Posted on July 30th, 2008 by Ryan Metcalf
Why Rangers Should Hang Tough
It is around the time of year when baseball teams have to decide whether to go for it or decide to call it a season and start playing for the future. More teams are in the hunt than usual, making it tough for many. Since my focus is on the Rangers and there is already talk of the Rangers going for it this year, here is why the Rangers need to hang tough and not make a major move.
The Rangers have arguably positioned themselves in the best condition the franchise has ever seen. Much of this needs to go towards John Daniels, despite him having some early bad decisions.
Recently though John Daniels has been masterful at trading and drafting.
Vicente Padilla for Ricardo Rodriguez is nothing short of brilliant strictly from the standpoint of Rodriguez pitching nowhere near the majors. Padilla has continually put together at least respectable seasons. Currently, Padilla is the team’s ace.
Insert any of the trades from last season and combine it with the draft picks over the past few years. The Rangers now have one of the best farm systems.
Many of the prospects are currently playing on the Rangers with huge success.
Chris Davis is the latest to burst on the scene. He averages almost at least one home run every other game, along with a decent batting average. He single-handily has fixed the Rangers 1b weakness that has plagued them all season long.
Brandon Boggs has had success too, mostly with his arm of late. Most baseball fans saw the awesome throws to home plate before the All Star Break.
Max Ramirez become famous for his double play he helped turn. He was stomped on blocking the plate, and had the nerve to get back up after a few seconds and throw out a runner trying to get to third.
Eric Hurley has been called up to pitch and has done very well.
David Murphy, although technically not a prospect, will be in rookie of the year consideration even though he won’t win it because of the Rays’ Longoria.
There is many other prospects sitting on the edge of getting called up, but there is no need for them. The Rangers are arguably set at every position if Blalock can contribute now that he’s off the DL.
The Rangers really have no need to trade for anyone because they are so strong in the lineup from top to bottom. Few teams can ever say that.
The bullpen is great with the exception of maybe C.J. Wilson who has been average. Questions are going to arise soon if he is a legitimate closer with all the base runners he gives up.
Guardado has established himself as one of the best set up men. Wright and Francisco fill in nicely where needed too.
The pitching staff is seeing some success from young arms. Sadly, those arms are frequently getting injured.The Rangers have used the most pitchers of any team and are above .500, a true sign of good pitching prospects.
Millwood is the only major disaster this year, and is quickly becoming a player most fans don’t want. The Rangers are probably stuck with him and his contract though. Still have to give credit for the Rangers for signing him a few years ago because he was the best pitcher available.
If the trade offer is there for Padilla, the Rangers should take it. Only one condition is the Rangers get back good pitching prospects and only pitching.
A team can never have too many good pitching prospects. It is still unlikely the Rangers can acquire many pitchers through the free agency market either based on past success. Any Ranger fan who says the team should make a run this year is crazy and foolish. Would a fan rather see the Rangers be good for many years or just a couple? That shouldn’t even be a question.
I know the team desperately needs to make the playoffs for better attendance numbers, but by no means should the Rangers sacrifice this season for the future. There is little chance the Rangers can make the playoffs this year anyway. Because of the great farm system the Rangers have acquired over the past couple years they should be able to sustain this future for once and be good for years to come. In essence the Rangers could have great season after great season, making the playoffs for many consecutive years. Next year is the time to maybe talk about trades to make a run for it. I say maybe, because the Rangers are so deep they may not need to make a trade, just simply try out a new prospect.