Here’s the latest out of Arlington…
- GM Jon Daniels cited a right-handed hitter who can play left field and first base as an “important” need for the team, Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports. Such a player could both platoon with Mitch Moreland and fill in for Josh Hamilton in left, or possibly act as cover should Hamilton again miss significant time with injuries. Ryan Rua or Patrick Kivlehan are internal options who lack experience in such a role, while the free agent market offers some possibilities at both positions (Steve Pearce, Sean Rodriguez) or one or the other. The best-case scenario for Texas, of course, would be that Hamilton stays healthy, and with that still a possibility, the Rangers aren’t likely to invest in a major left field upgrade like Justin Upton.
- Also from Wilson’s piece, he interestingly notes that the Rangers checked in with the Reds on Todd Frazier, though “nothing came out of [the] conversation.” Frazier, who played some left in the minors, would’ve been used as that first base/left field bat rather than his usual third base spot, which is obviously spoken for by Adrian Beltre. Presumably Frazier would’ve gotten more regular playing time than a regular platooner, and with Beltre a free agent after 2016, Frazier could’ve then been an option to replace him at the hot corner.
- The Rangers like Mike Napoli but the first base/DH situation is already pretty filled by Moreland and Prince Fielder, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News writes. “Mike probably fits us best if there is another move where we get presented with something on the trade front that opens some playing time up,” Daniels said. Moreland is clearly much more likely to be dealt than Fielder, and Grant opines that the Pirates could be a good fit due to Moreland’s long relationship with Bucs manager Clint Hurdle and their need at first base with Pedro Alvarez gone.
- In another piece from Grant, he talks to Daniels about how the Rangers will go about acquiring starters in what has become a particularly expensive market for pitching. As Daniels notes, the Rangers “were kind of anticipating this kind of market” which is why they instead got a long-term ace in Cole Hamels last summer. That deal cost them a hefty sum in prospects but it could end up costing Texas less than what other teams have paid to sign or acquire top-of-the-rotation arms this winter. Daniels doesn’t anticipate making another major deal of minor leaguers to add another pitcher. Grant suggests a few lower-cost options, like re-signing Colby Lewis or signing non-tendered free agents like Henderson Alvarez or Mike Minor who could be buy-low candidates.
Frazier would be ideal. However, would cost a hefty haul of talent, so cant see it moving forward.
I’d rather have Beltre than Frazier Any day of the week
The idea was to have both. Did you read the article?
The idea is to get Frazier now and use him in left field and then next off season once Beltre is a free agent he can switch over back to third and play Galo in the outfield or at first.
Great move anticipating the market and getting Hamels. Not only did it get them to the playoffs in 15, but got them their ace.
Cole is a nice pitcher. I think a healthy Darvish is your horse. Rangers have an above average rotation, solid line up and a very deep and talented bullpen. They’re going to win alot of games next year.
Are you a Ranger fan?
Would love to see Moreland in Pittsburgh.
Suggest a trade to make that work?
Since the Rangers said they want a right handed left fielder/first baseman I could see Mike morse, and then a good prospect maybe a Diaz since the Rangers have a need at catcher and he’s blocked in pittsburgh
A good fit sure! I think pittsburgh will want more than a moreland for their everyday first baseman tho. Like a davis.
Rangers would say yes to that trade in a blink.
No that’s too much for Moreland. I’d think Barret Barnes for Moreland and some $$$ would do it.
Going to take a little more than that.
I really don’t think it is. Morland has oy one good year under him. And it was nothing special I could see them giving up maybe clay holmes and Brandon waddell but nothing like Diaz. That’s just too much. What do u think of Tony Sanchez for Moreland?
New to the site. What are Texas needs? Thanks guys.
First off, if the ‘Parker’ in your username refer’s to ‘The Cobra’ I wholeheartly agree with you & have for many a year. As for your question, from my son (a lifelong & diehard Rangers fan) he would say that in order to make it further than Texas did in 15′, they need a reliable 3rd/4th starter, any left fielder better than the washed up, J. Hamilton & a veteran catcher.
I still think that Moreland hasn’t even come close to hitting what his full potential is yet. If I were Jon Daniels, I would be trying to work out something long term before he has a break out season in 2016.
Wont happen unless they can get rid of Fielder which is unlikely. If you re sign Beltre next year then Gallo will probably be at 1st in 2017.
I cant see many circumstances where the rangers would even contemplate getting rid of Fielder.
You’re kidding right? A Dh that is now mostly a singles hitter and is signed to a terrible contract. Rangers would be thrilled for someone to take him.
yah, nobody wants fielder. Don’t follow the rangers much? This isn’t 40 hr, 100 rbi prince anymore. This is 20/80 Prince whose productivity declined vastly after the all-star break. Would be lucky if we get that out of him. Only way someone takes him is if rangers pay a significant amount of salary and trade him within the AL.
another Chris Davis situation?