Many sources I have seen online have had a few rumors about
what the Texas Rangers may do around the trade deadline, July 31st. Some have said go out and get another
starting pitcher like Cole Hamels from the Phillies or Zack Greinke from the
Brewers. Others have said go out and get another big bat like Justin Upton.
While the possibility of any of these three players added to an already potent
first place team sounds great, there are still many issues I have with each of
these deals.
Trading for Cole Hamels is a good idea if you are planning
on winning this year and then trying to replace another ace like the Rangers
had to do with Cliff Lee two years ago. Hamels very well could be the most
coveted pitcher on the free agent market this winter and plenty of teams have
the money to compete with the Rangers. Magic Johnson’s group with the Dodgers
is going to make a big splash in free agency this spring much like the Marlins
did this year. They want to put people around Kershaw and Kemp to keep them
there. The Yankees and Red Sox still have money and are going to rejuvenate
their teams after this year. The Rangers do not really need another starting
pitcher without trading away one of their young guns or going to a six man
rotation.
Zack Greinke would be a better pick for the Rangers in the
long run than Hamels would. The problem with Greinke is the same story that
continues to surface every time he goes to a new team about his anxiety and why
he cannot pitch in large markets. Right now I would not consider Arlington to
be on the large market scale compared to New York, Boston, Los Angeles, or even
say Miami, but it is growing with each win the Rangers pile up. The other idea
is how he would respond to the pressure of a postseason, where he may have to
pitch in a game 6 or 7 of the World Series. As a fan, I want the ace to want
the ball and not be nervous of how he will respond with millions of eyes on
every pitch he throws.
As for Justin Upton, I think this is a terrible trade idea.
He has been one of the most inconsistent players the last four years. One year
he has phenomenal numbers, then the next he is just that next average player
that gives you a power surge every now and then. He is a poor man’s Nelson Cruz
in my opinion and since the Rangers already have the real one I see no need for
another.
My idea is that since the Rangers have one of the best farm
systems in baseball along with some young talent that is expendable they should
go after some different guys. With the prospects they have they could go after
a top of the line outfielder in Carlos Gonzales from the Rockies. It may take a
lot but he could be the replacement the Rangers need if Hamilton leaves with
free agency. As for pitchers, if they feel like they need another starter then
send Feliz back to the bullpen and go after a Matt Garza or Jeff Samardzija from
the Cubs, or Wandy Rodriguez from the Astros. If you want an ace that they
should trade for, it should be Felix Hernandez if the Mariners are willing to
trade after they got burned in the Cliff Lee deal since Smoak and Beavan haven’t
worked out for them, plus the same division thing too. The Rangers do not need an ace because both
Harrison and Darvish are well on their way while Holland still has plenty of
potential. I believe they could use a solid third or fourth guy that can eat
some innings and save the bullpen.
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