What do you guys think?

We would almost have to be. I can't envision MY, Beltre and Vlad on the same team.

Agreed. Unless, of course, there was a deal to ship Young out. Or there was a deal for an Ace with Kinsler going the other way as part of the package.

It is possible that the Rangers made an offer for Beltre but it is only three or four years at 16 or 17 million maximum. In this scenario the Rangers might want Beltre but not at any cost, and might want Vlad if they don't get Beltre. In this instance talk of signing Vlad could be genuine at the same time it could be Rangers brass trying to pressure Beltre in to taking their three year deal. Beltre's market seems to have dried up to Angels and Rangers, but Boras might not want to accept that. Basically it could be either a game of chicken involving Vlad or the Rangers could be being used as a negotiating chip to increase the Angels bid. If it is a game of chicken I think JD will win it whatever happens because he has made the judgment that Beltre is just not worth what Boras is asking as have the Athletics and now the Angels.

I agree with Scooby that the only way we sign Beltre and Vlad is if Kinsler or someone else gets traded to make room for Young at another position. I can see that scenario, but I think it would have to be to a likely playoff contender because I think Kinsler only has two years left before free agency (is that right?). So he doesn't have that much team control left.

Part of me would rather trade Young over Kinsler. Kinser is young, seems to like being a Ranger, is a potential 30/30 guy with good defense. Nevertheless, the other part of me hates throwing a player under the bus who has been with the Rangers through thick and thin.

I agree with you Skeletor when you say you would hate to see MY treated poorly after everything he has done for us. I hold on to a glimmer of hope that Mike learns to position himself better at 3rd to compensate for his diminished range. I know it is a long shot but Mike has been the ultimate professional and I have nothing but respect for the man. His leadership is his greatest asset and I don't know if Josh or Ian are ready to fill that hole.

the good news is---none of what you think matters.

anything that furthers beltre going somewhere else is great...dude got fat and lazy in his mid20s when he.scored a big deal...he's now gonna be consisnt in his 30s?

No way there will be a Young trade absent a disagreement over where he plays. Trading Kinsler would be all about what we get for him. I can't see JD letting him go without getting an excellent starter. Also, we wouldn't get much for Young while we could get a lot for Kinsler.

There comes a time in business where the next person to speak...loses. The Rangers and Angels are there with Beltre and Vlade. The Rangers need a RH bat w/POP. Kinsler and Young are going nowhere. They need another RH Bat. Vlade has wants and Beltre has wants. Either, or both, could help both teams. If Boras is left with Beltre then someone is going to take a royal reaming for his services. Vlade is holding out for TWO. I would look for the Rangers to sign a RH bat somewhere else. Just enough to let these two know they are not essential to survival. The Angels are sucking hind teet on this one if they lose. If JD got both then I could see MY going West to finish out his string.

I would say Beltre is a non-issue for us......unless there has been some deep behind the scenes discussions on where to put MY... Young is not going to move from 3B to DH or platoon at 1B and DH willing, at least I don't think he would.

Might Fla have interest in Kinsler with Uggla gone? Sonething like Kins, Perez, and Engle Beltre for Johnson? I wonder.

how about kinsler in return for all of you to STFU. It's embarrassing how little all of you know. You treat this as a parlor game.

I love the scooby trade! It's kind of realistic, considering the only way we get JJ is by giving up a proven major league all-star like Kins in the deal. Not sure if we gain anything on defense by signing Beltre for 3rd if we have to move Young to 2nd though. But we would have Josh Johnson, so DO IT!

How bad does this team really need Vlad? We've seen him carry the offense at times but it was painful to watch him struggle as the season wore on. We've also seen what David Murphy can contribute with some consistent playing time. I guess I'd just like to see Murphy as more than just the fourth outfielder.

I also agree about Josh Johnson. Do whatever it takes to bring him home.... I realize Arlington isn't Tulsa, but it's as close as he can get geographically. (KC might actually be closer, but they're not contenders yet)

Thanks everyone for ignoring jdb! Its so much more pleasant to read the message boards this way.