Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News discussed a number of Rangers topics in a webchat this afternoon…
- Grant predicts Texas will let Frank Francisco and C.J. Wilson leave when they reach free agency after the 2010 and 2011 seasons, respectively.
- If Scott Feldman (who has two more arbitration years left) pitches well this season, Grant thinks the Rangers will try to negotiate a long-term deal with the starter.
- The out-of-options Luis Mendoza wouldn't be attractive trade bait to other teams, Grant says, though "a bad team might claim him on waivers. If so, the Rangers will be happy to pay his taxi fare to another camp. He's done nothing but go backwards."
- In regards to Brandon McCarthy, Grant thinks the right-hander will probably end up in the minors "unless somebody wants to make a deal based on projecting continued improvement with [his] sinker." Grant noted that a Nationals scout attended McCarthy's spring start on Wednesday.
- Grant doesn't think the Rangers will have any interest in the newly-released Chad Gaudin since they have plenty of starting options already.
The Texas Rangers are an awesome organization.
Maybe if the Nats eat some of his salary, the Rangers can use Christian Guzman and his versatility if he is willing to play third. Considering the fact that Rangers like to import every “utility player” available, he might be a good fit.
have i mentioned how much i like you? lol
but i disagree with grant, the rangers love cj wilson, evidenced by them continually sticking by him, and now with options like neftali feliz, derek holland, brandon mccarthy, matt harrison and dustin nippert, cj might be cracking the rotation.
scott feldman should absolutely be a wait and see situation. i hope with everything he improves even on his new motion/arm slot and puts up a repeat or better year. but with the talent coming through in the next few years, the rangers should be real darn sure this new feldman is a real thing before committing big money to someoen like him.
I think Derek Holland is the future ace of this organization. And Thank You!!