Expect Texas Rangers to be bit players in free agency

Posted Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 Comments   (0)  Print Share Share Reprints
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By JEFF WILSON

jwilson@star-telegram.com

The Hot Stove league, where players start swapping teams during baseball’s off-season, begins in earnest today as free agents begin negotiating with other clubs and signing contracts for the 2010 season.

Expect to read about the same, high-payroll teams signing the top free agents. And, once again, expect the Texas Rangers to be bit players in free agency.

For those who haven’t heard, the Rangers are for sale and expected to operate around the same $68 million payroll they had at the start of last season. With more dollars expected to be locked up in arbitration this winter than last, the Rangers don’t have much room to add payroll.

But they have needs. General manager Jon Daniels wants to upgrade the offense with a big bat in the middle of the order, preferably right-handed, and the bullpen is also an area that needs reinforcements.

The Rangers’ first route to acquiring players will be via a trade, so they will likely be late arrivals on the free-agent market. And when they decide to shop, they’ll be looking at the clearance rack.

"We’re going to explore trade opportunities first," Daniels said. "There are still ways to improve your club with the right fits."

Rangers’ needs

Right-handed power hitter: The Rangers’ lineup was heavy with left-handed hitters last season when Chris Davis, Hank Blalock and David Murphy were in the lineup at the same time — sometimes back-to-back-to-back. Dropping Ian Kinsler in the lineup helped break up the run of lefties, but a proven power hitter from the right side would give the left-handed-hitting Josh Hamilton some protection.

Bullpen arms: An area that every team addresses each off-season, the Rangers’ bullpen has only a few openings. One is the need for a left-hander to go with C.J. Wilson, and there’s a chance Matt Harrison could be the choice. He was clocked consistently from 94 to 97 mph in the fall. The Rangers will need an impact righty if, as is looking more likely, Neftali Feliz becomes a starter.

Corner infielder: For all the wild, empty swings Hank Blalock produced last season, consider how valuable he was in July as the replacement at first base after Chris Davis was shipped to Triple A. Davis had value with an ability to play third base after Michael Young was injured. The Rangers would like one player to back up the corners, especially with Omar Vizquel not expected back as the utility infielder.

Top free agents

Matt Holliday, OF: A career .318 hitter suggests Holliday is more than just a power hitter. But his .545 career slugging percentage suggests he has plenty of pop. He would be an upgrade in left field for the Yankees, who are mulling the decision to re-sign Johnny Damon. Make no mistake that Holliday will end up with a big-budget team.

John Lackey, SP: The Aledo resident is the top starting pitcher on the market, and when he takes the ball, he hates to give it up. Lackey’s agent reportedly has met with the Rangers, who just don’t have enough money. Lackey will command a big contract even though he has battled injuries the past two Aprils.

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