuff, but he's still learning to use it. Look for him to possibly be the #2 guy this season, and don't be surprised if he flirts with 20 wins.

Let's project their rotation right now.

I think they'll use Darvish as the #1, and rightfully so. That's what they paid for.

Holland was 16-5 last season with a 3.95 ERA. At times, he was dominant and I think he'll continue to be that way. I wouldn't be surprised to see his ERA fall to around 3.15 this season. That's a quality #2 guy.

Matt Harrison was 14-9 with a 3.39 ERA on the season. His stuff is electric as well, but I think he's suited more as a #4 or #5. If that's the guy you run out against the other teams #4 or #5, then you have a big advantage. He could flirt with 18 wins this season in that slot. Reference Kevin Millwood's last few years with Atlanta for a similar situation.

Then you have Colby Lewis who was 14-10 with a 4.40 ERA. We all know what Colby is capable of. Some days he shows #1 or #2 stuff. He's suited as a #3 and is a guy you want, especially on the road. I would expect to see similar numbers from him this season with maybe a trend towards a few more wins, but not many.

Now you're looking at this:

1 -- Darvish
2 -- Holland
3 -- Lewis
4 -- Harrison

That leaves the 5 spot to be filled by Feliz, Feldman, or Kirkman most likely. If the Feliz experiment is remotely successful, you're going to have an outstanding season. There aren't many rotations that could match up to that one in a true 7 game series outside of Philly. I know that is contingent on Darvish being the real deal, but I don't think Nolan would have spent the farm on him if he didn't believe he was for real. I think if they get everyone signed from arbitration, stay relatively healthy, and don't beat themselves, they've now paved their way to go back to the World Series again. We can hope...

[BERT]

That leaves the 5 spot to be filled by Feliz, Feldman, or Kirkman most likely. If the Feliz experiment is remotely successful, you're going to have an outstanding season. There aren't many rotations that could match up to that one in a true 7 game series outside of Philly. I know that is contingent on Darvish being the real deal, but I don't think Nolan would have spent the farm on him if he didn't believe he was for real. I think if they get everyone signed from arbitration, stay relatively healthy, and don't beat themselves, they've now paved their way to go back to the World Series again. We can hope...

No Ogando? Or have the Rangers already stated that he's going back to the bullpen no matter what?

From what we've all ssen, i don't think Feliz has enough pitches to make it through 5 innings in a ballgame, little alone 7. I really hope he proves me wrong.