I have heard lots of arguments for and against gutting the farm system for Greinke. I admit that the asking price is very high for a pitcher only under control for 2 more years. I was wondering how people would feel if we did a deal similar to what Boston and San Diego worked out where they agree on the prospects in a trade pending an agreement on a contract extension? (Now I realize that no extension was actually signed, but many baseball insiders believe there is a deal in place that just won't be signed until later due to luxury tax reasons.)

I think if the Rangers were to give up a good portion of their farm system they need assurances we will keep the player beyond the 2 years. I think if we kept his current contract and signed him to a 3 or 4 year extension at 13-16 million a year we would see a much better return. And that still allows him to be a free agent at age 32 or 33 which as we have seen is a good year for players seeking a last big contract.

This is just an idea since Cliff is looking less and less likely. I will say that if Cliff accepts our offer of 6 years when others were offering 7 at more money, he will be an icon at least in Dallas forever. I can't speak for all fans, but I know I always love seeing a player choose a team and a clubhouse over the biggest contract. Cliff seems like a decent guy and a straight shooter (and I have actually spent a little time interacting with him) so I hope he sees the potential that Texas has. The Yankees are a team missing a lot of pieces as of right now that plays in a brutal division. With the moves the Red Sox have made, people could argue the Rangers have a better chance at making the playoffs at least for the next couple of years.

Agree on all points. Lee could be a Texas icon by turning down the Yankees money. I don't think Greinke would be interested in signing an extension at roughly the same annual salary. But it'd sure be nice if he did, especially given what it would cost to get him. If the Red Sox stay healthy (and with a rotation of Lester, Lackey, Bucholz, Beckett and Dice-K), the Yankees best bet will be the wild card again.

Why on earth do you think Greinke would sign an extension paying him only $13-16M a year? He'll hit the market and collect much more than that.

So 13-16 million is low. What about 20 million per year? I still think it is worth looking in to. The guy is young, extremely talented, and he doesn't want to pitch in a big market like NY. Pair him with a great pitching coach like Maddux and it sounds like a perfect fit. Rumor has it Nolan is very high on Greinke as well.

Injuries and down seasons happen, and Greinke is the one guy who would sincerely rather not play in NY/Bos/Phi/Chi/LA, thus driving down his market value. I suspect he would extend for 3 years at ~$18m a year. He'd probably be foolish not to.