I posted previously on the coming arbitration proposals. This is the week sides must submit their terms. Most parties prefer to settle outside the courtroom, so I hoping for Rangers announcements at any time. I think Votto's recent contract may have some effect on those negotiations for Hamilton and Cruz.

Regardless, CJ and those guys are probably in line for huge raises. Whether we keep the core of the Plan's talent-base together for awhile is tied significantly to the decisions that are being made right now. This week may tell us how many yrs the Rangers will remain favorites in the AL West.

I'm hoping all three get multi yr deals, but Hamilton will probably need to show up at Surprise healthy and in a good frame of mind before JD is ready to offer more than a 2-yr deal. I think we're all worried about Hammy's future in the game given the past punishment experienced by his body and his demons. God Bless you and your family, Josh.

This next few weeks could make or break our offseason. I'd really like to see CJ get a 3 yr deal, Cruz a 4 yr deal, and Josh a 3 or a 4 yr deal. I don't think CJ will sign because if he puts up similar numbers to last year he will be able to demand a pretty penny next offseason. I believe we could sign Cruz to a contract with an escalating pay scale that would be fair. Josh is the big question mark. We all know his past and this recent news isn't very comforting. I must admit to being extremely biased. I've actualy had the opportunity to meet Josh a few times and he is an awesome guy. He is by far my favorite player in the league and he happens to play for my favorite team so I look at everything he does with rose colored glasses. I believe Josh likes playing in Texas and will sign a contract extension that pays him fairly. If we look at Votto's contract, I believe the Rangers can afford something similar to that and it isn't too much of a gamble. Every contract is a gamble to some degree but Josh's talent is truly once in a lifetime. The guy has Micky Mantle type raw ability. We don't know how his body will hold up, but 3 or 4 years is short enough to not worry too much. Plus he is our single most marketable asset. Guys like Josh move the needle. We want guys like him because people like playing with guys like him.

I would push hard for CJ (probably in vain), and I would get Nellie done for 4-5 years. I would absolutely not give Josh a long-term deal until he gives me 2 decent years in a row and shows me a single, fully healthy season. I have a bad feeling that this is the year his back goes for good.

I believe Josh and Mickey comparisons are legitimate. Unfathomable talents, astonishingly harmful to themselves. Let's hope Josh has a longer life than Mickey, who didn't get to see his grandchildren grow up.