I would be asking how can I improve this team from what is available, and not particularly be concerned about trying to replace those whom we have lost. It's really impossible to speculate on trades, since they are so dependent upon the other team accepting what we are willing to offer. Free agency is simpler. The two best now appear to be Michael Bourn and Raphael Soriano. I would try for a 4-5 year deal with Bourn and a 3-4 year deal with Soriano. The shift to a more pitching-defense oriented team could play well both at home and on the road. I would pencil in Leonys Martin for RF, Gentry as OF reserve, Cruz for DH, Olt for back-up at 1B and 3B, Profar at SS and 2B. And I would tell Wash that every player gets two days off every two weeks. The anticipated return of Lewis and Feliz in mid-summer would allow a mid-summer break for the other starters, giving a fresher staff in October and depth in the meantime.
Mostly, I want to read baseball talk in the dead of winter, so chime in.

This is a "grass is allways greener" thing, I think. I was interested in Bourn but a good friend who is an Atlanta fan is laughing and wishing we take Bourn.

I don't expect to Texas to be in on either of those guys. Sounds like they are looking at trades at this point forward this offseason and maybe some low risk signings.

When he stops laughing, I would be interested to know why. I realize that he isn't Willie Mays, but he does have a longer record of greater success than Craig Gentry, whom I do like, too. And green grass does have an appeal in December.

I would be asking how can I improve this team from what is available...The two best now appear to be Michael Bourn and Raphael Soriano...I would tell Wash that every player gets two days off every two weeks

1) I'm not convinced Bourn will be a measurable improvement over Gentry/Martin. I've said before his game reminds me of Borbon and we alll know how well that played out with Wash as a game manager.
2) You don't improve a team by signing the best of what's left in the FA class. That's what leads to overpaying for a marginal improvement. If you are a decent GM, you have a plan (or a dozen) going in to the offseason and stick to that plan. Don't bend to public pressure. You know what you've got in the minors and your talent evaluators are telling you where the value is.
3) Bossing around your Manager is a good way to start a terrible relationship. If you want to be the coach, fire who you have and hire a puppet, Jerry.

Look, Bourn doesn't give us anything we don't already have, and in particular, at his asking price. Soriano's price, and age, are two strikes against him. The dregs of the free agent market, aren't worth the money, for the Rangers. This is why, as Thad Levine mentioned recently, they're looking more to the trade market. And, now that they, very practically, plugged the hole at catcher, the only gaping hole is in the bullpen. I suspect, that if no decent value trades are available, that they'll go to Spring Training, and see what they have. I really have no problem going with what they have, to start the season. If they start out like the Angels did last year, then they may have to recalibrate on the trade front.

And both of those players are tied to draft pick compensation which means we would only have a compensatory pick and nothing else until the third round AND our money allocation for signing draft picks would take a hit as well if I'm not mistaken. I have a hard time thinking that the Rangers signed Leonys Martin to a $15.5 mil contract to not give him a shot at center, and giving up a draft pick for a reliever makes me want to vomit.

@arnrob, he averages 135+ strikeouts per year for the last four year-with 155 last year. He hits home runs by accident and is not much of an rbi hitter. Gentry or Martin could easily surpass his offense and we know both can field their position. No need for him, really. What I mean is that we shouldn't pick him up "because-we-have-to-do-something".

This team was hampered by self entitled players throughout last year. Certain players who were supposed to be leaders continued to play despite their struggles. This team has gotten better for the long haul through subtraction and internal promotion. The fact that these subtracted players do not wish the organization any good will shows their true character. This organization went out of the way to coddle Hamilton. Young was given every opportunity to succeed despite his lack of superior skills. It will be much easier to watch the promoted players get to play without the sense of entitlement that pervaded the clubhouse last year. The anointed free agency winner of the last few years has failed to even make the playoffs. The Blue Jays and Angels still have plenty of holes on their teams and free agent signings do not guarentee success.

I have to agree with the majority here that he Free Agent market is bare and that there is nothing there that will improve our current team enough to justify the price. I would love to see the Rangers pull off a major trade (Stanton is my dream catch) but I am fine going into training camp with what we have and having "try-outs" for several positions.

Several of the Rangers key guys should have bounce back years this year after sub-par years last year (Kinsler and Cruz namely) and competition for playing time is always a good thing.

The problem with Bourn (Soriano, B.J., Swisher, Ross and others) isn't that "we already have this or that version of him". The problem is that forfeiture of the First Round Draft Pick. The Rangers have already made it clear they'll only do that for a player who drastically changes the landscape.

Bourn won't do that.

Neither will Soriano.

They probably won't be signed even if they wanted to come here on the cheap.

To me, the only thing that stands out about Bourn is his out-of-this world ability to steal bases. Gentry can do that for you too but at a fraction of the cost. Save the draft pick! Trade Olt for an outfielder/pitcher since he's not as valuable at 1st as he is at 3rd, and we all know 3rd isn't happening for him anytime soon.

You want game changer? LAROCHE is the player we need! 33hr 105rbi dead pull httter from the left side of the plate. He will pepper the home run porch and provide support for Beltre.

rf-Kinsler
ss-Andrus
lf-Murphy
3b-Beltre
1b-LaRoche
DH-Cruz
C-Pierzynski
CF-Martin
2b-Profar

That is a very good lineup capable of wining it all. It also allows Moreland and Olt to used as trade chips.

Ric, LaRoche would be a great add, by himself, replace Josh's run and power production and is a top defensive first baseman, winning a gold glove 2012. Unfortunately, Levine has already said the Rangers will not go after LaRoche because they do not want to lose a draft choice and would have to give a contract of minimally 3 years at $13 to 16m: and the Nats will resign Laroche to a three year deal eventually.

Why are people still suggesting A) signing Bourn or B) playing Kinsler in RIGHT FIELD??

LaRoche would be OK but they'd have to immediately trade Murphy so that Kinsler could play LF. Unless they trade Elvis for Upton OR trade Profar for Stanton. However those moves probably aren't happening until midseason therefore LaRoche will have already signed with someone else.

ps. I also would leave Kinsler at second, and have past suggested playing Profar in right until 2015, unless an unlikely scenario, Andrus is signed to an extension. However, his agent is Boras, but who is to say he does not change agents. For is it just coincidence or a changing field (loss of draft choice and SLOT MONEY), that the top Free Agents not signed are all Boras' clients: Bourn, Lohse, Soriano. So that help drives the Upton for Andrus. But if this is given up aqs not happening, and the NATS have not budged from a 2 year deal, who knows? But a multiple of changes must occur before a LaRoche deal can take place.

What about that rumor that the rangers are starting to look into Michael Bourn? Anyone find that to be true?

Steve, that feels like an agent "leaking" some inventive PR type whispers to the press, hoping to fuel interest. With both Gentry and Martin extremely similar players in production and style of contribution, both already here, both on ultra-cheap deals, and with Bourn costing a #1 pick plus big money to sign, there's probably no Ranger interest in Bourn at all at any price.

We have a young version of LaRoche. His name is Mitch Moreland. Look at the early stats of both.

I think we might already have the bat we want in Leonys Martin. he is a 350 hitter in minors and when not if, he gets his ML stroke uncovered, he should hit 3 something with 30+ homers and handle CF with ease.
I certainly may be in lala land, but I look for good things from him and dont want him traded.
I like the idea of signing LaRoche for 1b, but I have no use for Bourn or Soriano... they dont bring anything to us.

Steve, Bourn fits into a similar situation as LaRoche, a lost draft choice and slot money. This was in fact stated by Levine, that the Rangers would avoid signing a free agent if it cost a draft choice. Even if the Rangers are looked upon by mlb analysis, even beginning to feel that Boras is not going to find that 'mystery team' to sign his client; therefore focus on a 1 year deal and try again for long term for 2014. This would seem to be more favorable to the Rangers, like the Pierzynski signing, but if they are not willing to lose a draft choice for a free agent signing for 3 or more years, it becomes highly unlikely to lose that choice on a one year deal. So the reality is do not expect Bourn to play center for the Rangers. If one view of Josh nto signing is that he is now over 30, well, today so is Bourn, even if by hours. Bourn's game is speed, on defense as well as offense, a lead off hitter with a life obp of .339 (Ian'S IS .350). The CF for the Rangers in 2013 will be Leonys Martin, who in limited minor league play has aa obp of .389, has much more drive and power to his swing, and could be as important to the Rangers as his fellow countryman Yoenis Cespedes was with Oakland,

I'm convinced. Cancel that appointment with Boras.

To aquire LaRoche I would work a sign and trade with the Nationals. So that we could avoid losing the draft pick and rookie pool money flexability.

As for Moreland i like him and next year when Cruz is a freeagent i can see him getting play in right field. Or i would pair him with Olt and try to get Cargo from the Rockies.

Bourn has the same problem as LaRoche he cost a draft pic and is represented by Boris. He also strikes out a ton, which i dont like in a lead off man. Defensively he is excellant, but he is not much better than Gentry.

Then there is Lance Berkman, he could be really cheap. He is friends with Nolan Ryan and can still rake as a lefthanded hitter. He could be a steal! His contract would need to be incentive based. But you could plug in Berkman on a short term deal without losing a draft pick,

if LB plays it will be for the astros, and it wont be cheap, he said it would take some $$$ to get him.